The Boss Lady by Karen Blayne

Oh by the way red tape first.

©2019

Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus if they are not suitable for you put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.

They were sort of scribbled for fun. They were first posted on asstr.org. If you’ve paid money for this book just be aware the author has not received any payment. In fact no one has permission to charge money for this book and copyright is retained by the author. Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen

Amanda inspected herself in the mirror. Professional or should she just wear jeans? Ripped or not? In the end she decided to go with unfaded jeans, a compromise between too formal and informal, her first day at her new job. She checked the transit timetables. She didn’t want to be late on her first day. One would get her there five minutes early, the other twenty minutes early. She’d go for the twenty minutes early one. She gave herself five minutes before the bus was due to arrive. As she approached the stop, she saw a bus coming so dashed for it. A bit crowded, well she only just got on. The bus travelled quickly not stopping to pick anyone else up. Not surprising really as there wasn’t any room for them anyway.

She wiggled her way through until she was standing next to another girl who was lost to the world wearing earphones. Behind her was a dress shirt with his back to her. She could do without boners being rubbed against her crotch today. The girl ignored her but when the bus took a turn slid one jean clad thigh between Amanda’s. Well yes it did make them more stable. She wobbled and the dress shirt behind her turned and held her steady with his hand on her right hip. The girl stared blankly over Amanda’s shoulder. The bus slowed down sharply, now the girl had her hand on Amanda’s left hip and dress shirt seemed to press against her. Another jerky movement, Amanda closed her eyes thirty minutes of this oh well. Soon her body was pressed full length against the girl’s. Dress shirt’s boner was in evidence right between her cheeks. She really shouldn’t get aroused by all this touching but she was. Behind her there was a movement away and she could no longer feel his boner. How inconsiderate could the guy get? She reached behind and stroked him gently just to encourage him a little. There was a splutter by her ear and then he’d moved back in place. Not only that but his own hand slid round her exploring and settled over her crotch.

The girl was still moving, how dare she rub herself against the back hand of dress shirt. That was her hand. She felt attractive, desired and pleasured. If only there two would be on the bus every morning she wouldn’t mind the crush. Still it had come early so probably was the bus before running late. Oh well she’d enjoy the ride today and catch the proper later bus tomorrow. The girl gave a small gasp, must be something on her player, then a small shudder which set Amanda off. That was nice. They stayed holding each other until the bus shuddered to a halt at the light rail station and there was a mad dash to the train.

She wondered what dress shirt looked like? Ten minutes later it was her stop and as she moved to the door a familiar face came into view. She was kissed on the cheek. “That was wild I’ve been trying to coax him into standing a little closer for ages.” She smiled back and stepped off the train. She glanced at her smartphone twenty five minutes early. Well better early than late especially on your first day.

“Amanda, yes here you are. Now I have a problem because the person you were supposed to report to resigned so there isn’t a manager in the section. Staff turnover in the technical positions is a problem these days. Nathan is starting as well this morning so the simplest thing to do is make you manager as you have been with the company the longest.” “By twenty minutes?” “Seniority is seniority and twenty minutes is enough. Laura will bring you up to speed when she gets in. She’s the team’s technical writer.”

Amanda took out her ebook reader and read until Laura arrived together with Nathan. “Hi, I’m Laura and you must be Nathan?” She said addressing Amanda. Amanda pulled a face. “Not Nathan then, Amanda?” Both Amanda and Nathan were smiling by this time. “Now I’m not sure who is going to be the team’s manager yet.” “Whoever it was who guided me here said I was the new manger going by seniority since I arrived before Nathan but I’ve no idea what is involved.” “Nothing much except you sign the leave forms and set the dress code. I think Nathan would look cute in high heels.” Nathan growled gently. “The work is all sort of in the project plan for the next two years. We’ll go down to the cafeteria and have a coffee then we can introduce ourselves.”

As they left the counter Laura led them across to a table. “Hi Brett why are you looking so glum?” “We lost another programmer and now the jerk is talking about cancelling my vacation.” “Oh no and what does Emma think about it?” “I haven’t told her yet. I think I might just look for another programming job that will allow me to take three weeks off in a month’s time or more likely resign with a month’s notice, go on vacation then look for a job when I get back.” Amanda interjected “Do we have a spare position?” Laura looked at her “You’re right. We do.” “But Brett is probably a senior programmer.” “You mean I’m long in the tooth?” “Yes he is but Steve didn’t manage to staff all his posts so we have extra money in the budget for this year.” “So would you like to come and work on our team?” Laura asked Brett. “Would they let me take three weeks vacation next month?” “Why is it so important?” “His wife died of cancer two months ago so he was planning to take a three week road trip with his twelve year old daughter Emma to visit both sets of grandparents and just spend time with her to help her get over it.” “Laura babysat Emma for me towards the end.” “I did not. Twelve year old young ladies do not get babysat. They have sleepovers.” Laura said with great dignity. “Still it was great cake.” Laura turned to Amanda, “We were in the kitchen and she looked at my recipe books and asked if she could bake a cake for her dad.”

Amanda watched the interaction between Laura and Brett carefully. “Welcome to the team Brett if Laura can sort the paperwork out.” Brett blinked “You mean you’re the boss?” “Based on seniority, she arrived this morning twenty minutes before I did so she gets to sign the leave forms.” Chimed in Nathan.

Amanda turned to Laura “And let me have your leave form as well.” “My leave form?” “Well when I was twelve three weeks with my dad would have been great but there are some things that a girl going through puberty couldn’t possibly discuss with her dad and if it’s a road trip there‘ll be a spare seat.” “But she might get attached to me.” “Is that a problem?” She noticed Brett sitting up very attentively. “No but.” Then she blushed “You tricked me.” Nathan stood up “I think they have things to discuss in private. Shall we go back Amanda?” As they strolled back, Amanda asked if Nathan was comfortable with her as a boss. “Fine by me. Supervising people isn’t something I enjoy and having a full team will make the work easier.”

Twenty minutes later Laura arrived with a transfer form for Amanda to sign and two leave forms. She passed them over with a glare at Amanda.

The next day Amanda met Emma. “Are you really my dad’s new boss?” “Yep and Laura’s too.” “My dad said you were mean to Laura.” Amanda led the way to Laura’s cubical. “Was I mean to you? If so I apologise.” “How was she mean to you?” Emma asked Laura. “She got me to admit I like your dad in front of him.” “Oh I’ve known that for ages. He said you’re coming on the read trip with us?” “Only if I’m invited?” “Hasn’t he invited you yet?” “He mentioned he’d have to ask you first.” “You’re invited.” She turned to Nathan and smiled “Why do adults have to make things so complicated?”

The team settled down and they made progress on the project plan. Amanda was day dreaming one day when Laura crept up on her. “He does have a nice butt doesn’t he?” “But he works for me.” “Tough.”

Amanda got called into one of the senior executive offices. Did she have any plans to progress up the chain of management? She admitted she’d dropped into the post by accident. “Well I’ll mark you down as eligible for a formal management course in six years time. It’s best to have some experience first and not to be promoted too fast although we desperately need a few more female senior managers according to the board but there again we desperately need female technical staff as well. You can’t win sometimes. Thank you for coming in to see me. No doubt I’ll be in touch.”

Her boyfriend dropped by when she was doing her tax returns and her end of year figures were scattered around the computer. “My god you make more than I do.” “So?” “I can’t take it. We’re through.” She watched him walk in shock as he walked through the door and out of her life.

The next day she walked into the office looking like a zombie. Nathan took one look at her. “So has the end of the world happened?” She nodded and wrapped her arms round him and started to sob. Nathan held her whilst she sobbed away. “Anything I can do?” “He couldn’t accept I earnt more than he did.” She looked at him “Why does it matter?” “It matters to some I guess. Still, there’s hope for me yet.” She looked at him quizzically “I’m waiting for some wealthy young lady to sweep me off my feet and keep me in the manner I’d like to be accustomed.” She thumped him on the arm. “There that’s better. I’m just a poor oppressed surf being beaten by my brutal boss again.” She lifted her fist once more “I know what it is, you haven’t had your morning coffee yet come along and I’ll let you treat me seeing as you’re overpaid.” She grinned at him. “You poor thing.” “That’s what I’ve been trying to say.” Amanda giggled and allowed him to get the coffees. “And just coffee not an expensive Cappuccino.” Nathan grumbled until she threatened to buy him one then he admitted he preferred normal coffee.

“It’s annoying because one of my friends is getting married at the weekend.” “And you were expecting him to escort you?” She nodded then bit her lip. “How formal do I have to be?” “You don’t have to.” “What miss an opportunity to brown nose the boss. You never know I might get a training course out of it.” Amanda’s nose twitched “Obedience training?” He laughed gently. “I’m available.” “Thank you.”

Back in the office Amanda sort out Laura and asked her about training budget. “Well Steve was planning a team building course you know where you all get together and have to slide through muddy pools of cold water and such. We have budget for it including a week in a remote hotel with no internet or phone access.” “Offer it to the troops telling them that’s what we’ll do unless they offer up alternatives.”

Laura returned “Brett offered up Emma in his place.” Amanda grinned. “More seriously Nathan mentioned a week’s conference and he thought you might find it interesting. Brett and I thought we might like to go on a communication course. It might help us with Emma as well as the office.” “Fill the paperwork in for me to sign.”

At the wedding Amanda felt rather proud to be with Nathan in a suit and tie. Imogen looked over the pair of them. “I know she was dumped by boyfriend last weekend but don’t you think they’re just a bit too perfectly attuned with each other?” “You mean for only knowing each other a few days?” “Exactly he seems to be able anticipate what she’ll do next.” Imogen cornered him and asked him how long he’d known Amanda and when was he going to propose to her. She was shocked when he told her that Amanda wanted to put him through obedience training first. “Amanda you never told me you were into BDSM.” “I’m not.” “But boyfriend specifically said you wanted to send him on obedience training. I could help if you like.” Amanda threw Nathan a dirty look. “He definitely needs it. Don’t you dearest one?” Nathan tried to look innocent. “But only at your hands.” Amanda clenched her fist. “Oh dear she’s going to thump me again.” “You shouldn’t stay in an abusive relationship.” “I wonder who is abusing whom?” “Hello Jasmine have you met Nathan, my escort?” “You mean he isn’t a wedding present?” Nathan grinned, “You’re supposed to be content with the groom.” Two bridesmaids appeared from nowhere and sidled up to him. “We’re available.” Amanda looked at them fiercely as Nathan slid his arm round her waist. “But he isn’t.” Nathan chuckled gently “Did I see some chocolate eclairs on the buffet table?” He added. The bridesmaids disappeared in a swirl of pink petticoats.

Finally Amanda and Nathan arrived at the hotel where the conference was being held, as they stood at the counter checking in a nervous looking young lady was having problems next to them. “We’ve found your reservation but it was made for our new boutique hotel on the other side of the airport. Unfortunately it was prepaid special with a no cancellation clause.” “Jennifer’s idea of a bargain again. How long does it take to get here each day?” “Driving about an hour each way but the other problem is the hotel hasn’t got its certificates to open yet. The paperwork has been done but the city hasn’t processed them yet. We’re hoping to be open in three days time. I can offer to move the reservation to next week? Unfortunately we have nothing available here at the moment. We have a waiting list of six people who are hoping for a cancellation if you’d like me to add your name?”

“Could you transfer the boutique hotel to my name for next week?” “If madam is agreeable?” “Nathan hand her your key.” Mia smiled “Are you sure?” “Of course I am. Nathan can sleep out on the beach.” Nathan growled, “Or I’m sure there are two beds in my room and he may have the one I’m not using.” Nathan frowned. “Well it’s safer for me if there is an intruder.” Nathan shrugged his shoulders. “Does she always treat you like this?” Enquired Mia. “She treats me to coffee occasionally but she’s the boss so I go along with what she says to stay on the best side of her, not that I’ve discovered it yet.” Amanda turned to the desk, “How does one get there?” “Take the five thirty airport shuttle on Friday and it carries on after the airport to the boutique hotel. I’ll arrange complementary tickets. Enjoy your stay and thank you for helping us out.”

Mia looked round at all the men who were registering in. “I might have made a mistake coming here.” “You’re here for the conference aren’t you?” “Yes but I’d hoped there might be a few more females attending.” “And you don’t want to eat alone?” “I never thought about it before I got here but sitting at a table alone does leave you a bit open to the creep factor.” “Why do you think I brought Nathan?” “I should have known it wasn’t because I might learn something here.” “You’re welcome to eat and hang out with us.” “Besides our rooms are next to each other.” “That would be nice.”

They had lunch together, cardboard boxes containing rolls, a can of coke and a bit of cake from a sponsoring company. “Save my expense money at least.” Remarked Mia as Amanda switched Mia’s coke for Nathan’s diet one. She took pity on one of the attendees who had found a diet lemonade in his box and swapped her tin of normal coke for his.

“There’s a disco on tonight. Can you imagine guys dancing?” “Oh I don’t know. Can you imagine two guys slow dancing together? We could video them and upload the video somewhere.” “I think I’ve always fantasied about being a disco queen, strutting my stuff and having all the guys drop jawed over me.” “Well you’re away from home why not have a bit of fun?” “I haven’t the looks or the dress.” “Disco lighting isn’t bright, and with the right dress they’ll never look at your face anyway. We’ll go dress shopping after this afternoon’s session.” Amanda turned to Nathan, “You’re coming by the way we’ll need your opinion on the dresses.” Nathan pulled a face.

They found a mall on the route planner and soon Nathan was sat in a chair reading an ebook whilst Amanda and Mia looked through the racks to find the all important dress. “Can I be of assistance?” “We’re looking for something to turn heads at a disco tonight for Mia.” “Let’s go into the larger dressing room and see what your strong points are so we can emphasise them.”

Mia was asked to undress and then Amanda was as well. “Stay here and I’ll find you a few things.” The assistant returned with a handful of dresses which she hung on a rack. “Now if you really want to turn heads this cowl neckline mini dress will work.” She lifted out a silky dress that covered very little and threatened to expose everything else with the slightest dance movement. “Try it on.” Urged Amanda. “Well yes but it does leave rather a lot of me exposed and I wouldn’t be brave enough to wear it by myself. Besides it is slightly sheer.” “Under disco lighting you wouldn’t notice the sheerness. I have another one in a different shade.” The assistant darted out then came back with another one in a paler shade. She turned to Amanda “Try it on.” “But we were looking for a dress for Mia.” “Go on try it on.” Amanda slipped it on after first removing her bra. “Now don’t forget to leave your bras off for an hour or more so they don’t leave red marks on your skin. I’ll just get your young man to see what his reaction is.” Amanda was inspecting herself in the mirror and deciding it really was much too daring when the curtain was flung open and Nathan was standing there with a stunned expression on his face. “There he approves.” Nathan gulped “I didn’t say a word.” “You didn’t have to.” Said a flattered and delighted Mia as the curtain was drawn once more. “Now I do have another dress not quite disco but a very flattering colour for yourself.” She lifted out an off the shoulder ivory chiffon dress that Amanda held up to herself in the mirror. “The body is a little sheer and its not the sort of thing you could wear a slip under.” “No but in the right setting it would be lethal.” A quick tap and the dresses were purchased on Amanda’s card. Well she had money and she wanted Mia’s evening to be perfect. Mia picked up two pairs of silicon covered Ben Wa balls. She’d seen an article about them in Cosmopolitan. That would be her contribution to the evening.

“You’re not really intending to wear that dress tonight are you?” “I wouldn’t be respectable if I wore no clothing at all.” Nathan didn’t look happy at either prospect. “We’d better find you some slacks and a dress shirt.” “Won’t Levi’s do?” “I set your dress code remember.” “I’ll find a new job.” “No you won’t and anyway you’d have to wait until we got back and meantime I’m setting your dress code.” Mia caught up to them. “Hi guys so have you found him something yet?” “Not yet care to browse with us?” “Yes why not. I’ve never chosen a guy’s dress slacks before.” The two girls went down the racks and selected half a dozen different ones. Nathan looked them over. “I’d rather wear jeans.” “Hush I’m paying.” Amanda and Mia ushered him into the changing room following him inside. “These look respectable.” “Hand them over.” Mia put them to one side. Eventually they selected a pair without back pockets as Amanda thought they hung better. Mia thought they were the finest of the material and couldn’t wait to run her hands over his butt on the dance floor.

They ate in the mall then went back to change. “I think Mia deserves a week of pampering don’t you?” “It depends how much I’m involved in the project.” “Think of it as a holiday romance.” “You may not have noticed but talking to the opposite sex never has been my strong point. I wouldn’t know where to start on the romance side. Give me something like a computer program or something to tinker with I’m your man but females quite frankly scare me as does the idea of stepping out onto the dance floor.” “But you’d had girl friends?” “No.” “I think a crash course is called for so sit.”

Nathan sat on the hotel chair and Amanda stood behind him. She stroked his shoulders and back before caressing the back of his neck. “Like that?” “It’s very nice.” “So now try it on me.” They swopped places and Nathan tentatively stroked her shoulders and Amanda gave him encouragement and feedback on her most sensitive parts as he stroked her and what sort of stokes and caresses she preferred. They switched once more this time Amanda sat in his lap and gave him some lessons in kissing. “See it’s not that unpleasant or difficult is it?” “Is that all there is to it?” “No stand up.” She turned her back on him. “You’ve turned your back on me does that mean you don’t like me?” Amanda grinned “Not at all. Slip your arms round my waist.” “I’m not very good at this body language stuff.” “It’s not that difficult if you get your face slapped you’ve gone too far.” “Can’t I program something to do it?” She moved his hands up. “Now if she’s receptive, she’ll lift her arms out of the way so you can caress her breasts. If she keeps them down and clamped to her sides then you don’t. You nibble her ears and neck first to get her more aroused.” Nathan nibbled and slowly moved his hands up her torso. “Hang on a moment.” Amanda unclipped her bra then wiggled out of it before sneaking it out from under her top. Then she turned her back on him once more and pulled his hands back into place.

“Why did you do that?” “I get more pleasure out of feeling your hands directly on my breasts than I do from feeling you fumble through even a slightly padded bra.” “You mean girls get pleasure out of this as well?” She swivelled round and kissed him a deeper kiss holding his face in her hands, tasty “Eventually.” “Eventually?” “You have to start slow and let the feelings build up for the girl.” “I’m sure I won’t remember all this.” “I’ll just tell Mia to give you instructions on what she prefers. She’ll have different preferences to me.” Amanda thought the idea of being able to order Nathan about was quite a turn on.

She undid her blouse “Now you should be able to see my flushed chest.” “A sort of deeper pink?” “That shows I’m definitely aroused.” “I’d prefer not to leave a trail of illegitimate children behind.” She took his hand and led him to the double bed. “So I’d better show you how to satisfy a girl without getting her pregnant.” Nathan gave her a look as if to say this was against his better judgement. Amanda slipped out of her clothes and lay back on the bed. “Start by nibbling my toes.” She commanded Nathan obediently started by nibbling her toes which gave Amanda a pooling sensation in the pit of her tummy. “Something like this?” Nathan asked innocently. “Move up to my thighs and nibble the insides.” Gasped Amanda. It took another ten minutes of Nathan’s lips and tongue carefully directly to give her the most impact before she gasped and gently shuddered before going limp. “You OK?” “Oh yes” she replied sleepily and closed her eyes for a few minutes to recover. Nathan closed his eyes and napped. With bit of luck she’d fall asleep and he wouldn’t have to go to the dance.

She shook herself as her smartphone beeped. “Time to get changed.” Nathan shrugged and changed into his new clothes. He felt they were a bit tighter than he might have chosen for himself. Still what did he know of fashion. Amanda scurried into the bathroom to get changed. When she stepped out again he looked twice. “Aren’t dresses supposed to cover a little more?” “Not when I’m man hunting with Mia.” “She’s going to be wearing the same?” “A paler shade but yes much the same apart from the embroidered motif on the side.” “I can’t see anyone looking at the detail when everything is on display on the front.” She turned. “OK and on the back as well.” She looked down at his crotch. “Part of you is appreciative anyway.”

They tapped on Mia’s door and she opened a crack and peeped out. “I’m not sure I can do this.” “Of course you can.” Replied Amanda cheerfully. “If I have to suffer then so do you but I’m quite willing not to go and keep you company if you like.” Mia looked doubtful then at Amanda’s dress. “I think we’d better go down with her or she might get into trouble dressed as she is by herself.”

In the elevator they both snuggled up to him facing him rather than the five conference attendees who looked very interested in their skimpy attire. The mirrored sides to the elevator didn’t help their modesty either. Once they’d entered the disco though with the dimmer lighting the dresses were less obvious. Mia looked hopefully at Nathan who escorted her onto the dance floor after telling her she’d have to explain what to do. She showed him a few simple steps and held his hands as they danced.

Amanda spotted her diet coke guy from lunchtime and walked boldly up to him as he stood nervously with his mates by the side of the dance floor. She raised an eyebrow in invitation and when he hesitated stepped up much closer to him and grasped his testicles in her hand in such a way that his mates couldn’t quite see what was happening. “You are going to ask me to dance aren’t you?” He quietly nodded and was led onto the floor. His idea of dancing was to wave his arms and legs around wildly. Eventually he settled down to moving in time with the music. After two numbers she returned him to his mates who looked on dumbfounded. “Did she ask you to dance or did you ask her?” Demanded one. “I asked her.” Came the stuttered reply. A girl who had been watching tapped Amanda on the shoulder as she left. “Ron asked you to dance?” “Oh it’s easy you just cup his balls in your hand and he’ll do anything you want him to.”

The girl turned back to the group. “So Ron are you going to ask me to dance?” Ron glanced at Amanda who smiled back at him to let him know exactly what she’d whispered to the girl. “I’d be delighted to Sydney. I didn’t think you’d be interested.”

Amanda looked across to see Nathan and Mia dancing but not as closely as she’d hoped. She stepped up behind Mia and as the music changed to a slow dance slow danced up against Mia nibbling the back of her neck as she danced. That was better she could feel Mia swaying closer to Nathan. Time to turn the heat up a little? Amanda eased the front of her plunging neckline dress apart and rubbed her naked breasts against Mia’s naked back. God this definitely felt naughty on the dance floor in public, still as long as her breasts were against Mia’s back no one could see how naughty she was being and those silicon covered Ben Wa whatevers really warmed a girl up even without a glass of wine or two. She just hoped desperately her underwear would hold them in place if they dropped out.

Mia meanwhile was finding out that the attention the dress attracted was fine but really she wanted to shout it’s me inside not just a dress guys. Eventually she turned and kissed Amanda on the lips, a deep lingering kiss that confused Amanda no end. “Shall we go upstairs?” She whispered in Amanda’s ear and she then led both Amanda and Nathan off the dance floor and into the elevator. They stepped in behind another couple and Mia thought she’d neglected Nathan for long enough and French kissed him in the elevator. The male was trying not to get caught staring down at Amanda’s nipples as they slipped into view occasionally as the elevator moved and she swayed with it as his better half glowered at him.

Nathan followed Mia into her room to tuck her up in bed. Amanda slipped out of her dress and hung it up then lay back on her bed and taking advantage of being alone thought back over the evening and all those lustful males watching her round the dance floor. She’d felt safe knowing just how hard it was to coax a techie on to the dance floor. She let her fingers do the walking and masturbated gently running through the various lustful looks she’d received on the dance floor. Then there was Nathan’s face when he’d first seen the dress. She’d throughly enjoyed that.

Next door Nathan lifted Mia on to the bed. He judged by the flushed chest she was already aroused so he just buried his head between her thighs and nibbled, and licked then nibbled again. Mia held his head between her hands until she felt an orgasm building up in her then it exploded. Nathan felt her go limp so moved up the bed to cradle her. “Whoever taught you to do that?” She asked lazily. He looked at her “You don’t mean to say your boss did?” He nodded “Did I do it right? I haven’t had much practise.” “Well I’m sure we can get a bit more practise in this week but I’m surprised she didn’t want to keep you for herself.” “Oh it came up when she mentioned she’d like you to enjoy yourself this week and gain a bit more self confidence. I said I didn’t know much about girls and what they liked so she thought a quick training program was in order.” Mia gave him a look “And I suppose we’d better teach you a few more subtle things like stroking a girl’s neck, shoulders and ears. You never know we might even have time to look at a few things you might like.”

The next morning Amanda sent off a leave request for the following week by email then looked across at Nathan. “You haven’t filled in your leave request for next week?” “Do I need one?” “I’d prefer not to be staying at a hotel by myself.” “You mean I’m invited?” “You’re invited. That way I don’t have to worry about you saying we shared a room this week.” “A week free in a boutique hotel I’d better fill in the leave request and let my house sitter know then.”

On Friday afternoon they caught the airport shuttle with Mia. She bid them an emotional farewell. “Look after yourselves and thanks for everything.” She kissed them both on the lips before whispering to Nathan “Don’t forget to buy her flowers.” Then fled to catch her plane. They settled back to continue on to the Boutique Hotel. “I think she enjoyed herself once she managed to relax.” “I think so too. You were very good for her self confidence.”

At the new hotel they stepped into the foyer. Workmen were adding the finishing touches. There was a smell of paint and a few signs saying ‘Wet Paint’ scattered round. They were approached by a receptionist with a tablet in her hand. “If you’d like to step this way?” She led through the workmen and along a corridor to a service lift. “We’re hoping to get the normal guest lifts in service by tomorrow.” She murmured as they stepped into a service lift that had padded canvas sheets hanging to protect the lift from knocks as furniture was carried. They went up to the twentieth floor then stepped out. “They finished this section last week so it’s had a chance to air out.” She opened the door and the first thing that Amanda spotted was the king-sized bed. “Oh God.” She turned towards Nathan her embarrassment showing in a deep red colour. “I never dreampt they’d only have one bed.” “It has a nice view though.” Remarked Nathan helpfully. “I’d offer to change it to one with two beds but the queen-sized beds haven’t arrived yet.” “I think we can manage.” Remarked Nathan. “Are you sure?” Asked Amanda he nodded and the receptionist left them remarking that only one dining room had opened so far but they were hopeful to find staff for the other two shortly.

“Not quite what I expected.” “The room is high so it’s quiet, the view is spectacular so all in all I think we haven’t done too badly.” Amanda smiled weakly at him. “Now one thing I think we ought to talk about is training and training reinforcement, you know it’s important to practise what you earn to reinforce it.” Amanda nodded then looked at him in alarm when she realised what he was talking about. “But that was just to ensure Mia had a good time.” “Now Mia’s gone it still needs reinforcement.” He approached and kissed her on the lips. “But we can’t, employee supervisor relationship.” “But if we lived together it would be OK?” “Yes I suppose so.” “Your place or mine?” “I was thinking about buying a house when we get back.” “Two salaries would get a bigger mortgage to buy a bigger house with a double garage.” “I wasn’t thinking of a mortgage. My great-aunt left me an inheritance.” Nathan went down on one knee “Marry me.” He joked. Amanda went very quiet “Why?” “To keep me in the manner to which I’d like to be accustomed?” This was getting interesting Amanda smiled at him, would he admit he wanted her as much as she wanted him. “Try again.” “I love you.” “And I suppose I love you to, so yes let’s get married.” She looked round “But we could have our honeymoon first I suppose.”