One late night at the office Amber and I were working feverishly side by side. I could hardly keep my mind on business as Amber was wearing a tight cotton top that strained to cover her breasts. Perspiration broke out across my back beneath my dress shirt.

I strolled over to the window in my office sliding it open.

“Ash, it’s freezing out! What the hell are you doing?” Amber reached to grab her sweater.

Dammit! I’d only wanted to cool off, not make Amber bundle up!

“It’s stuffy in here, don’t you think?” I removed my tie thinking of how much I wanted to bind Amber’s wrists with it.

“Not really.” She gave me a quizzical look as she wrapped herself in a blue cashmere sweater.

“If you’re cold, I can shut the window.” I moved to close it.

“I’m fine, Ash, really. The sweater will keep me warm.”

“I’ll shut it.”

Slamming the window shut, I walked over to the bar. Pouring two glasses of Macallan, I handed her one.

Removing her sweater, Amber took the glass and sipped.

“If we start drinking, Ash, I don’t know exactly how much work we will get done.”

I shrugged. I finished my glass and quickly poured a second. Work was the last thing on my mind right now. My cock throbbed in my pants as I gazed at her beautiful body.

“It’s a beautiful night out, Ash, even if it is freezing.” She walked over to gaze out the window.

I nodded licking my lips.

“Yes, if you enjoy cold nights alone that is.”

She stood pressing her forehead to the window for several minutes. I wondered if I’d said the wrong thing.

Sitting my drink aside, I stood up and walked over to her. Instead of admiring the New York skyline, she was staring down at a dark haired man dressed in a black leather jacket standing across from our building.

“Amber, are you okay?” I touched her arm.

She jumped and looked up at me her eyes wide.

“Oh yes, I’m fine.”

“Who is that down there? Your new boyfriend?” I snickered.

She shook her head moving away from the window.

“Of course not. You know I’m not seeing anyone right now.”

As she walked over to the desk, I noticed her hands trembling. Her face had gone pale.

Who the hell was that guy? And why did he upset Amber so?

Before I could inquire, Amber abruptly started getting her things together.

“Ash, it’s after ten. I think it’s time to call it quits for the day. I’m going to come in after nine tomorrow, if that’s all right with you.”

“Of course. Look, what I just said…I was joking. Your personal life is none of my business.”

She nodded stiffly seemingly anxious to leave.

“Ash, would you mind walking me down to the lobby and making sure I get to my car safely? It’s late and--”

I waved my hand.

“No need to explain. Of course, I will.”

Taking the elevator to the main floor, I walked Amber to the front door. I watched as she hurried to her car parked in the VIP section of the parking garage. The mysterious man in the black coat stood there watching her, but he never moved toward her or acknowledged her.

Strange, so strange.

* * *

The next day, I decided I needed to confront Amber. Something was going on. I hoped she was okay. I wondered if I had anything to do with her family. I myself needed a distraction from the painful encounter with my own mother months earlier.

“Amber, what do you say we go to Le Bernardin for dinner? I think we should celebrate our new business.”

“Ash, are you serious? It will be impossible to get reservations there! People wait weeks or more to get in there.”

I cocked my eyebrow at her.

“I know a guy who knows a guy. I can get in, don’t you worry about that. How about you leave work now and go get dressed in something fabulous. I will be there to pick you up around 7:00 PM. Dinner will be at 8:00.”

Amber flushed and glanced at her phone.

“It’s only 2:00 now, Ash. I can stay and help you out for a few more hours.” Amber stood up and began collecting documents.

Reaching out, I took her hand.

“No, Amber, I want you to take the afternoon off. Call Silvio at this number. Tell him you’re my special guest. I’ll have the car take you over to his salon. He’s the best in all of Manhattan. Get your hair done, manicure, massage, everything. I want you to be well rested for our dinner tonight.”

Amber looked at me quizzically.

“Are you sure, Ash?”

I nodded. Amber had been so distracted and sad lately. Maybe this dinner would cheer her up.

* * *

I had dined at this restaurant multiple times, but I couldn’t recall it ever being this loud. It was unusually crowded for a Thursday evening.

“A little loud in here, don’t you think, Ash?” Amber noticed I was wincing as the couple behind us were arguing over who should have to take the children to their lacrosse practice after school.

I nodded rolling my eyes.

“I think Mr. and Mrs. Smith behind us here are about to start stabbing each other with their forks!”

Amber snickered noting the heated exchange at the next table.

“Thank God, I don’t have kids! I can’t imagine dealing with that and working.”

“Oh, I’m a slave driver now? Anytime you need time off just ask me.” I finished my scotch.

Amber smiled shaking her head.

“Of course not, Ash. You just like it a little rough, don’t you?”

I raised my right eyebrow at her.

“Have you been following me home at night?”

Amber laughed throwing her head back.

“Oh, Ash, you’re too much. It was just an educated guess.”

I pondered what she said. Could she read me that easily? Maybe she, too, enjoyed such games.

I admired how beautiful she looked tonight. The cobalt blue dress she wore highlighted the deep blue of her eyes. Her honey blonde hair was swept up atop her head with ringlets cascading down to brush her shoulders. Her delectable cleavage was evident in the low cut dress. I nearly salivated looking at it.

Pulling myself together, I willed my cock to unstiffen. Now was not the time for such thoughts.

Or was it?

As we glanced at the menu, I sat back in my chair contemplating how happy I was whenever I was with Amber. Maybe everything I wanted was sitting right in front of me. As if she read my mind, she spoke as she finished her wine.

“Ash, I want to thank you for inviting me to dinner tonight. I’ve been kind of down lately. You may have noticed I haven’t been as on top of things as I usually am. I apologize for that.”

I waved my hand at her.

“No, it’s my pleasure to have you here with me. I know I’ve been distant myself. Things have been hard since Veronica…” I trailed off not sure where I wanted this conversation to lead.

Amber leaned forward her cleavage spilling out of her dress. I swallowed hard trying to keep my mind on the conversation. She rested her hand on mine.

“I know it’s been hard, Ash. I’m so sorry. I really thought the two of you would make things work this time.” Amber shook her head sadly.

I nodded.

“I thought so, too, Amber, but I guess it wasn’t to be. Look, I really don’t want to discuss Veronica tonight.” I finished the last of my scotch.

“I understand. Your love life is in much better shape than mine I’m afraid.” Amber sighed deeply.

“I thought you’d been some real estate guy lately. What was his name? Jim? Tim?”

Amber laughed.

“No. Anyway, I was referring to an old boyfriend of mine. I’ve seen him around lately and don’t know what to do.”

I narrowed my eyes. I didn’t like where this was going.

“What exactly is he doing? Who is it?”

“That guy I was seeing right after I started working for you. Ayden was his name.”

“You mean Ayden? He’s back! Oh, God, Amber, you should’ve told me earlier. It’s been three years already?” I waved my hand signaling the water to bring another drink.

Amber sighed, her blue eyes looking troubled. Her hand fluttered to her neckline absently brushing against her collarbone. It drove me wild every time she did that.

“He got out a few months early for good time. I checked online and he’s out on parole. But he hasn’t done anything. I just saw him following me a few times is all. Maybe it was just a coincidence.”

“The guy stalked you for six months after you broke up! He broke you’re your house and tried to kill you! Doesn’t seem like much of a coincidence to me. If this guy is back, you need to file another restraining order.” I took a long drink of my scotch. Macallan 25--the best.

“I know, I know. But it was only twice. And that was a month ago. I’ve never seen him at my new apartment or anywhere near there. Look, Ash, I’m sorry I brought it up. I’m just being paranoid.” Amber sipped her wine as she opened her menu.

I nodded.

“Well, if this guy so much as comes within a half mile of you, let me know. I’ll have my attorney file a restraining order so fast it will make his fucking head spin.”

“Duly noted, Ash.” Amber smiled nodding. She knew how protective I was of her.

Sickened at the thought of Ayden’s possible return, I debated on whether or not I should press the issue. Perhaps Amber had been being paranoid. Surely, going to prison had taught this guy a lesson. I pushed thoughts of Ayden out of my mind. I wanted Amber to feel good tonight not worry more.

“So, what looks good, Amber? Dover Sole? Roasted Rack of Lamb? Squab?” I nearly wrinkled my nose. Nothing really appealed to me tonight.

Amber sighed.

“I’m not sure. Maybe the lobster?” She looked doubtful.

“Or what about the Fluke Slivers?” I nearly laughed. What an odd name for a fish.

Amber giggled.

“I was thinking that Razor Clam sounded amazing!”

I laughed.

“Sounds like another name for dangerous pussy,” I muttered.

Amber dissolved into giggles.

Tossing the menu aside, I threw my cloth napkin down.

“Could this menu be any more pretentious? Fuck, I’m used to dining in these so-called fine establishments, but you know what really sounds good to me right now?”

“What?” Amber struggled to stifle her laughter.

“A fucking big, greasy cheeseburger covered in bacon!”

Amber clapped her hand over her mouth.

“From where? I don’t think they have that here.”

“From Tony’s, that dive in the East Village.”

“Really? Greasy Tony’s? The one with the huge onion rings?”

“It’s just called Tony’s, Amber.” I laughed. I was ready to get the hell out of here. I was sick of all the high end twelve course meals.

“And you know what I want with it?”

Amber could hardly contain her excitement.

“An extra-large order of onion rings and a bottle of Bud Light.” I laughed at the shocked look on her face.

“Ash! When was the last time you drank a beer, let alone a Bud Light?”

I stood up and tossed a wad of bills onto the table.

“Too fucking long. What do you say we head over to Tony’s and get some burgers and beer?”

Amber clapped her hands.

“But what about how we’re dressed? I mean, I’m wearing this gown…”

“So take it off.” I winked at her.

I held my hand out to her.

“Leaving so soon, sir? The food wasn’t to your liking?” The maître d’ looked confused as he saw me slip my suit jacket on.

“The food tasted a bit too pretentious for my taste. But I’ve left you a generous tip. Thank you.”

As I walked out of the restaurant, I turned to watch his mouth fall open counting the wad of bills I’d left him.

Money. It could buy a lot of things, but it couldn’t buy everything.

Some things were just priceless, I thought glancing at Amber’s joyful expression.

As we walked out to my car, I couldn’t help but brush my hand across Amber’s ass. She jumped a bit.

“I have a deliciously naughty thought, Amber.”

“What is it, Ash?” She squirmed a bit as I kept my hand firmly on her ass. She looked so sexy I just wanted to tear the dress from her body.

“Can I say this totally off the record?”

“Of course. It’s after hours.”

I leaned in close to her my lips brushing her ear.

“I want to see your cunt.”