"You all deserve it, Lance," she told him. "I wish I could do more. And for tonight," she added impulsively, "it's Gina, okay?" She suddenly blushed at his mock-stunned expression.
"Whoa, letting your hair down, boss?" he jibed, and she laughed with him despite herself. "Believe me, this is plenty, the team really appreciates it." Lance was the senior, and one of the people that management was considering promoting. He'd get his own division and a title. She'd be sorry to lose him, but would never stand in his way. He was a good man and, she had to admit, not hard to look at. She’d recognized more than once a certain fondness for him that extended past her reliance on him as her Team Leader. He stood next to her now, watching their people celebrate. She felt something then that she hadn't in a long, long time.
Stop it, she scolded herself. You're too old and too single to get yourself horny at work! She shook her head and coughed a laugh. It was after hours and they were the only ones left in the building. At forty-two, she felt so much older than everyone in her department, even though Lance was nearly her age.
"You all right?" Lance asked her when he heard the cough.
She smiled. "Yeah, listen I have two more things for them, to say ‘thanks’. Can you quiet them down? I'll be right back.”
Gina left him there, listening to him calling out, getting everyone's attention. She made her way quickly down the hallway to her office, grabbing the supply cart she'd loaded earlier with the box of small gift bags and her special surprise for the team. As she wheeled it back to the conference room through the empty hallway, she was surprised to find herself a little excited to be doing something special for them. But they had certainly earned it, and she felt a thrill of daring and disobedience as she approached the room. It wasn’t like anyone was ever going to know she'd broken a company policy. She trusted them to keep her secret, and she'd scheduled this after hours for just that reason.
She turned the knob and backed into the room, pulling the cart in behind her. Someone let out a wolf whistle and she blushed from the sound. She really didn't go for that level of familiarity in the workplace, but before she could object, she heard good-natured laughter and then spontaneous applause and she smiled, her blush deepening. The cart cleared the door and she closed it behind her and motioned for quiet, but the clapping expanded into cheers. She turned to Lance and he shrugged and put his hands out, palms up. She made a pleading face.
He leaned in to her ear. "Sorry, boss, they love you."
She pulled back, feeling the disbelief obvious on her face. She'd never given them reason to feel attached to her. Lance ignored her look and lifted his hands to the group of twelve men and women. Her team.
"Okay, quiet down, you rabble," he joked, and the crowd settled into boisterous murmurs. "The boss has something she wants to say, so keep it down to a roar."
They were her department, but Lance was their leader. For a second, she wondered who could take his place, if he got the promotion. Shuttling that thought aside, she collected herself.
"Thank you, Lance," she smiled, inclining her head and then turning to face the group. The tables had been pushed to the walls and food had already been pretty well ravaged. Her people clustered in the center of the room. She felt a surge of pride and again, that devilish rebellious twinge.
"You all know why we're here tonight," she began. "Your hard work over the last months has not gone unnoticed. I'm really proud of all of you.” She paused, allowing herself a moment to feel the genuine emotion for her people as the tightness in her chest expanded. “Even with everything extra I asked of you on this project, you made sure that we never lost focus on the existing business. You put in the time, doubled your efforts and managed to grow our base more than five percent." There was a smattering of polite applause. "But more importantly, you all shone and proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt in my eyes, that we have the best team in the building." She took a moment, looking each of them in the eye. They were excited, and well they should be. "And you did it!” she beamed. “Beyond anyone's expectations, you guys landed Nolus!"
The applause began again, with ferocity this time, and her chest swelled with pride.
"You know what this means for the company. You know that Nolus is the new leader in their sector, and you know why we wanted this contract. They're solid, and growing, and as they grow, we will grow," she announced over some small cheers. "And you got them for a five year contract, more than anyone anticipated." The cheers grew louder with hollers and whoops mixed in. "And, if you keep your eye on the ball the way you did this year, bonuses are practically guaranteed for the next five years!"
They went wild, high-fiving, hugging, cheering, the men kissing the women. Gina felt a pang of loneliness as she saw the close companionship they all shared and enjoyed. It's been a long time, she thought. She smiled wistfully at her group, tinged with the bittersweet angst of regret and time lost as she waited for the noise to end.
"So you've earned this little celebration, and I convinced the company to allow us the use of this room, even though it violates policy to be here after business hours," she said to some good-natured boos at the policy. "Looks like you've made short work of the food..." she added with a smile.
"Damn right!" someone shouted from the back to laughs and smiles. "It was delicious!" someone echoed, then, "Thanks, boss!"
She motioned her hand at the mail cart with the two boxes. "Well, there’s a little more here for you all. Not more food," she added as a jest. "I have it on good authority that most of you are going out after this to continue the celebration..."
"Damn right!" came the same shout from the back. This time she identified it as Michael, a brash young man with the talent to back up his attitude. And haunting good looks… she added to herself.
"And well you should," she told them. She smiled, pleased with herself for the things she was about to tell them, feeling somehow closer to them, almost a part of their group. "I went ahead and secured permission from the company for you all to leave your cars here overnight. Just pull them up near the entrance before you leave, so security can keep an eye on them." There were confused murmurs. "I don't want anyone taking chances and driving after having a few drinks." She put on her 'boss' tone and added, "I expect to see you here on Monday, and not in jail." She dropped the tone and smiled. "There will be two limos waiting downstairs to take you where you want to go," she announced to a ripple of admiring oohs and aahs. She turned and reached into the first box and pulled out gift bags, handing a bundle to Lance. "And these are taxi vouchers for when you go home. Have fun, but stay safe!" she admonished, feeling a little like their mom.
That was ridiculous, of course, she wasn’t quite that much older than them, and there were a few, like Lance, who were close to her age. But she did feel protective of them right now and wondered to herself if they saw her that way, as an overbearing, strait-laced rule enforcer. She tried to keep herself fit and looking good, even if her social life was nonexistent. A stuck-up MILF, maybe, she considered as Lance distributed the gift bags. But I’m not a Mom. A stuck up cougar? She guffawed to herself at the idea, imagining herself prowling after the younger men, predatory and lecherous. They are a good looking bunch, though, I’ll give them that…
'Thank yous' started floating up and she held up her hand for silence. "There's one more thing. Well, a few more, actually." She reached into the box for another bag and handed it to Lance. "I want you all to have a good time tonight. I understand you party as hard as you work," she told them with a smirk and got the expected hoots and whoops. "So while there is a policy against adult beverages on the premises, there isn't one for the limos," to more cheers, "and I'm giving Lance enough to get you through at least the first half of your night, I hope!"
Howls and high-fives, and shouts of 'come out with us' and 'party with us, boss!' filled the room and Gina beamed, pleased that she could do this thing, pleased that they appreciated it, and glowing with pride and appreciation for the show of devotion they were displaying and the attraction she felt. That twinge of longing returned as she surveyed her young men and women who appeared, in their boisterous elation, even more attractive.
She raised her hands and they quieted enough for her to speak. "Finally, last thing, I promise, then no more speeches." She took a deep breath, settling herself. "As I said, there's a policy against alcohol on the premises," she began, "and you know that I'm a bit of a stickler for rules," she added to a chorus of moans and agreement. "But this one time, perhaps," she announced, "we can make a small exception." She turned and lifted the magnum of champagne from the second box and her party went silent for just a second, until the astonishment passed. And then they howled again.
Lance opened the bottle with great ceremony and she took the plastic champagne flutes from the box as the group crowded around. She felt a camaraderie and closeness to them as they swarmed the table while she poured and Lance handed out the glasses.
"It's only the one bottle," she mitigated, "and only this once, and you can never tell anyone." She emptied the bottle into the last glass and lifted it, facing them. They remained close to her, and she saw faces flushed with excitement and genuine connection. They're great kids, the lot of them, she thought, and damned if they don't look good right now!
"Promise, first. It's our secret. This never leaves the room." They all nodded and agreed. Holding her glass up to them, she continued. "Well, then, this is for you all, for a job well done, for going above and beyond, for doing what no one thought you could do. You defied convention, you did whatever was asked and more. And I thank you all for your efforts and congratulate your success."
There were solemn nods and everyone drank, and then there was shouting and cheers that turned into a chant of "Gee-nuh! Gee-nuh!" She blushed and they moved in on her, shaking her hand and hugging her and she felt another flush of affection as bodies, men and women, pressed to her. She backed up a step, bumped the mail cart, and the celebratory moment was interrupted by the empty bottle shattering loudly to the floor.
Everyone fell into stunned silence after the crash. Then Michael broke the awkward pause.
"Well, there goes our chance to play spin the bottle!" Comfortable laughter resumed and the group moved to the side, away from the broken glass, as others picked up the joking thread. She saw someone scurry to sweep the mess into a corner as they swirled and moved and chattered to her and each other all at once
"Too bad, Mike, it'd be your only chance to kiss the boss, other than her ass!"
"Would have been fun!"
"You should come out with us, boss."
"Come on, it'll be fun!"
"I heard you're a good kisser."
"I guess you'll never know!"
"Maybe we should spin something else and find out!"
They were still surrounding her when that last comment came out, and they fell suddenly quiet. She looked at them as an air of mischief filled the room, as though the entire group had a single thought. From the back of the crowd someone started again.
"Gee-nah! Gee-nah!" and the rest joined the chorus as they swarmed her, pulling her and crowding her, their bodies pressed against her. She laughed, then stopped, then laughed again, nervously. She felt an odd, unfamiliar sensation in her belly as they pulled her to the center of the room, chanting her name excitedly and smiling.
The crowd parted in front of her and she saw there was an office chair in the middle of the room, one of the big, leather swivel chairs. She protested meekly as they guided her to it and sat her down, still chanting her name. Flushed from the attention she bit her lip and looked up at them, catching every eye, wondering if this was some sort of congratulation ritual. She felt a sense of welcome and acceptance blossom inside her and smiled up at her group.
"If you won't come out with us," Tanya called to her, "we will stay with you!"
"What...what are we doing?" she asked the young girl nervously. She glanced around, saw Lance and some of the younger men arranging the conference room chairs. They were forming a circle around the room. Around her.
"Playing a game," Lester cut in with a smile. "Having some fun, blowing off some steam."
"We work hard," Michael interjected, "and we play hard." He brushed his hand through his dark hair and Gina was struck by how sexy that simple move was. His grin made him look rakish and exciting.
"You do everything 'hard'," Tanya told him.
"Got that right!" Michael said proudly, his white, even teeth glittering in his smile.
Gina was nervously excited and her body rippled with anticipation at the thought of being included in their fun. "What's the game?" She asked naively. "How do you play?" She felt warm in a way she’d not felt in many years.
"Well, we can't play 'spin the bottle." They all seemed to answer at once.
"We only had the one."
"And that's broken."
They all looked at each other as if sharing a joke. Lance stepped up then and leaned over her, his hands on the arms of the desk chair on either side of her. She smelled his cologne and felt his...maleness. His face was close to hers, and she saw dark stubble on his chin. His eyes sparkled.
"We are celebrating, Gina," he told her, "and you are the guest of honor. You're going to let your hair down and party with us, and let us show you how much we appreciate your leadership." He winked at her and grinned. She felt the thrill of the unexpected rush through her and she bit her lower lip, thinking, they really do like me.
"So this game," Michael stepped up, "is called 'Spin The Boss'," he told her, and cheers broke out. Everyone began finding seats in the circle. "I'll go first, of course," he announced to exaggerated groans. "Here's how it works, Gina." He moved behind her chair and slowly turned the chair in a circle, allowing her to look at each member of her team as he spoke. "For months now, we've done whatever you asked of us," he preached, "and in many cases," he added with a sly, conspiratorial smirk, "we've done more than you asked." He continued another slow circuit and Gina watched the expressions change from smiles to glee to...something else.
Something hungry. Eager.
"So tonight it's your turn, boss." Michael continued. "Tonight you join the party, or rather, tonight you are the party."
"Get on with it!" one of the girls called out.
"So, tonight,” he repeated with indolent emphasis, “since we have no bottle to spin, we’re going to spin you," Michael said, turning the chair to face him. "And when it stops spinning, whoever you’re facing gets to tell you what to do. Got it?" he grinned.
"Oh, like truth or dare?"
"A little, I guess," he agreed mischievously. "Except you’re always it." He leaned into her and smiled his dazzling smile. "Ready?"
"I guess," she answered, not wanting to rain on their parade and be a spoilsport. And to be completely honest, she was enjoying the attention more than a bit.
"And don't worry," he said as he positioned himself behind her again. "We all swore when we had the champagne. Nothing leaves this room."
And then she was spinning in her chair. She laughed, despite herself, feeling very much like a little girl on a carnival ride. She watched as Michael flashed past her vision a few times until the chair slowed and came to a stop.
She was facing George, one of the younger men, a good-looking, dapper dresser, a little shy, she'd always thought, but a whip with numbers. He stood from his chair and beckoned her to stand.
"I'll start simple," he said quietly, to some raucous boos. He angled his head to the side, showing his cheek. "Give me a kiss."
Oh, this is silly, she thought, but walked to him and put a hand on his shoulder and pecked his cheek softly, feeling the skin on her lips.
"Mmm, nice," he said, "thanks, boss," as polite clapping sounded. "Okay, back in the chair, I spin, now." Gina lifted her shoulders playfully and felt George's hand in the small of her back, escorting her to the big chair. She sat and he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Let's see now, big spin or little?" His hands felt comfortable there and she missed them when he pulled away. And then she was spinning again, a slow gentle turn, watching the excited faces turn to anticipation as she slowed, and stopped, facing Laurie.
Laurie stood and motioned. Gina got to her feet to approach and Laurie met her halfway. "I'll take a kiss, too," she said. Gina had a moment to wonder to herself if this was really such a good idea. Sure, the champagne had broken a Company Policy, but fraternizing with the staff, that went against her rule, her personal guidelines. Still, it seemed like harmless fun. And she reckoned that giving them an opportunity to boss her around was innocent enough, and a welcome relief valve for the pressure she'd put them through. She smiled as Laurie stepped up to her.
In a flash, Laurie’s hands were holding Gina's face, palms cupping her cheeks as her lips brushed the older woman’s delicately. She felt Laurie's body press closer as their lips met and she inhaled sharply, unable to move as Laurie's breasts squashed against her own and her lips moved and formed to hers. Where her kiss on George’s cheek had been light and brief, Laurie’s kiss lingered and played. The intimacy was unmistakable and Gina felt her body react, her breath coming short and quick as a tingle spread through her.
She was still trembling when Laurie released her and looked in her eyes, one hand still at her cheek, lingering there as she smiled. And then she was steering Gina back to the chair.
My god, what was that ? She thought as she settled breathlessly into the chair. It had been years since she'd been kissed like that, and from a girl! Her body still tingled and she barely had time to inhale before she was spinning again, several times around, the faces of her department blurring until she was almost dizzy. She struggled to her feet to find Lance facing her.
His lips were on hers before she knew it and she fell into his embrace, kissing him back enthusiastically, one hand on his broad chest and the other on his hip. Her breath quickened and she felt his body lean into hers as his arms surrounded her. She felt a pressure against her belly and realized it was his cock, stiff and firm. For me, she thought to herself. And then his hands were sliding down her back, clasping her butt and pressing her into him. She heard him growl into her mouth as his tongue parted her lips and she opened them, closing her eyes, falling deep into his kiss and fondle.