Cougar Awakening Read online

  A hush fell over the small crowd as Jana walked into the room. Charlie approached, taking her hand in his arm and escorting her to the bar. “What can I get you to drink, boss?”

  “Just a diet 7-Up if they have it.” She smiled as she scanned the room.

  “Boss, they always have diet 7-Up, as the caterer knows they would be fired if they didn’t have your favorite drink.” Charlie ordered a tall diet 7-Up and a beer.

  Jana smiled as she accepted the drink. “So, Charlie, how is everything going? Have the folks been here long? Is there anyone I need to single out to spend some time with? Any issues I need to be aware of before I get started?”

  “Boss, which question would you like me to answer first?”

  “All of them, Charlie, in the exact order I asked them!”

  “Okay here goes. Things are going well. Everyone is ahead of you in the drinking department, but that’s not unusual. They’ve all been here for at least ten minutes, but some have been here as long as twenty. No, there is no one in particular you need to spend time with. This is strictly a social event, a chance for your staff to put some faces with names for our key clients. There are no issues so just have fun and enjoy yourself.” Charlie lifted his glass and downed half of his beer. “Don’t forget you’re a cougar; you need to try that role.”

  “Charlie, I repeat, you’re crazy, but thanks for the info. I do intend to enjoy myself and I will take into consideration your cougar comment. Understand I’m no one’s cat.” She smiled as she went to her guests. She worked the room for thirty minutes: greeting, smiling, glad-handing, asking about children and spouses. Such power such control, I love it; it’s exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.

  She noticed Mike waiting in line at the bar, and took a moment to consider him. He wasn’t bad looking; in fact he was quite handsome. I bet he wouldn’t be happy if I told him he reminded me of a little boy all dressed up in his suit for Church. Jana smiled and watched him. He seemed to be gazing at her with a desperate look on his face. He is so cute…let’s try this cougar stuff on for size.

  Accentuating each movement for his benefit, she floated towards him and watched the color drain from his face. “Mike, are you okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am very fine. I’ve been watching you work your magic.”

  “Magic? You mean watching me do my job don’t you?”

  “Yes, ma’am, but you do it so easily and without a care in the world. It doesn’t really look like work to me - at least not the way you do it.”

  Jana couldn’t believe her eyes and ears. This young man, maybe in his early thirties was flirting with her. She decided to keep talking or he was going to slobber all over himself. “So, Mike, how do you like working for me?”

  “Oh, ma’am, I like it a lot. You’re the best, even when you’re angry with what we do; it’s great to work for you.”

  Jana leaned forward and softly whispered, “Mike, quit calling me ma’am.”

  “Yes ma’am, sorry ma’am,” Mike bit down on his lower lip realizing he’d not only said ma’am once but twice.

  “Mike, would you do me a favor?”

  “Absolutely, anything, just ask!” He was blushing again.

  “When you get your drink will you order me a diet 7-Up?”

  “Yes ma’am, uh, Ms Jana, I’ll take care of that right now.” Mike turned and immediately ran into the person in front of him. The line to the bar had not moved at all.

  Jana patted his arm. “Mike I’m going to sit down over there by that big palm plant. Please join me when you have the drinks.”

  “Not a problem, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  Mike watched her walk away, stopping to talk to two executives; her movements were exquisite as she established a position of authority on the sofa. She looked like a queen holding court, a queen with her legs crossed and her four-inch stiletto rocking back and forth. He smiled; this was the end to a perfect day, a day starting with a meeting in Jana’s office.

  Jana couldn’t believe it. Mike had to be pulling her leg. He behaved like one of those little boys on the school grounds that had a chance to hold hands with his best girl. Surely that wasn’t what was going on here.

  Charlie approached her with a grin on his face. “Told you so,” he chuckled and walked off.

  Mike returned, looking pleased. He had two diet 7-Ups, one in each hand. Jana looked at him with a questioning stare.

  Mike smiled, “I figured if you really like these I should learn to like them too.”

  Jana rolled her eyes and took a long drink. Where is a gun when you need it? Okay, let me try something else here. “Mike, were you planning on attending the dinner tonight?”

  “I thought about it, but I hadn’t made up my mind for sure, why?”

  Jana sipped at her drink, her green eyes peering over the top of the glass. “Would you mind being my escort for the evening?” She smiled a seductive smile - at least she hoped it was seductive. It had been a l-o-n-g time since she’d been consciously seductive.

  “Oh, ma’am, that would be fantastic!”

  She gently touched his arm. “Mike, you can’t do it if you call me ma’am anymore. Call me Jana; call me Ms Jana, but not ma’am, please.”

  “Yes, Ms Jana, I can do that and I’d love to be your escort this evening. I’ll even drive if you like. I can bring you back here if you want, or I can see if I can get one of the staff to take your car to your house. Then I can drop you off there after dinner.”

  Jana fought to suppress a chuckle. Her young paramour was obviously excited. “Don’t worry Mike; I’ll have Charlie take care of my car. It would be nice to be driven for a change. I would also be honored if you escorted me home.”

  Mike blushed from head to toe. He knew he was doing it, but every time he thought about how lucky he was to be escorting Ms Jana to dinner he blushed again. He found Charlie and informed him that Jana requested he take her car home. “Charlie, she asked me to escort her to dinner tonight.”

  Charlie smiled. Perhaps Jana would make this work. Maybe, just maybe she would let this young man show her the woman she was, and could be. He whispered to Mike, “Hold on tight brother, you are headed for one hell of a ride.”

  Mike recoiled in shock, then grinned and walked away. He scanned the room to find Jana. It was time to leave for dinner and he wanted to make sure she was ready. His heart fell when he found her talking to an older gentleman, slender, about her height. Jana was laughing and leaned over to kiss the man on the lips. Mike walked up and stood next to her.

  Jana acknowledged him with a nod and a wink. “Craig, this is Mike, my escort for the evening. Mike, this is Craig, my ex-husband,” she looked from one to the other waiting for a reaction.

  “Nice to meet you, Mike,” Craig gave Jana a questioning look.

  “Nice meeting you, Sir,” Mike responded as he stepped alongside Jana reaching for her hand and placing it at the bend of his arm.

  Jana watched Craig’s eyebrow rise slightly. “We better be off, don’t want to be late. It was good to see you Craig, talk to you later.”

  They walked to Mike’s BMW SUV. Jana was impressed; this was a young man with taste. Who knew? Maybe this evening wouldn’t be a total loss. If I could only get him to talk in full sentences it would be better. Mike opened the door and helped her in. It was quite a step up for a woman in high heels and a slim black cocktail dress, but she managed elegantly.

  “Do you mind stopping,” Jana pointed to the corner ahead, “at the little store up on our right so I can pick up some cigarettes?”

  “Not a problem. What brand do you smoke? I’ll get them for you.” He couldn’t remember her ever smoking. But if she wanted cigarettes he would get them for her.

  “A package of the vanilla flavored cigarillos. The smaller ones please, as they fit nicely in my cigarette case. I don’t smoke that much, but it’s often nice to enjoy one when I drink.” She took money from her purse and handed it to him.

  He returned with t
he cigarillos.

  “I appreciate you stopping and getting these for me. I meant to get them at lunch today, but I never got out of the office.” She opened the package, removed one and handed Mike the matches.

  Lighting the cigarillo, Mike inquired, “You never had lunch?”

  “No, unfortunately that happens a lot. I usually eat lunch in the early afternoon, but that depends on my schedule.”

  “Why doesn’t Charlie block time on your calendar for lunch every day?”

  “You know we tried that once, but I still didn’t eat when I should have, and blocking out time on my calendar just made my days longer. What kind of hours do you work as one of our contractors?” She lowered her window so that her smoke didn’t fill the car.

  “Actually I usually work mornings here and afternoons at the corporate office. I try to get to work early. I can get a lot done before the rest of my staff shows up.” He watched her finish the cigarette, imagining what her luscious lips could do to him. How can she be so casual and relaxed, can’t she feel the energy between us?

  “Yes, I know the feeling. Those first few hours in the morning are probably my most productive.” She reached over and patted Mike on the arm, a friendly gesture on her part, but one that sent Mike’s senses reeling.

  She touched me. This is the best day of my life. Mike continued to drive with a Cheshire cat grin on his face.

  Jana couldn’t figure out what made him smile, and she found it hard to believe it was because she had touched his sleeve. She hadn’t even touched skin! She was going to test Charlie’s theory when she arrived at the restaurant. Let’s see how he handles this next one if a simple touch is what put that look on his face.

  When Mike parked the SUV and came around to help Jana out she virtually slid off the seat. Reaching forward he collected her into his arms, his face falling into her hair, catching her scent. For a moment he held her close, reveling in the heat and softness that his arms enfolded. She kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks Mike, you saved me a broken ankle. Sometimes I forget that I have these heels on.”

  She turned and strutted away, pausing to turn again and look him in the eye, “Are you coming?”

  He was trying to understand what just happened. Did she kiss me? Yes, and it was great. His eyes focused on her legs and the stilettos she wore. I love those shoes, but maybe they aren’t a good idea. What am I saying, they’re a great idea. They make her legs sexy and show off the most beautiful calves I’ve ever seen. This evening just gets better and better.

  Mike and Jana entered the restaurant, aware of the quizzical looks they gathered. Jana stifled a chuckle; they’re probably trying to figure out if I’m with my son. Jana leaned close to Mike and whispered in his ear, “Let me lead the way.”

  Mike acknowledged her with a nod of his head, maneuvered her in front of him at the same time placing his hands possessively at her waist, and stepping behind her as they moved through the throng of people.

  Jana smiled and led Mike through the crowd. That should set the tongues wagging.

  Entering the banquet room, Jana walked to the head table. Mike stopped her, questioning her with his eyes on whether he should follow or find another seat. She took his hand and led him to their seats. Mike was with Jana, in front of his peers, and no one seemed to question that. Some of his friends were smiling and giving him a thumb’s up. What are they thinking? Who cares, I’m with Jana. The night just gets better and better.

  Mike struggled to remember his Grandmother’s admonitions about ‘what a gentleman does’, he held out Jana’s chair seating her at the table, and mimicked her as she unfolded the linen napkin and laid it on her lap. He was going to have to watch her close because his idea of a night out was pizza and beer. Hell, there was more silverware by his plate than he had in his entire kitchen. This could be fun, if I don’t screw it up.

  When salads miraculously appeared, Jana took the smallest fork to the left of her plate and Mike followed her lead. This woman is so elegant, so sophisticated and tonight she’s with me.

  Jana knew he was watching her and mimicking everything she did. I ought to eat the salad with my desert spoon and see what he does. She smiled at Mike and began eating. As she crossed her legs, her napkin slipped to the floor between them. Both she and Mike reached for it and they bumped heads.

  Mike retrieved her napkin and handed it to her, “Sorry.”

  “Not a problem, no damage done.” She laid her right hand over his, gave it a squeeze, and watched Mike blush as if she had ripped off his clothes. Oh no, where did that thought come from! She needed to concentrate on getting through the meal without embarrassing either of them.

  Mike surveyed the crowd and noticed several of his colleagues watching him. He smiled and acknowledged their eye contact. He could only surmise what they were talking about. He wasn’t worried about his current circumstances; after all sitting at the head table with the boss wasn’t all that unusual. Well, perhaps it was for him, but as the lead CPA for the firm he didn’t see it as a problem. Actually he was still trying to figure out exactly how he’d gotten so lucky.

  Jana whispered, “Penny for your thoughts.” She touched his arm.

  “You’d be getting the short end of that deal, I’m afraid.” Mike covered her hand with his.

  “Do you mind if I ask you a couple of personal questions?”

  “No-not at all.”

  “Okay, how long have you worked for me?”

  “Let’s see, I’ve been a CPA for about six years. I came to work for this company two years ago, about the same time you contracted with us for accounting support.”

  “That’s right,” Jana paused, “you don’t exactly work for me.”

  “True, as an independent contractor I work with you and not for you.” Mike studied Jana, trying to figure out where her semantic line of investigation was heading. “There is a fine line between the two.”

  “There is definitely a difference. That said,” Jana’s eyes met Mike’s, “do you have trouble remembering where your loyalties lay?”

  “No-at least not normally. I know my staff and I work with you, but I also know I work for you as you, your company, ultimately pay the bills for our services. If I don’t provide you the services you are expecting then our business relationship suffers.”

  Jana nodded and they continued to discuss business over dessert and coffee. She watched a small trio setting up; they would have dancing after the meal. She thought that was wonderful as she loved to dance. “Mike, do you dance?”

  “Yes, I do after a fashion. My mom made me take lessons when I was younger. It’s been a while, but I’m sure I can hold my own.”

  The band began with a soft ballad that had Jana humming the melody. Mike leaned over and took her hand, drawing her eyes to his as he stood. “May I have this dance?”

  “Thank you Mike, I would love to dance with you.” A sexy Rumba was just what she needed. Smiling, they took the floor. Although they were not the only couple dancing, they appeared to be the only couple who knew what they were doing.

  Mike watched the crowd as he danced with Jana. He particularly noticed her ex-husband watching them intently. Mike knew she’d been divorced for some time, but the man appeared to be in pain.

  Jana closed her eyes and swayed to the soft rhythm of the music. Her feet hurt and she knew dancing in the stilettos was going to give her nightmares, but she didn’t care. She was enjoying herself beyond measure. It’d been years, literally years, since a man had held her in their arms and danced with her, danced with her like he wanted to hold her forever. Mike was good for her ego, but what could she do for him? The music ended too soon, and Mike escorted her back to the table, his arm firmly around her waist.

  Jana watched him for a few minutes and decided they needed to leave. She wanted to take this to the next level, and she couldn’t do it here with everyone watching. “Let’s call it an evening, okay.”

  “Absolutely, do you need to say your good-byes, or can we just
leave?”

  “No, let’s just leave. Charlie will handle it from here.” She caught Charlie’s attention as she picked up her purse to leave. He smiled and mouthed the word C-O-U-G-A-R to her. She winked as she walked by his table and patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t wait up for me.”

  Charlie laughed out loud and Mike looked back at him with a quizzical look. “What was that all about?”

  Jana gave Mike a slow and sensuous smile. “Believe it or not, it was about a cat. Don’t ask!”

  Three

  Jana relaxed in the SUV allowing Mike to light another cigarillo for her. It’d been longer than she could remember when she’d spent a more enjoyable evening. As they approached her condo, Jana wondered whether she should invite Mike in for a drink or not. Glancing over at him, she smiled. He was quite handsome: sandy brown hair cut in a military style, large brown eyes and a smile that was to die for. No, it was too early for this night to be over; she definitely wanted Mike to stay longer.

  It didn’t hurt that Mike didn’t work directly for her. In fact, it made being with him a lot easier for her to rationalize. When she and Craig got their divorce, several of the single men in her company asked her out. She quickly realized it was hard to kiss someone one day, and admonish them the next for not doing their jobs. As a contractor for her company he worked with her, but not for her-exactly. Maybe I can expand our ‘working together’ premise. Yes, that is exactly what I want to do, the question is how.

  Mike parked the car, “Your chariot has arrived.”

  Jana shifted slightly facing him, “Would the chariot driver like to come in for a night cap?”

  “Actually, your chariot driver would enjoy that very much.” He blushed. I wonder what she expects me to do. I’ll just follow her lead.

  Jana took her keys from her purse and handed them to him so he could be chivalrous and unlock the door. He’d been a perfect gentleman all night, time now to figure out what else he was good for.

  Mike stumbled for the right words. “I had a great time tonight, and I want to thank you for letting me be your escort for the evening.”