Fresh Temptation

night. We’ll fly out first thing tomorrow morning. I’ll have you back here before the end of the next business day, if all goes well.”
    “Just so I understand, you want me there because you really need my help?” She paused for a deep breath. “And, you want to spend time with me?”
    “Yes. Please, don’t be nervous. I don’t like to play games.” With a lighthearted shrug, he added, “And I guess that means I’m not very good at this. I’m a simple man. I see something I want, I go after it. No games.”
    “And that’s why you offered me this job?”
    “That was a coincidence. I knew you had a need. I had a way to fill it. You shouldn’t have to struggle unnecessarily. If I’d met you another way, I’d still be interested. Trust me.”
    She scoffed inwardly. Trust him? If only it were that easy.
    Victor looked at his watch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be in meetings the rest of the day.” He gently tapped her knee. “Gary will have all the details to you before you go home this evening. That is, if you decide to come. And I hope you will.”
    Cara watched Victor reach for a folder on his desk, then stand and turn around in the direction of the door. “You’re leaving already?”
    Victor walked fast. With his hand on the doorknob he glanced at her over his shoulder. “You don’t think I’m stupid enough to attack you at work, do you?” He winked. “That’s what private planes are for.”
     
    * * *
     
    About two hours later, as Cara was browsing online for information about Houston, Rhonda appeared at her door.
    “Hey!” Rhonda said. “How’s it goin’ over here?”
    “Pretty good. How are you?”
    “Fine. So, you maybe wanna do that lunch today? Welcome you aboard? It’s been a week now.” Rhonda walked around Cara’s desk to stand beside her chair. She gawked at Cara’s monitor. “Houston, huh?”
    Cara instantly clicked away to a blank browser. “Yeah. Just researching a client.”
    “Mm hmm.” Rhonda’s voice got quiet. “I already heard your boss requested the company jet tomorrow. He taking you with him?”
    Cara struggled to keep her voice steady and not show her surprise at the question. “I don’t know yet.”
    “Oh.” Rhonda’s eyebrows shot up. “You don’t know yet? You mean, he gave you a choice?”
    I should’ve just said no. Cara mentally kicked herself for what she’d already told Rhonda. Daily, she received subtle warnings from Gary to keep Victor’s activities quiet. “No, he’s just not sure if he needs me. That’s all.”
    “Oh yeah? Well who’s he taking then? His trip request said there were two people. Gary never travels.”
    A throat cleared. Rhonda and Cara looked up to see Gary in the doorway, head cocked sideways as he glared at Rhonda.
    “How’d you hear about the trip request, hmm?” Gary asked. “Sally in accounts payable?”
    Rhonda smirked. “If you must know, it was my boss, Mr. Noonan. He was ranting about it in his office because he wanted the jet tomorrow but Barboza beat him to it.”
    “Well then,” Gary said, “I guess Mr. Noonan will have to settle for brushing his legs against the commoners in first class. Or worse.” He let out a small gasp and brought his hand to his chest. “Coach!”
    Rhonda and Gary shared a hearty laugh as Cara closed the browser Rhonda had caught her using.
    After Rhonda settled down, she said, “Well, for what it’s worth, if it were me, I’d love to get that man alone in an airplane.” She made a grunt of approval. “Yes, Victor Barboza could take me on an airplane. An elevator. A backseat.”
    Gary’s eyes rolled. “I’m aware.”
    “Oh, please,” Rhonda said to Gary. “Don’t act like you haven’t thought about it.”
    Gary squared his shoulders, his eyes playful. “Look, you can have your little trashy conversations with the sluts over there in acquisitions but here in Mr. Barboza’s department we keep it classy.” He grinned.
    “Oh, get over yourself. So, how about lunch today?” Rhonda waggled her eyebrows at Cara.
    “How rude.” Gary scoffed. “I’m standing right here.”
    Rhonda sighed. “Oh, you can come too, I guess.”
    “Great,” Gary said. “Cara? You in?”
    “Sure,” Cara said. “You guys pick the restaurant.”
    “Sounds good to me.” Rhonda smiled and walked past Gary to go back to her office. “I have a few things to do before we leave. Meet you guys downstairs at noon.”
    As soon as she left, Gary stepped outside