134
The office was finally winding down, the hum of printers and ringing phones fading into quiet. Amanda packed up her tablet, slipping it into her bag, but instead of heading for the door like usual, she turned toward Ericka's office.
She found Ericka still at her desk, flipping through notes with her usual sharp focus. Amanda leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, her smirk playful.
"Come on, boss," she said, tilting her head. "Close the laptop. Tonight, I'm taking you out."
Ericka glanced up, brow arching. "Out? It's been a long day, Amanda. I'd rather just—"
"Nope," Amanda interrupted, striding in and plucking the pen right out of Ericka's hand. "You've been in CEO mode all day. You celebrated me, and I love you for it. But now it's my turn to celebrate you. No work, no stress—just us."
Ericka leaned back in her chair, studying her. "And where exactly are you planning to take me?"
Amanda only smirked, holding out her hand. "It's a surprise. But you'll need to get dressed up. Properly dressed up."
For once, Ericka hesitated, thrown off balance. "You're serious."
"Completely." Amanda's voice softened, her eyes catching hers. "You've been carrying so much—this company, this campaign, everything. Let me carry you tonight. Let me give you something special."
Something in Ericka's expression cracked, her shoulders loosening as she slowly stood. Amanda reached for her bag, ready to whisk her away before Ericka could argue again.
As they left the building together, staff still lingering in the lobby whispered among themselves, wide-eyed to see Ericka following Amanda's lead for once.
In the car, Ericka finally turned to her, lips curving into the faintest smile. "You do realize I'm not used to being told what to do, right?"
Amanda leaned closer, her voice low and teasing. "Then consider tonight practice. Because you're mine, Ericka—and tonight I'm showing you exactly what that means."
For the first time all day, Ericka laughed. Not the polished CEO laugh she gave in boardrooms, but something real, something soft. She settled back into the seat, her hand brushing against Amanda's.
"Alright," she murmured. "Surprise me."
The ride back to the penthouse carried a buzz of quiet electricity.
Amanda sat with her knee bouncing, stealing glances at Ericka like she couldn't quite believe she got to call her hers.
Every time Ericka shifted in her seat, the subtle brush of her perfume filled the air, sending Amanda's thoughts straight to the night ahead.
By the time the elevator opened onto their floor, Amanda was practically restless with anticipation. The moment the front door closed behind them, she set her bag down and clapped her hands once.
"Alright, boss lady," Amanda teased, loosening her tie as she walked into the bedroom. "Tonight, I'm taking you out properly. Go change. I want you to look like sin wrapped in silk."
Ericka raised a brow, smirking as she tugged her suit jacket off and draped it across the chair. "You're very sure of yourself."
Amanda grinned, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed. "Not sure. Just right. I know what I want."
That earned her a small laugh before Ericka disappeared into the walk-in closet.
Amanda took the chance to get ready herself, slipping into a charcoal-gray tailored suit, crisp white shirt, and a deep green tie—subtle, but meant to match her.
She checked her reflection in the mirror, adjusted her cuffs, and thought she looked good. Confident, put together.
But when Ericka finally emerged, Amanda almost forgot how to breathe.
The dress clung in all the right places, emerald satin that shimmered with every soft move she made.
A thigh-high slit hinted at smooth skin when she walked, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood floor.
Her hair, usually pinned tight for work, fell in deliberate waves, and her lips were painted in a shade that looked designed to undo Amanda.
Amanda froze mid-motion, tie still half-adjusted, eyes wide. "Holy..." Her voice broke into a laugh, low and husky. "You're going to ruin me, Ericka Mathews. I can't take you anywhere like this."
Ericka smirked, pausing in the doorway with all the grace of someone who knew she was a vision. "You're staring, Amanda."
"I can't stop," Amanda admitted without shame, stepping closer until she could feel the warmth of her. Her hands found Ericka's waist, fingers splaying against satin. "God, you look—no, you are—perfect."
Before Ericka could reply, Amanda pulled her in for a kiss.
It was fierce, hungry, as though she needed to taste her right then and there.
Ericka melted into it immediately, her hand sliding up Amanda's chest, threading into her hair, holding her in place.
Amanda pressed her back against the wall, deepening the kiss, their breaths tangling, satin rustling against wool.
When Amanda finally pulled back, she rested her forehead against Ericka's, groaning. "Shit... we're gonna be late."
Ericka laughed softly, lips brushing Amanda's jaw as she whispered, "Maybe that wouldn't be such a tragedy."
Amanda's hand skimmed down her hip, gripping lightly, her body aching to ignore the reservation. "Don't tempt me to cancel, baby. I set this up for you. Candles, wine list, food I can't even pronounce—I want to do this right."
Ericka's smirk softened into something tender, her eyes glinting with affection. She kissed Amanda once more—slower, lingering, sweet—before finally pulling back. "Fine. But you're lucky I want to see what you've planned almost as much as I want to keep you right here."
Amanda exhaled, forcing herself to release her hold and step back. She straightened her tie with shaking fingers. "We'll finish this later."
Ericka picked up her clutch, the slit in her dress flashing as she moved toward the door. "Count on it."