And Dianne sometimes to get her way would say, “Darling, you know I’m right.”
She was careful to do this only when we were alone. I no longer suspected something was different between Dianne and I. It clearly was, but where was this going.
When we were implementing the new software we were having issues with one of the modules. She told me that one of the women she met at the training was really good with that portion and she called her and got the problem resolved. We were sitting at her desk and I was sitting beside her looking at the computer screen.
When she hung up the phone she described the woman and asked if I remember her. I did remember her and then she described another man at the conference and said that the two of them had been having an affair. I was shocked. “How do you know this,” I said?
“Oh darling, women gossip, she told me one night after dinner when we were drinking.” Dianne explained.
She went on to tell me about others within the company she had learned about, that were having affairs.
Dianne then looked at me with a sparkle in her eyes and said, “Looks like almost everyone in this company is having an affair. I guess we missed the memo.”
Just then, her phone rang and someone came to the door asking for me to come to their department. As I walked out the door she put her hand over the receiver.
“See you later, darling,” she said in a hushed voice and laughed.
Damn, how was I to process this. Was this a signal? Was she indicating she was open to an affair? Our banter had become so witty this could be her just being playful.
What was that sparkle in her eye, was she showing me her desire or was it her feeling privileged to share juicy gossip. What was I going to do? I couldn’t propose anything or make the first move. I was her boss. If I was wrong about any of this she could file a sexual harassment complaint. I puzzled over this for weeks. I was in agony.
Intentionally or unintentionally, she had sent my desire into overload. My masturbation sessions were no longer enough. I had to know if she felt the same way, but how? I then devised a plan.
The next time she called me darling I said, “Dianne let’s get serious for a minute. I have enjoyed playing around with this, as you clearly have, but it could cause a problem.”
“What do you mean Bob? You know I’m just having fun with you.”
“Well, it’s a little unfair. I like clowning around too, but if I said something the wrong way, or you took it the wrong way I could be sued for sexual harassment.”
“I totally get your point, understood. I certainly don’t want to put you in a compromising situation.”
“And another thing if someone overheard, didn’t understand and thought we really had something going on and told either my wife or your husband. It might be hard to explain.”
“That’s a good point too. We really should tone it down so we can keep it a secret.” giggled and walked out of the room.
Damn her. I thought I had a full proof plan. But you can now see what I’m talking about with the playful banter and matching wits. She is playing with me. She knew I was digging for an answer, but wasn’t about to give me one. When she said “good point, understood” at least she knows now I can’t proposition her. I guess the balls in her court I will just have to wait and see what happens.
The next month our division was to receive an environmental award from the local Chamber of Commerce for a recycling program that Dianne had put in place. There’s a lunch banquet and awards ceremony in the ballroom of a local hotel. Dianne tells me she wants me to go with her to receive the award, she wants the division manager there because there undoubtedly will be photos taken and doesn’t want to be standing alone.
The day of the ceremony Dianne comes in; she is wearing a low cut blouse, nice slacks, put on some make-up, she has done her hair, and is wearing at least 5″ heels. It takes my breath. I have never seen her like this. I am blown away. I think to myself, how did I ever see her as anything but desirable? While I am enjoying it immensely, I feel disappointed that she has not done this for me but for the pictures at the award ceremony.
I come to her office when it is time to go and say, “You ready to go?”
She says, “Yes, let me just get this file. It is my speech in case I have to say a few words.”
She opens the bottom drawer of her desk and bends over looking for the file. I can see down her shirt, and before I can catch it, let out an audible gasp. She doesn’t acknowledge it and we get into my car and head to the event.
On the way she says she is nervous, and I say, “Dianne, you have nothing to be nervous about. You are an extremely intelligent and articulate woman. And you can file a sexual harassment claim against me if you want but you look gorgeous today.”
I look over at her and she is blushing, she looks at me so lovingly.
“Thank you darling.” she says, in a different tone, no laughter and looks sincere.
As we walk into the event we walk arm and arm and I am so proud to have her on my arm. We sat through lunch. I can’t take my eyes off of her. Occasionally she notices, looks me plainly in the eye and smiles sweetly. I’m glad my hard-on subsided by the time the award presentation and photos happened. When the event is over we are walking through the lobby, she grabs my arm and pulls me onto an elevator and hits a button. I said, “What are you doing?”