Second Chances (Chapter 19)
Title: Second Chances
Author: VampireMadonna
Pairing: Main: YunJae; Secondary: JaeMin, HoMin
Rating: PG-13
Length: Chaptered
Summary: After Changmin's death, how are Jae and Yunho going to cope with their grief and their increasing attraction to each other?
“Eeeek!”
Yunho chuckled, glancing at Jae affectionately as he opened the door to his office building, allowing Jae to precede him.
“I don’t think anyone has ever been as happy to go to work as you are.”
Jae scoffed, striding confidently across the foyer of the tall building, taking in the vaulted glass ceilings and the polished Italian marble.
“I loved going to work, for your information. I built that place from the ground up. Well, not literally, but you know what I mean. Every inch of space has my stamp of approval. It’s my second home.”
Yunho smiled. He could relate to that. His father had built his business from scratch as well and Yunho had had the pleasure of seeing him do it in the early years of his life before things had really taken off. His father started in a tiny one-room office but worked his way up to the impressive structure that the business was now housed, which he’d also designed. They shared the building with his uncle’s construction company, who they also contracted with during their projects. He too had built his business from the ground up. The brothers had been able to lean on and support each other during the tough times, seeing their dreams come to fruition. Now their sons carried on their legacies. It was a beautiful thing.
When they entered the elevator, Yunho pressed his floor number and watched the doors close silently. In the reflection of the mirror that walled the elevator, he saw Jae twitching nervously, his fingers flexing around the basket he held to his chest like a shield.
Chuckling, he leaned into Jae’s back, lifted his hands and gently began to massage his shoulders.
“Relax.”
Jae bit his lip. “What if they don’t like it?”
Yunho laughed. “Anyone who dislikes your cooking has clearly got no taste. I’ll fire them,” he said solemnly.
Jae smiled, his muscles relaxing beneath Yunho’s gentle ministrations. “You’re so silly.”
“I will!” Yunho swore, eyes wide with innocent conviction.
“Be careful what you promise. I might hold you to it,” Jae teased, chuckling softly.
When the bell dinged, signifying that they’d reached their floor, Yunho gave Jae one last squeeze then dropped his hands as the doors slid open. They stepped out and Yunho took the lead, walking down the thickly carpeted hall.
As they walked by and people greeted Yunho, by his name Jae was surprised to see, Yunho introduced him to them one by one until they’d all begun to crowd around him, fascinated by his very being and the fact that Yunho had actually brought him to work.
They stopped at the reception area and Jae opened his basket of goodies revealing cupcakes, cookies, tiny pastries and the like that he had spent all night prepping and woken up early to bake so that they would be fresh. When his ears were tickled with sighs and moans of delight, he was immensely pleased. More and more people showed up as word spread about his delectible treats. He glanced at Yunho, saw the look of pride on his face, and felt a blush stain his cheeks.
“Jae, this is fabulous.”
The words came from the tall, striking, auburn-haired young woman standing to his right. Lee Hana was Yunho’s project manager. She and Jae had hit it off instantly. When she’d put out her hand to shake his, he got a whiff of her expensive perfume, commented on it and they’d launched into a conversation about their favorite brands and scents. She had great taste.
“I can see why Yunho works at home so much. If your desserts are this wonderful, I can only imagine what magic you whip up in the kitchen for your main courses.”
Jae’s blush deepened and Yunho cleared his throat.
They continued to chat while people filed in and out to sample his fare and when the last visitor returned to their cubicle, he packed up the remnants, which consisted of the basket and nothing else, he promised to stop by Hana’s office later before following Yunho to his.
It was a wide, open space consisting of three glass walls: one looking out onto the front of the building and the park across the street, one opposite and the one that his desk faced. It allowed him to see the his staff buzzing to and fro around him but if he wanted privacy, it was just a matter of closing the blinds, which Jae promtly did once they entered the office.
“So… What do you think?” Yunho asked, setting his briefcase down and perching on the edge of his desk.
Jae put his basket down beside the door and twirled around Yunho’s office. It was minimally but tastefully decorated, which suited Yunho’s personality: all business, little fuss, but still classy.
“It’s a beautiful building,” he replied. “The ceiling…all that glass and the marble. They’re gorgeous. And whoever designed and decorated the hall, the offices, did a wonderful job. Two thumbs up.”
Yunho smiled. “The Jae stamp of approval. I’m honored.”
“You should be…” Jae grinned.
Suddenly, a mischievous glint came into his eyes.
“You know… You have this nice, big office all to yourself…” He slowly approached Yunho. “And you being the boss, the master of all that surrounds you, is kind of…arousing. It gives one ideas.” Jae slid his arms around Yunho’s neck, letting his words hang in the air.
“Jae… We can’t.” Despite his words, his hands slid around Jae’s waist, molding him to his length.
“Who’s going to stop us?” Jae whispered, a second before his lips met Yunho’s, gently massaging the soft curves.
Yunho’s mouth opened instantly, his tongue seeking and finding Jae’s. He slid further back on the desk, his thighs parting so that Jae could fit between them snugly.
It wasn’t long before he lost himself in the kiss. The slick friction of their gliding tongues was too reminiscent of the charge and retreat of his cock when it was deeply embedded in Jae’s tight sheath. Just the mere thought of it triggered an echo in his trousers as he felt himself harden. His hands tightened around Jae’s waist and he pulled him closer, unconsciously pressing Jae to his erection as he jerked his hips forward.
Somehow, before things got out of hand, he managed to recall exactly where they were and what they were about to do before he laid Jae across his desk and plunged into him. With one last swipe of his tongue across Jae’s plump lips, he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Jae’s, his breathing quick and shallow.
“We can’t,” he gasped.
Jae pouted. “Why not?”
“Because… This is a place of business. I would never allow my employees to conduct this type of activity in the office and I hold myself to the same code.”
Jae rolled his eyes.
“Besides…” He pulled Jae into him again, sliding forward so he could feel the full impact of his hardness. “We both know that once I start, it takes hours before I’m ready to stop and I don’t think our absence will go unnoticed that long, not to mention that I’d much rather lay you down in a bed than across my desk, regardless of how hot I think you’d look there, sprawled and spread butt naked for my eyes and my eyes alone.”
Jae shivered at the thought.
Yunho set him away from him and stood up. “Now, go find something to entertain yourself with.” He patted Jae on the butt then moved past him to round the desk and take his seat.
Sulking, Jae walked to the corner near the glass window and plopped onto the large, leather couch.
Thank goodness he’d brought some magazines to occupy his time. Apparently, it was going to be a long day.
Two weeks later…
Jae checked on the laundry then walked into the kitchen to check on lunch. The pie was rising nicely in the oven but it still had another twenty minutes to go.
Bored, he wandered into Yunho’s office to see if he wanted or needed anything. He’d undertaken a huge project and had started working from his home office a couple days a week since he said he was able to concentrate better.
Jae stood in the doorway watching him for a moment. He was on another video conference call. He’d had at least five already that morning between the office and his clients. He wore what appeared to be a suit, comprised of a jacket and shirt, but Jae knew that beneath the desk he wore simple shorts and house slippers.
Smiling to himself, he walked to the curtains, drew them back and opened the windows. It was a beautiful day outside. Summer was coming and the weather had drastically changed from just a mere month ago. He took a deep breath and expelled it on a contented sigh. He loved summer.
Turning back to Yunho, he watched as he talked to whoever was onscreen while sketching something or other. Yunho was incredibly talented and he was proud of him but the hours were beginning to take their toll. He could see the strain around his eyes, his mouth. He was going to bed late every night and waking up early every morning. Jae knew that it was bound to get worse as the project progressed. He needed to find a way to get him to relax.
He walked in front of Yunho’s desk and stared at him for a minute. Yunho continued to talk and sketch, not even glancing in his direction. Brows furrowing, he put his hands on his hips and began tapping his feet. The floor was carpeted so it made no sound but Yunho could see him, he was sure of it.
He was beginning to get irritated. He didn’t like being ignored. He’d never ignored Yunho when he’d…
A light switched on in his head.
On a few occasions, he’d been on the phone, both for business and pleasure, and Yunho had… distracted him to the point where he was forced to end the call abruptly or risk embarrassing himself. He’d sworn to pay him back.
Well… Two can play that game, he thought with a smirk.
Dropping to his knees, he crawled around Yunho’s desk to his side. He looked up and saw Yunho glance down at him questioningly before refocusing on the image on the screen. Frowning, he pushed Yunho’s legs aside roughly and squeezed his way beneath the desk. Thankfully, Yunho was a tall man so once he’d made it past his legs, the space was actually quite roomy.
Chuckling to himself, he stroked his palms up Yunho’s bare calves, slowly, teasingly. Yunho tried to shift his legs away but he slid his hands inward and pushed his thighs apart, fitting himself between Yunho’s legs and rising to his knees so that he could rest his elbows on Yunho’s lap. He tickled his way up to the waistband of Yunho’s shorts, internally squealing at his luck when he tugged it down and found that Yunho wore no underwear beneath it.
He didn’t waste any time but went straight to work. He grasped Yunho’s shaft and looked up at him again. This time Yunho’s attention was on him, even though he continued to speak to whoever was on the screen. Jae smiled wickedly and licked his lips slowly, flicking his tongue out to touch the tip of Yunho’s cock. He was already semi-erect but that little action sent him to full mast in Jae’s hand. Laughing gleefully, Jae looked at the thick, leaking head and licked it again before closing his mouth around it.
He had missed having Yunho in his mouth, tasting him. Yunho usually assaulted his senses during their lovemaking, taking him so hard and swiftly that he rarely got a chance to participate, to return the pleasure that Yunho always gave to him. He wanted to take his time, to savor the smooth, silky texture of the thin skin surrounding the tight mass of muscle, but his joy at having Yunho in his mouth and his eagerness to taste his cream had him massaging his balls with his free hand and stroking his shaft faster than he’d intended with the other. His mouth slid up and down in tandem, his tongue rolling across the tip, slicing between the slit. He sighed inwardly every time he was rewarded with a small spurt of precum.
Yunho couldn’t keep still anymore. He’d stopped sketching and laid a hand on top of Jae’s head, guiding his movements, fisting his hand in his hair whenever Jae scraped him with his teeth. His breathing was becoming labored and it was harder for him to concentrate on what he was supposed to be talking about. Eventually, he gave up and said, “Sorry, I’ll have to get back to you. Something’s come up,” then immediately disconnected the call.
“I am so going to get you for this,” he swore, spreading his thighs further and thrusting upward into Jae’s mouth.
Jae chuckled around his mouthful of cock but said nothing. He could tell that Yunho was close and he didn’t want to miss a single drop.
No sooner had he finished the thought than Yunho’s grip tightened in his hair again, forcing his thick head further down Jae’s throat, and he erupted in Jae’s mouth. Jae continued stroking him but didn’t swallow as his mouth filled with Yunho’s spunk. When Yunho had finally stopped ejaculating, he slid off of him and let his essence lay on his tongue a minute so he could fully absorb the flavor before he swallowed. He took Yunho into his mouth again, cleaning him with his tongue, then swept his tongue across his teeth and lips, making sure he got every last bit of cum.
“Fuck, that was hot,” Yunho breathed, eyes smoldering with lust after watching a hungry Jae clean him with his tongue.
Licking his lips again, Jae crawled up Yunho’s body and straddled his hips.
“See? Payback isn’t so bad after all.”
A few days later, Jae sat in the dining room staring at the clock. It was 7:00pm. Yunho was going to be late again.
He’d called to say that he was working overtime at the office so Jae wasn’t surprised but… He missed him. He felt like he hardly saw him lately. They hadn’t even made love since that day in his home office. The project was nearing completion and Yunho was becoming even more scarce. It would all be over soon, Yunho assured him, and he was immensely thankful for that but it didn’t change the fact that he was lonely. There was hardly anything to do around the house and he couldn’t do much of his own work from halfway across the world. He really missed being busy.
His boredom aside, he was also worried about Yunho. He was spending so much time working lately, whether at the office or at home, that he’d lost weight from skipping meals so often. If Jae didn’t force him to stop and have a meal, sometimes he’d forget to eat altogether. He wished there was something he could do to help ease his burden or at least make sure he ate properly.
Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. Why hadn’t he thought of it before?
He could surprise Yunho with dinner. It was already cooked, just a matter of dishing it out and driving over to the office. He was sure that Yunho would appreciate it and maybe he needed a little break but just didn’t know it yet.
He started to get up then had a change of heart. The project was really important. He knew how it was to be focused and keeping a steady pace then have that focus interrupted. He didn’t want to do that to Yunho, even if he meant well, and he knew that Yunho was too nice to turn him away even if he felt the slightest irritation.
What to do, what to do…?
It couldn’t be helped, he decided. He’d text Yunho and leave it up to him. As he took out the phone and typed the text, he promised himself that he wouldn’t feel rejected if Yunho turned down his offer.
Yunho had just taken off his glasses to rub his strained eyes when his phone signaled that he’d received a text message. Picking it up, he opened it.
I know you’re probably working too hard and forgot to eat (again!). Want me to bring you some dinner?
He smiled, warmth blooming in his chest, and typed a reply.
I’d love nothing more than to have dinner with you, babe, but you don’t need to drive all the way over here. I’ll grab something from the cafeteria. The sooner I’m done, the sooner I can get home to you.
He sighed and took a sip of water. He was so tired that he didn’t even feel hungry but he knew his body needed nourishment. He hadn’t eaten since he’d left the house. He almost wished Jae had just come over without asking first.
His phone beeped again and he opened the message.
Okay. Text me when you’re leaving the office.
Jae was so sweet, always worrying about him, taking care of him. He knew that Jae understood but he felt bad about neglecting him so much lately. It couldn’t be helped but he still felt guilty. He really missed him too. He needed him to know that.
I miss you ♥
A reply came immediately.
Me too.
There was a blushing emoticon next to it and Yunho smiled at the cuteness of it. He really missed his Joongie, his adorable, blushing, sweet, sexy, soft, caring…
He groaned. He could go on and on. There weren’t enough and yet too many words to describe Jae.
Sighing, he stood and walked to the door. As he stepped out into the hallway, he was greeted by silence. Most of the office had emptied since 5:30, he hadn’t seen a soul since 6:00.
He made his way to the break room, knowing that the cafeteria was closed at that hour. There was bound to be something there: half a sandwich or a yogurt or something.
Five minutes later, he walked dejectedly away from the room. His search had turned up nothing. Not a single crumb. Either his workers were major foodies who couldn’t not eat everything in sight or they had trust issues and took their munchies home with them at the end of the day. He sighed and shuffled his way down the hall.
He was more than a little surprised when he heard music drifting out of one of the offices. Looking up, he saw Hana leaning back in her swivel chair, munching on what looked like a powdered doughnut. His mouth watered. He could already taste the sugar.
Just then, she looked up and their eyes met. She smiled and waved him in.
He pushed open the door.
“Hey, boss. Stretching your legs?”
“I thought everyone left an hour ago.” His eyes fell to the doughnut in her hand, shifted to the box on the table and his mouth flooded. “Where’d you get that?”
“Oh, I decided to put in some extra hours. This is my overtime snack of choice.” Seeing the hunger in his eyes, she pushed the box towards him. “Help yourself to one…or two,” she amended with a chuckle as he sat opposite her and placed one on a napkin in front of him while reaching for another.
They ate in silence, lost in the soft strains of the opera and the sinful comfort of the dough and sugar in their bellies.
After polishing off a third doughnut, Yunho expressed his gratitude then made his way back to his office. He felt marginally better. He took a bottle of water from his mini-fridge, made a mental note to stock some snacks, then put his nose to the grindstone yet again.
Thirty minutes later, he raised his head when there was a knock at the door.
Hana opened it and leaned in. “Hey boss, I’m heading out.”
“Oh, okay. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
She closed the door then reopened it ten seconds later. “On second thought, how about some help? I feel bad leaving you here all alone. You already work harder than all of us, it isn’t fair for you to be pushing yourself even more while we get to crawl into bed and catch some shut-eye.”
Yunho started to shake his head and was about to politely reject her offer when she raised a hand to stop him.
“Yunho. I can see how exhausted you are. You looked like you were about drop when you walked into my office, like you’d fall asleep where you stood. Let me just help you get to where you feel comfortable stopping tonight so you can go home and get some much needed sleep. Please.”
Yunho looked at her, saw the sincerity in her eyes, heard it in her voice. Most bosses would kill for an employee like her.
He smiled. “Okay, fine. One more hour then I’m stopping wherever I am. My eyes are gritty and I can barely keep them open.”
They worked well together. They were both spear-heading the project so he only had to fill her in on what he’d been personally working on. He was surprised to find that he enjoyed having someone to bounce ideas off of, who was able to understand his vision immediately. Before he knew it, the hour had passed.
“You said an hour, boss. Time to hit the road,” Hana reminded him.
He chuckled. “Anxious to get home, are you?”
She nodded. “I plan to soak in the tub with a glass, or two, of my favorite merlot then fall face down on my bed and slip into a coma for the next seven or so hours.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Hana went back to her office to grab her bag and Yunho texted Jae to let him know that he was on his way. They locked up, waved to the security guards on the way out, and as he was about to say goodbye to her outside, the rain suddenly started pouring.
“What the hell?” he swore. The sun had shone all day, there hadn’t been a hint of a rain cloud.
“Dammit. Just what I need.”
“Where are you parked?” he asked.
“I carpooled today,” she answered wryly. “Of all the luck.”
He didn’t hesitate for a minute. “Wait here.”
He ran out from under the front archway over the semi-circular drive to his car, which was parked in the closest spot to the building, reserved for the CEO. He dove in as soon as the lock deactivated. He wasn’t very wet, luckily, but he still felt the chill to the bone.
He drove up beneath the archway and threw open the door for Hana, who climbed in quickly, then took off.
“Which way?” he asked. He’d never been to her home so he had no idea where she lived.
“Oh, you can drop me at the nearest bus station.”
Yunho cast her a sidelong glance. “I’m not going to kick you out in this weather. Now, where to?”
“Well, if you’re sure. But I did warn you…”
She gave him her address, which was in the opposite direction that he needed to go, but he’d already committed to taking her home and the weather was horrible. If she hadn’t stayed to help him, she would’ve been home already so he felt responsible.
When they stopped at a red light, he took out his phone to text Jae.
Going to be late. Weather’s horrible and I have to drop someone home. Will be as quick as I can.
Five seconds later a response came.
Take your time on the road. Be safe.
His heart fluttered at Jae’s concern, athough he should’ve been used to it by now.
“Jae must miss you a lot these days. He’s probably really worried at the moment,” Hana commented.
Yunho smiled but said nothing.
The rest of the drive passed in companiable silence, with little bouts of idle chatter here and there.
Twenty minutes later, Yunho pulled up to a split-level town house in a quiet little suburb, much like the one where he lived. He had to admit, he was a little surprised. Hana was a young, modern, efficient woman and she seemed more the type to live in a high-end condo or luxury apartment than a town house. Anything with the word ‘house’ in it signified home to him, meaning that the person who lived there was a nester and intended to have a family to fill that home one day. He’d never really thought about it, just assumed. Most young singles preferred to live in apartments with autommated locks, key codes and security personnel to ensure that they were safe and their privacy was ensured as they came and went as they pleased. A house was only as secure as you made it.
“Thanks for the lift, boss,” Hana said, breaking him out of his thoughts.
“Let me grab my coat and walk you to your door,” he offered, grabbing said coat from the backseat.
“You don’t have to…” she began.
Yunho smiled, turning off the engine. “It’s a good fifteen feet to your door, you’re going to be drenched by the time you reach it.”
Before she could speak again, he opened his door and jumped out, slamming it as he raced around to her side. He opened her door quickly and she wasted no time climbing out and closing it behind her as he threw the coat over their heads and they made a mad dash up her walk to her front door.
When they were out of the rain, he dropped his hands and surveyed the damage. Hana was dry, for the most part, but he looked like he had taken a shower with his clothes on.
“I guess it was too much to hope for,” he muttered.
Hana unlocked the door, opening it as she turned to him. “Yunho, I’m so sorry.”
He smiled and shook out his coat. “It’s fine. What could you do?”
She bit her lip worriedly as she surveyed his wet, disheveled form. “Do you want to come in for a bit? Dry up some and have a cup of tea before you get back on the road?”
Yunho shook his head. “I should probably just get going, get my ‘baths’ over with as soon as possible,” he chuckled.
Just then a strong breeze whipped up and the chill it brought with it felt like being stabbed by icicles. He couldn’t suppress the shiver that traveled through his body.
Hana frowned, becoming more concerned. “Are you sure?”
He glanced at her, then looked towards his car, which was barely visible in the dark with the rain pounding down around them. He heard thunder in the distance and decided that something hot was exactly what the doctor ordered.
“Maybe just one cup,” he said, stepping into the entryway as she moved back to make room for him.
Chapter 19b
Author: VampireMadonna
Pairing: Main: YunJae; Secondary: JaeMin, HoMin
Rating: PG-13
Length: Chaptered
Summary: After Changmin's death, how are Jae and Yunho going to cope with their grief and their increasing attraction to each other?
“Eeeek!”
Yunho chuckled, glancing at Jae affectionately as he opened the door to his office building, allowing Jae to precede him.
“I don’t think anyone has ever been as happy to go to work as you are.”
Jae scoffed, striding confidently across the foyer of the tall building, taking in the vaulted glass ceilings and the polished Italian marble.
“I loved going to work, for your information. I built that place from the ground up. Well, not literally, but you know what I mean. Every inch of space has my stamp of approval. It’s my second home.”
Yunho smiled. He could relate to that. His father had built his business from scratch as well and Yunho had had the pleasure of seeing him do it in the early years of his life before things had really taken off. His father started in a tiny one-room office but worked his way up to the impressive structure that the business was now housed, which he’d also designed. They shared the building with his uncle’s construction company, who they also contracted with during their projects. He too had built his business from the ground up. The brothers had been able to lean on and support each other during the tough times, seeing their dreams come to fruition. Now their sons carried on their legacies. It was a beautiful thing.
When they entered the elevator, Yunho pressed his floor number and watched the doors close silently. In the reflection of the mirror that walled the elevator, he saw Jae twitching nervously, his fingers flexing around the basket he held to his chest like a shield.
Chuckling, he leaned into Jae’s back, lifted his hands and gently began to massage his shoulders.
“Relax.”
Jae bit his lip. “What if they don’t like it?”
Yunho laughed. “Anyone who dislikes your cooking has clearly got no taste. I’ll fire them,” he said solemnly.
Jae smiled, his muscles relaxing beneath Yunho’s gentle ministrations. “You’re so silly.”
“I will!” Yunho swore, eyes wide with innocent conviction.
“Be careful what you promise. I might hold you to it,” Jae teased, chuckling softly.
When the bell dinged, signifying that they’d reached their floor, Yunho gave Jae one last squeeze then dropped his hands as the doors slid open. They stepped out and Yunho took the lead, walking down the thickly carpeted hall.
As they walked by and people greeted Yunho, by his name Jae was surprised to see, Yunho introduced him to them one by one until they’d all begun to crowd around him, fascinated by his very being and the fact that Yunho had actually brought him to work.
They stopped at the reception area and Jae opened his basket of goodies revealing cupcakes, cookies, tiny pastries and the like that he had spent all night prepping and woken up early to bake so that they would be fresh. When his ears were tickled with sighs and moans of delight, he was immensely pleased. More and more people showed up as word spread about his delectible treats. He glanced at Yunho, saw the look of pride on his face, and felt a blush stain his cheeks.
“Jae, this is fabulous.”
The words came from the tall, striking, auburn-haired young woman standing to his right. Lee Hana was Yunho’s project manager. She and Jae had hit it off instantly. When she’d put out her hand to shake his, he got a whiff of her expensive perfume, commented on it and they’d launched into a conversation about their favorite brands and scents. She had great taste.
“I can see why Yunho works at home so much. If your desserts are this wonderful, I can only imagine what magic you whip up in the kitchen for your main courses.”
Jae’s blush deepened and Yunho cleared his throat.
They continued to chat while people filed in and out to sample his fare and when the last visitor returned to their cubicle, he packed up the remnants, which consisted of the basket and nothing else, he promised to stop by Hana’s office later before following Yunho to his.
It was a wide, open space consisting of three glass walls: one looking out onto the front of the building and the park across the street, one opposite and the one that his desk faced. It allowed him to see the his staff buzzing to and fro around him but if he wanted privacy, it was just a matter of closing the blinds, which Jae promtly did once they entered the office.
“So… What do you think?” Yunho asked, setting his briefcase down and perching on the edge of his desk.
Jae put his basket down beside the door and twirled around Yunho’s office. It was minimally but tastefully decorated, which suited Yunho’s personality: all business, little fuss, but still classy.
“It’s a beautiful building,” he replied. “The ceiling…all that glass and the marble. They’re gorgeous. And whoever designed and decorated the hall, the offices, did a wonderful job. Two thumbs up.”
Yunho smiled. “The Jae stamp of approval. I’m honored.”
“You should be…” Jae grinned.
Suddenly, a mischievous glint came into his eyes.
“You know… You have this nice, big office all to yourself…” He slowly approached Yunho. “And you being the boss, the master of all that surrounds you, is kind of…arousing. It gives one ideas.” Jae slid his arms around Yunho’s neck, letting his words hang in the air.
“Jae… We can’t.” Despite his words, his hands slid around Jae’s waist, molding him to his length.
“Who’s going to stop us?” Jae whispered, a second before his lips met Yunho’s, gently massaging the soft curves.
Yunho’s mouth opened instantly, his tongue seeking and finding Jae’s. He slid further back on the desk, his thighs parting so that Jae could fit between them snugly.
It wasn’t long before he lost himself in the kiss. The slick friction of their gliding tongues was too reminiscent of the charge and retreat of his cock when it was deeply embedded in Jae’s tight sheath. Just the mere thought of it triggered an echo in his trousers as he felt himself harden. His hands tightened around Jae’s waist and he pulled him closer, unconsciously pressing Jae to his erection as he jerked his hips forward.
Somehow, before things got out of hand, he managed to recall exactly where they were and what they were about to do before he laid Jae across his desk and plunged into him. With one last swipe of his tongue across Jae’s plump lips, he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Jae’s, his breathing quick and shallow.
“We can’t,” he gasped.
Jae pouted. “Why not?”
“Because… This is a place of business. I would never allow my employees to conduct this type of activity in the office and I hold myself to the same code.”
Jae rolled his eyes.
“Besides…” He pulled Jae into him again, sliding forward so he could feel the full impact of his hardness. “We both know that once I start, it takes hours before I’m ready to stop and I don’t think our absence will go unnoticed that long, not to mention that I’d much rather lay you down in a bed than across my desk, regardless of how hot I think you’d look there, sprawled and spread butt naked for my eyes and my eyes alone.”
Jae shivered at the thought.
Yunho set him away from him and stood up. “Now, go find something to entertain yourself with.” He patted Jae on the butt then moved past him to round the desk and take his seat.
Sulking, Jae walked to the corner near the glass window and plopped onto the large, leather couch.
Thank goodness he’d brought some magazines to occupy his time. Apparently, it was going to be a long day.
Two weeks later…
Jae checked on the laundry then walked into the kitchen to check on lunch. The pie was rising nicely in the oven but it still had another twenty minutes to go.
Bored, he wandered into Yunho’s office to see if he wanted or needed anything. He’d undertaken a huge project and had started working from his home office a couple days a week since he said he was able to concentrate better.
Jae stood in the doorway watching him for a moment. He was on another video conference call. He’d had at least five already that morning between the office and his clients. He wore what appeared to be a suit, comprised of a jacket and shirt, but Jae knew that beneath the desk he wore simple shorts and house slippers.
Smiling to himself, he walked to the curtains, drew them back and opened the windows. It was a beautiful day outside. Summer was coming and the weather had drastically changed from just a mere month ago. He took a deep breath and expelled it on a contented sigh. He loved summer.
Turning back to Yunho, he watched as he talked to whoever was onscreen while sketching something or other. Yunho was incredibly talented and he was proud of him but the hours were beginning to take their toll. He could see the strain around his eyes, his mouth. He was going to bed late every night and waking up early every morning. Jae knew that it was bound to get worse as the project progressed. He needed to find a way to get him to relax.
He walked in front of Yunho’s desk and stared at him for a minute. Yunho continued to talk and sketch, not even glancing in his direction. Brows furrowing, he put his hands on his hips and began tapping his feet. The floor was carpeted so it made no sound but Yunho could see him, he was sure of it.
He was beginning to get irritated. He didn’t like being ignored. He’d never ignored Yunho when he’d…
A light switched on in his head.
On a few occasions, he’d been on the phone, both for business and pleasure, and Yunho had… distracted him to the point where he was forced to end the call abruptly or risk embarrassing himself. He’d sworn to pay him back.
Well… Two can play that game, he thought with a smirk.
Dropping to his knees, he crawled around Yunho’s desk to his side. He looked up and saw Yunho glance down at him questioningly before refocusing on the image on the screen. Frowning, he pushed Yunho’s legs aside roughly and squeezed his way beneath the desk. Thankfully, Yunho was a tall man so once he’d made it past his legs, the space was actually quite roomy.
Chuckling to himself, he stroked his palms up Yunho’s bare calves, slowly, teasingly. Yunho tried to shift his legs away but he slid his hands inward and pushed his thighs apart, fitting himself between Yunho’s legs and rising to his knees so that he could rest his elbows on Yunho’s lap. He tickled his way up to the waistband of Yunho’s shorts, internally squealing at his luck when he tugged it down and found that Yunho wore no underwear beneath it.
He didn’t waste any time but went straight to work. He grasped Yunho’s shaft and looked up at him again. This time Yunho’s attention was on him, even though he continued to speak to whoever was on the screen. Jae smiled wickedly and licked his lips slowly, flicking his tongue out to touch the tip of Yunho’s cock. He was already semi-erect but that little action sent him to full mast in Jae’s hand. Laughing gleefully, Jae looked at the thick, leaking head and licked it again before closing his mouth around it.
He had missed having Yunho in his mouth, tasting him. Yunho usually assaulted his senses during their lovemaking, taking him so hard and swiftly that he rarely got a chance to participate, to return the pleasure that Yunho always gave to him. He wanted to take his time, to savor the smooth, silky texture of the thin skin surrounding the tight mass of muscle, but his joy at having Yunho in his mouth and his eagerness to taste his cream had him massaging his balls with his free hand and stroking his shaft faster than he’d intended with the other. His mouth slid up and down in tandem, his tongue rolling across the tip, slicing between the slit. He sighed inwardly every time he was rewarded with a small spurt of precum.
Yunho couldn’t keep still anymore. He’d stopped sketching and laid a hand on top of Jae’s head, guiding his movements, fisting his hand in his hair whenever Jae scraped him with his teeth. His breathing was becoming labored and it was harder for him to concentrate on what he was supposed to be talking about. Eventually, he gave up and said, “Sorry, I’ll have to get back to you. Something’s come up,” then immediately disconnected the call.
“I am so going to get you for this,” he swore, spreading his thighs further and thrusting upward into Jae’s mouth.
Jae chuckled around his mouthful of cock but said nothing. He could tell that Yunho was close and he didn’t want to miss a single drop.
No sooner had he finished the thought than Yunho’s grip tightened in his hair again, forcing his thick head further down Jae’s throat, and he erupted in Jae’s mouth. Jae continued stroking him but didn’t swallow as his mouth filled with Yunho’s spunk. When Yunho had finally stopped ejaculating, he slid off of him and let his essence lay on his tongue a minute so he could fully absorb the flavor before he swallowed. He took Yunho into his mouth again, cleaning him with his tongue, then swept his tongue across his teeth and lips, making sure he got every last bit of cum.
“Fuck, that was hot,” Yunho breathed, eyes smoldering with lust after watching a hungry Jae clean him with his tongue.
Licking his lips again, Jae crawled up Yunho’s body and straddled his hips.
“See? Payback isn’t so bad after all.”
A few days later, Jae sat in the dining room staring at the clock. It was 7:00pm. Yunho was going to be late again.
He’d called to say that he was working overtime at the office so Jae wasn’t surprised but… He missed him. He felt like he hardly saw him lately. They hadn’t even made love since that day in his home office. The project was nearing completion and Yunho was becoming even more scarce. It would all be over soon, Yunho assured him, and he was immensely thankful for that but it didn’t change the fact that he was lonely. There was hardly anything to do around the house and he couldn’t do much of his own work from halfway across the world. He really missed being busy.
His boredom aside, he was also worried about Yunho. He was spending so much time working lately, whether at the office or at home, that he’d lost weight from skipping meals so often. If Jae didn’t force him to stop and have a meal, sometimes he’d forget to eat altogether. He wished there was something he could do to help ease his burden or at least make sure he ate properly.
Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. Why hadn’t he thought of it before?
He could surprise Yunho with dinner. It was already cooked, just a matter of dishing it out and driving over to the office. He was sure that Yunho would appreciate it and maybe he needed a little break but just didn’t know it yet.
He started to get up then had a change of heart. The project was really important. He knew how it was to be focused and keeping a steady pace then have that focus interrupted. He didn’t want to do that to Yunho, even if he meant well, and he knew that Yunho was too nice to turn him away even if he felt the slightest irritation.
What to do, what to do…?
It couldn’t be helped, he decided. He’d text Yunho and leave it up to him. As he took out the phone and typed the text, he promised himself that he wouldn’t feel rejected if Yunho turned down his offer.
Yunho had just taken off his glasses to rub his strained eyes when his phone signaled that he’d received a text message. Picking it up, he opened it.
I know you’re probably working too hard and forgot to eat (again!). Want me to bring you some dinner?
He smiled, warmth blooming in his chest, and typed a reply.
I’d love nothing more than to have dinner with you, babe, but you don’t need to drive all the way over here. I’ll grab something from the cafeteria. The sooner I’m done, the sooner I can get home to you.
He sighed and took a sip of water. He was so tired that he didn’t even feel hungry but he knew his body needed nourishment. He hadn’t eaten since he’d left the house. He almost wished Jae had just come over without asking first.
His phone beeped again and he opened the message.
Okay. Text me when you’re leaving the office.
Jae was so sweet, always worrying about him, taking care of him. He knew that Jae understood but he felt bad about neglecting him so much lately. It couldn’t be helped but he still felt guilty. He really missed him too. He needed him to know that.
I miss you ♥
A reply came immediately.
Me too.
There was a blushing emoticon next to it and Yunho smiled at the cuteness of it. He really missed his Joongie, his adorable, blushing, sweet, sexy, soft, caring…
He groaned. He could go on and on. There weren’t enough and yet too many words to describe Jae.
Sighing, he stood and walked to the door. As he stepped out into the hallway, he was greeted by silence. Most of the office had emptied since 5:30, he hadn’t seen a soul since 6:00.
He made his way to the break room, knowing that the cafeteria was closed at that hour. There was bound to be something there: half a sandwich or a yogurt or something.
Five minutes later, he walked dejectedly away from the room. His search had turned up nothing. Not a single crumb. Either his workers were major foodies who couldn’t not eat everything in sight or they had trust issues and took their munchies home with them at the end of the day. He sighed and shuffled his way down the hall.
He was more than a little surprised when he heard music drifting out of one of the offices. Looking up, he saw Hana leaning back in her swivel chair, munching on what looked like a powdered doughnut. His mouth watered. He could already taste the sugar.
Just then, she looked up and their eyes met. She smiled and waved him in.
He pushed open the door.
“Hey, boss. Stretching your legs?”
“I thought everyone left an hour ago.” His eyes fell to the doughnut in her hand, shifted to the box on the table and his mouth flooded. “Where’d you get that?”
“Oh, I decided to put in some extra hours. This is my overtime snack of choice.” Seeing the hunger in his eyes, she pushed the box towards him. “Help yourself to one…or two,” she amended with a chuckle as he sat opposite her and placed one on a napkin in front of him while reaching for another.
They ate in silence, lost in the soft strains of the opera and the sinful comfort of the dough and sugar in their bellies.
After polishing off a third doughnut, Yunho expressed his gratitude then made his way back to his office. He felt marginally better. He took a bottle of water from his mini-fridge, made a mental note to stock some snacks, then put his nose to the grindstone yet again.
Thirty minutes later, he raised his head when there was a knock at the door.
Hana opened it and leaned in. “Hey boss, I’m heading out.”
“Oh, okay. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
She closed the door then reopened it ten seconds later. “On second thought, how about some help? I feel bad leaving you here all alone. You already work harder than all of us, it isn’t fair for you to be pushing yourself even more while we get to crawl into bed and catch some shut-eye.”
Yunho started to shake his head and was about to politely reject her offer when she raised a hand to stop him.
“Yunho. I can see how exhausted you are. You looked like you were about drop when you walked into my office, like you’d fall asleep where you stood. Let me just help you get to where you feel comfortable stopping tonight so you can go home and get some much needed sleep. Please.”
Yunho looked at her, saw the sincerity in her eyes, heard it in her voice. Most bosses would kill for an employee like her.
He smiled. “Okay, fine. One more hour then I’m stopping wherever I am. My eyes are gritty and I can barely keep them open.”
They worked well together. They were both spear-heading the project so he only had to fill her in on what he’d been personally working on. He was surprised to find that he enjoyed having someone to bounce ideas off of, who was able to understand his vision immediately. Before he knew it, the hour had passed.
“You said an hour, boss. Time to hit the road,” Hana reminded him.
He chuckled. “Anxious to get home, are you?”
She nodded. “I plan to soak in the tub with a glass, or two, of my favorite merlot then fall face down on my bed and slip into a coma for the next seven or so hours.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Hana went back to her office to grab her bag and Yunho texted Jae to let him know that he was on his way. They locked up, waved to the security guards on the way out, and as he was about to say goodbye to her outside, the rain suddenly started pouring.
“What the hell?” he swore. The sun had shone all day, there hadn’t been a hint of a rain cloud.
“Dammit. Just what I need.”
“Where are you parked?” he asked.
“I carpooled today,” she answered wryly. “Of all the luck.”
He didn’t hesitate for a minute. “Wait here.”
He ran out from under the front archway over the semi-circular drive to his car, which was parked in the closest spot to the building, reserved for the CEO. He dove in as soon as the lock deactivated. He wasn’t very wet, luckily, but he still felt the chill to the bone.
He drove up beneath the archway and threw open the door for Hana, who climbed in quickly, then took off.
“Which way?” he asked. He’d never been to her home so he had no idea where she lived.
“Oh, you can drop me at the nearest bus station.”
Yunho cast her a sidelong glance. “I’m not going to kick you out in this weather. Now, where to?”
“Well, if you’re sure. But I did warn you…”
She gave him her address, which was in the opposite direction that he needed to go, but he’d already committed to taking her home and the weather was horrible. If she hadn’t stayed to help him, she would’ve been home already so he felt responsible.
When they stopped at a red light, he took out his phone to text Jae.
Going to be late. Weather’s horrible and I have to drop someone home. Will be as quick as I can.
Five seconds later a response came.
Take your time on the road. Be safe.
His heart fluttered at Jae’s concern, athough he should’ve been used to it by now.
“Jae must miss you a lot these days. He’s probably really worried at the moment,” Hana commented.
Yunho smiled but said nothing.
The rest of the drive passed in companiable silence, with little bouts of idle chatter here and there.
Twenty minutes later, Yunho pulled up to a split-level town house in a quiet little suburb, much like the one where he lived. He had to admit, he was a little surprised. Hana was a young, modern, efficient woman and she seemed more the type to live in a high-end condo or luxury apartment than a town house. Anything with the word ‘house’ in it signified home to him, meaning that the person who lived there was a nester and intended to have a family to fill that home one day. He’d never really thought about it, just assumed. Most young singles preferred to live in apartments with autommated locks, key codes and security personnel to ensure that they were safe and their privacy was ensured as they came and went as they pleased. A house was only as secure as you made it.
“Thanks for the lift, boss,” Hana said, breaking him out of his thoughts.
“Let me grab my coat and walk you to your door,” he offered, grabbing said coat from the backseat.
“You don’t have to…” she began.
Yunho smiled, turning off the engine. “It’s a good fifteen feet to your door, you’re going to be drenched by the time you reach it.”
Before she could speak again, he opened his door and jumped out, slamming it as he raced around to her side. He opened her door quickly and she wasted no time climbing out and closing it behind her as he threw the coat over their heads and they made a mad dash up her walk to her front door.
When they were out of the rain, he dropped his hands and surveyed the damage. Hana was dry, for the most part, but he looked like he had taken a shower with his clothes on.
“I guess it was too much to hope for,” he muttered.
Hana unlocked the door, opening it as she turned to him. “Yunho, I’m so sorry.”
He smiled and shook out his coat. “It’s fine. What could you do?”
She bit her lip worriedly as she surveyed his wet, disheveled form. “Do you want to come in for a bit? Dry up some and have a cup of tea before you get back on the road?”
Yunho shook his head. “I should probably just get going, get my ‘baths’ over with as soon as possible,” he chuckled.
Just then a strong breeze whipped up and the chill it brought with it felt like being stabbed by icicles. He couldn’t suppress the shiver that traveled through his body.
Hana frowned, becoming more concerned. “Are you sure?”
He glanced at her, then looked towards his car, which was barely visible in the dark with the rain pounding down around them. He heard thunder in the distance and decided that something hot was exactly what the doctor ordered.
“Maybe just one cup,” he said, stepping into the entryway as she moved back to make room for him.
Chapter 19b