The Big Tease

There was a slight edge of excitement creeping within the sub-conscious of the bank operations center; "Cube World", as the natives jokingly referred to it, was experiencing the normal increase in chatter that usually accompanies a late Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend. Alex noticed a higher-than-average of loitering by the mostly all-female staff, but it didn't bother him. He was focusing on completing a last-minute transfer request from his contemporary in Las Vegas. "Cindy must have hit a big account again", he grumbled under his breath. That would make 3 in four weeks to his 1 -- and his was a lucky one to get at that. He knew what was coming next: a phone call from Cindy, to, you know, follow up and confirm he got the email request. She didn't need to make the call -- he and she both knew their emails had return receipt acknowledgement turn on -- but he knew she couldn't go without talking to him about it. Plus, he enjoyed her call anyway, even if it was to tease him about the current standings in their contest. She would be sure to remind him of the stakes: Loser travels to Winner's city for a night on the town, courtesy of the Loser. Little did she realize that he was secretly hoping to lose the contest anyway, because he was very curious to finally meet Cindy in person after carrying on a friendly working relationship via phone for over a year. Cindy gave great phone, as they say in the biz, and she knew it. Alex would look forward to her calls, especially on Friday afternoons, it put him in the mood for when he hit the happy hour circuit with his friends after work. If the bank only knew how nasty the conversations were on the phone; he sometimes wondered if the phone lines would melt from the subtle heat. Cindy left no doubt about her intentions -- or maybe she was playing it strong because she had the physical distance between them act as her buffer zone. Alex didn't mind, since he always had Stacey at home to take care of any wandering urges brought on by the "hot topic" of the day. Stacey didn't mind when Alex came home in an armorous mood, especially if the result was physical satisfaction for her, and Alex would hardly ever disappoint. If Stacey only knew that it was Cindy who was responsible for getting Alex going...
"ring-ring"...Right on cue. From the Caller Id, he could see it was Cindy. "Trading Desk", he answered, trying to sound as indifferent as possible. He heard a girlish yet seductive chuckle on the other line, the same one he's heard for several months now, the same one he's enjoyed for just as long. "Hey, You...I think you're going to lose the bet!", she said, laughingly. He loved how she just knew his voice and avoided the formalities. She made him very comfortable with her loving-like teases, and she was only too happy to oblige. "What are you talking about, girl?", he replied, smiling. He was sure to turn away from eye-shot of the other co-workers. Alex's desk on the 14th floor was positioned so that his back was to the floor-to-ceiling glass, but he faced another desk -- Jillian, who, per rumor, had a thing for Alex but would never admit it to his face. Alex knew it was prudent to not rock the boat with his co-workers, especially the ones who were so nice and willing to make his life easier, and in return, he was careful not to burn any bridges by acting like an ass or showing off his interstate friendships for all to see or hear. He turned to the window. "There's still one more week to go, my dear -- and I'm a late charger. You'd better be saving your pennies -- Phoenix can be very expensive." Then came that laugh again -- she wasn't having any of it. "Oh, really?", she immediately replied. "Hey, I'm not worried...and last I looked, you were two trades behind me! Hope your bags are packed...and your wallet, too!" Her voice was light and breezy, like a sea breeze, and he could see his smile in the window reflection. He just loved her voice. "Phoenix is boring anyway -- you would love it here in Vegas", she continued. "I'll show you all the sights that tourists don't see -- and I promise it'll only be a little expensive!" It was his turn to laugh. (to be continued)