How To Say No To Your Boss? Ch. 02

Hi folks, here it is the continuation of the story between Gwen and Kavita. If you haven't done it yet, I strongly recommend that you read the first chapter first.

Let me know if you have enjoyed it.

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The following week was a nightmare for Gwen. She felt lost, she was ashamed, and she felt like she had betrayed Finn, even though practically nothing had happened... yet she felt guilty, just for those confused thoughts that had assailed her during that terrible night... She missed Finn terribly, she needed his physical presence to reassure her, and instead she was all alone, in that big city, far away... Plus, as if that weren't enough, she couldn't escape far from the object of her disturbances, her boss, Kavita... She was obliged to see her every day, to share with her the small and intimate space of the office... And every night she writhed in bed, trying to keep her mind clear of images of women wrapped in sinful embraces, whose features were terribly similar to hers and Kavita's... or Jenna's, depending on the nights... while she was awake she could control herself with a great effort of will, before going to bed she phoned Finn and hear his voice always gave her a certain stability, but as soon as she fell asleep her mind was free to escape on forbidden paths... When she woke up in the morning, she felt hot and dizzy, and she immediately got out of bed trying to concentrate straightaway on the working day that waited her, terrified by the possibility of remembering her night dreams.

Kavita, for her part, behaved almost as if nothing had happened, as if those veiled speeches and invitations, and that stolen kiss, had never happened, so much so that to Gwen it seemed at times that it had been nothing more than a feverish dream... if only she could have really believed it... There were in fact the generous cleavages displayed by Kavita to remind her every day of her troubles, and her smiles, her winks... Gwen wasn't sure, and she hoped she was wrong, but it seemed to her that Kavita's necklines had suddenly become more daring, and the compliments towards her more explicit, even if always subtle... it seemed to her that Kavita never missed an opportunity to approach her, to touch her, to smile at her... all done with great grace and with the elegance that characterized Kavita, so much so that Gwen sometimes still hoped it lay only on her frightened imagination.

As involuntary reaction, Gwen had flinched on the defensive, in the presence of Kavita she felt nervous, as if contracted, and the latter had to notice, because in the middle of the week, when Gwen was about to go home, Kavita called her back: "Gwen, dear, wait a moment please... I want to ask you something... I have been seeing you distracted, like nervous in the last days... there is something wrong, is there any problem? Please, be honest with me, I'm your boss, I have the right to know if something disturbs the serenity of my employees..."

Gwen was dumbfounded. Kavita surely imagined that it was her who disturbed her serenity, but she certainly couldn't tell her it.

"N-no, not at all, on the contrary... it's all fine, really... I'm just a little tired, that's it..."

"Uhmm, are you sure? Well, if you say so... You know what, since you're tired, why don't you take a day off tomorrow?"

Gwen began to protest, saying that she had just started and she didn't want to take vacation yet, but Kavita cut her off decisively.

"Don't worry Gwen, honey... the work you're doing is great, I mean it, you deserve a little break. Do not worry about a day off, consider it a gift from me, after all I am the boss, if I believe that one of my employees deserves a little gratification by virtue of her efforts, it's in my powers to decide it... I prefer a rested and concentrated employee than a tired and unmotivated one, it perform a thousand times more... so I don't want to hear protests, okay?"

Gwen saw no way out, Kavita was very nice to offer her that little break from work and she was really tired and confused, it would certainly do her good to stay away from the closed space of that office for a day, so she accept.

"O-ok, if you really insist... thank you very much."

Kavita gave her a mischievous wink and let her go home.

The next day Gwen got up calmly, took a relaxing hot shower and allowed herself a lavish breakfast. She felt so much better, it was amazing how not having to spend the day in close contact with Kavita had relieved her stress. She evidently was accusing that situation more than she thought...

Everything was fine until, shortly after lunch, she received a message on her cell phone. It was from Kavita.

** Gwen, honey, how are you? I hope this morning of rest made you feel better... You don't know how empty the office seems without you... By the way, did you know that there is an important exhibition at MoMA on Reiko Kazama? I was thinking, since you are home and it would be good to take a break from work also for me, why don't we go together to the exhibition this afternoon? I'll pick you up at 3pm. Just tell me where you live. See you soon! Kav **

Anxiety immediately assailed again Gwen. She had hoped not to see Kavita at least for a day, to clear her mind, but instead it seemed that she had no escape. After all, although the idea of it didn't thrill her, an exhibition on Reiko would certainly have been very interesting, she adored that young modern Japanese sculptor. And then she already felt much stronger and able to face Kavita, who however seemed to have already decided everything, without giving her many possibilities to refuse. So Gwen, sighing, replied:

** Very well, wonderful idea! New Avenue n ° 872. See you soon, Gwen **

Punctual, at 15 o'clock Kavita arrived, with her red sport cabriolet.

As soon as Gwen entered the uncovered cockpit, Kavita kissed her on both cheeks, enveloping her in her intense oriental perfume. Gwen barely cast a quick glance in her direction, but it was enough to lose all her confidence. It was in fact evident that Kavita was not wearing work clothes, but that she had changed on purpose for the occasion, showing off an informal and very light pink blouse, which did little to hide her exuberant curves, and a long skirt with floral motifs. As they headed towards the MoMA, in the intimacy of that narrow cabin, Gwen was terribly aware of Kavita's plunging neckline and ruby lips.

Fortunately, once they arrived at the exhibition, Gwen was so enchanted by the wonderful works of Reiko Kazama that she forgot her fears about Kavita, and began to relax. In reality, Kavita's company was really pleasant, Gwen was struck by the deep culture of that woman, by her elegance and sophistication, without being snobbish or arrogant. On the contrary, Kavita was spontaneous and bubbly, and Gwen felt overwhelmed by that woman's personality. She realized she could never be up to her: Kavita was so much more brilliant than her, she had more experience and more insight, and she was so confident, so charming... and she was also very funny, Gwen had to hold back her laughter in at least a couple of occasions for Kavita's jokes, so as not to be out of place in that solemn and formal environment. She was so involved by Kavita's energy that almost stopped noticing all the times in which Kavita's hand gently touched her, encircled her waist, brushed a lock of hair from her forehead, lightly stroked her cheek...

When they finally reached the end of the exhibition it was almost evening, and the gentle arrival of dusk began to envelop everything with sweeter tones. Reiko Kazama's style was visionary, cubic, abstract, she played with materials, provoked with colors, and her works were so bizarre that often Gwen needed the cultured interpretation of Kavita, who seemed capable of grasping any artistic reference, to be able to interpret them. The last work on display, just before the exit, was on the contrary in open contrast to all the others, for its realism that almost referred to the statues of the Italian Renaissance. However, it was not this oddity that made Gwen fall silent from the bewilderment, but the subject of the artwork. In fact, it depicted two human figures, in what was an evident erotic embrace. It was also evident that they were two women. They were both naked, with their bodies in close contact, almost fused into each other, their legs crossed, wrapped in a very tight embrace. The realism of the artwork was shocking, and to Gwen it almost felt like they were alive. One of them, slightly smaller, was abandoned in the other's arms, in a slightly subordinate position, her head leaning back, her face hidden by that of the other woman, bent over her in the act of kissing her deeply. A plate in front of the statue carried the following caption:

** To Yumi, my partner. Thanks for teaching me how to love.**

Underneath there was also a photograph of the author of the work, Reiko, hugging another woman, obviously Yumi, slightly more mature than her.

Gwen did not know that Reiko was homosexual, indeed, she was almost sure that she had been married to a famous architect. It was not important, Gwen knew many artists were homosexual, but for some reason discovering it at that moment, in which she was already struggling with her personal disturbances, hit her deeply. She suddenly became aware of Kavita's dangerous proximity behind her.

"What do you think, Gwen? Amazing, right?"

"U-uhmmm... s-surprising, yes... but I prefer the others, it's too classic..." Gwen replied, very embarrassed.

"I find it wonderful instead, it's amazing how she managed to convey the sensual and erotic explosion of the intercourse between two women... it's very realistic, I say this from experience..." Kavita insisted.

"Did you know, Reiko was married to the architect Yoshida Otami, they were a very well known couple in the Tokyo jet set... until Reiko met Yumi, the director of an art gallery in Kyoto... not even six months later she divorced Yoshida and she went living with Yumi... I guess she is referring to this when she says thank you for teaching me how to love... many women don't even imagine how overwhelming and passionate the sex with another woman can be... there is no comparison with males..."

Gwen, very uncomfortable, looked around, and realized that they must be among the last visitors to the exhibition, because there was no one around. And Kavita was getting closer and closer to her, with that prominent bust... she had to leave...

"Yeah, well, I didn't know, life is really surprising sometimes... listen Kavita, do you mind if we leave? You know, I'm starting to feel tired, and I promised Finn I'd call him as soon as I got home..."

Kavita smiled amiably: "Of course dear, let's go..."

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Gwen, sat silently and tense in the car, looking distractedly out the window, her head in such an uproar that she realized late that it was not the way to her house. Only when Kavita stopped the car in front of a glittering building did she realize that something was wrong.

"W-where are we? This is not my home!"

"Oh, not really, dear, but don't worry, I'll take you there soon... but first, given the time, I thought we'd better have something to eat... can I invite you to dinner, Gwen? This is the Kiwi Metropolitan, probably the best sushi bar in the City... don't worry about the bill, I'll pay, it's me inviting you! After all, after an exhibition on a Japanese artist, what can you do better than eating sushi?"

Gwen didn't know what to say... she really didn't want to, she just wanted to go home and hear Finn's voice, but how could she refuse an invitation from her boss? And then Kavita looked at her with such a sweet smile...

"Okay... if you really care... but you embarrass me, there was no need..."

Oh, darling, don't worry, it's a pleasure for me! An old lady like me doesn't have many opportunities to spend time with a cute young girl like you... I've been wanting to suggest you a nice girl's night for a long time! I like you, but we spend our time together just working, I really would like to know you better, I mean, not just professionally...

And so saying Kavita took a reluctant Gwen by the arm, dragging her into the restaurant.

The restaurant was very luxurious and sophisticated, with low lighting and soft tones, and pleasant lounge bar music in background. Kavita and Gwen were led by a small and very kind Japanese waitress to a small table in a secluded corner, and Gwen noticed how the tables were separated by beautifully decorated Japanese paper screens, which gave a very intimate atmosphere to the context. It seemed to her more suitable for romantic dates than for business ones, but she preferred not to point this out to Kavita.

They sat facing each other on a single semicircular sofa, which wrapped around a round design table. Kavita took off her coat, and once again Gwen couldn't help but notice how generous her chest was under that light pink blouse she was wearing. From an unfastened button she caught a glimpse of an elastic containment bra, but even so the fabric of the blouse was taut. Gwen looked away quickly, but she wondered nervously why her eyes had been continuously magnetized by Kavita's chest lately. Well, it was impossible not to notice a breast like that, and there was nothing wrong with recognizing the beauty of another person, man or woman, but was it just that? Wasn't a hint of morbid attraction and obsessive curiosity also growing in her?

Fortunately, before she could answer herself, Gwen was interrupted in her reflections by Kavita.

"So, what do you say, I propose a Tropical summer tray to be divided in two."

Gwen was fine with it and so they ordered and started waiting. The sake pleasantly warmed Gwen's empty stomach, easing her tension. It was actually very pleasant to spend time with Kavita, her conversation was cultured and funny, and she felt honored to have the opportunity to spend quality time with such an illustrious contemporary architect. Just a few months before, if someone had told her that one day she would have found herself having dinner with Kavita Kellerman she would have laughed at the joke. She was such a sophisticated, extraordinary woman. Gwen soon forgot all the thoughts that had haunted her recently.

The dishes arrived and the fish was delicious, very fresh, certainly the best that Gwen had ever eaten. The dish presentation was modern, and reflected the class of the restaurant. Gwen felt slightly embarrassed, usually with Finn they frequented just pizzerias and pubs, she was not used to restaurants of that level, and once again she felt lucky to work with Kavita.

Towards the end of the dinner, while they accompanied the laughter with a strong rose brandy, Kavita's gaze suddenly became more intense:

"So Gwen, are you enjoying the experience? Do you like working with me? "

Gwen was slightly baffled by that direct question.

"Y-yes, sure... I mean, it's a dream come true... it's-it's very intense, but absolutely fantastic!"

"Well, I'm glad you like it... you know, I also really like working with you, having you close... I feel very in tune with you, I love your candor and your intellectual purity... I really think you are expecting a great future, and with me next to you it could be even faster... much faster, if you know what I mean..."

And so saying Kavita took her hand from above the table, looking intently into her eyes with a strange smile. Since Gwen was silent, confused by those words, Kavita took the opportunity to continue:

"So, in this sense, I would like to invite you to accompany me this weekend in Aspen... for work... you know, we won the project for that new big hotel near the ski slopes, and I want to personally do an inspection to start imagining the building... what you say, would you like to come with me?"

Gwen suddenly turned serious. It was really an interesting opportunity, seeing the birth of a project idea from Kavita's brilliant mind, yet something worried her about the prospect of spending a weekend alone with Kavita. She hoped Kavita didn't have double ends, as she now suspected...

"Well, here, I don't know... I mean, I'd love to, but why can't it be during the week? Unfortunately, the weekend is the only time I can see my husband..."

A flash crossed Kavita's eyes: "Gwen, honey, I thought I made it clear during the interview... this job involves inevitable sacrifices... if you're not ready to do them, then it's not worth wasting time on. These are unique opportunities for you, and giving them up for a stupid boy would be a great shame, believe me..." As she said this Kavita pulled her hair up behind her neck, casually poking her chest even further out, which Gwen doesn't failed to notice.

"F-Finn is a special guy, he's my husband, he's not just any stupid boy..." Gwen tried to protest. For a moment it seemed to her that Kavita's eyes hardened at her words, but then they turned slyly sweet again. She tightened her grip on her hand on top of the table, starting to caress it gently.

"Of course my dear, and that's exactly why you don't have to worry! For such a solid couple, a weekend away won't be a problem! Love crosses any mountain, isn't it? Think rather of this opportunity, a weekend in close contact, just you and me surrounded by snow, working calmly and with pleasure..." As she spoke Kavita had moved even closer to Gwen.

She wanted to refuse for Finn, but she couldn't. Kavita was right, she had to exploit that job opportunity to the full, taking advantage of all the possibilities sit offered her. Finn would understand, as always.

"Well, if you put it this way... after all you're right, I have to take advantage of it. And don't get me wrong, I am deeply flattered by the invitation, and I will be delighted to accompany you."

Kavita gave a happy cry clapping her hands, before drawing Gwen to her in a rush of affection, hugging her tightly. Gwen couldn't help but feel the strange sensation from Kavita's large breast pressed against her chest.

Kavita again proposed a toast of that rose brandy, which Gwen would have preferred to avoid since she was already feeling quite tipsy, but which she instead found herself swallowing in one gulp. Then Kavita paid the bill and holding a slightly wobbly Gwen with her arm led her to the car.

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The exuberance of the dinner had apparently subsided and they spent the return trip in silence, with a decidedly tipsy Gwen staring the New York night passing before her eyes, lost in her own thoughts.

She was happy to be involved in Kavita's projects, but there was something she couldn't quite frame that didn't leave her calm, and then she was sorry to neglect Finn. The fact was that Kavita was very nice to her, and she was teaching her a lot, but there were those more and more frequent allusions and winks, and that sort of erotic tension she felt between them... Gwen was confused, she didn't want to disappoint her boss, and she genuinely liked Kavita as a person, but in a way she also feared her... why? Did she really believe she wanted to seduce her? Had all those allusions really existed or had she just imagined it? Gwen couldn't decide, she felt confused and so far away from Finn... And then she wasn't able to resist the power Kavita had over her, every time she wanted to say no to something Kavita always managed to make her change her mind and do what she wanted.

Finally they reached Gwen's house and Kavita stopped the car.

"You know, I don't live very far from here... if you want we can go to my place for a drink... then, if you are too tired to go home, you can even stop by to sleep..."

Kavita's big eyes were pleading when they stared into Gwen's, and for a moment she bit her full lower lip too, or maybe it was just Gwen's troubled imagination that saw it, sensing threats where there probably weren't. Anyway, too much intimacy Gwen didn't like, she wanted to keep a minimum of professional distance.