Islands in the Stream

Authors notes:

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This is the story was written for the "Karaoke 2023" Author Challenge and tells how Elliot and Tiffany met and started their romance. If you like their story, you can read more about them in my Series "Tangled Web".

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'Damnit' thought Elliot as he looked at his computer screen.

For the last two years Elliot Carter had been vying for the Chief Financial Officer role of the automotive supply company he had been working for. And the role was due to be up for grabs at some point in the next 3-5 years. Mr. Allen was the current CFO and was nearing retirement, or at least that was the active rumor. Mr. Allen had taken Elliot under his wing, and it was widely assumed that Elliot was next up for the role once Mr. Allen finally decided to move on.

That was true until Tiffany McAlister showed up.

Elliot was almost immediately moonstruck by her when they met. She wore a perfume that immediately filled his senses with erotic energy. Her hair, which she typically wore down, flowed around, and framed her face. She was a McAlister in marriage, but her family was from Malta which is an island in the Mediterranean south of Italy. This meant that her skin was not freckled, but olive colored and tanned nicely, which she clearly worked on.

Her dark eyes and welcoming smile drew Elliot in immediately. His normal competitive edge softened, and he found himself smiling for no reason whenever he was around her. This annoyed Elliot greatly for a few reasons. First, Elliot had a no-fly-zone rule when it came to romantic or sexual relationships with fellow employees. Second, Elliot learned later that Tiffany had been hired as possible candidate for the CFO position. She was the competition.

The reason Elliot was upset this particular morning was because, as he read his email, he saw that he and Tiffany had been paired up for a project to update their internal spending policies and controls. It seemed that despite the fact that the company had made a deal with an overseas supplier to get cheaper automotive components, the overall cost of the end part kept increasing. He was annoyed that this particular issue wasn't solved yet, true, but his main cause for feeling upset was that his brain seemed to fail to keep a sharp edge whenever Tiffany was around. And with this project, they would need to work closely together.

*Knock* *Knock*

"Have a minute?" Tiffany stood in the doorway to Elliot's office.

The scent of her perfume filled the room and Elliot found himself moving to a place of relaxation that he just couldn't explain. He wanted more than anything as he gazed at the gorgeous women standing in front him to get up and pull her in for an affectionate embrace. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, behind his eyes, and in his head.

When Elliot didn't respond, Tiffany stepped inside and closed the door behind her, she helped herself to a chair that pulled up to Elliot's desk. Despite Elliot's fantasies of romance, Tiffany was all business. Obviously, she took his silence to mean that he wasn't pleased that she had shown up.

"So, look, it's no secret that you've been here a lot longer than I have, and you probably have more baseline knowledge to help us with our project, so I have no objections to having you take the lead role on this," Tiffany offered matter-of-factly.

Elliot finally snapped out of his trance.

"Thank you, Tiffany. I do have some experience with this particular issue in general. I solved a similar situation about 18 months ago when we moved production (which should have significantly cut our costs) but it didn't initially produce the results we were expecting," Elliot responded as he forced his gaze back to his computer screen so that he could focus.

Tiffany was just too much for him.

"Can I say something?" Tiffany asked.

This surprised Elliot. He turned back to her with an inquisitive look that told her to continue.

"You've been very professional with me. And I appreciate that. And I know that there are rumors indicating that maybe I might be the next CFO," she grimaced and paused slightly before she continued, "instead of you."

Elliot appreciated her straightforwardness, but it also caused a pit to form in his stomach. She was right. Her skill was well known and had become a relied upon part of the company. Elliot had even deferred projects to her that he had learned had fit her skillset perfectly. The truth was, together, they were the perfect fit for this project. Even though Elliot had solved the previous issue 18 months ago, it was likely that with Tiffany's help, they would solve this issue in half the time it had taken Elliot by himself.

"It's okay," Elliot interrupted. "I appreciate what you're saying, but the truth is, I only want to be CFO if I'm the best for the job... So, I intend to be."

Tiffany smiled and leaned back in her chair. Was she actually pleased that Elliot had so openly stated his intentions? Or was it something else? He couldn't be sure.

"So where do we start?" Tiffany asked. Her smile still played across her face. Elliot mused to himself that he should just try to get used to that smile so that it would stop screwing with his heart rate.

*Knock* *Knock*

The door opened without a response as Mr. Allen stepped in.

"Oh good, I see the two of you are already working on the project," Mr. Allen began, "Look, not to add any undue pressure to the two of you, but this could go a long way to help your respective reputations. Our company earnings report goes out in 2 weeks, this little issue was supposed to help us meet and exceed our earnings goal. Unfortunately, if we can't get it resolved, we'll have to report to our investors that we missed earnings by as much as 15%. I know I don't have to explain to the two of you what that will do to our stock price. I know it's a tall order, but expense everything and do whatever it takes to figure this one out. Clear?"

"Got it," Elliot replied.

"Yes, Mr. Allen," Tiffany added.

"I put my two best on this project!" Mr. Allen announced, "Make me proud!"

With that, Mr. Allen turned, closing the door behind him. Mr. Allen's mention of expensing everything and doing whatever it takes was code for, 'Work nonstop, eat every meal at the office, and if you have to sleep, take a cab so that you can add some sleep time in the car." Elliot had been on projects like this before, he couldn't remember if Tiffany had or not.

Mr. Allen's pep talk and additional time parameters helped Elliot focus, despite Tiffany's presence. He looked over at her and smiled raising his eyebrows as if to say, 'well, here we go.'

Tiffany responded in kind with a smile and nod, there was also a glint in her eye as they looked into each other's eyes. Was Elliot imagining things or was Tiffany looking forward to spending this time with him? He shook it off and reached for his phone while at the same time, Tiffany pulled out her cell.

"Texting your wife?" Tiffany asked as she worked on her own messages.

"Yeah, you?" Elliot replied and asked.

"Not gay," Tiffany responded with a snicker.

Elliot laughed, "That's not what I meant."

"I know," Tiffany teased.

They both finished up their texts to their spouses to let them know that they would probably not be home till late, and to advise them of the coming next two weeks.

Elliot's wife was accepting, which Elliot appreciated. He had been working a lot, especially since he moved into his current role and was vying for CFO. Unfortunately, this had led to lots of arguments between them about how Elliot was barely home, and his son Ethan was growing up without him. Lately though, the arguments had stopped, and Elliot had gotten the distinct feeling that his wife had fallen into simply no longer caring. Ambivalence is a death sentence for romance, and Elliot and his wife hadn't had what could be described as a romantic relationship for over a year now.

Tiffany, on the other hand, remained composed despite the angry and demeaning messages that she was receiving from her husband. Ultimately, she reached out to her parents who lived less than an hour away to see if they could pick up Lila, her daughter, and keep her with them for a couple of weeks while she focused on this project. Tiffany did some mental math since she would have to rethink her timing for evenings, nights, and getting back to the office. There was no way she wasn't going to go stay with her parents with Lila there for two weeks, which meant that she was effectively giving her husband the middle finger. Tiffany wasn't sure why she stayed married to him, but the effort of divorce seemed like a lot to deal with right now. That, more than anything, preserved the marriage at this point.

"Let's get to work," Elliot said, and they began discussing parameters, tasks, and assigning responsibilities.

****

Even though the work over the course of the next two weeks was brutal, Elliot and Tiffany found that they both looked forward to each day. They started their mornings together over a cup of coffee, recapping where they were with their tasks and discussing any difficult points. Elliot became enamored further with the way in which Tiffany would listen carefully and thoughtfully to each issue. So many times, intelligent coworkers had the annoying habit of thinking past the issue at hand before hearing out the details of what was going on. Tiffany didn't make that mistake.

One evening, Elliot and Tiffany had ordered in Thai food and were preparing for an overseas phone call.

"So, we have to remember, that the cost structure of the component is not the main issue here. I'm sure they'll make a case that that's the issue, but it's not, the real issue..." Elliot was pacing in the conference room while reviewing the notes they'd put together in preparation for the call.

"Is that there is a discrepancy between the shipping costs, and the billed amount, and the processing fee is not in the contract," Tiffany interrupted, reciting the notes perfectly. "Elliot come on, we've been over this so many times now. Sit down and eat." Tiffany pulled out the chair next to her and slid some food over.

"Thanks," Elliot said, "I just know that if we can get this one knocked out, it will give us something meaningful to report in on."

Elliot sat down and, while still glancing at his notes, began to eat. Tiffany reached over and pulled the notes away and sat on them so that Elliot couldn't get ahold of them again. Elliot almost objected, but Tiffany had that tell-tale sparkle in her eyes that said it wouldn't matter anyway.

"So, tell me how you got into this business anyway?" Tiffany asked.

Elliot had just taken a mouthful, so instead of answering he uttered a mumbled, "You first."

Tiffany smiled and leaned back in her chair, "I got sucked into the automotive world fairly soon after graduating college. I was working for one of the auditors who helped Daimler-Benz acquire Chrysler. Or rather, merge, supposedly. Anyway, my boss ended up being hired by a supplier shortly after the deal was struck and he reached out to bring me over. It was a $15,000 pay increase, and I really enjoyed working for him, so it was a no-brainer. That was the company I worked for before Mr. Allen recruited me to come here. Mr. Allen and my last boss were friends back in college, and when I found out that my boss was retiring, I took the gig to move over here."

"Makes sense," Ethan responded.

"What about you?" Tiffany asked again.

"I've always loved cars and the automotive industry. I double majored in engineering and finance in undergrad, and I have a master's degree in electrical engineering. I had thought about getting a master's degree in finance or accounting as well, but Mr. Allen reminds me whenever I bring it up that its just a title, and those 'assholes at the university' will just try to convince me I'm doing my job wrong when they've never 'done a damn useful thing in their theoretical life,'" Elliot air-quoted Mr. Allen as he spoke and he and Tiffany laughed together as Elliot did his best Mr. Allen impression.

"Master's degree in electrical engineering huh? I'm impressed," Tiffany's smile indicated that she was genuinely impressed.

It was time for their phone call and after an hour Tiffany and Elliot got what they wanted. They high-fived and decided to call it a night earlier than usual, which gave both of them the opportunity to get home in time to see their kids before bed.

****

Elliot and Tiffany had scored some additional wins over the last few days, and even though the project had started out with energy, and focus, it didn't take long for Elliot and Tiffany to begin to show some wear-and-tear. Mr. Allen noticed this about 5 days in and insisted that they both take the afternoon off.

They objected fiercely with many good points and reasons, but Mr. Allen said, "No Excuses! I don't want to see you back in this office until after 5pm. Jane," Jane was his secretary, "Get a cab here and have Mr. Carter and Mrs. McAlister taken to my country club. Then call Mr. Stevens at the club and inform him that I have two overworked employees that need a few hours of rejuvenation."

With that Mr. Allen entered his office and closed the door, leaving Tiffany and Elliot standing in front of Jane's desk looking bewildered at what just happened.

Jane smirked at them both, "You guys look terrible," she whispered.

This made Tiffany and Elliot both start laughing together as Jane picked up the phone to do as Mr. Allen had requested.

"I'm going to go grab a couple things," Elliot said as he motioned towards his office.

"Oh right, me too," Tiffany agreed.

Elliot and Tiffany met back at Jane's desk, and she informed them that the cab was downstairs waiting for them.

The cab ride was about 45 minutes long, and Tiffany fell asleep while Elliot sat next to her drinking in her presence. She had freshened up her perfume, the intoxicating perfume that Elliot loved, and had tidied up her hair a bit. She was magnificent, and Elliot couldn't help but feel his heartrate increase as he gazed upon her.

But beyond her beauty and presence, Elliot had gained new levels of respect and admiration for Tiffany over the past five days. He had fully expected her to beg off early in the evenings to go home to her daughter, but until Elliot called it quits well into most nights around 11pm to 12am Tiffany worked diligently without complaint. She was also brilliant, and between the two of them, they had managed uncover enough inefficiencies and waste to bring the company within striking distance of their earnings and profitability targets.

Mr. Allen was probably right, a break had certainly been earned, but it also would probably give them the revitalization needed to get the project finished.

As the car slowed in front of the Country Club, an attendant opened Elliot's door.

"Mr. Carter?"

"Yes, hi, thank you, one second," Elliot began. Elliot then reached over and, except for a handshake and high-five, touched Tiffany for the first time as he gently shook her shoulder to wake her. "Hey Tiffany, we're here."

"Hmmm, oh, thanks," Tiffany said sleepily as she woke up. She looked at Elliot eye-to-eye and smiled.

Elliot's heart melted, with his hand resting on her shoulder, she hadn't pulled away, and the peaceful look she gave him warmed his entire body. Suddenly Tiffany's door opened as well.

"Welcome Mrs. McAlister."

They were taken by the attendants into the club and introduced to Mr. Stevens. He was a shorter man with a friendly, upbeat voice. He was also obviously from the south as his accent came out strong, "Oh my Lord, look at the two of you," Mr. Stevens began, "Oh we can take care of this, I am certain!"

Mr. Stevens began ushering Elliot and Tiffany to a wing of the country club labeled "Spa."

Elliot hadn't known what to expect when they arrived, maybe a nice meal and some time away from work, but now Elliot was looking forward to a massage. Tiffany also seemed pleased to realize what might come next as she reached out and took ahold of Elliot's arm and squeezed it excitedly.

"Oh wow, Mr. Allen is really determined to get us refreshed isn't he!" Tiffany almost squealed in delight.

Elliot was surprised by the physical attention Tiffany was giving him, she didn't let go as they continued to walk into the spa.

"Mrs. Ramirez will take care of you from here," Mr. Stevens announced indicating the short Hispanic woman standing at the reception desk.

"Yes, hello," she said with a warm smile. Her accent was thick, and it was clear that she was from somewhere south of Texas. "Ummm, I am Senora Ramirez, and I'll take care of you both during your stay here at the spa. Follow me por favor."

Mrs. Ramirez took Elliot and Tiffany to the locker rooms. She explained to both of them that they should remove their clothing, leave it in a locker of their choice, and put on the robe and slippers in the locker they chose. They would then be welcome to take a shower if they desired, or to simply meet back in the waiting area where there was tea and light refreshments.

Elliot and Tiffany both opted to shower and when they had both settled into the waiting area dressed in robes with tea in hand, they felt fully relaxed for the first time since the start of their project.

Tiffany shifted in her robe and her face flushed as she looked at Elliot, smiling warmly. "This is the closest I've been to being naked with a man in a while," Tiffany admitted, breaking the silence.

It was quite the thing to break the silence with, and Elliot had to shift in his robe as he felt his cock begin to swell immediately. Tiffany noticed Elliot's discomfort and continued.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry! That was so inappropriate for me to say!" Tiffany exclaimed.

This made Elliot chuckle, "No I'm sorry, it was innocent enough, I'm just..." Elliot's voice trailed off. He was just what? Horny? Yes. He shook his head and just laughed. "I'm the one being awkward. I'm sorry." Elliot finished.

"Yeah, I guess being in a bath robe with you wasn't exactly on my bingo cards when we started this project last week," Tiffany joked, "In fact, when we started this project, I thought that maybe you hated me."

"What, why?" Elliot replied.

"Oh, come on, you wouldn't even look at me before," Tiffany pressed.

Elliots face turned red with embarrassment and betrayed him. Tiffany noticed and her tone changed from one of accusation, to one of curiosity.

"Elliot." "Tiffany." They said simultaneously. Tiffany stayed silent, so Elliot continued.

"Look, umm, I'm sorry I wasn't friendly to you at first. But it's not because I hated you, or because I thought you were here to take my opportunity from me, or anything, it's just that..." Elliot couldn't continue. It was difficult for him to find the appropriate words to say, 'I found your very essence intoxicating and all I wanted to do was to be close to you and get to know you and find out if you were exactly what I thought you were.'

Tiffany bailed him out, "Me too," she said barely above a whisper as her doe eyes gazed into his.

Elliot wasn't sure what to make of that, me too what? Elliot didn't get to follow-up while his heart was pounding out of his chest. Suddenly Mrs. Ramirez appeared.

"If you will both follow me Por favor," she instructed them.

Elliot and Tiffany both stood up and followed Mrs. Ramirez down a hallway, at the end she took a right, and Elliot and Tiffany followed her into a room that was lit with candles and had a lovely, relaxing aroma. Inside stood two ladies dressed in the attire of a masseuse.