She rubbed the side of her neck as she often did. It didn't ache so much as it was a nervous habit. Some of that was reflexive, but for some reason, talking to him just made her feel anxious in general. She wasn't completely sure why. He had always treated her with the utmost respect, but there was something in his eyes, his gaze, that put her off balance. Perhaps it was the fear of not having his approval. She was a dutiful employee and hoped he saw that she was devoted. Maybe more than she should be. Maybe for the wrong reasons.
"What's wrong with your neck?" he asked.
"Oh, it's nothing really. Just a nervous tic." She smiled and blushed ever-so-slightly. He had worked with her for years and couldn't pinpoint the exact moment that he found her attractive, but the smile and the dimples undoubtedly had something to do with it.
"What do you have to be nervous about? It's only me!" He beckoned her over. "Close the door." She complied and walked over. "You do look tense."
"I suppose I am." If she wasn't tense before, she certainly was now.
"Well, we can't have that, can we? Have a seat." He pointed towards a chair in the office. She sat down and he circled behind her.
"Ever the people-pleaser, as always," she scolded herself quietly. She had historically had a hard time refusing people, especially those whom she admired and trusted. She had desperately sought the affection and the feeling of being needed by those most of all.
She felt his hands come to rest on her shoulders. Before she could object, she could feel the steady rhythm of his touch as he started tending to her shoulders. His hands were deceptively strong and she felt alternating compressions of pain and pleasure as he began kneading out the knots. She began squirming in her seat as she subconsciously fought back.
"I'm not sure that thisโ." He had moved one hand to the left side of her neck. A feeling of calm coursed through her body. She finally relinquished control and tilted her head to the right to give him easier access.
He smiled to himself, knowing now that she wanted this too. He listened to her breathingโthe quick inhale followed by an audible gulp and drawn out exhalation before the pattern repeated itself again and yet again. He switched his hand positioning so as to massage the right side of the neck. The tension lifting, she slumped her shoulders down in defeat.