Slough Sweetness
"Office manager Chioma's mundane Slough job gets interesting when the thick Tanzanian temp arrives—and makes clear that she wants a permanent position in more ways than one."
The temp agency sent their best.
Neema was efficient, professional, and devastatingly thick. She handled spreadsheets and office politics with equal skill.
"Impressive work," Chioma said after the first week.
"I aim to impress." Those eyes held something extra. "In all areas."
"All areas?"
"Perhaps a performance review could clarify?"
The review happened after hours.
Just them in the empty Slough office, fluorescent lights humming.
"Your work is excellent," Chioma began.
"But?"
"But you keep looking at me like you want something else."
"I do." Neema stood and approached. "I want a permanent position. And I want you."
"That's inappropriate."
"So fire me. After."
Chioma didn't fire her.
Instead, she kissed her against the filing cabinets, months of professional distance collapsing.
"I've wanted this since day one," Neema admitted.
"Why didn't you say something?"
"I was waiting for the right moment." Her hands found Chioma's curves. "This is the right moment."
The office became their playground.
On Chioma's desk. In the supply closet. In the conference room where boring meetings happened.
"Someone will find out," Chioma warned.
"Then let's make it worth the risk."
Neema's mouth found places that made Chioma forget every protocol she'd ever enforced.
The temp contract became permanent.
So did their arrangement.
"HR might have questions," Chioma said.
"HR doesn't need to know." Neema kissed her forehead. "Besides, we're in different teams. No conflict of interest."
"Just personal interest."
"Exactly."
Slough's most boring office gained a new energy.
Staff noticed the manager's improved mood. Her glow. Her satisfaction.
They didn't know about the after-hours meetings.
Or the supplies that went missing from the closet.
Some things, Chioma learned, made even Slough exciting.