The Trader

by Katy

It was a hot day in early June, much hotter than normal for Chicago. Usually Michael Morgan walked from his lakefront condo to the Board of Trade. It was only a few miles and gave him time to plan his day and think about the previous day's markets. This day he decided to grab a cab. He had an early meeting with his father and the heat was just oppressive.

As he stepped to the curb he noticed a pretty brunette with a very short mini skirt standing a few feet away. She paid no attention to him, but glanced at her watch and then down the street, apparently expecting a ride. Michael could not help but admire her looks, but felt her outfit was not suitable for work at all. At least in his company the young ladies did not dress that way.

Seeing a cab approach Michael took his gaze off the girl and whistled for the cab. Just as it pulled over to the curb, the young girl jumped in front of him, climbed into the cab and slammed the door. As the cab pulled away she waved at him. It had all happened so fast that he was stunned. Words would not even form in his mouth. Finally regaining his composure he hailed the next cab. After giving the cabby instructions he sat back.

"What gall!" He was furious. It wasn't like cabs weren't in abundance; she was just rude and inconsiderate. He calmed down somewhat on the ride to work.

After arriving at the Board of Trade, he hurried through the lobby to his office on the 16th floor. His grandfather had started the commodity firm 40 years ago and every time he saw the name Morgan Commodities, a shiver of pride went through his veins. His father Paul Morgan was the CEO, but Michael was the COO and in charge of all day-to-day operations for both the floor and clearing operations. For a young man of 30 this was a big responsibility. He was also a successful grain trader and prided himself on his ability to do both, with success. His reputation as a stern boss was well known on the floor. His employees did their jobs well and obeyed all the rules, or they weren't employed long. He paid above average wages so a job with Morgan Commodities was coveted.

Michael dropped his briefcase in his office and put on his trading jacket. The distinctive Kelly green color with the white braid was unique to Morgan Commodities. Grabbing a cup of coffee, he headed for his father's office. Paul Morgan was always the first one in every morning. He liked to get an early start on the day. His son had followed in his footsteps so at 6:30 that morning, Michael expected his father to be the only other person there.

He was surprised, as he approached the heavy oak-paneled door, to see it closed and hear voices inside. He knocked on the door and Paul yelled out, "Morning Michael, come on in."

Michael opened the door and his mouth fell open. There perched on a chair with legs showing all the way to her thighs was the young woman who had stolen the cab from him. His eyes grew steely gray and his mouth set in anger as he looked at her. His father noticed the reaction but couldn't figure it out. As far as he knew, the two had never met. Susan Donnelly was the daughter of an old college friend of his. She had just graduated from college and was interested in getting into the commodity field. She knew little about the business and was alone in the city. An only child, her father doted on her, fulfilling her every desire. She was in fact extremely spoiled. Her father had purchased her a condo, but asked his friend to see if he could help find her a job. Without hesitating he had told her father he would give her a runner's job on the floor. It was a good place to start, and she would get an idea if this business were for her or not. The pay was minimal but since her father was paying all her expenses, that was not a concern. It was for that reason that Paul asked Michael to meet him this morning. As COO, it would be Michael's job to see to it that she got assigned to one of the desks and trained properly. While they were a successful company they were not large, and Michael himself oversaw most of the new employees for a period of time.

Paul plunged ahead with his introduction. "Michael, this is Susan Donnelly, she's the daughter of my old friend Chris Donnelly. She is starting with us today as a runner. Susan, this is my son Michael, he is our COO and in charge of all the operations both on the floor and upstairs. He'll see to it that you get started."

Michael regained his composure and offered his hand. "Nice to meet you Susan. Why don't you come with me to my office."

Susan took his hand and smiled up at him in complete innocence. "Sure, sounds good to me." Grabbing her purse she rose and followed him out.

The first thing Michael wanted to do was get a few things straight with Miss Donnelly. The first one was their dress code.

Michael opened his office door and motioned Susan in. "Have a seat, Susan. I'll be back in a minute with some paperwork for you to fill out." Michael left the office and Susan sat down in the chair he indicated.

Susan giggled. "Boy if he could have seen the look on his face when he saw me in his Dad's office. It was priceless. I guess he can't fire me for the cab incident though, but I really didn't want to get off on the wrong foot. Oh well, he'll get over it."

Michael gathered the necessary papers from his assistant's desk. He also made sure he had the employee handbook that spelled out the rules of Morgan Commodities, including the dress code.

He had cooled off a bit and decided that he would start over with Susan. He grabbed a pot of coffee and took it to his office with him. He put the papers on the conference table and set the pot of coffee down on a serving tray.

"Susan, why don't you join me over here, and we can go through some of these papers and I can explain some of the rules to you. Would you like some coffee?" Michael motioned to a chair at the table.

Susan sat in the chair and smiled at Michael. "Thanks coffee would be nice."

Michael poured them coffee and then proceeded to go through the papers. "These are all pretty standard employment forms. These are tax forms and some of the government forms. The next sets of forms are for clearance for the floor. When you have filled them out I'll have my assistant take you down stairs. They will take your picture and issue you a floor badge and access card. She will also arrange to get a jacket for you. You must wear the jacket at all times on the trading floor. The badge must be pinned to the pocket and you will need your access card to gain entrance to the floor. If you lose the card there is a $15.00 replacement fee, which will be deducted from your check. There are also fines for loss or damage of a jacket. The green form is an agreement for deduction of these fines from your check. The thin booklet is the rules of behavior on the trading floor and a brief explanation of the markets and order flow. The Board will give you a test on this tomorrow. You must attain a passing grade to continue to be employed."

Michael sipped his coffee and watched her looking at all the forms. She looked just slightly puzzled. Usually employees were pretty overwhelmed by the volume of forms at this point. She was pretty and did seem fairly intelligent. He was still a bit mad though about the cab incident. "You can take your time going through these and spend today studying them. As I mentioned before, I will have Judy my assistant take you around and show you the floor, but you won't really start on the floor till tomorrow after you pass your test. Now the last thing we need to go over is the Employee Handbook. I want you to thoroughly understand our rules. You will hear and find out that I am a stickler when it comes to certain things. One of which is dress. It is all clearly outlined in the book, but I will tell you that your skirt today is totally unacceptable. Skirts that short are not permitted here. When you are on the floor and in and out of the pits it is not practical. The other cardinal rule of mine is punctuality. I expect all employees to be here on time and ready for work at starting time. There are very few exceptions or excuses for tardiness." Michael was amused at the look of irritation that crossed Susan's face when he mentioned the dress code. "Do you have any questions on any of this so far?"

Susan was fuming. How dare he insult her clothing? There was nothing wrong with it; it was the latest in fashion. But he certainly did seem serious about it. "No, I think you made it perfectly clear. I will memorize your handbook so I am sure I won't break any more rules. SIR!" Susan gave him a smile.

Michael almost laughed at that remark. "Ok, I think I hear Judy now, so I will turn you over to her. I will check back later." Michael rose and waited for her to gather her papers and purse.

Opening the door to his office, Michael waited for Susan to leave first. Judy was sitting at her desk. She had been with the company for 25 years and was one of the most trusted employees. She had actually been his Grandfathers assistant before he retired. Michael had inherited her. "Good morning Michael."

"Good morning, Judy. I would like you to meet Susan Donnelley. She is starting with us today as a runner. I have given her all the papers and explained some of the rules with her. Would you see she gets registered with the Board and give her a bit of a tour of the floor? She will take her test tomorrow, so just give her a desk to study at today." Michael glanced at his watch. "I need to get to the floor, I'll check back later. Good luck Susan."

Michael strode out of the office leaving Judy and Susan alone. Judy offered Susan her hand. "Hi, I'm Judy Moore, glad to have you with us."

Susan shook her hand. "Wow, is he always so uptight and cold?"

Laughing Judy told her. "Well he is pretty strict and I imagine that skirt set him off. Did he tell you that no mini skirts of any type are allowed? He is really firm on that."

"Yes, he mentioned it quite strongly actually. What does he have against legs? He is handsome, he doesn't prefer boys does he?" Susan looked quizzically at Judy.

"Oh my no, he is very interested in girls. I think he has had some of the most desirable women in Chicago by his side. He just can't find the one he is looking for. He does want to get married and have a family, but is quite picky I guess. I shouldn't be blabbing this to you, but I have known him since he was a young boy. He really is very nice when you get to know him. Has a great sense of humor. He just has high standards. His grandfather was the same way. Now Paul is a bit more relaxed, they make a good team. Well let's get you settled and started on all those forms." Judy showed Susan a desk and gave her a tour of the office. "When you have the forms filled out let me know and I will take you downstairs."

Several hours later, Susan had completed all the forms and been photographed for her badge, got a brand new gold runners jacket and her floor access card. Her appointment for her test was at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. She had seen pictures of the trading floor before, but had never actually been on one. It was almost closing time when Judy took her down for her tour.

As they passed through the turnstiles onto the floor Judy turned to Susan. "It's going to be really noisy and hectic at the close. Just stay close to me and try and stay out of the way. Everyone you see in a gold jacket is a runner; this is what you will be doing tomorrow. The people at the desks are clerks taking orders over the phone and off computers from their offices all over the world. The runners take those orders and make sure they get to the right broker in the appropriate pit. Then they bring the filled orders back to the desk to be reported to the customers. The people in the pits are the actual brokers trading and filling orders. Each firm or broker has his own individual jacket. Our colors are Kelly green with white trim, but you can see all the different variety there is. Our desk clerks are in Dark green with white trim." Judy and Susan made their way across the floor to the Morgan Commodities desk.

Susan could not believe the mass confusion that seemed to go on around her. There was paper everywhere you looked and people flying in and out of the pits. "I sure hope I can catch on to this. It seems so exciting but when you are down here it is a bit scary too." She quickly pushed those thoughts to the back of her head.

Judy led her over to the desk and introduced her to the other runners and desk clerks. Everyone was busy with the close but very friendly and nice. Michael was nowhere in sight.

When the final bell sounded the bedlam ceased immediately. It was eerie how quiet it became. All the screaming and running around ceased and voices returned to normal levels. Instead of running like madmen, people were now calmly walking around. Susan was amazed at the change in pace. "Is it always like this?" she asked one of the clerks.

"Sure is, quietest part of the day. You'll get used to it." He smiled encouragingly at her. "When do you start?"

"Tomorrow as soon as I pass my test." Susan replied to him.

"Good, it will be nice to have a new face around here, especially one as pretty as yours." He started to lean over to ask her another question when he was interrupted.

"Don't you have orders to match and report, Tim?" Michael was standing behind Susan glowering at Tim.

"Yes sir, just getting to them." Tim turned away and resumed working.

Susan was startled by the voice behind her. She turned around to see Michael with his hands on his hips watching her. "So, what do you think of the floor so far? Think you can handle this?"

"I'm sure I can, in fact I am looking forward to it." Susan replied with as much confidence as she could.

Michael just looked at her and didn't say anything for a minute. She sounded confident but she did look a bit shaken. He didn't think she had all the confidence she was putting on. "Well since the trading is done for the day, I'd like to take you to lunch and kind of give you an overview of what to expect each day. Is that okay with you?"

Susan was shocked at the invitation. "Sure, that sounds fine to me."

"Okay, I need a few minutes to turn in my cards and check on things." Michael handed his trading cards to a clerk. He called over to the desk manager. "Any problems I need to get involved in?"

Jim shook his head and gave a thumb up sign. "No sir, everything is under control."

Michael turned to Susan. "Okay, let's go. I thought we would try Ceres, it's right in the lobby and they have good food. You can also get a look at the way some traders wind down after the session."

After they were seated, Susan looked around. The place was certainly full of traders and clerks. Most of them were at the bar. "Do they all drink like this all afternoon? How can they function?"

Michael laughed. "Well, some certainly do, but not if they work for me they don't. They have work to do in the afternoon and you are right. After a few of the drinks here they don't function well. This place has a reputation for strong drinks."

The rest of the lunch was spent talking about the markets and Michael explaining about the different pits and the different months each commodity traded in. He specialized in grains, but the firm traded in all the markets. Susan was very interested and listened intently to everything Michael told her. She was beginning to feel more relaxed around him. When he was talking about the markets she could tell he really loved what he was doing and he wasn't so stuffy after all.

They were just about finished when Michael asked her. "Do you want to explain the stunt this morning with the cab? I really didn't appreciate that at all."

The question totally took Susan off guard. She blushed and stammered. "Oh, that, well I really didn't mean any harm, but I never hailed a cab before and I wasn't sure how to. I ..ah. got up late and didn't want to be late for my appointment, so when the cab pulled up for you I just hopped in. I didn't know who you were of course. I really didn't mean to make you mad, but the look on your face was funny. I am sorry if you were offended."

Michael just sat and looked at her. He said nothing for a few seconds, but it seemed like minutes to Susan. "I was offended. I would suggest in the future that if you need a cab you learn to hail one. It is very simple; you raise your hand and wave at it. If you need to be somewhere on time, you should also make sure you get up in time. I already told you how I am about punctuality."

Susan just looked down. She was so ashamed. "I am sorry, I won't do that again." Why did him staring at her like that give her these butterflies in her stomach?

Michael finally smiled. "Okay, I'll forgive you this time. You know it isn't a bad walk from there to here on a nice day, and would save you some money too. I usually walk it myself everyday."

Susan visibly relaxed. "Well I might try it, but money isn't a problem, my Dad is taking care of all my expenses for awhile. He will just give me whatever I want."

Michael raised an eyebrow at her. "That's nice of him, but wouldn't you want to be a bit more independent and learn to do things for yourself?"

"I suppose your father never gave you any money, or helped you when you were starting out? Like you just fell into your job and company after all." Susan was trying to keep the barb out of her voice. Why did this man alternate between irritating the hell out of her, and making her really want to get to know him?

"I suppose it may look like that to you, but I started with another firm as a runner, just like you. I saved and bought my own seat, and then joined the firm. No, my father and grandfather did not give me money, other than to pay for my education. I did the rest myself, and would not have it any other way." Michael's voice was as hard and cold as ice.

"Well sorry if I irritated you, but MY Father won't have it any other way, so I may as well enjoy it." Susan tried to ease the tension between them.

Michael looked at his watch, "Time I was getting back to work. I will see you tomorrow on the floor after your test, assuming you pass." He held his hand out to her.

Susan shook his hand. "Thanks for lunch, and I WILL see you tomorrow. Bye now."

Michael watched as she left the building and successfully hailed a cab. "At least the brat learned something today." He quickly went back to the office to finish the day.

Susan spent the evening sitting on her balcony studying for the test the next day. She was going to be damned if she failed that test and gave him any reason to fire her. She intended to show him she could be just as successful as he was.

The next morning Susan was up early. She took her coffee out on the balcony and spotted Michael walking out the door on his way to work. The sight of him, reminded her of how he irritated her. She was half tempted to drop her coffee and see if it would hit him. But it was hot and he could get hurt, she didn't want to do that. Shaking her head she sat back down. "Why did he irritate her so? He just had the ability to make sparks go off in her."

When she arrived at work, he was already there. She grabbed her floor jacket and headed down to take her test. He called after her. "Good luck Susan."

She hadn't thought he even noticed her. "Thanks, see you later."

She was a bit nervous but the test was really easy and she passed with no problem. So now she was official. She had floor access and was a full-fledged employee of Morgan Commodities.

Susan reported to the trading desk. It was now 9:00. Some of the financial markets were already open, but the grain markets she would be working with would open in 30 minutes. Michael smiled at her when she came up to the desk. "I see we passed our test. Welcome to your first day on the floor. Jim is the desk manager and he will explain the ropes and assign one of the runners to train you." Michael turned and gave some instructions to one of the desk clerks and left for the pits.

Jim turned to Susan and shook her hand. "Hi Susan glad to have you with us." He turned to a girl in a gold jacket, "Sarah, could you come over here please?" Sarah joined Susan and Jim. "Sarah, this is Susan, she is just starting, I would like you to work with her and show her what to do. Ok?"

"Sure, be happy to. Hi Susan, I am Sarah." Sarah shook hands with Susan and then turned back to Jim. "Have you filled her in on the starting times and stuff?"

"No, I haven't. Thanks for reminding me. Susan, even though the grains don't open until 9:30, we require that all floor personnel be here at 8:00. That way we can clear up any problems from the day before and go through assignments for the day. Lateness is not tolerated at all. If you are sick and aren't going to be in, you must call the desk before 8:00. Ok?" Jim looked at Susan to make sure she understood.

Susan was startled by the early start time. "Sure Jim, I understand. Michael explained about lateness quite thoroughly yesterday. That and the dress code."

Sarah motioned to the desk. "Susan, this is where it all starts. Orders will come in on the phone or over the printer, even before the opening, like now. The clerks take the orders and put them in these slots. Each slot is a different grain. Runners are assigned to different pits each day. Sometimes if we are short handed we may have to cover two pits.
Today we are doing beans. So even though the market is not open and trading hasn't started we can take the orders to the brokers we work with. Michael does all of the near month beans. He sometimes does the Bean oil as well. If he is in the pit, he gets the orders, if not they go to the back up broker. I will introduce you to them as we go along. But they are terribly short tempered during the market and if you give them an order for something they aren't doing, there is big trouble. Can cost money, if the order isn't filled fast enough. So we always check them first to make sure they are for the pit we are going to. After the order is filled, the broker will endorse it with the price and time and throw it out of the pit on the steps. We have to keep looking for our filled orders. Then we bring them back to the desk and the clerks report them electronically or phone the fills back. Am I going too fast for you?"

Susan's head was beginning to spin a bit. "No, I think I understand, but how did you ever learn all of this?"

Sarah smiled. "I have only been here two months, you catch on fast. If you don't, you don't last here. They have a rep for being really strict on things and have the least amount of errors of any firm. So pay real close attention to what you are doing, and if you are unsure, ask Jim or one of the clerks."

Susan gave her a weak smile. "Ok, I will." Just then the bell sounded the opening of the market. Within seconds the noise level escalated to unbelievable decibels. Susan managed to follow along after Sarah, and by the time the bell sounded the close at 1:15, she was exhausted. She had however begun to understand the whole thing. It was never dull or lacking for something to do.

Each day Susan learned a bit more. Everyone was so friendly. Some of the brokers had even asked her to lunch and a couple for dinner. She was having a wonderful time. The only problem was getting up so early in the morning. She had managed to be on time, but a few days, it was just barely on time. Especially since she had to leave her jacket in the office. Some of the other firms let the employees take them home. This saved a lot of time in the morning if you did not have to go up to the office to get your jacket and then back down to the floor.

Susan was unaware of it, but Michael had been watching her closely. He felt it was only a matter of time until the whirlwind social life she was leading was going to get her in trouble. He was also becoming quite interested in her. She was smart, and bubbly and everyone liked her. He was concerned about her apparent naivete concerning the intentions of some of the men who were after her. One broker in particular had a really bad reputation when it came to the ladies. He was pursuing Susan the most of anyone, and Michael was getting annoyed, even a little jealous.

Michael made a point of trying to run into her in the evenings and weekends, and usually accomplished it. Susan even began looking for him when she was at the pool, or doing laundry. The antagonism that seemed to be there between them was fading. She even began to like him. However he still had the ability to get her temper up. Every time he teased her about living off "Daddy" it annoyed her to no end.

Susan was lying by the pool one Sunday when Michael came up and sat down in the chair next to her. "Hi Susan, what are you up to today?"

Susan sat up. "Hi Michael, I was just writing a letter to my Father, and taking in some sun."

Michael got a wicked grin on his face as he replied, "Oh, asking Daddy for some more money I suppose, to support your wild life style."

Susan's face reddened as she stiffly replied, "It is none of your business what I write to my Father for, and what would you know of my lifestyle? All you do is work, work, and work. Don't you ever believe in having fun? I certainly do, and do what I want anytime I want."

Michael suppressed the irritation in his voice, but it was clearly visible in his eyes. "Well, that was spoken like a true spoiled brat. And yes I do have fun, just not in the same bars and with the same crowd you have been hanging out with."

After glaring at each other for a minute, Susan asked him what he meant. "What is wrong with the crowd I'm friends with? Some of them are your broker friends after all. Is there something wrong with that?"

Since her attitude had softened a bit, Michael decided to tell her the truth. "Susan, take this for what it is worth. I think you are very nice and I do care about you. That crowd is bad news. Those men are not my friends they are business associates, nothing more. They are only out to get what they can from you; and if or when they do they will be gone. I would not want to see you get hurt. Say I am giving you some big brother advice. I have been around them a lot longer and seen them do this over and over again."

Susan was stunned by what he said and really did not know what to think. Her voice was trembling a bit when she answered him. "Thanks---but---I am a big girl---I can take care of myself." She lay back down and resumed writing her letter, but she could not help thinking of what he had said. She almost felt like crying. Those were her only friends in the city but they were different from friends she had back home.

Michael knew he had upset her and felt bad. She even looked like she might cry. But she was young and alone and she was in over her head. He did like her and didn't want to see her hurt. "Susan, I'm sorry I upset you. Look, it is almost dinnertime and I have a couple of steaks, would you like to come have dinner with me? If you don't have plans?"

Susan looked up at him; she didn't have plans at all. Maybe this would be a good time to get to know him a little better. "Sure, I guess that would be all right."

"Great come on up when you get changed. See you then." Michael gave her shoulder a squeeze and left.

Susan gathered up her papers and went back to her apartment to shower and change. She put the letter to her father on the desk then decided she really should get it in the mail. She was asking for money and he seemed more willing to give her extra if she wrote nice long letters to him. This lifestyle was costing her way more than her salary and allowance he was giving her could pay for. That's why Michael's words had hurt her so.

Susan finished the letter quickly and got it ready to mail. Then she hurried to shower and change and meet Michael.

Michael greeted her warmly and offered her a drink. They sat and chatted on the patio while he grilled steaks. She was really relaxed and having a good time with him. He was handsome and so much easier to talk to then some of the other men who were asking her out. The evening flew by before either could believe it.

Susan stood up from the table. "I think I better get home. It is getting late and I can't be late for work tomorrow."

Michael laughed. "No, I wouldn't advise it. I hear tell that your boss takes a dim view of that."

Susan had to laugh back with him. "Yes I have been told that in no uncertain terms." Michael said he would walk her back to her apartment. At her door he kissed her on the forehead. "I wouldn't mind seeing you again like this, if it's all right with you."

Susan was stunned but pleased. "I would like that Michael."

"Great, How about dinner next Saturday?"

"Oh that would be fine." Susan could hardly believe he was actually asking her out.

Michael smiled at her. "I'll call you and let you know what time and where, but I think it best if we don't let anyone else at work know about this."

"Okay, I won't say anything to anyone." Susan really didn't want any of them to know. They would tease her unmercifully about it.

Michael unlocked her door and opened it for her. As she turned to go in he gave her a swat on the bottom. "Now you best get to bed or you won't be able to get up on time tomorrow." He shut the door and left.

Susan stood there shocked. "Did he actually swat me?" Every nerve in her body felt like it was on fire. She had only dreamed of having a man do that, never did she think one would in reality. "Hmm, maybe there is more to Michael than meets the eye."

Susan and Michael began to see each other on a fairly regular basis. She still hung around with her other friends, but no longer felt as comfortable with them. Michael always was a perfect gentleman and had made no move to do more than kiss her. Susan was beginning to really like him; in fact if she told herself the truth, she was in love with him. She wondered what he really felt. Did he just want to be friends? He said he cared for her, but was it just in a brotherly, friendly way? She just didn't know.

She was getting to work on time and everything was going well there. After one particularly busy Friday Fred one of the brokers she sometimes hung around with came up to her. "Hey Susan, this was some day huh? I haven't seen the markets this active in a long time. Must be the bad weather in the grain belt. I am exhausted, how about having lunch with me?"

Susan looked around to see where Michael was. She didn't see him anywhere. She had a date with him tomorrow night, but hadn't had a chance to really talk to him all week. The whole week had been hectic and today the worst. "Gee Fred that sounds nice, but I ----"

Fred grinned interrupting her, "What's the problem have to get permission from Mikey? Does he forbid his little pets from having lunch with anyone else? HMMM?"

Susan turned beet red. "Of course not, I just wasn't sure if I needed to help or anything."
She looked around again and everyone had left the desk. "I guess not, so sure, I'll have lunch with you."

"Okay, meet me at Ceres in 30. I'll drop my jacket and get us a table. Later!" Fred left the floor whistling.

Susan didn't know why but she had a strange feeling about having lunch with him. She hurried up to the office and hung up her jacket and grabbed her purse. She chatted with some of the people and then left. As she was getting into the elevator Michael was just getting out of another one. "Susan, Wait a minute." Too late the door had closed.

Michael wasn't sure whether she had heard him or not. He was beat and was going to ask her to lunch with him. He hadn't had a chance to see her or talk to her all week. He was really getting serious about her. He had been holding back, but felt that she felt the same way. He wanted to talk to her and tell her how he felt. Of course she would have to start to work somewhere else. He really could not enter a serious relationship with one of his employees. He felt somewhat guilty in just dating her. But he was thinking of something far more serious now. For the first time in his life he actually was thinking he was in love and ready to settle down, with Susan.

Michael sat in his office for a while to see if maybe she would come back if she had heard him. When she didn't he decided to just send out for a sandwich and finish off his paperwork and head home. Maybe she would be around the pool. He hadn't seen her out with the crowd she hung around with as much.

When Michael reached his condo, he looked out at the pool, Susan wasn't there. He called her, but she wasn't home either. He left a message about what time he would pick her up and then headed to the pool himself to relax. He thought that maybe she would show up a bit later.

When it got to be almost 7:30 and Susan still hadn't come, Michael headed back upstairs. He really was beginning to wonder where she was. He tried calling her again, but she still wasn't home.

In the meantime Susan was still at Ceres with Fred. They had now been joined by a group of others and everyone was really drinking a lot. Susan had lost count of the number of drinks she had consumed and was getting a bit tipsy. When she looked at her watch and saw that it was almost 8:30 she decided she best get home. "Fred, I am going to leave, it is late, and I have had enough. Thanks for the lunch and fun." Susan started to leave.

Fred grabbed her arm. "Hey, it's Friday, the night is young, we are just talking about going to Navy Pier Maybe grabbing a bite to eat and hanging out there. Come on. Don't be a party pooper."

Susan shook her head. "I think I have had enough Fred, really. I am feeling the drinks now."

"I got something that will fix you up, and you won't worry about it at all." Fred reached into his pocket and pulled out a couple of pills. Here take these and we'll have a ball."

Susan wasn't sure what to do. She really didn't want to seem like a prude, but she didn't know about taking these pills. "Thanks Fred. She took one and put the other in her pocket. Okay, I'll go but just for a bit."

By the time they got to Navy Pier, Susan felt like she was floating. She didn't feel like she had any control over herself at all. Fred was watching her closely. He had big plans for her and him for the rest of the night. She was going to be his latest conquest, and things were going just fine.

Marty Sanders one of Michael's oldest friends happened to be at the bar they were in. He knew that Michael and Susan had been dating and Michael was getting pretty serious. They had talked about it just the other night. He couldn't believe the way Susan was acting. She was dancing on the tables and seemed to have no inhibitions at all, plus she had way too much to drink. He got up and went over to where she was standing. Fred had left for a minute so she was alone.

"Hi Susan, what brings you here?"

Susan looked at him through blurry eyes, "Do I know you? Oh Yesh , you're Mikey's friend. How are you?" She was slurring her words and stumbling.

Marty grabbed on to her arm. "How much have you had to drink?"

Susan tried to focus on him. "Oh I lost count, but that pill Fred gave me makes it all right."

Marty's heart was racing. "What pill Susan, what did he give you."

Susan reached into her pocket and gave the other pill to Marty. "Like thish one. He gave me two, but I only took one. Should I take thish one now?"

Marty grabbed the pill and looked at it. It was a narcotic. Illegal to boot. "Nope, young lady I am taking you home right now. Get your purse."

Susan looked at him surprised. "But I am having fun, I don't want to go. Fred said he would take me home later."

"Yeah I bet he did. Come on we are leaving now." Marty grabbed her arm and purse and pulled her after him.

Just as they were exiting, Fred caught up with them. "Hey what do you think you're doing? She's with me." He tried to pull her away.

Marty gave him a hard look. "Take off buster before I call the cops. She is leaving with me, and if you give me any problem I will call the cops and tell them about the drug you gave her. Fortunately she only took one. Now back off."

Fred turned and left them. Marty continued pulling Susan until they got to his car. When he had her in and buckled up, she promptly fell asleep. Marty picked up his cell phone and called Michael.

Michael had been sitting worrying all evening. It was now 1:30 and she wasn't home. Where was she? Just then the phone rang. Marty quickly told him the story. "I'm pulling into your parking lot now. Do you want me to bring her up to your place or hers? She is sound asleep right now."

Michael was livid. "I'll come down and meet you. I'll bring her up here." Michael slipped his shoes on and headed down to the lot. He got there just as Marty was pulling in. He ran over to the car and opened the passenger door. Susan was still asleep and slumped there. Michael undid her belt and picked her up.

"Do you need any help?" Marty asked him.

"No thanks Marty, I really owe you one. I'll call you in the morning and let you know how she is. Thanks again." Michael lifted Susan up and carried her to the door.

He plunked her on the sofa and went to get cold wash clothes and coffee. She was going to be one sick puppy when she woke up. She was starting to stir when he got back.
He put a cold cloth on her forehead and shook her gently. "Susan, wake up!"

Susan slowly opened her eyes. "Where am I?" She looked around and could barely focus. But suddenly felt terribly ill. "Oh, I am going to be sick!" Michael hauled her up and carried her to the bathroom. They barely made it when she was violently ill. When she finally stopped, she slumped to the floor.

Michael stood her up and started stripping her. She has a beautiful body, but now was not the time to appreciate it. He started the shower on barely warm and set her in it. She was awake but didn't fight him at all. She was just limp. When the water started hitting her, she finally started to come fully awake. When she realized she was standing in Michael's shower, totally nude with him holding on to her, she wanted to die.

"Michael!" She tried to cover herself with her hands. "How did I get here?"

Michael turned the shower off and pulled her out and wrapped her in a towel. "I think that is a question I would like answered myself, young lady." He took another towel and dried her hair and arms and legs. "Now, we are going to have some coffee and get some food in you, and you are going to tell me exactly what the HELL you thought you were doing." Michael's voice had an angry edge to it she had never heard before. Plus he was looking at her with a look that made her insides melt.

"I---I---don't feel like eating. I think I better just go home." Susan tried to grab her clothes from the floor.

"No way are you leaving here, till you and I have a talk, and I have some answers about tonight. Now get out there and plant your tail in a chair." Michael grabbed a robe from the back of the door and handed it to her. "Put this on."

Susan took the robe just as Michael grabbed the towel from her and swatted her several times hard on her bare bottom.

"Ouch, what are you doing?" Susan almost ran out of the bathroom.

"That young lady is just a taste of what you may be in for." Michael followed her to the kitchen.

Susan had obediently sat in a kitchen chair. Michael fixed her some coffee, scrambled eggs and toast.

"I want you to eat all of that and drink that coffee. It will help undo the effects of the pill and booze you have consumed."

Michael leaned against the counter and watched as Susan ate and drank the coffee. She really was hungrier than she thought. When she finished he fixed her another piece of toast and poured more coffee.

"All right care to explain what happened here?"

Susan was beginning to become more alert and unfortunately decided he had no right treating her this way. "I don't have to answer any of your questions. After all you're not my father, and have no business doing this. I can do as I please, Michael Morgan, there is no commitment between us." Susan started to stand up, then saw the look on Michael's face.

It was a mixture of anger and hurt. Michael said nothing just pulled her up out of her chair. He held her close to him. "Susan, there may have been nothing verbal spoken before, but I felt you and I had been feeling the same way toward each other. I intended to have this discussion with you on our date later tonight, but you may as well hear it now." He grabbed her wrist and sat on the couch and pulled her onto his lap.

"I have never met anyone I was more attracted to in my life. I love you Susan and want to have a more serious relationship with you. Actually I want to marry you. I think we need to get to know each other a bit better, before I ask you to make that final commitment but that is my intention." Michael paused and looked at her.

Susan was in shock. Her heart was pounding. She had felt this way but didn't realize he really did. She started to speak. "Michael---"

Michael put his hand over her mouth. "Not till I am finished." He paused, took a deep breath and continued. "You can not imagine how worried I was about you tonight. When Marty called me and told me what happened I was scared to death you had been hurt. You made a stupid, foolish mistake tonight, and because I feel the way I do about you I feel I do have a RIGHT to have an explanation. I am going to tell you a few other things as well. I am a fair man, but I do not put up with spoiled brats. I expect my partner to be open and honest with me as I will be with her. But I do expect her to obey me and take care of herself, and not act like a spoiled brat. If she doesn't she will be treated like a spoiled brat and put over my knee and spanked."

Susan was sitting and looking at Michael with her eyes as round as saucers. But she said nothing. Michael continued.

"You have certainly earned yourself a hard paddling tonight. If you cannot accept that then there is no point in going further. I think you can though and I think you need that discipline. Plus, if you decide you want me and want this relationship, you are going to find another job. You can't stay working for me. It wouldn't be right. You are going to do that on you own this time also. No daddy helping you, and I'm not going to help you. You're capable of doing this yourself. You're bright, and a good worker. There is more, but I want an answer from you now. Then I want an explanation about tonight."

Susan was almost speechless; she didn't know what to say. "I didn't mean to hurt you or worry you. I do love you too Michael and want to be your wife. Are you going to really spank me? I don't want to be spanked."

Michael kissed her gently and held her. "Susan I'm sure you do not want to be spanked, but yes you are getting a spanking and it is going to be a hard one. You have to learn. Now, I want to hear your explanation for tonight's antics.

"I didn't want to go with Fred, but he teased me about you, so I decided it wouldn't hurt to have lunch. But then all these other people came and I had too much to drink. I wanted to leave and he wouldn't let me. Said if I took this pill I would feel better. They were going to get something to eat, so I thought it would be okay if I did that. I don't remember too much else, till I woke up here. I know it was stupid and you did warn me about him. I'm really sorry!" Susan started to cry.

Michael held her and let her quiet down. "Susan, do you have any idea what could have happened to you?"

"I think so, but it didn't happen." Susan tried to sound calm, but she was scared and nervous.

"Well for starters you could have been raped. Then there is a good possibility too much alcohol with the pill could have killed you. That was a very stupid thing to do, and I know you know that. Now I want you to go into the bedroom and bring me the brush from the top drawer of the bureau." Michael sat her on her feet and turned her towards the bedroom.

Susan hesitated and turned to him. "Do I have too, can't you just forgive me this time?"

"I told you what to do Susan, now do it. I do forgive you but you are going to obey me and you are going to be punished for tonight. Now go!" Michael swatted her, propelling her toward the door.

Susan retrieved the brush and when she returned to the living room, Michael had a kitchen chair in the middle of the room. "Come over here Susan and let's get this over with."

Susan's legs felt like jelly and her stomach was full of butterflies. She also strangely felt half aroused by his tone and the thought of what was going to happen.

Slowly she walked over to him and handed him the brush. Michael pulled her up against his leg and pulled her over his lap. Susan landed with a thump.

Michael adjusted her on his lap until her bottom was the highest part of her anatomy.
"Susan, this is going to hurt I know, but I want you to stay still. I do not want you to put your hands back and cover yourself. You can hold onto my leg or the chair. If you put your hands back you are going to get extra. Also do not try and get up. Do you understand?

Susan was sniffling already. "Yes. But please don't spank me; I won't ever do that again. Please?"

Michael was firm. "Susan, you have to learn that if you act like you did tonight, you are going to be punished. After we are done, I am sure you will never do anything like this again." Without another word Michael flipped up the robe exposing her milky white bottom. Her bottom was so beautiful he hated to turn it red, but it had to be done. It was by far the most spankable bottom he had ever seen.

He pulled her tight to him and was just about to land the first smack, when she put her hand back and tried to pull the robe down. Michael put the brush down. Grabbed her wrist and held it to her back. Flipping the robe back once more Michael told her in even tones. "Susan I told you not to do that, now you are going to get a hand spanking before your paddling. You will learn to obey."

Michael brought his hand down hard on her right cheek. Susan gasped at the impact. Before she could formulate words another smack landed on the left check. Michael set a pattern and gave her 30 smacks and stopped.

Susan was crying softly. Michael rubbed her bottom briefly. "Ok, Susan, now for your original paddling."

Susan had been kicking her legs and Michael knew the brush would really start her kicking so he pinned her legs with his. Now all the he could see was her bottom with pink handprints all over. With no hesitation he started with the brush.

Michael brought the brush down hard on her right cheek. A vivid red mark appeared almost immediately. Her bottom flattened out and bounced back. Quickly he brought it down again on her left cheek. He continued until her bottom was tomato red. He then pushed her further over his knee and concentrated on the area between her bottom and thighs. Finally he brought the brush down hard on each thigh ten times.

Susan was howling and begging for him to stop. "Michael, please it hurts so, Ouch, Ow, Ouch, Please, Stop, Michael I won't ever do it again, Please stop! Ouch, owee, Please."

Michael ignored her pleas and landed another volley on her bottom cheeks. Susan was now limp and sobbing on his lap. He put the brush down and rubbed her bottom. It was bright red and had purple blotches showing. She would certainly feel this for a few days.

"Sshh, Sshh, Susan sweetheart, it is all over!" Michael kept rubbing till her sobs turned to little moans. He pulled her into his lap and hugged her.

Susan rested her head against his chest. She was so sore, but so content at the same time.
She was also very aroused and could tell that Michael was in the same condition.

As her breathing returned to normal Michael tilted her chin up and kissed her. She returned the kiss with a passion she had not felt before. Michael returned the kiss. He had not planned on making love to her tonight, but he was not going to be able to control himself any longer.

"Susan, I didn't intend for us to make love tonight, but right now there is nothing more in this world I would love to do. But that decision has to be yours." Michael rubbed her back and nibbled her ears.

Susan couldn't stand it any longer herself. "Michael, please I love you so much, I want you."

That was all Michael needed to hear. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. He pulled the covers back and laid her in the bed. When her bottom hit the sheets she moaned but didn't care.

Michael quickly undressed and pulled off her robe. Although he had seen her naked in the shower, he appreciated the sight much more now. He lay down next to her and pulled her into his arms eagerly seeking her mouth. His lips and tongue explored every inch of her mouth and then worked their way down her body.

Both Michael and Susan soon reached the point where they could no longer stand it. Michael entered her and both quickly spent their passion. Michael pulled Susan close to him and both slept.

When Susan woke the sun was streaming in the window. Michael still had his arm around her and was sleeping. She looked at the clock and could not believe it was almost ten in the morning. Her head was throbbing and so was her bottom, but she was content and at peace.

Michael woke to find her cuddled next to him watching him. "Morning Sunshine, how do you feel?"

"My head is throbbing and so is the other end, but wonderful! I could really get used to this." Susan snuggled back down.

"Well I think that could be arranged. But let's try doing it without the spanking next time." Michael smacked her bottom and pulled her to him. "Yep, this is definitely something I want to get used to."