Unconventional
It's the busiest time of the year in the advertising business. Katherine didn't have time for this. The CEO called earlier and informed her that someone backed out at the last minute and that she had to represent the company's legal summary at the convention in Atlantic City. She thought she'd reached a position in the company where she didn't have to attend these conventions anymore. To make it worse, she had to travel with a man she didn't even know.
What kind of name is that? First name? Last name? Good grief, she thought. She searched for and found his name in the online employee roster. Evidently, he's a vice president from an entirely different division: someone named Spencer Wilson. Katherine didn't want to travel with a man she hadn't even seen before. So, she headed up to the fifteenth floor. She showed her badge to the receptionist and asked about Wilson's office location. The receptionist informed Mr. Wilson that Katherine, from the legal department, was on her way to see him.
Katherine walked down the hallway, looking for the door with his name on it. She knocked. He said to come in. Mr. Wilson stood up as she entered the room and extended his hand for a handshake Katherine introduced herself, stating that she was the last-minute substitution for John who was ill. She wanted to coordinate their itineraries so they could travel together and discuss their responsibilities during the convention. Wilson hesitated for the shortest moment, never taking his eyes off of Katherine.
There was something different about her. He couldn't quite put his finger on exactly what it was. He took her hand. His grip was firm, but also warm. He looked into her eyes as he grasped her wrist with his other hand. It was more of a caress than a handshake. Katherine seemed at a loss for words, while he held her captive. She was drawn to Mr. Wilson, immediately. It was easy to understand why.
He was impeccably dressed and well groomed. His chiseled features framed his face, but the almost imperceptible laugh lines at the corners of his eyes softened his appearance. His eyes were the calmest blueish green. He smiled slightly and introduced himself. "Good morning, Ms. Edwards. I don't think we have met before. It's a large organization. But I'm sure I would have remembered if we had." He continued to envelop her hand with both of his, so when he withdrew, he traced a finger along the inside of her wrist. The feeling was electric for both of them.
"My name is Wilson, Spencer Wilson," he said as he guided her to the chair in front of his desk. He sat in the matching chair directly opposite, their knees almost touching. "I understand we are traveling together to Atlantic City for the convention tomorrow." His voice was soft, as he spoke in a soothing baritone which she found disarming and at the same time reassuring. She was already in trouble, her heartbeat quickening from his touch and the sound of his voice. Katherine had to get a grip.
The hem of her business suit rose up well above her knees as she sat facing him. She was suddenly self-conscious of her appearance and wished that she had stopped at the ladies' room on the way to his office to freshen up before meeting him. Most men would have stolen a look at her legs by now, but his eyes remained locked on hers. Spencer had much more self-control than she had at the moment.
"I understand that you are in our legal Department," he said. "Yes, I handle contracts for the company," Katherine replied. She couldn't explain the feeling, but for some reason she wanted to impress him. Before she could say another word, he said, "Since Atlantic City isn't that far from here, I booked a limo for us. I assume your address is up to date in the corporate directory. I'll pick you up at 8:00am. Please be ready," he said, as he rose from his chair. He took her hand again and led her to the door. As she was about to leave, he leaned in and whispered something in her ear. She could feel her face flush as she turned and walked back to her office, trying to sort through what just happened.
Katherine was a bit flushed from Mr. Wilson's whisper and was also a little infuriated with him. What did he just say to me? Yes, he's handsome, well dressed, confident and a smooth talker and single, which is a dangerous combination. She was attracted to him, as a purely natural response to the eye candy that he was: perfect hair, piercing eyes, impressive attire, commanding voice, firm grip. My gosh, he'd make any woman's pulse quicken, at least until she came to her senses. But, why would he say such a thing after their first meeting? Clearly, he's used to getting what he wants.
And he'd even assumed that the arrangements that he'd made would be OK with her. The audacity of the man! She'd have to be on her A-game for the next few days, to avoid any hint of impropriety with Mr. Wilson. As promised, the limousine, carrying Mr. Wilson, arrived at Katherine's townhome promptly at 8:00 a.m. To her surprise, Spencer jumped out of the car and opened the car door for Katherine and said, "Good morning, Katherine, you look fantastic, today. That color suites you." Katherine was a bit taken aback and for a moment was at a loss for words. So, she said, "Good morning, Spencer. Thank you, " and stepped into the car. He smiled and slid into the seat beside her, because he could feel the underlying highly charged energy that was flowing between them.