All of my writing is fiction, and the stories and characters are products of my imagination. They were created for my fun and, hopefully, your enjoyment. Some of the events in the stories are not particularly condoned nor encouraged by the author but are there to create and enhance the story of the imaginary characters and their lives. Comments are always encouraged and carefully reviewed. All characters within the story that need to be are 18 years of age or older. I hope you enjoy! And take a second to vote and comment. Thanks
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ABBY
"So, how was it?" Erin always got right to the point.
"It was okay, like most of them are."
"Okay, doesn't cut it, you know."
"Tell me about it. I think every unmarried guy over twenty-eight has something wrong with them."
"What was wrong with this one, anything in particular?"
I chuckled. "No, nothing I could put my finger on. He didn't grab my boob or suggest we get a room. He didn't really do anything or suggest anything. He just talked a lot about when he played football in high school. He let me know that he was pretty good back then. Back then," I repeated for emphasis.
"The magic wasn't there anymore, huh?" Erin said with a giggle.
"I don't think what used to be there was magic, either."
"Despite my teasing, I'm sorry you're having so much trouble with your men."
"They're not exactly MY men, Erin." I rolled my eyes to let her know I was serious.
"After Alex, it couldn't get much worse."
"Don't remind me, Erin." I sighed as, despite my distaste for them, the memories flooded back.
We'd met during our senior years of college. Alex was handsome and intelligent, and his family was relatively well off. I tried not to let the latter item influence me but was only partially successful. I'd grown up with parents who lived not quite paycheck to paycheck but very close to that. Around Alex, if I mentioned it, I usually got it. I tried to be careful of what I said, but I wasn't used to stifling my wishes since at home, they were just wishes.
Alex had been anxious to get married, and I didn't protest. I was almost embarrassed to wear the two-carat diamond engagement ring he gave me, and he allowed me to plan the wedding of my dreams. As a teen, I'd read romance novels and had developed vivid pictures in my mind of the wedding I wanted.
So we were off to Sint Maarten, the Dutch side, of course. Eight of us were there, but the ceremony on the beach drew many curious observers. It was wonderful, and I'd never been happier.
That lasted until we returned home.
Alex let me know that I wouldn't be working despite my honors degree in engineering and that I'd be responsible for the care of the house, keeping it always ready for surprise visits from dignitaries that Alex might be entertaining. Plus, I had to be ready to prepare meals for these dignitaries. I also had to be prepared to dress appropriately for each occasion. And, speaking of dressing, he told me what clothes I'd be wearing, and he was very specific about design, color, and fit. Most were not at all what I'd have chosen for myself.
Alex never harmed me physically, but his criticisms of almost everything I did or said were demeaning and hurt me mentally, spiritually, and psychologically. I was, after all, an honors graduate in engineering and was being treated like I was a four-year-old with no brain of my own.
I'd seen no hint of this before we were married, and I endured it for a year before Alex returned home to find me gone for good. Friends encouraged me to hold out for a large settlement, but I was happy to be free. I did have nearly ten thousand dollars in a clothing fund that I was able to grab hold of before I left.
I'd gotten a job and had quickly purchased a house. Life was moving on.
"None of the guys have any possibilities?" Erin continued.
"Nope," I answered, hoping to end this discussion.
"Well, after Alex, you didn't have any trouble getting a job with an engineering degree and your looks." Erin wiggled her eyebrows and smiled.
"I'm not sure my looks had anything to do with it."
"How long were you a model?" She smirked at me.
"Just while I was in college and just for spending money." I'd been a catalog model for a major retailer, and they'd informed me that there'd been several inquiries about my availability, but I wanted to be an engineer and not a model, so I ignored them.
"Is anything else exciting happening?"
"Nothing special that I know of, but there is some kind of a special meeting, subject unknown, tomorrow. Maybe we're all going to get a big bonus." I laughed as that wasn't "very likely.
"Good luck on the bonus," Erin said, her laughter joining mine.
~~~
KEITH
So what is this thing you're skipping out of work to attend?" Phil asked, perching on the edge of my desk.
"It's a three-day combination thing. There's a design engineering show, some kind of awards program, and a job fair as well."
"Isn't that an odd combination of events?"
"I suppose so, but I might find a good engineer as well as some unknown product we might be able to use."
"Good luck on that. Maybe you can find a good-looking engineer to marry and to work here." Phil chuckled.
" Speaking in probabilities, there's about a one percent chance of that happening."
"Your probabilities are probably right. Have you checked the new lady in sales?"
"I'm way too busy to run around checking out women."
"Another thirty years, and I might buy that."
"I'll admit that I do enjoy attractive women, looking at them, that is."
It had been that way since the divorce. There was something about coming home from work a little early to surprise your wife and hearing familiar sounds, then finding your wife in the midst of a loud orgasm while having sex with the two doors up the street neighbor. She was definitely surprised. There were two divorces on our street in quick succession.
My whole outlook on things changed after that. My one-man business became of paramount interest in my life and, now diversified, grew to over one hundred employees. Despite several women's attempts to break into my celibate life, I wasn't at all interested. Oh, I still enjoyed looking, and sometimes I looked too long, which only provided false encouragement.
"Nothing wrong with that. So do I. Have fun at the whatever it is. I'll keep things going here." Phil dislodged himself from my desk and headed back to his office.
I left work at noon, packed, and headed to the show, which was only about a two-hour drive away. The trip was uneventful, and I checked into the hotel, ready to shower and dress for the award dinner.
As I was about to shower, I glanced out my window and came to a quick stop. I instantly knew how David felt about Bathsheba. She wasn't on the roof, but I could see that she was gorgeous, and since she was in the bathroom, I could see that she was about to shower.
She turned slightly toward the window, and I saw her entire face for the first time. It was framed by what I thought was a pageboy cut, and it was beautiful. When she began unbuttoning her blouse, I moved even closer to the window, hoping she didn't look up. I was perfectly placed one floor above her and across the narrow grassy area between us.
Feeling a mite guilty, I hoped she wouldn't close the blind as she stripped off her skirt. I couldn't see her below the waist, but the way her breasts looked, still contained by her bra, I could easily imagine what was currently hidden.
My breath caught in my throat when she unfastened her bra and tossed it aside. I wasn't sure her breasts were a perfect pair, but I decided that they were as nice as any I'd ever seen. When she bent to remove her panties, they swung alluringly from side to side.
When she turned and opened the shower door, her backside was easily as appealing as her front. She closed the door, but was still visible since it was glass. It wasn't long before she was hidden behind the steam-covered door, but I was willing to wait until her shower was complete.
I certainly wasn't disappointed when she emerged and began drying herself, carefully lifting each breast and toweling away the moisture beneath it. The drying process ended far too quickly when she switched off the light and disappeared into the room where the drapes were closed.
As much as I would have liked to watch for her to reappear, I needed to dress for the dinner. I'd brought a suit and tie and soon was on the elevator, heading to the first floor and the banquet room. At the door, a pleasant lady directed me to the registration table.
"Hello," another lady said, a big smile on her face.
"Keith Elliot," I said in response.
"Ah, yes. Here's your nametag. You have a seat at table B, and the bar is right over there," she said, gesturing.
"Thank you very much," I said as I left the table and headed for the bar. A martini might be good, but I decided to leave that for later, should the opportunity present itself. Instead, I asked for a glass of Merlot and began checking to see if there was anyone there that I might know.
I didn't find any acquaintances and joined a small group engaged in light conversation just before there was an announcement that dinner was being served. So I headed back to table B, which I had scouted out earlier. As I stood behind my chair, waiting for the rest of the occupants of the table to arrive, my mouth dropped open.
~~~
ABBY
I didn't enjoy airports, airplanes, or flying, but it was something that occasionally had to be done. This was one of them, so I packed somewhat reluctantly and headed for the airport. Three days away from the humdrum of the normal workday might turn out to be enjoyable. I'd been to a couple of engineering shows, and it had been fun to see some of the new products that were available.
The award would be exciting and embarrassing at the same time. I didn't enjoy being
singled out
even though it happened way more than I wanted. I just enjoyed the work, but my boss had nominated me for the award without my knowing about it ... and I'd been one of the winners. Unfortunately, I knew I'd be blessed with rosy cheeks when presentation time came.
The flight had been quick and uneventful except for the obnoxious male flight attendant who wouldn't leave me alone. We did spend about fifteen minutes on the tarmac waiting for them to repair the jetway so we could get into the airport. I jumped on the shuttle to the hotel and checked in, after which I had nearly two hours before I had to be at the dinner, so, as I always did in a hotel or motel, I ran across the room and jumped, landing flat on my back on the bed. I knew I'd enjoy sleeping in it.
After fifteen minutes of just relaxing, I decided to shower. My room had a large walk-in shower that I was anxious to experience. First, though, I needed to unpack and file my clothing very neatly into the several drawers that were available to me, except, of course, for what I'd wear to the dinner. Satisfied, I carefully closed each drawer and headed back to the shower.
I undressed and stepped through the glass door, closing it gently behind me. The water was adjusted, the little plastic shower hat put into place, and I stepped under the comfortably warm spray. The soap was fragrant, and I felt clean and refreshed when I stepped out and dried with the big soft towel. Then, to the other room to dress.
~~~
KEITH
I couldn't believe my eyes, but she was walking directly toward me. That same dark hair framing that beguiling face, the lavender dress now covering her flawless body, and I felt that I needed to pinch myself. I had to be dreaming.
"Hello," she said with a big smile. "I'm assigned to table B, so do you mind if I sit here beside you?"
I couldn't pull the chair out quickly enough.
"My pleasure," I said, my smile matching hers.
