Andie looked at herself in her full-length mirror. Her father had arranged for her to meet a potential associate of his. She knew the look that corporate types liked in a woman. She chose the sleeveless black shape-hugging dress that ended just above the knee. The taupe and black cardigan that she paired with it matched her high heels and purse. Her silver fan shaped dangle earrings were very reflective as was the shackle bracelet and knuckle to knuckle ring.
Her jet-black hair was pulled into a tight chignon. Her make-up was subtle. Taupe eye shadow with mauve highlight on the brow accentuated her cat like brandy colored eyes. Subtle mauve blush and lipstick completed the look. Polished. She looked polished as her father would claim.
Her father didn't usually ask for favors, but he claimed to be in a bind and unable to meet an important business associate. She was to meet Thomas Blair in the lounge of the Waldorf Astoria hotel, buy him lunch and make sure he had everything he needed. Her father would meet with him tomorrow. She was to smooth over any irritation that he couldn't meet with Blair today.
As she left her apartment building, she put her black sunglasses on to protect her eyes from the bright sunshine of the day. She climbed into the cream colored town car that she used on such occasions. She hoped that the luncheon would not drag on as she had an art showing that night.
She told the driver she would call when she needed to be picked up. Walking into the lobby was always a humbling experience. The tiles were a shiny marble and the pedestal floral arrangements were beyond beautiful in their colors of peach, orange and lime. She was used to the opulence, but never tired of the aesthetics.
She nodded to Alfy at the bar and chose a seat in view of the door. Andie perused the room and identified a beautiful call girl at another table. The two of them dressed similarly, but Andie could tell by the scuff on her shoe. The shoes always told the truth.
She ordered an iced tea with lemon. She didn't want to fog her senses before tonight. She tried to patiently wait for Mr. Blair, but she had other things she should be doing. She saw a handsome gentleman walk in and ask something of the bartender. Alfy nodded toward her and Mr. Blair walked over.
"Hello, nice to meet you." He extended and shook her hand as he sat down at the table. "You look lovely. Of course, I knew you would."
"Really? How charming. Would you like to go into luncheon?"
"Sure. After you."
This woman was beautiful. He expected beautiful. He wasn't expecting such refinement and elegance. She was absolutely flawless. And, she had a derriere that should be sculpted. He'd certainly buy that sculpture.
She indicated which restaurant they would be eating in and he escorted her to the door. The maître d'hotel recognized Andie and showed them to their table. Thomas held her chair out for her. "Thank you," she said acknowledging the gesture.
After ordering their food, Andie asked him how long he would be in town.
"Well, as of now, two days. But you could change that." he said with a smile.
"Hmm. I'm not sure I could."
"Don't be coy. You most certainly could. Lord, you are magnificent."
"Thank you, but I have previous plans."
"Yes. I know about your plans. I have some plans of my own."
She was confused by his answer. "Good. I'm glad that you do."
"Do you want to know what they are?"
"No. That's not necessary. Unless you want to tell me."
"Let's just leave it to be a surprise."
Andie was wary of his answer, but schooled her face not to let it show.
"Did you have a pleasant flight into town?"
"Pleasant enough."
'Okay' she thought. 'This guy is more than a little eccentric and maybe a little bit stupid. Dad, you are really going to owe me for this one.'
Fortunately, the food was brought to the table at that moment.
He seemed pleased with his salmon and asked if she wanted a taste.
"No, thank you. I'm quite happy with my salad."
"So, when you are not working, what do you like to do?"
"Well, my work does take up quite a bit of my time. In fact, I'm working tonight."
"Yes, I know. But is it really work when it is so pleasurable?"
"Yes, I love my work, but I also enjoy the theater and I do my fair share of traveling."
"Do you travel for work?"
"Yes, sometimes. London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome."
"Wow. You certainly run with the big dogs."
She laughed, "That's because I'm one of the big dogs."
"The most beautiful dog I've ever seen."
Andie looked at him derisively, shook her head and laughed.
"And what is it that you do when you're not working?"
"I too work a lot. But I own a horse ranch and a sailboat. Those are my biggest hobbies."
"My father is a great horseman. You have that in common."
Thomas considered that comment. '
Well don't most call girls have Daddy issues?
'
"Do you ride?" he asked in a suggestive tone.
Once again, a weird comment. Andie just ignored the comment as she sipped her iced tea.
Thomas inquired, "How long have you been in this line of work?"
"Oh, you are mistaken. I am only doing this as a favor."
"Lucky me. I am delighted you have favored me with your company."
Trying to put some distance between them, Andie said, "Tell me Mr. Blair. Are you married?"
"No, no. My work consumes most of my time. Are you attached?" he countered.
"No. I, too, work a lot of hours."
"Yes, I assume most men would not want to share you."
"Well, Mr. Blair. We should probably get going."
"Yes, I agree."
They left the restaurant. Thomas steered her toward the elevator.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm sorry. You were going the wrong way."
"I was going to my car."
In the elevator, Thomas pulled her into his arms and stunned her with a masterful kiss. The kiss lasted until they got to the 9
th
floor.
Andie broke away. "What are you doing?"
