The hotel banquet hall was a disaster to host for our company Christmas party. The lights were too bright, the music too loud, and the decorations? Well, it looked like someone threw up Christmas all over the place, it was just a big headache to be around. But none of that mattered right now since I really needed to find a way to talk about getting my promotion. Oh and there was also the fact that you were here. I had been eyeing you since we hired you in our finance division. I just hate that I can't always attend those meeting with you. But this is my only chance to try to talk to you.
I spotted you near the hors d'oeuvres table, standing apart from the crowd, clearly avoiding the clumsy attempts at conversation around you. It was like we both knew this party wasn't for us, and we had more important things to do. Like getting through the next hour with a few drinks and a lot of sarcasm.
I walked over, trying to keep my movements casual. "Hey," I said, grabbing a glass of punch. "How long do you think it'll take for someone to trip on the fake snow? I'm betting on five minutes."
You looked up at me, and that slow smile of yours hit me like a shot of whiskey--warm, intoxicating. "Five minutes? You're too generous. I'm giving it two. Honestly, I'm more impressed by how big this room is to fit all of so much tacky decorations."
I laughed, leaning in a little closer, lowering my voice. "You're not wrong. This place is a nightmare." I glanced over at the shrimp cocktail, then back at you. "And the food is definitely not helping. I'm pretty sure those shrimp are from last year's party, the shit is old."
You tilted your head, eyeing the platter, a hint of mischief in your eyes. "I'd believe it. Those shrimp look like they've seen more trauma than I have tonight. But honestly, it's gross in here."
We both took a sip of our drinks, but it wasn't the punch I was focused on. It was you--close, so close, just enough space between us, thick and sweet.
I found myself leaning just a little closer. "So," I began, eyes searching yours, "what's your take on all this? Do you actually enjoy the Christmas spirit, or are you just here for the free food and a little escape?"
You met my gaze, your voice dropped lower, smooth and steady. "I'm just here for the company. But if I'm being honest... I think I came for a different reason."
I swallowed, heart hammering in my chest. The air between us felt charged, heavy with unspoken words. I tilted my head, teasingly. "Oh? And what reason would that be?" My mind was itching to know.
You stepped a little closer, your presence suddenly dominating over mine. The warmth of your breath brushed against my ear as you spoke, each word like a promise. "I'm not sure yet. But I think I'm starting to figure it out." Somehow I felt like this was not real and how could you have known what I truly wanted.
I could feel the heat between us now, undeniable. The world around us--the party, the noise, the tacky decorations--faded into the background. It was just you and me, locked in this moment, and whatever it was that was building between us.
The party was a blur. The laughter, the chatter, the forced cheer--all of it faded as I caught your gaze again. You were standing a little closer now, a subtle shift in the space between us. It was like we both knew the night had taken a turn, and neither of us were in any hurry to go back to the crowd.