Reconnections

Every fall, my agency hosts a conference in the mountains of Colorado. Before the ski season begins, the rates are cheap and the views are gorgeous. The trees turn orange and red. The air is crisp with winter around the corner. Best of all, the hustle and crowds of summer and ski season are nonexistent.

Most attendees arrive at the hotel the evening before the conference convenes to get settled for into the rooms before the early opening keynote. For me, I was looking forward to a few days away from a stressful job, enjoying evening cocktails with friends and colleagues over the next few days, and forgetting about my divorce.

I arrived in the early afternoon and checked into my hotel. Over the next hour, text messages started to pop up on my phone with recommendations from friends with suggestions to meet for happy hour and dinner.

Once consensus was reached, about six of us gathered at the hotel restaurant to catch up in the ski resort where we were lodging. After dinner, we decided to move to the only bar that was open. Because it was "mud season" when there were few visitors. The bars watch for conventions or workshops and will open for a few nights to make some quick cash if there is something in town.

Our group wrapped and as we exited the restaurant, a similar sized party walked in. Approaching each other, I recognized them as colleagues from a prior job. After a few handshakes and hugs, introductions and greetings began.

While I was chatting with one of my old friends, someone interrupted me with, "I know you!" I turned to see a stunning woman grinning at me.

Always a clown, I responded with, "I don't think so, maybe you saw my picture in the post office on the most wanted board?"

"No," she said, as if it wasn't a joke. Repeatedly tapping my shoulder with her fist as if to jog her memory, it seemed to work. "I know. You were my boss. Ten years ago!"

I was clueless, but very intrigued. This extroverted stranger was drop-dead gorgeous. A Latina with long, flowing dark hair, a stunning fit hourglass figure under a snug shirt tight jeans, almost overshadowed by a genuinely bright and stunning smile.

Rather than continue our confusing banter, I said, "Why don't you just tell me your name?"

While giggling she said, "You might remember me as Sophie."

"Oh my god, Sophie. Yes! We did work together. How wonderful to see you!" I was the director of the agency where she was employed and we didn't interact much. But she was a popular and hard working teammate who was adored by her colleagues.

Sophie leaned forward and gave me a hug. Not only did she look beautiful but she smelled wonderful and squeezed me so hard I thought I might lose my breath. Her face pressed against my cheek. Sweet and soft. It was a delightful reunion.

Stepping back, she asked, "Are you here for the whole conference?"

I confirmed I was in for the entire week, running workshops, chairing meetings and socializing. Sophie raised her eyebrows, smiled, and recommended we find time for a drink to catch up. That seemed like a good excuse for another hug which I initiated this time and agreed with her suggestion.

Our groups separated and as I looked back, she did the same and waved.

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The local tavern was crowded and lively. I was able to snag a spot at the bar and ordered a beer. It was the perfect spot to socialize with dozens of friends and colleagues as they came up to order a beverage. Many laughs and hugs later, the crew we encountered from the restaurant wandered in. I was happy to see Sophie was among them. I kept sneaking glances past the people I was talking to in order to keep an eye on her. I did not want to head out before I had a chance to chat a little more.

I felt a bit like a minor celebrity as friends and colleagues came by to say hi. Sophie apparently was looking to do the same since she was hovering behind a couple lady friends with whom I was chatting. When they turned to head back to their table another friend approached.

"Excuse me," Sophie protested! "I am next."

I gave my other colleague a sheepish look and shrugged my shoulders. "Oops, I'll catch you in a minute." She just laughed and responded, "You better."

"Jeez," said Sophie. "I thought I might need to take a number. Do you have a harem or something?"

Rolling my eyes with feigned indignation, I explained that I just know a lot of people.

"Well, at least I made it to the front of the line. And now I see your beer is almost empty. Can I buy you a refill?"

"Only if I can return the favor."

"Deal," she grinned,

With both of our drinks refreshed, we began our catchup. I swiveled away from the bar on my stool to face her. Between the music and the crowd it was hard to hear over the din of everyone's conversations. Sophie squeezed in closer to talk directly in my ear. She bumped my leg with her hip so I twisted on the stool to give her some room. "That's ok," she said. "It's very crowded. Stay put." Hmmm, ok.

I was completely flummoxed. She was in her late 30s and I was easily 10 years her senior. She was gorgeous and could entice any man she wanted. What could she possibly see in me? But I was not going to jinx anything by talking her out of it.

As we continued our catchup, I learned she had divorced the husband I knew when we worked together meaning she was now single. She learned I was also moving out of a failed marriage after 20 years. I was a little embarrassed to admit that my separation was fresh and I was looking forward to the conference as a way to get away from the stress of the life-change and complications of work.

As her former employer, our conversations were work related or light topics such as what each other had planned for an upcoming holiday or the fate of the local football team. Under these new circumstances I enjoyed learning more about her. She was also revealing more of her delightful personality, a side of her I did not know from our work connection. Sophie was funny, talkative, inquisitive and warm-hearted. "Beautiful and charming," came to mind.

It didn't help that I was mesmerized by her dark eyes, gleaming smile and beautiful figure. I am tall - six-foot-three - and she was much shorter, about five-foot-five. But her energy made her seem taller. Dark hair surrounded her lovely face and tumbled over her shoulders to just above a set of sexy breasts.

She noticed me suddenly smile and asked if it was something she said. "No, I'm just enjoying our conversation." But I had actually involuntarily grinned in response to the thought that I might actually be a bit smitten by her.

She nodded and touched my arm. "Me too."

With an early wake-up planned for the morning sessions, it was time to wrap and head back to the hotel. Sophie joined me for the short walk. Tiny snowflakes were falling and lightly coating the sidewalk, making them just a little slick. I offered her my arm and she slipped hers over mine for support. If this had been the ending of an actual date, it could not have been more romantic. The kiss I was tempted to give her at that moment seemed aggressive and inappropriate, so we continued our walk as the snow dusted our hair and shoulders.

Reaching the hotel lobby, we stomped the snow off our shoes and moved to the elevators. Stepping in, I pressed eight for my floor and Sophie pressed the button for the fourth floor. When her door opened, she turned one last time to face me and gave me another long hug. "Thank you for a lovely evening." As she backed into the hallway, I thought, "Indeed it was."

Smitten might have been an understatement.

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Because I was in charge of the conference planning committee and also selected the venue, the hotel upgraded me into a luxurious suite. The living area had an oversized fireplace and floor to ceiling windows with spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains and ski runs. Next to a huge leather couch was a wine fridge that was storing two complimentary bottles of Western Colorado reds.

A separate ensuite was furnished with a king sized bed that faced a balcony and more mountain vistas. A note on the night stand advised that the windows in the bedroom were tinted and guests could leave the drapes open to enjoy the scenery without concern for privacy.

As I drifted off to sleep thinking about the day and especially the time with Sophie at the Dusty Boot, I mused that it was too nice of a room not to share. Little did I know that this last thought before I fell asleep was more of a prediction than a fantasy.

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The next morning I woke refreshed and excited for the conference. On day one, the sessions ran from 9am to 5pm followed by a happy hour for attendees.

After running a couple workshops and facilitating a meeting, I was more than ready for the happy hour. A ball room was set up for the event and packed with eager. With a bar and appetizers, the mood was festive. I grabbed a beer and wandered around to socialize. Spotting a buddy across the hall, I started to walk over when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I stopped and turned. It was Sophie. My stomach flipped a bit to see her. Even more lovely than last night, she was wearing a low cut top that accentuated her figure and a short denim skirt that showed off her toned legs.

I am not sure how, but I was able to repress the instinct to blurt, "Wow." Instead, I muttered something lame - I can't remember exactly what - along the lines of, "Well, I'm glad to see you made it through the day."

Sophie laughed and invited me to join her at a hightop table to have some appetizers and sip on our drinks. The invitation was irresistible.

We spent about 30 minutes recapping the day. How did the sessions go? Which ones did she attend? How were the workshops I ran? The conversation continued as smoothly as it ended last night. Smiles, laughs and light touches on my arm. I decided it was time to reciprocate and touched her shoulder and arm again and again. Each time, she scooted a little closer. With each move, my heart skipped a beat and my cock stirred. She was intoxicating.

The happy hour was ending and a mutual colleague approached to invite us to dinner with her and some coworkers. I was getting ready to accept when Sophie jumped in. "Thanks but we are going to hang out in the hotel bar." She turned to me and gave a sligh wink. "What is happening," I thought? Why would a gorgeous woman like her be interested in someone like me?

Rather than rationalize it, I decided it was best to go with the flow and enjoy the attention.

We moved to the bar for more drinks and a light dinner. Settling in a couple low chairs in the corner we decided on some sliders and more cocktails. As we munched on our food, Sophie turned to face me. Her knees parted just a bit and her skirt slid a few inches up her legs. I stole some glances and wondered if she was teasing on purpose. I could only hope.

A couple of cocktails later and with our food eaten, I requested the check. Waiting for the waitress to return with the bill, Sophie asked me about my room. I described it in detail and asked her about hers. She sighed, "Not as nice as yours."

After paying, we headed to the elevators. Stepping in, Sophie surprised me with a request. "I'm not really tired. Can I come to your room to check it out? Maybe we can have some of that wine they gifted you?"

I blinked and took a second to gather my composure. "That would be.... nice. I need to share that wine with someone and I can't think of anyone better than you."

She had already punched the button for her floor and the elevator opened, "I'll freshen up and see you soon." She held the door open and handed me her phone. "Text yourself so I'll have your number and include your room number." Eagerly following her instructions, I did as I was told then handed it back. She stepped away from the door into the hall. "See you in a minute."

My head was spinning as I entered my room. Again, my mind went to the question of why a gorgeous, sexy, funny, young woman like Sophie would be interested in hanging out with me? Instead of overanalyzing that question, I decided to embrace her attention and poured some wine into the two glasses the hotel provided.

I also flipped the lock to prop the door open so Sophie could just walk in.

Settling on the couch I took my first sip of wine when I heard the door open.

"Hello?"

"In here."

Sophie walked in to the living room and looked, well, magnificent. She had changed into blue yoga pants and a low fitting, snug black sweater. "I am ready for that wine!"

She came over to the couch and sat down on the side opposite me. The wine I poured for her was on the end table.

"Mine," she asked? I nodded and she lifted it to swirl the contents around to consider the color. Then she held it to her nose and slowly inhaled. She obviously knew her wines.

"Yummm," she cooed. Then, before taking a sip she raised the glass and said, "To reconnections." I raised mine and repeated the toast. We touched glasses and brought them to our lips, took a sip and lowered them.

She took in the setting and teased, "Well, aren't you a bigshot with such a fancy room?"

"Just lucky I think. But your interest to check it out got me a little more time with you this evening, so it worked out for me," I flirted, in response. She took another sip then flirted back. "I would have come to your room even if they put you in the laundry room."

I pulled a pillow on my lap to use as a holding spot for my wine, but was actually trying to disguise a growing erection. Her outfit showcased her sexy figure and my response was, well, growing.

We talked about odds and ends for a half hour or so and during the course of the conversation, continued to inch closer to each other a bit at a time. We discussed families, former coworkers and the long term relationships she had recently escaped and the one I was moving closer to exiting. She seemed so vulnerable and I knew I was. I was hugely conflicted because I did not want to have a short one-night-stand with someone so sweet or build a rebound relationship, but in the time we had spent with each other, I kept challenging those beliefs.

It didn't help that we were nearly shoulder to shoulder by now and the fragrant notes from her freshly applied perfume added to a building sexual tension.

Scooting even closer, we turned to directly face each other. During a short pause in our conversation, Sophie stood up and walked across the room to the door. For a brief moment I wondered if she had a sudden bout of regret. I presumed she was leaving. But I hadn't noticed but she had placed her purse on a table at the entrance of the suite. Grabbing it, she returned to the couch and plopped on the cushions, squatting on her knees. She leaned directly toward me while rummaging through her purse. "Aha!" she blurted and pulled out a tube of chapstick.

"I can't stop staring at your lips, they are so sexy." I nearly melted with that comment. "But they seem like they are a little dry. Do you mind?" With that, I think I actually did melt. Removing the cap, she twisted the bottom to expose some of the soothing moisturizer.

Without waiting for me to respond, Sophie pressed the little tube against my lips, Slowly, she moved it back and forth. "That's better," she whispered, "but I need to test my handiwork. Do you mind?"

"If I know what that 'experiment' would look like, I am an eager test subject."

That was all it took. Her lips mashed against mine and we reached around each other like a couple of teenagers. Kissing, releasing, tasting again, my stomach flipped and the pillow that was covering my lap fell to the floor. Her kiss was like a sweet dessert. With each taste I desired more.

She scooted onto my lap and I was embarrassed that she must have felt my hard dick pressing against her bottom through my pants. That awkwardness dissolved instantly for me when she leaned away a bit, sighed, "Mmmmm," opened her mouth and pressed her face against me again.

That invitation inspired me to slip my tongue over hers and explore her tantalizing mouth. The essence of the wine on her breath was incredibly provocative but it paled in comparison to the stirring softness of her lips and how she kept drawing my tongue over hers. When she started to slide her hips over my lap I began to realize I was moving from "smitten" to "lust." This woman was absolutely irresistible. And intoxicating.

After what seemed like an hour of heavy petting, massaging and making out, Sophie said, "This isn't working." I was crushed. It felt like she was going to end things just as we were getting even more passionate.

I was about to take the high road, thank her for an amazing evening and share that I thought we had a real connection. While I was preparing my response, she continued. "We should really move to the bed where we can be more comfortable."

I had completely misunderstood what "wasn't working" meant. I thought it was about me, but it was merely about how comfortable she was. My insecurities almost ruined the evening.

Instead of walking out, she stood and took me by the hand, leading me to the bedroom suite. Flopping backwards onto the bed, Sophie slapped her hand on the mattress next to her. "I'm waiting."

Everything she said and did was incredibly seductive.

I left the door open so we could enjoy a direct view to the fireplace. The setting was romantic and sexy. The lights were off but the flicker from the fireplace enhanced the ambience.. The curtains remained open and the light of the moon reflected off the snowy peaks casting a soft glow in the room. Her skin was luminescent.

Our makeout session continued, but this time it became much more intimate. She stayed on her back, so I leaned over her and slipped my left leg over hers. Our hands began to explore each other's bodies. My shy sensibilities were dissolving and I ran my fingers over her beautiful breasts. When she pulled my hand tightly against her, I knew I had reached a sweet spot.

It was even more erotic when Sophie grabbed my wrist and moved it to her pussy, That was the invitation I was craving for and glided my palm up and down between her legs. Even through her yoga pants I could feel the heat emanating from the tender junction. She spread her toned thighs to give me better access and then said, "My tights are not comfy. Pull them off."

Wow. Seriously wow.

I moved to the foot of the bed and grabbed them by the ankle. Tugging a little at a time, she pushed at the waist and wiggled her legs to help the snug fabric slip down. Fiirst her panties were revealed. Next her gorgeous thighs. Then her toned calves. She bit her bottom lip and then smiled at me. I discarded the stretchy bottoms and she sprawled out on the bed again. I was rewarded when she slightly parted her legs to reveal a light green thong with just a hint of a wet spot.

I shivered at the view - and my cock strained painfully against my jeans. Realigning our bodies, our faces touched. She wrapped her hands around my face and I tipped down to kiss her. The light scent of perfume returned.

Our lips gilded softly and sensually over each other and I felt her chest move more quickly with shortened breaths. Leaning to my side, I reached to adjust my throbbing cock and get some relief from the intense pressure.

Our lips parted and Sophie slipped a hand between us. Reaching my crotch, she moved it under my hand while I was struggling to find some relief. With my bulge now under her fingers, she narrowed her round, brown eyes, curled her mouth into a sexy smirk and said, "I can help you with that."

Sophie directed me to turn onto my back. Switching positions, she returned the favor from a few minutes early. Unbuttoning my jeans and pulling down the zipper, I immediately felt more comfortable.