Strands of golden brown hair loosened from a tousled up do, swept down over her elegant shoulders. Her skin a soft pale touched with a kiss of pink from the sun, was accented by the soft coral of her silk evening gown. Loose and gauzy around her skin and hugging in just the right places. The cut back was sexy with a demur feel. Her lips full in a light shade of pink. Long think lashes framed stormy blue eyes accented by the lightest pale ivory shadow touched with flecks of gold.
She felt eyes on her as she walked into the large room. Glancing at the seating card she steadied herself and headed towards table nine. The room was decorated in the theme of love and romance. Perfectly suited as the annual charity dinner had fallen on Valentines day this year. She knew everyone at her table save for one gentleman. Apparently a very important somebody she had been told she would love to meet. Not important enough it seems to have been informed that this was a black tie affair.
He stood as she approached the table, extending his hand in a polite greeting. His dark brown hair was cropped tight and short, his skin touched with a warm tone of brown from many days under the sun. His eyes dramatic in a light shade of green. A strong jaw line finished with a slight cliff of the chin. A prominent five o'clock shadow played over his face further enhancing his rugged yet polished domineer. He was a few inches taller then her, not enough to tower awkwardly but enough to show dominance. His shoulders appeared wide beneath a sharply tailored black velvet blazer. A crisp white shirt left open just a little too much at the collar finished with rich cuff links. Well fitted black slacks, and polished shoes completed his look.
"You must be the lady of the evening" his voice was deep and warm. His hand gripped hers softly but with a firm command. Tucking into her seat, she turned and addressed him with a smooth thank you.
Once dinner and speechs completed she excused herself from the awkward conversation for a breath of air.
The wind softly swirled the soft fabric of her long gown around her legs. Just enough to bring a soft coolness to her skin. The sun barely visible on the horizon, sinking into the ocean waters in a haze of brilliant reds, and oranges.
Soft music and chatter floating in from the open terrace doors, punctuated every now and again by a shrill cackle of laughter by an over indulging woman. Clinking of glass and callings of congratulations.
After 4 hours of dinner and speeches, idle small talk and chatter amongst the table she hadn't been able to draw her attention away from him. The line of his neck, the strength of his shoulders. Constant thoughts and images of sensual acts with this strange man she hardly knew, kept filling her mind. He was so self-assured to the point of mildly cocky. Not someone she would have ever considered sleeping with.
"Enjoying the evening?"
"As much as one can enjoy a night of love when your alone." a hint of bitterness on her lips.
"You haven't been struck by cupid's arrow?" he asked his eyebrow raising devilishly.
"I don't believe in cupid, or that anyone can be struck blind to the world for love or lust" her voice was clipped and sharpe.
"Do you want to leave?" he approached her, and stood slightly by her side.
She cast a sideways glance at him taking in his posture, calm relaxed, sure of himself.
"I called for a car it's waiting downstairs when you're ready".
She watched the lights on the street below as his footsteps receded back inside the ballroom. Moments later she effortlessly slipped back through the ballroom, retracing her steps to the table to collect her clutch and then headed for exit.
What was she doing, taking a proposal from a man she knew nothing about, was this a challenge?
"Going down ma'am?" the elevator attended smiled pleasantly interrupting her thoughts.
"Yes please" she stepped in and descended to the street below and the man waiting for her.
His eyes followed her every step as she crossed the foyer towards him. Noting the gentle sway of her hips beneath the sheer silk of her gown. He offered his arm and walked her to the waiting car. Opening the door he turned is intense gaze to her face.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes" her voice was soft and touched with a hint of excitement, but she controlled her expression.