Becki jumped at the tap on her shoulder as she worked at her desk. She flicked one of her earbuds out and turned to see Rex standing behind her.
"All ok?" She asked. Rex smiled awkwardly, "Yeah, yeah... you know the big event that Crandels Publishers are holding at the weekend?"
Becki nodded, of course she knew about the Crandels event. It was a huge deal in the world of graphic design and publishing. They were the publishing company that handled all of their graphic novels- including the ones Becki worked on. Anyone who's anyone has been invited to the networking event of the year.
"Obviously we've been invited as one of their clients... and well.... I usually take Dave.... but, would you like to come with me this year? I mean it's a great opportunity to see your work on display and..."
"I'd love to." Becki smiled, cutting Rex off mid ramble. "Oh... well that's sorted then! It's black tie and it's not local so we'll be gone for the weekend if that works for you? I'm happy to drive us up there Saturday morning?"
Becki nodded at Rex, "That sounds fine, I look forward to it!" She popped her earbud back in, heart racing and went back to work.
Shit, a weekend away with Rex. This was a whole new thing! Would it be strictly work? Would he expect more? Did she want more? Great... something else to overthink about.
Later that evening, Becki flicked through her meagre collection of dresses, hoping to find something appropriate for a black tie event, but everything she pulled out seemed a bit night clubby. She headed into the kitchen, poured a generous glass of wine and made herself comfortable on the sofa. Becki opened her laptop and headed to some of her favourite clothing sites for inspiration. She didn't feel as though she could pull off a big, puffy gown. She still wanted to feel like herself- rather than an overstuffed, glittered bauble.
She came across a selection of sleek, figure hugging floor-length dresses. They were quite revealing! Wearing one would probably guarantee sex with Rex... and if she was honest with herself, she didn't think that was a bad thing. She scrolled through, searching for something a bit edgier than just plain black. (Black tie didn't mean you could only wear black... right?)
After a lot of searching, Becki finally spotted something that she liked. It was a floor-length fitted dress, with a slit up the side, plenty of cleavage on display and so low cut at the back, she wasn't sure if she would be able to wear underwear. The dress was a sort of slate grey colour, with simple beaded details. Becki already had a pair of dark blue killer heels to go with it, and a vintage rockabilly clutch. As she entered her credit card details and prayed for next day delivery, she did wonder briefly if it was too slutty for a business event. But that thought was quickly lost as she thought about Rexs reaction to seeing her in it.
Thankfully the delivery gods were merciful and the dress arrived the following day. Becki rushed to try it on, inspecting herself in the full length mirror. It was stunning. It fitted her like it had been made for her. She glanced at the low cut back. It skimmed so close to the top of her buttocks, there was no way she would be wearing underwear. It was fitted enough that she wouldn't need a bra either. Becki flushed at the thought of being at such an important event commando. But the more she thought about it, the wetter she felt herself getting.
"So, are you still ok for this weekend?" Rex asked Becki on Friday, as she made herself a cup of coffee in their tiny studio kitchen. "Of course, I'm looking forward to it." She smiled. "Right, great... So shall I pick you up tomorrow at about 12? I just thought it made sense to travel together..."
"That's fine with me. Where are we staying?"
Rex looked down awkwardly and fiddled with his mug.
"There was a bit of an issue... I went to book the same hotel as last year, but they were full. So we are staying a little bit further away than planned..."
Becki let out a nervous laugh, "Rex, what's going on?"
"Nothing! Honestly! I booked an Airbnb instead, that's all. It's a little cottage, quite secluded actually. They only let it out on a two night minimum though, so we don't have to leave until Monday if you want to stay an extra night? It seemed like a good idea as there will be an open bar at the event on Saturday..."
"Sounds great Rex. Do I need to pack anything special?"
"No," Rex replied,"Whatever you're wearing Saturday night and something to sleep in I guess?"
Becki nodded, picked up her coffee and headed back to her desk.
That evening, Becki stood in her bedroom with an assortment of clothes strewn across her bed. Suddenly Saturday night's outfit was the easy bit! She had never stayed overnight with Rex... were they in separate rooms? Would they be sharing a bed for two nights? This was starting to feel a bit awkward and Becki wished she'd asked Rex a bit more about it. It was the tail end of summer, so she knew she wouldn't need a coat or probably even a jumper. She tossed a pair of shorts in her case and a couple of T-shirt's. Next she picked out some 'everyday underwear', as well as some 'fuck me now' pieces- just incase. Becki added some toiletries and make up to her case, as well as some jewellery for Saturday. She couldn't think of anything else and it was only two nights! She was massively overthinking it probably, but a weekend with Rex wouldn't be boring.
Saturday morning, Rex texted at almost exactly 12 o'clock to say he was outside. Becki locked up and carried her case and dress bag out to his car.
"Fuck Rex! Is this your car!?" Becki gaped at the sleek black Tesla Model 3. "How have I never seen your car before?"
Rex shrugged, "I usually walk to work." He walked around to the pavement and took her case from her. Becki was still standing there in awe of Rexs car as he put her case in the boot with his and laid her dress bag carefully over the top of them.
Smiling, he opened the passenger door and gestured for her to get in. "I can't. I'm too underdressed to get in this car with you..."
"Get in," Rex laughed as he closed the door behind her and walked round to the drivers side. Becki glanced at him as he started the car, he was wearing khaki coloured cargo shorts, a plain white T-shirt and sunglasses. The car barely made a sound as it started. Becki ran her hands over the smart upholstery and Rex flicked on the radio.
"So, where are we going?" Becki asked as Rex headed onto the motorway. "I mean, I know where Crandels head office is, but I can't imagine them hosting an event there!"
Rex laughed, "Can you imagine! No, they are holding it in a gallery about 40 miles from here. Then we are staying about 5 miles further away. It shouldn't be a long drive, most of it's on the motorway."
"Take the long way, I have no problem staying in this car."
"I didn't have you down as a petrol head." Said Rex, glancing briefly over at her.
"Oh I'm not, but I know what a Tesla is and I know that they are WAY out of my price range!"
Rex blushed, "Well, business has been doing well so I thought, why not..."
They spent the rest of the drive in companionable silence or making idle chit chat. Becki kicked herself for making the conversation awkward, he was her boss after all, and he could have whatever car he wanted to.
Rex hadn't been joking when he said the cottage was secluded. There were no visible neighbours that Becki could see as she lifted her case from the boot. It was really quiet too, apart from the birds singing in the trees that surrounded the sides and back of the house. The cottage itself was an actual cottage, white washed, black wooden beams and a traditional thatched roof. For the second time that day, Becki stood with her mouth open in disbelief.
"Rex, I forgot to ask how much you wanted me to pay towards all this. I'm happy to go half with you?" Becki called as she walked through the front door.
"You don't need to pay anything." Rex frowned,"It's a business event, so the company will cover the costs."