Chapter 1: New Year's Eve
I knew this night would be a New Year's Eve like no other. It was already shaping up to be just that. Over the years I had attended memorable New Year's parties. But I was positive there had never one quite like this one. I was alone in this strange city... not exactly by choice. My boss had sent me to finalize a contract that she had been working on. At the last minute, she wasn't able to make the trip to obtain the final signatures. Her latest lover wanted to take her to Jamacia for the holiday season, and she had asked me... told me really... to go in her place.. Work through Christmas and New Years to make sure the multi-million dollar contract was secured. Thankfully, my husband was most supportive of my job with this firm and was very understanding of this last minute change in holiday plans. I was nervous to be on my own in a strange city but now that I was here, I was certainly going to make the most of it!.
I had been given a very generous expense account and my boss told me to spare no expense in dressing to impress our client. I shopped at some of the finest shops in the city and splurged on myself like never before.
Now I was getting ready for the New Year's Eve party ahead of me. I was to meet with our client in the early am on New Year's Day, to wrap up all the paperwork, before I headed back home to my more ordinary life.
I languished in the sudsy tub. The aroma of the fragrant bath oil was just enough to mesmerise my senses. I had poured a glass of champagne to sip, as I soaked. The bottle sat in an icebucket within arms reach. "May as well go for the full enjoyment!" I reminded myself. This was a dream-like evening. I let my body totally relax as I sipped the champagne. I arose from the luxurious water and towelled myself off. I massaged lotion all over my warm skin and dabbed my delicately scented perfume everywhere... under my breasts... behind my knees... on my inner thighs. I slipped on gossamer, thin panties. Simply exquisite!. I had never owned anything so delicate. The wispy panties were nude in color... almost the color of my skin... just a shade darker. You could see the outline of my lips through the material... I wondered if anyone... other than me... would ever appreciate this. I slipped on the matching garter belt and slid my perfumed legs into the the silkiest black stockings that I had ever seen. I stood before the mirror and took in my reflection. At 41 years of age, with two children, my breasts were still quite firm and I could go braless if I wanted to. I was tall and my hips were fairly slim... almost an invisible difference to what they had been, even 15 years ago.
My dress was a dream. It hung to mid calf and the expert, tailored cut, fit my body to perfection. It was as if it were designed just for me to wear. It left my shoulders bare and plunged slightly into the cleavage of my breasts... but not too much as to appear cheap. The dress was a soft black, crocheted lace, overlaid on a nude color satin. At a glance, one might think that he could see right through the black lace and see my body. I would not need a bra as the dress was form fitting and moulded itself to my shape. I felt good about my looks. I wanted to be noticed this evening! I slipped my feet into the heavenly black shoes designed with several very thin strips of soft glove leather. The 4 inch heels would add to my already 5'8" height and I knew that I would stand out in the crowd. I brushed my hair until it shone. I wanted to appear naturally sexy, so I placed a pale pink flower over my left ear allowing my hair to cascade over my bare shoulders. Deciding to keep the bare look, I chose not wear a necklace. I added dangling diamond earrings to complete the picture. I surveyed myself in the mirror. Just a little makeup to bolster my image... My cheeks were already glowing.. it must be the champagne! I outlined my lips with a pale brown... almost nude color... lipliner. I filled in the color on my lips with a pale sheen... making my bottom lip look very full. That was all the make up required. I had a pink, natural look and my blue eyes were bright.
I stood before the full length mirror and surveyed my appearance. The dress was slit to just above the knee on the left side and each time I walked my leg long came into view. I liked the effect. I thought to myself "HMmmm.... pretty good for an old married gal!" I looked sexy... and I still looked professional. I hope our client liked how I looked!
I called the front desk to arrange for a car to drive me to the party. I decided to have another drink while I waited, so I poured myself a glass of Bailey's Irish Cream... over ice. As I sipped the creamy drink, I gazed out over the city. I had a marvelous view from my hotel room, and for a second I was wishing that I had someone to share it with me. "Stop that!" I admonished myself. "You are going to have a wonderful evening." The phone rang... I jumped... Who could that be? It was the front desk... the car was ready. I thanked the clerk and laughed to myself... Ms Executive indeed! I gulped the last of my Bailey's, allowing it to swirl in my mouth before I swallowed. One last check in the mirror... a touch of lipstick to freshen my smile. My eyes met those of my reflection and momentarily shared a secret smile. I reached for my black sequined evening purse and my cashmere wrap. "Ready or not here I come...!" I thought to myself.
As I emerged from the elevator in the lobby, I caught a glimspe of him, as he stopped to gaze in my direction. I was sure I knew him... but I couldn't!! I knew I could never forget such a man.... so tall... so erect... so confident! He stood above everyone in the room. I could still feel his gaze upon me as the driver held the car door for me to get in. As I forced my mind back to the present... "Hmm-mmm!" I thought. "These rare fleeting moments in time....!" I looked straight ahead.
The party was being held at the home of our client. It was a magnificent house. I was feeling totally impressed as a man answered the door. He took my wrap and presented me to my Host and Hostess. "We are so glad you could join us for New Year's Eve celebration. Your husband did not accompany you?" My client, a very attractive man of 35 or so, shook my hand. Not wanted to appear taken aback by his comment (this option was not given to me), I replied. "You have a very lovely home. I am very pleased to be here. Thank you for having me." I took the glass of wine that the waiter offered to me. It struck me then, that I did not know anyone! Chin up, I walked into the crowd.
There were many people, all looking as if they totally belonged. "I am living a fantasy!" I thought. All of a sudden a feeling of absolute control came over me. I am here! This is really me! A man bumped into a beautiful girl standing next to me. He apologized and then asked her if she would like to dance. There was a band playing amd many guests were dancing. The girl declined his offer saying "Perhaps later." I watched her as she wandered around the room. She was very pleasant, but I could tell she was totally preoccupied. During small talk, I learned that she and I were there for the same reason. We had the same client, and as part of a corporate merger, we were both there for business. Her meetings had finalized that day, and she was finishing off her trip with this party. I saw her glancing at the clock. Too bad she was not having a good time... may as well... it's only one evening... I watched her as she stood to one side and watched the crowd.
I mingled back into the ballroom. As I reached the dance floor, I saw him... the tall blonde man from the lobby! I couldn't believe my eyes! What a coincidence...! My moment in time had again materialized in front of me. He looked so striking in his tux. Our eyes met and locked for what seemed like an eternity. Without a word he led me to the dance floor. I was glad for my height. Even with the added shoes, my forehead rested against his chin. I felt as if I was born to mould against his body. We fit so well as we swayed to the intoxicating music. I could follow his expert lead and as we turned, he suddenly pressed his lips to mine... So much passion....! I was giddy... from ... was it only the drinks? My head was spinning. I still felt a familiarity about the mysterious stranger. We did not talk at all.... only smiled and gazed into each others eyes.
"There's something about the way you look tonight.... that takes my breath away...."
I longed for the dance to go on forever. He smiled at me to melt my very being, and without a word... he escorted me back to where I had left my drink. With a sensual kiss on my hand, he moved into the crowd. I held myself in check so as not to follow him. I finished my drink and felt the need to see him again... to maybe even dance with him... just once more. I moved in the direction he had gone. I suddenly spotted him. He was talking to the young girl in gold. She had all of a sudden become animated and was smiling up at him like a love sick puppy.
