This corner seems nice, I'll set up camp here, Sophie thought as she flattened her back against the wall. Her strapless black cocktail dress scooped down in the back and she shuddered as her skin made contact with the cool wallpaper.
The party continued on around her, and she observed the small clusters of mingling guests. Women whose body language suggested they wanted nothing more than to get away from the guy flirting with them, and other women who seemed to want the exact opposite.
Despite what anyone wanted at this event, all partygoers were expected to behave with the utmost refinement. The law firm in which Sophie was one of the partner's secretaries was having their annual fundraising formal tonight. She was expected to bat her eyelashes at the beneficiaries, do just about whatever it takes to hike up the donation amount.
Sophie wasn't feeling especially seductive tonight though, so she decided being the wallflower was for the best. She huffed a strand of shimmering silver hair out of her face and sipped at her champagne. Unfortunately her plan was failing because a tall, dark and dangerous man noticed her. He straightened his royal blue tie and made his way to the other side of the room, weaving between middle aged women adorned in gaudy peach or maroon bows and elevated round tables cloaked in pristine white cloths until reaching his destination. Almost hidden behind the satin curtains stood the object of his desire, porcelain skin and all curves, deep emerald eyes with heavy dark lashes.
"You don't look like you're having much fun..."
Sophie was startled and snapped her head up, seeing a square jaw accompanied by a confident smirk. He combed his fingers through raven black waves, past his short undercut, then resting his hand on the back of his neck.
"Oh I'm just...no I'm really not," she laughed melodically, shifting her weight to one hip.
"You know...one of the caterers let slip they have cheese puffs in the kitchen. You want in?"
"Mm scandalous...I think I'll need your name before such an endeavor..."
"Eric."
"Sophie," she told him as he lifted the back of her hand to his lips.
He slid the tip of his index finger down her spine before resting his hand on the small of her back and leading her through the crowd. They slipped inside the swinging doors and Eric nodded at one waitress, who gave him an apologetic wince.
"You were too late, we finished them off."
"Bummer," Sophie let out an exaggerated sigh. Eric turned to her and regained his smirk.
"What's going to satisfy me now? Have any ideas...?" He purred, placing an arm on the wall over her head and leaning in close.
"I think I see some cheetos over there...?"
Eric snorted and shook his head before taking hold of her wrist and swiftly pulling her back out of the kitchen. Rather than returning to the party, he lead her along the outside of the crowd and took a sharp corner where an alcove concealed a door. He twisted open the doorknob and Sophie peered in to see a small closet. Due to all the fur and expensive brand labels, it was obvious this was where the staff kept the guest's coats.
"Hurry before someone notices."
Eric nudged her inside and closed the door behind them.
"What are we doing in here?"
"Getting away from the pretentious assholes," he whispered.
"I'm all for that," she giggled.
"And...I don't think I can keep my hands off you anymore." He growled.
Sophie's eyes widened and she blinked up at him, a little confused.
"I was trying to be a wallflower."
"You got my attention anyway."
He brushed his fingertips across her jaw and down her neck, stepping closer until his chest pinned her to the wall.
"I don't really know you though..." she gasped as he lips grazed her ear.
"I'm hurt, you don't remember me? I came into your office just last week and flirted endlessly with you. Of course you were so busy you didn't even look up from your monitor."
