Violet had avoided Paul all day at the office, which to tell the truth wasn't as hard as she thought, he was on the 42nd floor and she was on the 40th floor of the 8 floors held by their law firm, which made if relatively easy. He had e-mailed her quite a bit but it was all business and professional, which she was glad of. He reminded her only once about their business dinner that evening. She'd tried to dress rather conservatively, she didn't want any distractions, so she wore a navy blue suit with a light blue cashmere sleeveless sweater underneath and navy blue pumps, she thought it looked as boring as the day was long.
But as she walked into Rockwell's and Paul spotted her from the bar, he thought anything but that. "My goodness she looks spectacular, that suit fits her so well," he thought. She was standing in the foyer, talking animatedly with an older gentlemen, he said something she must have found amusing because she put her head back and laughed loudly. He could hear her laugh, it sounded nice, like music to his ears and she had the most wonderful genuine smile. Paul enjoyed watching her mouth go up to stretch those full plump lips, and those beautiful coffee brown eyes of hers that crinkled at the corners. She had the most beautiful eyes he'd ever seen, almond shaped and very distinctive, he could look at those all day. He saw the gentlemen turn his head and point his finger Paul's way and she turned her head to look, when she spotted Paul she smiled and turned again to the gentlemen whom she looked as if she thanked and gave him a nice big hug. She walked towards Paul, well more like sauntered towards him. Did she even know what a sexy walk she had, all long legs and a slight natural twist, he was enthralled. He had to adjust himself in his seat because his cock began to jump to life.
"Down boy," he thought, "this is just a business dinner." But he could always hope for more.
"Good evening, Paul," she said as she smiled.
"Good evening, I just thought I'd have myself a drink while I waited."
She looked at his drink and back up at him, "Would you like one? Mine is bourbon."
"No thank you, I don't drink and drive. My father was killed by a drunk driver. Although I do drink sometimes," she added.
"Oh, I can understand that, very smart on your behalf. I actually went home and dropped my car off and took a cab down. That way I could change." He said rising out of his seat to pull out a bar stool for her.
That was the first time she had taken notice that he had changed. He had on a pair of khaki slacks, a white button down shirt and a black blazer with brown loafers. Wow, thought Violet, did he look bad in anything, was there anytime he wasn't dressed like he just stepped out of GQ.
"Well some of us had to work hard so we didn't get a chance to go home and change." Violet said with a smile in her voice."Oh no, that's fine. You look great, no need to change what's already working fantastic."
She looked away a little embarrassed and smiled. He did have a way with words.
He decided to change the subject as he noticed she was getting embarrassed and he didn't want her nervous around him. "Who's the gentlemen you were talking to at the front, the maitre'd?"
"No." She said emphatically, "that's Frank Rockwell Ruggerio, he owns the restaurant. He's also a client of the firm. He's a wonderful man. He and his wife Barbara have been married for 44 years and have 7 kids and 18 grandkids. "
"That's quite a feat," said Paul, "not many marriages can weather that many years, are they happy?"
"Yes, insanely happy in fact," said Violet. "They are so sweet and he's the funniest man, I've ever met. He and Mr. Smithmeyer are friends. That's one of the reasons the firm has an account here and he's a client. It's all about who you know in the legal world. But, I don't have to tell you that. Do I?"
Paul laughed, big and hearty "No, no you don't have to tell me that." Violet decided she really liked his laugh it was great to hear a man laugh with such life and depth to it.
The hostess walked over, "Hello Violet, how are you doing?"
"Hi Candace, how are you? How's that beautiful baby girl of yours?"
"Oh, she's fabulous getting bigger everyday and cuter too."
"And the hubby?" Violet asked looking slyly at her.
"He's getting bigger too and... more cute." Candace laughed and so did Violet. "Well, you guys, your table is ready and we got you a good one."
Candace led Paul and Violet to their table by the window with a wonderful view of Puget Sound. She handed them their menus. "Thanks Candace." Violet said and she left them to decide on their meal.
As they looked down at their menu choices, Violet asked, "Well, how can I help bring you up to speed on the Tri-Gear/Swisz merger?"
Paul looked up from his menu to see her still perusing hers. "Right down to business aren't we?"
Violet looked up cocking one eyebrow and said, "Ummm, this is a business dinner, isn't it? That means we discuss business. So how do I help get you caught up on the merger?"
So it's going to be that way, thought Paul "Why don't we order dinner first and then we can discuss the merger file."
"Okay," she responded.
The waiter came over and told them of their specials, Violet decided on a New York strip with peppercorn, medium rare with asparagus and smashed potatoes, a Rockwell's house specialty, and Paul had a t-bone rare with a baked potato and seasonal mixed vegetables. When their salads were brought out to them along with their meals, Violet and Paul went into deep discussion regarding the merger file.
Violet was all business, discussing the case and answering any questions Paul had, and letting him know in detail why his international law expertise would be needed in the merger. Paul was very active in the discussion and told Violet what he would be bringing to the merger and what assistance he would be to her.
As they talked though Paul couldn't help but notice little things about her, she was so very knowledgeable and passionate about her work. He loved a smart and capable woman. He didn't like women who feigned ignorance or helplessness to try to stroke a man's ego. All the women he knew were smart and never lessened that fact to make a man feel more important. He also noticed the excitement in her eyes as she discussed the law, she really seemed to relish what she did and thought her role in it was important and vital. He could sit there and listen to her discuss securities law all day long and never tire of it or of watching her, her beauty to him had doubled, even tripled since the time he'd met and encountered her at Borders bookstore. That rendezvous with her in the bathroom had been magnificent but at this table discussing this case with her, it didn't even compare.
As Violet sat there discussing the merger with him and their roles in it as co-counsel she noticed from the corner of her eye, the intensity with which he watched her. It was with great respect and reverence of her knowledge and ability as a lawyer, but he also looked at her with a hunger that was fully male, his gaze raking over her face and the portion of her body he could see, as she had removed her jacket and her bare arms and sweater covered breasts were exposed to his intense glare. Violet swallowed noticeably, she had never felt so naked while being fully clothed. She felt goose pimples rise on her skin. She felt flush and was very aware of her body's reaction to his scrutiny. She felt her panties become noticeably wetter as she squirmed in her seat a little. She noticed a little smile play on his lips as she did it. Bastard, he knows the effect he has on me, she thought.
Paul smiled just a tad as he noticed her squirming slightly, adjusting herself in her seat. Well, at least I'm not the only one feeling something he thought, happy to know her attraction to him had not faded.
As they sat with their coffee and dessert, Paul decided it was time to start making a play for his little flower.
