I pulled into the hospital's administrative lot at 7:34pm. I had closed a huge sale today at the high-tech firm where I work and felt very good. I could see with satisfaction that the only light on in the executive suites was Deborah's. Her office was sandwiched between the CEO's on one side and the boardroom on the other. As I passed her window on my way to the main entrance the sight of her beauty made me involuntarily stop to peer through the partially drawn blinds. I dialed a pager number on my mobile, listened for the confirming tone, then pushed disconnect.
She looked gorgeous even at the end of a 12-hour workday. She was pouring over a deposition, occasionally making notes on her yellow legal pad. She was dressed professionally in a royal blue fitted silk dress that buttoned up the front and reached fashionably to just above her knees. She wore nude-colored nylons, which I prayed were only thigh height. Her black leather pumps lay under the small conference table at which she sat.
I smiled to myself as I noted she was careful not to show off her cleavage. She had always been determined to base her success on her brains and considerable abilities. But despite her efforts to the contrary, she exuded an undeniable sexuality that had an effect on those around her. In recent years, she had come to almost grudgingly accept the fact that this was the way the world was. Not that she ever complained, I just sensed she would rather have dealt with people without sexuality being an issue. She had grown accustomed to men, and some women, being distracted by her beauty and had learned to use that fact in negotiations and even in court. This said, she rarely left one with the impression that she was calculating; just single-minded and fair in her work and completely devoted to her marriage.
Now her dark blond hair was tucked behind one ear. A few strands escaped and were cascading in blond sprays over her forehead and cheeks. She chewed absentmindedly on her pencil. As I watched, she removed her glasses and rubbed her temples softly with the tips of her fingers. Then drawing her legs up to her left side and under her on the seat. She began to rub one of her feet through her nylons. She did all of this with an athletic, fluid movement while keeping her knees together. I smiled and from memory heard Mom say, "She is a real lady. Don't let her go." I had to agree. Then I snorted, "Mom, after what I have planned tonight; you might need to change your opinion about that 'Lady' thing."
Deborah had called to apologize for breaking our dinner date. She had sounded so physically tired on the phone yet so energized by what she was working on. My decision was made only moments after I hung up the phone. In the silence of my office, my blood pounded in my ears. I had dialed the number and set in motion a plan that had taken a lifetime to flesh out. In pursuit of a dream I was perhaps risking my happy, 10-year marriage to a beautiful, smart, 36-year-old woman who I loved. But could I let an opportunity like the one I faced pass? "Too late now Bubba," I chided myself, "It's already started."
I blinked and continued on toward the main hospital entrance, mindful that the security guards would surely stop a loan figure standing in the cold ogling the hospital's newest board member. To explain that I was her husband would just eat up my valuable time and I had to keep on schedule. I walked through the automatic doors, nodded to Bill behind the guards' desk. He raised a hand in greeting and continued to speak rapidly into the phone against his shoulder. I walked down the hall to the admin wing where the dΓ©cor changed from sleek stainless steel and tile to hardwoods and marble. I knocked on the glass door that led to the reception area for the executive offices. After a moment, Deborah appeared around the corner tentatively. I noticed she had properly replaced her shoes-professional, despite the late hour. When she recognized me holding the picnic basket, she smiled and strode forward to unlock the door. We kissed and said, "You knew just when I needed a break." We kissed again.
She noticed the lustful look in my eye and smiled, "You didn't tell me you were lonely. Where's your key?"
"Oh, I couldn't find it," I lied.
"I was just thinking how nice it would be to have you rub my feet," she said.
"I already know that," I answered following her down the hall. "You should learn to close your blinds all the way".
She blushed and giggled "I didn't do anything embarrassing did I?"
"No" I assured her. Sobering then, I said, "You just looked really beautiful."