Cassidy was in a foul mood. Everyone at the party could sense it and the other guests were avoiding her as if there were a five foot quarantine surrounding her. Stress was ever present for associate attorneys at Sinclair & Lewis and the others had far too much of their own to be interested in becoming involved in hers.
For her part, Cassidy was vaguely aware that they were keeping their distance and that was fine with her. She glanced at the clock again and wondered if her obligatory appearance at the Firm's meet and greet had been adequately fulfilled. The last thing she needed right now was some political office bullshit or inane small talk with one of their soon to be drunken clients. Damn him to hell anyway! she thought bitterly.
Sinclair & Lewis was an old and conservative Law Firm and Cassidy wanted her husband Mark to be with her at the party. Initially he seemed supportive or even excited about the affair. After suffering through months of his inattention and downright disdain about anything regarding her work his enthusiasm for the party had made Cassidy very happy.
She wanted to look her best for him and bought a new designer evening dress that she felt was the perfect blend sexiness and class. The off the shoulder, open backed gown formed to her full breasts and trim waist and featured a ruffled skirt that flowed down beautifully over her legs. The raven black satin and silk fabric contrasted with her blond hair and the overall effect made Cassidy feel very sexy and desirable. She was certain that Mark would be proud to have her at his side.
Her good mood had been destroyed though when, at the last minute, Mark suddenly announced that he was not going with her. His buddy had called and offered him a ticket to the Yankees-Red Sox game and all he could say was that he couldn't pass that up! The fucking bastard! Didn't he understand how embarrassing it was for her to have to appear at the party by herself? She'd been ready to fuck him senseless and he'd blown it over a goddamn baseball game!
As Cassidy finished her second rum and coke she realized she shouldn't have been surprised. After eight years of marriage it was clear that he wasn't happy. He wanted children and a wife who would take care of them and that was simply not possible while she was building her career. The fact was she had grown as a woman over the last six years and he was still the same immature frat guy that she married when she was twenty four. I'm so tired of his shit,she thought bitterly.
She asked the bartender for another drink and then asked him for a cigarette. She didn't often smoke but figured that tonight she could use it. The party was being held in the spacious penthouse apartment in Manhattan that the Firm kept for special clients and while smoking wasn't expressly forbidden Cassidy knew that it would be frowned upon for a mere associate like her to light up inside.
She made her way as discretely as possible to the master bedroom so that she could step out onto the balcony. She needed a moment's peace and quiet while she had a smoke and tried to collect her thoughts.
As she opened the French doors that led outside she was greeted by the cool night breeze. The air embraced her body and seemed to flow right through her gown, causing goosebumps to rise on her skin. She leaned against the railing and gazed out over the skyline, taking in the beautiful vista of the vibrant City's lights.
Cassidy placed the cigarette between her ruby red lips but when she attempted to light it her nervous hands failed her and she watched in frustration as the matchbook slipped between her fingers and fluttered away into the abyssal canyon of the street below.
"Well shit" she muttered. "What else can go wrong tonight?"
It was such a small thing but losing that matchbook was the proverbial last straw for her that night and she could feel tears begin to form as her frustration threatened to overwhelm her. So when the cigarette that was now back in her hand was gently pulled from her fingers Cassidy's heart skipped a beat as she realized that she was no longer alone on the balcony.
She turned quickly and watched as an unfamiliar man lit her cigarette and drew in, causing the tobacco to glow in the darkness.
Once he had it lit he offered it back to her. Cassidy had not yet recovered her composure and felt frozen as he gently slipped the filtered end between her glossed lips.
"You are Cassidy Lynn, yes?" His accent was slight but unmistakably Latin.
Cassidy exhaled a wispy cloud of the relaxing smoke before answering.
"Yes, I am. I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage."
"Of course I do," he said pleasantly enough but in a way that was perhaps too agreeable, as if he meant something more. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Manuel De La Cruz and I have recently become a client of your Firm."
The man was standing very close to Cassidy, close enough to be encroaching in that unexplainable zone of personal space that people usually reserve for those whom they consider intimates. Cassidy wanted to step back but found herself caught in the outside corner of the balcony. It was very disconcerting to her and she felt almost overwhelmed by his presence despite his seemingly unthreatening manner.
He was a tall man, standing easily five inches above Cassidy even though she was wearing heels. His bearded face and thick dark hair were impeccably groomed. His designer suit, obviously tailored to fit his muscular frame, indicated that he was a man of taste, class and wealth.
He had caught her completely off guard though and for a moment she couldn't decide if he was purposely trying to frighten her or not.
She watched silently as he lit a cigarette for himself as he spoke.
"Forgive me for intruding Cassidy but where I am from it would be considered impolite for a man to allow a beautiful woman to smoke alone in his company."
He addressed her as if they were long lost friends and Cassidy struggled with herself, trying vainly to remember where their paths could have crossed. It was no use though and between the alcohol she had drank and the almost hypnotic way he spoke Cassidy felt her head begin to swim in confusion. Manuel seemed to sense this and smiled slightly in mild amusement. It was only when his eyes caught hers that she found her voice.
"How...I'm sorry but have we met before? How do you know who I am?"
"No, I have never before been fortunate enough to make your acquaintance. I know your name simply because I asked one of the other guests who you are."
Cassidy could almost feel his gaze as his eyes roamed over her body and she had the distinct and uncomfortable feeling that his interest in her was anything but professional. A nervous knot formed in her throat as she tried to keep the conversation under control.
"Well thank you Mr. De La Cruz but I'm sure the Firm has your interests well represented. I'm afraid that there is nothing I can offer..."
"Cassidy do not pretend that you do not understand my intention. You do not do justice to your own intellect. I asked who you are because of your exquisite beauty. You are a rare jewel and as soon as I saw you I knew I must have you in my arms."
Cassidy was shocked at his directness but still part of her enjoyed his attention. This wasn't the first time she'd been hit on at social event. She was friendly and attractive and there were always some men who were willing to try their luck with her. It was all basically harmless flirting and deep down inside Cassidy felt it was flattering in its own way. Besides, she was still infuriated with her husband. It would serve Mark right if I did fuck this guy. At least he knows how to speak to a lady!
