Author's note: In the not-too-distant future, this will be a true story.
Audrey Jensen stepped out of the shower and toweled herself dry. The full length mirror on the back of the bathroom door reflected a medium height, red-haired beauty with a superb figure; long shapely legs, narrow waist, toned stomach, and high firm breasts that displayed alert rosebud nipples. Typical of women her age, Audrey's pubic hair had been permanently removed a few years before. Her ancestry gave her flawless Celtic skin and, always careful of exposure to the sun, her body was unmarked by tan lines. All in all, she liked what she saw in the mirror.
Audrey was very excited. Today was Friday and her thirty-fifth birthday. Her husband Eric was returning from a business trip within the hour and would pick her up for a night of celebration. He had told her not to expect to return home until tomorrow. She knew what this meant; dinner in an expensive restaurant followed by mind-blowing sex in some luxurious hotel room. Plus, they'd have the whole weekend ahead of them afterward before returning to work.
She was also excited for another reason. Eric never failed to make each birthday gift unique and special. She had never been able to guess beforehand what he might select. All had been delightful surprises and she was certain that her gift tonight would be no exception. As usual, he would make her wait until late into the evening before allowing her to open her present.
As always, Audrey selected her outfit with care. Elegant simplicity reflected her personal taste in clothing and always drew Eric's appreciation. Black tonight; black lacy panties, a black mid-thigh dress with spaghetti straps, and three-inch black heels with ankle straps. Come-fuck-me-shoes. No bra. She didn't need it and the dress wasn't designed to accommodate one. In all, she only wore four pieces of clothing and two of them were her shoes. She knew Eric would approve.
Now lightly made up and dressed for the evening, she prepared a small overnight bag with sexy essentials, gave herself a final inspection, and settled in the living room with a magazine to await Eric's arrival.
***
She didn't have to wait long. Within a few minutes a click of the electronic door lock signaled his presence. After meeting him at the door with a prolonged kiss, she led him by the hand into the room.
"I've missed you so much," she declared. "I'm so glad you're home."
"I've only been gone four days," he replied with a grin. "You didn't miss me; you just wanted me to hurry home so you could have your birthday gift."
"That's not true! I haven't given my birthday, or the possibility of a present, any thought at all."
"Liar. Get your purse and let's go," he ordered as he grabbed her overnight bag.
"Where are you taking me? Am I appropriately dressed?" she asked, turning in a circle so he could admire her outfit and the body it barely concealed.
"There's no time for you to change, but I doubt we'll be thrown out in spite of your poor choice of attire," he replied, earning a punch in the arm from a delicate fist.
Moments later they were in the car. Eric punched in the coordinates of their destination and they both settled in for the ride.
"Come on, where are you taking me?" she asked again, holding his hand in her lap.
"You'll see in a few minutes. I think you'll like it."
True to his word they arrived at the Excelsior Hotel in midtown ten minutes later.
"Oh my God! The Excelsior! We can't afford this! A thousand dollars a night! What were you thinking?"
"This entire night is courtesy of a huge bonus the company gave me last month. I've been keeping it a secret."
"You always surprise me. I would never have dreamed we'd spend a night here."
"More surprises await you, My Lady," he said as he helped her out of the car and handed the ignition chip to the automated valet parking attendant.
Seconds later they entered a magnificent high-ceilinged lobby and Eric led her directly to the elevators.
"Don't we have to check in?" Audrey asked, looking puzzled.
"I took an early flight and checked us in this afternoon. I had some preparations to make in the room."
"What kind of preparations?"
"None of your business," Eric replied, leading her into the elevator car and inserting a key into a slot marked 'Penthouse' which Audrey noticed immediately.
"I don't believe this! The penthouse? This is already the best birthday ever!" she exclaimed as she drew him into a hug.
Twenty stories later they arrived at their destination, the elevator delivering them to a private landing in front of the penthouse door. Eric opened the door with a flourish, bowed at the waist, and gestured his wife inside.
Audrey stood transfixed just inside the entryway. The penthouse was luxurious. A large sunken living area with a well-stocked wet bar was directly in front of her. On the far side was a wall of glass with a door leading to an outdoor terrace and a splendid view of the nighttime city lights. A table set for two was visible on the terrace, a single rose in an elegant vase at its center. They would be dining outdoors tonight. To the left was a kitchen area that featured a robotic dumbwaiter to connect the penthouse to the hotel's chef far below and to serve the food when it arrived. To the right was the entrance to the master bedroom.
Instinctively, Audrey turned to inspect the bedroom. It was large and beautifully appointed. A huge bed was centered on one wall, displaying only a fitted top sheet and a single pillow for bed clothing.