I
There was something in his eyes, his face, that drew me to him like a moth to a flame. Reed’s family owns the company where I work in the IT department. He’s the president, and his father is chairman of the board. I’ll never forget the first time I met him face–to-face at a holiday work party. He was circulating throughout the room, shaking hands, wishing everyone a happy holiday, and thanking them for a great year. When he got to me, he stopped and seemed to lose his train of thought. I shook his hand, unsure if he was okay, and eventually he continued making his rounds. No one else seemed to notice and the party continued.
About half an hour later, I was standing near the Christmas tree in the corner when he approached me and started talking. “Are you new with the company? I haven’t seen you before.”
“I joined the Data Security Team about three months ago.” I could barely talk, my mouth was so dry. He was so tall, broad, and those eyes—so expressive; everything I’m not. I could feel myself getting excited just being near him.
His eyes started to sparkle. “So you’re the Internet security expert I’ve heard so much about.”
“You’ve heard of me?” I don’t know why this excited me so, but it did.
He nodded, his eyes locked on mine. “You discovered that credit card breach last month that saved us millions.” I nodded. “Of course I’ve heard of you.” He leaned close, and I could feel his sweet, hot breath on my neck; it sent a thrill along my spine. “And if I’d known you were so adorable, I’d have been sure to meet you sooner.” I stepped back, not sure how to take the last comment, as he smiled and winked. Damn, could he read my mind? “Could I talk to you a minute?” His voice was a mere whisper. I nodded, and he led the way.
His office was huge, with massive, masculine furniture. He ushered me inside with a gentle touch, shutting the door behind him. “I’m sorry if my comment made you uncomfortable; that wasn’t my intention.” I stared at him, which was incredibly easy, waiting for him to continue. “I don’t want you to think I do this normally, or that I do this with everyone, but I usually go for what I want.” I folded my hands across my chest, feeling a little defensive, wondering what he was getting at. “Dale.” He really did know who I was; I’d never introduced myself by name. “It’s been a long time since I met someone who captured my attention, and I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner?”
“You want to have dinner with me?” What did I expect? For him to rip off my clothes right there in the office? I almost laughed at myself but stopped with just a smile. “You just met me five minutes ago.”
He smiled softly. “It’s only dinner.” His head tilted somewhat. His expression was completely disarming, but from the look on his face, I doubted he had only dinner in mind.
I let my hands fall and felt some of the tension slip from me. “Okay… that would be nice.”
“Is tomorrow at seven okay? If you’ll give me your address, I’ll pick you up.”
I wrote down my address on the back of a business card and handed it to him. He smiled as he read it and opened the office door. He placed his hand on the small of my back, and I felt every nuance of his touch through my clothes. As we approached the party, he whispered, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”.
I watched every movement as he disappeared into the throng of co-workers. His broad back, the glimpse of skin at his neck, the high, full butt that filled his pants so perfectly; I shivered at the sight. Breathe, Dale… breathe.
I spent the rest of the evening and the next day walking on air. Co-workers wondered why I looked so happy; I told them that I had a date. After work, I rushed home to change, wondering what I should wear, but deciding to get dressed up. After showering, I put on my best clothes, wanting to look good. A few minutes before seven, I heard a knock and opened the door. There he was, looking incredible in his tailored suit and crisp white shirt. I felt his eyes sweep up and down my body as he smiled.
“Shall we go?”
I nodded and followed him out before locking the door and heading down the front walk. It was then that I spied a long, black limousine parked at the curb with a chauffeur holding the door. The chauffeur motioned for me to get in first, and I slid across the plush leather seats with Reed joining me a few seconds later.
“I made reservations at my favorite little bistro,” he said. His gaze was intense as he looked deep into my eyes. He then leaned forward and kissed me, softly, gently. This kiss wasn’t demanding or hard, but it wasn’t chaste, either, laced with potential and the promise of more. The limousine started to move.
“Do you always do this?” I was teasing a little.
“Do what? The limousine?”
I nodded. “Do you always try to impress your dates like this? Because it’s working.” I studied his face, trying to decide if this was just a routine and if I was just another notch in his belt.
