They had always been a drag. She felt obligated to attend. The company went through a tremendous effort and great expense to give the employees a night to thank them. Problem was it was always a Friday night and spouses weren't invited. This year when she told her husband she did not want to go. He encourage her. Said he was planning on going hunting that weekend anyway. He wouldn't be home until Sunday afternoon. This made the thought of going even worse. She'd be coming home to an empty house.
The week before the party she asked her husbands advice on what to wear. Many wore work clothes and either went home to change or brought a party outfit with them. She lived to far and did not want to change at the office. Her husband then suggested, why don't you get a room downtown. Is it at the same hotel this year. She said it was. Book a room there he said. You can check in change and then when the party is over you can either stay or if you haven't had too much to drink you can head home. He told her the outfit he like to see her in and she went to make the reservation.
The Friday morning of the party came. Her husband was up early and had headed on his weekend trip. She had packed a bag the night before. She showered, dressed for work and headed on in. Not much work was usually accomplished on party day. Seemed to be a lot of excitement and people tended to leave early to either get dressed or have a pre party. At noon she headed over to the hotel and checked in. She grabbed a bite at the hotel bar. While dining she noticed an average looking man looking over at her. When she looked, he would look away. Shy she thought. She finished lunch and headed back to the office.
The afternoon was less productive than the morning. Around three the place was empty and she headed to the hotel. As she passed through the lobby she encountered her lunch friend. This time he smiled as they passed by.
In her room, she dressed in the outfit her husband had picked out. It revealed more than she thought she should at a company party. But her husband had agreed. The party started at 6 and it was only 5 when she was done.
She headed down to the bar and ordered a glass of wine. She people watched and had that sense she was being watched. Turning her back to the door she noticed him again. This time he made eye contact and her eyes lingered. He was easy to look at. Older than her with a full head of hair and nicely dressed in a suit and tie. He lifted his glass in a toast to her and she acknowledged with the same.
He took that as queue to come over. At her side he introduced himself as Ron. She responded with Kay. He apologized for staring. She fended not knowing what he was talking about. They both joined in a laugh. Assuming she was traveling he asked where she was from. She said she was local and here for a company christmas party. That seemed to set him back, but her recovered. I'm from the midwest. She asked his business purpose. He said he has clients across the east coast and this was he last stop for the week. Tomorrow he would be heading south to meet clients next week.
Drinks empty he offered to buy a round. She glanced at her watch. He was 5:45 and she did not want to be the first one there. She agreed. She noticed he was wearing a wedding band. The drinks arrived and they made small talk for the next half hour. He was polite and engaging in conversation. However she needed to go. He asked if she had plans after the party. She hesitated, but said she was not sure. He asked what time the party ended. She said 10. He said, I'll be here if you care for a night cap.
She smiled, thanked him for the drink and left the bar. As she walked away she laughed at the thought of meeting him later. That would only be trouble she whispered through her devilish smile.
She entered the ball room where the party was being held. A band was playing Holiday music and a fair number of people were already settled into the night. She headed to the bar and ordered a water. She figured she had had two glasses of wine and she didn't want to be the office joke on Monday.
She found co-workers and settled into the table. The conversation started about work and soon turned to men from the office. The girls played a game of who they would sleep with or not. Kay listened but did not join in. Two of the girls were in their twenties and single The other three were married. Two had children one did not. The childless one was leading the pack.
Finally they turned in her direction. What about you Kay. I'm happy at home...not need to wander. Kay it's only a game...we are not talking about actually following through on it. Just as this was said, the guy they all said they would joined the table. He said hello to Kay and sat next to her. The guy was in his twenties, married yet he held a prominent position in the company. Harvard grad, MBA and well thought of.
He started a conversation with Kay. The other girls swallowed their tongues and tried to join the conversation. Kay's conversation was on a particular aspect of a project that she was holding back on because the facts did not warrant the action. The others has a hard time getting in. Kay was holding her ground and he admitted she had was correct. He then asked if she needed a drink. She said sure and got up to get one with him. He said, no stay here, I will bring it back.
The table was in awe when he left. Your bad girl...real bad. Kay tried not to smile but she had to admit she enjoyed the attention. Yet she knew she would not become office gossip. Drinks in hand he returned. The conversation turned to life and trended towards personal. Family, friends, hobbies. Kay was enjoying the conversation. He asked her to dance, she accepted. They served themselves from the buffet and ate at a table in the corner away from the girls. He sat close to her and she could taste his scent.
She returned to drinking water and kept her wits about her. As the evening drew to a close he asked if she needed a ride. She said she was all set. He thanked her for the evening and parted. As he walked from the table, Kay took a deep breath and felt the moistness between her legs. Something told her she was in trouble. She made sure she checked in with the girls before they left. For all their talk they were still at the table they started the evening. They asked of her night and she said...girls look at this ring...It's flattering to be wanted...and her thoughts trailed off. She said goodnight and headed to the elevator. On her way she met Ron. He asked if she was up for a drink. She looked at her watch and said I'm not sure. I got to go do something. If I feel like a drink, I will be down in a half hour.
