Milo was a smart and outgoing, vivacious woman. She was in her late twenties and was working to support her carefree single lifestyle. The HR firm she worked for was a large one and she was trying to climb the office ladder but it meant becoming certified and taking classes. She was determined to meet her goals by the summer and then discuss with her supervisor the opportunity to handle larger tasks and bigger responsibilities. Being ambitious and slightly overzealous, she had decided she was going to take an accelerated Human Resource management program. The classes had met twice a week in the evenings over the spring and the SHRM-CP exam was in just one more day. As a result, Milo and a few of her classmates had spent many nights together over the last weeks, studying and cramming, trying to prep for the big day.
The night before the exam, she had spent the evening with her study group as usual. They sat across from one another, in her two bedroom condo; notebooks, pens and binders were strewn across the dining table they were using as a desk. Half empty mugs of coffee and tea were tucked in between scraps of paper. Milo sank her head down into her folded arms and let out a sigh.
"Guys, I don't think I can fit any more info into my head. It's fried," she said. "Let's call it a night. We've studied as much as we can."
"You're right," echoed Scott. Jane nodded her head. Stacy started to pack up her things in agreement. "I'm spent, too, and we've studied all of this over and over," Stacy lamented.
Only Eddie looked up and said, "Do you mind if I just do a few more study questions, Milo? I'm almost done with this practice exam and I want to see my score."
"Of course. I'm gonna get ready for bed though."
"Just pretend I'm not here."
Everyone filed out and said their goodbyes. The exam was in the late afternoon and everyone was anxious to get home and rest, then get it over with.
Milo headed to her room to get ready for bed. She slipped off her floral sundress and stared in the mirror. Her heart shaped face was clear of any blemishes, except a smattering of freckles across her cheeks. Her almond shaped eyes framed dark brown irises, and were surrounded by a thick, lush fringe of lashes. Her full round lips were a natural rosy tint and her button nose was a perfect compliment to her small chin. Her skin was an olive tan, smooth and lightly freckled on her shoulder. She was small in stature, only 5' 2" in height and about 120 lbs, her D cup breasts rested pertly in a black, lacy balconette bra with matching high cut thong. Her wide hips and toned legs were a nice compromise to her small waist. The small of her back led to her exquisite ass; full, plump and round. She felt good about her body and wasn't afraid to show it off given the right circumstances. But in the last few years she had not had much success with relationships. She had been in a serious relationship all through college. To her surprise, it ended on a sour note after they moved in together. He confronted her with the news that he wasn't in love with her and couldn't see a future for them. She was devastated. He moved on quickly and she couldn't stand to see him and his new girlfriend as the happy couple around town. Shortly after her ex got engaged, she decided to move to Philly and never looked back. The few men she had dated since were far too macho, not as courteous as she had hoped, or just not very smart. She did not date seriously, and certainly not with anyone she had true feelings for. Her body longed to be held but only in the right hands. She was terrified of relationships and fearful of getting hurt once again.
She unclasped and took off her bra and slid her cotton night shirt over her head. She slipped on her robe, tying a loose knot around her slender waist. Then she headed into her master bathroom and washed her face and flossed and brushed her teeth. Pulling the elastic tie out of her hair, she shook out her shoulder length hair. Beautiful layers framed her face. It was straight and sleek, a blue black hue that people were always surprised to discover was her natural color. Her full dark lashes fluttered as she blinked. Then she slid into her slippers, puffy little frilly things that were ill-suited to her dark dry humor but were a gift from her mother. She lightly padded back out into the dining room.
"How'd you do on the practice test?" She asked, as she pulled up a chair and leaned onto her arms.
Eddie looked up and smiled. His deep green eyes met hers and locked for a few extra seconds, then drifted lightly to her bosom for just a glance. She noticed but didn't give it away with her expression. "92%" he replied as he finished plugging in the numbers in his calculator.
"You're gonna ace this thing," she replied.
"Hope so. I know you'll do great, too." His smile was broad, and his chiseled chin and jawline were on display. He was wearing a simple pocket tee and jeans, but his firm chest and strong arms were still evident even though his shirt was not particularly tight. He ran his hands through his light brown, wavy hair. "I'm gonna pack up now. Thanks for letting me stay a little later."
"Anytime," she beamed. She meant it too. He was someone she really connected with. Gentlemanly, boyish good looks, physically strong and intellectual; he was the total package. But she had to remind herself that he was not someone to pursue. His plans did not involve staying in Philly long and she couldn't afford to be hurt if he left. She couldn't imagine living outside of this city. It was where she had landed after the breakup and learned to make it on her own. Plus, she still couldn't trust herself in relationships. Not after the rug had been pulled out from under her like that. They both stood up after he gathered all his items and slid them into his work bag.
"You look extra cute in those slippers by the way."
She blushed. "I know, not my style but they were a gift from my mom."
"Such a good girl," he said, his eyes trained on hers. He definitely wasn't looking at the slippers anymore. His eyes were full of attraction. The tension hung in the air between them like a thick fog.
Milo's heart was racing and everything felt like slow motion. He leaned in close, "Goodnight, Milo. Good luck tomorrow," he said softly, almost a whisper, as he exited.
"Good luck tomorrow," she whispered as she held the door ajar for him. She watched as his tall, slim athletic body ambled down the hall to the elevators. She closed the door with a click and sighed as she leaned her back against the door. Her heart was still racing and she could feel the flush in her cheeks and dampness in her panties. She was definitely aroused by him, and it was getting harder not to give in.
...
That morning, Milo got up and showered and headed to her local cafe for a cappuccino and found a spot to review a few more questions for the exam. She had dressed casually in a cotton stretch t-shirt dress that hugged her curves in a body conscious way. She paired this with some easy flat gold sandals. Her hair was tied loosely into a messy bun and she had minimal makeup, mascara and a little flush of lip color. Even with so little fussing, she was gorgeous and it was easy to see that men were interested in suiting her as they walked by on this beautiful spring day.
She sipped slowly on her cappuccino, savoring the creamy and bitter taste on her tongue. Her phone shook slightly. A text message.
'How you doin? Studying again? You're gonna do great.' It was Eddie. She flushed. Her fingers rapidly produced a reply.
'I'm at the cafe. Of course I'm studying. You?
You know you're gonna kill it.'
'Trying to blow off some steam with a run before the exam. Wanna get a drink after the test to celebrate? I think everyone said they wanted to yesterday.'
'Abso-fucking-lutely. I'm ready to let loose!
I gotta keep studying though.
I'll see you at the exam in a little.'
'See you soon little lady'
