Not realizing he’s hung up the phone, she hears a glass being set down. As he draws near, his cologne invades her senses. Inhaling, she slowly turns around, looking up at him. His eyes capture hers. “We’ll make a lot of memories tonight. I look forward to seeing you.”
“Seeing me?” Lisa swallows, unsure if this is an advance or genuine curiosity as to what she’ll be wearing. She’s hoping the latter, but secretly wanting the first.
He chuckles. “Seeing you in action tonight.”
“Oh, right,” Looking away from his dark brown eyes, she feels her knees going a little weak. She’s not sure if it’s the Grey Goose or the desire she seems to be developing towards him. Tilting the glass up, she swallows the remaining amount of vodka. Setting it back down, the ice cubes clink to the bottom. “I think tonight will be great, Samuel. I received a call earlier that the event coordinators are already working hard.”
Looking back up at him, she sees that his eyes are still focused on her. She holds her breath for a moment, then looks away again. Needing to put space between them, Lisa moves further into his office, looking out one of his office windows. Glancing down to the street below, she sees cars passing by one another, street vendors selling food and beverages.
Hearing footsteps behind her, Lisa bites the inside of her cheek as her fingers clutch the glass in her hand. Feeling his fingers gently glide down her arms, she begins to exhale. His body moves closer and his chest grazes her back. Leaning back into him, his breath gently grazes her ear before moving down her neck, but his lips never touch her skin. Her eyes close as warmth radiates between her thighs. “Samuel…” she breathes out.
“Yes?” Snapping her eyes open, she gasps and looks up to see him sitting at his desk, hanging up his phone. Still sitting in her chair, she looks down at her hands…empty, except for her coffee tumbler. She looks back up at him. He tilts his head, lifting a brow. “Lisa, are you alright?”
She nods and turns away from him, her fingers moving up to her lips. “What just happened?” she whispers to herself.
“Lisa?” Samuel leans in a little, genuine concern written on his features. “Are you feeling alright? This is your big night; you can’t be under the weather.”
She shakes her head, then smiles, looking up at him. “No, I’m fine. I think it’s just nerves.”
“Alright then.” Pushing off his desk, he picks up a few items and hands them to her. “This is tonight’s itinerary and arrival of guests.” She takes it and looks it over, then nods. “Good luck tonight, Lisa. I’m sure all will be great.”
She looks up at Samuel. “It has to be. There’s no choice in the matter.” He chuckles and takes a seat behind his desk. Lisa looks at him, then turns to leave his office, pulling the doors closed behind her. Leaning against the door for a second, she looks up at the ceiling, mentally going over what just happened.
“Lisa?” she looks over when she hears Mariah’s voice. Pushing off of the wall, Lisa walks over to Mariah and the two begin going over tonight’s event information.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving at the event in a limo, Lisa steps out wearing a silver fitted silk dress that flows out from her thighs to her feet. The top of the dress is strapless and accented with encrusted jewels. Her hair is pulled up into a twist, with curls cascading down her head and neckline. Her shoes are strappy, high-heeled sandals with diamond bow ties on the sides. Holding her silver clutch under her arm, she takes a few steps down the red carpet and holds her breath for three seconds, then closes her eyes. “Lord, please let tonight go without a hitch.” Opening her eyes as she exhales, she puts on her smile as cameras flash in her face and people request interviews. Smiling to a few people she knows, she stops by to provide some insight to the viewing public.
Stepping through the double doors leading from the red carpet, the ballroom is decorated perfectly. The candle sconces on the walls are lit, and three chandeliers hang with LED candles shining. The tables are all set with candlelight centerpieces, and the ceiling is flashing laser lights set in sporadic motions. Music is playing loudly as people begin to fill the place. Overhead, in what looks like a remote helicopter, a self—propelled camera takes pictures from different angles and viewpoints. The stage is set with speakers for the DJ to entertain the crowd. She makes her way towards the stage and walks up the steps. Approaching the podium, she opens her clutch and pulls out her notes to review them one last time.