Pleasure Incorporated

Stephanie and Stephen Part 2

I stopped at the top of the landing. There at the bottom of the steps, with his back toward me was Stephen. His hair hung in soft waves just below his shoulders, and he filled out every inch of the tailored fabric in that black suit. He had his hands in his pant pockets and exuded a casual, sensual confidence. In opposition, my knees knocked. I gripped the railing for support.

He must have heard my awkward descent because he turned around and smiled. I almost ran back into my room and locked the door. No man can be that beautiful. I shouldn't be here.

He bounded up the stairs, cutting off my escape. "Stephanie."

The word purled off his tongue and rippled over my skin. I swallowed. "You must be Stephen."

He lifted my hand to his lips. They were incredibly soft. He must use a lot of Chapstick.

"It's wonderful to finally meet you. Come." He held out his arm, and I threaded mine though his. He locked it tight to his side. "They have a sumptuous meal waiting for us in the dining room."

He led me down a wing off to the left of the lobby, stopping at a beautiful room with a teak dining table, ornamented with fine crystal and china. He held out a chair. "Please."

I sat down, and he tucked me closer to the table. He lifted an amber bottle from the ice bucket. "Would you like some—"

"Yes." I finished for him.

He smiled and poured us each a glass before sitting down beside me.

I took a small sip. "Lovely."

"I'm glad you approve."

"The wine is nice too." I was going for confident and sexy, but it came out like a croak.

"You're very beautiful when you blush."

I covered my face with my hands. He pried them away and held them tight. "I'm looking forward to seeing that happen a lot this evening."

I may have squeaked.

He laughed, a deep, melted chocolate sound that poured over me, leaving goosebumps in its wake. "Tell me about yourself," he said.

"Didn't you read up on me?"

He leaned back and crossed his legs. "Tell me something I don't know."

"Oh. I um—" A waiter interrupted us with a starter salad—half an iceberg lettuce and a few bacon pieces completed the course.

"Pay no attention to them." He waved to the young man leaving the room. "They are paid very well for their discretion and practiced incognizance of our conversation."

I eyed the door dubiously, but figured, I'd come this far, and they all knew why I was there. I distracted myself with the food. The salad was really good. It had a thick bacon vinaigrette drizzled over top of the simple presentation.

The forms I'd filled out for Pleasure Incorporated were pretty extensive. If he did his homework, Stephen would know all about my past relationships, going as far back as the asshole who took advantage of me. He'd know I was a Public Relations Officer for a large corporation. He would have discovered I was an only child, had a middle class upbringing, liked to dance, and practiced yoga. He'd even know my favourite foods. I suspected the entree of the meal would be either pasta or steak. He'd also be keenly aware of every dirty fantasy I had. I coughed as a piece of bacon lodged in my throat.

"Are you all right?" he asked, holding out my water glass.

My eyes teared, but I held up a hand. "I'm fine," I wheezed.