The next two weeks, we had met and worked together on the project. Almost like a strange game, our interactions would vary in degrees of intimacy. Keeping things professional, but toying with each other's personal space. Sometimes at the office, other times at the coffee shop, but Simon didn't schedule anything other than that. As much as I hated to admit, Simon was very entertaining and I enjoyed being around him. But the tension between us was driving me wild and it was hard to figure out if Simon didn't move further than flirty compliments, because he wanted to stay professional or that he wasn't really interested. I couldn't get a read on him and for a control freak like me, who must always know what a person is thinking, it threaten to unravel me. Typically, I would have no problem asking a guy out. Hell, I asked Rob out--I doubt we would've been a thing if I didn't take the bull by the horns on that one. But with Simon, we worked together. This complicated things.

Things finally came to a head the night of the company-wide holiday party. This year was a 60's era masquerade theme and for the 1st time ever, I went stag. Brooke and her sweetheart spared me the anxiety of being their 3rd wheel and kept their distance from me while the party went on. My light blue gown with a sequined bodice had me feeling pretty scrumptious, but there was only one person I was looking to flaunt my assets to. Okay, so I'm usually not a fan of office romances. I think they're cheesy and dangerous for a career girl like me. But there was something about Simon. Something beautiful and sweet...

...and dark.

Sometimes, I see it in flashes across his eyes when he smiles at me. That temptation. That sweet temptation hiding underneath his stares and glances. Behind his boyish charms and laughter when we worked together, laid something dominant and wild. It was that mystery that got me more curious about him. For the past two weeks, he invaded my fantasies and which felt like forever, the thought of his lips and hands all over me got me off like a rocket at night. I didn't even have to think about him that much, but the thoughts of him tugging off my panties and letting his tongue seek me out in the most sinful way never failed to get my juices flowing.

I met and talked with friends and co-workers, trying to keep my mind off looking for Simon. He wasn't sure if he was going to come and I couldn't get my hopes up if he decided to stay home. He was scheduled to fly back to the UK to see family for the holidays and I really wanted to see him again before he left. Finally sitting in one of the lounge chairs, I must've waited for what seemed like forever till I suddenly got a text on my phone.

December 10, 2016 9:38PM

Are you bored?

~Simon

Surprised by the sender, I scoffed at the message from Simon. I knew he had my number, but it was the first time since we worked together that he used it. A sense of dread and disappointment threatened to ruin my spirits. I was really hoping he decided to show. But, at least I got to harass him via text and make him wish he was here. Pulling my hair back and adjusting my feather mask, I wrote him back.

December 10, 2016 9:40PM

Kinda. I mingled a bit, but getting off my feet to people watch. No one's puked yet in case you're wondering ;)

December 10, 2016 9:44PM

Well, the night's still young. Give Aaron another hour or so. You planning on staying long?

~Simon

I grinned at his question as it gave me some hope he was perhaps thinking on attending if I stay long enough.

December 10, 2016 9:46PM

Why? You vicariously living through me... Mr. homebody? I knew you would chicken out :)

I took a few sips of my cosmo, when I heard a buzz from an incoming text.

December 10, 2016 9:49PM

Who says I'm at home?

~Simon

After reading his message, I looked around into the moving crowd of partygoers then back to his text. Was he actually here? Everyone was wearing masks and I had no idea how he was dressed. Finding him in the sea of dancing, inebriated co-workers seemed impossible. I stood up and my eyes darted from the dance floor to the other tables of people, but no one stuck out as Simon. My heart raced in my chest as I wondered if he was really here when I got another text.

December 10, 2016 9:50PM

BTW That blue dress looks phenomenal on you, V. I'll have to get a much closer look.

~Simon

I laughed with fluster as I read his text. He was here...and he was watching me. My thoughts went into hyperdrive and I started to venture through the crowd. I looked up to survey the second floor and back to the first, but I didn't see him. He couldn't be too far away from me. I finally paused a second to text him back.

December 10, 2016 9:53PM

Where are you? Wave to me so I can find you.

A moment or so passed and I began to move through the crowd, smelling spilled liquor, various cologne and plumes of cigar smoke. Seeing nothing but masked faces. No one waved to me except Brooke, who was busy twerking on the dance floor with her beau. The boisterous crowd was overwhelming, and I had no idea where he was. I finally felt the phone vibrate with a new call from Simon. Awkwardly, I cleared my throat as I answered the phone.

"Hello? Where are you?"

"You're getting warmer, V." A mellow British voice flowed from my cell phone. The excitement of hearing him hit me in the knees and threatened to make me swoon. Getting his guessing name reference, I continued to walk in same direction slowly, moving past a cluster of lounge seating. "Warmer..." He prompted through the phone.

"Are you hiding from me?" I asked with a trace of laughter in my voice. "Afraid I'll give you more work, mister contractor?," I quipped, walking aimlessly to the edge of the dance floor. I slinked past a few people until I felt someone's hand capture mine, stopping me in my tracks and forcing me to turn around. Standing before me was a tall gentleman wearing a blue-gray 3 piece suit. His bright gray eyes shined past the black mask with binary code written in white marker. A sucker for geek humor, there's only one person it could be. "Simon?"

The mystery man in front of me began to disarm me with a slow-growing, devastating smile and I could've turned to fucking putty. "Hello, V." He put his phone into his jacket pocket.

I adjusted my mask, wanting to take it off. "I didn't think you were coming." I babbled out, visibly flustered he was actually standing before me. I couldn't stop staring at his eyes as they locked on me. Even as he raised my hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

If he keeps this charm up, he's gonna fuckin' get it.

"Surprised, I take it?" Simon asked. His hand was still softly holding mine.

My laughter was intimate and rich. "That's one way to define it." I sobered and looked to the sides of him. "You're here alone?" I inquired and immediately cringed, seeing the beginnings of a satisfactory smile tipping the corners of his mouth. Amusement flickered in his eyes like he was waiting for me to ask.

Simon nodded in response. "I typically don't go to parties, so if I do I tend to go stag. It forces me out of my shell."

I shook my head in disbelief, looking him over from top to bottom. "Really?" I asked. "You don't strike me as the type."

Towering over me, he leaned in so I could hear him better. "You'd be surprised." His voice hinted at a tease and forced a smile out of me. He propelled me from the dance floor to a secluded cluster of lounge seating. "Come on, let me get you a drink." His hand slowly moved down to the small of my back as he gently guided me. As always, he pulled out my chair so I could be seated and I watched intently as Simon walked over to the drink waiter and grabbed two glasses of champagne. I got a little heated seeing him swagger towards me with drinks in hand. The British coder looked good enough to eat. My mouth went dry thinking about pulling those clothes off of him and my core shuddered as I found myself aroused fully, grinding my thighs together trying to quell the ache between them. I felt possessed. I couldn't remember the last time I got so riled up over a guy.

He handed me a glass and sat down with his across from me.

"Thank you."

Simon's eyes captured mine. "You're very welcome." I couldn't get enough of his silky voice.

I took a sip, letting the bubbles tickle my tongue. I felt him watching me and immediately cleared my throat to figure out something to say. It was hard enough to read him without the mask, but now, with both of us hiding our faces, I didn't know what to do with myself. Finally, I spoke. "How long have you been here?"

"Not long." He brought the flute up to his lips and sipped. I meekly wet my lips in reaction, envying the glass for a moment. Those lips of his already done some unspeakable things to my body in my fantasies. With reality so close, it was hard to concentrate. He leaned in. "Why? Did you miss me?"

"What if I said, I did?" I grinned playfully, as I sipped my champagne.

Mischief gleamed in his eyes. "I would say I was flattered. Besides, there's not much work you could actually give me on a night like tonight, so I'm assuming you had missed me for all the right reasons."

I sat back, toying with the rim of my glass. "Oh? What reasons are those?"

He took a sip of champagne. "Anything not involving work."

Feigning guilt, I held my hands up in defeat. "No shop talk is allowed here. I promise." I sipped my champagne and cleared my throat. "For your information, I do know how to switch off, you know."

I watched the squint of his eyes compliment his gentle laughter. He sobered, and sat back, stretching his right arm across the back of the seat. "Do you, now?"

"Why, yes I do." I raised my head in silly defiance. I shook my hair from my face to really sell the drama. "Just before I came here I read a book completely unrelated to work. Riveting and enchanting work, seriously Simon."

He took another sip from his glass. "MmmHmm. And what was this 'riveting' book titled?" Simon eyed me under scrutiny.

I sighed and put my head down. "The Design of Everyday Things."

A flash of humor curved his lips. "Well, that's absolutely terrible, Violet."

"It is."

"I hope you're ashamed."

My eyes lit in reaction to his playful scorning. "I am!"

We shared a laughter for a moment, enjoying the isolated existence of us amongst a venue full of people. The champagne flowed into an abyss as did some of my inhibitions, which normally stopped me from crossing the professional barriers. But it was so tempting with Simon to try and cross them. I wonder if he had any idea how badly I wanted to climb all over him and make him moan tonight. It must've been years since I've done such a thing. Take a guy home, that is. Rob was the last and what a night that was for him. As I stole a glance at Simon's eyes and the dark sensuality that hid behind them, curiosity and desire was getting the best of me.

Simon scooted closer to me. His voice low and confident. "Do you dance, Violet?"

I observed the dance floor, which was scarce with dancers now that the party was drawing to a close. A slow song was playing and a pretty one at that. "Um, a little bit." I answered with curious uncertainty. "Why? Do you?" I asked with a raised brow.

Simon slowly stood up and gently took the flute out of my hand and set it down.

"Come here." His gentle command accompanied his hand taking mine, pulling me out of my seat. He didn't even give me time to try and pussy out of it and I followed him like a brainwashed acolyte.

He led me out to the dance floor calmly moving past a few scattered couples swaying in each other's arms. With fluid precision, Simon pulled me close and wrapped my hands around his neck. It was an affectionate dance position, his hands resting on my hips as if they were made to be there.

I swayed with him, our steps in perfect sync and followed as Simon boldly led me across the dance floor. Rob didn't know how to dance. He hated it, and when I somehow guilt-tripped him enough to do it, I had to lead. Most women would've probably said leading felt awkward, but in so often having to do it, it was Simon's leading that actually felt strange to me. I said it felt strange; I didn't say that it didn't feel refreshing as well. It made me feel feminine. Sweet.

Maybe even a bit sexy.

I looked up at him as we danced and smiled with awe.

Simon squeezed my hips playfully. "What are you smiling about?"

"Just that..." I trailed off, looking away, trying to find the right words. "It's just that you are not at all how I thought someone like you would actually be."

He tilted his head. "What do you mean?" He asked.

I shook my head. "I don't want to offend you."

"Try me."

"I mean, I've met tons of coders, engineers, and developers in my line of work. Tons. I've met every personality archetype in that field of industry. Most are so socially awkward, they can barely get out of their own way. But you..." I stared into those eyes in admiration. "You're so different."

"You're saying I don't behave like a typical boffin, right? Typical geek. Glasses. Introverted. Loves gaming. Lives with his mum?"

I laughed, almost giggling as his description gave me a mental picture. None of those descriptions suited him at all, and that was the strange part. "I told you I didn't want to offend you!" I tried to pull away, only to feel him pull me back into his arms. "I'm sorry."

"V, you didn't offend me, I promise. Trust me, I'm still a nerd. I wore glasses till I was 15. I graduated from uni at 17, I love to game when I have spare time, and I'm a huge fan of Star Trek and Harry Potter. I'm just a bit more social than maybe others, that's all. But I've always have been." It was a beat before he spoke again. "It also doesn't mean I don't get nervous around a gorgeous woman. And I meant what I said earlier. That dress looks radiant on you."

I bit my lip, the only thing I could do to keep from blushing like a teenager. "Thank you." I whispered sincerely. I took a breath to remove the flutters from my body. "So, what happened to your glasses?"

"Contacts. My high school girlfriend convinced me to switch. She said it distracted from my quote-unquote 'dreamy' eyes."

I grinned, throwing caution to the wind. "She was right."

His brilliant smile took my breath away. "Did you just pay me a compliment, Ms. Averson?"

"Well, I'm just trying to keep up with you, Mr. Ealy." My hands lightly touched the feather softness of his hair, and couldn't help but toy with it. I let my fingertips run up the nape of his neck, trying to participate in breaking the touch barrier that Simon blew apart weeks ago. Each time, painfully escalating and de-escalating till I went dizzy trying to figure it out. He didn't shy away, in fact, he responded by squeezing my hips tighter. Softly kneading my flesh, getting me hotter. "Giving me a compliment the very first day. A quite direct one, I must say."

"Oh, all us Brits characteristically select the direct approach. I have an uncanny knack to figure out how to read people and know what they want."

"And that day, you felt I needed a compliment?"

He shook his head with a sexy little smirk. "Not at all. On the contrary, you needed no validation, Violet. You're much too headstrong for that. I said it because I wanted to see you without your wall up. I could tell you weren't used to people saying what they think around you."

It did make me vulnerable, I'd admit. Who had the balls to just say something like that to me? What if I wasn't into him? "So, what did you mean that day, when you said you heard I liked things a certain way?"

"I don't want to offend you." He said with a smile.

As we swayed to the music, I laughed, putting my head against his chest like we were lovers. Realizing it, I quickly popped my head off of him to sober. "Try me." I mimicked his response from earlier.

" Your actions just now highlighted it."

I looked up innocently. "What do you mean?"

"You need everything on your own terms, Violet. Anyone who's met you for more than five minutes can figure that out. You have a need to control every aspect of your life and though you're good at it, you seem so weary of it. I can see it in your eyes. You want to be comfortable with me, but you're afraid to do so. Don't you ever let yourself go and see where something takes you?"

I stood there, feeling suddenly exposed as he pegged me better than any of my friends cared to do. I wanted to just scream at the top of my lungs with the frustration he was speaking of. But once again, I was a control freak and preferred not to cause a scene. As if Simon saw the conflict in my eyes, he leaned in and whispered into my ear.

"What is it that you want, V?"

I closed my eyes to his voice, pushing me to the edge of seduction. Between that, the music, and the bubbly, I found myself telling him the truth I probably would never say to anyone except Brooke.

"For once, I'd like some control taken away from me. You're right. I own every aspect of everything in my life and I'm tired. My last relationship burned me out so much with what he needed that I can't even think about what I needed. I know that must sound so pathetic, so please don't hold it against me." I looked up and saw him already staring down at me. A feeling of shame warmed my face as the wall he mentioned earlier started to crack at the base. I didn't understand why I felt so comfortable talking to him, and how he seemed to make some tamed part of me what to find a wild side.

He stopped for a moment and his bright eyes held my gaze. I couldn't move as his hand touched my chin. "I'd never do that, Violet." Simon continued to dance with me, as one of his hands stroked my back as I gave in to resting my head on his chest.

I sighed against his heartbeat in my ear and reveled being so close to him. I loved his scent and the feeling of his hands on me. I moistened my lips, addicted to the idea of kissing him. A soft moan escaped my lips as I thought about sucking on his bottom lip.

I lifted my head to him. "Could you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Can you remove your mask for me?" I tugged at the string behind his head. "I feel like I haven't seen your face all day."

He beamed. "Well, that's because you haven't."

I smacked my lips and laughed. "You're a real smart ass when you wanna be, do you know that?"

He shrugged. "I get that a lot." Simon pulled me closer, till my body was flush against his. "Feel free to take it off for me. I'm having trouble taking my hands off you." A devious smile etched the lower half of his face. He was a skilled flirt and it continued to knock me off my game. If he was anything like this in his formative years, then his high school girlfriend got a run for her money.

Slowly, I moved my hand to the side of his face and gently lifted the mask until it was completely free from him. I smoothed his thick, tawny hair back and stared spellbound at him. His clean-shaven face with warm features full of charm and charisma gave me goosebumps. God, he was gorgeous. I was swimming through a haze of feelings and desires, conflicted to surrender to them.

He arched a curious eyebrow as I stared at him. Confident gray eyes looking through me. "Better?"

A simple nod, was all I could muster before resting my head back onto him. There we continued to dance for one more song until Simon broke the spell.

"I think I should take you home now." I heard him say in my trance. Sobering, my head lifted up to meet his face.

"No. C'mon. I'm fine to stay, really. I didn't even have that much to drink." My face pouted as I pleaded with him. I wasn't ready for the night to end and my hands stayed locked around him, afraid that if I let go, I'll never again get this close to him again.

Simon raked his eyes over me with an intent I've never seen before. Scorching hot gaze that I felt all over my body. My breathing escalated as he smiled and kissed my hand like a true gentleman. But his expression seemed to portray something much more the opposite. "No, I think we're done here."

Leading me out to grab our coats, he stopped to help me with mine. Then he slipped on his black wool coat and silk evening scarf, proceeding to guide me out with his hand at the small of my back. 

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