“You’re a good boss.” She shrugged. “It’s just surprising, is all.”
“You thought I’d be a tyrant?” I asked.
“Something like that,” she teased me with a wink.
In seconds, the entrance was crowded with people. I greeted everyone personally, keeping the line moving as quickly as possible. I tried to introduce everyone to Julie, but people were arriving so fast that I didn’t have the chance.
Soon, everyone was inside the ballroom, and the party could really begin. I led Julie around the room, stopping to show her off to my clients whenever possible. I loved having her on my arm. I brought a date every year, but none were as beautiful or charming as Julie. I wanted everyone to meet her, to see just how amazing she was.
Julie and I drank and laughed all night. We danced, spinning each other around the dancefloor. I’d never had so much fun at a company party in my life.
As the night began to wind down, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out with a frown. Who would be texting me now?
“Sorry I couldn’t make it to the party this year,” Josh wrote. “How’s it going?”
“Great!” I typed back. “I brought a better date than you.”
Josh replied seconds later. “That same girl?”
“Yup.” I pressed send and went to tuck my phone back in my pocket. Before I could, it vibrated again.
“When can I meet her?” Josh asked.
“I’ll set it up,” I typed, just to get him off my back. I wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but I’d deal with it later.
I sent the message off quickly and then turned my attention back to Julie. She was swaying slightly to the music, laughing with the wife of one of my client’s. It was amazing how easily she got along with everyone in the room.
“Having fun?” I whispered in her ear.
“I am.” She smiled at me, and her eyes swam slightly. I could tell the alcohol was having a strong effect on her. She wasn’t drunk, but she definitely wasn’t sober.
We said our goodbyes and headed upstairs to our room, giddy as two teenagers at Prom.
CHAPTER 15
JULIE
Michael had reserved a room on the top floor. We stepped onto the elevator along with three other people, but by the time we reached our floor, we were alone. My body was alive with the alcohol and excitement. Michael’s party was amazing. We laughed and danced for hours. It was as if the outside world just disappeared. We were alone, the only two people in a blur of blissful happiness, and I never wanted the night to end.
“Did you have fun tonight?” Michael asked as the elevator continued to rise.
“So much fun,” I said.
I turned to face him, and my eyes dropped to his lips. He was just inches away from me now, and my entire body was crying out for him. I took a step forward, my wrap falling from my shoulders. My hands were already on Michael’s chest, my lips reaching up for his.
Our kiss was hot and fast. The second our lips touched, Michael’s body reacted. He shoved me roughly against the elevator wall, holding me in place with strong hands. I’d been dreaming of this moment since he first picked me up that night. Seeing him in a tuxedo was almost too much for me to handle. I knew what was beneath those clothes, and I was desperate to get my hands on him.
“God,” I whispered as Michael’s lips found my neck. “I’ve wanted this all night.”
“You have no idea,” Michael growled, his lips still pressed against my skin.
His teeth bit down lightly, and I moaned. His hands roamed over my body, sliding over my hips and reaching around to grip my ass. Every inch of me that he touched lit on fire.
“Come here,” I demanded, pulling his face back to mine.
I kissed him so hard we were soon out of breath. My tongue slid inside his mouth desperately. I could taste the martinis he drank that night, and it only made my head spin faster. Alcohol coursed through my veins, propelling me forward. I was reckless. I was horny. The elevator couldn’t rise fast enough.
Michael’s hand reached down for my thigh. He tightened his fist around the light material of my dress and pulled it upward. His finger caressed my bare thigh, moving higher with each stroke.