In each other's arms

He wrote this piece and emailed it to me. On his subject line he indicated this was inspired by my Ladies' Night photo.

As I watched you from across the room, I shook my head in amazement. My mind wandered back to earlier in the evening, as we got ready for our night out. As usual, you tried several outfits, and variations of the look you'd finally settled on. Although the party was casual, you'd chosen to dress tight - a close-hugging black dress with a tempting neckline, showing the delicious inner surfaces of the breasts I'd kissed and caressed. The clingy middle hugged your flat tummy, higlighting the sexy flare of your feminine hips. Your lean, muscular thighs showed through narrow skirt, and your calves and graceful feet were displayed in sheer hose.

Now I observed as you approached, and were approached, by gentlemen and ladies. Some, of course, were old acquaintances - this was a party hosted by mutual friends. Your eyes sparkled and your easy smile dominated. I saw you toss back your head to laugh as you interacted with your conversation partners. You listened intently as they spoke. Your animated reactions were endearing.

I, of course, was absently engaged in my own conversations. We'd agreed to split up for at least the first hour - a fun little game we'd played before, to see what kind of action we could find, if we wanted it, on our own. We both knew how the evening would end - us in each other's arms - though it was not clear if we'd be at your place or mine. It was also not known who would attempt to end the game first, by approaching the other with a clever line or insightful observation - a mock hit on a pretend stranger. Although I'd successfully negotiated several conversations myself, I kept finding my
eyes wandering toward the last spot I'd seen you, to find you and watch you work the crowd. You were truly in your element. This was a classy yet casual affair, a suite of large rooms brimming with successful, interesting people. The setting was tasteful, the food and drinks generous, and the company good. Before the first half hour was up, however, I was wishing we hadn't chosen this game, tonight. There were plenty of pretty women in the crowd, including small groups of young ones without other escorts, and
energetic, friendly guys that were clearly here to enjoy the evening. But I found myself wanting you. I seriously considered ending our game early, approaching you and beginning a conversation. I knew you would comply, if I did, and stay nearby for the remainder of the evening. The thought made me smile.

Your easy style and relaxed manner, however, signalled that you were enjoying yourself. No, I told myself, I'll wait the agreed-upon 60 minutes. Within 10 minutes after that, though, I intended to break my "silence" and reclaim my date. You would be mine again.

My attention turned back to the discussion in the small circle of people I was standing among - a conversation of politics, and how what was happening with the President's foreign policy mirrored the misguided antics of the senior staff at our own company. I agreed with the sentiment that the decisionmakers in both cases were relying more on wishful thinking and powerlust than on hard facts and reliable intelligence. But while I couldn't divulge what I really knew about the corporate maneuvering that was underway, I did offer that unlike the national political debacle of a flawed military excursion, if our corporate operation was ultimately successful, many of us in the room would benefit directly, as would our customers and clients. This observation triggered a toast - agreement with the statement, and a wish for fulfilment of the prophesy.

Ten minutes later, I was discussing campsites in the mountains of western Wyoming with a young lady who had found herself here, a long way from home, but happy to be among people of influence and taste. Again my eyes strayed to find you. You weren't where I'd last seen you - you were nowhere in sight. Back to my conversation about the Teton backcountry.

As I turned toward the bar a few minutes later, I was startled by the sexy whisper of your Filipino accent in my left ear: "I'm looking for some rock-hard abs to rub my belly-button against. Can you help me?" Without turning to look, I smiled. Silently you'd stalked me. Your playful suggestion created a delicious image in my mind. I savored it briefly before spinning to confront you, a naughty little grin on your pretty face. Your eyes still sparkled.

"Innie or outie?" I asked, referring to the navel you'd just mentioned.

"Take me home now, and I'll show you", you answered.

I checked my watch - we'd arrived only 57 minutes ago. With a smile and a wink, you put your arm through mine, and we headed for the front door...