Why? Why did I agree to this? More so, why did I wear pumps? Real secret agents probably wear running shoes. I sneak a look at my watch when Benedict is distracted. Nine thirty!?Well, Shitsticks.We’ve only been here an hour and a half!
I’ve done well, though, I think. We’ve had a couple rounds of drinks and sampled every single appetizer that came around. I stood and smiled for an entire line of people, a literal line like at a wedding, filled with employees waiting to talk to Benedict. I did the laughing and the small talking. Now I am ready to do the leaving.
“Isn’t she though?” Ben beams down at me. I smile, pretending to have heard what was said. “I am one lucky bastard that’s for sure.” He adds, sliding his arm around my waist. I lean into him more than usual, feeling a little tipsy and a lot tired. And he’s so tall and strong and his ankle’s healed. He can handle it.He squeezes his hand at my hip and I look up, and then… he’s kissing me. No warning.
His lips are soft and warm and without hesitation. I tilt my head back, and he hums into my mouth. Then he opens his lips just enough, like he mightreallykiss me, like I wanted at that tree. Like he might claim my mouth right now, in front of everyone.
Chills break out on my skin when I realize I…I want that. Here and now. Pretty freaking bad. But as I start to lean into the connection, he lets go and kisses my forehead once instead. A commotion interrupts whatever conversation has been happening around us.
“Ah, Jones and his team have arrived, it seems.” Benedict says before another line starts to form. “Just a minute, be right back!” He calls out as he grabs my hand. Someone boos—an actual boo—at his departure and he laughs, “Piss off, wankers, I said I’ll be right back!” He pulls me away from our spot at the front of the room.
“How you holding up, my adorable little homebody?” He asks as we get away from the crowd.
“What? I’m fine.”
“Grand, because I have at least another hour of this nonsense.”
I work to keep my face from contorting, “That’s fine.”
He stops walking. “Didn’t we agree on total honesty at all times?”
“We absolutely did not,” I half laugh.
“Still, you don’t have to put me on. Aren’t you normally in bed now?”
I huff, “I do go out, you know. I’mfine.” He studies me for a second and suddenly, I wish I was fine. I guess we actually have become friends after all because I…I don’t want to disappoint him.
He starts walking again, “Well, good, because there’s someone I want you to meet.”
“You sure do know everyone for a guy who didn’t work here.”
He pauses, “That’s true but I usually show up for all the parties. Morale and all that.”
“Hm.”
On the outskirts of the room there’s a striking woman sitting by herself in a black dress and classic witch hat. She might be in her forties or fifties, hard to say. Whatever age she is, I hope I have my Botox and make up as on point as her when I’m that age.
“Lou,” Benedict calls to her. She stands. “This is Janie, Janie, this is Elouise, one of our…what do you do again?”
“Chief marketing analyst.”
“Yes! And I don’t know what that is but I know she’s bloody good at it.”
“Hello,” she offers her hand.
“Hi,” I shake her hand and after we exchange small smiles, we both look at Benedict in confusion.
He laughs, “Listen, I’m going to try and get through that line of schmaltzy salesmen over there as quickly as I can. I’ll make sure the caterers bring some food over here.” He pulls out a chair and motions for me to sit before going on. “But, if there were a contest between the two of you to see who is more introverted, unimpressed and/or ready to leave this party, I’m not sure who would win. Thus, I leave you two to sit and well, I don’t know, actually. Silently judge the rest of us while you eat? Drink? Chat?”
“Oh, um,” I start, feeling awkward that he’s sat me with what, a babysitter?
“I absolutely will not be chatting. That fine with you Mrs. Boss?” She asks me dryly.
“Totally fine,” I can’t help but smile at her. Her facial expression reminds me of, well, me.
“Brilliant.” Ben’s hands land on my shoulders before he leans down to ask, “Do you want another wine, love?”
“No, thank you,” I smile up at him.
