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He left. He tended to pry but respected me enough to know when to back off.
He wasn’t wrong, though. I needed to make up my mind if I’d be attending or not. Moreover, it would be a bad look if I or no one attended this party, considering both of our companies were working together. Professionally, it was great PR, although I couldn’t push past my mental barrier forcing me from making up my mind.
Karl was a complicated man; and even though I wanted more from him, I wasn’t sure he was ready to give it. His request that I be his date was just another thing to think about.How about if I made him jealous?It sounded ridiculous, but I considered it. I’ve been the one making the move, showing passion. I wanted to get a reaction from him. In part to be sure of his feelings and to make him fight for me.
Who could achieve that? I couldn’t take Morrison as my date, and I needed someone on my level. Although I hated to admit it, Howard was a good candidate. He was a troublesome man, but I reasoned that he would be helpful in procuring my agenda of making Karl jealous and watching him squirm. I hope I won’t regret it and I definitely do not want to stir the hornets’ nest because Howard has done what I asked and left me alone. If I took him to the party, Karl would have no choice but to react. I didn’t agree to his request to be his date. So, I why not bring Howard as my plus one instead. The thought of seeing Karl unruffled excited me.
I dialed Howard’s number, and while doing so, I gritted my teeth.Just this one time,I promised myself.
“Marie! How nice to hear from you. I was worried you wouldn’t accept my apology. Once again, I’m sorry.”
I calmed my breathing and said, “I am yet to forgive you; however, I can still tolerate you for a bit. I have a deal for you: if I’m impressed, I might forgive you.” Honestly, if he refused, I’d be relieved. Associating myself with him wasn’t what I wanted, but I couldn't come up with another way to get Karl's attention, so I carried on.
“Really? That is just great. What’s this deal?” I could hear the sound of shoes–he was pacing.
“I have an important event two days from now. I want to take you along as a…plus one.” I could not bring myself to saydate.
He laughed, deep and throaty. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Of course, I’d be glad to be your plus one for as long as you want.” His excitement just dampened my mood further.
“Don’t get any fancy thoughts, Howard. I am just asking you to do this for me as a professional courtesy. Nothing is coming out of it. You can choose to accept or not” Although I wanted to use him to make Karl jealous, I wasn’t going to give Howard the impression that I was in any way interested in him.
He sighed. “As you wish. Is there anything else I need to know?” I quickly went over everything in my mind, the plan was simple.
“None. I’ll communicate the time and location to you. See you then.” Ending the call, I made another call to Karl.
This was a call I was actually going to enjoy. “Hello, what’s your decision?” His deep magnetic voice made me shiver with excitement. Everything about him seemed to arouse something primal in me. Right now, the way his voice sounded, it was commanding yet endearing, threatening to undo me.
“A good day to you too…” I said, rolling my eyes, “I’ll attend.” I hoped my voice had the same effect on him.
“Hmm, I’m pleased. And?” A man like him usually had his way, but not now. He’d have to work harder. I suppressed a smile.
“Unfortunately, I can’t be your date, I already have a date.” I said in an aggrieved tone.What are you thinking, Karl?Whatever his reply was, I would win.
“Who?” His voice was low and edgy. A warm current of pleasure crept up my back.Yes, more.
“You may or may not know him. He’s a fan of your work, and it would be a pity if you don’t meet him.” I heard his labored breathing and smiled in triumph.
He was silent for a minute. I waited patiently. When he replied, I could hear the suppressed anger in his voice. “Yes, you both are welcome. I’dloveto meet who you’ve been friend.”The fan of my work.He wasn’t so subtle with his jealousy. I wanted to play more into that but restrained myself.
“That’s great. We’ll be there. I hope to have fun then.” My tone showed that I was ready to end the call.
“Oh, so much fun.Bye, Marie.” When we ended the call, I released the breath I held. The fun was just beginning.
Two days later, it was a few hours before the party; it was a night event. I had communicated the time I wanted Howard to pick me up so arriving together, we would look believable. I took my time to get dressed. I wanted something both elegant and sensual. After going through my closet, I found a shimmering blue gown affording a view of my cleavage.
The gown accentuated my figure and gave me a ravishing and sultry look. After applying my makeup, I looked in the mirror, satisfied with what I saw. I checked my phone to see Howard was waiting outside.
“This is it, Marie.” I smiled at myself in the mirror.
Immediately, I left my room. When I closed the door behind, I watched Howard come out of his car. He must have been trying to impress me by driving one of the more expensive models today. I didn’t comment. He had stuck to the theme, wearing a light blue suit with silver embroidery. I hated to admit it, but he did look good.
“Good evening, you look immaculate. May I?” He bowed as he gave me his hand. I considered it for a moment.
Reluctantly, I placed my hand in his, to which he gave a quick kiss.
“Evening to you too. This is a lovely night.”
I took my hand back and walked to the front seat.
