“Hey Mister Mister, having fun?” Amanda walks up and nudges me in the side, giving me a grin. “So, what are you doing?” She lets out a laugh and looks towards Trey as he socializes with some of his guests getting our drinks.

“I don’t know, his words are driving me insanely horny and he doesn’t know it’s me. He is goddamned irresistible. There’s something totally kinky in being mysterious, but he can also read me like a book and I don’t like that.”

“Yes, there is something naughty in being a mystery, so forget whatever you’re thinking about that could ruin this and run with it instead.” She bumps me with her hip. “Remember what I told you back when you split with Jordan?”

“Yes, that the quickest way to get over a man, it to crawl under another one, I remember.” I roll my eyes at her. “That’s also insane Amanda.”

“Oh no it is not, it’s a fact. Look, it’s been a damn year already and trust me, you need to get fucked in the worst sort of way, seriously.”

“Oh my God.” I put my hand over my mouth. She’s always blunt like that.

“Well, you do. Quit letting your ex mess it up, every man is not like him. Now go have some fun and I’ll see you soon. Oh, and I want details, Ross.” She gives me a wink and strolls over to a group of coworkers huddled in a little group.

Amanda and her details, there’s nothing to tell her for Chryst sake. Not yet if at all.

Maybe she’s right, maybe I need to lighten up a little, blow off a little steam. Pun intended. I most definitely need to get laid. I’ve kept Duracell and the toy business in high gear for the last year. I glimpse across the room and Trey’s eyes find mine. After a quick grin, he turns back to the group of workers who swarm around him. His tongue grazes over his top lip, then he sucks it down into mouth. He bites into it, holding his lip in place. Fucking hotness! He looks back to me, nods and takes a step to break away from the crowd, shaking hands with them. He walks towards the hostess, takes two glasses and strolls towards me.

“So, in our little mystery, are you going to give me hints?”

“Maybe Trey, ask another question and we’ll see.” I love feeling bold behind this mask and the new me hidden behind it.

His eyes dart upward to the left side, like he’s scanning his mind for a question. “You really do work for me, right? And for God’s sake, please tell me you’re not married.”

“Yes and no.”

He laughs, “Are you someone I see every day?” He hands me the glass of Crown.

“You already answered that, no double dipping on the questions.” I shake my finger no at him.

“Okay, but how did I answer it already?” He takes a sip.

“You said I was familiar. That is your hint.” I tilt my glass toward his, lightly tapping his, and smile.

“Damn, you aren’t going to cut me any slack are you?” He shifts his weight to his other foot.

“Nope. It wouldn’t be any fun if I did now would it?.” I run my fingers through my hair almost pulling my mask off. Whew that was a close call.

“Probably not.” He gives me a wink.

“Mmmm…good. I’m glad.”

He puts his arm back to my waist, and my hand instinctively reaches for him, but not to stop him. I slide my fingers back in between his. He caresses my hand with his thumb. My eyes close and a gasp escapes through my lips. He pulls me towards him and slides his arm around to my back. The warmth of his hand sends another quiver down my spine and my body shakes.

“Would you think I was a total creepy if I just shot straight with you?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Probably not, try me.” I tease.

“Okay, but I want to tell you this is not what I set out to do tonight. Hitting on one of my employees wasn’t on the schedule of events. It’s usually a line I draw and never cross, but you, you’re different. I can’t help myself, you’re too charming.”

I laugh. “Mine either. So what is it you wanted to say?”

“I’m getting really excited by you. This was supposed to be a calm and relaxing evening for everyone, but the thoughts that are running through my mind are not calm at all.”

“No?” I laugh. “Same here.”

“You have me completely intrigued. I’ll screw off the whole party just to search and find out the mystery behind you. You have the sexiest set of eyes, they’re so full of expression and life. I love that. You know the old cliché, the eyes are the windows to the soul and all that crap? I thought that it was made up, until this moment. I can read so much about you through them.”

“Interesting. So all things aside, let’s just lay it out on the table.” Okay, it’s now or never.

“Agreed, please do.” He leans into me, his cheek brushes against mine.

I turn and whisper in his ear. “I want to peel you like a banana and lick you like an ice cream cone.” My stomach does somersaults.

“Oh fuck.” He pulls back and grabs my hand in his. “Come with me. Now.”

Oh My God. I’ve done it now, just buried myself ass deep, and there’s no backing out of it, not that I intend to anyway.

He slowly pulls me up the winding staircase, pointing to this picture or that one like he’s a tour guide, and we leave all the other people downstairs. I glance back, spotting Amanda just in time to see her give me the thumbs up sign. I grin to myself, she knows me too well.

As we approach the landing, his pace quickens, the lights dim even lower and music starts. Guest begin dancing and doing their own thing. He hurries us down the hallway. A bead of sweat forms on my forehead and my heart skips a beat. I’m in a frenzy, emotions tear through my mind like a zip kite in the wind. Oh, what did I get myself into right now? I’m melting like a marshmallow over a flame.

“Are you okay?” he asks, turning back to look at me over his shoulder. “I know it’s strange but who flippin’ cares.”

“Actually, I just can’t seem to care right now either,” I laugh.