Tyler sat in his midnight blue Maserati and stared at Lacy’s red brick apartment building. He was excited about going to the Brentwood Reception with her. She had become very important to him and he couldn’t imagine not having her in his bed or his life. Tonight they would be able to openly act as lovers and he couldn’t wait. He hurried out of the car and went into her building. He arrived at her door and rang the bell.
Lacy had seen him get out of his car and trot up the steps of the brownstone. She held her breath as she waited for the bell to sound. When it did she nearly jumped out of her skin despite knowing that he had arrived. She was beyond nervous but wasn’t sure why. She opened the door.
“Hello, Tyler,” she greeted him.
“Hi Lacy,” he smiled.
“Would you like something to drink? Perhaps some coffee,” she offered.
“A Scotch,” he muttered.
She moved across the room to the bar to pour the drink. As she brought the drink to him he noticed her attire. She was beautiful. She wore a scoop neck sleeveless red silk sheath that fell just above her knees. There was a slit on the right side that showed off just enough of her slender leg. She gave him the drink then turned to move to the window seat. He saw that the dress had a provocative drop back and fell smoothly over her delectable buttocks. His hands itched to run over her back and even lower. Her silver sling back heels clicked when she walked. It was seductive and enticing. But he would have to control his cravings for they had already gotten him into trouble two days ago.
“You look stunning, Lacy,” he complimented.
She looked over her shoulder at him and a tiny smile curved her lips.
“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without Penny’s help. She has excellent taste,” she responded.
“She had a superior model.” His eyes burned as he took a slow swallow of his drink.
She grimaced.
“I don’t know about that. I’m not used to dressing like this. I feel like a fish out of water,” she sighed. Despite her affair with him she still lacked poise and self-assurance when around a lot of people. She never knew what to do or say.
“You look like a woman of sophistication and class. The confidence you lack I will supply,” he said quietly.
“How?” She moved toward him; her curiosity piqued.
He saw the peep of her thigh as she moved forward. The dress swayed gently with her every step. He worked hard to keep his desire from showing.
“Just follow my lead,” he croaked.
“I don’t understand.”
He drained his glass and set it on the fireplace mantel.
“You will. We should get going,” he said.
She crossed to the sofa to pick up her lace shawl and clutch. He opened the door and she preceded him out of it. Closing it securely he hoped his raging yearnings would shut down just as firmly; but he doubted it.

*****

They arrived at the elegant Eastman Hotel and he led her through the lavish lobby then rode the glass elevator up to the twentieth floor. The doors opened and Tyler guided her down the hallway, keeping his hand lightly on her back. They could hear the revelry before they reach the ballroom entrance. People had already released their inhibitions and were enjoying the party. They had checked their belongings and walked into the room when Tyler was immediately approached by several men. Lacy recognized one of them as their closest competitor.
“Sinclair! So glad to see you,” he smiled broadly.
Lacy doubted his sincerity. Larson Corporation had won a close bidding war with them just three weeks ago. Ira Randall had thought they had the High Tower project in the proverbial bag with an extremely low bid. But the developer had awarded the job to Larson despite having the higher bid. Randall had been furious and been a bad sport about the decision. The rejection had to still hurt.
“Randall. How are you?” Tyler greeted him evenly.
“Never better. How goes High Tower?”
“Good,” Tyler responded.
Randall waited for Tyler to expound but no further elaboration was forthcoming. Lacy could see the angry envelop Randall’s face. He turned on his heels and walked quickly away.
“He’s not a happy camper,” Lacy observed.
“No. But he will just have to get over it,” Tyler said. “High Tower is much better off with Larson Corp. Randall would have cut corners to the point of the structure not being safe.”
“Lives would have been at risk and I think the developers knew it. Randall’s bad reputation precedes him,” Lacy mused.
“That it does. Come on. There are some people I want you to meet,” he said.
He guided her over to a group of men and introduced her. Soon Lacy was in her element of talking design and construction and the gentlemen were surprisingly impressed.
“Watch out, Tyler. I just may have to steal her from Larson,” one of the men joked.
“Not on your life,” Tyler returned.
Tyler introduced her to many of the guests and Lacy was at ease conversing with them. Her knowledge and opinions about the industry was soon sought after and she was bombarded with questions and scenarios. Tyler hung back and allowed her shine. He was proud of her and wanted her expertise to be acknowledged and respected by all. A gentleman was about to take Lacy off to speak with some of his friends when Tyler waylaid them.
“I’m sure Lacy is hungry and would like to have dinner. We will meet your friends a little later,” Tyler said smoothly.
He guided her to a quiet table in the dining room and seated her. A server appeared to take the drink order.
“Your dinner will arrive in just a few minutes,” the woman smiled then moved away.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Tyler asked.
“Yes! This is wonderful. I hope I am representing Larson Corporation well,” she said. “I want to make a good impression.”
“I couldn’t do any better myself. You’re outstanding.”
“You’re not just saying that, are you?” she queried.
“No. I mean it. I have more knowledge in your little finger than most of these people have in their entire body. Allen will be so very proud of you; as I am,” he smiled.
Lacy couldn’t stop a tiny smile from forming on her lips. His words had pleased her very much.
“Thank you, Tyler,” she whispered.