The next days lectures seemed to drag on . Marlena couldn’t keep her head in the game. Her mind kept drifting to John, the mysterious invitation and gifts and if perhaps they were from John. Naw, she thought, couldn’t be. She was debating on weather or not she would go tonight. She really was curious and a bit excited at the prospect of a Ball and the possibility that she would find out who the mysterious Mr Alamain was. Yes, I think I’ll go.

FInally at 5:30 Marlena started packing up her things, so glad that this was the last day of the conference. Slinging her bag over her shoulder she headed for the elevators. Looking down at her cell phone she ran smack into John. Oh no not again. Johns hands shot out grabbing her elbows to steady her.

”So, is this going to become a habit with you Dr Evans?”

”What’s that John?”

”Oh having you run into me around every corner, not that I'm complaining. I rather like feeling your body slam into me”. John winked.

”John, you are incorrigible!! You can let go of me now.”

”Oh I don’t know, what if I kiss you instead. You seemed to like it yesterday.”

Marlena yanked her arm away and stormed into the elevator, shooting daggers at John as she pushed the button.

John leaned against the wall and smiled as the doors closed.

Marlena reached her suite entered and headed straight for the shower, noticing that yesterday’s suit was hanging in a cleaners bag on the back of the closet door. I could get use to this she thought.

After showering Marlena walked out on the terrace wearing only a towel. it felt great to be able to sit on the terrace in a towel or nothing at all for that matter, knowing that no one could see her way up here on the top level. It brought out her wild side, as if she ever had one. Marlena opened her towel feeling the warm air against her skin. Soon she started to feel a tingle between her legs remembering her dream. What is this place doing to me, she wondered, but she knew the answer to that question. It’s not the place honey, it’s the man..

Marlena walked back inside and started getting ready for the Ball. She sweep her hair up in a French twist with wisps of curls framing her face. She applied her eye makeup a little darker than usual and finished the look off with ruby red lips.

Stepping into the slinky gown she looked in the mirror not quite recognizing the person staring back at her. It had been a very long time since she had dressed up for a night out. The gown hugged her curves in the sexiest way and showed off her best assets. She leaned down and pulled on the stilettos, grabbing her small black sparkly clutch and the invitation she headed out the door. She felt a little nervous yet sexy and confident at the same time. Her mind wandered to John, she wondered  if he might be at the gala this evening. Shaking her head she said to herself, get a grip Marlena, what will you do if he is?

John sat at his table looking around the room when suddenly it seemed that all the men in the room turned and were staring at the entrance. That could only mean one thing, Marlena. As he looked toward the entrance, his breath caught at the vision.

There she stood, the black gown did amazing things for her amazing figure. She oozed sex appeal and didn't even seem to know it.

As he started to walk toward her he noticed how the low v down the front displayed a not so modest amount of her ample cleavage. She turned to her side and he could see that the v in back is even deeper and stopped just above where her thong would begin, if in fact she were wearing one. The thought made his dick jump.

Sparkling crystal straps criss crossed her back and the sides of the dress cut in enough to leave a little side boob exposed. A slit on one side came way up to her upper thigh showing off her long lean and lovely leg. She wore a mask of black. My god she looked amazing.

She headed towards the bar. Immediately a man who was standing at the bar turned to her and said something. John walked up behind Marlena placing his hand on her lower back.

”Good evening Marlena, I’m so glad you came tonight..”

Marlena gave John a little smile of relief for him having saved her from the man who was coming on strong.

”What would you like to drink”, John ask.

”Chardonnay will be fine thank you.”

”Max, get me a scotch neat and a Chardonnay for the lady please.”

The bartender returned with the drinks and John slipped  him a bill. ”Thanks Max.”

”Where are you sitting Doc,” John smiled sweetly knowing that her table number was the same as his.

Marlena glanced down at her card, ”table three.”

”Oh? What a coincidence that’s my table.”

”Coincidence huh”, Marlena whispered  under her breath.

”What was that?”

”Oh nothing, lead the way John.”

John, with his hand still on her back turned her slightly towards their table.

Marlena can’t help but be distracted by his large hand on her lower back noting how close his pinky finger is to the top of her ass. She now wished that there had been a way to wear a bra with this dress, fearing that her nipples would betray her.

John pulled out her chair.  As she slid into her seat the slit in her dress raised up a bit higher, John could not pull his eyes away.

Marlena cleared her throat, ”Are you going to sit John?”

”Oh yes, mmmm….I was just about to do that.”

”This room is breathtaking, and everyone here is so beautifully dressed.”

”No one could hold a candle to your beauty Marlena.”

Marlena looked down slightly and John noticed that her cheeks had become brighter.

”What do you know, the doctor blushes.”

”I’m not blushing John, I’m not a teenager.”

”Whatever you say Doc.”

”Why do you insist on calling me Doc?”

”Well your a doctor right? I rather like the nickname. Does it bother you.”

”I’m really not that sensitive John, I just wondered that’s all.”

Marlena picked up the menu card from the table. Reading the dinner offerings for the evening.

”Are you hungry Marlena?”

”Starved. I skipped lunch today trying to wrap things up so I will be ready to leave tomorrow.”

”Leaving tomorrow? Why didn’t you schedule a couple of extra days to relax and enjoy the surroundings?”

”Well that would have been nice wouldn’t it. Yes, well I just have so much to do when I get back, I don’t have the luxury of extra time off right now.”

”Maybe you work to hard and should reward yourself occasionally”.

”Sounds real tempting doesn't it? Maybe next conference, although knowing my luck the next one will be in Boulder or somewhere equally as horrible.”

”Hey what’s wrong with Boulder, that’s where I’m from.”

”Really??” Marlena looked slightly embarrassed. Her cheeks turning pink again.

”Hahaha no, I'm just messing with you.”

Marlena laughed and it was the most beautiful sound John had ever heard. He smiled at her and placing his hand over top of hers.

”You have the most adorable laugh.”

Well thank you, I'm not usually described as adorable. She looked up giving him a brilliant smile.

”What’s that for?” he ask.

”What’s what for?”

”That dazzling smile, I believe it was for me.”

”Well yes, I was thinking that you sure can be a charmer when you want to be.”

”Oh good to know, is it working?”

”Your charm? Well I guess we’ll have to see about that. She gave him a little wink.”

The waiter came up to ask what they would like to order.

”Oh, Marlena says. I picked up the menu but haven’t even looked at it.”

”Guess you were distracted. John winked. Do you mind if I order for you?”

”That would be fine, I’m not a great decision maker when it comes to food.”

John ordered and handed the menus to the waiter. Seconds later another waiter walked up with a bottle of wine and two glasses. He placed a wine glass in front of John and poured a small amount into his glass. John swirled the ruby colored liquid breathed in the scent before taking a small sip. He then gestured for the waiter to fill both glasses. He did so, placing the bottle on the table.

”So do you know a lot about wine?”

”Well I guess I better, I own a large vineyard. I love to walk among the rows of grape vines, the beauty and smell is intoxicating.”

”Oh? Is it a family business?”

”No, just me. I decided that I wanted to branch out from my other ventures and do something on a whim.”

”Oh and what might those other ventures be?”

”Are you sure you want to talk shop tonight, you’ve been working for the past four days. Perhaps you should relax tonight huh?”

”Hmm sounds like a dodge to me,” she smiles.

The waiter walked up with the entrées. Marlena devoured her food in silence. She finished first dabbing her mouth with her napkin. “That was wonderful.”

”Wow you were hungry. It's refreshing to she a lady with a healthy appetite.”

“Well yes I was hungry, I did mention that I skipped lunch.

Excuse me, I’m going to go freshen up.”

John stood  and walked around pulling her chair out. ”Don’t be long Doc, I want to dance, ” John raised one eyebrow, she smiled and walked to the restroom.

John spotted Marlena returning from the restroom noting as men followed her with their eyes as she walked by. He got to his feet and took her hand, ”are you ready for that dance?”

”May I finish my wine first, I always need a little liquid courage before I’m ready to dance.”

John pulled her chair out, ”Whatever you wish my dear.”

“Is that fact John?” She winked feeling a bit flirtatious.

As soon as she finished her wine, John pulled out her chair and led her to the dance floor. She looked up at him a frown marred her beautiful features.

”What’s the matter Doc?”

“I haven’t danced sense college.”

”Relax, just follow my lead. I'll take it easy at first.” He winked.

”You are an evil man John.”

The music started, John reached forward to take Marlena’s hand, as she placed her hand in his he pulled her close. Slipping his arm around her waist he pulled their entwined hands to his chest. Marlena slid her other hand up on the back of his neck. They started to move together on the dance floor, spinning and swirling in perfect step. Marlena could not remember ever being with a better dance partner. It was like they were floating across the floor.

Marlena looked up into John's  deep blue eyes. He pulled her in closer with the hand that was at her back. She could feel the bulge in his pants pressing against her, warmth suddenly spread through her body.

John pulled her long leg up to rest against his thigh spinning them around and around. He continued to spin them around the dance floor dipping and lifting her.

After the music ended Marlena looked up noting that they were the only two left on the dance floor. She hurried off the dance floor to their table.

”Whew that was some dance, where did you learn to move like that?”

”Well it’s a bit embarrassing. My adoptive mother made me take dance lessons from grade school all the way through high school, along with piano, archery, swim and horseback riding. She wanted me to be a “proper gentleman”.

Marlena pressed the back of her hand to her mouth to hide her amusement, a small giggle escaped her lips.

”Oh that’s ok Doc, laugh it up. I’m secure enough in my manhood to take it.”

”Oh honey, there is nothing wrong with your manhood.” She regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth.

John raised an eyebrow and licked his upper lip, ”I’m glad you noticed.” He said with a wicked smile. She shook her head looking down.

After more drinks and dancing Marlena stifled a yawn.

”Wow it’s getting late.”

”Are you ready to call it a night?” John asks.

”I probably should I have an early flight tomorrow.”

”Unless you cancel it.” John smiled and gave a wink.

”John you are a mess. Thank you so much, I had a blast.” Marlena stood  and grabbed her clutch. “Walk me out sailor”?

John walked over and took her hand in his, ”Gladly my lady.

As they walk toward the lobby the maître d’ smiled, goodnight Dr Evans, Mr. Alamain.

Marlena froze in her tracks, turning  to John ”MR ALAMAIN!!!! oh my gosh.” she yanked away and stormed out. John hot other heels.

 

Marlena arrived at the elevators and started frantically pushing the up button. John stepped to her grabbing her by the elbow. ”Marlena wait.”

”Wait for what John, wait for you to tell me what this game is that your playing?”

The elevator doors open, she yanked her arm from John's grasps and stepped inside pushing the button for the top floor. John stepped in right behind her.

”Get Out John!”

” No I won’t get out Marlena.”

”Then I will.” Marlena started to step off the elevator when he grabbed her by the arm holding her there until the doors close and the elevator car started to climb.

Marlena spun around,  ”Let me go NOW John”, she yelled, “Or should I say Mr Alamain.”

”Not until you let me explain.” John reached forward and pressed the emergency stop button.

Marlena glared at him. ”So are you going to explain your master plan to get me into your bed? Step one, put me up in the penthouse suite. Step two hang around every corner waiting for me with a smile and a witty comment. Step three send expensive gifts and an invitation to a grand ball complete with fine wine incredible food and dancing into the night. Then it’s off to the seduction, sorry I ruined the finally step in your twisted little game.”

”It’s not a game. I was not playing with you Marlena!”

”So tell me how many women have you bagged with this little routine, my guess... quite a few. There’s no shortage of bimbos willing to fall into a handsome rich man's bed. Well let me tell you something John Alamain …. I am NOT that easy.”

”Be quite and listen to me Marlena!!!”

”Why should I?”

”Because I let you have your say and now it’s my turn.”

Marlena reached for the button to start the elevator moving again. John grabbed both her shoulders and spun her around facing him.

”First of all I didn’t plan any of this.”

Marlena turned her head away from him and rolled her eyes.

John continued. ”When you walked into the lobby 4 days ago I couldn’t take my eyes off you. You are so stunning and I had never laid eyes on anyone like you before. Then when I ran into you I thought good this is an opportunity for an introduction. I felt bad about how hard you landed on the marble floor and I wanted to make it up to you but didn’t know how.”

”Oh so your answer was to comp an expensive penthouse suite for me.”

”Look it’s not that big a deal.”

”No that’s right you own the hotel.”

”Well my family does, but that’s not the point. I wanted to get to know you and when you showed up to breakfast at the same restaurant where I was, I thought, this must be fate. But you put up that hard as nails exterior pushing me away with both hands.

Then I saw you on the beach and thought that maybe we had finally broke the ice but WAM you shut me out again. I had to do something to turn it around in my favor, you were leaving in two short days. So I thought that if I could get you to come to the ball then we just might get the opportunity to talk and get to know one another. I only sent the dress and things because I figured that you only packed business clothes and I didn’t want you to have an excuse not to attend the gala.”

Marlena slowly clapped her hands together. ”Well good for you, your plan worked. I came to your Ball and I started to like you... just a bit. I’m sure you were patting yourself on the back for a job well done.”

”DAMN IT MARLENA!! You are being so stubborn. I want you, and I believe that you want me too. John wrapped her waist with one arm while the other hand pulled her by the neck to his hungry mouth. Marlena clamped her teeth down denying him access to the inside of her mouth. John began to softly nibble and lick on Marlena's lips, he felt as her body started to relax. He made small circles on her lower back with his thumb. A whispered moan came from her mouth as John plunged his tongue inside swirling and licking around the inside of her lips.

Her hands moved up his arms to his head, she tangled her fingers in his hair pulling his mouth down on hers more firmly.

John's hand left her back and pulled her thigh up to his waist pressing his erection against her as his mouth traveled down her neck to the tops of her breasts leaving soft kisses all the way down.

Marlena arched her back pushing her breasts forward.

He cupped her left breast squeezing the nipple through the fabric of her dress as her head fell back and her eyes closed tightly. Her breath hitched as a low moan escaped her lips, her body was on fire. She wanted to feel his mouth on her bare skin and his hands all over her naked body. God help her she wanted this man with everything inside her. Another deep moan came from her lips as she pushed John back a bit. Looking him in the eyes she whispered, “I do want you John.”

“God I want you too Doc, I have since I first laid eyes on you.”

John reached out starting the elevator up again. They resume kissing, hands wildly moving over one another’s bodies. The doors opened a few floors below the the top. An elderly couple peered in, seeing John and Marlena’s disheveled appearance and the wild look in their eyes, the man said with a wink, we’ll get the next one. The doors close again Marlena pressed her forehead into John’s chest and giggled, “What must they have thought of us?”

“Oh I’m sure we weren’t fooling them in the least.”

John cupped her firm ass and pulled her up to straddle his waist she locked her ankles around his waist. He began kissing her mouth and neck, nibbling her ear.

The elevator doors opened Marlena tried to wiggle down, John only tightened his grip.

”John what if the people in the other penthouse see us.”

”Marlena I am the person in the other penthouse.”

Marlena giggled. ”I should have known.”