Party

Time flew by, and Thea found herself two weeks into her new position. She thought about the time she sat in her office, wearing a bright blue dress and typing away at her laptop, the hum of the air conditioner calming her nerves. She was perfectly aware of when Mason entered the room and had to use all her willpower not to look up and make eye contact with him. When she worked with clients, she could escape his presence if only for a few moments, but when it came to working together in such close quarters, it was an entirely different challenge.

Thea had promised herself that she wouldn’t give in to Mason’s naughty advances, but she found herself unable to refuse on the first day he stopped by. He always came prepared with some sort of toy tucked away in his suit jacket pocket. Thea knew it would be a long afternoon when Mason entered her office. She would watch as he unbuttoned his jacket and revealed a shiny black leather bag that she knew was filled with all sorts of toys. His deep blue eyes would hold her gaze as he beckoned her with a single finger, and she felt herself melting into his arms. Her heart raced as he would undress her, his hands exploring every inch of her body. She found herself craving more of his touch each time, aching to satisfy the hunger in her core that only he could fulfill. No matter how much she fought against it, Thea was hopelessly addicted to their after-work sessions.

She glanced up at Mason standing beside her, their hands tightly intertwined. The elevator doors closed, and they silently ascended toward the top floor. Mason smiled at her and said, “Thank you for coming with me,” before pressing her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss.

Her eyes glittered with delight as she watched the numbers on the digital display slowly rise. With a satisfied smile, she said, “Of course.”

Mason and Thea hovered in the elevator as it crept closer to the top floor of the building, anticipation rising with each floor that passed. As soon as the metal doors opened, a wave of sound washed over them, “SURPRISE!” Happy screams, laughter, and voices were raised in conversation. A hush fell over the crowd as Mason and Thea stepped off the elevator and gazed at the scene before them in awe. Stars twinkled above, providing a backdrop for hundreds of votive candles flickering along rows of tables, and a bar stocked with every variety of wine and liquor promised a night full of celebration. Everywhere they looked, Addison’s hard work was evident. White lights hung from every surface, creating a magical effect, while festive banners waved from the ceiling. They could feel warm energy emanating from their friends as they joined in on the festivities.

Addison’s chest heaved, her words punctuated by short bursts of breath. Her cheeks were a deep red, and sweat had formed above her lips. She fixed her eyes on Mason’s, searching for some sign of recognition. “Were you surprised?” she asked, barely audible above her panting.

A wide grin spread across Mason’s face as he chuckled. “Sure, Addy,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.” I had no idea you were throwing another surprise birthday party for me this year.”

Addison’s eyes sparkled mischievously, and she smiled playfully, her head cocked slightly to one side as if daring him to guess. “I bet you don’t know what present I got you,” she said matter-of-factly.

Mason’s lips curled into a knowing smile as he spoke. “If it’s two weeks without hearing from Genevieve, someone else already got me that gift,” Mason said.

She grabbed him by the shoulder and gave him a light push. “Alright, jackass,” she said. “Everyone’s here to see you, so go shake hands.” He shuffled away, and she let out a sigh of relief. Turning to Thea, she beamed. “I’m so glad you made it,” she said, throwing her arms around her in a tight embrace.

“This party is amazing!” Thea exclaimed, taking in the twinkling lights, the dance floor filled with people, and the DJ spinning her favorite tunes. Her eyes widened at the sight of Gina, Mason’s ex-sub, walking through the door with an alluring grace. Thea’s happiness faded as she asked, “Why is she here?”

Addison’s gaze followed the trail of Gina’s sparkling dress. Her silhouette was delightfully framed in the silver fabric as she moved her hips in a gentle sway. Gina’s face glowed with confidence as she twirled her hair with her hands. Addison looked back at Thea and said, “Oh, it’s always nice to let haters know you’ve moved on.”

Thea’s lips curled into a mischievous grin as she registered the situation. She leaned in, her dimple deepening with amusement as she said, “You’re so petty. And I’m here for it.” She and her friend laughed that low, conspiratorial laugh that recalled all the jokes and pranks they had pulled off back in college.

Mason suddenly appeared at Thea’s side and rested a comforting hand on her waist. He smiled down at her and said, “I have a few people I want you to meet.” She followed him as they weaved through the room, her face bobbing above the chatter. They stopped in front of a man with his back to them, silhouetted against the illuminated balcony. Mason strode forward and threw his arms around him in an embrace. He stepped away and gestured toward Thea. “Thea, this idiot is one of my good friends from law school.”

Thea felt a blush creep up her neck as the smooth-talking, cocoa-shaded gentleman stepped closer and looked at her with his deep green eyes. She felt his gaze caress her as if his eyes were undressing her, and his words seemed to linger in the air as he said, “Enough about me. Tell me about you.”