Mansion Halloween Ball Page 3

  Holding the envelope in her hand, she walked to the car. She didn't mention the envelope to Mary as she hadn't mentioned receiving one. One thing she was conscious of, even if unconsciously, was to maintain security of documents that might contain private company business.

  This could be something that should have been locked in a file before leaving the office. She would wait until she was in the privacy of her home before opening the envelope. If this was the mocking Your Fired message, she wanted to be alone when she read it. There was a definite fear in her that she was going to cry.

  After entering her home, she closed and locked the door. Then leaned against it and dropped her handbag on the table. She inhaled a deep breath and released it slowly, holding the envelope against her chest. She knew it was useless to wait so she opened the envelope she removed the enclosed paper. A key remained in the bottom fold. Once she unfolding it, she read the message.

  Please report to the President's office a half hour before the company opens. It is believed it will be your wish to learn what the President will have to say, some of which is private, before the other employees arrive and the rumors start flying.

  The President

  No signature, it could be from anyone, still there was the key. Not everyone had a key to pass around. But, an executive could get hold of a key. She crushed the paper in her hand.

  "Aw, hell, I am going to get drunk,” she grumbled in a frustrated tone.

  These past days had been horrid and it wasn't over. If she didn't have concealer to hide the dark circles under her eyes, she would be embarrassed to go to the Ball.

  She wouldn't get drunk of course; the vice-president's secretary doesn't get drunk at a company function.

  Going to the kitchen she removed the tray of fruit she had prepared before leaving for work. Taking it to the bedroom, she placed it upon the bed. She opened her blouse as she strode into the master bath and started hot water running into the garden tub.

  Upon returning to the bedroom, she sat and removed her shoes and then shucked out of her pants. After removing her under things, she sat naked on her bed taking a few bites of strawberries. While chewing she rose from the mattress and strode quickly back to the master bath to check on the water.

  She stooped down and tested the temperature with her fingers. Satisfied with the warmth, she fetched the tray of fruit and then placed it on the corner of the garden tub. She poured lavender bath oil into the water then stirred it around. Finally, she sank into the water with a sigh of contentment.

  This was what she needed. It would relax her muscles as easily as drinking, but not her tangled emotions. A decision made, she rose from the water, stepped from the tub and wrapped a towel around her body. While holding the towel across her breasts she hurried from the room and down the hall to the kitchen. As she dripped water on the floor, she poured a glass of wine and drank it down.

  After refilling the glass she carried it to the bathroom, dropped the towel onto the floor and stepped into the hot water.

  Carie sat carefully with sighed in contentment. She would need to hire a taxi now to take her to the Masquerade but it would be better than arriving in a tangle of nerves.

  As she was feeling bold, she had decided at the last moment to change her costume. She spent a long time applying exotic makeup, then dressed in the Daisy Mae costume she had worn in the play her last year of college. I

  t was a skimpy thing, with a flower covered tiny halter-top and short-short mini with a jagged hem and matching green tights beneath. She had never been bold enough to wear the costume since collage. Leaving her hair hanging down her back, she slipped on a shear green negligee jacket over the costume that went to a pajama set. It reached her ankles and had one button beneath the breasts. The transparent jacket lent a feeling of being covered without concealing her skimpy clad body.

  She returned to the kitchen and refilled her wine glass. At the phone, she paused and called for a cab to arrive at her home at seven thirty. Stuffing one twenty into the bra of her halter-top and one into the toe of her green slippers she was prepared to pay for her ride to and from the Ball.

  Before the taxi arrived, she slipped outside the front door and hid a key so she would have a way inside when she returned.

  Since she was ready, she sat on the edge of the seat, relaxed, and finished the glass of wine. When the cab arrived, the driver blew the horn to announce his arrival.

  Carie hurried out the door, locked it, and made certain it was securely closed before heading for the taxi.

  The driver stared at her as she slid onto the seat. The mask and exotic eye makeup gave her a sense of anonymity, although the driver knew her address.

  Carie offered him a confident smile, then gave the address of the Mansion. “I'm going to a Costume Ball."

  "Yes ma'am.” The driver faced forward and put the cab in gear before starting the vehicle moving. Thirty minutes later the cab stopped before the Mansion.

  She slid the twenty from the cup of her top, and passed it to the driver.

  "Thanks, keep the change."

  "Thanks!” His gaze lingered on her body. “Wish I was attending this ball. Who is hosting it?"

  "Play House magazine."

  "Should have guessed it was a sex magazine."

  "It is a magazine for play writers and theater promotion,” she supplied.

  "Oh, well have a good time.” He sounded disappointed.

  She shoved the door open and stepped onto the driveway. Then she crossed to the walkway and started up the long path to the Mansion's entrance.

  Carie was relieved when she spotted several people in skimpy costumes similar to her own. A male and female elf, and a pair of wood nymphs were mounting the entrance steps. A female fairy and a Greek male, a vampire and scarecrow were walking ahead of her on the cement walkway. A man dressed as a lumberjack, another dressed as a Roman gladiator. It appeared everyone had taken pains with their appearance.

  As she climbed the steps, she spotted a female gothic couple standing at the door greeting people. They passed out masks to those in need as they entered the door.

  After adjusting the green mask over her eyes, she continued into the hall. Midgets dressed as goblins were working the cloakroom but she wasn't removing her coat, it was part of her costume.

  From the entrance, she followed the music to the ballroom, then paused inside the doorway and quickly scanned for the bar. The wine she had drunk was wearing thin and she was beginning to feel self-conscious. She had no intention of becoming intoxicated, but she wanted a buzz to keep herself relaxed.

  Spying the bar, she headed in that direction. She stood in line until she reached the table and lifted a glass of wine from the array sitting before her.

  While sipping from the glass she moved to the side of the room, as she searched for Mary and Gabe. Then spotting Mary as she entered the ballroom Carie headed in her direction.

  "Where's Gabe?” she queried as she approached Mary.

  "He is meeting me. I gather you haven't seen him."

  Shaking her head, she lifted the glass of wine to her lips. “Shall we fetch you a drink?"

  "Absolutely. Do you think we are going to have a job Monday?"

  "I'm not going to think about it tonight. I intend to enjoy this party in case it is my last."

  "I'm with you."

  "Hey beautiful, where have you been hiding?” Gabe broke from the crowd behind them and approached. “Carie, you make my eyes bulge. That outfit is hot!"

  He looked her over with appreciation.

  "Thanks. Have you noticed anyone new here tonight?"

  "Not me. I imagine Mary told you, I got canned. I am going to do some kissing up, and get my job back tonight,” he informed them in a hushed timbre.

  "How do you intend to do that?” Mary asked, reaching the front of the line she lifted a glass, and then moved away from the table.

  "I'm going to give the old man a show, that is why he has these parties,” Gabe said serious
ly, his gaze focusing on Mary.

  Shaking her head, Mary cleared her throat. “Count me out; I am not here to be an exhibitionist."

  "Not even for me?” he asked in a pitiful tone.

  "No,” firmly Mary responded.

  "Then I'm on my own.” Kissing Mary on the cheek, he turned to Carie.

  Dismissing Mary's feeling without a second thought he queried, “You interested in a little excitement?"

  "Not in the least.” She might have been drinking and acquired a buzz, but she wasn't drunk.

  "Ah well, someone will be. Wish me luck.” He moved away, waving his fingers and disappeared into the crowd.

  "That jerk. I cannot believe he is acting like this. You would think I didn't exist for all the notice he is giving our relationship."

  "I don't believe you have a relationship tonight,” in a sympathetic tone, Carie pointed out.

  Mary cussed repeatedly for a moment. “Well, two can play his game.” She emptied her glass, and set it on the table. Then she started to walk away, pausing she glanced back at Carie. “Coming? I'm going to start with kissing all the actors."

  Shaking her head, she lifted her glass in salute. “You are on your own tonight. Go for it."

  "Each man for himself, have a blast,” Mary remarked as she stepped away.

  A vampire approached her. He gaze followed Mary's exit. “Dance with me beautiful.” Rich and deep, with an accent that was obviously assumed, he had a voice she found familiar.

  He held out to her a large hand concealed in white sati, and she placed her hand in his. His skin, not concealed by the white mask of costume makeup, was hidden by clothing. His dark eyes were outlined by black lending a design with an exotic flair to his features that appealed to her physically. His features were attractive, even the flesh where the dark stubble of a beard would be beneath was smooth shaven. Beards had never appealed to Carie, she enjoyed touching and kissing a smooth face.

  His bottom lip was fuller then the top and both were a well defined pink from a mixture of red lipstick and white facial makeup. Crisp waves in his hair made noticeable by a shiny substance he had applied to his hair. Combed away from his face, his hair was a blue black that reflected the lights from the chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

  They crossed the room, mostly with her in the lead as they passed between people. While walking she puzzled at his voice and finally the light came on in her mind. It was an old boyfriend.

  Theodore hadn't been a reliable boyfriend. He stood her up, was late constantly and finally she had called it quits. Theodore enjoyed playing the field she had known that from the beginning, but to be waiting when he wouldn't even bother to call and inform her he wasn't coming was too much of an insult.

  However, before the final date, he had been a good lover when he managed to show up. It had been a long time since they parted, which was why she had difficulty identifying him. She didn't remember his voice sounding so delicious, or that it excited her. Knowing her companion's identity, she could enjoy their time together without worrying about his opinion of her over a one-night stand. It wasn't like he was going to want to have a relationship with her, so she could relax.

  She hadn't made a conscious decision to have a one-night stand, but subconsciously she was definitely considering making this a night to remember.

  "Nabbed you a beauty, I see,” a male in a gladiator costume called.

  Her vampire glanced back at the man, and flashed a triumphant smile.

  Entering the dance area, he turned and circled her into his arm. Pulling her close to his hard torso, his face rested on her hair. Inhaling his husky aroma, she felt her insides begin to tingle with anticipation.

  How long had it been since she had great sex? She couldn't think with his luscious scent filling her lungs. Anyway, she hadn't come here for sex. Closing her eyes she relaxed and inhaled. A shiver of reaction shook her body. He smelled divine.

  Warmth from his hands penetrated through her thin clothing to her flesh as he stroked gently up and then down her spine to the upper curve of her buttocks. The gentle pressure of his possessive caress relaxed her muscles against his hard frame. His hand hesitated before starting back up, his pinky pressed down lightly into the division of her cheeks as though he was checking his location. Awareness of what he was doing caused her body to shiver again.

  A low growl rumbled in his throat and her body reacted by clenching with desire.

  She didn't remember their bodies being a perfect fit, or that his touch thrilled her flesh. What other good things had her mind erased to help purge him from her memory?

  "I have had a drink or two, so if I act inappropriately please tell me,” his deep timbre admitted softly against her ear.

  "Thankfully there is no standard, or I would be in trouble with you holding me like this. The wilder the party the more our host approves. I think he likes to believe these are the same as the parties held by the nude magazines. Still, I think you should stay away from between my cheeks in public."

  "Then would you like to go somewhere private, so I can touch you properly?” his voice was as suggestive as his words.

  She chuckled feeling carefree, and totally appealing thanks to the compliment that he wanted her. “You go straight for the kill. No. I never said I was willing to be part of the entertainment."

  "Just asking.” He chuckled. “No offense intended."

  "None taken in the slightest. There is no harm in asking, as long as you accept the answer."

  His hands moving over her shoulders were a seductive pampering. It was easy to imagine them moving over her naked breasts. A shiver of awareness raced up her spine at the image her mind conjured. Suddenly she was aware of her breasts brushing against the slickness of his silk vest. Her breathing was heavier and she was aware of everything about his physical presence including the rising rod between their bodies. Lifting her eyes she studied the strong line of his jaw and the black hair slicked back with oil to make it stay back as a vampire was portrayed in most movie pictures and plays.

  He wore the makeup as they did in the old movies, white pancake makeup with red lipstick that was washed out by the white pancake on his lips. Black eyeliner surrounded his deep chocolate eyes making them appear as exotic as she had worked to make her own.

  "You went to a lot of trouble, not many men are brave enough to wear makeup. You did a wonderful job, your makeup is perfect, very exotic."

  "Actors do it all the time."

  "True, but most men don't seem to realize it. My father never dreamed his western and action hero's wore makeup."

  "As I prepared for tonight, I decide I would act as I do when having sex."

  She chuckled, amused. “I don't understand the connection?"

  "I give myself up to it completely."

  "Ah, the man brags.” Flustered she couldn't think of more to say, saving her the music ended and Carie stepped back from his masculine frame.

  "Walk with me in the garden?” He held out his hand and waited. His dark hypnotic eyes locked with her gaze and she felt for a moment that he really did have magical powers.

  The garden could mean intimate moments; did she want to go that far tonight?

  She had a feeling she would be making an important decision on the spur of the moment if she took his hand, but she couldn't leave him standing there with his hand extended.

  Placing her hand in his, she wasn't even certain why as she hadn't made a conscious decision, but her action had committed her. He had referred to sex twice within several minutes. It was obvious what was on his mind. Instead of agreeing she should have made an excuse to separate from him, the logical part of her brain decided. The part of her brain that was being a thrill seeker tonight was leaping at the core of her being, making her stomach quiver within her ribs.

  Squeezing her hand gently within his encompassing grasp, he led the way to the open French doors. Music from the garden combated the music from inside as they stepped onto the patio.

  Slidin
g his hand along her lower back, he circled her waist and drew her against his side.

  Pretending she didn't recognize him she asked, “What do you do at the company?"

  "Well, mostly I deal with customer relations.” Casting a glance down at her, he smiled. If she hadn't known he worked in editing, she would know he was lying by his cagey attitude.

  "That could be stressful,” tongue in cheek she said, and then cast him a sassy smile. “I have a feeling there is more involved in your work."

  "At times.” Glancing down at her, he flashed a charming smile that revealed white teeth. “I would like to kiss you, but I am afraid my makeup will spoil yours. You look too beautiful for anything to blemish your look."

  Lifting her eyebrows she glanced away, she didn't want to appear interesting in the subject, even if she was. I guess he answered the question; will he kiss me in the moonlight? Her chest had a weight upon it. Darn it,was that disappointment she was feeling?

  "The costumes are all so good that I am having trouble finding a face I recognize. Of course being new at the company, I don't actually know many people here. I am hoping you will help me feel more at home among all these strangers. I know Mr. Morrison is dressed as the devil. Do you recognize anyone?"

  She chuckled. “He is always a devil. It suits his wicked personality."

  They were wandering slowly along the side of the building in the direction of the garden when he touched her stomach.

  "I believe I recognize him. Isn't that the man you were speaking with just before I arrived?"

  "Gabe?” As she didn't see Mary's boyfriend she glanced up to discover where he was looking. He nodded in the direction of the bay window.

  The curtains were wide apart, the bright light inside the room revealed everything inside to the people on the dimly lighted lawn. Gabe was indeed in the room, naked and so was his female sex partner, who had been his boss until today. Lying on the bed with her legs spread, Gabe was administering an enthusiastic licking upon the woman's clit. They were positioned at an angle that revealed every lick of his tongue along her wet slit.

  "Happy Hallow's Eve,” dryly she stated. “I hope Mary doesn't see this.” Turning her head away Carie continued walking. “Yes, that is good old loyal Gabe."