Chapter 10
She made her way into the ballroom, it was already crowed with people and the ball had just started a few minutes ago. She walked around saying hello to the various people. She was happy to see a few of the people from her group there. It would be nice to talk to them outside of the professional level. She made her rounds when she found her boss, stopping to chat with him.
Howie watched as she talked with a man, she looked stunning. She wore a long form fitting purple gown and white gloves. Her hair pulled up into a simple twist, but it looked elegant on her. He sipped at his drink, studying her intently. Even out of work, she had this air of professionalism, calm, cool and collected as usual. He shook his head, a smile lingering on his lips as he moved, walking over to some of the people from his group.
Jordan scanned the crowd, she didn't know who she was looking for, but her eyes and her mind seemed to be ahead of her.
Groaning in frustration, she made her way over to the refreshment table, she scooped some punch out of the large bowl, ready to bring it to her lips and then stopped. She looked around before bringing the cup to her nose, inhaling deeply. Safe, she took a drink. She'd like to think the people here wouldn't be so childish, but she'd learned her lesson the hard way.
"You finished early from what I heard." Trevor commented, coming up next to her, pouring himself some punch.
"Yes we did. I had a great group of people which makes it that much easier."
"What about Mr. Dorough?"
Jordan smiled suddenly. "Mr. Dorough wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be."
"Really?" Trevor looked over at her, bringing his cup to his lips.
"Really." She smiled and walked away.
The evening progressed, Howie watched as the couples danced. He stayed off to the side, taking everything in. Normally he was out there with everyone else, mingling and talking. Tonight, though, he had one person on his mind. He smiled at the woman who came up to him now, asking to dance. With a nod, he took her hand and led her out on the dance floor.
She laughed along with everyone else at the table. She looked away, restless for some reason. She had the feeling someone was watching her. She wanted to stand, run, do something.
Standing she made her way back over to the refreshment table, getting herself another glass of punch. This made her seventh one, anymore, and she'd be floating home. She stared down at the red liquid, suddenly overcome, wishing that it had been spiked. She set the cup down.
"You'd think that they'd serve wine, but punch?"
She stilled, oddly only after four days, she knew that voice. She lifted her head.
"Good evening Jordan. You look beautiful." Howie smiled.
"Good evening Howie. Thank you for the compliment. Wine is available if you'd like."
Howie chuckled. "Even off duty and still professional."
"Professional?"
"Mmm, throw caution to the wind and complain, I won't say anything to anyone. I know that punch isn't the greatest."
He was right, it was kind of watered down. She looked over at him, and he smiled. "That's what I thought. Well, it just so happens...that, I have some wine here and an extra glass." He handed her a glass.
"You always seem to have an extra of something."
"Funny isn't it?" He grinned, winking at her.
She chuckled, taking the glass from him. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He held his glass up. " A toast to the Olympics and to pleasant surprises."
She stared at him a moment before lifting her glass also, touching it lightly to his, a soft tinkle being heard. "To pleasant surprises."
They brought their glasses down and took a sip. It was intoxicating, sweet and light. Her head was spinning suddenly as she stared at him. She saw someone she knew, she had to get away.
"If you'll excuse me Howie." Quickly she walked off, breathing heavily. How did he do that? With a look, throw her off balance. Silently she cursed herself as she approached her friend.
Howie slowly put his glass down, smiling. Turning he walked off.
****
Jordan stifled a yawn, making her way back to her table, bending over; she gathered her things up. The evening was coming to an end and she was exhausted. The week's events were finally catching up to her.
"You getting ready to head home?" Her friend Stephanie asked as she approached the table.
"Yeah, I'm tired."
"You didn't even dance with anyone. I know Trevor asked you."
"You know I don't dance Steph."
"You should you know."
Suddenly the lights dimmed again, a slow song starting up.
"Nope, that's ok. I think I have everything, I'll see you Monday. What? What are you looking at?"
Stephanie just pointed. Jordan turned, her eyes widened.
"Would you like to dance?" Howie smiled.
"Uhh, actually..." She looked over at Stephanie who was smiling.
Howie reached out, taking her things from her and setting them back down on the table, taking her hand in his. "Come on." He lead her away from the table and out onto the dance floor. He spun her around, gathering her into his arms, starting to sway slowly.
It'd all happened so fast, she wasn't sure what had happened. His arms around her were strangely protective. She could smell his cologne, the spicy scent causing her head to spin. She drew in a shaky breath, she couldn't hear the song playing, she could only focus on him, Slowly she lifted her eyes to meet his.
"You wouldn't be my date, so I figured maybe just a dance." He whispered.
She felt herself nod and he smiled suddenly, his hold on her was casual, but she found herself wishing they were closer. They moved easily to the music, his small body seemed to be made to dance, he flowed with the grace of a professional.
He spun her out and pulling her back to him, her arm now wrapped around his neck, her hand still clasped in his rested against his chest. She felt herself struggling to breathe; her body seemed to fit perfectly against his. She looked into his eyes again, that nervous fluttering starting all over again.
She actually looked scared, he wasn't sure if he should be worried or happy. His eyes drifted to her lips, just begging to be kissed. He fought the urge and instead, leaned down and kissed her cheek gently. Her skin was so soft, perfect.
Her breath caught, he'd kissed her. Why wasn't she stopping him? Suddenly he pulled away and stepped back. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed her hand gently. She hadn't even realized that the song had stopped. She looked at him helplessly.
"Thank you for the dance Jordan."
"You're welcome. It was nice meeting you Howie." She struggled to think, her mind in a haze.
"Likewise."
"Good luck, maybe I'll see you again sometime."
"I'm staying here for a few weeks. You can count on it. Good evening Jordan."
And with that, he was gone, leaving her stunned and trembling. Quickly she made her way back to the table, grabbed her things and left.
