The Corporate Escape (4 page)

“Even if her dress would be a bit racy for a church dance,” giggled the first.

“Racy, yet elegant,” defended the second. “Not at all like the tasteless gold lame Christine is slinking around in!”

The conversation of the women faded, and Lynn remained motionless. She was not comfortable with what she had heard. Not much of it was news to Lynn. She was no fool. She had realized that both Paula, and the blonde, Christine, had their heart set on Paul Dillard. Yet, with looks like his, he would have many admirers. Lynn included.

What perplexed Lynn the most was her reaction to the comments the women had made. She was furious. The emotion was tinged with protectiveness and jealousy. Lynn took a deep breath and prayed for kindness and understanding to take their place. Lynn was not easily aroused to spite, but she knew the weakness needed to be controlled.

When Lynn returned to the table, she felt panic rising. Paul was gone. Duane, James and Bob all smiled up at her as she approached. James asked her to dance. Lynn accepted and sat her purse on the table. It was a slow jazz tune and James began to guide her expertly around the floor. She spotted gold lame only a few feet away. Before James twirled her in another direction, Lynn caught a glimpse of Paul’s head bent in and intimate conversation.

Her heart sank. Perhaps the pursuit wasn’t nearly as one sided as the women in the bathroom had inferred. She felt the cool tingling on her back, just as she had when she had been dancing with Bob. Lynn knew, even before she glanced his way, that Paul was watching her.

Their eyes met across the crowded dance floor. Her, being twirled by James, and he being fondled by Christine. Neither smiled, for the look was too intense. Hers with a bit of determination and pride, his with curiosity and longing. Lynn could not deny what she saw in his gaze. She felt her pulse quicken and an uncharacteristic blush flaming her cheeks. It had been a look of raw emotion, that passed next. Both aware of the others feelings and the bond of energy they felt. Lynn was confused. She was born-again Christian, committed to staying pure. She kept a tight control on her desires. But the looks that Paul had given her, had stirred a passionate emotion and a deep desire that had been long buried. Her thoughts scared her. She couldn't deny the longings she felt, just by looking at him.

The dance ended and Lynn concluded, with resolve, that Paul Dillard was not a man for her to get mixed up with. Her emotions were too raw around him. She feared her reaction if he ever touched her. ‘It must not happen. It will not happen,’ she thought to herself.

But it appeared the Lord chose to ignore her prayer, or perhaps at least test her resolve. For moments later she found herself being escorted back towards the dance floor by the source of her discomfort. Christine stood at their table and fumed.

Lynn had felt his touch on her arm, even as he reached for it. Now they stood on the dance floor, neither moving towards each other for fear of their own emotions. People were dancing all around them and Paul was embarrassed by his own inability to move her into his arms. Lynn stepped towards him, feeling more like a 12-year-old at her first dance, every minute.

The awkwardness of their movement was disheveling. She had noted that Paul was an experienced dancer, and by far the best of her male companions. Paul had a graceful ease that had sent her heart racing. Now both were inept. They seemed to be trying to follow the music while touching each other as little as possible.

*****

Paul's hand felt as sweaty as her own. But the fire on her waist, where his other hand barely grazed her side, continued to grow. Lynn felt awkward and clumsy. The hand she placed on his shoulder felt like lead. She was distraught.
'What in the world is wrong?
', she thought painfully.
'This is awful. Like we are worst enemies, instead of attracted to each other.'
Her mind continued to search for the answer, and each remained silent for the rest of the dance.

Christine had been watching with devious amusement at the unrhythmic couple, with the four left feet. Paula's eyes stared at them from across the room, gleaming with haughty delight. In their gaiety, both noticed the other, and a bonding seemed to pass between them. Both seemed confident that the battle for Paul Dillard, was still only between the two of them. Obviously Paul and Lynn were as uncomfortable together as two people could be.

Christine sat down. Relaxing, as she sipped on her drink. Her smile seemed revolting to Lynn as she and Paul walked back towards the table. Another slow romantic song began to play and Lynn felt herself accepting defeat, as she saw Paula strolling towards the table.

Defeat. The word set off something in Lynn's mind. Lynn Eastman never accepted defeat! Pride and self respect took over. Even before she was aware of what she was doing, Lynn grabbed Paul's hand and led him back to the dance floor. Lynn was always as honest with others as she was with herself. She put an arm around Paul's neck and took his other hand in hers. She looked deeply into his eyes.

“O.K.,” she said calmly. “I don't know what just happened out here. But I happen to be a terrific dancer and I saw you gliding across the floor earlier. My ego can't handle clumsy as a self description. So let's try this again.”

Paul laughed and began to move her around the floor.

“I am baffled,” he replied. “I've never felt more like a clod of 13 in my life. Even when I was 13!

Lynn giggled. She was relaxed now, and they found themselves moving as one to the music. As she thanked the Lord for this second chance, she began to laugh with recognition of the previous disaster.

“What is so humorous?” Paul challenged. “I am not that bad of a dancer.”

“But You certainly were the last dance,” she smiled.

“And so were you, I might add.”

“Yes, the Lord works in mysterious ways,” she giggled.

A flicker of anticipation glowed in Paul's eyes and then was quickly gone.

“And just what do you mean by that flip remark?” he asked soberly.

“It wasn't flip,” Lynn laughed. “I had been overwhelmed by the effect your simple glance had on me. I had prayed the He would 'lead us not into temptation' and shortly following that prayer request we suddenly had four left feet.”

Paul laughed with amusement. Understanding seemed to shine from his eyes as they danced on. Each attempting to read the thoughts of the other. Lynn felt more comfortable than she had in years. Paul seemed to be inspecting every inch of her face. Yet, Lynn felt no embarrassment or fear in his open admiration. The next song started and they continued in their embrace.

“Have you been a Christian long?” he asked quietly.

Lynn was not surprised by his question. Nor was she intimidated by it.

“I've been home for five years now,” she replied confidently. “And you?” she asked.

“As long as I can remember,” he answered. “Home. That is how it feels isn't it?”

They smiled at each other with understanding and warmth. She could feel his strong arms around her. The broadness of his shoulders and the sensuality of his hands were all obvious. Yet she no longer felt disturbed by them. Instead she was moved by the strength of his character.

Christine and Paula both stared at the couple with open hate and despise. The green monster of jealousy had transformed their beautiful faces into those of spiteful witches. Lynn was taken aback by the open distaste on their faces. Paul was amused by her reaction.

“Rather less than sensational when their true characters show through, wouldn't you say?”

“Amazing,” Lynn replied. “And rather sad. Ten to one they have never felt peace in their hearts.”

Paul looked at her with open admiration. Her character for the moment stronger that his.

“Beware of the venom,” he threw at her when they were almost to the table.

“Beware of getting a log in your own eye,” she smiled back. Paul laughed with delight.

“I'm glad you two recovered,” said Duane. “I was afraid that you both had forgotten how to dance for a moment there.”

“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” Paul mimicked.

“Certainly does,” Duane replied comfortably. He smiled at the couple as they took their seats.

Christine took advantage of their return to sweep Paul back onto the floor. Lynn could have sworn she saw Paula wink as the couple left the table. 'So they have pledged allegiance,' smiled Lynn. 'Against me.' Silently she prayed for strength and turned toward Paula for the inevitable confrontation.

Lynn was visibly enjoying herself with Duane, Bob and James when Christine and Paul returned.

“Where is Paula?” Christine asked Lynn.

“She went to the ladies room,” replied Lynn calmly. “She thought she had something on her contact. Perhaps you should go check on her.”

“I think I shall!” Christine answered almost defiantly, the anger showing in her eyes.

“Lynn,” Paul said almost accusingly, as he watched Christine leave. “What is going on here?”

“I guess I caught the snakes in the act of bitting and drained the venom,” she replied confidently.

“And how did you do that?” he asked.

“I'm not sure,” Lynn confessed. “But something I said deflated her fight. He seems to help me like that a lot. The right words at the right time.”

They smiled knowingly at one another and continued to explore the thoughts the other invoked.

Duane was more delighted than ever. Paul and Lynn seemed to be enjoying each other. It was obvious that both had learned of the faith of the other and the bond has growing. Duane knew Paul's conviction about his faith had caused him serious problems in relationships in his past. Both Christine and Paula were examples of the frustration he encountered. Both had been sensually attacking him for months, hoping he would fall for their advances.

Paul had dated both, and been quite taken by Christine at one point. But he had found her faith to be only a charade. A character taken on to please him. She was planning on seducing him into marrying her and had been frustrated by his apparent lack of interest. Paula had found the same.

Yet, both Christine and Paula continued to blatantly pursue him. They had both flown to Auckland with a shared goal. Successfully seducing Paul Dillard-Thompson. Both were failing and their determination only grew. As Duane watched the women return to the table he felt his apprehension rise.

'When will those two give up?' he thought to himself.

James stood to ask Christine to dance and Duane followed by offering his arm to Paula. Neither could refuse, and their plans were temporarily thwarted.

“How about a walk down on the waterfront?” Paul asked.

“It's not polite to leave the party,” Lynn replied regretfully.

“Polite my eye,” he said standing. “This isn't even our party. We're both guests.”

Lynn laughed and explained their departure to Bob. He seemed genuinely pleased.

“Don't feel like you have to hurry back,” he smiled. “We'll call on you tomorrow at 8:00 AM to take you to sightsee with us.”

She nodded at his reminder and smiled at Duane on the dance floor. His eyes twinkled with understanding as he guided Paula to the far end of the ballroom.

The night was warm, as they strolled by the ships on the harbor. The moon shone over the water like silver on a sea of black ink. They had lapsed into a comfortable silence. Both lost in the world of their own thoughts.

Lynn felt the tingle up her spine, and knew Paul's introspection had led back to her. True to her intuition, Paul's eyes were fixed on her face. He tried desperately to read the thoughts which she dwelled upon. They stopped to gaze out on the harbor, and Lynn found herself standing so very close to him that her eyes could only stare back into his. Such intriguing grey eyes. They looked darker now, almost a deep blue. She felt the tightness in her stomach return. He was so near. She could feel his warm breath as he looked down into her face. The sensation of his breath mingled with hers was too intimate. The moonlight, too sensual. They stood in silence.

Paul could feel himself getting lost in the depths of Lynn’s green eyes. They had changed to a forest green and the dark black of her pupils seemed to expand with each breath. He felt a stirring deep within. One that had been dormant for many years. He took her hand in his. His breath grew heavier, as his gaze dropped to her full lips. They were slightly parted, begging to be kissed. His hand lightly twisted her soft hair through his fingers, as he bent his head to hers.

Lynn felt light headed. She had been kissed before, but had never felt this kind of gentleness and tenderness. Every tender touch brought her closer to his soul. His free hand gently held her face, moving slightly in a loving caress. She lifted her hand to his cheek.

A soft moan from his lips drew her closer to him. Hungry for the feel of her in his arms, Paul’s hand moved to trace the small of her back. She moaned slightly at the feeling, and felt the pressure of his hand increase. She was floating in the water, immersed in the black ink of his caress. Her hand moved to trace the muscles of his broad shoulders. She felt herself slipping, further and further into the sweetness of his touch.

Paul pulled her closer, longing to be one. The urgency of his kiss increased, and the responses she was arousing in him baffled his senses. She was so soft, so lovely, so warm. He was drunk in the passion of her kiss. He moaned audibly and pushed her away from him slightly. The passion of his kiss was written on her face. Her eyes searched his, wondering why he had allowed rationale to invade their intimacy. His eyes danced around her face, trying to etch in his memory the sweet effect of his affections.

Lynn felt herself coming out of the fog of passion, and recognized the dizziness of love. She was suddenly embarrassed by the extent of their embrace and the wantonness of her response.

She lowered her eyes, trying to regain her composure. He pulled her into the protectiveness of his arms, stroking her hair with his hand. She understood his empathy. He was as vulnerable as she was. She felt safe and warm in his arms, and held him tight for a moment, as if to tell him so. Her head was nestled in his shoulder and Paul found himself caressing her hair, as much to soothe himself, as for her. She had reached the hunger of his soul with her innocent sweetness, that had not been touched by blatant sensuality. His struggle for control was harder than he remembered. He felt bewildered by the long buried emotions.

Yet, he knew his feeling for Lynn were more than a passing emotion. He respected her, even admired her. Something he could not recall feeling for a woman he claimed as a contemporary. They had talked more about what they believed in, than what they did. He knew she was a strong woman, with a deep faith and a caring soul. He knew more of who she truly was, than he did many of long time friends. The closeness and intensity of his new found feelings for her disturbed him. He needed time to think about this, by himself, away from the powers of her touch.

They had stood together, locked in the comfortable embrace for much longer than either one realized. Lost in thoughts of each other, they stood together as one.

Finally Paul stepped back slightly. Lynn felt her body shiver at the separation and again was intrigued by his power over her.

“Perhaps we should get back,” he said more as a caress than a suggestion.

“Yes,” she replied quietly. “I need time to examine the feelings you've just lead me through.”

Paul agreed and was surprised at the similarity of their thoughts.

“We can talk tomorrow, after some of the fog has cleared.”

Lynn smiled at his reply. He was feeling the same way!

They walked back to her hotel in silence. Strolling, this time hand in hand. They gazed into shop windows as they passed. Yet, neither saw the finery the windows displayed. At the entrance to the hotel, Lynn confessed her own lack of desire to return to the party. Paul agreed and offered to drive her to where she was staying. He was surprised to find that she was actually three doors down from him, in this very hotel.

Lynn was a apprehensive as they walked towards the elevator together. But still she felt safe with Paul. Something she hadn't felt for so long. He walked her to her door and hugged her tightly. He felt his desire for her growing as he held her, and quickly pulled away. His reaction had not been unnoticed by Lynn. She smiled at him.

“I promise I don't bite,” she teased.

“But with you,” he confessed. “I just might.”

Lynn saw the seriousness in his eyes and knew his emotions were as raw as hers.

“Good night Paul,” she said softly.

“Sweet dreams,” he replied. “And don't forget to say your prayers.”

Lynn laughed as he walked away heading towards his room. She realized her prayers might have been answered tonight. Paul Dillard was everything she had wanted in a man. She sighed at her romantic notion and the reality that they had just met. Shaking her head to herself, she closed the door to her room and got ready for bed.

Their return to the hotel had not gone unnoticed. Duane, James and Bob had been driving away from the front entrance as they saw the couple approach. Two lovers, holding hands, lost in thoughts of the other. The men had all remarked how wonderful it was that the two had met. Duane's satisfaction was complete. He sat smugly in the passenger seat and hummed to himself.

Christine and Paula had seen them too. Paul and Lynn had been waiting for the elevator as Christine and Paula entered the lobby. Both had been speechless. Neither were seen by Paul and Lynn, who seemed to only have eyes for each other. Paula was the first to speak, as they watched the elevator doors close.