The door opened silently. I felt the breeze on the back of my neck as she walked towards the small bar I had set up in the corner, her eyes watching me the whole way. I willed myself to focus on the whiskey glass in my hand and swished the contents slightly, the liquid catching the light and causing it to dance in my eyes. My library was my place of peace, my sanctuary.
I smiled slightly to myself and glanced up. Her back was to me as she poured herself a drink and my gaze lingered on her figure. Her brown hair cascaded around her shoulders as she moved, her natural grace made even more apparent by the elegant blue dress she was wearing. She turned, meeting my gaze, and smiled, as if knowing something I did not. Her eyes were the same color as her dress, both of which shone beautifully in the dim light.
"Maura," I said, bringing the glass up to my lips, "what brings you away from the party?" I took a long sip.
"I was going to ask you the same thing. Great minds, I guess...." she trailed off as she walked to chair opposite me. Her fingers traced the curve of the chair, stopping to encircle each rivet as she lowered her chin slightly and looked deeply into my eyes.
My stomach clenched as I resisted the urge to stand and take her in my arms. How suddenly I found myself envious of that chair.
I donned a look of mock offense. "Now, now," I replied, "what kind of ungracious guest deflects a question from her host?"
She laughed and adopted a hurt look. "I was simply admiring the house. My host seems to have, rather uncouthly I might add, forgotten to give his guest a tour of the premises." She smiled playfully, "I was simply satisfying my curiosity."
She circled the chair, swaying slightly with each step, and sat down, crossing her legs.
I took another sip, my fingers tingling and my face flushed. "And are you satisfied?" I asked.
"Not entirely," she said, leaning forward, raising her drink slightly. She brought the glass to her lips and sipped, peering over the rim.
"What would satisfy you?" I held her gaze meaningfully, fighting back a smile. "Perhaps an official tour?"
The door opened quickly and the noise from the party poured in. The door frame occupied by a man's silhouette.
"Maura," the doorway rumbled, "the Paulsons are leaving and they wanted to say goodbye."
Maura rose, "Of course, Tom." She turned towards me and nodded slightly. "To be continued, then?" she said quietly.
I nodded in reply and she headed for the door. I could feel Tom's eyes on me, so I focused on my glass, once again holding it to the light. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tom shift slightly as Maura quickly walked past.
Once she had left the room, Tom started towards me. I fixated on the glass in my hand as Tom came to a stop, towering over where I sat.
"Are you looking for a tour of the house as well?" I mentioned offhandedly.
I felt the hefty weight of his hand on my shoulder.
"Happy birthday, Robert."
He turned and walked out of the room, closing the door swiftly behind him, leaving me impressed by just how much a congratulations could sound menacing.
