Chapter 1: Introduction
Ingrid stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying a bold red lipstick in the sleek, modern bathroom of her luxury hotel suite. Her company had flown in all their top performers for a week of fine dining, drinks, and strategic meetings to plan the upcoming year. Tonight's event was a "dress to impress" dinner, and she was definitely rising to the occasion.
She wore a strapless black mini dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, showcasing her toned shoulders and neckline. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her bare shoulders, adding to the elegant look. Underneath the dress, she chose delicate black lace lingerie that was not only seamless under the fabric but also added a touch of allure. Slipping into her expensive black heels, she admired the way they accentuated her toned legs, completing the look with a touch of sophistication and sensuality.
Upon reapplying her eyeliner, she smirked at her reflection and adjusted her cleavage to show off her ample assets. She felt confident and powerful in this stunning dress, she was a beautiful brunette, unapologetically independent, carving a path for herself in their heavily-guarded industry. Before heading down to grab a pregame drink at the hotel bar, she facetimed her husband to show him her outfit.
"How do I look hun?" she said
"Oh my God! You're gonna make me grab a flight and jump on you, you look so fucking sexy."
She loved that he still found her irresistible and desirable. She put in a lot of effort to maintain that allure—Pilates, yoga, and circuit training were all part of her routine. Exercising wasn't just about staying fit; it was also her favorite way to blow off steam and unwind. It paid off, she was toned and curvy in all the right places and exuded feminine sex appeal.
"You're really pulling out all the stops for that promotion huh?" he said laughing.
After six years of marriage, they enjoyed a strong relationship with a healthy sex life and a lively social scene.
"It's our last night and they said dinner is extra fancy tonight." she said.
"Alright, love, well have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do," he said through a Cheshire grin.
Ingrid made her way down to the hotel bar, her black dress drawing every eye in the room. Amidst the sea of pinstriped suits, she stood out effortlessly, aware of the curious and appreciative glances from her colleagues as she approached. Her heels clicked against the polished floor, announcing her arrival.
Jim was the first to step forward, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. "Well, well," he said with a sly grin, his dark eyes taking her in from head to toe. "Looks like you took 'dress to impress' to a whole new level."
She raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile curving her lips. "Someone had to show you boys how it’s done," she replied, her tone playful.
Jim chuckled, his jaw tightening as if savoring her retort. "I’d say mission accomplished." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "Careful, though. You’re making the rest of us look underdressed."
Ingrid tilted her head, letting her hair cascade over her shoulder as she met his gaze. "Guess you'll just have to find another way to stand out," she murmured, before glancing past him to where the other men were watching, pretending not to be listening in. She gave them a wink and then turned back to Jim, enjoying the way he seemed momentarily at a loss for words.
"Hey! You poor thing, you look parched, let's get you a drink," he said motioning to the bartender.
"You know I can't say no to a free drink," Ingrid said with a sly smile, and took a gulp of her vodka soda. The bar was just as fancy as the restaurant, a long glass bar with velvet stools, golden taps and crystal tumblers.
Jim, as always, was confident, flirting with a slightly sleazy edge that rubbed Ingrid the wrong way. "This drink is on me, beautiful."
After a couple of drinks they all made their way to dinner and enjoyed more drinks and amazing food, The conversation was flowing, Ingrid had to admit, she felt a little bit alive tonight in the company of her colleagues and a few vodka sodas. As the night went on, the group got smaller and smaller and they all moved back to the hotel bar. Jim was getting flirtier and flirtier but she could see right through it. She was used to guys hitting on her and in a male dominated industry, she was an expert at navigating it all without getting in trouble.
To keep things light, she laughed, joked, and even flirted back. But Jim was different, he was more persistent. She felt the pressure to reciprocate his advances, but she quickly shut them down.
"Jim, it's getting late and I have to go to bed early for the big meeting tomorrow," she said, trying to let him down gently.
"Come on Ingrid, just one more drink," he pleaded with her.
"I can't Jim, I really can't," she said, standing up from her barstool.
Jim, not taking the hint, pushed himself up off the stool and walked over to her, grabbing her arm. "Just one more, come on," he said, his breath reeking of alcohol.
Ingrid pulled her arm away from him and took a step back. "No, Jim. I mean it," she said firmly.
But Jim was not deterred. He took another step towards her, closing the distance between them.
"Come on, Ingrid, just one more drink," he repeated, his hand now resting on her hip.
"Jim, I have to call my husband, but this has been fun." she said.