Invitation!

It had been two weeks since that conversation in the office. Yea, a whole two weeks of silence, the kind that screams louder than words. I tried to convince myself it was over. That maybe he’d finally taken the hint. But deep down, I knew better. Thursday came, and with it, the usual rush of work and chatter. I was organizing files when an envelope appeared on my desk. I took a look at it and there was no note or name, it was just my name written in Asher’s unmistakable firm, neat and slightly slanted handwriting. My heart skipped a beat at the thought of Asher. I looked around the office, but he wasn’t there. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened it. Inside was a simple card: “Volunteer Appreciation Dinner … Saturday, 7 PM. Don’t say no.” That was it; no signature or explanation. But what made my mind jump was that final line that felt more like a command than an invitation. I told myself I wouldn’t go, because I had no reason to. I looked around to see if I would see the sight of the man who had sent out that string of command in the form of an invitation, but he was nowhere to be found. The thought of seeing him again arose the feelings that I had been suppressing, and I found myself smiling and giggling at the invitation in my hand. One part of my mind screamed not to go while the other encouraged me. ‘Yeah, it’s not going to kill you to go for a volunteer outing, right? I mean what is the worst thing that can happen? Your colleagues will be there, it’s not like he’s going to stick his d**k in you while your colleague watches. Step out, girl, it’s not a bad idea, besides, you can’t run away from him forever.’ ‘No, you should stay at home or tell David about it. What if you can’t control your feelings and end up in his bed with him, how will your husband feel? Like , girl, how will you explain it to your husband? This is crazy.’ Those were the thoughts I had in my head, a lot of conflicted thoughts of; may or may not. But by Saturday afternoon, I was right there standing in front of my closet, staring at dresses and hating myself for caring what I’d wear to be attracted enough. What an irony. David noticed. “Big night, huh?” he asked lightly, smiling as he buttoned his shirt. I froze at his sudden question. Don’t blame me, my stupid mind has been filled with filthy thoughts of another man, so I forgot to tell my husband about the dinner. “Hmm!” I stuttered, not knowing what to say. He laughed softly. “You’ve changed your outfit twice, baby, and sweetheart, that’s usually my move, not yours.” I forced a smile. “It’s the volunteer dinner tonight. It’s formal, apparently.” “Oh right!” he said, nodding. “You’ll see Asher there, won’t you? That handsome devil will surely make an appearance. He loves attention, especially from ladies, and I can bet it that a woman must be in his bed tonight… geez only god knows how the wife feels knowing her husband could bang anything under skirt.” The sound of his name made my stomach twist. “Probably,” I said as casually as I could. David leaned down and kissed my forehead, his hand trailed down my bare chest and stopped at my boobs, he fondled them lightly. “Tell him I said hi, and make sure you enjoy your night, baby. Have fun .” The guilt hit me instantly. He was so kind and so trusting, the type of man who believed in people… in me. And there I was, getting dressed for another man’s invitation, pretending it meant nothing. I stood by the closet, unable to pick out an outfit to wear. “Babe, if you can’t decide on an outfit to wear, let me choose for you,” David said as he juggled through the closet. “Now I see the reason why you couldn’t decide on what to wear,” he closed the closet with a thud and walked out without a word. Two minutes later he walked in with a mischievous glint in his eyes, holding a sleek black box behind his back. I eyed him suspiciously. “What are you hiding, David?” “Just something I picked out for you,” he said, placing the box in my hands like it contained a secret. “Wear it tonight.” I arched a brow. “What is it?” “Open it.” The moment I lifted the lid, I nearly dropped it. Inside laid the most daring gown I’d ever seen as a dinner gown in my entire life. A blood-red silk, with a plunging neckline, a slit that practically climbed to heaven and the back? god, it was so low, it might as well not exist. “David!” I gasped. “This is not a gown… it’s… it’s a scandal waiting to happen!” He grinned, completely unbothered. “That’s the point.” I shook my head, clutching the fabric. “You actually expect me to wear this in public?” He stepped closer and his voice dropped to a teasing whisper. “I didn’t expect you to look this shocked. You’ll look divine, and every man in the room will know you’re mine. Besides, I bought the dress so you could wear it for me, but now you can’t find anything else to wear, so I think wearing this will be okay.” My pulse jumped. “You’re unbelievable, I’m f*****g going to a public place.” He chuckled, walking toward me. “Not public, sweetheart; Just dinner with your colleague.” My cheeks burned. “It’s barely a dress! It’s... its lingerie pretending to be formal wear.” He leaned close, “Exactly, you’ll look breathtaking.” I bit my lip, half embarrassed and half thrilled by my husband's sudden daring move, or should I say his new-found fantasy! Because why would he take me outside the other day so he could f**k me, and today he doesn’t mind me going out looking like a slut. “You’re insane.” “Completely,” he said, brushing a kiss over my shoulder. “Now go put it on before I change my mind and keep you home instead.” I laughed, shaking my head as I disappeared into the closet with my heart racing. The dress felt like a sin… and the way his eyes followed me told me he knew exactly what he was doing. ****** I drove to the event with my heart pounding, rehearsing what I’d say if I saw him. I told myself I’d keep things polite, simple and distant. But the moment I walked into that softly lit hall and saw him across the room, all of that dissolved. Asher stood by the bar with a glass of wine in his hand, dressed in a dark suit that fit him far too well. His eyes found mine almost immediately… and the small smile that followed was slow, deliberate and dangerous. He didn’t wave or call out. He just looked at me, and I knew I was already in trouble. I made my way through the tables, greeting familiar faces, forcing smiles and pretending not to notice that his gaze never left me. When I finally reached the table assigned to our group, he was already there, the seat beside him was empty… obviously waiting for me. “Poppy,” he said quietly as I sat down. His tone was smooth, polite, but his eyes told a different story. “Yes, Asher,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “I didn’t know you’d be here.” He raised an eyebrow. "You don't?” I ignored the question, focusing on the glass of wine in front of me. “This is quite an event.” “You look beautiful,” he said softly, so no one else could hear. I felt heat rush to my face. “You shouldn’t say that.” “I should say what I mean; damn it… you look dangerous tonight.” I laughed nervously, trying to steady my breath. “Dangerous? It’s just a dress.” He gave a low, seductive laugh: “You’re seriously going to give the entire bar a heart attack. Who picked that out? You?” I sipped my drink, meeting his gaze with a hint of awkwardness. “My husband!” “What other things does your husband do for you? Tell me what else my friend is capable of doing to you.” I looked around quickly. People were chatting, laughing and oblivious. Still, his words felt too close and too intimate for the space between us, so I waved it off without giving him a definite answer. Throughout the dinner, I tried to stay composed. I laughed at the right moments, joined in conversations, but every time I spoke, I felt his eyes on me. god! That patience, steady and unwavering look. When dessert came, he leaned closer. “You should get some air,” he murmured. “I’m fine,” I said, my voice tighter than I intended. “Come on,” he whispered. “Five minutes. That’s all.” I hesitated… but the truth was, I wanted to go. I wanted to breathe again. So, I nodded. We slipped outside through the side door into the cool night. The sounds of the dinner faded behind us. “I shouldn’t have come,” I said finally, hugging my arms to my chest. “Yes, you should have,” he replied softly. “Asher, this….” He took a step closer. “You keep saying its wrong. But you’re here. You came. That tells me something.” “Yeah, of course, it tells you I’m foolish.” He smiled faintly. “Hmmm! Maybe. But you’re not the only one.” The silence that followed was thick and filled with the feelings neither of us dared to say. “I think about you more than I should,” he admitted quietly. “And not just in the way you probably imagine.” I turned to face him. “Then how?” “In a way that makes me want to know you outside of this,” he said. “Not just in the office or stolen moments.” I didn’t know how to answer that. I didn’t even know what I wanted anymore. He reached out then slowly and carefully brushed a strand of hair away from my face. His fingers barely touched me, but the warmth lingered like a spark that refused to fade. “Tell me to stop,” he whispered. But, I couldn’t. For a moment, the world narrowed to just us… the faint sound of music from inside, the glow of the lights behind the glass doors, and the dangerous rhythm of two people standing far too close. I finally stepped back, my breath uneven. “I have to go,” I said, barely managing to speak. He nodded, his eyes searching for mine. “f**k! Then go before I make you stay.” I walked away, but my legs felt weak and my heart raced so hard I could feel it in my throat. That night, lying beside David in the dark, I kept hearing Asher’s voice…. ‘You’re here! You came!! That tells me something!!!’