Dead Love - By Wells, Linda Page 0,4
kept men from approaching. She was aloof and strictly professional at work, which heightened her sexual allure. Most of her staff were men, but all knew of her exacting work ethics and dared not cross any lines. She felt isolated, but that was part of the territory. Her level of concentration at work was intense, rendering her unable to be swayed by personal matters, but that did not keep her from being noticed and desired.
One of the service staff found her as she was going into the ladies’ room, across the hall from the formal banquet room. He handed her a folded note. Suzy noted her name, handwritten in what appeared to be strong masculine script on the front. After thanking him, she entered the ladies’ room, curious to know what the note contained.
Her eyes widened as she read the contents and absorbed the meaning. It was an invitation for cocktails in a private suite, here at the hotel, following the dinner. She ran a comb through her silky hair and added some gloss to her lips. She studied herself in the full-length mirror. Her red silk sheath, with mandarin collar, slit up the side, and black stiletto heels were perfect for this unexpected date. She was glad she had dressed in her sexiest red thong panties and bra to match her dress.
Suzy walked through the hotel lobby to the elevators, glad that the dinner had not lasted too long. She had sent the note back to him by one of the waiters, with only one word written on it: “Yes.” She dated infrequently. Most men were hesitant to approach a woman of such mysterious beauty and intellect. Suzy was curious about this man who had attracted her gaze many times in the past. Now she knew he had noticed her as well.
She wasn’t sure what to expect as she got off the elevator on the tenth floor and began walking down the formal carpeted hallway to his suite. He answered, dressed in dark slacks, white dress shirt, and dark gray tie, with his military tie bar as decoration. He was slightly taller than she, five feet nine inches, with muscular build, broad shoulders, and the confident demeanor of an experienced army officer. Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell Graham was well known for his military prowess and competence, not just for his past achievements, but in his current position as special service chief to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His job was to assist in resolving matters that did not require JCS attention. He was based at Ft. Meade, but was often called to the Pentagon when needed for military updates and foreign policy meetings. He was an expert military strategist, having served in combat in some of the most dangerous special ops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Colonel Graham warmly welcomed Dr. Chen. She followed him into the plush hotel suite and glanced around as they walked to the bar. The pale golden accents, beige carpet, yellow brocade sofa, and bronze sculpted lamps were elegant. The soft glow of lamplight muted the gold tones. The matching loveseat completed the setting, but her eyes were drawn to her host. This incredibly charming and powerful man intrigued her. His military bearing heightened his masculinity and strength and captivated her. She wondered how it would translate in the bedroom. She needed a man to be her intellectual and sexual equal.
Suzy had seen Max several times from a distance in professional settings. She found him interesting looking, but near him, she could get a better appreciation for his handsome face, strong chin, and penetrating blue eyes. He had brown hair with just a touch of gray and a sexy mouth. She had to maintain a cool detachment and catch her breath.
Graham asked, “Dr. Chen, what would you like to drink?”
She said, “Please call me Suzy, and Grand Marnier, if you have it.”
He said, “Call me Max, and yes, I will have the same. It is my favorite aperitif.”
After pouring their amber-colored drinks, he led her to the glass sliding doors that opened onto a balcony overlooking the Inner Harbor. The crisp, cool air smelled of the harbor, and the twinkling lights of the yachts reflecting off the water were beautiful.
Savoring her drink, “How lovely it is here,” she observed, turning toward Max.
“Suzy, you are much lovelier, and thank you for joining me at the last minute. I have seen you several times at various meetings and at Aberdeen, but missed the chance to meet you. Your work