music had been chosen specifically because it was what most of the guests would like, and it had been set to play softly in the background so not to interrupt conversation.
Leslie was proud at how well she was doing with planning these parties but hoped they would slow down after the holiday season. Heading for her closet, she grasped the hanger for the long red dress she had chosen for the evening. It was a beautiful shimmering gown with a deep-cut back and a high slit on one side. When she put it on, it made her feel like Jessica Rabbit, and she giggled at the thought of being so provocative. Out of all the dresses she had bought, this one had been purchased with Adam in mind. She chose New Year’s to wear it because it seemed like the only time the dress would be appropriate.
Once dressed, she gave herself a full look over before heading out to the party. Most of the people in attendance were closer to her parents’ age than her own. However, Leslie had started to grow comfortable in their presence. She made her way over to where Adam spoke with Charles Grossman about some sort of deal they were working. She never paid it much attention, figuring it was really none of her business since she didn't work for the company. Charles let out a whistle when he saw her, and a deep blush formed on her cheeks, making her wonder if her skin now matched the dress.
"Adam, my boy, you have yourself a she-demon tonight. You are one lucky man," Charles joked, patting Adam on the back.
When her husband turned to look at her, his eyes instantly filled up with heat. She stood there, letting him get his fill of her before smiling more brightly. The dress had gotten the desired effect out of her husband, and she was more than pleased by it. As she finished making her way to Adam, he wrapped his arm around her and chuckled. "That I am. You look lovely tonight, Leslie. Where have you been hiding this one?"
"I had put it up for a special occasion. Tonight seemed like the perfect night for it," she answered with a purr in her voice. Mr. Grossman shook his head and excused himself to go speak with one of the other board members.
When he was gone, Adam turned her to look at him, and they began to sway to the music playing. Leslie always felt like she was on top of the world when Adam held her like this and everyone in the room disappeared.
"Tonight is a perfect night. I can't wait to see what all this year has in store for us." Adam had a tone to his voice that sent a shiver down Leslie's spine. The heat of his body enveloped her, and she became overwhelmed with the need and desire that always filled her when she was close to him.
Smiling up at Adam, she leaned up and kissed him softly. The sound of laughter burst through the room, and the two of them turned to see Mr. Grossman entertaining a group of people with his jokes. Adam pulled away from her, and they made their way toward the group. The only person who Leslie had invited outside of the company, Sharron Carter, was standing next to Charles. Sharron was the only friend Leslie had left from when they were young, and she continued to be a rock in Leslie's life. When Adam and Leslie walked up, Sharron looked up to her and rolled her eyes. Obviously Charles's jokes were not as entertaining as he thought they were.
"Hey, Leslie, look at you. How about you and I go and get some drinks while the men talk about whatever it is they like to talk about when the women aren't around?" Sharron said, grabbing Leslie by the arm and pulling her off to the patio.
"What are you up to?" Leslie laughed, nearly stumbling into the table.
"I just don't feel like I get any time with you anymore. You have turned into such a society wife. Honey, are you really happy like this? I feel like you have given everything up so you can be Adam's trophy wife," Sharron explained, moving to sit down in one of the chairs. She crossed her legs and leaned forward with her elbow against her knee.
The question shocked