approvingly.
With the auction part of the evening coming to a conclusion, a flurry of waitresses arrives to hand out canapés and refresh drinks before the award presenting commences.
“I always enjoy this part of the evening. The food is delicious, and the champagne is divine.”
“It certainly is,” I agree, taking a small bite of the Peking duck pancake.
I discreetly glance around the room, hoping to lay eyes on Benny Duncan, but so far, I haven’t seen him. I wonder where he is sitting and whether he is having a good time. Rather than analyzing why I am wondering these things, I ignore it, and continue looking for him in between making small talk with the lady next to me, whose name I can’t recall.
“Are you nominated for an award tonight?”
I turn and face her, tearing my eyes from the crowd. “Hmm?” I murmur, not hearing her question.
“Are you nominated?” she flicks her head slightly toward the stage while keeping her eyes on mine.
“Oh, no,” I say through a gentle laugh. “Are you?”
“I wish. I don’t know who I’ve got to sleep with to get my name on that list, but I’ve been trying my damnedest for years and I still can’t manage it.”
I splutter my wine at her candid admission.
“Oh, uh, wow,” I stutter.
She gives me a raised brow and a sly grin. I simply widen my eyes at her and take a bigger gulp of my Cristal champagne.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, if everyone could please find their seats, we will be commencing the awards ceremony shortly,” an announcer says.
A few minutes later, the ceremony starts. I wait patiently until the last award is being presented, and then I begin to get antsy. This is the award Benny is nominated for, and even though I don’t know him or have ever said more than two words to him, I still want him to win. Badly.
Admittedly, I have seen his cock, so that has to count for something, right? It was remarkable and featured in a very impressive dream I had last night that had me aching when I woke. I should be embarrassed, because I was impressed with the length and girth of it, that I found it hard to stop staring. He wasn’t ashamed and he certainly didn’t give me the impression he wanted me to look away in a hurry. I don’t think I will ever forget the moment his cock jerked, right in front of my eyes. At the exact same time, my stomach had clenched.
“Are you okay? You look a little flushed. Here, use my fan, I always keep it handy because the air conditioning is always hit and miss at these awards,” the woman beside me says.
“Oh, I’m fine, thanks,” I reply, lifting my champagne to my lips, loving the way the sparkling liquid bubbles on my taste buds.
“The nominees for our final award of the evening are an extraordinary bunch of professionals. I’m sure you’ll agree, they all deserve an award.” A round of applause sounds around the room before the presenter continues. “The nominees are: Michael Baynes, of Vedi Advertising. Walter McMahon, of McMahon and Finch Management. Benjamin Duncan, of Duncan Realtors.” A hush goes over the crowd as the presenter opens the small envelope in her hands.
“And the John Dunston Award for Overall Business Excellence and Innovation goes to… Benjamin Duncan!”
I gasp, and clap along with everyone else. My heart beats franticly in my chest and a smile lights my face. He won.
Benny strides up the stairs to collect his award. He kisses the presenter on the cheek and then accepts the statue and certificate before walking up to the microphone.
“Thank you all so much for this incredible honor. I have worked tirelessly to build and broaden my company’s horizons, and by winning this award tonight, it gives me satisfaction to know I have succeeded. Congratulations to the other nominees and award winners tonight, and thank you to the John Dunston award committee for hosting an amazing event.”
He walks off stage and music
Maddie Taylor, Melody Parks