Eve of the New Year
written by:
Brandy Wynne

"I have never gone to an office New Year's party since I started here. Why would you think I'd want to go to this one?"

Carrie rolled her eyes then looked at Stephanie. "You're twenty four years old, Steph. You haven't had a date in over a year. The only person you've stepped outside of your apartment with during that year is me. You need to get out and meet other people, especially men."

"I'm happy the way things are right now," Stephanie said, putting the coffee pot back in its place.

"Bullshit," Carrie said in a low voice so that no one else in the break room could hear her. "I've seen you drooling over Steven."

"Everyone drools over Steven," Stephanie said, pouring sugar into her cup.

"Yeah, and they at least try to get his attention. You haven't said two words to him."

"Dammit Carrie, will you leave it?" Stephanie hissed. "It's none of your business!"

"You're my best friend. That makes it my business."

"No it doesn't," Stephanie said. "Leave me alone about the damn party, all right?"

Stephanie walked away from Carrie in a rush knowing that Carrie would not leave her alone unless she was out of earshot.

"You're going to the party!" Carrie yelled and Stephanie winced. She didn't slow down, however, and continued to rush back to her desk. She heard a few of their co-workers laughing softly and swore she would slap Carrie Daniels the next time she saw her.

Stephanie slid into her cubicle and immediately checked her e-mail. It was empty so she reclined in her chair and took a few sips of her coffee, letting the warm liquid drive away the chill that her drive to work had caused. The heater in her car was broken and she had no idea when she would have the money to fix it.

For the next hour Stephanie kept looking over her shoulder expecting Carrie to appear at any moment to continue her harassment. It seemed that she had given up for the morning, however. Stephanie was relieved but at the same time knew she hadn't heard the last of the New Year's Eve party.

"Maybe I should just go," she mumbled to herself, continuing to type. "It would be a lot easier than fighting with her for a week."

"Hey Stephanie, I heard you were going to the New Year's party this year."

Stephanie looked up quickly, her face suddenly red with anger. The anger immediately left her but the redness did not.

"Uh, no, Steven" she said. "I don't think I am."

"Oh come on, why not?" he asked, sitting in the chair next to her desk. "You never come and it's always a blast."

She smiled, although in her distress it looked more like a grimace. "I don't like parties."

"It's not wild or anything," he said in a hushed voice. "Some of us get a little sloshed but it doesn't turn into an orgy or anything."

She laughed, too loudly, and then blushed, biting her lip. "I " I didn't think it did," she stammered. "I " well " jeez, Steven, can't you tell that I just don't deal with people well? I mean, even now I can't say an entire sentence to you without embarrassing myself."

He laughed, but it was a quiet, understanding laugh. "That's why I think you should come," he said. He leaned towards her and said, "Everyone here wants to like you, Steph. Hell, we all do like you " but we don't know much about you. It's not as if we're all a big happy family in this office, but it is a friendly place, relatively speaking. Maybe if you let yourself get to know us, you wouldn't be so damned scared of everyone."

Stephanie said nothing and cast her eyes down, feeling close to tears. She knew he wasn't trying to berate her but she was feeling very harassed.

"Jesus, I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to make you feel worse. I just thought if someone asked you to come nicely instead of bellowing out demands across the break room you might consider it."

A reluctant smile tugged at her mouth and she looked up at him. He saw it and smiled back at her. "I'll think about it," she said.

"Hmm," he said, leaning back. "If that's all I'm going to get I guess I should be grateful."

"I'm not going to say I'm going unless I'm sure that I am," she said sounding defensive. "I try my best not to lie or break promises."

"Always a good policy," he said standing. He walked out of Stephanie's cubicle saying, "I hope I'll see you there."

Stephanie looked after him, feeling her heart jumping. Steven Flanders had just asked her to go to the New Year's Eve party. Sure, not as his date, but he wanted her to be there!

But then her heart sank as well as her smile. Steven had never been mean to her and was friendly, but they weren't exactly best buddies.

"Carrie told you to ask me," she thought. "She knew I wouldn't be able to refuse."

She turned back to her screen and began entering more data, her brow furrowed. Carrie came by her cubicle at lunch but could tell by the anger on her face and the force of her keystrokes that she wanted to speak to no one.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"I don't want to talk about it."

"What are you-"

"You know damn well what I'm talking about," Stephanie said, pulling on her coat. "I told Steven I'd think about it and I will, but I don't want you harassing me anymore. It's just a damn party, Carrie."

"Fine!" Carrie exclaimed, throwing up her arms. "I'll stop. I'll stop trying to help you come out of your shell, make some new friends, go on dates, get laid."

"Will you shut up!" Stephanie hissed, rushing toward Carrie, looking around frantically. "Dammit, you do live to embarrass me?"

"Hardly," Carrie scoffed. "You embarrass yourself. If you weren't so sensitive to everything anyone says to you-"

"Yeah, okay, fine. Everything's my fault. Can we leave now? It's been a bad enough day as it is."

"Fine, let's go."

They were silent as they walked out of the office building and got into Stephanie's car. They were halfway to their apartment complex when Carrie finally broke the silence.

"You shouldn't give up like that so easy."

"What?"

"When I get on you, you shouldn't just agree with me to shut me up. Stand up for yourself, Stephanie."

"What good would that do?" she asked, obviously irritated. "You won't shut up until I say ‘you're absolutely right, Carrie. Why didn't I think of that?.'"

"That's not true."

"Yes, it is."

"How would you know?" Carrie retorted, looking at her. "You've never argued with me for more than a few sentences.

"I did this morning."

"Huh?"

"This morning. You told me I was going to the party and I told you no."

"Well, you're just wrong about that."

Stephanie looked at her wide-eyed. After a moment Carrie burst out laughing and Stephanie followed suit, looking back at the road.

"Okay," Carrie said, still smiling. "So, I won't stop until you tell me I'm right. But you have to admit that you often just give up way too easy. I mean, look at your job."

"I like my job."

"No, you just don't hate your job," Carrie corrected. "The job you want is Helen's and you're way more qualified than she is. You should ask for that position."

"How can I do that?" Stephanie scoffed. "She applied for it and got it. I can't just walk into Benard's office and tell him to fire her."

"No, but you could've at least let him know you were interested."

"They had already put out the position notice."

"God, Stephanie," Carrie said, looking out the window. "You're intelligent, funny, pretty-"

"Oh please!" Stephanie exclaimed. "I am not pretty. I may not be ugly, but I'm very plain."

Carrie looked at her again and softly said, "You could be pretty, you know."

"I don't care about that," Stephanie said, starting to sound uncomfortable.

"You're just scared that if you tried to look pretty, some guy might just look your way and then you'd have to deal with it. You're so afraid of change-"

"I'm afraid of everything, Carrie," Stephanie said. She said it in a very quiet tone but it rendered Carrie speechless. "Everything."

Carrie said nothing for at least a minute. Finally she said, "Do you want that to change, or do you want to be petrified all of your life?"

"I hate being scared. It's just " easier that way." She said the last in a sigh that made it obvious that she disgusted herself.

"You're going to the party, Stephanie." Carrie's tone was firm but not unkind.

"I'm going to the party," Stephanie echoed, sounding defeated.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"I can't wear this, Carrie. I just can't!"

"Yes, you can," Carrie said firmly, zipping up Stephanie's dress. "You look stunning in it."

"But you can see " skin!"

"Yeah, that's the point," Carrie said with a laugh. "Besides, it's pretty modest compared to what most of the women will be wearing. I mean, look at me."

Stephanie did look at Carrie, as she stepped back and lifted her arms in a ‘tah dah!' manner. Stephanie didn't think Carrie's dress looked indecent but she would have never dared to wear anything that dipped that low or a skirt that short.

"Yeah, okay," Stephanie said, looking back at the mirror. "But this is me. I wear long straight skirts and turtle necks. This thing has no sleeves and you can see my calves."

"You have very nice legs," Carrie said. "It's why I chose the dress. You also have a decent figure and great boobs. This dress shows that off without showing too much."

"I'm very uncomfortable," Stephanie said in a whisper, running her hand over her stomach.

"Come on," Carrie whispered, putting her hands on Stephanie's shoulders, putting her head next to hers. "Really look at yourself. You can't tell me that you don't think you look great."

Stephanie gazed into the mirror and studied herself. Carrie had put her long hair up into a French twist, letting tendrils of hair spill, framing her heart-shaped face. The black dress would have looked conservative on anyone else but on Stephanie it looked downright daring. It hugged her figure and stopped just above her knees. The neckline swooped but only halfway down her chest. Her arms were completely bare except for the simple silver chain bracelet she wore on her right wrist and her watch on the left.

"Okay," Stephanie admitted, a small smile appearing on her face. "I do look good."

"Good?" Carrie exclaimed, stepping back. "You're stunning. Now, let's get to this party and make sure Steven Flanders gets a nice, long look at you."

"Oh, I don't know about that," Stephanie said as they both grabbed their coats and headed for the door. "I'm pretty embarrassed about what you did with him."

"What are you talking about?" Carrie asked as they left Stephanie's apartment.

"You told him to ask me to come to the party," Stephanie said, locking her door behind them. "Just after you embarrassed me in the break room."

"I didn't tell him to do that," Carrie said.

"Oh, don't lie," Stephanie laughed as they started down the hall. "I'm not mad about it anymore."

"No, really. I didn't do that."

Stephanie looked at Carrie not sure if she believed her but she did not argue.

Thirty minutes later they arrived at the party. Their manager had rented out the top floor of one of the nicer hotels in town for the party which had a large conference room. The room now held an impressive buffet, open bar, live band and a large dance floor.

"Is it like this every year?" Stephanie asked a little amazed.

"Yep," Carrie said with a smile. "He may be an ass most of the year, but Bernard knows how to throw a party."

"Careful or he'll overhear you."

Stephanie jumped hearing the voice close to her ear. They both turned to see Steven Flanders standing close behind them.

"Where is he?" Carrie asked, looking around the room.

"He's over there," Steven said, pointing toward the bar. "And that's where he'll be most of the night," he said, looking at Stephanie. "Glad to see you could make it."

"Thanks," she said, feeling her cheeks blazing already.

"Would you ladies like a drink?" he asked.

"Scotch, straight up," Carrie said.

"Oh, uh, I don't know," Stephanie said, suddenly looking panicked. "I've never been much of a drinker."

"They have soda," Steven offered. "Or juice. I think they might even have milk."

Stephanie laughed and said, "Not even I am nerd enough to drink milk at a New Year's Eve party."

Steven laughed aloud and Carrie smiled at her, looking impressed. "They have wine," Carrie suggested. "I know you like that occasionally."

"That sounds good," Stephanie said and looked at Steven. "Any white wine would be good."

"Wait right here," he said and started across the room.

"You made a joke!" Carrie said when Steven was out of earshot. "And with someone other than me around."

"Yeah, strange, huh?" Stephanie said unable to stop smiling.

"You're already doing good," Carrie said with a proud smile. "Hell, you might even dance with a man tonight."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Stephanie said, looking around.

Almost everyone from her office was there. They were all dressed nicely and seemed to be having a very good time socializing with each other. She saw many of them glance at her and then look back quickly as if unsure of what they saw. Stephanie tried not to let this bother her and after a half hour or so the double-takes stopped and people began to drift toward her and Carrie and tell her they were glad she had come.

When Steven had returned with their drinks, he stayed with them, making small talk. He and Carrie did most of the talking but Stephanie tried to keep herself in the conversation.

"Are you not here with anyone?" Carrie asked, looking around. "You normally bring a date, don't you?"

"Not tonight," he said and Stephanie could swear she saw a hint of a blush in his cheeks.

"Why not?" Carrie asked, grinning up at him.

"I'm not currently seeing anyone," he said and cleared his throat, looking away.

"You could have still asked someone."

"You are a nosy wench, aren't you?" he said, grinning down at her.

"Always have been," she said with a wink. Stephanie's smile disappeared from her face when Steven winked back at Carrie and his smile spread even wider.

"Um, I'll be right back," she said softly. "Where is the ladies' room?"

"That way, down the hall," Carrie said, pointing.

Stephanie didn't give them a second glance and started moving across the room toward the hallway that Carrie had pointed out. There were two other women in the bathroom but otherwise it was deserted. Stephanie shut herself in a stall and looked down at the floor, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Get hold of yourself," she thought. "If Steven likes Carrie there's nothing you can do about it and being jealous won't help anything."

Stephanie knew that Carrie found Steven attractive but it was mainly for his looks. Stephanie had always found Steven very handsome but it wasn't only his physical appearance that attracted her. He always seemed patient, considerate and very compassionate. She hadn't seen those traits in many men.

After a few minutes she walked out of the stall. The bathroom was now empty and she walked out to rejoin her friends.

After scanning the room, she saw that Carrie was dancing. She knew it would be Steven but when the couple twirled so that she could see whom Carrie was dancing with, it was Roger Harrington, not Steven Flanders.

"Wow, you look hot!"

Stephanie jumped and looked to her right. Jeremy Brett stood there, looking her up and down in a way in which she wasn't very comfortable. She could tell that Jeremy was already pretty drunk even though it was only 9:00.

"Hi, Jeremy," she said softly.

"Hel-lo Stephanie," he said with a large grin.

"Stephanie," she corrected.

"Oh, right," he said, not taking his eyes from her body. "You want to dance Stephanie?"

"Um, thank you, but not right now," she said, starting to edge away. "I'm a little hungry right now. M-maybe later?"

She regretted saying it and grimaced but he didn't notice. "You bet," he said eagerly. "I'll be waiting."

She gave him a weak smile and nearly fled across the room toward the buffet table. She was a little hungry but she mainly wanted to get away from Jeremy's leering eyes. She was starting to regret wearing this dress, no matter how modest it seemed compared to everyone else's clothing.

"There you are. I was getting worried."

She breathed a sigh of relief when Carrie grasped her elbow, stopping her. "Am I glad to see you."

"Why? Something happen?"

"Jeremy Brett just hit on me."

"Yeah? That's great!" Carrie said and nudged her arm, smiling.

"Not it's not!" she hissed. "He didn't remember my name and he never even looked me in the eye."

"Perfect!" Carrie exclaimed.

"I don't want to dance with him," Stephanie hissed, angry at Carrie's apparent glee.

"Then don't," she said with a laugh. "Just because someone thinks you're good looking doesn't mean you have to do anything about it. Enjoy the attention."

Stephanie glanced across the room to see that Jeremy was already dancing with someone else. The woman, Rosaline Clemens, was laughing loudly.

"I " I guess it is kind of flattering," Stephanie said. "He " he just scared me a little. He's drunk and I've never known how to handle drunk people."

"Honey," Carrie said, leaning towards her. "You don't know how to handle people, period."

"Screw you," Stephanie said but she was smiling. "I'm hungry. Let's check out the buffet."

"Perfect. I'm starved."

"Um...what happened to Steven?"

"Steven? Oh, I'm not sure," Carrie said, looking around. "After you went to the bathroom he excused himself to get another drink. Roger asked me to dance while he was gone and I haven't seen Steven since."

"But " weren't you two flirting?"

"Who, me and Roger?" she asked, appearing confused.

"No. You and Steven." Carrie said nothing, still looking confused. "You were winking," Stephanie said lamely, feeling her cheeks burning once again.

"We weren't flirting, Steph," Carrie said softly. "Steven's a babe, but other than that I have little interest. I don't think he thinks of me that way either."

"I've never been good at picking up on things like that," Stephanie said, picking up a plate.

"No kidding," Carrie said with a smile.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Stephanie asked as they started down the buffet line.

"Nothing," Carrie said. "Keep moving. I want some of those Swedish meatballs before they're all gone."

They both filled their plates and moved toward the corner of the room that contained several dining tables.

"There's Steven," Carrie pointed out. "Let's sit there."

"A-All right."

"Hey!" Steven said as they sat at the table. "I wondered where you two went off to."

"Dancing," Carrie said.

"Being asked to dance," Stephanie said, glancing at Carrie and smiling.

"You best save me one," Steven said. "Or I might get jealous."

Stephanie smiled at him but looked down quickly, cursing her rising blush. The conversation flowed around her and after a few seconds she looked up and attempted to join in with some success.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"I don't agree. Where will that get us? I think the best way of this mess is to let them finish the job."

"They can't," Stephanie said. "It's becoming more and more obvious every day that it's impossible. We should just get out and let them figure it out themselves."

"They'll kill each other if we do that," Steven retorted. "Even more deaths on our hands."

"I don't like that either, but if we stay they're still going to die. It's a no win situation but I honestly think staying will make it worse in the long run."

Steven looked at Stephanie with a skeptical expression but was silent for a moment. Finally he said, "I see your point. I'm still not sure if I buy it."

"I'm not trying to sell anything," she said with a smile, raising her hands. "I'm no expert."

"I'm hardly one myself," Steven said with a laugh.

Stephanie reached for her wine glass but stopped just as the glass met her lips. She held the glass out in front of her and softly said, "Empty again?" Steven laughed at this and Stephanie gave him a playful scowl.

"Sorry," he said quickly, still smiling. "You want a refill?"

She hesitated, looking up then said, "I don't feel all that dizzy. Yes, I would."

"Only if you'll dance with me," he said, leaning toward her.

"I suppose that's an equitable arrangement," she said and although she felt herself blushing once again, she didn't look down.

As they stood, Stephanie looked around and realized they were alone at the dining table. "When did everyone else leave?" she asked.

"The second we started talking politics," he said with a grin.

"That was probably the wisest thing to do," she said.

"Come on," he said, moving toward the dance floor. He cupped her elbow in his hand and led her forward.

When Steven stepped in front of her and looped his arm about her waist she quite suddenly felt terrified and on display, certain that everyone was staring at her. What was she thinking " dancing with the most handsome man in their office? She knew several women were after his attentions and many of those women were so much more attractive than she.

"Do you not know how to dance?"

"What?" she asked, sounding out of breath.

"You look terrified," he said as he took her left hand in his right.

"I " it's been a long time," she said with a nervous nod.

"Then we'll just have to practice," he said, smiling. "A lot."

She only smiled back, too scared to even think about what he meant by his statement. Her eyes darted around them as they moved slowly to the music. A few people did look at them, but no one was staring and the few glances they did get were not gawks.

"Stephanie?"

She looked up at him quickly, still stunned to find herself in his arms. "Y-yes?"

"Why do you never talk to me?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, looking at him innocently.

"I know you're shy," he said in a soft voice. "But you talk to everyone else in the office. At least in passing. When I say hello " you just nod and look away."

She could feel her heart hammering in her chest and fought the urge to flee from him. From the firm grip he had about her waist she didn't think he would let her if she tried.

"I " I'm talking to you now," she said, trying to muster a smile. He only frowned.

"Is it only going to be tonight?" he asked. "Do I have to get you tipsy to show any interest?"

She gaped at him and stopped dancing. He stopped as well but didn't let her go. "No!" she cried and a few people glanced at her. She lowered her voice and said, "No, Steven. Not at all."

"Then what is it?" he asked. "I've tried so hard to get your attention. I've been nothing but polite to you but you just ignore me."

"I haven't been ignoring you," she protested, feeling tears forming in the corner of her eyes. "I " I've been hiding from you."

"What?" he asked. It was his turn to be stunned.

"I " I..." She stopped talking and swallowed. "I don't know if I can do this," she whispered, looking down.

"Try."

She looked back up at him, hearing an edge in his voice. Instead of scaring her, this edge angered her a bit and he could see this on her face.

"Yes, I hide from you," she nearly spat. "You scare the shit out of me!"

"Buy why?" he spat back. "I've never done anything to scare you ""

"I'm attracted to you!" she whispered through clenched teeth. "God, isn't it obvious!? It seems to be obvious to everyone else!"

"Well, I'm attracted to you too!" he hissed back. "Which has also been damned obvious to everyone else."

They stood there on the dance floor, glaring at each other, not moving. Most everyone was glancing at them now but not even Stephanie noticed. Finally, Steven pulled her even closer to him and began moving to the music once again. She gave no resistance and moved with him. Their grim expressions did not change.

When the song was over, Steven released her waist but kept her hand in his and pulled her off the dance floor. Stephanie said nothing and simply followed him. Her anger was ebbing away and she was starting to feel fear once again. However, this fear was an elated fear and she wondered if her stomach were going to burst from the hundreds of butterflies that were obviously flitting around inside of her.

He led her into the hallway that she had gone down earlier and did not stop until they passed through the doors to the stair well.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked a bit out of breath.

She gasped when he quite suddenly stopped on the landing, spun to face her and pulled her tight against his body. She whimpered slightly but did not pull away, staring into his eyes. She knew what he was going to do and while she longed for it she was afraid of it at the same time.

Finally he pressed his lips against hers, moving his right hand to the back of her head. She moved her arms about his neck, kissing him back, matching his passion and she heard him moan softly. When his tongue nudged her lips she hesitated but finally parted them.

Her breathing came faster, feeling his tongue on hers and she unconsciously tangled her fingers in his hair. She could hear almost inaudible whimpers coming from her throat and hoped that he could not hear them but didn't care at the same time.

"Oh Jesus," he whispered, suddenly breaking their kiss. He did not release his grip on her and began kissing her neck, which she bent towards him. "You smell so good," he whispered. She let out a tiny sound of surprise when he gently bit her shoulder at the base of her neck.

"Steven," she whispered then sighed as he placed both of his hands on each side of her face. She opened her eyes to find him looking at her intently.

"I've wanted to do this for months," he said and took a deep breath.

"Me too," she said, placing her hands on his wrists. "I " I just can't believe you even noticed me."

His brow furrowed and he said, "Why not, Stephanie?"

"Well, because " I." She stopped for a moment then said. "I'm just me, Steven. I'm not beautiful or out-going or " "

"Oh, shut up," he said a bit harshly and her eyes widened. "You are too beautiful but that's not why I'm attracted to you. Hell, I honestly didn't know you were beautiful until tonight. I knew you were cute but " but that doesn't matter," he finished quickly. "I'm attracted to an intelligent, witty, kind person and that's you, Stephanie Holloway. That's you."

"If I never talk to you, why do you think I'm-"

"I listen. When you're with Carrie, you're yourself, right?"

"Yes," she said slowly.

"I doubt you've noticed but I've always sat near both of you during our lunch breaks at work. I've listened. And during office meetings, it's you that comes up with the best ideas. You never say a damn word but I see it in your notes."

"You read over my shoulder?" she demanded, looking horrified.

"Stephanie, please," he sighed, sounding impatient. "I'm trying to declare my growing attraction and desire to you. Don't try to steer the conversation somewhere else."

"I'm sorry," she said and closed her eyes. "I'm just so scared."

"You think I'm not?" he asked. She opened her eyes and saw that he was smiling. His hands left her face and moved down to grasp both of hers. "I want to start seeing you," he said. "Alone. Without Carrie."

Stephanie laughed and looked down at their clasped hands. "I'd like that, too," she said.

"Look at me." She did. He leaned towards her and they shared another kiss. This was slow and sweet and rather innocent. He broke their kiss and pulled back only slightly. She opened her eyes and saw that he was smiling at her, his grin goofy and lopsided. She smiled widely, showing her teeth and his smile grew even larger.

"Let's go back," he whispered, "before I'm tempted to press you against this wall and do unspeakable things to you."

Her eyes widened and her cheeks flared red and she fought to slow her breathing but it refused to obey her. He saw this but said nothing. He only gave her one last lingering kiss before turning back to the stairwell door.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"So, do I need to find another ride home tonight, or should you give me your car keys?"

Stephanie looked up, startled by the voice. It was Carrie, grinning down at her with a particularly evil expression.

"What are you talking about?"

"Jesus, you're still dazed, aren't you?"

"Mmm," she said, looking across the floor in the direction that Steven had walked away. He was getting them another drink. It was less than thirty minutes to midnight.

"Are you going home with him?" Carrie asked softly, leaning towards her. "Or is he coming home with you?"

Stephanie looked back at her and said, "I " I don't think so," she said. "I mean " this is kind of our first date."

"You're both adults," Carrie said. "And my god, woman, you've wanted him for half a year!"

"Yeah," Stephanie said wistfully, looking back towards Steven again. Carrie bit her lip, trying not to laugh at her. Stephanie was normally a very mature woman but she was acting like a love-sick schoolgirl.

"Go for it, I say," Carrie said. "Just don't leave me stranded, okay?"

"I won't," she said, sounding more like herself. "Do you really think I should? This soon, I mean?"

"I would," Carrie said. "But that's me."

"He told me he wanted to," she said, sounding wistful again. "When he kissed me " in the stairwell. Said he wanted to push me against the wall and..."

She didn't finish and Carrie looked at her, wide-eyed. "Holy smokes," she said, smiling and fanning herself. "If you didn't slap him for that I'd say you're ready to straddle him and ride him until dawn."

Stephanie whipped her head around to stare at her but then quite suddenly burst out laughing. Carrie joined her and it was then that Steven finally returned with their drinks.

"Sounds like I'm missing out on the fun," he said, sitting down. He handed Stephanie her glass of wine.

"I don't think you will be for long," Carrie said, still laughing slightly. "Oh, there's Roger. I promised him the New Year's dance. See you kiddies later."

"What did she mean by that?" Steven asked as Carrie walked away.

"Tell you later," she said suddenly feeling quite excited. Looking back on that night Stephanie realized it was then that she knew how she wanted to spend the rest of her night bringing in the New Year.

"Hey, everyone, here it is!" Steven stood and helped Stephanie up, facing Bernard who was fidgeting with a television set. On the screen they could see the crystal ball in Times Square shimmering with light.

At sixty seconds to midnight they all started to count down. At the thirty second count, Steven put his arm around Stephanie's waist. At the ten second count, she moved in front of him and put her arms around his neck. At the stroke of midnight he reached down and kissed her.

It wasn't a long or passionate kiss but Stephanie always held it in her heart as one of her most special.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stephanie looked down at the room key starting to feel very nervous. "It's been so long," she whispered.

She looked up and around herself quickly, making sure no one had overheard her. Carrie caught her eye, waving. Stephanie walked to her and said, "Got your key?"

"Yeah. I hope Bernard was right about the reduced rate."

"Hey, it's worth it not to drive home smashed, right?"

"I'm not that drunk," Carrie insisted.

"Neither am I, but we've both been drinking."

Carrie glanced around them and said, "Is Steven staying at the hotel as well?"

"He hasn't said," Stephanie said with a smile. "But even if he doesn't want to spend the night with me-"

"He does," Carrie said emphatically. Stephanie only smiled and continued.

"I wouldn't let him go. He's been drinking too. Less than me, but still."

"Do not pass up this opportunity," Carrie said, poking Stephanie in the chest. "You want him, he's told you flat out he wants you. This is a very nice hotel and this is one of the few times Bernard doesn't skimp."

"I know you're right," Stephanie said, looking excited and scared all at the same time. "But-" She stopped, seeing Steven walking toward the elevator. "Oh god, he's leaving. I've got to go."

Stephanie started across the room as Carrie stared after her, smiling. Steven was moving toward the elevators but he stopped a few feet before he reached the doors. He glanced back and smiled seeing Stephanie nearing him.

"Where are you going?" Stephanie asked. "You've been drinking. You are not driving home."

"Wasn't going to," he said. "I took a cab."

"Oh," she said, taken aback.

"What about you?" he asked. "You better not be driving."

"I " I got a room," she said, holding up her key card.

"Oh," he said and she couldn't mistake the disappointment on his face. He quickly smiled, trying to hide it then said, "Well. I suppose you're tired."

"No, not really," she said.

He glanced back towards the dance floor. The party was still in full swing but people had started to leave. He looked back at Stephanie and said, "I'd love to dance with you some more if-"

"No," she said quickly, surprising even herself.

"Well then, I guess I should get going."

"H " have you already called the cab?"

"Yes," he said and she felt her heart sink.

"Oh. Well " I guess I'll see you in a couple of days."

"Yeah," he said. "I'll " I'll call you."

"Okay."

He hesitated then turned to go. He pushed the elevator button and looked up, watching the numbered lights moving.

Stephanie stood there and watched him. ‘He's already called the cab,' she thought. ‘Might have already paid for it. And he's pushed the button. He hasn't asked me to go with him. I should just let him go and-"

"Wait!"

Steven looked at her just as the elevator door opened. She went to him and grasped his hand. In a low voice she said, "Please. Stay with me."

His eyes widened but she couldn't mistake the fire and lust that was there. "Do you mean it?" he asked. "I mean " are you sure?"

"Yes," she said with no hesitation.

"And you mean " you want me...in your bed?"

"I want you " in me."

He closed his eyes and she saw him clench his jaw. He opened them, squeezed her hand and said, "Lead the way, love."

She smiled and turned toward the hallway that held the few guest suites the floor held.

With each step she took, Stephanie could feel her heart beat just a little bit faster. She was scared and she was excited but she also felt wonderful. There was no question here. They both know what was about to happen and they both wanted it. For once Stephanie was sure of what she wanted and what her new lover wanted and there was no doubt in her mind. This was so much better than hiding in fear.

After they stepped inside and Steven locked the door behind him, Stephanie faced him and said, "Do you mind if I take a quick shower? All that dancing " I'm feeling a little warm."

"Mmm, what if I do mind?" he asked, putting his arms about her waist.

She smiled and opened her mouth to tell him that that was fine but she hesitated. Finally she said, "Then you'll just have to mind." He looked surprised but smiled even wider.

"What if " I just take that shower right along with you then?"

"I guess that would be a fair compromise," she said. She placed her hands on his chest and kissed him lightly. He pulled her back and kissed her passionately, making her moan in surprise.

She felt his hands on her back, searching. She gasped a little, still kissing him as he pulled the zipper all the way to the small of her back. He pushed his hand under the cloth and they both moaned.

Stephanie's fingers were shaking but she began to undo his tie. Once undone her fingers moved to the buttons of his shirt. As she did this his hands began working with the clasps of her bra.

Stephanie spread his shirt open and moved her hands onto his chest.

"Oh my," she whispered, breaking their kiss but keeping her lips on his, barely.

"What?" he whispered.

"I had no idea you'd have so much hair," she said in a low voice, nearly purring. Her hands never stopped moving on him. She loved the sensation of his hair against her palms.

"Oh, it's my turn," he nearly groaned and stepped back. She gasped as he pulled the top of her dress down in one swift motion. He tore her bra from her body then grasped her naked waist, gazing down at her breasts.

"I knew they'd be nice," he whispered, "but I never knew they'd be this nice."

"Oh god, I can't believe I'm still blushing," she whispered and he could hear the impatience in her voice.

"Why are you worried about that?" he asked softly, pulling her chest against his. He closed his eyes and barely whispered, "I love how you feel against me."

"So do I," she whispered back.

"Stephanie," he said in his normal voice and she looked at him. "Don't be angry at yourself for being nervous. You're not the only one."

"You're nervous?" she asked, smiling.

"Yeah," he laughed, nodding. "I'm very nervous. We've never made love before. I don't know what you like, what you don't like. I have to learn." She closed her eyes when his right hand gently moved against the side of her breast which was still crushed against him. "For example, I don't know if you like this." He pulled back slightly and moved his thumb against her nipple, rubbing slowly.

"I " I like that," she said weakly.

"So please " don't be afraid of being nervous. Just promise me you'll tell me if you don't like something, all right?"

"All right."

He moved both of his arms about her again and they kissed deeply for a moment. When he broke it neither said anything but moved apart and stepped into the bathroom.

They both finished undressing themselves. Stephanie could feel herself blushing, knowing that his eyes were on her. She wanted to look at him but was starting to feel more nervous with each passing second.

"Do not chicken out," she told herself. "You want him, you have for such a long time."

She finally looked at him and she felt her mouth open and she took a long breath suddenly feeling weak in the knees. The hair on his chest tapered down to a line that went down his long waist to his lower stomach.

When her gaze finally reached its intended destination she took another deep breath and blushed again. When he took a step toward her she flinched and took a step back. She quickly moved toward him and looked up into his eyes.

"You're quite beautiful," he said softly.

"Oh god, so are you," she said, nearly breathless. It was his turn to blush and Stephanie smiled. The fact that she could make him blush made her feel a lot more confident.

She started the shower and after the water reached a warm temperature she stepped in. He followed her and slid the shower door shut behind them.

Stephanie moved her arms about his neck as he pulled her body against his. They kissed and their hands began to move. She could feel his hands covering her back and then dipping down to rub her behind. He moaned softly when both of his hands grasped her cheeks firmly. In response, she gently sucked his tongue into her mouth which caused him to moan even louder.

He pulled back slightly, breaking their kiss and said, "Where's the soap? I want to get my hands on every square inch of your body."

The soap was behind her and after unwrapping it he took it from her and began working up lather with both hands. "Turn around," he ordered and she obeyed without a word.

She closed her eyes when he pressed against her back. His hands moved to her stomach and began moving in a circular motion, rubbing the slick soap onto her skin. His right hand moved up to her breasts and her lips parted as he gently rubbed both, squeezing and kneading her flesh.

His right hand opened and he dropped the soap. She thought it was an accident until his hand grasped her between the legs. She let out a soft "Uh!" when his middle finger parted her lips and pressed against her clit.

"Oh my god," she said weakly. "Steven."

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked and started stroking. She let out that same "uh!" but it was louder and a bit ragged. "I'll take that as a no" he said and pushed two more fingers against her clit.

His mouth moved to her neck and she let her head fall to the side as he kissed and gently bit at her neck. She moved her hands onto his as he continued to massage her clit and tease her very taut and soapy nipples.

"Yes, yes," she suddenly rasped, and began moving her hips in time with his stroking. "I'm so close Steven."

"Come for me," he whispered into her ear then wove his tongue into it.

"Oh god!" she cried and moaned, nearly melting against him which caught him off guard. He removed his hand from her pussy and wrapped it about her waist to hold her up.

"Sorry," she whispered, standing back up. "It's just that my ears..."

"You like it," he whispered.

"Uh huh," she said weakly.

He moved his hand back between her legs and began moving his fingers faster which caused her to cry out and move her hips faster as well. He wove his tongue back into her ear, ready for her response. She did not fall back again but her moans and cries were deep and constant until she finally let out a sharp affirmative, her grip on his wrists like a vice.

He stopped stroking her clit and moved both arms about her waist, holding her as she shivered, gasping harshly.

Finally, she grasped his hands and pulled them apart so that she could turn to face him. He was very pleased with the satisfied look on her face and when she kissed him he moaned at the passion that was there.

"Oh yeah," he said deep in his throat when her hand moved down to cup his balls. She stepped back and removed her arm from his neck. His breath rate soared when she kneeled before him but she was only picking up the soap.

She stayed on her knees and in seconds she was moving both of her soapy hands between his legs and he leaned his head back, letting the hot water beat against his head and down his face.

He looked down when he felt her tongue gently lick him just beneath the head of his cock. She pulled back quickly and whispered, "I've never really done this Steven."

"I would like it if you would," he said in a gentle tone.

"And if I can't?"

"Then don't," he said simply.

"But " you like it."

He laughed softly and said, "I love it, Stephanie."

She looked back down and began running both of her hands along his shaft, exploring him and rinsing off the soap. After thirty seconds or so he believed it just wasn't going to happen tonight but that was when she leaned forward and he felt her tongue on his head again.

He watched her as she moved along the bottom of his cock, tracing the vein with her tongue. As she moved back up he felt her lips kissing the same vein and gently sucking.

"I'm going to do it," she whispered.

"Please," he whispered back. "Oh god!" he cried out loudly when her lips covered his cock head, causing her to flinch. She did not pull away however and continued down, moving her tongue onto his shaft and gently sucking.

"Be careful of your teeth," he whispered, gently grasping her head. She moaned in acknowledgement and he felt her fold her lips over her teeth as she continued to move down.

She moved slowly up and down his length, sucking gently and moving her tongue about him. Her hands grasped his hips and he could feel her shaking slightly. He was moaning in pleasure almost constantly but after a few minutes, she pulled back, breathing heavily.

"Am I doing this right?" she asked, looking up at him. He loved the look on her face " she so wanted to please him and he could see it in her eyes.

"God yes," he said. "Now, please, do it some more."

"W-warn me before you " you come," she said and blushed.

"I will."

She moved back onto him and he whispered, "You feel so good, Stephanie but could you suck a little harder. Ah! Ah yeah, just like that."

His hands were still on her head and he began to gently thrust. Her hands moved up to his waist and he could feel her nails on his skin. He almost stopped thrusting, thinking she didn't like it but that was when she started moaning herself.

"Oh god yes, keep doing that," he rasped. The vibration from her moans was about to tip him over the edge. "Oh yes yes," he moaned. "I'm close, Stephanie. So close. Finish me with your hands if you can't with your mouth."

His eyes widened when she pushed her mouth even further down, moaning even louder. However, seconds before he exploded she pulled her mouth from him and began stroking him with her hand. He came with a yell and several cries, watching her as she continued to stroke him and as his come fell onto her breasts to be washed away by the water streaming down her body.

Before standing, Stephanie leaned forward and kissed the head of his cock gently and then licked the tip, cleaning up the last of his semen. She looked up at him as she did this and the lust in his eyes made her heart leap.

"So " that was all right?" she whispered as he pulled her against him.

"Yeah, it was all right," he said with a wide grin. "I can barely stand up now, hon. Let's get out of here and into bed."

"Sounds like it was more than all right," she whispered and he smiled at her confident tone.

"Maybe."

Less than five minutes later they were in bed under the sheets still slightly damp. They were molded against each other but their kiss was slow and loving as their hands moved over each other's bodies.

Steven broke their kiss and moved his lips to her ear. He breathed out which caused her to gasp then wove his tongue into her ear. She moaned loudly and melted in his arms once again. He continued to probe her ear and her moans became desperate and her body began to writhe beneath him.

"Steven, please," she barely breathed. "You're driving me crazy."

"That's the point," he murmured but did move to her neck. His hand grasped her breast firmly and kneaded as his lips continued down. She tangled her fingers in his wet hair and led him to her nipple. She moaned deeply when he began sucking gently, rubbing his tongue against her as he did so.

He grasped her second breast and moved his mouth onto it repeating his actions. Finally he buried his face between them and moaned softly. "I wish I had two mouths," he whispered. "So I could suck on them both at once."

"Steven?"

"Yes," he said, still buried between her ample breasts.

"Make love to me, please."

He moved over her as she spread her thighs. She closed her eyes as he pressed into her. He thrust gently until he could move his entire length inside of her. He then moved his arm under her thigh and moved her leg around him. She did the same with the second and he began to make long decided thrusts into her.

"Oh Stephanie," he rasped. "Oh god, I can't believe this is finally happening."

"Steven" she whimpered. "Oh yes, take me." She gritted her teeth and groaned aloud, moving her hips in time with his thrusts.

"You are so sexy," he barely breathed. He grasped her hip with one hand and began to move faster.

"Yes!" she cried. She grasped both of his shoulders and looked up at him, locking her eyes with his. Both were breathing through parted lips. "I can feel every inch of you," she whispered. "Thrusting. Over and over." She cried out and closed her eyes when he quite suddenly pushed into her hard and held himself there for a moment. She opened them again when he began moving.

"Can I move faster?" he rasped.

"Yes," she answered. "Go as fast as you want."

He did move faster but not a lot faster. Stephanie matched his tempo and it wasn't long before she was crying out in pleasure. He stopped thrusting shortly after, moaning loud and long, holding himself as deep inside of her as he could.

They both relaxed, catching their breath. He remained on top of her, breathing against her neck. When she lowered her legs, he slid out of her causing them both to groan and he moved down to rest his head on her breasts.

Stephanie thought he had dozed off after a silence of about fifteen minutes but she knew he wasn't when he began kissing the sides of her breasts gently.

"You like those, don't you?" she asked and giggled girlishly.

He laughed and moved over her to look down at her. "Yeah, I like those." He moved his hand to her face and whispered, "I like you, too, love."

He kissed her sweetly then rolled to his side, pulling her against him, back to stomach. They lay like that in silence, gently rubbing each other's skin. She could feel his erection forming.

"Do you want to again?" he whispered then wove his tongue into her ear.

"When you do that all I want to do is jump on you and ride you until dawn," she whispered, repeating Carrie's words from earlier that evening.

"Jesus, that sounds good," he whispered.

She rolled over and he sat up, leaning back against the sturdy oak headboard. She crawled into his lap, swinging her leg over him. He grasped her ass with both hands and led her to his erection.

"Oh yeah," she whispered slowly as she moved down his length until his entire cock was deep inside of her.

"Ride me," he whispered, his eyes blazing. "Fuck me, Stephanie."

"I've never fucked," she said and grinned. "Only made love."

"I like love," he said in a deep voice. "But I like to fuck, too."

"I'll tell you if I do after I fuck you, how's that sound?"

"If you say fuck one more time I'm going to come before you even get started."

"God, Steven, you make me so hot."

"Prove it."

She grasped the top of the headboard behind him and began sliding up and down his erection. She was very wet from their first mating and he slid in and out of her so easy that she was soon bouncing wildly in his lap.

"That's it, baby," Steven moaned. "Move on me like an animal. God, your breasts." He grasped both of them and she moaned. She cried out when his thumbs began rubbing both nipples.

"Steven, I'm going to come," she cried weakly.

"You better," he growled, still rubbing her nipples mercilessly. "Come in my lap, on my cock. Fuck me until you scream and then you had better make me scream. Come on lover, fuck me."

Her head fell back and she began making sharp yelps until nearly screaming. His hands left her breasts and he grasped her hips, and he began to move his own hips, ramming up inside of her until he yelled, muffled by her breasts in which his face was buried. She cried out softly as he rammed up into a few more times, still moaning.

He finally released her hips and he fell back against the headboard, breathing harshly. He moaned as she rotated her hips subtly, barely moving on his still stiff cock that was slowly going limp.

"So," he breathed. "Do you like to fuck or what?"

"No, I don't like it." His eyes popped open but she was smiling widely. She leaned toward him and he wrapped his arms about her. "I love to fuck you," she whispered and they kissed passionately.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When the sun began to creep into the room beneath the long, heavy curtains Steven and Stephanie were still wrapped around each other but were kissing slowly, coming down from what they knew would be their last orgasm of the night. He was on top of her, his legs tangled with hers. His right hand was kneading her breast gently but possessively. She had never had a man who doted on her breasts as much as Steven did.

When they finally pulled their lips from each other, Steven looked down at her. "My god, Stephanie," he whispered. "I never knew it would be like this."

"Should I be insulted or flattered?" she whispered but smiled.

"Oh, I knew you would be this passionate," he said. "I just never knew I would experience it first hand."

"You make me feel so sexy, so beautiful," she said, running her fingers through his hair.

"You are sexy and beautiful," he said firmly. "I " I don't know how I'm going to be near you from now on without getting my hands on these." He moaned softly, grasping both breasts. "And the way you move beneath me, on top of me " if I weren't totally spent I'd be deep inside of you again right now."

"You're overwhelming me," she said weakly, closing her eyes. "Keep doing it."

He laughed softly and kissed her gently, lingering. "We should sleep," he said. "Check out is in five hours."

"I suppose," she sighed.

He smiled and said, "When can we see each other again?"

"I don't think I should have any sleepover guests on weeknights."

He smiled and said, "I didn't necessarily mean more sex. Believe me, I love it but it's not all I'm after, Stephanie."

"Dinner tonight?" she whispered.

"Dinner tonight," he echoed.

He kissed her and it quickly turned passionate. He moaned and pulled his lips from hers and said, "If only I could get hard just one more time."

"I think you've done quite well for yourself," she said with a smile. "I've never been this satisfied."

"Good."