Running Home by T.A. Hardenbrook

glad you are giving me the opportunity to figure us out.” I dropped her hand and started back down the stairs, with the biggest shit eating grin possible.
    “Hey , Walker?” Sadie called out.
    “Yeah? ” I turned at the bottom of the stairs, and smiled.
    “You forgot to show me where the laundry chute was.”
    Sadie giggled , and flashed me a grin that melted my heart on the spot. She was something else.

“It ’s Been Awhile” Staind
     
    Carmen, December 2010
     
    “Carmen! The limo is outside,” Cherri yelled from the kitchen of our loft style apartment.
    I took one last glance in the mirror , and smiled at what I saw. The tight red McCartney dress was like second skin on my tan body, and paired with my new black peep toe Louie’s; I was sure to please the client tonight. I grabbed a couple diamond bangles off my dresser, and tossed my perfectly curled hair to one side. Picking up my black clutch from the bed, I started to head down the spiral staircase into the great room.
    “Damn , girl, going all out tonight I see,” Cherri whistled, as she slipped on a pair of heels by the door.
    I gave her a naughty smile , as I walked to the front door. “Don’t wait up.”
    Cherri laughed , as I closed the door and headed to the elevator. I had a pretty important client tonight and that required nothing but the best. Of course, the agency always called me when they needed perfection; I was basically the best in this business now.
     
    “Good evening, Miss. Westin,” our doorman Hank commented, as he held open the door for me to exit the building.
    “Thank you Hank. Enjoy your evening,” I replied with a smile, while walking over to the waiting limo parked on the street.
    “Miss. Westin , I presume?” The driver asked, as I approached the back door.
    “Correct.”
    “Mr. Harding is awaiting your presence,” he replied, and opened the door to the sleek black limo.
    I carefully tucked myself into the car , and straightened out my dress as I turned to look at the client.
    “Welcome , Miss. Westin. Can I interest you in a drink?” Mr. Hardy asked,  his eyes raking over my attire.
    “Thank you , Mr. Harding; and its Carmen. Whiskey on the rocks, please?” I mentioned, while I suggestively licked my lips and let my legs part ever so slightly. I noticed his eyes automatically drifted to the hem of my dress; I knew what this man wanted tonight, and I was sure to give him a good time.
    “So , Carmen, we have dinner reservations at Teo with some investors. I’m sure you can play the perfect date during the meal. I did ask for the best tonight.” His voice purred, as he let my name roll off his lips.
    “Of course , Mr. Harding. Would you like me to stay silent during the meal or engage in conversation?”
    “Oh , darling, of course you can speak; you seem to be able to handle yourself quiet well,” he added with a wink.
    I wasn’t a dumb blonde like some of the escorts in the business; I could charm the pants off even the stuffiest of business men. I tossed a flirty smile at him, as I took a small sip of my whiskey, letting the cool liquid grace my lips and slowly burn as it traveled down my throat. Tonight was going to be easy, and if I played my cards right he would be asking for me from now on. Fucking simple is what it was, I thought to myself as I played with the moisture on the outside of my glass.
     
     
    “Carmen , you were absolutely charming at dinner tonight,” Mr. Harding gushed as we got settled in the limo. I played with a curl in my hair, as I scooted closer to him on the bench seat. I wasn’t attracted to him, physically, but he held a lot of connections that could help me in this industry. Plus, a good tip at the end of the night wouldn’t hurt either.
    “Well , Mr. Harding, I’m hoping I did you justice with your colleagues; I tried my best at being the perfect date.”
    “Oh , sweetheart, you were amazing! Would you be interested in having a night cap back at my hotel?”
    “Of