Honesty is the best policy

Sam drank his bourbon a little too quickly, and did his best to hide his nerves. Vixen had been doing this long enough to notice the small things, the little hints that gave her insight into a man's state of mind. Most of her job was emotional, after all, which was something she enjoyed almost as much as her love of sex. She slid her hand over the back of his on the countertop. It was a subtle gesture, indicative of old friends, or the kind of lovers who are comfortable in the silences, and she felt some of the tension ease out of Sam's body. She made eye contact with him, and as he felt the electricity of her bright green eyes and the touch of her fingers, he felt certain that it would be a challenge not to fall in love despite himself.

"I'm sorry," he croaked, keeping his hand under hers, "I'm not usually so, um," he searched for the right word, but failed to find it, "I'm usually more confident, I suppose."

She leaned in a little closer as she sipped her chardonnay, and slid her hand a little up his arm. It wasn't sexual, just... comfortable. "One of the things I like best about meeting powerful people, such as yourself," she gave a wicked smile, "is that I get to see everyone on an equal footing, for who they are." After a pause to let him digest this, she began again, "So, why don't you tell me a little about what brought you here, now?"

He turned his hand over, intertwining his fingers with hers. It felt natural, good. He knew she was a "professional" and that he needed to remember that, but he also wanted to let himself feel lost in the moment, at least as much as possible.

"There are things that, for a variety of reasons," he added hastily, "I've been unable to experience so far in my life. I've always been trying to prove myself, to my family, my shareholders, my fiancée..." Vixen felt him flinch at the mention of his fiancée. She smiled at him, gently, and tightened her fingers with his. He breathed deeply and continued, "I had a moment a while ago, where I finally let myself relax and try to enjoy... just enjoy myself and my life... and it felt..." he searched for the right word again.

"It felt freeing," she surprised herself with her own answer.

"Yes! Yes, it was like realizing you hadn't been breathing fresh air until you suddenly experienced it."

She felt her own heart quicken a little--this might prove fun. She finished the last sip of her chardonnay.

"Do you want to go to your room?" she maintained eye contact with him while asking.