Christmas Chickadee

Authors note: This story is entered into the Winter Holiday 2020 contest. As an author, like all other authors who enter the contest, we depend upon your vote to tell us how well we are doing. Please do us the honor of casting your vote to let us know. Best wishes. Rachel

CHRISTMAS CHICKADEE

It was December 11^th, two weeks before Christmas, I waited a little impatiently for the traffic light to change after finishing what I thought was the last of my gift buying for my parents, siblings, and their families. It had snowed overnight and the streets were now slushy, the hiss of slow moving cars on the wetted pavement greeted my ears. I stood there congratulating myself. Thinking how well organized I had been about shopping this year—not waiting until the last minute for a change. My thoughts were disturbed by the sound of slush spattering upon the sidewalk as a fast moving car approached the intersection close to the curb. Too late! I was going to be covered in icy, cold, discolored, snow and water. I closed my eyes, averting my face from what was coming, thinking my knee high boots and long winter coat would offer some protection. I could hear the slush hitting around me. But amazingly, none hit me. I opened my eyes to find I was looking at a blue winter nylon coat just inches from my face. Then a deep male voice spoke.

"Glad I was able to step in front of you in time."

I took a step back and found myself looking into the most beautiful hazel eyes I had ever seen. I stepped backwards another half a step, still not believing what had happened. When I did a handsome face with a full, short trimmed beard and mustache materialized. He was dark haired, about four inches taller than me His smile radiant, his teeth white and well ordered. I had been close enough to get a hint of cologne, or perhaps of shampoo, from the medium length brown hair visible inside his parka. I managed to compose myself after a few seconds and smiled.

"Thank you. I was sure I was doomed to be a mess. I just didn't notice in time."

"My pleasure. It's not every day I manage to save a damsel in distress," he replied cheerily.

With that he walked away, the back of his coat covered with wet, half-frozen globs of dirty slush. I called after him.

"Thank you again."

I crossed the street and walked to the parking lot thankful there were still gentlemen left in the world. Chivalry wasn't completely dead. The vision of his eyes came back to me. They were so dreamy. Then a vision of them looking down at me as he loomed over my naked body appeared. I pushed the thought away. Four months after my breakup and I was starting to want a man in my life again and his manly odor had triggered something inside me. My god, he hadn't even touched me and I was off in fantasy land.

I arrived at my apartment less than an hour later and proceeded to wrap the gifts I had purchased. I was ready for Christmas! I had even managed to find something I was pleased with for the 'Secret Santa' drawing at work. Which was especially nice, as the office Christmas party was this afternoon at a restaurant in town. Okay, so maybe some of my shopping was last minute.

I was looking forward to the party and at the same time wasn't. There were several men I worked with that would be knocking on my door so to speak. It was common knowledge I had ended my relationship and was available. Each of them had expressed an interest in me in one form or another over the past two months. But I didn't find any of them particularly attractive. I knew I would deal with it—I always had in the past, even in high school. I was still gun shy after my breakup and had just started dating again after being asked several times by men I didn't work with. In a way, my icy encounter on the street bothered me—I had now fantasied about a man I had met for but a few seconds. Was I getting desperate?

I had showered earlier so I went into the closet and started to look at what I would wear. It being cold outside, my first thought was a nice pant suit. Then I remembered the party last year when I had worn one. The room had gotten warm and I had started to perspire after a while and felt uncomfortable for the rest party—no reason to endure that again. I found my navy blue pencil dress with a plunging neckline that showed enough cleavage to make me interesting, but not so deep as to make it too daring, suggesting desperation for attention. It would look nice with a light weight off-white shawl, and a pair black shoes with one inch heels. My black leather envelope clutch purse would be a nice addition. Having made my selection I elected not to wear panty hose and opted to simply shave my legs again to give them a nice smooth attractive appearance after applying moisturizer.

At work, I tried to dress conservatively so as to not emphasize my features too much—mostly by wearing clothes that fit just right. For this event however, I chose to look entirely feminine. I thought to myself—Dana this is the best you're going to look all day, not a bad look, professional, yet feminine.

I gathered my long winter dress coat and put it on, picked up my gift, and walked out to my car. Half an hour later I arrived at the restaurant, walked in, being greeted in the lobby by several of my female coworkers, who pointed me to the room where the party was being held. After greeting a few others, I headed to the cloak room I had spied on the way in. Feeling upbeat, ready to enjoy myself, I stepped confidently forward.

I walked to the dimly lit cloak room and found there was no attendant on duty. I walked in and went towards the back, found an empty hanger and hung my coat. I had my clutch purse in my hand and managed to drop it on the floor, then kicked it under the filled rack of coats. I cursed silently to myself and kneeled down, only to find the bag had bounced all the way to the wall beyond easy reach.

Disgusted, I got down on my hands and knees and crawled in far enough to snag the purse with my fingertips and started to back out. It was then I felt myself bump into something. I hesitated, then moved my butt over a bit, then started to back out again. My head had just cleared the overhanging clothing when I found a hand stretched out to help me stand. I grasped it and it closed firmly around my hand, gently tugging me upwards. I gained my feet and looked—warm hazel eyes met mine. They were unmistakable. It was him! It was the man that had protected me from the slush this morning. I felt my face flush hot. This was more than a little embarrassing—I had pushed my tooshie right into his leg. He had a broad smile on his face.

"Well, it looks like we meet again. Nice view I might add. Not that this morning wasn't pleasant."

I stammered out a reply of sorts. My face felt hot. I finally I managed a small, embarrassed smile and a feeble, "Thank you for helping me. I'm sorry I didn't see you standing there."

"Again, my pleasure," as his eyes swept across me.

Totally embarrassed, I moved past him and quickly went to the room in which the party was being held as the thought came to me—Damn! What were the chances I would see him again?

I mingled for a while, and it didn't take long before the meal was served, my embarrassment left behind. After selecting a table, I was joined by the two men I hoped most to avoid. Fortunately, two female friends quickly filled the remaining seats, engaging me in conversation. The bar was open and I began to think it was time to get a glass of wine to go with my meal. I noticed almost everyone already had a mixed drink in hand. My female companions continued to divert the attention of the men, I was thankful for the small respite. I knew the worst was probably yet to come as the alcohol would surely loosen the men up—it always did.

Everyone finished eating and soon everyone was mingling and drinking. As much as I tried to avoid my interested male coworkers they seemed able to maintain contact with me one at a time—almost as if it were a tag team event. Jake was the worst offender—being in sales he was an extrovert regardless of the situation. He was starting to get on my nerves—after several drinks he was more aggressive than usual, and after several rather crude jokes, I decided to seek refuge in the ladies room. I started to walk out of the room, Jake following me into the corridor, talking all the way. I finally turned to him, giving away my last bit of patience.

"Jake, I don't need any help using the restroom. Maybe you should go back to the party and I'll see you a few minutes."

"Dana, I'm sure we could find something interesting to do in there together," with a suggestive tone and laugh.

"That's not going to happen, Jake. I think it's time you lay off a little," I replied sharply in exasperation.

There wasn't an indication Jake had understood the hint. That is, if he heard me at all. I was relieved to find myself alone in the restroom. For a moment, I thought Jake might actually come in with me. I waited five minutes, hoping Jake had elected to rejoin the party. I was wrong—just as soon as I stepped out I saw him standing nearby and quickly took a few steps to avoid him while he was looking at another woman in the opposite direction. I hoped to put some distance between us. I didn't see the man who had just stepped out of the men's room located just across from the ladies restroom door. I ran right into him, his hands came to my shoulders to brake my momentum before I collided hard chest to chest with him. As it was, my breasts had met him square on. I stepped back and started to apologize. Oh my god no! It was him, again! His hazel eyes warm, inviting, paired with his wonderful smile appeared once more amid his well-manicured beard and mustache.

"Maybe I shouldn't have stopped you. The impact would have been a soft one judging from what I felt," he said quietly.

I gave him a rueful smile, then stammered in a quiet voice as I felt the heat grow on my face.

"I...I was just trying to get away from Jake. I'm so sorry," as my gaze shifted in Jake's direction. He looked at me with what I took as an empathetic expression, and leaned towards me slightly and said quietly.

"I think I understand. Shall we walk off a short distance to get you some breathing room?"

"Yes, yes please. That would be helpful," feeling that my embarrassment was the lesser of two evils when it came to Jake.

We walked down the hallway to an area with several chairs and a cushioned bench. He turned to me with an engaging smile.

"Since this is the third time today we have...shall we say...run into each other, perhaps we should at least exchange names. We just can't keep meeting like this, I mean we could, but it seems embarrassing for you. My name is Andrew Hudson, everyone calls me Andy."

He proffered his hand and I grasped it, thinking this was probably the least embarrassing way to end this latest klutzy episode. I felt my heart rate jump as I held it and looked into his eyes. This time, something unexpected happened—the electricity I felt surge through me was incredible, creating a different warmth that washed my embarrassment away. I swallowed hard, then slowly formed a response in my mind, struggling to hide my reaction to his touch.

"Dana Endicott. I guess I should say it's a pleasure. But the last two times we have...well...all...I seemed to feel is embarrassment."

He gave me a smile. "Well if it happens one more time I will have experienced almost every part of your anatomy to some extent."

I started to blush with the thought of his hands on me, on bare skin. I saw Jake approach as I sought to avoid looking into Andy's eyes. I was afraid my expression would reveal that our last encounter was not without a feeling of pleasure on my part as his strong hands had held me firmly, suggesting something more in my mind.

"Dana. I didn't see you come out. Do you want to go back to the party or are you ready to go home with me?"

I felt indignation and disgust well up inside me. Then something closer to anger as I clenched my fists at my sides. Before I could reply Andy spoke up, "Honey, I'm really sorry I was late getting here. Why does this guy think you would go home with him?"

I caught on instantly. I stepped to Andy and put my arm into his, then looked to Jake with a hard stare, "I really don't know. Why would I want to go home with you Jake?"

The look on Jake's face changed to one of near panic. He was clearly nonplussed, the drinks surely added to his state of confusion.

"I'm sorry...I...I didn't know you invited a date. I was only kidding anyway. I'll see you later Dana," as he slowly walked backward, turned, and almost ran towards our conference room.

"I guess I own you again, Andy. Thank you, he's one of the men I'm been trying to avoid. A few drinks and they get a little...well...uninhibited. I'm glad it's not that way on a daily basis at work or he wouldn't last long."

I had no sooner removed my arm from Andy's and stepped away when a female voice came from the direction of the other conference room. Two attractive twenty something young women walked straight to Andy. Each taking one side of him, putting their arms into his. They didn't appear to notice me—it was as if I were invisible. They were perhaps two or three years younger than me and certainly dressed to impress in very revealing dresses.

"Come on Andy. We've been waiting for you. A few more drinks and you'll have to pick which one of us you take home tonight," the busty blonde said softly with a blue-eyed wink.

The redhead leaned on him a little with a sexy smile. "You know you could just take both of us home for the night. We wouldn't mind. We can share. A three-some might be interesting."

I looked at Andy. He didn't look at all pleased. I decided to take a chance I was reading the situation correctly. I said with a hint of dismay and irritation.

"Andy! I thought we were spending the night together! You better not have changed your mind!"

The two women looked at me for the first time, then slowly removed their arms from Andy's and stood silently, befuddled. Then they looked at Andy as if to ask—who the hell is this woman?

"Dana, I haven't changed my mind. These girls are really just trying to flirt a little," as he looked at me.

Andy turned to them. "Aren't you?"

The two women quickly mumbled something and left. I looked at Andy with a grin. Then, we couldn't hold it in any longer and started to laugh quietly. I looked at him with a smile as he proffered his arm. I couldn't resist teasing him a bit.

"Do women throw themselves at you like that all of the time?"

The smile left his face and became serious. I recognized as soon as the words left my mouth the question wasn't the best one to have asked. How would I feel if he had asked me the same thing? What do you say that doesn't make you look conceited, vain, or worse?"

"Pretty much."

"Pretty much?" I repeated not knowing what else to say.

"Well, even if they throw themselves at me I don't have to catch them."

I looked at Andy as we walked back towards the room my party was in. Andy looked about three or four years older. I felt good in his company now that we had laughed together and supported one another. Why shouldn't I? He was a very attractive man who was having an effect on me, a very nice effect. Then a thought came to me. Why not?

"Andy, would you mind spending a little time with me? I just want to stay another half hour and then leave. We're expected to stay through the Secret Santa gift giving. I would really appreciate it. I know you have your own party to attend, I'd be willing to attend yours for a little while to thank you for helping me."

Andy looked at me. Then a smile crossed his face. "A mutual protection pact of sorts?" he asked.

"You could think of it in those terms I guess. But I don't mind being seen with a handsome man on my arm either."

"Was that a compliment?"

"It's a statement of fact. I don't want you to think I'm throwing myself at you," I replied confidently.

Andy stopped walking and looked at me with a grin.

"Dana, I would surely catch you."

I felt my face flush. I knew he meant it. What in the world was going on? I was taking a complete stranger to my office Christmas party to use as a foil against other men who were interested in me. This was insane! What was even more insane was I had offered to do the same for him and he had accepted.

We walked to the cash bar and Andy offered to get me a drink. I elected to have a small glass of wine, intrigued to see he had ordered a cola for himself. He noticed my expression and leaned over to whisper into my ear.

"You know alcohol rises the level of estrogen in men and makes them less aggressive, while alcohol in women raises their testosterone level making them more aggressive, especially when it comes to wanting sex."

I looked at him. Then smiled. "So you think you might get lucky?"

He raised an eyebrow, returning my smile. "No, but you might."

I looked at him while biting my lower lip seductively, then we both laughed.

"Touché!" I replied.

It didn't take long before several of my female coworkers sauntered over. They were obviously curious. I introduced Andy and told them he was an ecologist with a consulting firm. He'd shared that information while standing in the hallway. What I didn't know at the time was not only was he their Senior Ecologist, but he was one of three principals in the firm.

I noticed he seemed at ease in dealing with this unusual social situation. When a man approached he gave me a glance to see if I wanted his arm. When Leonard approached, I looked at him and we seamlessly stepped to one another as I placed my arm in his. Leonard, rather quickly, decided to simply say a few words and moved on.

I was amazed we were able to read one another's mind so easily. But then he knew why he was with me. Still, it seemed uncanny. After the secret Santa gifts were given out we slowly headed towards the door and down the hallway to his party. Andy introduced me to a number of his colleagues and they asked me a number of questions regarding what I did for my company in more detail. Andy stood and listened intently.

Afterwards he whispered to me, "Very impressive indeed. I can see you're quite an asset to your firm."

I couldn't help but feel good at such a compliment. Not everyone held that high an opinion of what I did for a living. But my company had won an award for our programs on affirmative action and community relations. I knew some of the credit was mine. A few would rightly say it was because of me.

Finally, one of the women pulled me aside as Andy was conversing with several others, "We didn't know Andy was seeing anyone. How long have you two been involved?"

I wasn't expecting the question. What should I say—since this morning? Since about two hours ago? I didn't want to make it sound as if we had a serious relationship that might hint he was off the market. I answered, "Not all that long. We're just getting to know one another. Nothing serious at this point. Why do you ask?"

It was at that moment I noticed the wedding ring on her finger, "Just curious. Most of the single women in the firm have their eye on him. He has a good reputation for the quality of his work and he is so down to earth. You would think a man that handsome would take advantage of the situation if he could."

"Take advantage how?" Asking as if I hadn't already formed an opinion.

"Just watch. It won't take you long to figure it out if you haven't already. He could pretty much have the pick of almost any woman here."

I looked at her. Any woman? That seemed something of an exaggeration. But as I glanced around there were not that many women in attendance. Most of them about my age or younger. After a while I noticed how many wore engagement or wedding rings—five out of fifteen. The older women in attendance were obviously married to the principals and managers. There were easily forty five men in the group and I had to admit Andy was where the female eyes were directed most often. Mutual protection pact indeed!