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A/N I really hate the formatting on this story so I hope it is not too hard to follow. :)
She had woken up the next morning determined to make herself feel better. It was her day off so Elsie decided a shopping trip was in order. It would make a nice change to go snooping around the shops for clothes at her ease. Normally she only had half days off but she had been far too busy to take her last half day so she was now able to enjoy an entire day to herself. As much as she was looking forward to advancing her relationship with Charles, she liked the fact that she had gotten to a stage where she was so comfortable in her own company even if she did not feel as confident about the way she looked. You win some, you lose some.
She walked down the main shop street and could not help be dazzled by some of the sumptuous fashions that were on display. Her new job had come with a pay increase that while she had saved some of it, she now felt it was time to enjoy it a bit more and looking around, she was pretty sure she was going to get a work-out carrying all her new clothing home.
After three hours and much careful trying on and then buying all round her, Elsie found herself standing outside the one shop that she had contemplated all day.
Would it matter?
Maybe there would be no need anyway?
Then again, at least I would get to enjoy it and maybe feel a little sexier (even in her mind she whispered that last word)
Pushing all the doubts out of her mind, Elsie made her way into Ann Summers and instantly was grateful she did. Sometimes it does take a little more effort to do things that are out of our comfort zone but as Elsie the various items of lingerie, she realised that this was more for herself than anyone else and that that was the best reason to treat herself.
I deserve this and I'm going to need all the confidence I can get if I'm going to do what I'm planning.
Elsie ambled her way through the back entrance to the hotel and went up the staff lift. Once she had safely made it inside her door, the bags of shopping were quickly discarded. She was exhausted and duly set about making herself a cup of tea and contemplating how exactly she was going to figure out whether or not it was worth taking the plunge and asking Charles out. Part of her felt like it was a silly move to make considering their work positions but another part of her felt like if she did not try then the not knowing would just make working together unbearable.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I guess.
Elsie checked herself over in the mirror for the umpteenth time that morning. Her outfit was not exactly daring but she had felt a red wrap dress and a pair of killer was a subtle enough way to start. She was showing a little more cleavage than usual but nothing that couldn't be explained by a slightly different neckline. Elsie put on her trusty pearl necklace: it had been her mothers and she liked to wear it every so often as a sort of comforting presence. She had probably changed her hairstyle ten times that morning but finally settled for her usual pinned back look.
No point changing too much.
With one final look, Elsie made her way down to the lobby. She was too busy talking to the new girl who had started working on the reception desk to notice that Charles practically stop in his tracks, staring at her and taking in every inch of her figure. He had composed himself by the time she turned and saw him.
''Morning Mr. Carson, I was just filling Jane in on the general proceedings. Have you received that email from Mr. Molesley about the upcoming company dinner? I mean I know he is not the most diligent but this is getting ridiculous.''
''I haven't but I was planning on giving him a call when I get my other emails sorted. I know that I am glad that we are not hosting it this year but it would be nice to feel like it was being organised by someone who is organised. ''
''My thoughts exactly.''
They smiled at one another and then there was a pause that all of a sudden felt very awkward and weighted with something that Elsie did not quite have the nerve to play on.
''Well I guess I better go and sort out this business with Mr. Molesley. I will let you know how I get on.''
''I'm sure it won't be a problem for you, you can be very intimidating when you want to be''
Oh god, I had not intended to flirt so openly. Today was just meant to be the outfit and seeing if he acted any differently. Goodness Elsie, girl, you need to calm yourself down. None of this being flustered will get you anywhere.
With that, they both went in opposite directions, not without Charles glancing back at her fleeing figure.
Calm yourself, Charles. She may be gorgeous but she definitely would not go for someone like you especially after that comment about being intimidating.
After a day arguing with suppliers over their attempts at increasing stock prices, nearly losing her temper with Mrs. Patmore who had seemed it her business to disagree with any suggestion Elsie had and finally having to organising the right staff to contend with a washing machine which decided to overflow in the laundry room, it was safe to say Elsie was feeling a little tired when she retreated to her office. The first thing she did was step out of her shoes, she may have felt sexy when she put them on but right now she felt like an old woman. Everything ached and it did not help that she still had paperwork to read through. She decided to forgo the office chair in favour of the little couch she had fitted in her office the first week she arrived. It was probably the best decision she had made that week. Elsie had finally managed to get herself comfortable when a familiar knock came at the door. He strode in and looked a little misplaced when he didn't see her at her desk but he recovered quickly.
''I think I will have to get myself one of those because after a day at the computer, a change would be nice'' he looked at her discarded shoes ''I genuinely have no idea how women walk in those contraptions''
''Firstly, someone of your height couldn't appreciate the feeling of being a little taller and secondly, there's room for you to try out the couch for size unless you plan on standing over me the whole time''
Elsie blushed at the image that flashed in mind and hoped he didn't notice. As he sat beside, the temptation to swing her feet onto his lap immense but she stopped herself.
You are not a silly schoolgirl.
'' So I realise with my being cooped up in the office all day, you have had to deal with all the fun. Want to tell me what I missed?''
As Elsie told him of the various battles of wills and flooding mania, she absentmindedly massaged her left foot.
I really can't keep up with those heels.
''You know I've been told that I give a pretty mean foot massage''
He didn't just..
''Want to pop them up here as I tell you of the thrilling conversation I had with Mr. Molesley?''
As much as she felt like she should resist but the throbbing in her feet could not be denied. She swung her feet up on his lap and was suddenly grateful she did. He began massaging her feet and telling her about how Molesley finally managed to confirm the dinner will be this weekend instead of the following one.
He really is good at this, oh wait!
''What do you mean this weekend?''
He chuckled ''I wondered how long it would take for that to sink in. Apparently everyone else had been told but that he presumed we just knew. I don't know whether to rip his head for not telling us or laugh at the fact he will never be any threat to my job''
'I thought that was my role''
At that he squeezed a particularly sensitive part of her foot. His laugh at her comment thankfully came before her moan so she was able to hide it.
''I thought we had got past that at this stage Ms. Hughes'' The smile in his eyes took the sting out of his comment.
''Still fun to try. Anyway I guess we are going to have to do a lot of rearranging to sort it out. He really is a fool isn't he?''
''That's more of a statement than a question!''
''You're not wrong''
Talking to him like this felt so comfortable to Elsie that she couldn't help but want to be able to do more of it.
He stopped massaging her feet and began to look very anxious.
''Technically you don't have to go to this wretched dinner but I was hoping you would like to come with me, if only to meet some of the new GMs''
This man really is full of surprises tonight. So much for me taking the lead and asking him out.
''That sounds like fun although hopefully I won't get stuck talking to the more slimy guests they bring along to make the event look more upper class than it is. I know it makes the hotels look good if there is a charity element but I never know why some of those executives enjoy leering at women so much''
Really Elsie, This is how you answer a man who has pretty much asked you out. So much for acting cool.
''I'll try and be on hand to keep the creepier ones at bay.''
Well it's clear which of us the smooth talker is.
''As much I enjoy your foot massaging skills. I still have a good few files to get through so you needn't commit yourself for any more of your time''
All good things must come to an end, it is only fair.
''I don't mind as long as you are enjoying it. It will make a change from what you have to read through''
And with that they fell into a comfortable silence as he relaxed against the couch still massaging her feet and she read through the tedious files from the day. Elsie couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when she inevitably had to disentangle herself from his lap. As she was gathering up her things, he waited for her. She went to get her shoes when a hand grabbed them before she got to them. With a hand on her hip, she was just about to argue.
'Now don't put all my good work to shame by forcing yourself into these things just to walk upstairs. I promise the floor is clean enough that it won't dirty your stockings''
Damn him for being so right.
''Fine but I'm giving them to you if they get dirty'
He smiled and gave her his arm.
Really Elsie, just get to your room before you turn yourself fuchsia from blushing so much. It's your dirty mind that is the problem.
They made their way upstairs exchanging easy conversation. If a stranger had seen them, they would easily have mistaken them for a couple who had been together for a long time. When they finally reached her door, he gave her back her shoes.
''I probably won't see you much tomorrow since I will be heading off early to that meeting with the wine suppliers and then I have to meet with Robert at lunchtime. I'm sure you'll enjoy having me out of your hair. Anyway, goodnight''
''Goodnight to you too''
With that Elsie entered her room and then had the worst thought:
What the hell am I going to wear to this damn dinner?
TBC
I hope you like where I am taking this.
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