The woman was obviously intelligent and determined. He found himself staring at her again, thinking that she had it all; beauty, intelligence and was well connected. ‘Washington State.’
‘And then?’
Campbell considered the question. After graduating, he had gone on to work with the Canadian-based INCO (International Nickel Company) because of its dominance as a nickel producer in the international market. He had spent his post-graduate years in Canada and, for some time, remained content with his lot. He was then sent to South America for six months where he was assigned to assist Professor Herman von Hugel. The revered scientist’s recommendations led to Campbell being offered an opportunity to work in Indonesia where INCO had secured a major deposit in Sulawesi during the early 1970s, and was considering copper and gold deposits elsewhere throughout the archipelago. Stewart had hoped that INCO’s fascination with Indonesia would provide him with a springboard for other opportunities, however, local rationalization caused him to re-evaluate his career prospects, precipitating his leap into private consulting. The rest was history. He had become a respected Indonesian mining consultant, his services now in regular demand. ‘I’ve kept myself busy,’ he said, modestly. It was now obvious that Sharon Ducay had prior knowledge of his credentials. ‘Would you like to expand upon why your group wanted to make contact with me?’
Sharon ’s response was not what he had expected. ‘We were exploring the possibility of engaging your services as a consultant, in the Philippines,’ she explained.
‘Why?’ he said, taken aback. ‘I know virtually nothing about your country’s geology, let alone its mining policies.’
‘The approach was not biased in that direction,’ Sharon suggested. ‘We needed to attract consultants with the capacity to interest the major players in our country’s potential. Your name came up, that’s all.’
Campbell thought this through. ‘Did you find anyone?’ he asked.
‘Well, we met a number of expatriates who appeared keen, but none that were convincing.’
‘I would have thought that there would be strong, American interest in the Philippines, considering the historical ties?’
‘Not so,’ she explained, ‘at least not in the mining sector. Yes, American companies have established substantial trading ties with our country, but most of this is product based, not resource investment.’ She paused to eat, sipping tea before continuing. ‘Frankly, I found it so frustrating, I finally withdrew from the promotional tours.’
‘And now?’ he asked.
Sharon pulled a face. ‘Needed to do some shopping. Manila’s department stores aren’t exactly up there with Saks. The mining conference provided the opportunity, that’s all.’ Campbell was reminded of the magnificent cocktail dress he had soiled.
‘I meant, what keeps you occupied when you’re at home?’ he pried.
Sharon smiled demurely. ‘Do you mean am I married?’
Campbell laughed. ‘Yes, something like that. As it would seem that you know considerably more about me, I think it only fair you reveal all your dark secrets.’
‘Why would these necessarily be dark?’ she countered.
‘Perhaps I should have said, ‘mysterious’?’ He was enjoying the banter.
It was Sharon’s turn to laugh. ‘Don’t you think that a little mystique keeps the men guessing?’ At that moment their waiter appeared, saving her from having to elaborate. He divided the remaining fish carefully, and then withdrew.
‘When do you return to Manila?’ Campbell wanted to know.
‘Tomorrow,’ was her brief reply.
‘Back to work?’
‘No,’ Sharon responded, affecting a touch of weariness in her voice. ‘Let’s not talk shop anymore. Agreed?’
‘Fine by me,’ he promised. ‘Would you like anything else?’
Sharon shook her head. ‘No. I’d like to return to the hotel now if you don’t mind.’ She paused, observing Campbell’s disappointment then added, ‘We could have a nightcap back in the room, if you wish.’ The invitation clearly raised his spirits.
‘Then what are we still doing here?’ Campbell settled the bill as quickly as protocol would permit, and escorted his beautiful companion back down to the lobby where they caught a taxi to the Grand Hyatt.
* * * *
Stewart Campbell placed his arm around Sharon’s shoulders and pulled her gently towards him. She did not resist, turning to face him with willing lips and they kissed, the warmth of the exchange and her intoxicating perfume sending exotic signals through to his loins. His hand moved to her firm breasts, their fullness exciting him even more.
‘Not here,’ she pulled away, taking his hands in hers, the blood beating loudly in Campbell’s ears. Neither spoke during the remaining ride, their silence maintained even after they had entered Sharon’s suite where they immediately embraced, undressing each other with impatient passion before collapsing to the thickly carpeted floor.
Stewart was in no way disappointed when his eyes fell upon Sharon’s naked figure, the soft curves and light brown skin accentuating her beauty. His hands groped her breasts, squeezing her erect nipples roughly and Sharon cried out, biting his lip with the pain. With the taste of blood in their mouths they remained locked, their sexual frenzy driving them together and they coupled, naturally, Campbell’s length penetrating her so deeply she cried out, again, lifting her knees high and wide as he moved within her. She felt one hand slide down through the soft mound between her legs, the touch of his fingers causing Sharon to writhe uncontrollably as he continued to thrust with growing urgency. The tempo grew, their bodies rocking together wildly until Campbell’s hot, rhythmic moans triggered warm ripples which rose from deep inside her womb and she gasped, her own spasms in concert with his, their climax sending sensuous waves flooding through their bodies. In those few, brief, but delirious moments, they floated together, the warmth of his ejaculation causing Sharon to shudder. Then he sighed, heavily, totally spent.
They remained embraced, each slowly slipping back from the sexual summit they had just climbed, their heartbeats gradually slowing as they lay there, lost in the afterglow. Sharon shivered involuntarily as the air conditioner spilled tons of cold air into the room and Stewart rolled to one side, this time gently caressing her still erect nipples with his tongue, bringing a murmur of delight to her lips.
‘Enough,’ she pleaded, kissing him tenderly on the shoulder. ‘I’m freezing!’ With that, Sharon rose slowly and made her way to the bathroom, reappearing shortly after wearing a pink, toweling dressing gown. ‘Are you staying?’ she asked, lighting her second cigarette for the evening, drawing heavily as she did so. In the dim light Stewart could see the end glow, wondering how offended she might be if he elected to sleep in his own bed.
‘I’ll stay if you want me to,’ he said, gathering his clothing. He felt foolish standing there naked, but did not wish to dress until the matter of where he would spend the night had been resolved.
‘I’m okay,’ Sharon told him. ‘We could have breakfast together by the pool?’
Relieved, Stewart dressed and went to her side.
