Nicholas arrived a few minutes early and alone. He was dateless but on the prowl. He'd been in search of a new bed warmer since he and Sophie had split up two weeks earlier. The so-called Holiday Bash seemed to have one purpose and that was advancement of the careers of the attendees. He'd carved himself a nice niche in the company and had little interest in scaling the corporate heights. Thanks to two deaths in the family he would never want for money so his hobby and primary occupation was the pursuit of damsels and the pleasure they bought.<br/><br/>At six one and blessed with a good physique and good looks Nick seldom wanted for female companionship. Tonight he hoped he'd find a warm widow or desirable divorcee or maybe a lady in need of comfort. Nicholas Thompson was good at comforting<br/><br/>He stood at the bar sipping a mineral water and watching the arrivals.