An American Cinderella

Friday morning came around and I was giddy with excitement. I was going to see Henry tonight. I was going to kiss him again and hear that accent say my name. I didn’t have a curfew this time, so I was ready for some fun. I even cleaned up my apartment, just in case.

Work dragged on as I worked on the last box of backlogged documents. I slowed as I scanned the last few sheets into the computer, knowing that once this box was done, I would have the work my stepmother had sent me here to do. Her daily texts showed that she was becoming impatient with my lack of information for her.

Finally, the clock clicked over to five pm and I was free. I skipped down the stairs, stopping to wave to Jaqui on my way out the door.

“Have fun!” she called out. “And try to get me a number! He’s got to have a friend!”

I chuckled and kept going down the stairs. Henry was going to pick me up at my place, so I wanted to get home as quickly as possible to get ready.

“You still going on that date tonight?” Gus asked the moment I exited the stairwell. He looked stern behind the security desk.

“Yes.” I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

“You still have that pepper-spray I gave you?” He crossed his big arms, looking protective.

“Yes, Gus. I always bring it with me, just like you asked.” I motioned to my bag where I kept the small vial of potent spray. It warmed my heart that he was protective of me. It was like having a father again.

“Good.”

I waited for a warning to watch out for hands or not to drink too much.

“Well? What are you waiting for?” Gus asked after a moment. He smiled at me. “You have a date.”

I grinned and waved to him, heading out the door. Henry must have made a good impression on my protector.

I barely noticed the ride back home, as my mind was everywhere else. I spent my ride second-guessing my wardrobe options and wondering if I should curl my hair. I’d never been to a rugby game before, or any real sporting event, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to wear.

Jaqui said to wear something low cut and to show off my legs. Bethany in the office across from me agreed with Jaqui, but that heels were in order as well. Janet said comfortable but easy to take off, and I was fairly sure that Gus would recommend long jeans and a turtleneck. Possibly with a chastity belt if I had one available.

I decided to go with what made me comfortable, yet still look like I was on a date. I hurried out of the station to get home and change.

I had inherited my small studio apartment when my father died. Technically, it had been my mother’s. She had been a legal aide at a nearby law firm until she met my father. The apartment was in her name, not my father’s, so when he died it was one of the few things that my stepmother hadn’t been able to claim.

I loved how close it was to my work. I could ride a single bus, or if the weather was nice, I could even walk to work. The studio apartment was tiny, with my bed and breakfast table halfway into the kitchen, but it was mine. It was my one refuge in the world.

I hurried up the steps, taking them two at a time. I didn’t have much time left to get ready. I decided on my favorite pair of jeans that I knew fit my booty and showed it off. I paired those with a loose dark teal shirt that showed a hint of cleavage and a light cream colored jacket, since it would be cool in the evening. Some earrings, a necklace and a hint of makeup made me look like I was trying, but not too hard.

I nearly changed my mind, thinking that maybe a skirt would be more feminine and sexier. But, I didn’t have time. Just as I put on my necklace, my phone chirped a message that he was nearly here.

My stomach fluttered and my heart warmed.

Henry.

We’d texted all week and now every time my phone pinged, my pulse jumped. I thought of his kiss and the way his lips tasted. The way his chest felt beneath my fingers, hard and strong. I could close my eyes and feel his arms around me, safe and warm, like early summer sunshine.

I checked my reflection one last time in the mirror, taking a big breath. There was no reason to be nervous, but I still had a hard time believing that someone as interesting and handsome as Henry was interested in me. I hurried down the stairs and out of my building.

Henry leaned against a jet black sedan waiting at the curb. He looked up, tipping his hat up to see me arrive. His blue eyes lit up and a smile filled his face as soon as he saw me. Warm fuzzy feelings floated through my core as he looked at me and I knew my smile matched his.