Alex blinks, a surprised look on his face. “Splendid. I’ll collect you at seven o’clock tonight.”
“Okay. I’ll see you then,” I reply, still surprised at myself for agreeing to have dinner with him. I know this isn’t right, but I can’t help myself.
“I look forward to it.”
Alex stands in his massive walk-in closet, his eyes skipping over his collection of designer shirts, tailored trousers, and silk ties. He was thinking about what he would wear tonight for his date with Katherine. He selects a pair of black Armani trousers, a white button down shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, and a black suit jacket with a navy blue paisley pocket square. Polished, but not too much.
He wonders how the date will go. It’s been awhile since he has been on a proper date. Sure, he meets women, sleeps with them. But, date them? No. Dating was not really his scene. Not until Katherine came along. He didn’t know why she was so unlike all the others, why he felt differently about her, but he did.
Alex had not felt this way since Michelle. Michelle. Sweet, lovely Michelle. He hadn’t thought of her in awhile. Every so often, something would remind him of her, but he would quickly push her out of his mind, the memories too painful.
Alex finished and stepped onto his private elevator, the doors closing swiftly, and pushed the button to the underground parking area. He stepped off the elevator, his eyes automatically making a quick sweep of his surroundings. Antonio was there, waiting. He climbs into the Mercedes limo, the soft leather molding to him.
As Antonio drives towards Katherine’s place, Alex has a feeling that his date with Katherine will be a turning point in their relationship. Alex smiles at the thought. Relationship. This is definitely going to be something different.
I stand outside the front lobby of my flat. I’m fidgeting, pulling at my skirt, playing with my necklace. I don’t know why. I’ve been out with him before, at the pub, and we’ve kissed twice. This just feels more like a date. I guess it’s because it is a date.
The night is chilly and I’m wearing a cream colored coat, along with the scarf. I smile, hoping he likes it.
A sleek, black Mercedes limousine arrives, and Antonio walks around to open the door for me.
“Miss Harris,” he says, opening the door.
“Thank you, Antonio,” I reply, while carefully sliding into the vehicle.
Alex is sitting in the seat next to me, his body turned towards mine, legs crossed, one arm on the back of the leather seat. As soon as I see him I want to fall into him, lay my head on his chest, feel his arms around me. I feel a rush of desire, the sensation ripping up and down my body, making me hot and wet.
He looks at me, eyes heavy-lidded. “Good evening, Katherine.”
“Hello.” We hold each other’s gaze for a moment, both feeling the sexual tension mounting between us.
“You look beautiful tonight. I like your scarf,” he says, reaching out, holding the scarf between his fingers.
“Why, thank you, Mr. McCall,” I respond, teasingly. He laughs, enjoying the flirtation.
“You’re welcome, Miss Harris.” He takes my hand, gives it a gentle squeeze. “We’ll be dining at Annabelle’s. Is that alright with you?” he asks.
“I’m in your hands,” I say, giving him a flirty smile. All thoughts of Alex being my boss have vanished from my mind.
“Well, in that case, I’d better handle with care.” He takes my hand and brings it to his lips, sending a wave of heat rolling over me.
We arrive to the restaurant, a non-descript two-story white building. Antonio walks around and opens the door, Alex sliding out of the Mercedes behind me. A doorman opens the door to the restaurant, nodding to Alex. “Good evening, Mr. McCall.”
The interior of Annabelle’s is like walking into a fantasy world – sumptuous, decadent, and very sexy. Crisp, white linens cover the tables, candles flicker everywhere casting a warm glow. Original paintings are displayed on the walls throughout, each one more colorful and vibrant than the last.
The maître d’ leads us to a small, softly lit, private room.
“I hope this meets your expectations. I wanted something……intimate,” Alex says, pulling a chair out for me.
“Alex, this is lovely,” I murmur softly, seduced by the decor of the restaurant.
“I’m pleased you like it. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering already.”
A bottle of Dom Perignon arrives. Alex pops the top, and pours two glasses.
“A toast,” Alex says, raising his glass. “To new adventures.”
“To new adventures,” I echo, our champagne flutes lightly clinking together. I take a long sip of the champagne, savoring the sweet taste, the bubbles dancing over my tongue.