For a moment, I’m annoyed, but then I look into those big blue eyes. I remind myself that despite the sexy curves and bedroom eyes, she’s still a virgin, and while this is all just business as usual for me, it’s a big deal for her. I forgot how long it's been since I was with someone this inexperienced.
If I want tonight to go well I need to be as calm and patient as I possibly can. This is not going to be easy, patience has never been my strong suit. But above all else, I really don't want to hang around the auction any longer, so I make a suggestion to her. "Perhaps I can take you out instead? We can have a drink somewhere nice, maybe a small bite to eat?"
Not only have I surprised her with this, I can see the wary hesitation in her eyes. I wait for her response. I mean, I'm spending twice as much to be with her so where is the harm in spending a little extra to show her a good time as well? This way the night can be enjoyable for the both of us. It’s killing me knowing that if things had gone my usual way I could already be back at my place doing all sorts of things with her.
But I just need to stay calm. I mean, this is only one night. How bad could it be? A small dinner date then afterwards I get her home and out of that dress.
That's nothing. Besides, that's all a part of playing the game. Changing it up tonight could be a good thing.
This is what I was hoping to happen after all. Something different to make the auctions less boring? Well tonight will certainly be different. It's been so long since I was with anyone like her. In fact, I should just be focusing on that. I steal a quick glance once more at her red lips. I pass it off as a friendly smile. She's still watching me, trying to decide whether or not I can be trusted. "Ok,” she says finally, cautiously, “That sounds nice.”
I decide to really play up the part tonight and offer her my arm as we walk through the crowd. She refuses politely and walks in front of me, trying to keep a little distance between us.
The way she’d introduced herself makes me think that even if she is naive and inexperienced, she's got a lot of spunk in her. That definitely makes her stand out from the other women I have met at these things.
It's also something I'm not quite used to. I can't tell if it's a good or bad thing? But that doesn't matter. One way or another, it’s one night. Just a night of pleasure and fun. That must be what she was looking for too, otherwise why would she have shown up to the event?
I hold the door open for her and we wait outside for the car to take us away. I'm already trying to think of someplace I can take her that will really impress her. If it's only one night we might as well make it one to remember I guess. It's not the money, I can make all that I've spent back tonight in no time.
I’m just not used to making this much effort. Normally, it’s a one-and-done deal, easy. I get off and get back to my life. But while I’m a little annoyed at the wait, I remind myself once more to be patient.
It reminds me of something my mother used to tell me, a quote from Aristotle, I believe. “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
And something tells me that Juliette’s cherry is going to be the sweetest I’ve ever had.
Chapter 9 - Juliette
We step out of the auction and I fall back to let him lead me to his car, following him around the corner and down the strip. I still can't believe everything that has happened tonight. I can't believe I agreed to go out for a drink and sell my virginity to him. I don't even know this man.
It’s quiet out here, no one else around on this side of the strip. I try to keep some space between us as we walk. There’s a pervading awkward silence, I don't know what to say, and he doesn't seem to be in a conversational mood.
That's ok though, I'm still trying to make sense of this and see if I'm really ready to do this. Considering how much he paid, I kind of have to be, I guess. At least we’re going for a drink first. Maybe that will calm my nerves, or help me not remember anything about tonight. I still can't believe I'm doing something like this.