I look back at myself in the mirror and run my hands down the front of my dress. I'm in a tight, form fitting, red dress that makes my blond hair look platinum. The neckline is low, super super low, stopping an inch above where my ribs end between my breasts. The plump edges of my chest peek out from behind the neckline, giving a nice little tease.
My legs look a mile long in my silver shoes, and my calves are defined by the high heel making them pop. The back of the dress is completely open, split in a V that stops just above my ass. The spaghetti straps over my shoulders are slightly loose, and the fabric of the dress slips over my body with the smoothness of silk.
My cat meows, stretching his back into a high arch, and walking to the edge of the dresser. He rubs his head against my arm as he purrs.
“Yeah, I think you're right. This is good.” I scratch his head. Velcro hops down and goes off out through my bedroom door.
The clock on my nightstand says it's five minutes to six. I grab my lipstick, lean into the mirror, and spread the deep rouge over my lips. Smacking them together, I run my fingers around the outer edge, and smile.
Done.
I snatch the small clutch off my bed and wait anxiously in my living room. I can't stop staring at the time and wondering if he's actually going to show. I know he asked me on this date, but it doesn't change the fact that he could have second thoughts and back out.
Maybe he'll realize that it's too risky. Maybe he'll come to the realization that taking whatever this is any further is a terrible idea. Maybe I don't really have a damn clue what he's thinking, or what he wants out of any of this.
He might not want anything at all.
My phone pings. It's Manu telling me he's outside. My heart skips a beat and I smile to myself. He came. Even if this doesn't go anywhere, I'm happy he stayed true to his word.
I carefully walk down the steps that lead out of the building to find him leaning against a black sports car with two white roses. He spins the flowers against his nose as he grins.
“Wow,” he says, taking a step forward and holding out his hand for me to take. I place my fingers in his, and he twirls me in a circle. “Look at you. You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” I say. “You don't look so bad yourself.”
Manu is wearing a black suit with a black button-up shirt. The suit hugs his muscles like it was moulded just for him. His hair is combed back, but loose enough to still blow around in the light breeze. I can smell his cologne as the wind swirls between us. Green leaves and lotus fill my nostrils.
My senses are going wild, turning my stomach into knots, and making my body hot. I lean in slightly, taking a deep inhale. He smells so damn good. I'm falling forward, getting sucked into a vortex that he's creating.
“You ready?” he asks. “I made reservations for six-thirty. Hopefully we can make it there on time because that dress isn't making it easy.”
I smile playfully. “Yeah, I'm ready, as long as you can keep your hands to yourself,” I say. He opens the door for me, and holds my hand as I sit down.
“I can't make any promises, but I'll do my best.” He gives me a sexy little grin, and hands me the roses. Manu walks around and climbs in the driver's side. “I hope you're bringing an appetite.”
“I can eat,” I say.
“You know, if it was up to me, I'd skip the meal and go straight for dessert.” His eyes lick up and down my body.
“And what's for dessert?” I ask. I know his answer, but I want to hear him say it.
“Hopefully you are.”
I giggle as I let my eyes fall on his. “If you play your cards right, maybe you'll get to have your cake and eat it too.”
Manu chuckles as he starts the car. “You're just as bad as I am, you dirty girl. I like it.”
He hits the gas hard, causing my neck to snap back and my head to hit the seat. The engine roars as he shifts gears. He's watching me with a slight smile on his face from the corner of his eyes.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing, you just look amazing is all. I don't know how I'm going to make it through dinner.”
I look off out the window, my cheeks blushing with the compliment. “I suppose this is another challenge for you, then.”
“I like challenges,” he says.
We drive to the restaurant, and he parks out front for the valet. One of the valets comes to open my door, but Manu stops him. “I got it,” he says sternly, giving the guy a dominant look.