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Too Much Too Soon
Chloe
Seattle, Washington
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
Windshield wipers fought the raindrops as the car cruised across Seattle’s wet streets. I was beyond grateful for their distraction, for preventing me from leaning over and inhaling William’s intoxicating cologne.Or worse, unfastening the remaining buttons of his black, muscle-revealing shirt.
I felt his gaze lingering on me for most of the drive, and I did my best not to give in and look at him too many times.
He pulled right under the Space Needle’s entryway, and I noticed that the parking lot was entirely empty.
That’s odd…
“Do you think they’ll care if we park here?” he asks.
“No, I don’t think so.” I craned my neck in search of the usual staff who guarded the building at night, but they were nowhere to be found.
“In that case, stay there,” he said. “I’ll help you out.”
He stepped into the rain and let up an umbrella before walking to my door.
Grabbing my hand, he pulled me against his side and walked me toward the entrance.
“Good evening.” A staff member held the door open as we approached. “The elevator to Loupe Lounge is down the hall and on your left. I sincerely hope that you enjoy your dinner.”
“Wait,” I whispered. “They didn’t ask us to pay for a special late-night guest pass.”
“In that case, let’s pretend the typical rules don’t apply tonight.”
I nodded. I was more than okay with that.
“How about you go up on the elevator first?” I said. “I don’t think we need to ride up there together, given your recent track record.”
“I’ll behave.” He laughed, keeping me at his side as we boarded.
As the cart rose, he gently rubbed his palm against the small of my back. I bit my lip to prevent myself from making a sound.
When the doors opened, a woman in an all-red suit stood before us.
“Welcome to—” She looked at William and her jaw dropped to the floor.
“Um, um…” She quickly recovered, blushing. “Welcome to Loupe Lounge. Allow me to escort you two to our best window table.”
Just like that? During the times I’d made reservations for Hazel, these people had asked for everything except a blood sample for access to a table. And they still made you wait for weeks.
We followed her through an empty dining room, stopping at a table at the center window, in perfect view of The Puget Sound.
“We have several five-course options tonight, but you’re free to order anything a la—” She stared at William as he pulled out my chair. “A la … a la carte. Chef Bryce will be with you shortly.”
She muttered something under her breath, something that sounded like, “That can’t be him…” before disappearing.
“Why didn’t you ask her if she wanted your picture?” I asked. “Seems like she’d actually appreciate it.”
“I’ll consider it when we leave.”
“Please tell me you’re joking.”
