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“And this one, Mrs Jamroz, I don’t think is Ria’s style. Did you by any chance choose it for the shortlist because a certain housekeeper’s birthday is coming up?”
“A lady never tells.”
“That’s not how that phrase is used... never mind. Alright. Duly noted. What do you think of these three?”
“They’re all gorgeous. I chose them.”
“I can’t decide between them.”
“Tell me what you plan for your date. Then I’ll tell you which of the three is best suited.”
“Nothing fancy. Dinner, drinks.”
“Casual vibe?”
“Casual, but at one of the city’s top rated restaurants. If that’s a vibe.”
“Classy but not too elaborate. I see. Okay, number two it is.”
The second dress was an all-black sleeveless maxi dress. I’d not seen Ria in black – she tended to wear bright colors, and she pulled them off exceedingly well. The thought of seeing her in this dress almost made my mouth water.
“Alright, I’ll get this one sent to her express this afternoon. Thanks again, Mrs J.”
“Always a pleasure. Now, am I needed for anything else?”
“No. Go home and wrangle your boys.”
“Terrible boys.” She shook her head. “I treasure every moment with them. Appreciated, Forest.”
Mrs Jamroz departed to spend some time with the family she clearly adored. I ordered the dress and let Ria know it was on its way.
I had to choose something to wear myself, which wasn’t particularly difficult – men’s fashion wasn’t imaginative by default, and I wasn’t flashy like Sylvester or, sometimes, Winston. I went for a classic look, in general, so all it meant was deciding which suit and which shirt to wear.
This was a date, not a workday, so I’d forego the tie, which was the spiciest my dress sense got.
I sent a car to pick up Ria, deciding it was best if we arrived at the restaurant separately. And then, when enough time had passed considering her comparative distance from the city center, I called for my driver, timing it so I could arrive at the restaurant a few minutes early and get our table.
I had a standing reservation at this restaurant for their best table. It wasn’t a particular favorite of mine, but it was the kind of restaurant I occasionally needed to impress a business associate, or my brothers, whose tastes could be more expensive than mine.
Did I want to impress Ria? Deep down, sure. I mean, not even very deep down. I was wounded by her temporary alliance with Apollo, but that didn’t mean I could just switch off my feelings, as much as I often liked to pretend I could. And my feelings were only going to be exacerbated by our fake relationship.
I’d simply have to be quite careful.
Of course, all thoughts of being careful went out the window when Ria was brought to our table wearing the dress Mrs Jamroz and I had picked out for her.
It was classy and glamorous, hugging her curves while baring just a minimum of cleavage. Since I’d always seen her in suits, it was odd to see her in a dress, even though I’d chosen it. Her natural femininity was amplified in the long slinky layers of fabric, the soft flesh of her bare arms just a small touch of tenderness that balanced out her striking strength.
She glowed, as she usually did, but with the air of a femme fatale, rather than the ‘professional mystic’ look she usually went for.
She looked like the kind of woman who had combat knives concealed in at least five locations on her body. The kind of woman who wouldn’t be afraid to use them against anyone who crossed her.
My heart was in my mouth. Warmth spread to my crotch. Dear god, I’d made a mistake choosing this outfit for Ria tonight.
RIA
As Forest’s eyes took me in, I could tell I’d made the right decision with the dress.
I’d had a nervous wobble at the entrance. The wealth and luxury of this restaurant was overwhelming. I would never in a million years have considered I’d be dining here. The other patrons felt so impossibly out of my league. I’d almost turned on my heel and ran.
