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“Okay, but no expensive gifts. I couldn’t afford a necklace even close to that if I saved up for a year.”
He handed me a pad of paper and a pen. “Write down your address, and I’ll pick you up at eight.”
Chapter Four
ALEXANDER
I stared in shock at her suggestion. What did she know about men like me? We weren’t all shallow and materialistic. All I desired was someone who respected and cared for me, not my bank account. My heart dropped. I wanted to explain to her my wealth was not a prerequisite for love. A relationship should be rooted on much more than money.
The sudden spark between us was palpable and I couldn't ignore it. She had everything I was looking for - stunning beauty, a down-to-earth attitude, and intelligence. I wouldn't let this one slip away.
I wanted to show her a lavish night out, but I knew she wouldn't be comfortable. So I chose White Camino - the balance between upscale and reasonable. Since my money scared her, I figured it was best.
I nervously dialed Shawn’s number before my date. “Boy, was I wrong about what I thought she’d like,” I said. “The look on her face when she saw the bouquet and necklace I bought was something else. She practically hurled it back at me.”
He chuckled. “I guess she doesn’t have a traditional taste when it comes to gifts. A woman that refuses diamonds is…impressive.”
“See, I told you there was something special about her!"
“Well, if you want my opinion, she sounds like she’s going to be hard to please. If normal things didn’t work, you will have to think outside of the box.”
“I know it won’t be easy, but Ella’s worth it.”
After I hung up the phone, I sat in silence, mulling over Shawn’s request for help. I smiled, picturing her in a beautiful dress that I knew she wouldn’t buy for herself. My mind made up, I grabbed my wallet and headed out to find the perfect gift for her. I wouldn't give it to her unless she needed it.
As soon as I walked into the boutique down the street, a beautiful dress in the window caught my eye. A few of the sales ladies had already zeroed in on me, knocking each other out of the way to be the first one to greet me. They held up a variety of dresses and skirts, asking if I wanted buy more than one. I politely declined and gestured to the dress in the window. They frowned but went to get it for me.
I placed the dress on the counter and handed my credit card to the cashier. I thanked her, grabbed the garment bag, and raced back to my hotel room. I glanced at the clock; I had barely enough time to get ready. My heart thumped faster and faster as I stepped out of the elevator and approached my door. My stomach flipped, and my palms began to sweat. Was was I so nervous?
Ella was a refreshingly unpretentious girl, and I couldn't quite place what her style would be. Her head barely reached my shoulder, and her shoes were a mystery. Whereas many men found high heels attractive, I found a woman that favored flats to be more comfortable and confident in her own skin. She exuded comfort, class, and charm without trying.
I glanced at the clock and realized I had to start getting ready. Rifling through my clothes in a frantic search for the perfect outfit, I finally found my dark jeans and carefully brushed off thebits of lint from the fabric before slipping them on. My fingers moved like a spider’s across the hangers, searching for the perfect shirt to match. Then, I spotted it – a classic blue button-up shirt with just the right amount of texture and color. It was perfect.
I tried to reassure myself that it was just a date, but my mind kept wandering to what Ella might wear. I imagined her in a short, form-fitting red dress and high black heels. Her skin had a silky sheen, and her curves moved in all the right places. I envisioned the way she would look with her hair curled and makeup on and felt a tinge of excitement. I let out a heavy sigh at the thought of it.
I entered the address into my rental car's GPS and accelerated out of the driveway. The streets were crowded with yellow taxis and honking horns, but I coasted through the traffic lights and finally came to a stop three blocks from my destination. I checked the clock and saw that it took me almost twenty minutes to get there by car - only in New York City could walking be faster than driving. I swallowed hard, shifted the car into park, and slowly stepped out.
My stomach raced as I walked up to her door. I hadn't been on a date in what felt like an eternity and hoped this one would be enough to meet her expectations and secure another one. It had to be perfect. I nervously adjusted my collar and knocked on the door.
Chapter Five
ELLA
I frantically threw clothes out of my closet, the sound of hangers clanking against each other filling the small space. He had probably planned a fancy dinner, so a regular dress was out of the question. Sweat soaked my forehead, and I could feel anxiety tightening my chest as I searched for something more formal than a basic pair of jeans and a sweater. After several minutes of cursing and tossing clothes around, I found nothing. The only decent dress I owned was too casual.=
My palms pressed against my flushed cheeks as I heard the distinct sound of the doorbell. No! He was here already. My heart was pounding as I scrambled for an excuse to cancel without sounding rude. Desperately, I searched for words that would make it seem like it was out of my control.
My stomach clenched as I opened the door and saw him. He wore a blue button-up that made his eyes pop. His hands cradled an oblong box. Had he brought me a gift even though I told him not to? My panic settled slightly as I studied his handsome face for clues, but he was expressionless. His casual stance and the way he held the box made me even more nervous. How could he ignore my one simple request? I sighed in frustration.
I stepped aside to make room for him to come in, still dressed in my work uniform.
“So, you ready?” he asked, looking me up and down.
“I don’t have anything to wear to a fancy restaurant.” He smiled, and the corners of his blue eyes crinkled. “I figured you would say that. I came prepared. I guessed your size,” he said.
“I specifically said not to get me anything,” I said, crossing my arms tightly across my chest.
He smiled and held out the box, “But aren't you glad I did?”
