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“This reminds me of something,” she says in between chuckles. “Something that Abbie and I did when we were teenagers.”
“What’s that?”
“Okay, get this. We were at an event with our parents and it was kind of a big deal, you know the ones, where everyone secretly has this need to impress the other person. Right. So, the event was being held in a restaurant similar to this. There were a lot of…”
I tune her out, watching her talk, her hands moving in sync with her words. She’s smiling brightly, her eyes radiating nothing but happiness. The covered candle lights cast a soft, ethereal glow on her skin, giving her an indescribable allure.
God, she’s so fucking beautiful.
The day we met at that diner was the day everything changed for me. I thought I’d lost her for good, until I ran into her again at MediaHire. That’s the moment I knew everything had been set in stone. And ever since she walked into my life again, wearing her sensible yet sexy office attire, she’s been getting to me.
There are so many things about her that I find attractive.
The radiant way she smiles at me sometimes…the way she looks at me when she’s paying close attention. It’s like I can feel her attention on me. And I like it.
It’s been a kind of torture. Seeing her, smelling her fragrance, being around her––every fucking workday–– almost since I started this job.
She is mature beyond her years. Calm, collected, sweet, focused, reliable…with a ready laugh, even when she’s stressed.
Yet, she also has a defiant side. She has boundaries and she’s not afraid to draw them. She deflects my bullshit with remarkable ease sometimes.
And her banging body, her milky skin, and her luscious mouth, and that long, silky hair all drive me crazy.
Now, after nearly a month, I’m growing more attracted to her and less sure that our age difference matters. I want to find out if my instincts about her are right… whether she wants someone to settle down with, just like I do.
“Here you go,” the maître d’ announces as he draws up to us. He’s accompanied by a uniformed waiter who serves the drinks and goes away.
“What do you recommend, Edward?”
“Tonight, I’d go with the Chef’s Surprise. It’s a three-course meal that I’m sure you’ll absolutely love. The chef has prepared a special dessert.”
“How’s Chef Veif doing?”
“Very well, sir.”
“Tell him I have a guest, and I want to give her nothing but the finest dining experience,” I say, my eyes locked on Noelle. She smiles and looks away, her cheeks flushing deep scarlet.
Turning to me, Edward asks, “Shall I bring out the appetizers, then, sir?”
“Yes, please.” Catching his eyes, I give him a small nod of my head, my eyes sending a message. Understanding, he nods in return and slips away. I glance at Noelle. Her eyes are closed as she sips her wine. She opens them and exhales. Setting down the glass, she says, “That was the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
“Jamal knows his stuff. He’s been trying to get me to switch to wines.”
“The owner? You know him?”
“We attended Harvard business school together.”
“Wow, you’ve certainly got the pedigree.”
“Not quite.” Flustered, I clear my throat. There’s a momentary lapse of discomfort that I get when I hear things like that. I know I’m supposed to take it in good faith, but it’s a bit foreign to me. Compliments have never been my strongest suit, especially when they’re lauding my accomplishments. And, yes, I know I’ve ambitiously worked my ass off to get to where I am.
Edward is back with another waiter, ready to roll out the first course of the night. With a flourish flick of his wrist, he announces, “Candied carrots with honey, cumin, and paprika. Enjoy.”
We eat and we talk about anything and everything. I enjoy the meal immensely and the company even more. Noelle is the perfect date and I could see myself doing this with her for the rest of my life, if she’d let me.
When dessert comes, it is a chocolate lava cake and we decide to share it.
“Here,” I say lifting my spoon to her mouth.
