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I take a deep breath and groan when I exhale. Thankfully, his place is only a few miles from mine. I’ve been there several times to drop papers off, or pick up something for a client.
I hop into a cab and head for his downtown penthouse. I suppose the only consolation is the possibility of seeing his date. I want to hate her, but I don’t even know her. He says she’ll arrive between six-thirty and seven. Maybe whatever is falling apart will take long enough so I’ll still be there when she gets there.
“Evening, Ann.” Ted, the doorman, recognizes me and keys in the elevator code for the penthouse. “He’s waiting for you.”
I nod and step into the elevator. “Thanks, Ted.”
He’ll have to wait a bit longer while I am whisked to the top floor. John is good at waiting. He always waits for the perfect moment to make a deal, to sell a stock, or to secure a new client.
I am more of an in-the-moment girl myself. Instant gratification is my thing. I’m the girl who burns her fingers trying to peel the hot cookie off the sheet because I can’t wait for the gooey, chocolate goodness to reach my mouth. I'm the one who buys the latest, greatest thing only to find out it isn’t much different from the stuff I bought before. The only thing I’ll patiently waited for is John, and he will never be mine.
The elevator opens to the soft sound of a violin playing, and the aroma of a thick spicy roux. Gumbo maybe? Etouffee? I want to run into his kitchen to see if the cook is preparing a crawfish boil. I wipe my chin just to make sure there isn’t a dribble of drool running down it. Everything smells so good.
The entry table has a large bouquet of roses. They aren’t the red I ordered, but the orange color I love. Obviously, this is one of the disasters he is referring to.
“John, I’m here,” I call out as I walk through his entry. My heels click across the marble floor until I reach the living room, decorated in rich earth tones. Where is he? “John,” I call out again when I reach the wall of windows that showcase the city, now blanketed in gold from the setting sun.
“You’re here.” The deep rumble of his voice sends a shiver up my spine.
I turn and soak in the sight of him. Dressed in a fresh charcoal gray suit and a silver tie, he is gorgeous. His smile reaches his eyes. So damn handsome.
“Yes, I came as soon as you called. With the exception of the flowers, everything else seems to be in order.” I glance around the room and notice the quartet sitting off to the side of the dining area. The expensive champagne is tucked into a silver bucket near the head of the table. “If you tell me what you need, I can be out of here before your date arrives.”
His warm smile turns into a grin. “She just arrived.”
“Oh … well I don’t want to interrupt, so what exactly do you need from me?”
“I pretty much always need everything from you, but my current problem is happening down the hallway.” He leads me down the long corridor and pulls me into the last room. On the bed sits a box and a note. “I need you to take care of this for me if it suits you. I’ll be in the living room when you’re finished.” He brushes by me and closes the door behind him.
The note tented on top of the box is addressed to me.
Ann,
I am more when you are with me. Whether it’s making a deal, eating take out in my office, or talking about the books we both love, I’m happiest when you’re near. I should have asked you for this date up front, but I wanted to create a romantic moment for you and unravel a mystery for myself. If you choose, I’ve taken the liberty of dressing you for our first date. I’ll be waiting anxiously for your arrival.
Yours,
John
My knees buckle and I sink to the floor in front the bed. He is more with me? Oh my, God, this is my date. I’ve scheduled my fantasy date, and he’s changed things to make it perfect. The orange roses, the smell of food I now recognize as red beans and rice, and jambalaya—my favorites. There is no doubt in my mind that little red crustaceans will be there too. The food I ordered is more beer than champagne worthy, but I’ve always wanted to try Cristal.
I pull the box into my lap and remove the top. An ice blue cocktail dress peeks out from beneath the tissue. A second note is left on top of the beautiful garment.
Ann,
This dress pales in comparison to your beauty. Shoes are in the closet. Please say yes. I’m waiting.
John
Ten minutes later I glance in the full-length mirror in front of me. The blue dress is stunning, and the silver, rhinestone encrusted shoes are like modern day glass slippers, and they fit perfectly. I pinch my cheeks, walk out the door and down the hallway to find my prince charming.
“You decided to stay.” He walks to me and pulls me into his embrace. The quartet begins to play a song I recognize. The song John sang whenever he walked past my desk. It Had To Be You by Frank Sinatra.
“Like I would ever turn you down, but why now?”
“Ann, it’s always been you. I knew it the day I hired you, I confirmed it the day I almost kissed you, but you deserved more than a fleeting moment. You deserved everything.” He pulls me close, and we sway to the music. The quartet stops playing long before we stop dancing.
When his lips touch mine, I collapse into him. All this time, I’ve dreamt of this moment, but I never imagined something as good as this. His kiss is passionate, and when I open my mouth to breathe, our tongues naturally dance together. I always knew he’d be a good kisser. He is a man who pays attention to details.
