As Olivia took in the luxury of the 5-star restaurant, she felt a pang of unease. She had expected a casual outing for drinks, perhaps at a pub or a local bar, but Ethan had other plans, and they had ended up at a place far more upscale than she was accustomed to.
The elegant surroundings and finely dressed patrons made her feel out of place. She turned to Ethan with a hint of concern and asked, "Am I underdressed for this place?"
Though nice, her outfit felt far less extravagant than the patrons around them. It was clear that this was a restaurant she would never have considered visiting, especially given her financial circumstances. Olivia had always been frugal, and when she was with Daniel, every spare penny had gone towards supporting his education and their life together.
Ethan noticed how Olivia fidgeted when nervous. He found it endearing, a glimpse of vulnerability that only made her more appealing in his eyes. Her concern about being underdressed for the upscale restaurant touched him, but he was determined to put her at ease.
With a reassuring smile, he leaned in closer and said, "I guarantee, you will be the most beautiful woman in this place no matter what you have on."
Olivia's eyes sparkled as his words reached her ears, and a delicate blush painted her cheeks. Ethan's chuckle resonated warmly as they entered the restaurant, and he held Olivia's hand, a reassuring gesture that didn't go unnoticed.
Olivia felt a twinge of discomfort as they entered when she noticed the hostess' reaction to Ethan. The woman, a busty brunette with a twinkle in her eye, looked at him in a way that made Olivia uneasy. Her tight, low-cut shirt showed full breasts that bounced as she made her way over. Her tight pencil skirt hugged her curvy hips in a fashion that Olivia thought had gone out of style years before. Her red lips and ruby-red heels jarred with the rest of her look. Feminine perfume wafted through the air like a cloud of sweet poison.
Olivia tried to remind herself that Ethan was just a friend, her stepbrother, and he was allowed to have relationships, but a part of Olivia wanted to shout, "Hey, he's mine!" Olivia's pulse beat like a drum, her heart racing along with her breathing.
"Welcome back, Mr. Jameson," the hostess greeted him with a hint of familiarity.
Olivia bit her lower lip, unsure what to make of the situation.
"Hello, Barbie," Ethan began.
"Um... it's Melissa, sir," the hostess stated.
Ethan's response was polite but dismissive as he corrected the hostess' name, causing her face to turn a deeper shade of red.
Ethan maintained his intensity as he requested, "Well, Melissa, I would like a private table for two. Can you take care of that?"
The hostess nodded quickly, clearly flustered by his presence and authoritative tone.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Jameson," she murmured before hastily leading them to a secluded table for their dinner.
Olivia observed the exchange, feeling like an outsider in this world of extravagance and power.
Ethan held Olivia's hand as Barbie led them to their table. He noticed Olivia's discomfort and wanted her to know that he wasn't interested in what's her name. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, hoping it would put her at ease. The stares of other men in the room did not go unnoticed by Ethan. Olivia had no idea what a knockout she was. His eyes trailed down over the dip in her lower back to where her top tucked into her skirt. He tightened his fingers around her waist as he helped her get seated. Her ex-husband must have been an absolute fool. He felt a surge of possessiveness rise within him while a smirk tugged at his lips. His loss will forever be my gain!
Olivia
As Olivia approached the table at the lavish restaurant, she felt the weight of the curious glances of other diners. In this world of luxury and sophistication, she felt like an outsider, acutely aware of her perceived inadequacies.
She silently mused to herself, "Why is everyone staring at me? They can probably see how I am way out of league here."
Her insecurities were momentarily overshadowed as Ethan, the enigmatic figure who had entered her life so unexpectedly, pulled out her chair with a polite gesture.
As she settled into her seat, Ethan's cologne's faint yet alluring scent enveloped her senses. It was a fragrance that carried a mix of masculinity and allure, like the lingering scent of rain on a warm summer night. Even as she grappled with the unfamiliar surroundings, Olivia couldn't help but be captivated by his presence.
Olivia took a deep breath, trying to calm the rapid beating of her heart.
She reminded herself, "Just breathe, Olivia. It's just dinner and some drinks, nothing more."
It was a mantra she repeated, a soothing refrain to quell her anxieties. She realized that there was absolutely nothing wrong with seizing this chance for a new adventure. Life had thrown her a curveball, and she had to be ready for unexpected opportunities like this. With that thought in mind, she summoned a warm smile, relaxed her shoulders, and mentally prepared herself to embrace the evening ahead, uncertainties and all.
As they perused the menu, Olivia made her choices, opting for pasta and a salad. On the other hand, Ethan took the initiative and ordered a bottle of fine Cabernet Sauvignon to complement their dinner. Not one to wait idly, Olivia decided to steer the conversation. She wanted to understand more about Ethan's role in the family business.
"So, Ethan," she began, "how did you come to be in charge of your father's business?"
Her curiosity and desire to engage him in conversation were evident. Ethan chuckled softly, acknowledging Olivia's desire to keep the conversation on a professional level. He wondered how long they would be able to maintain that level of restraint.
In response to her question, Ethan explained, "I always knew I would take charge of the company one day. I've been fascinated with numbers and business for as long as I can remember. While Logan can run the company, he prefers having a more flexible schedule. You've probably noticed he's quite outgoing and enjoys maintaining a robust personal life. His outgoing personality is a strength when heading the marketing team. So, I pursued business in college and have been running the company since I graduated."
Ethan's explanation revealed his dedication to the family business and gave Olivia insights into his background.
The soft glow of the restaurant, coupled with the wine, had begun to lower Olivia's inhibitions. The question she had been holding back finally slipped from her lips.
Looking intently at Ethan, she asked, "What about your personal life? It's hard for me to comprehend how a man like you could be unattached."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, a hint of intrigue dancing in his eyes. He took a sip of his wine, considering his response carefully.
"Well," he began, "I've always been quite focused on the business. It tends to demand a lot of my time and attention. Relationships, as you can imagine, can be quite complicated and time-consuming. So, I've chosen to prioritize my career for now."
His words were measured, and Olivia couldn't help but feel that there was more to the story than he was letting on. She wondered if he intentionally hid some aspects of his personal life.