Chereads / Crossroads of the Heart / Chapter 12 - DATE

Chapter 12 - DATE

I arrived minutes early before she showed up. She had suggested the place, and I went along with it, whatever the lady wanted. It was an uptown spot, the ambiance was upscale, with soft music playing in the background and dim lighting creating a cozy atmosphere. I ordered a glass of juice while I waited for her to arrive.

As predicted, she walked in on time. I had found the perfect table where I could see her enter, and at the same time, it would give us privacy as we got to know each other. When she finally came in, my breath caught in my throat, she was mesmerizing. She was dressed so casually, she could pass for a street fashion model.

A smile played on her lips and I felt a warmth spreading through my chest; she had stolen my breath, my heart, and my entire being with just one look. I couldn't help but feel a surge of nervousness and excitement as she made her way towards me; she was beautiful.

She was stunning in rugged faded blue jeans and a crisp white vest that accentuated her boobs, a dozen tiny chains decorated her chest, cascading down her cleavage, leaving you to your imagination. Her hair was in braids, swept up into a top bun, with a few loose strands framing her face, her eyes sparkling with happiness. 

I stood up, I had to be a gentleman, I couldn't help but admire her from head to toe, appreciating how effortlessly attractive she looked. We greeted each other with a hug and a kiss on the cheek before I pulled out a chair for her. She smelled nice and I quite couldn't figure out the scent; it was inviting. I was completely captivated by her, I cleared my throat, trying to gather my thoughts as she sat down across from me.

"You look amazing," I managed to say, my voice deeper and raspier.

She laughed softly, "Thank you," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You don't look too bad yourself."

"All for you beautiful," and that brought out more chuckles from her.

"My pleasure."

"What are you having?"

"A fresh fruit cocktail no sugar, no ice."

"Not contaminated."

"Yeah!" I push my glass towards her, and she sips through the straw; my straw, keeping eye contact. Mmh!

The waiter couldn't find a better moment to interrupt.

"Welcome, what can I get you?"

"Whatever he is having."

I can't tear my eyes off her, I'm completely captivated by her beauty, and at that moment, I knew I would do anything to make her mine. I was feeling a rush, was it a crash? She returned my drink, and I sipped while watching her; her eyes spoke to me.

"Not meeting your friends today?"

"No, today was for you."

"Dedicated to me, you say?"

Throughout the lunch, we talked and laughed, enjoying each other's company and the delicious food in front of us. It felt like no time had passed since we last saw each other. The easy, soft flirtations between us, the gentle teasing, and the shared banter created a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The clinking of cutlery and the murmur of other diners faded into the background as we lost ourselves, savoring each moment together; we were in our own little bubble. 

Her career didn't come up and I was tempted to ask or say something. It felt like I was harboring a secret that made me uncomfortable. I almost got it out of the way, but on second thoughts, maybe she loves it when she thinks I don't know who she is; mysterious, what she gives is what I should receive. With that I let the matter rest.

There was plenty of time to discuss our careers and identities. I decided to keep the nugget of information to myself until she felt the need to tell me. As for me, I would rather put everything out there; but I know the repercussions of that and unfortunately, I have received the back end of it. For now, I'm going to be in the moment and enjoy her company. 

I found myself drawn to her in a way that I hadn't felt before. Her presence was intoxicating, and I knew then and there that I didn't want this afternoon to end. I wanted to savor every moment with her, knowing that this could be the beginning of something special; I had to make it long-lasting.

As we finished our meal, the waiter brought the check, and I immediately reached for it but before picking it up, she reached out and placed her hand on mine, a smile playing on her lips.

I hesitated for a moment "Don't worry," she said softly. "I've got this."

Don't get me wrong I love free food, but this was a date and I was trying to woe her, her paying the bill doesn't make me look good; no points earned.

"It is no brainer," I say.

"I know but I want to."

"This is weird."

"Me paying for the bill."

"Yes!"

I love the feel of her hand on mine. I lift my hand and capture her fingers, slim, manicured, and clean. Feeling the texture of her skin, she gets self-conscious, chuckles nervously, and withdraws her hand from mine.

"I have a bunch of voucher offers from this place, the meal is totally free".

"Well, in that case, drinks on me... only if you want," she was debating in her pretty head.

"Okay."

"We can get out of here and go somewhere else to wind up the evening." 

We walked out of the restaurant, and I tested the waters; am a romantic at heart, and holding her hand, we walked the streets.

"You know where we are going?"

"No, suggestions."

She chuckles, "None."

This was interesting and random, I was loving it. We entered a bar and settled, ordering cocktails.

"This is bad," she says, recoiling.

"Taste this."

"This is better."

"You can have mine."

"We can share," How generous, and we shared a drink.

I don't know what came over me, but I couldn't resist the urge.

"I make better cocktails."

"You do!" she sounded excited.

"Yeah." All my barista skills are put to the test.

"Okay."

"We can go to my place after this, spend the rest of the afternoon there, whatever you want."

"Let us go."

"Let me get an Uber."

I take most girls to hotels or their places, I don't need a crazy girlfriend or a one-night stand. However, coming to her; I wanted to take her home, into bed, a tumble in my sheets, and let her smell linger on them for days. And maybe she will forget something and come back for, another chance to be with her. I wasn't going to let this opportunity pass, I was going to show her a good time.