The Winemaker's Dinner: Appetizers

by Rusilko, Dr. Ivan

  But exactly what to make for her still weighed heavily on his mind. If he made something easy, she wouldn’t be impressed. If he tried something hard and ruined it, he’d be embarrassed. He needed to find middle ground. Ivan checked his watch. He had two hours to make up his mind, buy the groceries, get himself ready, clean the condo, and, of course, get her some little token of his affection. Brought up to respect women, he tried to do something special on each date. Corny? Yes. But he enjoyed it.

  Bursting back out of his apartment, keys once again in hand, Ivan formulated a mental game plan and set to work plotting a night he hoped would capture Jaden’s heart once and for all.

  The first hour flew by as the girls searched frantically for the perfect “casual” outfit. Despite Jaden’s mental calculations at work, her confusion returned the moment she opened her closet door. Tasha to the rescue! After a quick shower, Jaden now sat in front of her mirror wearing a pair of jeans accentuated by an oversized brown belt and a white, low-cut top. Tasha’s skilled hands put on the finishing touches, ensuring that Jaden’s makeup and hair looked like she’d just stepped out of a salon.

  Jaden’s phone beeped, startling both of them, and she saw there was a new text. It was still fifteen minutes before Ivan was supposed to be there.

  There’s no way that’s him, she told herself. Miami Standard Time usually ran thirty minutes behind schedule.

  “Don’t move,” Tasha cautioned. “I don’t want to ruin this ‘casual’ look.” She giggled, rolling her eyes. “I’ll get it for you.”

  Picking up Jaden’s phone, Tasha read the message:

  I’m on my way, young lady. I’ll be there in 5.

  Hope your hair isn’t done up.

  “So much for all my work. I think we did your hair for nothing,” Tasha sighed, giving Jaden a phony menacing glare. “I smell another lunch in my future.”

  Jaden’s heart skipped a beat as the unknown drew near. She’d tormented herself all day trying to figure it out, and finally the evening was about to unfold. She quickly typed back:

  Okay, I’ll be in the lobby waiting.

  Smoothing her hair into a neat ponytail, Jaden grabbed the small leather bag she’d pre-packed with all the essentials: toothbrush, makeup, change of clothes, and the new items she’d picked up on Lincoln. Slipping into stylish sandals, she kissed Tasha on the cheek, smiling knowingly. “I owe you one.”

  “Yes, you do,” Tasha said. She returned the kiss, adding, “Oh, and try not to come back tonight. I want all the juicy details tomorrow morning.”

  Jaden smiled nervously. She had no idea if Ivan would even ask her, and she wasn’t at all sure she was ready to spend the night just yet. But who was she kidding? The bag hanging over her shoulder was proof enough it was something she wanted.

  Jaden was a little disappointed not to see Ivan when she stepped out of the elevators, and as she left the lobby, she saw no sign of the black beast that had picked her up last time. What did catch her eye was a hot-looking motorcycle sitting in front of her building. So sexy, and so Miami Beach.

  Yep, there he was, some pretty boy straddling the monster. Dark blue denim hugged his legs, and a short-sleeved green polo shirt stretched tightly around the ridged muscles of his arms. The bike roared to life and crept along the curb, coming to rest just inches from Jaden’s feet, leaving her both startled and annoyed. Who does this asshole think he is?

  Wordlessly, the asshole raised the shield hiding his face. Eyeing her inquisitively, Ivan asked, “Are you making assumptions again, young lady?”

  Feeling like a complete idiot, Jaden burst out in laughter. “Really? Do you honestly think I look like a biker chick? Now you’re the one making assumptions, doctor.”

  Stepping off the bike, Ivan removed his helmet, releasing hair that flowed over his shoulders. Jaden smiled, remembering the way Ivan’s hair had felt as she wrapped her hands around it, and the intoxicating scent that came off him in waves as he heated up. A shiver swept across her skin as she approached the bike.

  “This is why I was hoping you hadn’t spent too much time on your hair,” Ivan said as he revealed another helmet.

  “Oh, of course not,” Jaden said sarcastically. “I just threw everything together.”

  “Well done. You look delicious.” Ivan pulled her close and kissed her cheek. “There’s only one thing missing,” he added, and Jaden saw the small box in his hand.

  She gasped as he opened the box to show her, and then slowly turned her around. He brushed aside her hair and draped the silver necklace around her neck, securing the tiny clasp from the back. Hanging from the chain was a golden sea turtle. Jaden reached up and ran her fingers over its smooth surface.

  “I’ve never been so jealous of a turtle!” Ivan smiled and kissed the silky skin at the nape of her neck.

  Jaden turned to face him and inhaled deeply. Her passion for this man overpowered her, and she kissed him with fervor. “You’re too good to me. What did I do to deserve you?”

  “The night has just begun, baby,” he whispered against her skin.

  “Well, thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.” Jaden had always been happy with the simple things in life, and she found the greatest joy in small, meaningful gestures. Overwhelmed by feelings, she leaned in and kissed him again. “If you’re lucky, I may just show you how grateful I am.”

  “Mmmmmm…” Ivan cleared his throat and stepped back, appearing to catch his breath. “Okay! Will you be all right riding this bad boy?”

  “There’s a first time for everything,” Jaden replied, also a bit breathless.

  She put on the helmet Ivan handed her and slid on to the back of the Ducati. She admired its smooth lines and the way her arms naturally fit with the curves of his body and her ass with the curves of the bike. It almost seemed built for sex. She grasped him firmly around the waist, and after retrieving his sunglasses from his pocket, Ivan started the bike. Instantly vibrations danced up Jaden’s thighs, surprising her, but if she was going to be a biker chick, she needed to be one with the bike, right?

  As Ivan picked up speed, the purr of the engine massaged her pussy, and she squirmed with pleasure, gripping Ivan more tightly. Was she going to cum before they made their destination? And where was their destination? Jaden had just begun to wonder how she could ask Ivan about that when he revved the engine, sending a fresh cascade of tingles all through her, and then snaked a hand between them. He rubbed her sweet spot gently and intently, which soon sent her over the edge—at sixty miles per hour. That was a first. And Ivan, of course, had chosen to travel Ocean Drive, the busiest street on the beach right now. Sunbathers and happy hour patrons gawked as the smiling couple sped by.

  She’d gathered herself together, and Jaden’s mind began to turn as they pulled up at Mirador, a boutique high-rise building on the beach. It obviously wasn’t a restaurant… As the bike came to a stop at the front entrance, Ivan cut the engine and helped her down. He smiled wickedly, but said nothing.

  “Where are we?” Jaden could no longer contain her curiosity.

  “Like I said, I hope you’re hungry!” Ivan grinned as he took her hand and led her into the lobby. He waved as they passed the front deskman, who gave him a nod in return.

  As they waited for the elevators, Jaden whispered, “I have a sneaking suspicion you live here.”

  “What?” Ivan said, eyes wide. “Can’t you just let a guy surprise you?”

  As they entered the elevator, confident she was right, Jaden began to imagine the night ahead. An evening at home! Possibilities both sweet and extreme flashed through her mind, and she concluded she still had no damn clue what to expect.

  As the elevators opened, Ivan took Jaden’s hand again, this time entwining his fingers with hers. He gave her a look, as if to test her reaction. Jaden’s heart warmed at the romantic gesture, and his cautious attention to her feelings. She squeezed his hand and smiled as they walked down the corridor.

  Chapter 14

 
“Today”

  IVAN FUMBLED WITH HIS KEYS, and Jaden almost smacked them right out of his hand as she slugged his shoulder. “I was right! This is your place.”

  “That’s gonna leave a bruise you know!”

  “Please,” she scoffed. “I barely touched you.”

  “Yeah, yeah, you win.” Ivan laughed as he unlocked the door and pushed it open. “After you, madam.”

  As she entered, Jaden first noticed the refreshing splash of cold air. Then she was captivated by the view. Through the windows, downtown Miami had begun to light up in the distance. Only then did she turn her attention to the place itself. It was filled with all sorts of things, yet somehow managed to seem organized. Sort of like Ivan himself, she thought with a laugh.

  “Okay, I admit it! I have a cleaning lady come in from time to time,” Ivan confessed.

  “Good to know.” Jaden snickered again as she continued her look around. As she moved farther into the space, she detected the faint scent of vanilla spice. There must be a candle somewhere. Or was he baking? You never knew with this one…

  Intrigued by all that surrounded her, she walked over to examine a collection of frames in varying shapes and sizes. There were pictures of Ivan hugging sea lions, holding koalas, climbing rocks, and engaging in a variety of activities with people she assumed to be his family.

  “You have quite a background, Dr. Ivan. I could make a whole list of things to ask you about now.”

  He smiled again but with intensity this time. In an instant he’d moved in to wrap his arms around her waist, and his warm breath tickled her skin as he spoke. “Thanks, but tonight isn’t about me—it’s about us.”

  Jaden was just about to comment on a striking picture of a budding sunflower when Ivan slid his hands down the length of her torso to rest at her hips and positioned himself directly behind her. Shutting her eyes and tucking her head into the crook of his neck, Jaden indulged her senses. Not a sliver of space remained between them as she leaned back and felt his growing erection.

  “What brought this on?” she asked breathlessly. “Not that I’m complaining.”

  “I guess I liked the way you called me Dr. Ivan,” he said with a low laugh that was nearly a growl. He slid his hands beneath her top and traced her abdomen, his fingers ascending and descending as he made his way along her ribs to the button of her jeans. He fingered the small, metal button for a moment, and Jaden felt time slow nearly to a stop as he seemed to deliberate about what to do. Her mind raced. What could he be thinking? Was he unsure what she wanted?

  Her questions vanished as Ivan began to trace the curve of her ear with his tongue, licking ever so softly, and her body swayed at the sensation. Slowly, he popped the button and slid his hand down the front of her jeans, past the zipper, and to the moist spot between her legs. As his fingers explored the wetness still remaining from her encounter with the Ducati, Jaden shamelessly spread her legs, urging him to continue.

  Ivan slid her jeans to her ankles, and she widened her stance. She eyed the couch, wondering if she’d be able to remain standing through the good doctor’s treatment but decided she’d best not change a thing as he slid one finger in and began to stroke her clit with his thumb. Jaden quivered, and with his fingers rocking back and forth at a steady pace, she began to moan in ecstasy. Faster and faster his fingers fucked her, drawing her toward yet another orgasm. Just as her body trembled and contracted, Ivan drew his hand upward, pressing his palm hard against her clit. Jaden could barely keep her footing as waves of pleasure engulfed her, and she clung to him for support. “Holy fuck,” she whispered after a moment.

  Ivan gave her a warm squeeze and kissed her neck. “Are you ready for dinner, my dear?”

  Drawing her eyes back into focus and finding the kitchen, Jaden smiled. She now realized what the evening had in store for her. “Yes, doctor, I think I am.”

  A brown-speckled counter topped the kitchen island where two wine glasses awaited, along with two bar stools. Off to one side, wine decanted in a glass bottle that looked oddly like a chemistry project. Ivan picked up a small black remote, and from somewhere in the distance the sultry voice a familiar artist filled the air: “The Way You Look Tonight” once again. The memory that accompanied the tune brought a smile to both their faces.

  “Welcome to casa de Ivan, where this evening I will have the honor of cooking for you.” He pulled out one of the bar stools and motioned for her to take a seat.

  Jaden suddenly didn’t care if hot dogs and hamburgers were the only thing on the menu tonight. Ivan was so thoughtful to do something so special and personal for her, and so early in their relationship…“You’re too sweet. Thank you,” she said, looking meaningfully at him.

  She realized this was the first time she’d ever had a boyfriend do something like this for her. Boyfriend? Jaden cursed herself. So far everything was going great, but boyfriend made it sound so official. This was only their second date, and things weren’t that serious yet. Were they? Get a grip, oh Queen of the Planet of Unrealistic Expectations. She returned her attention to Ivan, who now busied himself with dinner preparations.

  He brought over the decanter full of wine. “I’m cooking,” he said. “But don’t think you’re getting off easy. You have two jobs tonight. First, you’re the official DJ, and second, you have to help me polish off a few bottles of fantastic wine.”

  “Hmm…I have to be the DJ and the bartender, eh? Who’s going to be the designated driver after we down all this booze?” she asked playfully.

  “We can cross that bridge when we come to it.” Ivan winked seductively before setting two glasses next to the decanter.

  Jaden looked from the decanter to the empty wine bottle on the counter. Carnival of Love. How perfect. She shook her head and smiled. “I think we have ourselves a deal, doc.”

  She watched in wonder as Ivan moved through the kitchen with the grace and ease of a professional chef, almost as naturally as she did in her own kitchen. “So, what might the good doctor be preparing for us this evening? Hot dogs? Hamburgers?”

  “Really? You don’t think too much of these culinary skills, do you?” He looked down at his hands in mock disbelief. “I considered going to culinary school, you know, and cooking just so happens to be in my blood, Ms. Thorne.”

  Ivan laughed, then—doing the worst Sean Connery impersonation she’d ever heard—he began to present the menu. “Tonight we shall dine on a shrimp stir fry including cashews, broccoli, baby corn, and Brussels sprouts with traces of fresh garlic. Accompanying this shall be a side of spaghetti squash laced with hints of cinnamon and butter, but first we shall start with an arugula salad, complete with cherry tomatoes—that’s to-mah-toes, not to-may-toes—and feta cheese topped with a balsamic reduction. Our wine selections for this evening are Australia’s finest—some of my favorites of all time.”

  Ivan motioned to a cluster of bottles on the counter, including one in a velvet bag. Jaden remembered the velvet-shrouded bottles he’d received at the Winemaker’s Dinner.

  “As for dessert…well, we shall see how dinner goes before we talk of such a thing.”

  When he’d finished, Jaden didn’t know whether to laugh or swoon. Was he serious?

  “Not quite hot dogs and hamburgers, is it?” Ivan added, in his regular voice.

  Jaden nearly died laughing. “I was genuinely fine with some hot dogs, but since it seems you can talk the talk, now we’ll see if you can walk the walk.”

  She left her stool and slid across the tile floor to where Ivan stood at the counter. She drew him to her, kissing him ever so teasingly, licking and tickling his bottom lip with the tip of her tongue. “I’ll be in charge of dessert,” she whispered.

  “Well, now I’m officially distracted,” Ivan announced. “I must have a glass of wine, and Ms. DJ, what’s it gonna be? You have more than eight thousand songs to choose from. Don’t disappoint!”

  “What’s wrong with what we have on?” Jaden asked. “I love Sinatra, and I’d say s
o do you.”

  “Sold!” Ivan replied cheerfully as Jaden poured the wine.

  Handing Ivan his glass, Jaden raised hers in a toast. “To officially finding out who we are tonight.”

  “And to what our future may hold,” Ivan added as their glasses clinked together. His eyes found hers and held them for a moment, unblinking. Then, retreating to the refrigerator, Ivan returned with salad fixings, stir fry vegetables, and a gigantic squash.

  “What can I do?” Jaden asked.

  “Nothing,” Ivan assured her. “I’ve got it all under control. Just sit back, relax, and talk.” He smiled at her. “Where are you from? And I’m not looking for just a city and state. I want details, girl.”

  “Hmm…let’s see.” Jaden took another sip of her wine, relieved that the first question was easy. “I grew up in a small town in Colorado called Estes Park. It’s basically a giant wildlife preserve. You can’t walk out the front door without bumping into some sort of animal.” Jaden smiled, remembering her childhood. “If I wasn’t in school, I was either at the lake swimming and catching frogs, helping out at my grandparent’s farm, or fishing with my Poppy. In the winter we’d find the biggest hill and spend the entire day tobogganing.”

  “We? You have brothers and sisters?” Ivan moved methodically as he chopped vegetables. “What do your parents do?”

  “Hey, that’s three questions you’ve asked. Not fair,” Jaden teased. She took another long sip of her wine.

  “I have one sister and one brother, and we’re all pretty different from each other. My sister is in her last year of high school. Everyone thinks she’s a drama queen because she’s the youngest, but underneath all the makeup, gossip, and sassy talk, she’s really sweet. My brother, on the other hand, is a little rougher around the edges. He’s a tattoo-covered metal head who spends far too much time playing video games, drinking beer, and goofing off with his friends. Dad is a park ranger, which is probably where I inherited my love of animals and nature, and my mom has her hands full trying to keep us all in line.”