by K E Osborn
“True, but I’d like to get to know you. If you’ll let me,” he says, smiling warily.
I can’t help but smile back at him.
He sighs with relief and sits back in his chair, relaxed.
“Tell me more about your job,” I say. I see him hesitate. I begin to think that talking about his work makes him uncomfortable.
“I work with my father and sister, as you know, and basically, there’s not much else to say. I assist people with their investments and help strategize ideas for them to make more money in their businesses.”
I nod, pretending to know how all that works.
“Do you like your job?”
“Yep, love it! My bosses are great; they’re like my surrogate family.”
“Surrogate family? You don’t have a family?”
“Yes, but it’s really just me and Mom.”
“You’re an only child?”
“Yup,” I say matter-of-factly.
He nods along, seeming interested. “Have you thought what you might like for dinner?”
“I, um, I don’t know.” I laugh. “How about gnocchi with rosé sauce, broccoli, bacon, mushrooms, and semi-dried tomatoes?”
He looks at me, surprised. “Sounds good to me.” He pushes a button that’s sitting on the table.
I look at him curiously.
“It lets the staff know we are ready to order.”
I widen my eyes. “Wow,” I mutter.
“Yeah, I’m all about the high tech,” he says jokingly.
A waitress comes down the path with an electronic gadget in her hands. She’s dressed in black pants, a white top, black bow tie, and a black half-apron tied around her waist. Her blonde hair is in a short ponytail with a black ribbon tightly wrapped into a bow. She looks at Aiden with a smile.
“What would you like to order tonight, sir?” She blushes as she talks to him. He looks directly at me the entire time, not noticing the waitress swooning over him.
“We’ll have two servings of gnocchi with rosé sauce, broccoli, bacon, mushrooms, and semi-dried tomatoes and an order of garlic bread. Thanks.” He smiles at me and winks. I blush. The waitress adds it into the electronic gadget. She leans over so she’s closer to Aiden.
“Any drinks, sir?” Aiden finally notices her advances and lets out a small laugh. She backs off.
“Jeni?” he asks.
“I’ll have a Pink Moscato, thank you.”
“I’ll have a Macallan whisky, thank you.” The waitress notes our drink orders and heads back.
I lean in toward Aiden. “Awkward much?”
He cracks up laughing. “Tell me about it. Could she have been more obvious?” he asks, making me laugh.
“I think the next step was to actually sit on your lap,” I say. “I bet all the girls swoon over you.”
He raises an eyebrow and looks at me cheekily. “And why would they swoon over me?” he asks with a smirk. I’m sure he knows that this will make me fumble again.
“Oh, um, I don’t know. Maybe because you’re really good looking, but don’t get a big head about that or anything.”
He bites his bottom lip and chuckles, shaking his head.
“Hey!” I say slightly louder than normal.
“You’re adorable,” he says with a grin. I look to my hands in my lap and blush yet again.
“Do you have any other siblings, or is it only you and your sister?” I ask as he looks at me.
“No, I have a brother as well.”
“What child are you? Eldest, middle, or youngest?”
“I’m the eldest then my brother, Blair, and then my sister, Brielle.”
“Wow, they’re such great names.”
The waitress from earlier comes down the path with a serving of garlic flat bread and places it on the table.
“There you go, sir,” the waitress says. Aiden keeps looking straight ahead at me. “Your dinner will be ready shortly.”
“Thank you,” Aiden says as she walks off. I can’t help but laugh as she leaves.
“I love these flowers.” I point to the vase in the middle of the table; my elbow knocks my fork, flinging it to the ground.
“Oops,” I say as I pull my chair back and bend down to pick it up. Aiden lets out a small laugh, like I’m amusing him. As I bend down to pick up the fork from the decking, I bang my head on the corner of the table, making it wobble. The vase of flowers tumbles over, causing a small amount of water to leak all over the crisp white tablecloth.
“Ouch,” I say out loud as I rub the top of my head. Aiden stands up and rushes to my side.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m such a klutz.” I sit back up in my chair, and he squats next to me, holding my hand as I continue to rub my head.
“You sure? Are you feeling dizzy or anything?” he asks with concern.
“I’m fine, thanks. A bit embarrassed, yet again.”
He takes my hand in his and gives it a soft, tender kiss. “You are clumsy, aren’t you?” He stands up and heads back to his chair and sits down.
I can’t help but laugh at him.
“Be careful, Moronic Smart-ass Man. I hope you know how to swim,” I say to him casually as I glance over to the pond.
“Oh really?” He smiles. “If I’m going in the water, so are you,” he says confidently.
“Oh, yeah? I’d like to see you try,” I say as a dare. Next thing I know he has jumped up from his chair, holds me from behind in a bear hug, and is heading to the edge of the deck.
“Oh my god, don’t you dare!” I yell at him, laughing at the same time. I turn around in his grasp so I am facing him, and I place my arms around his neck. His arms encase my waist, and we stand, our bodies touching ever so slightly, staring deep into each other’s eyes. The chemistry is electrifying, my butterflies surging back into motion. It feels as though we are staring at each other for the longest time, but of course, it’s only moments. He tilts his head slightly. This is it. This is the moment; he’s going to kiss me. I lean in a little closer, close my eyes, and...
The waitress clears her throat. I open my eyes to see Aiden glaring at her.
“Sorry to interrupt, sir. Your meals are ready.”
He looks at me apologetically. “Thank you,” he says politely. She places the meals and drinks on the table. She picks up the flowers and put them back in the vase, unfortunately with no water, and walks away. He leads me over to the table.
The gnocchi is very hot, so we eat the garlic flat bread, which is now cold. It tastes so amazing, with just the right amount of garlic, butter, and herbs.
“Have you liked your surprises?” he asks.
I look into his eyes, those gorgeous bright blue eyes, and feel myself becoming intoxicated by him. I quickly snap myself out of it. “Yeah, a pink Cadillac, that was amazing. Oh, and this garden is amazing, and the waterfall is amazing, and this food is amazing. It’s all so... amazing!”
“You’re amazing,” he murmurs under his breath, thinking I can’t hear him. “Glad you approve, but the night is still young,” he says matter-of-factly. I wonder what he means by that, but I don’t answer. I am busy eating this amazing garlic bread. He continues eating. We both pick up our glasses at the same time. He holds his out to meet mine.
“To chance meetings.”
“To chance meetings.”
I manage about three-fourths of my meal. It beats me. I have another sip of my wine and wipe my mouth with the napkin.
“That was amazing.” We both laugh at my over use of the word.
“Yes, it was a good choice.”
I tip my head. “I am amazing, after all.” I wink at him and laugh. He smiles, now knowing that I heard him earlier. He lets out a laugh, puts his napkin on the table, and stands up.
“It’s just about sunset. Let’s take a look.” As the sun is setting behind the waterfall, he walks over to me and puts his hand out. I take it and stand up. We walk hand in hand to the edge of the deck. We both lean on the railing
next to each other, our arms slightly touching. We watch the sun go down in silence. The chemistry surging between us is exhilarating. He slowly puts his arm around me. There is a slight chill in the air, but I feel like I’m on fire. I feel calm and safe, like this is where I’m meant to be.
The sun finally sets, and little lanterns above us light up in various colors—pinks, blues, greens, and yellows. They are beautiful. Aiden and I both look up at the same time as they turn on.
“Would you like dessert?”
I’m full from the large dinner; I shake my head. “No thank you, but you have some.”
He takes in a deep breath. “Oh thank God, I didn’t want any either, but I didn’t want to be rude in case you wanted some.”
Oh I want some all right! Obviously not thinking about dessert.
I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in... I back away quickly.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt.
“Oh, no, it’s not you. I think... I might have garlic breath.”
He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely.
This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate, his tongue against mine as they intertwine. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss, and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in toward me.
“Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile.
I can’t look at the waitress. I’m so embarrassed and sure my face is flushed.
“Would you like dessert, sir?”
He looks at me, raising his eyebrows. “I think we’ve had enough for tonight. Please give my regards to Frankie and tell him I owe him one.” He smiles a special smile at her, and she smiles right back.
“Will do, thank you, sir,” she says then disappears down the path.
Aiden, still holding my hand, turns to me and takes my other hand. “Feel like going for a drive?”
I look at him, puzzled. “Sure,” I say, wondering where we are going. I grab my clutch from the table. He enfolds his arm with mine as we head down the path.
I hold his arm tightly. I really don’t want to trip again. I keep my eyes focused on the path as we walk. I don’t want to look at his handsome face with that smile and those eyes. Those bright blue eyes are captivating and alluring. I fear that one look and I won’t be able to restrain myself. Just thinking about kissing him is making my knees weak. I exhale quite abruptly, bringing me back into reality.
“Thank you for dinner,” I say quietly, still looking down.
“You’re most welcome.”
He pauses and turns my body so that I have to look at him. He moves so that his body is facing mine. He winks and gives me a mischievous smile. Suddenly he pushes me so his entire body is trapping mine against the embankment. His hand is at my face. His lips are kissing me passionately. My arms wrap around his waist as I pull him closer so his hips are against mine. I become breathless at his touch, so powerful, so masculine, and so seductive. His passion grows, as does his erection against me. He moans as he bites my bottom lip. My head falls back, and he kisses up and down my throat feverishly. This is so intense. I feel my knees beginning to buckle. He pulls my leg up, holding it to his side. I swallow down a lump that has formed in my throat, and he pulls his head back up to kiss me...
“Jeni, Jeni?” I hear my name called as I wake from my reverie. Aiden opens the car door for me.
“Ladies first.”
I look up at him as I realize I’ve imagined a steamy hillside romance while walking back to the car. Sheesh.
He looks at me. “Are you okay?”
I flush red. “Yes. Fine, thank you,” I say as I stumble onto the back seat of the car.
Aiden climbs in effortlessly and sits next to me. Our bodies are touching ever so slightly.
“To the scope please, Mike.” He looks at me with that gorgeous smile. The car pulls off, and he takes hold of my hand, which is lying in my lap. He starts to stroke it gently.
“You have such beautiful, soft skin.”
All I want to do is jump on him and kiss those tender lips. I restrain myself; it is, after all, our first date. I look at the rearview mirror to see if Mike is watching us. He seems to be concentrating on the road ahead.
“Thanks,” I say timidly. He curls his hand, our fingers intertwined in a tight grip. I look down to our hands and bite my bottom lip. Is this really happening? I’m in a pink Cadillac, holding hands with this most amazing guy. To top it off, he’s looking at me as though I’m the only thing in the world that he cares about. Surely this is a dream! I look into his bright blue eyes. I close my eyes tightly and re-open them, trying to wake from this dream world I must be in. When I re-open them, he’s looking at me. A confused look forms on his face. I inhale sharply, and my eyes widen as he starts to smile at me.
“This is real?” I say out loud. Quickly I realize what I’ve said. My mouth drops open, and I sit back in the seat, looking into my lap pretending that it didn’t happen.
He lets out a small laugh. I sense that he’s looking at me. He takes hold of my head with his hands and turns me, and his lips meet mine. His lips are soft and sweet. I feel as though I’m tingling all over. It’s such a tender, affectionate kiss it takes me by surprise.
“Yes, this is real,” he whispers as he softly kisses my forehead.
He lets go of me and sits back in his seat, smiling. He takes hold of my hand, and we spend the rest of the trip in silence. We drive down a dirt track, through some gates, and turn up a steep hill. Once at the top, Mike pulls the car to a stop. I look around, and there is nothing but darkness and the night sky. I wonder what we are doing here as Mike opens the car door.
“Thank you, Mike,” I say. Mike tips his hat as a reply. I step out of the car and walk around to meet Aiden. He reaches out and takes my hand. We walk into a field. I smell the lush green lawn. There is silence all around, and all I hear is the sound of my heart beating in my ears.
We walk to the edge of the field where the cliff ends. There is a huge drop, and at the bottom, I see the city lights glistening. There is a telescope and a picnic blanket sprawled out on the freshly cut lawn. I look up at him with a thrill of excitement. The clear, dark night sky is riddled with millions of tiny sparkling stars.
“I love looking at the stars,” he says, breaking the silence.
“Me too, they’re beautiful.”
“When I was young, I used to spend hours just watching the sky. It was a form of escape for me. My father was demanding, so it was a way for me to relax, away from all the pressure.”
He takes the telescope and leans it toward me so I can take a look.
“Tell me what you think,” he says, motioning for me to look.
I see distant stars m
agnified. I close my other eye, and the beauty takes my breath away.
“This is amazing,” I say, still looking through the telescope.
“You like that word, don’t you?” he asks, chuckling, making me back away from the telescope. I look at him, raising my eyebrow.
“Oh stop pretending you’re angry,” he says even more cheekily. This time he winks at me.
“I’m shocked. Shocked and appalled,” I say matter-of-factly.
“That’s amazing,” he says back to me with an all-encompassing smile. I can’t help but laugh at him. He lies down on the blanket looking up at the stars as he pats the blanket next to him. I swallow and lie down so we are barely touching. We both stare up at the stars. There is a slight breeze wafting the smell of his aftershave over me; it’s calming and masculine. I take in a deep breath, inhaling his aroma. This is so peaceful. He suddenly turns on his side to face me, propping his head on his hand. I turn my head to look at him.
“Thank you for this; it’s amazing,” I say as I turn toward him mimicking his position, propping my head up with my hand. “Why did you really choose ADF to get your car fixed?” I ask, breaking the staring competition.
“Really?”
“Yes, really,” I say as he inhales abruptly.
“You gave me your details after the crash on a ‘with compliments from ADF Automotive Repairs’ slip. I thought, with a bit of luck, that it might be your local mechanic, and I was hoping to run into you there. I rang to book my car in. When you answered the phone with your name, I put two and two together and hoped it was you. I booked my car in, and here we are.”
My mouth drops in shock. “Are you making that up?”
He laughs. “No, I still have the ‘with compliments’ slip if you want to see it.”
“Wow. You came to my work just to see me again? Why? I was so mean to you.”
“Yes, you were, but you’re fiery and feisty and so cute when you’re angry. I had to see you again.”
I look at him with amusement. “I can’t believe you’ve done all this for me. I mean, getting your car fixed where I work, sending me flowers, dinner at that gorgeous waterfall, and now lying here under the stars with you. It’s more than I deserve.”
