The waiter came to get their orders and she asked for smoked cocotte of pan-fried chips with parsley. Nathan ordered goose foie gras terrine and celeriac cube with black sesame.
Darcey wasn’t a fan of foie gras. They both asked for the same main dish of roast Hereford beef, beurre noisette with sarawak pepper and Bilou’s potatoes. Sketch’s menu included a variety of meats like deer, veal and lobster.
"I am allergic to lobster," she told him.
“Ah, really? Me, too. It’s a shame since I use to love seafood so much before I developed an allergy to it. Pierre Gagnier's food is classic French, elegant yet it has a homey feel to it. This is perhaps one of my favourite restaurants.”
The sommelier appeared and Nathan expertly chose a bottle. When the bottle was brought to their table, Nathan inhaled it, bringing the glass to his lips. He gave his approval with a nod.
The image of Nathan made Darcey feel uncomfortable. Running into him again was the most unusual thing that ever happened to her. If they hadn’t met up accidentally that night she probably wouldn’t be brave enough to invite him for coffee. She found him intimidating, mysterious yet gentle all at once.
Nathan, however, made conversing look easy. Despite her feelings, she found herself more at ease after each passing minute.
“I pop in here after a dozen of art viewings at the Royal Academy. I love art. How about yourself?” He eyed her, warmness reaching his beautiful gaze.
"Well, it depends on what kind of art.” Darcey drank from her wine glass and was more than pleased with the rich taste that touched her tongue. “I won't pretend to be an art lover myself. I just can't seem to understand how a few dots can cost a fortune. But if you're talking about 'The Starry, Starry Night' of Van Gogh, or even the Ballet dancers of Edgar Degas, well, you can count me in for some discussion."
He laughed at her kindly. It wasn’t a condescending chuckle. He actually looked charmed, his eyes were smiling as they took in her face. "So, how was your interview with the publisher?"
Darcey took another sip of her wine. "Well, Mr. Carlisle had to reschedule since he’s not in town at the moment. I’m pretty busy, my boss now added nanny to my job description. Remember how I told you earlier that today was a long day." She put her glass on the table and sighed. "But, to be honest, I'd rather much work with her children than as a PA. Carmen is a doll, she’s five. A sweetheart. Cute curls and blue eyes. But what I love about children is how they’re just so honest.”
Nathan was studying her. “Yes, children are adorable. I love my niece and nephew.” He took out his phone to show her a picture of his niece and nephew.
Darcey stared at the faces of two smiling children. “Wow, quite good genes you have there. You need to get yourself a wife and have plenty of your own. That will be your contribution to the world. What’s your type anyway?” There. The words came out before she was able to stop them.
“You,” he replied, unblinking.
She coughed. “Me? What?” She tried to regain her composure but both of them burst out laughing. “I mean, how about you? Don’t you want to have kids of your own, too?”
Darcey tried hard not to stammer. Nathan’s reply caught her way off guard. Luckily the waiter came back with their orders.
She cut up a small piece of her meal and took a bite. "This is so delicious. The eggs are perfectly cooked.” Her last meal was at Nick's cafe.
She looked at Nathan and he was smiling at her. He looked dashing under the restaurant’s glowing lights. Under any light. "Is your food delicious, Nathan?"
"Yes, it’s very good.” He took a big bite then cut another piece which he offered to her. “Would you like some?"
He carried on with his meal, putting bites in his mouth in a sophisticated yet casual way. He made everything, even the act of stuffing food in his mouth, appear classy and masculine.
Darcey continued talking. "Having a family was always something I wanted. A big one. I’m an only child. I thought I found the person I wanted to spend forever with. I was a romantic fool.”
“What happened?” Nathan looked curious. He dabbed a white napkin on the corners of his mouth.
Maybe the wine was doing its magic. Darcey felt chatty. “Well, his job took him to Russia where he found someone else. And, just like that, I woke up after dreaming of fairytales.” She eyed him.
“I’m sorry. I promise not to make you cry with sad memories.” He stopped eating and looked at her, sincerity in his eyes.
“No worries, I am so over it,” Darcey assured him, shrugging. “How about yourself?” She looked at his ring-less left finger. “You’re obviously not married. Shocking!” She teased. “Maybe one and a half kid?"
"Nope, last time I checked, my Facebook status still said ‘single’ and there would be no reason someone should ever come to ask me for child support."
“And you’re not looking to hire an escort? But I won’t get hired anyways.” Darcey took another sip of the wine. “What is this? I have to get the name.”
He chuckled at her reply and faked a disappointed face. "I was close to getting married,” he said.
His revelation surprised her but she tried to hide it. Nathan carried on, “We broke up one Christmas and ever since then, I never liked Christmas, nor did I think of marriage since.” His expression turned sad. He took another sip of his wine.
No one spoke for what felt like eternity. “But, well, someone better will come along.” She forced a bright smile. “So, what’s your favourite work of art?”
She wanted to change the subject. It was running too deep, turning awkward. Surely someone like him could easily find someone. He was handsome, smart, funny, had impeccable manners. She appraised him silently in her head. She forgot about Dimitri as Nathan’s eyes bore into hers. He was staring at her the same way art-lovers stared at a piece of brilliant artwork. Darcey felt shivers run up her spine.
Without any warning he whispered, "I’m staring at one." He flashed her one the sexiest smiles she had ever seen. It was so gorgeous Darcey lost hold of her fork, causing it to slip on the floor with a loud clang.
Chapter 8
Darcey and Nathan walked out of the restaurant with full stomachs.
"That was rather satisfying. Thank you,” Darcey said. “I really needed that. I mean, I don't even deserve the treat. Maybe sometime I can return the favour. I can't afford to buy you a meal here but I can ask my chef friend to whip us something just as yummy”.
Great. I’m going to have to ask Nick for another favour. Two dinners with two different men, he may as well accuse me of being a tart. I know Nick so well but I don't know how I could get him to agree.
Nathan had a smile on his face. She wondered why he always seemed to smile around her.
"You know what? I have a better idea on how you can repay me. Why don't you accompany me to this charity ball? There’s this organization I support and I’m part of the committee of this event. It’s in a few weeks.”
Before Darcey could think or even refuse, he asked, “Will you do me the honour of accompanying me to a fundraising dinner? It might not be your cup of tea, but that means you get to save me from talking shop with people and make it more fun for me. I promise I won’t step on your toes when we dance. And it’s for a good cause." His brows rose as he waited for her answer.
"Well… You’re right about how I’m not really keen on going to those types of events but since you asked nicely, I’ll go with you. I guess I’ll have to brush up on my social graces and dancing skills. We wouldn’t want you limping home." She chuckled at the thought of stepping on Nathan’s toes.
"So, shall I take you home?" He stopped and turned to look at her.
"Oh no, I won’t go home,” she stammered. “Or go home with you. I’m sorry, I’m just not that kind of girl."
Nathan laughed so hard he almost lost his breath. "All I asked was if I could drop you off your flat." Still chuckling, he studied her as she turned a ripe tomato red. “You’re quite a character, Miss
Vaughn. So, what will it be?"
"Thank you but I can just take the tube. It's only a few stops from Oxford Circus." Darcey pointed to the station across them, mentally kicking herself for being so stupid. "Besides, you live in South Kensington. It will be out of your way. Thank you for tonight and I will see you soon?"
They both smiled at each other. It felt almost hard to say goodbye. Darcey had a wonderful time. The conversation had turned to travelling, food and their favourite drinks. They had friendly banters on politics and religion, despite having different points of view in some areas. She discovered he ran his own investment firm along with his friend Jack and a few mates from Eton. She also found out he once lived in America and had an American mother who was based in New York with the rest of the family.
A drunk walked passed them, bumping into Darcey. Nathan caught her as she was pushed closer towards him. "Steady. Are you alright?"
"Yes, thank you." She could feel his breath on her face and smell his cologne--musky, with a hint of bourbon. His smell reminded her of a night by the Mediterranean Sea. She couldn’t resist looking at his lips. His eyes bore into hers. She felt butterflies as he smiled once more, never removing his gaze from her face. Their lips inched closer.
Darcey’s phone suddenly rang and they pulled apart.
"Sorry, I better be going now." She kissed him quickly on the cheek and walked away, all hot and flushed. She fished the phone from her bag and saw Nick's name on the screen.
"What!" She sounded irate.
"Good evening to you, too, Darcey. How was your day? Doesn't sound like you had a great day," came Nick’s reply before he started to laugh. "May I remind you that you texted me around six saying, ‘Nick, please, can you call me tonight? I need your help oh so desperately, Darcey?’”
She quickly remembered she asked him to make dinner for Dimitri.
"Hey.” Darcey’s voice took on a more mellow tone. “Sorry, I thought it was Luis.” She hated lying to Nick but she had to save face. “Here’s the deal. I invited Superman to my flat for dinner on Friday night. I know you’re absolutely busy but the dinner will be around nine so if you pop in and just bring me the finished gourmet and I'll reheat it, it’ll be fine by me."
"Darcey, I want to see how this Superman looks. I will pop in around six and we can prepare and cook. Then I’ll disappear after I've seen his face."
“Alright, you can give me your opinion. Besides, you always introduced me to all your Miss Internationals. But really, Nick, you’re amazing, do you know that?"
"Darcey, be original and tell me something I don't know," the chef teased.
"You’re my favourite guy, is that good enough?" Darcey replied.
Nick laughed. “Sure, as long as you mean it. You're always my favourite girl."
"I thought it was Miss Sweden!"
“No, Miss Sweden was my favourite summer girl.”
“I'm sorry I’m at the tube station now,” Darcey said. “Speak to you soon. Good night.”
Darcey took the train heading home. Her thoughts immediately flew to her dinner with Nathan and the kiss that almost happened. She couldn’t believe she almost kissed him. And, yet, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. She couldn’t shake off a negative feeling. What was it?
Her brows furrowed and she crossed her arms. He made her feel comfortable. Nathan acted like the perfect gentleman the entire evening. What was causing her to feel down? A few seconds passed and it quickly dawned on her. She felt regret and annoyance—annoyance at Nick for calling at the wrong time and regret that the kiss with Nathan didn’t happen.
Oh, don’t be silly! Nathan is way out of your league! He’s not even your type.
Had she been single for so long? Was she becoming desperate? Sure, Nathan was gorgeous, intelligent, and very successful. And he treated her like a lady. But she hardly knew him. He mocked her plenty, too, like the time he told her there was no way she could be an escort. The nerve! How could he judge her like that and make her feel like she wasn’t good enough? Yet why did the image of his face as he sat across her during dinner fill her up with warm tingling sensations? Why did the sight of him standing out in the street led her to crave a kiss?
Don’t be silly. You’re just desperate. That’s what you get for being single for so long!
By the time the train reached her stop, Darcey vowed to never be that vulnerable around Nathan again. He lived in a different world--one filled with expensive dinners, girls who looked like they stepped off the catwalks of Paris and his closet was probably the size of her whole apartment.
Dimitri. Now that was someone in her league. He was her neighbour, except he looked like a superhero. She can be his Lois Lane.
As she entered her building, she was thankful for the warmth that greeted her inside. She ran towards the lift. The doors were just about to close when someone tried to stop the door.
Dimitri walked in the lift, looking even more handsome than the first time Darcey saw him. As someone who hadn’t dated in years, Darcey felt like a teenager. Still, she felt a hangover from dinner with Nathan. She smiled at Dimitri, all the while reminding her heart to be still.
Dimitri smiled back, a look of surprise on his face. "Darcey! You’re just the girl I was looking for.” He handed her a small bouquet of purple hyacinth, the lovely flowers engulfed in luxurious paper wrapper. "Sorry, I couldn't carry a big one. I meant to knock on your door but I’m glad to catch you here.” He smiled, looking sheepish.
"Oh my gosh, these are lovely. Why, thank you." Plus ten points for the flowers, she thought, while invisible hearts darted out of her eyes. The lift got to her stop and she turned to Dimitri and asked, "Would you like to come in for night cap?"
"I wouldn't say no. But I hope it's not rude for me to impose?" He looked so innocent and fine.
She swat an imaginary fly away. "Don't be so silly, of course. We are neighbours." She took her keys and tried to recall if she left her flat clean. She raised her hands and said, "Wait here. Two minutes is all I’m asking."
Darcey ran into her apartment and could have won a Guinness world record for changing a messy place into a picture perfect spot in a couple of minutes, all evidence of clutter hidden underneath the sofa, bed and even the pantry.
"Come in. Make yourself at home." She motioned to her sofa which was arranged with plush pillows and a checkered cashmere throw. "What would you like to have? Tea, coffee or alcohol?"
"Tea will be fine. Earl Grey, please. Milk, no sugar.” He walked in and eyed her place casually, a sexy smile on his lips.
She came back a few minutes later with hot steaming mugs. "So, where were you coming from?"
"A client's." Dimitri took a mug from her hand. He sat down on her couch, his long legs stretched in front of him.
"This late?" Darcey couldn’t help but admire his long and lean frame.
"Yoga classes with three ladies at their house. They actually pay more than personal training at the gym,” he replied.
"How did you end up as a gym instructor and owning your own gym?" She blew on the steaming cup of tea.
“Well, I was tired of working for the family business in Athens. I went travelling and found out that I have passion for health, well-being and I love yoga. I went to India to do a yoga course." Dimitri leaned back on the sofa.
Darcey sat on a chair directly facing him. "Yoga. The last time I did that I actually fell asleep. The teacher had to wake me up.” She laughed, remembering the incident.
“Can you show me some moves? Please?" She bat her long lashes at him, loving the look on his face.
"Okay." He stood up and showed her a few poses. He looked so well balanced. An average looking guy would have probably appeared weird but Dimitri made the poses look amazing, thanks to his chiselled body. Darcey couldn’t help but think of Greek sculpture. It was almost unfair how he executed the moves with very little effort.
"How bout you, Darcey?” He sat down again, looking directly at her face. "Tell me about yo
urself. Or we could play a game?” His accent was so pronounced, it made him sexier. “Do you have cards? Let's play Truth or Dare.”
“Are serious? We’re not kids,” she said with mock protest.
“Come on, it’s the best way to get to know someone, to break the ice.”
She went to get the deck sitting by the books in her bookshelf. They each pulled a card out. The rules were simple: the highest card was an ace diamond and lowest being two of clubs. The person who pulled out the higher card got to ask the question. The player with the low card was supposed to either answer the question or accomplish a dare.
They each held the card they pulled up. Darcey turned her card over and saw she got the ace of clubs. Dimitri showed her his card, the eight of hearts.
She giggled, she knew exactly what to ask. "Married, Divorced, Single? Or are you in an open relationship?" Darcey wanted to ask these relationship questions first before she wasted any of her time. Luis had given her strict instructions. This seemed like the most casual way to do it.
Be Mine This Christmas: A Lovers in London Book Page 7
