I liked how she chose her words. They always seemed to rhyme slightly. She was a true musician.
She clenched her fingers together in her lap then avoided my gaze. A look of dark despair overcame her. It was momentary, but I noticed it. And it hurt. I immediately wanted to know her story, which was a first. Normally, I couldn’t care less.
“I’m so sorry if I wasted your time. I would have called but I didn’t have your number.”
“There’s no need for an apology,” I said gently. “And I would have wanted to see you anyway.”
“Really?”
“I love good company.”
Her cheeks tinted.
“I’m not looking for a relationship either.” I had to play this right if I wanted to get her. I treaded carefully, waiting for her response.
“Oh.”
That wasn’t much to work with. “It seems like we both desire the same thing, albeit for different reasons.”
“How would you know unless you knew what mine were?”
“I’m eager to know.” I sipped my wine while I stared at her. My statement was also a question, but that depended on her interpretation of it.
“So, what did you have in mind when you arranged our meeting?” Her voice had changed slightly. I couldn’t tell exactly what that meant. She seemed slightly annoyed.
“I wanted to have a conversation with you. That’s all.”
“No expectations?”
“None.”
The waiter brought our dinner and set it down. The veggie Alfredo didn’t look appetizing to me, but I didn’t make the comment. My meal looked delicious. My steak was red in the middle like I preferred, but I didn’t care about my food. I wanted to eat something else, something with brown hair, blue eyes, and long legs.
She folded her napkin in her lap then held her silverware like a princess. She had good manners, which I liked. I hated slobs. Prudence was too good to be true. She must have an imperfection somewhere.
“What did you have in mind when I picked you up for dinner?” I cut into my steak and studied her face.
“Nothing. I just wanted to eat.” She smiled at me then placed the pasta into her mouth.
I’ll give you something to eat.
I shook my sinister thoughts away before they got out of hand. I liked her easy-going personality. I could tell it was her dominant attitude, but right now it was hidden because she was nervous around me. But I liked when she was nervous. I had control of the relationship.
After talking about a lot of nothing and a few somethings, I wanted to get to the point of our meeting.
“I’d really like to go out with you again.” I grabbed the tab off the table and slipped the cash inside. I left a hundred dollar tip on the table. I wanted Prudence to see it.
She eyed the cash then returned her gaze to me. I patiently waited for her to respond and repeat the same thing back. The anxiety was killing me. “You’re good company.”
Okay. What did that mean? She must be playing hard to get. Fine. We’ll play. “I’m even better company when you get to know me. I have two tickets to see Adele next weekend. I’d love it if you’d accompany me.” That was a lie. I didn’t have tickets, but I could get them easily. I wasn’t sure what music she was into, but I knew she’d know who Adele was, especially since she was a resident of Adele’s fine nation.
When her eyes widened, I knew I hit the jackpot. If she didn’t want to see me anymore, I knew this would make her question her decision. “You do?”
I nodded. “Is that a yes?”
“Umm…I’m not going to say no to Adele.”
“Your voice reminds me of hers.”
“Wow.”
“What?”
“That’s a huge compliment.”
“And I meant it.” Now this date was getting better. I was starting to feel her out, understand her better. I wanted to take her back to my place, but I didn’t think she’d accept. Not yet, anyway.
I rose from my chair. “Are you ready to go?”
She placed her napkin on the table then stood. “I am.”
I pulled her chair out then placed my hand on her waist. She was petite and slim, her wide hips narrowing into a tiny waist. I resisted the urge to squeeze her, to feel her in my grasp.
I’m such a psychopath.
When we reached the street, I called my driver. “We’re ready.” I hung up and returned my phone to my pocket.
“Does he drive you everywhere?”
“I’m not going to fight LA traffic.”
“It must be a million times harder in a limo.” She straightened her posture then dropped her hand from my arm. I didn’t like that at all.
“I drive my car around as well. But not when I’m on a date.”
“We’re on a date?”
“What else would you call this?”
She didn’t answer my question. Instead, she watched the limo pull up.
Scott, my driver, opened the backdoor. “Hope you had a lovely evening, sir.”
“We did.” I went to the door and grabbed it. “I got it, Scott.”
“Very well, sir.” He moved into the driver’s seat.
I helped my gorgeous date into the backseat. When she bent slightly to slide in, I got a view of that ass I’ve wanted to look at. I wasn’t disappointed. My hard-on returned immediately. Damn.
I slid beside her but kept my hands to myself.
Which was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my fucking life.
She crossed her legs, her dress rising up slightly. Her thighs were toned and hard. I imagined separating them with my face.
When the awkwardness stretched, I hit the button on the stereo and turned on classical music. The silence didn’t bother me but I could tell it bothered her. I intimidated her. Clearly.
“Where to, sir?”
I turned to her, giving her the lead. “Where to, Prudence?”
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Home.”
Damn.
“Ms. Prudence’s apartment.” The more this girl made me wait, the more I wanted her.
When we arrived at her apartment, I held the door open and escorted her out. We walked straight into the elevator. There was no music inside, just the light humming of the cables.
“I had a wonderful time tonight,” I said as the doors opened.