Kayden.
I took a long shower and an hour-long nap. Lucky for me I had unpacked, so I was able to access my new wardrobe. I found a black dress that accentuated my curves; it was low in the front and had a plunging back. Thinking about Kayden's eyes I decided to match it with a green wrap and black peep-toe shoes. I combed my hair in a bun and found my white pearl earrings and necklace. The look was one of pure elegance but with an edge of sexiness.
When the doorbell rang my nerves started getting the best of me; my face was flushed, my hands shaking, and my stomach acting up. I was so glad I'd had lunch; I didn’t think I would be able to eat a bite.
When I opened the door, Kayden took my breath away. He looked so amazingly handsome in his black suit, white shirt open at the top, no tie. And when he saw me, he just breathed in deeply and said, "Wow, you look stunning." Then he gave me a gentle kiss. He had flowers in his hands. "These are for you."
"Thank you, do I have time to put then in water?" I asked as I turned my back to him, heading for the kitchen.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay in tonight? Because with that dress you might just give me a heart attack."
I just turned around and smiled coquettishly. I was flirting with him without shame, something I had not done in ages, and I was enjoying myself doing it.
"We need to go soon otherwise I am going to do something stupid like rip that dress off and spend the night taking you in a hundred different ways."
I smiled. "A hundred, that’s it?" and picked up my wrap and clutch from the table.
"Stop that game or I am not going to be responsible for what I do."
"Promises, promises."
He grabbed me by the arm, and said, "Don't tempt me, I don't like games."
I looked at him, straight in the eyes and knew what he meant. Then he took me by the shoulders and kissed me hard, until my lips were bruised. No more games for me, Kayden had a dark side and I could see it in his eyes.
The ride to the restaurant was mostly silent. Kayden held my hand and looked out the window. When we got to the restaurant we sat at the bar until our table was ready. I ordered a pomegranate martini and he had a double scotch. Our table was ready in less than five minutes and Kayden finally spoke.
"Stop sending me conflicting messages. If you are not interested just say so and stay away from me, but don't say no and then play these ridiculous games that are more appropriate for a teen."
"I am sorry Kayden, my intention was not to confuse you or play games with you; well, maybe a little. I do want you, but I know you are not for me. I'm afraid that you will overpower me in so many ways that I'll never find out who I am or what I can do on my own."
The waiter came and our conversation stopped. He explained the menu for that evening and asked if we had any food allergies. It was a prefixed tasting menu, so there were no choices to be made.
"Can we hold on this conversation for later?" he asked. "This is supposed to be our first official date and here we are fighting like an old couple. Let's pretend we are on a blind date and then go from there."
"I thought you didn’t like games," I said with an attitude.
"Ellie," he admonished.
"Okay, okay. Ellie McCabe, nice to meet you," I responded sardonically.
"So much better. Kayden Hale, the pleasure is all mine," he said with a snicker. I had to laugh at his expression; it was truly hilarious.
From that moment on, we were able to laugh and enjoy each other's company as well as the superb food. Alinea was truly a gastronomical experience that engaged your senses, body and soul. And I allowed the magic of the place and the moment to carry me away.
We arrived at the apartment close to midnight. Kayden walked me to my door, and then asked if he could come in. I was hesitant for a moment but then signaled him in.
"Would you like a drink?"
"Sure, scotch if you have