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The Maitre D' looked as if she had been slapped by my voice.Visibly shrinking before me, knowing exactly who I was, and now finding something on the i-Pad intensely important, her head quickly lowered. The expensive blonde woman noticed how the host’s hand trembled against the screen, and I saw a new shiver run through her body, too.
She turned, at the same time pulling her shoulders back, pushing her breasts forward. My gaze dropped to the swell of them. Of course she looked stunning. Of course I was right in my recognition, she was the expensive blonde I couldn’t help noticing again and again.
"Mademoiselle,"I whispered with a smile. My commanding voice seamlessly transformed into one of concern and deep affection.Up close, she was taller than I’d expected, and she looked younger, too, although much of that vitality was found in the blue of her ocean eyes.Invading her personal space as if I owned it, I stepped in closer.
I had to go for it. I’d made out as though I knew her, that she was my date. I raised my hand again, reaching up, turning her face from side to side and giving each blushing cheek a genuine kiss. There was no mwah-mwah sound. I meant it, so there was no need to pretend.
Still, with her beautiful face in my hands, I continued talking, my eyes fixed on her dazzling blues, although my words were now meant for others to hear.
"You must think me such a bitch to leave you waiting like this."
I was playing with authority. Although we’d only just met, she could read it in the way my face brightened as she gasped at the expletive.She could also see how I used the pause to look down over her, my eyes caught inside the cut of her gown before finding her smile as it formed on perfect glossed lips.
"We’ll be in the bar."
I reluctantly had to release my hold on her, but it allowed my fingertips to brush a fallen golden curl behind one of her ears.There again, at the switch in my voice, she turned toward the cocktail lounge before I had finished speaking.
"I assume we don’t need a reservation to get a drink around here?"
If she’d stumbled before, my expensive blonde now glided. The thin straps of leather that had been marking her slim ankles and the buckle that pressed against the bone seemed to loosen their grip.
I wondered if she tingled where my fingers had touched and if she would relive each and every imaginary mark I had left behind on her skin.
The exclusive restaurant knew its audience—rich, beautiful people who sought out a stage to display their good fortunes. The lighting was dimmed to cast shadows in all the right places. The tones were warm and gentle to add softness to every shade.
Music drifted, soothing notes that lingered in the air. The bar was occupied but not busy, and luxury was held in the details. Glasses sparkled like crystals. The ice was perfectly clear and cubed. The labels exotic, serving only the finest quality.
I stepped forward and leaned in to order, exchanging words with the bartender, who set to work instantly lining up a row of polished stainless steel measuring cups and pulling down a half dozen bottles from the extensive range on displaybehind the bar.
I felt my surprise date’s eyes follow the exquisite cut of my dress pants, her gaze starting at the hem and slowly rising upward. There was no doubt they were fitted, as they rested perfectly against my thighs and ass. I knew what I was doing when I’d chosen them. My shirt was tucked, pressed to perfection, a light blue I knew looked crisp and sharp.I felt a slight flush rise to my cheeks as her elegant fingers reached out on impulse, the soft pads of her fingertips brushing against my bicep. I knew the luxury cotton of my shirt was smooth and cool to the touch.
I turned slowly, my eyes on her French manicured fingernails then a slow sweep of my focus over her beautiful body and up to her wide blue eyes. She paused under my gaze and then gave a quick inhale as her teeth softly sank into her bottom lip. Then I saw a sudden change.
It was like a mask dropped, a wall fell over her lovely features as she turned to stone. The flush of her skin disappeared as her smile froze.
“Thank you, for saving me from more embarrassment, but the truth is that while I don’t have a reservation in my own name…” She added a little eye roll and annoyed sigh. “I do have a meeting. I’m just not sure what name the reservation would be under. I’m a little early.”
Her hands moved to her dress, pulling it down, adjusting. It all fell into place.
I’d thought my expensive blonde needed rescuing, while in truth she was here on a meeting, and her frustration and moment of vulnerability were due to the fact she felt she was wildly out of place. My guess would be she’d hoped for a boardroom. I imagined that would be her comfort spot. She’d probably visibly recoiled when formal elite dining had been suggested and then agreed to.
What on earth was a woman like this doing on a lesbian cruise?
“Well, that’s okay. We can wait together.”
The bartender presented her drink with a flourish, pausing as he held a liquor-soaked cherry above the glass with a pair of silver tongs. Reaching into his pocket, he slipped out a polished Zippo."Madame. Your Shattered Glass."The Zippo sparked to life and her cocktail was served with a flaming cherry garnish.An aromatic hiss filled the silence between them, and the barman returned the lighter to his pocket.
Her eyes widened and a flash of fire reflected in the sea of blue of her eyes as she watched the flames lick the glazed curve of the crimson cherry. It was over in a second, but the moment lingered in my mind.
Focused on her drink, she watched the alcohol swirl, the colors mixing as the cherry fell through the layers, resting at the very bottom of the glass. She gave a slight sigh before letting the glass meet her parted rouged lips.
She drained her drink in one deep swallow, her lips leaving a faint press of red at the rim. She didn’t look up as she finished. Instead, her finger and thumb reached into the V, catching the plump cherry between her glossy nails. The pads of her fingers squeezed and a drip of sweetened alcohol ran down her fingers as she delicately fed herself the best part of the drink. Her lips closed as her teeth sank into the treat, and her eyes closed as she truly savoured the indulgence as I watched her greedily.
When her eyes reopened, she noticed she had gained my complete attention. She whispered just loud enough for me to hear, “I don't think I really belong here.”
As if there had ever been in any doubt.
As her body moved forward, I immediately felt doubt creeping back into my mind.
