Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
“Is this good?” she asked as I took her in with approving eyes.
“Perfect.”
She blushed. Her hair was straight tonight and cascaded over her shoulders. “But you’re okay in heels? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” She looked down at her feet, hesitantly.
“I am. I wear these at work a lot,” she replied, and I smiled. Elyse grabbed her purse and crossed it over her full chest before grabbing her keys.
She led the way out, and our hands brushed together when I closed the door and she moved to lock it. I felt the tingle as her eyes widened, meaning she felt it as well. I led the way to my new black Range Rover and opened her door for her, I watched her as she climbed in. Elyse was curvy in all the best ways, resembling a ‘40s pinup girl. I closed the door and walked around the front.
I started the car and turned on the radio as we drove to the restaurant. She looked up as I parked and smiled as I walked around to let her out. There was a chance I’d be recognized here, but Elyse deserved to have a great night out. I was good at managing my personal life when I was out, but a bit worried that the paparazzi would start digging into her life. I’d been mentioned in the society sections and gossip blogs a couple of times over the years.
We walked inside, and I appreciated the dim lighting. The focus here was the skyline of the downtown buildings at night. I picked the time when the sun was setting, and smiled as the hostess led us to a table in a quiet corner that offered the best view.
“Oh my word,” Elyse said as we were seated, looking out at the vibrant skyline. “This is beautiful.”
“It is. The food is great as well,” I told her as a waiter stopped by to ask what we wanted. “Wine or a mixed drink?”
“Wine would be great, but whatever you want is fine.” Elyse smiled, but I sensed that she was nervous.
“A bottle of your best white wine, please.” I nodded at the young waiter, and he blushed with recognition. I respected the fact that he didn’t say anything, instead choosing to make his way through the room to get the wine. I settled back into my chair and took in Elyse. “You look beautiful.”
“Ah… thank you. I think anyone would be in this light.” She smiled, and it lit up the room as much as the sunset along with the candles in the room. “It’s such a beautiful view.”
“Do you enjoy living in Colorado?” I asked as she kept staring out of the window. “Hold that thought. Have you always lived here?” Something flashed in her eyes as a new waiter brought a bottle of wine to our table, uncorking it for my approval. I nodded, eager to hear her answer. He poured the wine into the glasses and set two glasses of ice water down from a tray beside him.
“Would you like some more time to decide?” he asked, and I realized we hadn’t even looked at the menu. Elyse’s effect on me was surprising, and not something that women usually did to me.
“Yes, please. We’re too distracted with the view.” I looked towards the window, but I had been staring at Elyse.
“I can’t blame you there,” he said. I gave him a sharp look. He smiled and turned his face away from her before telling us he’d be back in a moment. I narrowed my eyes at him as he walked away, turning back to see Elyse gazing at me with a smile on her face.
“First date, and you’re already doing that?” she asked as I reached for my wine, holding my glass out so we could toast. She lifted her own and clinked it gently against mine, smiling as she took a small sip. When she finished, she set the glass down to pick up the menu. Her eyes scanned the entrées, and I noticed that they widened for a fleeting second.
“Is everything okay?” I asked her as she blinked and looked at me.
“Yeah, sorry. I am a starving artist, so meals like this aren’t my usual fare.”
“I do fine at my job, and I’m happy to spoil you,” I assured her as she blushed. She continued to peruse the list and glanced at me. “See anything you like?”
“The crab and shrimp platter sounds so good,” she murmured, and I found it quickly.
“It does.” I smiled and kept looking. “Order it, Elyse. I’m getting the surf and turf. They come with sides and soup or salad as well.” She smiled and read again before closing her menu. The waiter breezed by and stopped as he noticed our menus closed on the table.