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Chemelyn still couldn’t believe she had agreed to this scheme. She was going out to dinner with a complete stranger, that she had only officially met less than six hours ago! Her hesitation towards that evening did not stop her from dressing as carefully as she had that morning. Just the thought of the gentle way he had taken her hand in his was enough to make Chemelyn’s knees go weak. His smile was so warm and friendly, his eyes so.......
Chemelyn mentally shook herself. If she didn’t hurry, she would never be ready in time to meet him at the restaruant they had agreed upon. Chemelyn hadn’t felt comfortable with him picking her up and finding out where she lived so soon. Dwaine had seemed to understand, and accordingly suggested that the Bistro be their meeting place.
Chemelyn turned her attention to her hair, which she swept up in an elegant frech twist, leaving several tendrils loose to frame her face. Her outfit, the proverbial “little black dress” fit the curves of her body perfectly. Glancing at the clock, Chemelyn slipped the gauzey violet wrap over her shoulders, and took one last glance in the mirror. She sighed, feeling the queasy nervousness of a first date welling up inside of herself. Chemelyn mentally braced herself for what may come, and grabbed her small purse, heading out the door to her loft.
*****
Howie had dressed carefully for their date in a pair of black dress pants, a button down burgundy dress shirt, left open at the collar and a black sport coat. He couldn’t stop himself from glancing at his watch. She should be there in another five mintues, and those five minutes were killing him. Howie inwardly reminded himself to be “Dwaine” that night.
The restaraunt she had suggested had excepted his reservation, and Howie had to admit, it was a very charming place. The word of the night was “mood-lighting” and this romantic bistro had it in spades. A little lamp sat in the center of the table, which was tucked cozily in the back corner. Indoor plants provided a certain amount of privacy for the table, and the colors that the restaraunt was decorated in were warm and welcoming. Howie felt very much as though he were in his own little world, especially designed for himself and Chemelyn.
Just then, he caught sight of a familiar figure being led his way. Howie rose from his seat to greet her.
*****
Chemelyn drew in a sharp breath as her gaze settled upon Dwaine’s well built figure. Her heart began to slam against her ribcage, and she clasped her hands tightly on her purse in an effort to steady her nerves. His chocolate eyes bored into hers as the maitre d led her to what was obvioiusly the best table in the house.
“Chemelyn.” His voice sent shivers up and down her spine, and he took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips. Suddenly, Chemelyn felt very out of breath.
“It’s nice to see you again, Dwaine.” she said softly.
“You look stunning.” he complimented.
“Thank you.” Chemelyn acknowledged, feeling her cheeks heat. “You don’t look too bad yourself. Very handsome.”
“Thanks.” he returned, and pulled out her chair to seat her. He lingered closely behind her seat, and Chemelyn closed her eyes as his cologne wafted to her nose.
“You picked a beautiful place to spend our evening.”
“I hoped you would like it. It’s charming, don’t you think?”
“It is.” he smiled, and discretely nodded his head at the waiter hovering nearby. “I took the liberty of selecting a wine. Is that alright? I should have thought to wait and ask you if you drink alcohol.” he half apologized.
“No, that’s fine.” she assured him. They waited in silence for the waiter to finish pouring their goblets three quarters of the way full. When he had left, the silence lengthened, and Chemelyn felt his eyes upon her.
*@*
The light reflected off of the stands of her hair, casting it’s glow on her face as well. Howie’s breath caught in his throat as he studied her intently. She was so beautiful, it intimidated him. Knowing that she was even more dazzling on the inside only added fuel to the fire burning for her within his chest. She looked up and returned his gaze. Realizing he had been starring, Howie’s cheeks flushed slightly and he said the first thing that came to mind.
“Do you come here often?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them. It sounded as though he were trying to pick her up in a seedy bar downtown. He held his breath for her reaction.
“No. I’ve only been here once or twice. And you?” she replied, her eyes twinkling, knowing full well that he wasn’t from Seattle.
“There’s a first time for everything, I suppose.” he returned. “What do you recommend?” he joked, while picking up the menu that had been placed in front of him.
She caught the teasing glint in his eye and laughed. “Oh no you don’t. I’m off duty tonight. You’ll have to make your own desisions this evening.”
“One thing’s for sure, we’ve both got excellent taste.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because we’re here together.”
“When you put it that way, I’ve got no choice but to agree.”
*****
Chemelyn felt as though she were living a dream; if she pinched herself, she might wake up. The dinner had been wonderful, from the food, to the wine, the conversation. Dwaine had played the part of the comsumate gentleman, endearing himself to her quickly. She had learned that he was a businessman, dealing in real estate development in Florida. When he had told her this, she had replied that she had a friend who worked in the same field. He, coincidentally, also lived in Florida. Dwaine had smiled at this, and had begun to ask her questions about the cafe.
Their meal passed in a similar fashion, both enquiring of one another, and finding that they fit well together. Chemelyn could hardly believe the report she felt with Dwaine, having only met him that afternoon. Chemelyn was having the first enjoyable evening that she had had in a long time. She told him as much.
“I’m very glad and relieved to hear that.” he replied.
“Relieved? Why?” she asked puzzled.
“Beautiful women intimidate me.” he responded softly.
“You think I’m beautiful.”
“Very.”
Chemelyn blushed as she had everytime he had paid her a compliment that evening. “What about you? Have I bored you?”
“Not at all! Far from it, actually. I’ve loved this time we’ve spent together.”
They finished their wine, and Chemelyn excused herself to visit the ladies room. Dwaine stood and helped her from her chair, then watched her retreating back.
*@*
Chemelyn propped herself up with her hands placed on either side of the sink. She closed her eyes breifly, and took a deep breath. He was perfect. From his wavy hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, to the tips of his polished dress shoes, he was perfect. The way he had waited upon her that evening was unbelievable. When was the last time she had been out with a man who had stood everytime she left the table? Opening her eyes, Chemelyn scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, attempting to determine what he saw in her.
*@*
“Would you like to go for a walk on the pier?” Dwaine invited. Neither had room for dessert, so it was time to leave.
“I’d love to.” she said and watched his lips curve into a smile. Perhaps it was the wine, but Chemelyn felt lightheaded when he looked at her. Dwaine fetched her wrap from the attendant, and stepped in front of her, easing his arms around her to gently settle the thin material about her shoulders. Their eyes locked, and Dwaine rested his hands on her upper arms. The air between them crackled with electricity as he slid his hand slowly down the length of her right arm. His gaze did not waver; his hand finally reaching hers. They intertwined their fingers and Dwaine tugged her gently toward the door, which he opened for her.
Before Chemelyn knew it, they were walking along the pier near the restaruant, a gentle sea breeze coming in off the water. The waves sparkled in the moolight, the city night cancelling out the glow of the stars above. Noises from the metropolis did not disturb them, as each was lost in their own world.
“Thank you.” Chemelyn finally broke the silence. Dwaine turned to her surprised.
“For what?”
“For a lovely evening.”
He stopped and gave her a lopsided little smile. “You don’t have to do that. I am the one thanking YOU. You are......a pleasure to be around.” he finished softly. Chemelyn didn’t know what to say, she only stood there, barely consious of the wind pulling the tendrils of her hair away from her face. She starred into Dwaine’s eyes, thinking as she did, that they were truly the windows to his soul. Slowly, he lifted a hand to cup her cheek, reveling in the soft feel of her skin beneath his fingers. He eased forward, coming close. Their noses were almost touching.
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. You have me utterly captivated.” With that, he closed the distance between them, pressing his lips against hers. The feel of his cool, moist mouth on her own sent Chemelyn’s mind reeling. The earth seemed to fall away from her feet, as she reached her hand up to gently carress the nape of his neck. He pulled away then, leaving Chemelyn feeling ungrounded, her disappointedment keen.
“Maybe we should get you home now.” he murmured. She nodded, still confused, but wishing for that sweet kiss to return.
They retraced their steps, reaching the main street again.
“Did you bring a car?” he asked.
“No. I don’t have one, so I took a cab.”
“Alright, I’ll get us one.” he said, then noticed her shiver. “You’re cold.” he stated.
“No, I-” she began, but stopped as he lifted a finger to her lips.
“I’m sorry.” he said, as he shrugged out of his sports coat. Carefully, he settled it around her shoulders, gently rubbing his palms up and down her arms, creating friction through the fabric of his blazer. “Step inside the restaruant foyer and wait for me.” he ordered, opening the door for her as he spoke. She did as he bid, and settled back to wait. The fabric of Dwaine’s coat held his scent, and it totured Chemelyn. Sighing, she knew she’d give almost anything to feel his strong arms around her again.
Several minutes later, he returned and held his hand out to her.
“Our carriage awaits, my lady.” he grinned.
“Kind sir...” she murmured, and accepted his arm. They settled in the taxi that Dwaine had hailed and she snuggled back into the seat. Hesitantly, he slid his arm around her shoulders; his muscles tensed as he waited for her reaction. She responded by leaning into him firmly, and Dwaine exhaled the breath he had been holding.
All too soon, the cab pulled to a stop in front of an old brick building. Reluctantly, Chemelyn lifted her head from where it had fallen on his shoulder, and picked her purse up off the seat next to her. Dwaine exited, and held the door for her, helping her from the car. He asked the cabby to wait, and turned to walk Chemelyn to her apartment. They climbed the stairs to her third floor loft, and halted outside of her white door. Silence enveloped them, and Dwaine gazed at her.
“May I have your number?” he requested softly. A warm smile graced her lips.
“I was wondering when you’d ask.” She reached into her pocket and withdrew a card from the restaruant. He glanced at the advertisement for the bistro on one side, and the seven digits on the other. “I knew I wanted to give you my number when the evening began. I thought I’d wait until you asked for it though.”
He returned her smile. “I’ll call you, I promise.” he said, then planted a kiss on her cheek. Chemelyn watched him turn, and descend the stairs.
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