“Mademoiselle,” he greets. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you. You look great, too,” I murmur. It’s true because my date’s wearing a navy blue suit with a white button down that highlights his bronzed skin. Logan’s broad shoulders are emphasized by the perfect cut of his blazer, and that black hair is swept off his forehead, showing off his chiseled features and startlingly blue eyes.
As soon as I’m standing, he pulls me in and gives me a soft, lingering kiss.
“You look gorgeous, did I mention?” he breathes against my lips.
I smile and giggle.
“Only two seconds ago.”
He grins and swats my rear end, making it bounce.
“Good because I want you to know just how delectable you are, Emory. Now come on in.”
With his hand at the small of my back, he leads me into the manor, and I figure he’s just grabbing his keys or something before we head out into the city. Of course, Newton comes bounding over as soon as I enter. The big Newfoundland is wearing the cutest tuxedo collar around his scruffy neck, complete with a bowtie and I laugh with delight. Bending down, I give him a few scratches behind his ears.
“Hey buddy. Aren’t you so handsome?”
Newton rolls onto his back with his legs up, begging for a belly scratch and I oblige. But when I stand, that’s when I notice that something’s different. The lights are dimmed in the living room and there’s a fire crackling in the beautiful marble tiled fire place. Not only that, but I notice a flickering light coming from the other end of the first floor, where the kitchen and dining room meet.
Logan senses my puzzlement and leans in to press a kiss under my ear. “I’ve got a surprise for you,” he growls.
I tilt my head to the side to look at him. There’s a twinkle in those blue eyes, and I giggle.
“Good, because I like your surprises.”
For a moment, his gaze darkens and his grin takes on a wicked quality. Oooh, this is hopefully going to be something really dirty and nasty. But my date merely reaches into his pocket.
“I’m glad you feel that way,” he says. “Because I want you to come back for more.”
Then, Logan pulls a spare tie out and steps behind me to blindfold me with the cloth.
“Really?” I ask. “You know I’m kind of a klutz, right? This could be really dangerous, especially since I’m in heels.”
He chuckles, and then presses a kiss to my cheek before slinging a protective arm about my waist.
“Don’t worry, baby. I’ve got you and I won’t let you fall. Now, let’s go find your surprise.”
Slowly, we walk forwards down the long hallway, and then through his living room before stopping right in front of the dining area.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
I nod.
“Yes.”
My heart won’t stop fluttering wildly because what’s going to happen? Is a naked lady going to pop out of a giant five-foot tall cake? Are clowns going to rush into the room, waving balloons while cracking jokes? But then, Logan removes the tie and I gasp when I take in our surroundings.
“Oh my God!” is my breathless exclamation.
The dining room has been completely transformed. The large table that normally sits in the center of the room has been removed, and it’s been replaced by a huge black leather banquette and table, complete with a white silk tablecloth. Three red candles burn within a tall silver candle holder in the center of the table, and on one side a bouquet of red roses blooms invitingly. Neatly folded cloth napkins and silverware is laid out on either side of the plates, making for an intimate dinner for two. Not only that, but two servers, a man and woman both clad in black livery, stand discreetly in the corner of the room, ready to wait on us.
“What’s going on?” I breathe.
Logan grins and takes my hand.
“I didn’t want anyone interrupting our date, and I know that would have been nearly impossible if we went to the restaurant. So instead, I’ve brought Eat & Co. here. Is that okay, honey? One of my best chefs is in the kitchen preparing some of my tastiest recipes for us, and Albert and Alicia came by to serve. Do you like it?” he asks in a worried tone. “Or maybe we should head into the city.”
I turn to him smiling.
“No, no need. It’s perfect, thank you.”
He breathes a sigh of relief.
“Good. Let me help you to your seat, sweetheart.”
Then, my date takes my hand and leads me to the banquette in front of the roses.
“The flowers are beautiful,” I say, leaning over for a sniff. “But I’d hate for them to get ruined while we dine.”
Logan waves over the woman.
“Alicia, would you mind putting these in water please?”
The brunette woman nods and strides forward to remove the vase. “Of course, Mr. Henley. And would you like your appetizers now? I believe Chef should have them ready.”