I feign surprise at his confession while the alcohol sets in.
"Well, I don't k-know."
I brush a piece of my hair behind an ear and look away. He makes me nervous yet excites me. I haven't heard a confession quite like this before.
"You’re so sexy and alluring, yet you maintain an elusiveness that I want so badly to unmask,” he says. " I want to know."
"I must admit, I’m surprised at this display of honesty," I say with an inquisitive and yet demure look.
He does interest me, and I most certainly find him attractive. Sexy, even.
He sits back in his seat and takes another swig of his scotch. Obviously, he’s waiting for me to say more, but I’m still unsure about his intentions.
"Is it me you want, or my business?" I ask unabashedly.
Looking at me very distinctly, he answers me.
"I want both. But make no mistake. I would rather have you than your business, if I had to choose."
My head is swimming from drinking my wine so fast and from his admission of attraction. I love the hungry look in his eyes and that he drips with desire for me.
I recall the last night with James. Were we exclusive? No. That was only sex, nothing more.
I glance at the handsome man across from me. I’m an adult- able to make adult decisions- I can do whatever the hell I want.
What if I could just taste him and see what he offers me? Guilt begins to make an ugly appearance in my head.
I dismiss those feelings as quickly as they arise- not today. Besides, if a man can play the field, then so can a woman, for crying out loud.
"Hello?" Mattheo asks me from across the table.
I blush and offer an apology.
"I'm sorry, I just kind of drifted off for a moment."
"Yes, I noticed," he smiles genuinely and finishes his drink.
I finish my wine, and we both agree to take our lunches to go.
"I find you equally attractive and alluring," I admit to him.
I can tell this satisfies him as well. My eyes drink him in, and I want so badly to kiss him.
"So, Ms. Dean. I see that we have a mutual agreement of sorts," he inquires wistfully, taking the check yet again.
"No, p-please." I stammer, trying to take the check from his hand.
He holds it just out of my reach and kisses my wrist instead.
"But you got the last check," I plead.
"Hopefully you're the last check I'll get," he winks at me confidently.
"If I'm the last check you get, then you've just hit the jackpot."
He pays and chuckles.
"You have that right, sweetheart."