Sam pulls out my chair in the elegant dining space and nods to our waiter, who quickly makes himself vanish and not five minutes later arrives with a big bottle of sparkling water, a fancy glass ice bucket, and a bottle of wine…along with some appetizers.
“You didn’t even order?” I ask, cocking my head as the waiter pours the wine.
“Yesterday. I’ve got this all planned out. Just enjoy it.”
Reaching his hand across the table he takes mine, leaning forward and kissing the inside of my wrist before handing me one wine glass and taking the other.
“Cheers,” he offers, intertwining his forearm in mine as we take a drink.
Wow, just wow.
Now I see why he was hurrying around. He probably planned this all down to the last second so who knows what other surprises he has in store for me tonight.
Seeing that he invited me to dinner at a hotel I kind of had the feeling tonight might be a special night for me, meaning I did a rush delivery on some Agent Provocateur and even splurged on some expensive perfume. I’m glad to see he’s put in equal effort, and has he ever.
Sam’s decked out in a dark suit, the white button-down undone and no tie, making him look classy and casual at the same time. His polished oxford shoes are clearly new as is the suit, although it sure looks like he got it tailored. He must have in order to get it to fit so well on such a muscular frame.
Tonight just feels…different. Special, even more so than I expected.
We make quick work of the appetizers and again, without even ordering, the main course just appears, exactly when it should.
Reaching for the wine bottle, Sam’s hand intercepts mine. “We don’t want to drink too much…don’t want to dull the rest of the experiences tonight has in store for us.”
A knowing grin takes over and then I look away, bashful at what I’m thinking.
“Unless you’d like to just call it a night after dinner.”
“No, no, no,” I retort quickly, my head snapping back up as I make eye contact and lean forward.
“If at any time you decide you want to…change the pace, including calling it a night entirely, just let me know. Obviously that’s not what I want, but what I want more than anything is for you to be comfortable, happy, and completely satisfied. A night to remember, no matter how we arrive at the end.
“Thank you,” I say softly. “I’m sure whatever happens will do so naturally, organically.”
“Exactly,” he agrees. “Could you pass me the butter?”
I laugh as he expertly navigates the conversation, changing topics at just the right time.
Conversation is light throughout the delicious meal and before I realize just how much time has passed the dessert cart is being whisked by.
“For the lady?” the gentleman manning it asks.
“The strawberries and whipped cream, please.”
“Coming right up, sir,” the waiter replies.
“We’d prefer to have it in our room, if that’s okay.”
“Most certainly,” the man says, and disappears without even asking Sam for his room number.
“Have you been here before?” I ask, leaning over the table in a bit of shock. No offense to Sam but his living conditions don’t really match this fancy schmancy place. I liked him for who he was before, so none of this matters even though it’s appreciated. I’m just…intrigued.
“Only yesterday.”
“But everyone acts like they know you.”
“Manners are definitely underestimated, especially these days.”
“That’s all you’re going to tell me? Manners?”