Suriah walked into the restaurant, feeling out of place even though she looked as nicely dressed as anyone else. Head held high, she tried to hide her discomfort, looking for him. Scanning the rooms, she did not spot him and was wondering what to do about it when a hand lightly touched her elbow.
"Miss, this way please," the host said softly to her, "He is waiting for you."
Shaking her head, she let the man lead her though the tables to the place where he sat. She did not notice the heads that turned to follow her progress as she glided past; her eyes were locked on his from the moment he caught her gaze.
He stood as they approached, pulling her chair out and waving a hand at it. She could not take her eyes off of him as she slid into the space he made for her, smiling nervously.
"Calm down kitten," he told her gently, as he took her hand and kissed it. He laid a hand on her trembling arm, "I am not going to devour you here in the restaurant. There will be time enough for that. It is good to meet you in person finally, kitten."
She nodded breathlessly. He chuckled when her eyes widened slightly, grinning and seating himself as the host spoke of wines and specials. He ordered for himself and then for her, and all the while she could not find it in her to look away.
He was tall. She had known that but seeing it in person was different. His eyes sparkled out from his face, making him seem both intense and fun at the same time. The mop of red hair should have made him look less professional, but it didn't. Everything about him exuded power. Men and women both glanced his way frequently, lingering over his strong jaw line or his ready smile.
He spoke of little things, slowly drawing answers out until she was relaxing back into her chair and chatting with him. The food came and went. It could have been cardboard they served in the place for all she noticed of it, even though he had chosen well for her. The wine was exquisite, but he stopped the waiter from pouring her a second glass. When she cocked her head at him quizzically, he just smiled slightly and told her that she did not want to be inebriated. Then he gave his manly chuckle at her creeping blush while the waiter stoically filled her water glass and departed. He randomly gave her thigh a gentle squeeze, or brushed his fingers over the back of her hand. Each touch from him went through her body like lightning, and she shivered as she grew moist from contact with him. His direct clear look told her that he knew exactly the effect he was having on her, and it made her want to writhe in her seat.
At last the meal was over, the bill paid, his car brought around. He opened the passenger door for her and she slid into the car, her nerves returning with a vengeance.
The click of her door shutting seemed to signal something, but she could not figure out what. He slid into the car and leaned over to her, letting a bare inch of space remain between their lips.