Dearest,
I am writing this letter so that we both remember the wonder of that evening. It was a beautiful spring evening. The fiery red of the setting sun filled the broad windows of the restaurant high a top the hotel. There was a rotating bar upstairs but we were meeting for dinner. I had a small booth in a back corner of the room. I could see the door. I could see the skyline. Yet, it was as private as it gets in a public place.
The tables all had long linen table clothes. The smell of garlic and pasta filled the room. It seemed like a nice Italian restaurant with a well-trained and discrete staff, available but not hovering. The silverware glinted as the staff began lighting the candles on each table. The setting seemed perfect. I fidgeted. My thong underwear was new. A little surprise for if the evening went well. I looked at my watch for the fifth time...no, you were not really late yet.
I looked up. It was worth the wait and more. There you were in the doorway. You were talking to the maitre d’ ….my heart skipped a beat. Even from here, I could see you have pulled out all the stops. Your hair shone in the candlelight. Gently pulled back, your hair cascaded down your back. Your smile alone was enough to warm a man’s heart. I stood in my business suit so that you could see me…a dull companion for your beauty.
You glided over towards our booth followed by the maitre d’. At that moment you captured my heart. Your dress was an elegant black that shimmered in the candlelight. The bodice was a simple halter that highlighted your cleavage. The dress was full and flowed around you creating a sense of mystery; mocking my eyes in their attempts to pierce the veil that hid your perfection.
The maitre d’ pulled the table out so that you could slide in. You slid about half way round to the back of the booth. Your almost bare back looked so smooth and lovely. I slid back in and the table was slid back in. My knee touched yours. It was electric. I took your hand and kissed it gently, first on the back and then on your palm. All the while I looked deep into your eyes seeking a signal or sign that I had found favor in your eyes. Was the restaurant okay? Did I get a good table? Was my tie straight? I was as nervous as a teenager on prom night.
Our server arrived and asked if we wanted something from the bar to start. I said, “ no…. just a bottle of sparkling water…to cleanse our pallets and allow us to enjoy the entire evening”. You said nothing…. and just nodded. You face was a perfect mask, your beauty shining out, but no hint as to your thoughts and plans.
We started to examine the menu. The appetizers looked wonderful. Everything looked wonderful. I suggested that we share a handful of appetizers, and have a salad and dessert. Again you just nodded, letting me lead on. My confidence was slowly returning. I signaled the server. I quickly told him our plan. He smiled a knowing smile and promised that everything would be perfect.
We started with two Caesar salads. The lettuce was crisp and fresh. The dressing was bold and aromatic. You asked about my day at the conference. I told you about a new project. You told me about your day. We shared the idle small talk that couples make when they are at dinner. And the salad course was done. With bolstered confidence, my right hand slid over to take your left. It seemed perfect that you were eating with your right and that I was eating with my left. I gently caressed your hand. It was cool and dry.
True to his word, our server magically appeared and whisked the plates away. Almost as if by magic, he reappeared with our first appetizer, an artichoke stuffed with shrimp and a sauce to die for. With a wink to me, he asks if we will need a second fork as he placed the plate between us. I looked at you and said, “no I think one will be enough.” You smiled, almost a mischievous grin.
I slid around to sit closer to you. Our thighs touched along their whole length now. The last glimmers of the sunset were just fading. The sun’s fiery departure was being replaced by the fire of our passions. I reached toward the artichoke and you stopped me telling me that I had been working hard all day and that I should sit back and let you do some of the work.