I can't stop myself. I admit it. I love chocolate and I want it, all the time. That's how I wound up at the truffle shop, even after a great dinner at one of the top restaurants in town. And that's where I met him.
It started out simply. I was staring at the truffles, trying to decide which one, or ones, I wanted. Not easy, because I wanted them all.
"They all look so good, don't they?" a man's voice said.
I looked up and saw a pleasant smile lighting up a boyish male face. He wasn't young, but he wasn't old, either. Medium height, broad shoulders, brown hair, blue eyes. Nice. Of an age with me, I'd say. Dressed in a suit and tie, every inch the businessman. Very nice, indeed.
"Yes," I cleverly replied. "I just can't decide. Which is your favorite?"
"Redheads, definitely redheads," he said, his smile broadening.
"You don't waste time, do you?"
"Not often. Do you? I mean, you don't look as if you do."
Well, yes. Look at me. Dressed for a night on the town. Boots, suede mini skirt, silk blouse, leather jacket. Topped off with the aforementioned red hair and complemented by blue eyes. I had the goods, if I do say so myself. And he seemed to think so, too. But I was not going to make it easy for him. Where's the fun in that?
"Pretty cheeky, aren't you?" I said.
"I meant no offense, believe me. I just figured you as a woman secure with herself. I'm just . . . Can I make it up to you by buying you an assortment of truffles?"
He looked so cute, standing there looking concerned that he'd moved a little too fast. And I did want the truffles, so . . . .
"Sure, that'd be nice". I gave him my best smile. "I really love truffles. How many can I get? You'd have to tie me up to keep me from having them all."
"No problem. I could do that," he grinned.
"You mean you'd get them all for me?" I said sweetly.
"Nope. I meant I'd tie you up to keep you from having them all. I would, however, buy you a nice assortment of your choosing. I would tease you with them and then feed them to you, if it pleased me to do so."
I stared at him. His smile now looked devilish, and challenging. He arched an eyebrow, and I felt weak in the knees. He's bluffing, I thought. Well, we would just see about that.
"Oh, you would, would you? Well, talk is cheap, buster." Do NOT mess with me when it comes to chocolate!
"Steve. My name is Steve. And you are . . .?"
I ignored him and signaled to the sales girl. I selected a dozen truffles and asked for them to be put in a gift box. Might as well go all-out.
I took the box, glanced at Steve, told the girl he was paying, and headed for the door. He reached out and gently took my arm.