Author's note: This is the first chapter in a novel-length story. This story is non-con, but it leans more on the coercion/reluctance side of the spectrum. Fair warning, there isn't any sex in the first few chapters of this story. I personally prefer stories that have a decent amount of character development and plot build up before the characters have sex. If that doesn't float your boat, no hard feelings, but this may not be for you.
*
"It's 7:15. I really need to hurry."
Eleane was already running late. She was supposed to meet Noah at the restaurant 15 minutes earlier. She had a bad habit of running late everywhere she went—it was clearly something she had inherited from her mother. No matter how early she wanted to be to an event, she constantly found herself arriving at least 20 minutes late.
Of all events, why this one?
"Greg hated it when I was late...but shouldn't the person you love accept all of the little flaws and quirks that set you apart from the rest of the world?"
Eleane reflected on her previous relationship—she knew that her chronic tardiness had always been a point of contention in their relationship. When they broke up, Greg accused her of not having any respect for others' time. She hadn't been on a date since they broke up—which made tonight even more important.
Sighing, Eleane pulled out her phone to text Noah.
Fingers tapping away, she wrote "Hey, I'm so sorry but I am running a little bit late. I hope you are too, otherwise I've made a really bad first impression."
Frantically trying to prevent any further tardiness, Eleane searched for her shoes. She found the black chunky boots hidden under at least a week's worth of laundry. They were edgy but somehow surprisingly comfortable at the same time. Pulling them on, Eleane was relieved the shade of black matched the black of her dress.
The phone chimed in her hand. Heart thumping she unlocked it and read the message.
"No worries, I'm running a little bit late as well. I'll be there in about 10 minutes, what time do you think you're going to get here?"
Fingers flying across the keyboard, Eleane wrote back. "I'll be there at like 7:31"
The phone instantly vibrated. She liked it when men responded to texts quickly.
"Very specific. I like that in a woman."
Eleane instantly felt a familiar warmth after reading his message. Rushing to her vanity, She grabbed her purse off the back of her chair, fished out her favorite brick-red lipstick and put on the finishing touches of jewelry.
Rushing out the door, Eleane remembered to turn and lock it. The restaurant was about a ten -minute walk from her apartment. A warm August evening, Eleane walked at a comfortable pace, careful not to break a sweat. She loved living downtown—even living by herself she always felt safe in the city. There were always people around, stores were open at all hours, and the streets were well-lit.
Even with the assumed sense of safety, something was off tonight. Clouds began to roll in, and Eleane immediately regretted her decision to walk. Picking up the pace, she debated ducking into the CVS on the corner to buy an umbrella.
"It'll take too long and I'm only a couple of blocks away."
Eleane made the decision to continue on. The people outside had retreated into the safety of the canopies and awnings of local restaurants and bars. Almost no one remained on the sidewalk.
A loud crack pounded through the air, followed by a flash of bright light.
"Fucking great
." She began to jog to avoid getting soaked. Eleane didn't know if she would make it, but she was determined to make it to her destination dry. As she moved, the patter of shuffling feet echoed behind her.
"It's nothing
." Still, Eleane felt on edge. She turned, looking behind her. No one was there.
"It's all in your head
." Despite her reassurances, Eleane still felt uneasy. Luckily, the restaurant was just around the corner. Picking up the pace, her heart pounded as she rushed toward the entrance of the restaurant. It had begun to drizzle. Eleane felt a tension leave her shoulders as she walked through the gate separating the restaurant from the sidewalk. Still, something bothered her. She turned, looking across the street.
There was nothing but bushes on the street moving in the wind.
"You must be Noah." Eleane's stomach fluttered. He was even more handsome in person.
Thank God for Tinder
.
"Eleane, It's nice to finally meet you." Noah stretched his arms out and pulled her in for a friendly hug. She couldn't help but notice how firm and reassuring his chest and arms felt. Even though they just met, Eleane felt as though she had finally found someone she could trust.
"They said the wait was going to be around 20 minutes. Did you want to wait at the bar or in the waiting area?" Eleane's nerves came back to her. This was the part she was bad at. She had never been good at first dates, but a drink would calm her.
"The bar."
Noah dropped his hand toward her lower back and guided her, weaving in between tables, and dodging waiters with delicious-looking plates of food. He pulled a stool out for her and gestured for her to take a seat.
"Thank you." Greg never did things like this for her when they dated.
"No problem," Noah replied, as he lowered himself onto his stool. "So what's your drink of choice?"
"I'm partial to a good Old Fashioned." Eleane loved it when she got the chance to order one on a date. It always impressed the men she had gone out with—they had always liked that she didn't order sweet and stereotypically girl drinks. They were usually impressed with her knowledge of whiskey.
Noah let out a deep, full-bellied laugh when he heard her response. "What are you...a forty-year-old divorced defense attorney?"
"Ouch—" Eleane frowned, surprised at his reaction. This usually worked for her.
"I'm just joking. I like that you don't order vodka cranberries. It's refreshing honestly." Noah's jokes put Eleane at ease. She decided that she liked his sense of humor.
"I'll have you know that my drink order is just a front—I secretly prefer a vodka cranberry. But only if it's
diet
."
Noah's hand flew up to his chest, landing just above his heart. "Don't break my heart woman." He laughed again. Eleane liked the sound. In that moment, she knew exactly how she wanted their night to end. She wanted to hear that laugh buried somewhere it would be muffled.
"So, tell me about yourself," she asked, genuinely interested in him and his answer.
"Well, I'm from Maine, I moved here for college and just never made my way back. It's too cold and most people hate it—including me. I graduated from Charlotte three years ago and pretty much went straight to work. I work for the Sherriff's office now. I have a dog—he's a rescue."
