Paul hibernated in his office for the rest of the day. Just before lunch I received a text from Scott, asking me if I would like to have dinner with him tonight. I smiled, texting my acceptance before even thinking of Paul. I spent all afternoon repeating his words about relationships to myself. I had to focus on the fact that no matter how much I wanted him, I couldn’t have him how I wanted. I had now accepted my want for a proper family life and I sure as hell needed it.
As I readied myself later that evening for my date with Scott, I pushed Paul from my mind. I had to think of my future, not right now. Paul couldn’t, and wouldn’t, ever offer me anything more than sex. However, guys like Scott potentially could.
Right on time, Scott knocked on my front door. My heart started pounding in an instant, nerves grabbing me once again. I opened the door, taking great delight in the handsome man smiling back at me. His bronzed skin held a subtle glow under the dying sunlight. The white cotton shirt stretching over his chest clung to him like a second skin, showing off his body underneath.
He smiled, offering me a single red rose. “Wow. You look amazing.”
I blushed, paying him a compliment back.
“I hope you don’t mind but I thought I would cook for you instead of taking you out.”
Gobsmacked, I shook my head. “Not at all. Sounds really nice.”
“Don’t worry. I trained as a chef in my younger days. It’ll be more than beans on toast.”
I grinned, hitching my soft pink dress up to seat myself in his Mercedes Coupe. Conversation flowed easily on the short drive over to Molly’s. He assured me that Molly and Chris had gone out for the evening to give us some privacy. My stomach churned at the thought of being alone with him in a house. The temptation to peek beneath his clothes was already there.
Once we arrived at the house, he led me through the kitchen and out into the back garden. I gasped, and very nearly choked up at the marvellous sight laid out before me. Molly’s huge dark green marquee stood proud in the centre of the grass. The front opening had been draped back to show off the beautiful candle lit table for two inside. Fairy lights hung all around the insides, bathing the scene in a romantic setting.
“Wow, just wow. I really don’t know what to say. It’s incredible.” I lifted a hand to push back a stray piece of hair, only now realizing I was in fact shaking.
He brushed a hand over my lower back and led me inside. He gave me the full gentleman treatment by pulling my chair out for me, pushing me in, and then pouring me some wine. He excused himself as he went to fetch the starters and I couldn’t help but grin at this unexpected treat. This was, hands down, the best first date I’d ever had.
He returned after a couple of minutes with two plates. “How adventurous are you feeling?”
“Depends on what sort of adventure you’re talking about.”
He chuckled as he produced a red silk blindfold with a cheeky grin. “For the food.”
I nodded, more than eager to accept his little game. This was such a novel, thoughtful idea, I wanted to play it to its fullest. He scooted around behind me, his hands brushing against my head as he tied the smooth fabric over my eyes.
“Okay. Open wide.”
I giggled but did as I was told. Within seconds, a small amount of hot food settled on my tongue. Delicious flavours spread throughout my mouth, my taste buds jumping for joy at the glorious mix of zesty food.
“What do you taste?”
I chewed, definitely tasting meat but I couldn’t quite place what. Apple puree was a definite along with some walnuts and something else. I gave him my known answers, asking for more to decide on the rest.
A minute or so later, he pulled the blindfold from me, showing me an empty plate. I blushed as I wondered just how much I’d eaten.
“That was fantastic. What was it?”
“Seared Scottish scallops with apple puree, walnut, and chicory.”
“Chicory. Of course it was.” I rolled my eyes at myself. “It was absolutely delicious. Thank you.”
He nodded before leaving with two empty plates. I presumed he must have eaten his whilst I was busy chewing. Returning with two more plates, he lifted up the blindfold, my grin returning as I nodded.
We played the same game, my senses on high alert as I concentrated on the amazing food he served me. After getting lost at fish and potatoes, he removed the blindfold to allow me to see my food.
“Poached seabass with seaweed and confit new potatoes.”
I looked at him, my eyes widened in surprise. “It’s fantastic. You should be a chef.”
“Thanks, but I would be like a hippo if I was a chef.”
I laughed, totally understanding.
After that mouth-watering course, he gifted me with dessert—lemon soufflé topped with a dollop of cream and sliced strawberries. I was floating on cloud nine with this exquisite treatment. What a guy and what a way to impress me for sure. He definitely ticked all the right boxes so far.
We chatted constantly after the meal. He was so easy to get along with and his eyes so easy to become lost in. He left me breathless with his chivalrous manners. Driving me home, he kept looking over at me, flashing me heart stopping smiles. Like a teenage girl, I could do nothing but giggle and blush as my heart raced to new dimensions. My mind wandered off into unknown futures, imagining us together.
As he pulled into my drive, he hopped out of the driver’s door, making his way to my door to help me out of his low car. His warm hand grasped mine before he escorted me to my front door.
“I’ve had a lovely time tonight,” he said, closing the gap between us. “I hope I could see you again?”
My cheeks burned as I nodded, too excited for words.
“Can I call you tomorrow?”
“Sure.”
His hazelnut eyes lingered over my face for a brief second before he came in for the kill. He melted his rosy red lips to mine, his thumb stroking my hand as he deepened his kiss. Teasing my lips open with his tongue, he entwined us together in a slow embrace. When he broke his hold on me, he bid me good night before leaving me stupefied, and somewhat stunned.