“It’s a bloody dress! How hard can it be? You put your legs in first, shimmy it up over your backside and tits, job done.” Sasha winked at the astonished woman. She was sure she was visibly shaking in front of her. “Alright, I know. Come on then, let’s get you into the damn thing. Christ knows it took you long enough to pick it!”
They had spent hours shopping, with Sasha telling her she looked amazing in everything she had tried on. What did she know? Sasha had a figure to die for.
Standing back to admire her reflection, she was pleased she had gone back to buy the first dress she had seen after all. It was perfect; not too over the top but still elegant enough not to let her down if they ended up in similar surroundings to last time. The low whistle Sasha let out made her throw her head back in laughter before slapping her friend’s arm. As she slipped her feet into the black heels her text alert rang out. He was here, waiting like a good boy in the car. She blew out a short breath, trying to ease her nerves.
“You’ll be fine. I’m sure he has something amazing planned. Go. You look drop dead gorgeous, now scoot.” Sasha swatted her behind before shoving herout the door towards the lift that would take her straight down to the car park.
Not taking his eyes off of the building’s exit doors he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel in time to the music that softly emanated from the stereo. Humming along to the tune as he watched for her to emerge, nothing could have prepared him for the moment she did. The last of the day’s sun lit up the natural highlights in her hair which swished around her bare shoulders. The black dress clung to her curves finishing just above her knees, showing off the most stunning legs he had ever seen. Gulping audibly he just managed to bring the world back into focus enabling him to leap from the car to open her door.
“Hi.” She smiled sheepishly at the stunned man who held the door ajar for her. Giggling she slid into the seat as he skipped around to the driver’s side. “Where are we going, Alex?”
Swallowing loudly again he managed to finally force his voice to work. “Surprise. You look... awesome.” Refocusing on the task in hand, he pulled the car out onto the main road, heading back towards the lighthouse. He tried desperately to fill the rest of the journey with witty but charming banter.
“This place is amazing! Is this some new restaurant?I don’t come out this way much.” She gazed at the building in awe as Alex drove through the entrance gates.
“It’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?” he agreed as he dumped the car at a jaunty angle right in front of the door before hopping out to open her door for her. “I rented it for the next few weeks. Hope you don’t mind if we eat here tonight, but I thought that you might feel a little more comfortable here instead of another stuffy posh place.” Grasping her hand tightly he led her through the sun room to where he had wine chilling in a fancy ice bucket.
“Erm...I just wish you’d told me, then I wouldn’t be dressed like this. Alex, I feel stupid now. Where’s the bathroom? I’ll just change back into my work clothes.” She should have known that he wouldn’t want to be seen in public with her again after the whole knocking over of the drinks.
“Why? I told you, you look fantastic. Stunning in fact. If you prefer I can go change, put on something a little smarter? Do you want me to? Hang on, wait there. I’ll be two minutes.” Before she could protest he scooted off through the doorway, disappearing out of view, leaving her standing alone dressed up to the nines and twiddling her thumbs. She strolled over tothe beautiful glass walls that allowed the view of the beach to seem like it was part of the room. Hypnotised by the view she didn’t hear him re-enter the room until he was standing beside her holding out a wine glass. The scent emanating from him was incredible. He was now dressed in a pair of what she presumed were very expensive black jeans with a white shirt which was immaculately pressed, the sleeves turned up to his elbows revealing the intricately designed tattoos on his arm. Poking out of the end of his jeans was a pair of monster feet slippers.
“Nice! If you’re not wearing shoes can I take mine off? They are crippling my feet and if we’re not going out to eat...”
“Hey, I’m cooking! What more could you want? Give a guy a break would you! I have spare slippers if you like. This floor gets bloody cold.”
“If they are anything like the ones you have on I think I’ll pass. Do you need me to help with the food? I could chop or just keep you company.” Grace had returned her gaze to the beach below as she sipped her wine; it was helping to suppress the butterflies that appeared to be trying out for the air force display team in the pit of her stomach.
“No way. Tonight is about you having fun, and me proving that I’m not some big celebrity. I’ll cook andyou’ll eat and have a good time. But I may allow you to wash up though ‘cos I hate that bit.” Alex offered her his trademark smile as he tentatively placed his arm around her shoulders. “You like the view? It is mind-blowing. Wait ‘til you see it from upstairs.” He felt Grace stiffen at the side of him, and her breathing altered. When he looked down at her flushed face he realised his mistake. “From the observation deck. Imeantfrom the observation deck not my bedroom but....if you want to see my room I would happily oblige, Grace.” It was his turn to keep focused on the view, desperately trying not to laugh out loud at the horrified look she now wore. “Come on. I think I should feed you before you get any more flustered and run out on me.” Taking her by the hand once more he led her to the dining room. He’d spent ages after Izzie left laying the table and rummaging around for candles for the table. He was quite impressed with his efforts when he opened the door to hear her intake of breath.
The room was lit by candle light alone. Sitting in the middle of the room was a rectangular table big enough to seat at least eight. The centrepiece consisted of white roses and greenery buffered by two large candlesticks. The side tables housed masses of tea lights offering an exquisite soft glow. Alex pulled out a chair, motioning for her to sit before he topped up herglass. “Back in a few, okay?” He darted out of the door leaving her alone once again.
Taking in her surroundings Grace didn’t feel quite so overdressed now. The house was staggering; it deserved to have people dress well whilst visiting it. On the flip side she could so easily imagine sitting out on the deck with her pyjamas on and coffee cup in hand, snuggled up with Alex on the soft seating she could just about see through the patio doors, watching the waves crash against the shore.
Alex stood in the doorway watching her, in admiration of how beautiful she looked in the candlelight. He almost didn’t want to enter the room in fear that he would break the mood, but his creation was getting cold and the plates were heavy.
He placed the cloche covered plate in front of Grace before he took a seat beside her. She looked at him with uncertain eyes, no idea what awaited her underneath the silver dome. He lifted both the domes from their plates with a flourish in unison. “Ta da! Dig in.” He grinned as Grace sat staring at the meal he had placed before her. Shrugging he spoke quietly. “It’s the only thing I can cook...sorry. I can order in if you prefer.” Maybe he had massively misjudged this.
“Fish finger sandwiches? Are you kidding me? Ilove this; I haven’t eaten these since I was in school! Wow!” Her face lit up, eyes sparkling.
Not such an epic failure after all then.
Lifting the two little side dishes up to investigate their contents she shuddered at the second one whilst making a gagging noise. “Who in their right mind has mayo on fish fingers? Yuck!” Looking up she saw Alex tipping the disgusting white sauce all over his sandwich.
“Me. Now eat before it’s ruined.”
And she did, wholeheartedly. Nerves now gone, she hadn’t realised just how hungry she was. Alex watched in awe of her before he devoured his own creation. He was used to watching girls picking at a salad in front of him, insisting they couldn’t eat another thing. Not Grace.
“Having fun? Or is my big celeb lifestyle too much for you to take?” Alex rested his chin upon the top of his tented hands, unable to take his eyes off of Grace.
“Okay, I misjudged you. I apologise. Are you going to keep making me feel bad or can we just get on with enjoying our night? The sandwiches, by the way, were a major selling point, I have to say.” Grace giggled now, that enchanting soft chuckle that made his insides flip and his breath hitch in his chest.
Lifting her head, she too leant forward resting herchin in her hands. With their faces now only inches apart she reached up to rest a hand on his cheek, rubbing her thumb against his stubble then tracing his lip with her fingers. His gaze left her eyes and rested upon her mouth, watching as she parted her lips slightly. Taking his chances, Alex brought his mouth to hers with great tenderness, his lips just brushing hers, waiting for permission to continue. Taking his lead, Grace increased the pressure, sliding her tongue against his lips, begging for entry, touching his tongue with hers tentatively. She felt his hand move around her head, pulling her to him, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss further.
When he eventually broke away, allowing them both to breathe, she felt bereft with her lips swollen and tender. Alex smiled as he traced a finger along her cheek. Unsure whether it was a lack of oxygen from being so high up, Alex’s kiss or the fact that she had simply drunk too much wine that made her feel suddenly quite tipsy but she certainly should make this her last glass.
“I bet you get laid a lot, right?”
“Excuse me? Did that really just come out of your mouth?” Alex almost choked on the rich red liquid he had just swallowed. He had been asked some real difficultquestions in his time but that one had to take the prize.
