Magical Mate

Chapter3-_Date Night

Zara

The day was passing in a flurry of nerves and anxiety. Never had I ever felt this level of nerves and anxiety getting ready for a date. I need to look perfect, feel sexy, not look like I tried to hard or was too easy. It was a fine line.

I took time with my make-up, making sure that my eyes were my focal point. Let’s face it, I am no beauty, but my eyes are phenomenal. I piled my hair in a mess of cascading curls, just dusting against my neck and framing my face. I picked a burnt orange dress. It was off the shoulder, with a sweetheart neckline and flowed lazily around my knees, a pair of black lacey stiletto heels. I stood in front of my mirror. I had to admit that I was impressed!

As I stared at my reflection, it was as if the mirror glass started to move, as if it was made of water. Swirling and distorting my image, as a new one took my place. A pair of broad shoulders, long thick brown hair just to the neck, a pair of women’s hands intertwined in the thick strands. I could hear their voices, just faint whispers carried away on the wind. The man dipped his head low, as he was kissing the woman in front of him. All I could see was her head as he laid her down on the cool ground, a pool of ebony hair sprawled beneath her. He brought his hand to her cheek as he broke the kiss and looked down at her, as she reached up to her lover to pull him towards her once again. Something draws the man’s attention from the woman he cradles her so tenderly beneath him. He stands, as he turns toward me, the woman on the ground fades into the mist, and all I see in the shadowed darkness is piercing blue eyes. It was as if he was staring at me. Then as quickly as it began, it was over.

No! It’s not possible. That man, he looked so much like him. But how? Why? Could I have seen Cire in his past? But why?

The questions flew through my brain on repeat. No, I don’t see the past, I see premonitions of the future. So, I don’t know what’s happening, but this is strange. I am beginning to wonder if this is maybe a product of my s*x-deprived fantasy. While I am trying to figure out my strange, let’s call it a smutty daydream. My phone chimes, shaking me out of my thoughts. It’s Lydia.

Hey lady, I want details. Have fun, don’t make me pop in. Love ya!

I just laughed. That would be something to explain how my fiery friend just popped into the middle of dinner and, believe me, she would.

No popping in!! I will, of course, tell you everything. Talk to you tomorrow unless it’s a disaster. Then, in that case, have chocolate and wine. Lol love ya!

One last look at my reflection, I grab my purse and keys and head out the door. Please don’t let this be a disaster.

~Cire~

I arrived early to make sure that we had the best table, and partly because I was too nervous to sit around any longer. I sensed her before my eyes even spotted her in the crowd at the door. I think my heart stopped for a brief moment. She was even more beautiful than I recalled. The color of her dress did nothing but accentuate her beautifully flawless olive complexion. Her hair in a mountain of curls I want to pull the pins and let it fall around me. Oh, Goddess, she was gorgeous!

I stood as the maître de escorted her to our table. I stepped from my side to stand by her chair. When she reached me, I held out my hands to take hers in mine. It was like electricity running a marathon through my body; I have never felt a feeling like this.

“Zara, you look stunning! I am the luckiest man here for certain.” I smiled as I watched the blush climb her cheeks only making her even more beautiful.

I turned to pull out her chair and returned to my seat. I don’t know if I am going to make it through this dinner without kissing this woman.

Zara

Oh Goddess, did he take my breath away. There he stood, the man in black, his black pants slightly snug, his black dress shirt, sadly had sleeves covering up his tattoos, and an ice-blue satin tie that just brought out his eyes. When he took my hands, it was like electric heat radiated through my whole body. Did he feel it or was I imagining the connection? Did he just say something?

Pay attention Zara! Get it together.

I smiled and responded to his compliment. “Thank you, you look quite handsome yourself. Did I keep you waiting long?” I asked to start the conversation.

“Mm, what? Oh no, not all. And even if you had, I would have to say that the wait was well worth it.” He says with a smile.

The waiter comes to pour the wine, and we just sit there smiling at each other. The brief silence is not uncomfortable or awkward in any way. Strange how it feels almost familiar. He breaks the silence first,

“So, Zara, I don’t even know your last name.”

I hadn’t even thought that we had not shared anything beyond first names at this point. How can I be this attracted to a man and not even know his last name?

“Let me reintroduce myself.” He says “Hello, I’m Cire Heath, and you are?” he reaches out his hand to me as soon as I take it there is that electric heat again.

“I am most pleased to meet you. Mr. Heath, my name is Zara Moon.”

I am greeted with the most amazing smile. Holy cow I am done for.

“Ms. Moon, the pleasure is all mine. Please call me Cire.” I can’t stop smiling at this man.

“Well, Cire then you must call me Zara.” I can’t help but chuckle at our late and very formal introductions.

“Well Zara now that we have been properly introduced, tell me about yourself?” he asks.

“Well, what would you like to know?” I ask, rambling on. "There is nothing too spectacular to tell. I own a little candle/apothecary shop on Chestnut Street. I come from a large family, but they have all but scattered to the winds. How about you Cire?”

He takes a moment like he has to choose his words carefully.

“Well, I own a security business. Wolfs Security. We mostly do security systems and private security. I guess I have a protective instinct and decided to make it a career.” He shrugs like it’s just another little thing, no big deal.

“Well, that is pretty impressive stuff there, Sir. A lot more dangerous than my little candle shop I would say.” And I smiled at him.

Conversation flows so easily as we eat our dinner and just enjoy each other’s company.

‘I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by. It’s already ten thirty, we have been here for four hours. They must be closing soon.” I say with regret.

Cire just smiles at me and motions to the waiter for the bill. As he signs the slip, he doesn’t take his eyes off me as he hands it back to the waiter and stands to come and assist me out of my chair. Even with my stilettos, I just make it to his lips. Why would I notice that? Did he notice? OH, please notice.

Cire takes my hand, and we walk out into the cool night air. I probably should have brought a jacket, but I didn’t think it would flow with the outfit. I should know how the weather works by now. It’s a fool’s summer, and I shiver as we step outside. He notices and wraps those arms around my shoulders. That electric heat instantly sends a different kind of chill across my skin, but I no longer feel the chill in the air.

“Sorry, I don’t have a jacket to offer you,” he says as he looks down at me “I hope that this is ok? You just keep shivering.”

Well, I wasn’t anymore. There’s that electric fire again. I look up at him and try to answer, and it comes out as a mumbled stutter.

“mm hmm, um yea, its fine, thank you” he keeps smiling at me.

“Did you have a valet park for you?” he asks.

“Actually, I came by cab. I can just flag one down, it will be just fine.” He looks at me like I have lost my senses, as he hands the valet his ticket.

“Absolutely not. I will take you home, unless that makes you uncomfortable.” He says quickly.

Oh Goddess, not uncomfortable like you mean, I think to myself.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to be any trouble, or to have your drive anywhere out of your way.” He just keeps smiling at me, and that smile is devastating.

“Mam, I’m going your way. Whichever way that is.” He says with a half bow and still with that smile.