The Perfect Gentleman

Mauricio’s

Luna

The inside of the restaurant was dimly lit and filled with warm wine and gold colored velvet accents. The ceilings were high and the walls richly decorated. I can see why this place was so sought out, there was some low jazz music playing in the background, everything in this place screamed expensive and classy. I was very glad I put some extra effort into my appearance tonight.

I followed the hostess to the back of the restaurant. I couldn’t help but marvel at the sights and at the people we passed on the way to my table. So much wealth was evident at each table we passed. I was even sure I picked out a few familiar faces, the who’s who of the city. We walked to the very back of the dining room and passed behind some wine red curtains. Back here was even more exclusive and secluded, the tables were all candle lit with rose petals on them and in their own private area separated by sheer red curtains, almost cabana style.

‘Your table Ms. Fields, please enjoy your dinner.’ The hostess bowed and left.

‘Thank you.’

Samael was already seated at the table.

‘Good evening Luna, you look incredible tonight. Please sit down.’ Samael proceeds to pull out my chair for me.

Stepping into our little niche I couldn’t help but appreciate Samael’s ability to make this happen on such short notice. I guess when you have deep pockets you can make most anything happen.

‘Good evening Mr. Hartford, it’s a pleasure to meet with you again. And thank you, this restaurant is lovely.’ I immediately slip into business mode, got to keep it professional.

‘Nonsense Luna’ he says with a smirk. ‘You know you can call me Samael. Or scream it, whichever you prefer.’ He flashes me a hundred watt smile and winks at me. Oh no I’m starting to feel flushed already. Uh oh it sounds awfully like he’s flirting, time to switch it back.

It’s at that moment that the waiter arrives, he introduces himself, provides us with our menus and recites us the specials.

As I’ve been interrupted by the waiter I’ll now have to make sure to take point and restart on a business note as soon as the waiter leaves. I’m perusing the menu now, Samael has already ordered he hadn’t even glanced at his menu. The waiter told me I could take my time and then took a step back from us, not to pressure me I suppose. I’ve decided to look at the entire menu before I make my choice, I didn’t pay attention to the specials so I’m stuck with whatever is on here. I usually just go right for the pasta. I’m avoiding looking at the prices, I’m almost positive I can’t afford to eat here on my own. I might as well enjoy my experience at Mauricio’s, who knows if I’ll ever be back. Plus this in still a pretend date, the only thing is he can’t know.

‘I’ll take the Shrimp Scampi please and a glass of Pinot Max. Thank you.’

‘Right away Ms Fields.’ He leaves to go place our orders.

Ok showtime.

‘So tell me Samael, what aspects of the campaign did you want to discuss this evening?’ I ask him.

Samael

She’s even more stunning tonight than she was earlier today and that color red is simply doing back flips off of her complexion. I’m so glad tonight worked out, I was really looking forward to spending the evening with Luna. I place my order quickly, I get my usual, steak medium rare, potatoes and some asparagus. I order a glass of whisky, on the rocks. I sip the reminder of my first drink as I watch her ponder over her menu, she’s got her brow furrowed in concentration, it’s a really cute look on her. I know I shocked her with my comment earlier, I got excited and decided to take a gamble. It was lucky the waiter walked in at that moment.

‘I’ll take the Shrimp Scampi please and a glass of Pinot. Thank you.’ Luna finally decides.

‘Right away Ms Fields.’

She hands him her menu and gives him a warm smile. I can’t lie it makes me a tad uncomfortable but I try not to show it. She turns to face me threads her fingers together and asks me the question of the night.

‘I usually leave the business matters after I eat my meal, I find it’s much better for my appetite this way. You understand of course.’ I smoothly respond.

‘But more importantly Luna, I think that before we jump into a business relationship we should discuss our personal one. Don’t you think?’ I c**k my eyebrow at her.

She looks shocked, like she wasn’t expecting me to bring up the topic of us. Her eyebrows are furrowed again like she’s pondering over it.

I decide to continue along.

I lick my lips, ‘First I want to apologize and explain why I’ve been MIA for two weeks on the off chance that you tried to reach me while I was in Japan.’

She looks interested, a brief flash of what looks like relief washes over her face. Oh Sweet Luna you did try to reach me. I smile to myself, I’ve still got a chance.

‘You see one of my business projects in Osaka was having a major emergency and I had to fly out immediately to rectify the situation. Somewhere between my rush leaving the airport and security I lost my cell phone before I even got into the limo. Because of the sensitive info on that phone I had to cancel the service and wipe it immediately.’

‘So you had no access to your cell for two weeks?’ She asks hesitantly.

‘No and it was the most freeing thing honestly. Anton was with me, I was able to utilize his cell, that’s how I was able to make any necessary calls and handle business but I couldn’t receive any personal ones.’

‘So did you try to reach out to me Luna? I wasn’t sure if you would.’ I want to hear her say it.

Luna’s eyes flash up to mine. She looks like she’s struggling to decide on an answer. I love the way that she wears her every emotion on her face. She seems to be such a genuine person. The more I find out about her the more I want to keep her.

Back with these dangerous thoughts again Samael? You know that that sweet girl does not belong in our world.

Be that as it may I’m drawn to her, I cannot explain it and I have no intention of fighting against it. I Samael Hartford will be having me a summer full of Luna, maybe longer if all goes well. That’s a promise.

A/N

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