Captured

{10} Date Night

Sara Beth's POV:

After a fairly boring and uneventful week, Friday has arrived. I don't know whether to be excited, nervous, or wary about my date with Adam. On one hand, he's been very sweet through his text messages and phone calls. I feel giddy as he is very attentive to my thoughts, my feelings, my life. There's still a nagging feeling in the back of my mind, but I try to keep it in check. I don't want to ruin something if my intuition happens to be wrong.

I hung out with the girls last night and everyone was very supportive, giving me advice on what to wear and what to do if the date goes south. Chloe seemed to be indifferent about the whole ordeal, making nonchalant comments about it being "no big deal" or "just a date". She is sometimes hard to read. I could see Leah's expression held the most worry, so at some point during the night, I took a moment to check in with her individually.

"Hey, everything okay?" She smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes, which tells me something is up. Leah is one of the most energetic people on the planet, but she seemed down and I felt her mood change after I mentioned my date.

"Honestly, no. SB, can I be frank with you without you feeling like I'm trying to derail something before it starts?" I simply nod because Leah is the closest thing I have to a best friend and if she can't be honest with me, then why even be friends. "I know we are new friends, but I've grown very close to you and I want to be supportive of you. I'm just very apprehensive about you going on this date." We are standing at the railing of the back deck. She's facing the forest while my back is to it. I look down as she stares into the treeline. "It's not that I don't want you to date or go out with someone. It's just I always get a bad vibe when Adam's around. I don't know what it is. My stomach turns." I look up to see her now facing me with sincerity in her eyes.

"Why do you think that is?" I ask earnestly.

"I wish I knew. Maybe something in his eyes or the way he carries himself. I want you to go on this date, but I want you to keep your eyes and ears open. Any sign of a red flag, you call me immediately! Even if you think you're just being paranoid. I can't lose one of my best friends!" Her face is filled with fear and anxiety. I step closer to her and wrap my arms around her shoulders. She wraps her arms around my waist.

"Thank you for being honest with me. To be completely honest, I feel some of the same awkwardness, too. I just don't want to be one of those people who turns someone down before giving them a chance. He's been very sweet to me through texts and our calls. Maybe it's just something about his personality." I take a deep breath before releasing my hold on her. "But, my daddy didn't raise a weakling. I will keep my head on straight and I'll check in periodically." She nods her head and let's out a deep sigh.

The chiming of the door brings me out of my head. I see Zach walk over to the front counter. He is talking to Mr. Miller in hushed voices again. I can't make out what they are saying while I'm crouched at the endcap, stocking the display items. They move toward the stock room with Zach only giving me a side glance. He doesn't say anything to me, but his anger is prominent on his face. I would hate to be on the receiving end of it.

After finishing the display, I walk toward another aisle to check the shelves for any gaps in products. I suddenly feel a presence behind me. My heart spikes and I'm suddenly very nervous. Why does Zach have this effect on me? I slowly turn to face him.

"Uh, hel—lo Mr. Turner, can I help you? I manage to stammer out. At first, he says nothing, just stares into my eyes with a cold, hard glare. His icy blue eyes hold something I can't understand. Is that fear, worry, concern? Why would he even care about me? I start to look down as the weight of his stare is heavy, when I felt his fingers under my chin. He tilts my head back up to face him.

"Do I make you nervous?" He finally speaks.

"Sometimes."

"Sometimes?" He c***s an eyebrow like he's enjoying his power over me.

"Be careful tonight." He grits out and, without another word, leaves the store. I let out a breath I was holding. What the f**k was that? I take a moment to collect myself. Deep breathes trying not to panic. How does he know about tonight? Maybe Leah told Scott who told Zach? Makes sense. It wasn't a secret, so why wouldn't she talk to her mate? Why do I feel as though I'm committing some betrayal?

I distract myself from my thoughts by quickly finishing my closing checklist. I then go into the bathroom to quickly change for my date. Right on cue, Adam's black corvette pulls up to the front of the store. He gets out and walks around to the passenger side to open the door for me. I smile at the gesture.

"You look beautiful. How was work?" Adam compliments.

"Uh, thanks. I wasn't sure what to wear since you didn't really give me any details about tonight. I hope it's okay. Work was fine, same ole same ole." I sit in the passenger seat, almost plopping down since the car sits really low to the ground. Adam gently closes my door and walks around to the driver's side. As he puts the car in gear, he gives me a sly smile.

"I wanted it to be a surprise, but your dress looks just fine." I blush slightly, but notice his eyes raking over my body and landing on my exposed legs. It's as if he is imagining me without clothes. I start to feel uncomfortable under his gaze.

"Don't you think you should keep your eyes on the road so we get to dinner in one piece." I try my best to get his eyes off of me. He chuckles, but he continues to glance my way as often as he can. We pull into the parking lot of a nice restaurant in what I assume to be neutral territory as we never crossed another town's sign. The building is quaint with an atmosphere of sophistication. Adam opens my door and lends a hand for me to exit. I graciously take it so I can be sure my dress covers my legs as I stand up. I feel very under dressed for this place, but Adam doesn't seem to notice my apprehension. As we walk toward the host's desk, I notice Adam still has ahold of my hand. I try to release his grip, but he just smiles and doesn't let go. How can someone know all of the right things to say, but be oblivious to social cues and behaviors? Or is this part of his power trip where he gets what he wants when he wants? I hope he doesn't think he's getting more than dinner, because that is not my style.

The host seems to be flirting with Adam and, even though he clearly has a date, it doesn't stop him from reciprocating. I ignore the interaction and remain calm. Is he trying to make me jealous? Is this a test? One date. That's all this has to be and then, I can just let the situation pass on like a bleep in the matrix. We are seated in the corner near the front window as if Adam wants to put me on display. This whole date seems less and less about me, but more about putting on a show. My frustration and anger are rising as I feel like a pawn in some game. Before I can say anything, the server comes over to take our drink order. Adam orders red wine for the both of us, but doesn't bother to ask if I even drink red wine.

"I'll just have a water, please." I tell the server. She writes it down and walks away from our table.

"Water? Do you not drink wine?" I can see his anger bubbling below the surface as if I disrespected him by asking for water. I just smile and shrug my shoulders.

"I've just never been into red wine," I say nonchalantly. I hear Mr. Miller's and Leah's words ringing in my ear to keep my head clear and be observant. I refuse to be swayed by the effects of alcohol tonight. I need to get to the bottom of Adam's interest in me and whether or not it is in fact sincere. So far, he's not leaving much to be desired.

The server comes back and sets down an expensive looking bottle of red wine with two glasses and a tall glass of iced water for me. She then asks if we are ready to order. Adam, once again, takes it upon himself to order for the both of us. He orders two steak dinners with potatoes and grilled asparagus. I contain my annoyance and let it slide as the meal does sound delicious. He has obviously eaten here before and knows what is good. Then why does this gesture annoy me so much? He barely knows me enough to order for me. He didn't bother to ask. That must be it.

"So." Adam begins to break the silence after the server leaves again.

"So." I respond curtly.

"How do you like the restaurant?" Awkward first topic, but maybe he's nervous.

"I love how the outside makes it feel homey, but the inside screams sophistication. I feel under dressed, but other than that, it's got a lot of charm." I speak honestly.

"Your dress is fine. You look lovely. And, I'm glad you like it. It's definitely one of my favorite places to come outside of River Ridge." he takes a sip of his red wine. "Are you sure you won't have some wine? It's delicious." I look into his eyes and, once again, I feel naked under his stare. His eyes seem darker and full of lust. I grab my ice water and bring it to my lips, which he watches intently.

"No, I'm good with my water. So, can I ask you a question?" I lean forward with a serious tone in my voice. Before I can ask my question, the server saunters over with our meals and places them in front of us. The flirtatious smile and wink she gives him and his responsive wink do not go unnoticed by me. I roll my eyes internally. I clear my throat, regaining Adam's attention. He looks at my undeterred face.

"Uh oh. This sounds serious. Sure, ask anything you want." Adam begins to cut up his steak while waiting for me to ask my question. He swallows his first bite and begins to sip on his wine.

"Why did you ask me out?" He all, but chokes on his wine, not expecting my question. There's an honest expression which flashes across his face before he clears his throat and covers it up. I don't move, waiting for his response.

"Why? What a bizarre question!"

"How is it bizarre? You don't know me except for our brief interaction at the Farmer's Market. Yes, we've chatted and communicated through text, but none of those conversations held any depth. I'm just curious. You won't hurt my feelings. I just want to know what prompted you to ask me out." I explain.

"I--I thought you were beautiful, talented, and I wanted to get to know you better." he keeps his explanation short.

"Oh! Okay." I sit back, content with his answer, as I already know it's not the whole truth. My dad taught me a lot about reading tells growing up. As someone who navigates IT and security systems, he sometimes had to run investigations which required him to know when someone was lying or trying to cover up the truth. Adam has an ulterior motive and isn't about to let me know what it is. I have a suspicion, but for now, I will play along.

"Okay? That's it? No further explanation needed?" he looks shocked. I chuckle lightly.

"Why would you need to explain further if your response is honest?" his face changes from shock to a mischievous smile.

"You're an interesting woman, Sara Beth. I've never met anyone quite like you. You're strong for a human." I see his eye flicker out the window as if noticing something.

"For a human? What does that mean?" I follow his gaze out the window to see what he is staring at so intently.

"It just means you're unique." I see him slide out of his chair and take the chair next to me. He moves in closer to me and leans his mouth closer to my ear. "You will be my most precious prize." My face snaps at his with my mouth agape. He takes advantage of my shock by pressing his lips to mine. The overwhelming level of disgust rising in my throat. I push against Adam's chest, but he doesn't budge. Before I start to panic, he releases his hold, allowing me to breathe.

"How dare you kiss me without my permission?"

"What sweetheart? You've been asking for this all night. I could no longer resist those plump lips of yours." His smug arrogance reaches his face and I can't believe his charm ever worked on me.

"Take me home." His facade drops, but without a care, he agrees. He slaps a couple hundred dollar bills on the table and heads toward the entrance. And with that, he drops me off at Miller's without another word spoken.