Falling for Him

Date Night

As I stare at myself in the mirror, I feel my nervousness build. The burgundy dress fits me perfectly, accentuating my curves and would give any woman a boost of confidence but for me, I just felt like mulling through my emotions. I let out a deep sigh and begin my way to the stairs. I stand at the top and see Russell standing at the bottom, waiting. He wears a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows paired with a dark colored jeans and black loafers, making me look to my feet, as I am barefooted. His hands are buried into his pockets as usual and I make my way down the stairs. As I approach him, one of his hands emerge from his pocket and he holds it out for me to take, and I do. He leads us to a dining table set up for two with rose petals and candles surrounding it. The candle light makes it seem very romantic and I smile to myself. He guides me to a seat and pulls out the chair for me to sit, the chivalry makes me giggle as he takes his seat across from me. His eyes find mine in question.

“Nobody has ever done something like this for me” I say to him gesturing to the romantic setup. He flashes me a vibrant smile and waves his finger in the air. Out of nowhere, a waitress brings a bottle of wine and begins to pour. Her eyes look to him, full with desire but his eyes are intently on me. He waits until she leaves to then speak.

“So.. what’s next for you Elise?” he asks while pushing the wine glass closer to me, his eyes urging me to pick it up. I raise the glass to my lips and take a sip.

“Well.. apart from a mental breakdown” I say playfully and his eyes widen at the statement.

“I would like to get my sh*t together.. probably move far away where no one can find me” I say the last part in a whisper before darting my eyes to him where he sits emotionless. The waitress returns with starters and places them down before disappearing once again. Russell seems a bit intimidating and it’s hard to read his mood as the silence ensues.

“Tomorrow I can show you some apartments.. if you like” his eyes now search mine and it’s as if he took offense to what I said.

“I would like that” I say trying to offer a smile but he just holds his head down and begins to eat. When both of us are finished, the waitress returns to clear the table and her eyes land on him again but he continues to ignore her.

“Tell me about yourself” he says, I figure in an attempt to lighten the mood. I let out a deep sigh.

“What do you want to know?” I ask not knowing where to start.

“Everything” his eyes are glued to mine and causes me to take a soft gasp. His demeanor is now changed to a more sensitive one.

I begin to tell Russell my entire life’s story up to the point we met. He sits and listens to me intently not interrupting once. I only take pauses when the waitress brings out the food or comes to clear the table. Before I know it, dessert is finished and realize I’ve been blabbering on without remorse.

“I’m sorry” I say a little embarrassed that I’ve been talking his head off.

“What for?” He raises an eyebrow in question.

“Talking on and on.. I didn’t let you get a word in” I bring my elbows up on the table and rest my chin in my palms.

“So.. tell me about you” I say to him. He releases a soft chuckle.

“There’s not much to know about me” he says before meeting my gaze.

“I want to know anyway..” I bring one of my hands to rest on his on the table and I feel him shudder under my touch. He searches my eyes for a few moments before giving me a soft smirk as he grabs my hand, holding it in his.

“Where do I start..” he says with a smile.

“The beginning” I say playfully causing him to smile even more.

“Funny..” he pounders a bit before he begins, still holding onto my hand.

“Well.. umm.. I was an orphan. I never knew my biological father and my mother died when I was young” he says without any emotion evident on his face.

“I’m sorry” I feel the need to say as he seems a little timid.

“It was a long time ago..” he tried to force a soft smile and the hurt peaks through his eyes for a second before he masks it and his intimidating aura is returned and he continues.

“I got adopted when I was around seven years old by Mr and Mrs Evans. I tried my best to be a good son and excel in anything I did but I never really felt.. complete” his ocean eyes now intently on me.

“And now here I am.. with you” he says as he runs his thumb along the back of my hand making goosebumps appear. I take a soft gasp and he releases my hand.

“More wine?” he asks while lifting the bottle.

“Yes.. please” I reply, pushing my glass closer to him and he begins to pour.

“Umm.. so what do you do for fun?” I ask trying to battle the silence that begins to creep in; but he just smiles.

“I don’t really have.. fun” he finally says.

“What about you?” He asks in return. I feel myself getting lost in his eyes and for the first time in the last few days I feel at ease. We stay and talk about everything and it feels like time is absent here and it’s just us. He insists he walk me to my room because of how much wine I had even though I assured him I was fine. We approach the door and he stands off behind me. I turn to thank him and wish him a good night and I am met with his hard chest against me. His arms snake around my waist, leaving no space between us; his head bends down to whisper in my ear.

“I don’t think I can leave you alone.. I don’t want to” his grip tightens around me and his words send shudders down my spine. I hold my head up to meet his eyes.

“Then don’t..” I whisper between us. My breathing becomes shallow as he stands and stares at me. One of his hands move from around me and opens the door behind me. I walk backwards into the room with his eyes never leaving mine; he lets me go when we are inside the room and closes the door behind him. Silence fills the room as we stand feet apart and our gazes meet. He saunters toward me making my breath hitch. His hand comes to brush against my cheek and I close my eyes at the sensation.

“Russell..” I whisper and he pauses making my eyes flutter open. His hand now comes to cup my chin, making me look into his eyes.

“Say it again..” he whispers seductively and I have a moment of bewilderment. I’ve never called him by his name until now.

“My name.. say it again” he brings his lips to brush against mine and we search each other’s eyes. He then takes a step back away from me and I immediately miss his touch. His eyes are still intently on me. I take a step to him and bring my hands up to wrap around his neck, running my fingers through his hair.

“Russell..” I whisper seductively against his lips and I hear him hold his breath.

“Take it off” his voice rumbles from his chest but I just stand glaring into his eyes and I see them harden.

“I said.. take that f**king dress off now” he rumbles out making me gasp. I take a step back, maintaining our gaze. He stands watching my movements attentively. I sink my teeth into my bottom lip and push the dress off my shoulders. I pull it down my waist and pass my hips and then let it fall to the floor, revealing the black brazilian cut cotton underwear I am wearing with a matching bra. His eyes trail my body hungrily and darken with lust. We walk toward each other and his hands come to cup my face, crashing his lips against mine like the ocean does against the shore.