A dinner date?
1494 Words
Betty.
I stood before the full-length mirror in my room, adjusting the beautiful black evening dress for what felt like the hundredth time.
It wasn’t just any dress—it was my “ace in the hole,” one of the dresses that had cost a fortune from my earlier shopping spree with Harrison.
The dress is perfectly suited for upscale occasions. The fabric clung to my curves in a way that made me feel both confident and self-conscious. The slit along the side exposed just enough leg to make it daring but still tasteful.
I fiddled with my hair one last time, tucking a loose curl behind my ear, and took a steadying breath.
Tonight wasn’t just another night—it was a date, even if we hadn’t explicitly called it that. The thought sent a rush of nerves fluttering through me.
The bold red lipstick I had chosen felt like a risk. I hardly ever wore colors this vibrant, but something about tonight had urged me to step outside my comfort zone.
I swiped it across my lips carefully, the color immediately brightening my face. It was a small thing, but it made me feel daring.
When the knock came at my door, I froze for a moment. *Here we go.*
Opening the door, I was met with Harrison’s expression. For a moment, he didn’t speak. His beautiful sexy eyes lingered on me, wide and full of something that made my stomach flip.
“You look... stunning,” he finally said, his voice soft, as though he were afraid to shatter the moment. His gaze dropped briefly to my lips, and he smiled. “That lipstick—it suits you. You should wear it more often.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I ducked my head, trying to hide my smile. “Thank you. You look pretty good yourself,” I said, gesturing to his sleek suit. The dark fabric clung to him in all the right ways, and his tie, though simple, added a polished touch.
He chuckled, offering his arm. “Shall we?”
The drive to the restaurant was comfortable and filled with light conversation. But the butterflies in my stomach were relentless. As we approached our destination, I leaned forward, peering out the window at the illuminated building ahead.
The restaurant was exquisite. Lights framed the entrance, shimmering against the glass facade. It looked like something out of a movie—far beyond anything I’d experienced before.
“This is... extravagant,” I murmured, stepping out of the car as Harrison opened the door for me.
“Only the best for tonight,” he replied with a small smile, offering his hand.
The interior of the restaurant was even more breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft, golden light over the room. The quiet hum of classical music filled the space, mingling with the faint clink of glasses and murmured conversations.
As we walked through, our heads turned. People glanced at Harrison with recognition—or maybe admiration—and at me with curiosity. I straightened my spine, but my confidence faltered when I caught sight of the other women in the room.
They were elegant, poised, and slim, their designer dresses fitting flawlessly.
The insecurities I’d thought I’d buried crept up, tightening my chest. I tried not to glance at Harrison, afraid he’d notice the way my hands fidgeted at my sides.
When we stepped into the elevator, I let out a shaky sigh, relieved to escape the weight of the stares.
“Are you alright?” Harrison’s voice was soft but attentive, drawing my gaze to him.
I hesitated, then blurted, “Women seem to love you a lot.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I wanted to take them back.
Harrison’s brows lifted slightly, and a playful smile tugged at his lips.
“Are you jealous?” he asked, stepping closer until his hands rested against the elevator wall behind me, caging me in.
“I’m not—why would I be?” My voice sounded unconvincing, even to myself.
His eyes flicked to my lips again, the corner of his mouth curving upward.
“I heard women always carry their lipsticks when they go out for dinner,” he said cryptically.
I frowned, confused.
“What does that have to do with—”
Before I could finish, his lips were on mine. The kiss was sudden but not unwelcome, stealing the air from my lungs. His hand rested on my waist, pulling me closer, and for a moment, the world outside the elevator ceased to exist.
I clung to him, my hands gripping his shoulders as his fingers traced a slow path down my back. A quiet moan escaped me, unbidden, and I melted against him, letting the kiss erase every insecurity that had plagued me.
The elevator chimed, jolting us back to reality. I pulled away, flustered, smoothing my dress as the doors slid open. My cheeks burned, but I refused to look up at the restaurant staff waiting outside.
When I finally mustered the courage to glance around, I was surprised to find the floor empty.
“Where is everyone?” I asked, following Harrison as he led me to a table near the window.
“I booked the entire floor. For you.”
I stared at him, stunned. “Harrison, you didn’t have to do that. This must have cost a fortune.”
He shrugged, pulling out my chair. “Money is meant to be spent. And what better way to spend it than creating memories with you?”
I didn’t know how to respond, so I sat down, letting his words wash over me.
The dinner was perfect. Each dish was a masterpiece, from the creamy lobster bisque to the tender filet mignon and finally, the decadent chocolate soufflé. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d enjoyed a meal so thoroughly—or in such good company.
As dessert was cleared away, Harrison ordered a bottle of wine. The deep red liquid sparkled in the soft light, and its sweetness was almost deceptive. I sipped carefully, savoring the flavor.
“This is delicious,” I said, swirling the wine in my glass.
“It’s one of my favorites,” Harrison replied, pouring me another glass.
As we talked, the conversation turned personal. I found myself opening up in ways I hadn’t expected.
“When you asked me to come with you, I thought we were going to your family’s home for the holidays,” I admitted, the wine loosening my tongue.
Harrison’s smile faltered, and his gaze dropped to his glass. “I don’t have a family home anymore. My parents passed away when I was young. My uncle raised me, but he passed earlier this year.”
“Oh, Harrison,” I said softly, my heart aching for him.
He shook his head, forcing a small smile. “It’s alright. I’ve made peace with it. But holidays can be... complicated.”
Wanting to lighten the mood, I shared a memory of my own, and soon, we were laughing again.
Harrison leaned back, watching me with an intensity that made my heart race.
“You have a way of making things better,” he said quietly.
I blushed, deflecting the compliment. “What about you? Any disastrous relationships?”
His expression darkened briefly before he nodded. “I caught my ex with someone I thought was a friend. I’d planned to bring her on this trip.”
We raised our glasses in a mock toast. “To exes,” I said, smiling wryly.
“May they find someone just as awful as they are,” Harrison added, making me laugh.
By the time we left, the wine had gone to my head. Harrison guided me to the car, his arm steadying me as I stumbled slightly.
When we reached the villa, he helped me to my room. I sat on the edge of the bed, the room spinning slightly.
“Thank you,” I murmured. “For tonight. For everything. You’ve made me feel... special.”
He knelt before me, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You are special, Betty.”
Impulsively, I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his. The kiss was hungry, fueled by wine and desire.
“f**k me, Harrison,” I shamelessly blurted out in my drunken state.
But Harrison pulled back, his breath unsteady.
“Not like this,” he said softly. “Not when you’ve had too much to drink.”
He kissed my forehead, his tenderness sending a warmth through me that I hadn’t expected.
“Goodnight, Betty.”
As he left, I sank into the pillows, my heart racing. I’d never met anyone like Harrison—a man who made me feel so desired and so respected all at once.
As I drifted to sleep, one thought lingered in my mind: this holiday was already unforgettable.
- Writer
