His Unsuspecting Eternal Love

Chapter 4 Too Many Questions

I finally get my head back, out of those strange thoughts and say, “Hello Mr. Cozadini.” “Hello piccola” he says. “Are we back to formalities?” He queries. “Yes, it helps me remain professional and polite” I state. I so hope so at least is all I can think. “Mmmm. I see, well, I prefer you to call me Xander. And since I’m the client, it is my request that gets to be done” he states oh so casually. Uh! He’s back to his overbearing bastard tendencies. “As you wish” is my response. Like, what else can I say? He’s basically paying my boss so he can “get to know” me. I have to play nice – ish.

“Have a seat bambina.” He then pulls out my chair and gently pushes me in. His hand accidentally brushes my shoulder and I feel sparks. Well, kinda? It’s faint and feels like sparks but at the same time, doesn’t? I gasp as it’s unexpected. He chuckles softly. He then takes his seat and a waiter comes in passing us the menu. “Would you like some wine?” Xander asks. “Please and thank you, blush” I say. He then looks at the waiter and the waiter asks, “And you, sir?” “I’ll have a glass of bourbon please. Thank you”. At this, the waiter then leaves to fetch our drinks, and the atmosphere becomes a tense silence. Each waiting for the other to speak. Xander finally sighs, “you know, I’m not here to torture you, why so uneasy?” Not torture? I think. Yeah, maybe to him. He’s getting his way. He has me forced to have dinner with him and is using my boss to make me be here. He’s got this overbearing but smooth way of being and talking. Like he always gets his way. It annoys me and yet, some how, I’m being drawn to it. Like a moth to a flame, being drawn to him. It’s like a faint pull – like a planetary orbit that I cannot shake. What is going on here?

“Well,” I answer “it may not be torture for you, but I’m being forced to be here against my will, thank you very much.” At this point, the waiter is back with our drinks. I take a deep sip as I need all the liquid courage I can get tonight. I have this feeling like whether I like it or not I’m gonna start falling for him. At this moment I do not like the feeling, nor do I intend to fall for Xander. He just seems like trouble…. In a good way, but not one I want to pursue. I’m stubborn like that. I just do not think I am ready for any relationship right now. The waiter snaps me out of my thoughts with the question of “are you ready to order?” Before I can answer, Xander speaks up. “Yes, she’ll have the king crab legs. No dairy of any sort, she’s allergic. Instead, please make a garlic and herb infused olive oil for dipping. Also, add a lobster tail as well. The sides will be steamed broccoli with an olive oil drizzle and salt with a side of pasta dressed in herbs and olive oil. I’ll have the New York Strip, rare, well seasoned, the spring melody and the loaded baked potato. Thank you.” With that the waiter left. I huffed. “What if I wanted a salad or chicken? Where do you get off ordering for me?” I rant. “Piccola” Xander says softly, “I know you love king crab legs and lobster. I also know you have a dairy allergy. I just hoped that by ordering your favorite that I could earn some brownie points.” I pause, where did he learn all this about me? “Can I ask, where did you learn this information about me?” “I have my ways” is all he says. Hmph.

“I have a game to play” he says. “Oh? What game?” I ask. “20 Questions. In the hopes to get to know my mate better and for you to know me.”

“I don’t have a choice, do I?” “Nope” he smirks. I suddenly get small butterflies in my tummy. I take a deep breath, “ok, ask away.” “What is your favorite color?”

“Hunter green and soft pink, yours?” I’ve no idea why I’m asking back other then sheer curiosity and game play. “Dark green and black. What’s your favorite food?” I pause, didn’t he just order some of my favorites and now he’s asking me like he doesn’t know? “Um, didn’t you just order my favorites?” I ask. “I ordered some of your favorite sea food. But that doesn’t mean you still do not have an ultimate favorite.” Xander states. “Um, ok….. I like a lot of food. As if you can’t tell by my size. But I’d have to say the cliché of tacos.” I respond. He chuckles, “I happen to like your size. I like my women to have some meat on their bones. Sticks just aren’t the thing for me.”

Oh, well, that’s unexpected. So, he has a fat girl fetish. Interesting and well, I’m not sure what to make of it yet. So, I ignore the comment and ask “what’s your favorite food?” “In food wise, steak, the oh so cliché man choice. But I’m pretty sure it’ll change. Hopefully in the very near future.” He says slyly. I’m afraid to open this can of worms, but my curiosity has the better of me, “What do you hope it changes to?” “You.” Xander simply says. Oh man, did it just become hot in here? Cause suddenly I’m toasty warm and I’m sure my face is blushing deeply. Yup, I regret my curiosity now…. I gulp and try to think of a way to steer the conversation back to safe questions. Thankfully, that’s when our food appears. It smells heavenly and suddenly I realize how hungry I am. I dig in without any qualms.