Twice the Second Chance

Chapter 15 - Dinner, Drinks & Fantasies?

Lunch was interesting. It was like getting the third degree interrogation by seasoned investigators. However, as hard as they tried, I wasn't about to let them know what, exactly, was in our texts & on the card!

Brandie was also asking oddly specific & personal questions. It was almost like she was personally invested in making sure I liked him. I just chocked it up to Brandie being over-exuberant Brandie.

When we were heading back to our desks, we passed by skeezy Ben, who seemed to glare at me. Back at my desk, I found the flowers moved with the note from Evan half sticking out. I immediately thought of Ben, but before I could think any more about it, I was called into a meeting with a potential client.

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The rest of the day went by quickly. I raced out of work as quickly as possible & headed home. I had a lot to do before our date, & not a lot of time to do it.

As soon as I got home, I was greeted by Huffs. After getting some love, I let him out into the backyard, while I washed my makeup off & changed into running gear. We went on a quick, 20 minute run.

Once back home, I fed him, then headed to the shower. While showering, I had to stop myself from fantasizing about Evan. If I did that, I'd never make it on time.

Once my shower was done, I quickly dried & styled my hair in loose curls that cascaded down my back. I added light makeup with subtle earth tones on the eyes, winged eyeliner, & nude lips. Next was deciding what to wear, which was tough, since I had no idea where we are going.

In the end, I decided to take the bar as a guide on how to dress. I pulled on a fitted navy dress that ended just about the knees & hugged my a** perfectly. I finished the look with knee-high brown leather boots, a denim jacket & turquoise scarf. I finished the look off with gold hoops, a gold & turquoise bracelet, a small navy clutch, & just a touch of perfume.

I did a quick once over & liked the look. Not too dressy, not too casual. I finished just in time, too. I had ordered a Flite driver who arrived just then, which was good. It didn't allow me time to get overly nervous or second guess what I was wearing.

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(Evan)

I decided to head to the bar early. I wanted to make sure I got there before her. I didn't want anyone else seeing her alone. She was mine, & I wanted everyone to know it.

I positioned myself at the bar so I could keep an eye on the entrance for her. At almost exactly 6:30, she walked in. She was breathtaking. I watched as she scanned the crowd for me.

When she finally found me, a crooked yet charming smile appeared on her face, & she headed my way. She placed a hand on my bicep & kissed my cheek. "Thank you for the flowers," she breathed into my ear.

Holy hell, this woman drove me wild with the smallest of actions. Her scent enveloped me, making it hard to concentrate. "What would you like to drink?"

"Scotch. On the rocks." I raised an eyebrow at that. "What?" She replied. "A good evening always starts with a good scotch," she said, finishing off with a slight smirk & a wink.

"Well, my little minx, since I'm in your company, it's already a good evening."

"Little minx?" I nodded my head in affirmation. "I suppose I can live with that. For now at least. So, I have to ask… How did you know lilies & wildflowers were my favorites?"

"Lucky guess, I suppose." She didn't look like she quite bought that, but she didn't push. I was glad she didn't. It's not like I could tell her I was asking around about her.

After we had finished our drinks, I walked us out to my Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. Up here, a 4x4 is a must, & my Jeep was the perfect balance of rugged & refined. I held the door for her as she climbed in, admiring the way her dress hugged her curvy hips & lucious a**, then I circled around & climbed in myself.

She again asked where we were going. When I replied with, "Dinner," she playfully punched my arm & laughed as she called me an ass. Normally, this would piss me off, but instead, I found myself chuckling with her.

After about a 20 minute drive, we pulled into Antonioni's just outside of town. It's a small restaurant that has been around for years, most frequented by locals. Normally, you need to make reservations a few weeks in advance, & by the look on Marni's face, she knew this as well.

"Antonioni's! Seeing as you just met me two days ago & I know how far they book out, are you going to tell me you own this place as well?"

I couldn't help but laugh at this & replied with, "No, I do not own it - but I wouldn't mind to. Antony, the owner, is a friend." This wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth, either. Antony had married into my pack, & we had become very good friends over that time.

She raised an eyebrow at me. "It pays to have friends in high places," which elicited a laugh from her. Her laugh was so angelic that I would do anything for it.

We were quickly seated in a corner booth near the back to provide us with a bit of privacy. A bottle of their finest red wine was brought over, along with fresh bread & vinegar with seasoned olive oil for dipping. After placing our orders, I draped an arm around Marni's shoulder & said, "So. You were wondering what would've happened if you had stayed…" I leanded in closer & placed my other hand on her thigh, as I let my lips brush her ear as I asked, "Or would you rather hear about the fantasies?"

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(Marni)

I haven't been to Antonioni's since before my divorce. You couldn't asked for better food or atmosphere than here. I didn't realize how much I was missing it until we walked in & I was bombarded by the delicious smells of Italian home cooking.

We were quickly escorted to a corner both near the back. Evan must be somewhat of a regular because they didn't even ask what wine, it simply arrived with the customary freshly baked bread & dipping sauce.

After ordering, Evan moved in closely, enveloping me in his arm. "So. You were wondering what would've happened if you had stayed…" He said. Then he got even closer, placed his other hand on my thigh, & asked, "Or would you rather hear about the fantasies?"

He was so close, his lips tickled my ear. The heat from his breath on my ear, combined with his touch & how delicious he smelled, aroused me in ways I never knew were possible. I blushed from the intensity of his stare. Against better my better judgement, I let my hormones choose for me.

I pulled my hem up slightly, providing him more access, as I placed one hand dangerously high on his muscular thigh. (Thank goodness for tablecloths!) Looking up into his gorgeous eyes, I let all inhibitions go & said, "The fantasies. I want to know all your fantasies."