Chapter 5
Ollie showed up ten minutes before the time we agreed on. He wore pants that showed off his tight little ass, a dark blue button-down shirt and a tie. Not a Rapids tie I noticed, but a blue one with white stripes. If I didnt know better, Id think it was silk.
It was probably polyester. Either way, it looked hot on him. I wanted to pull it off and use it to tie his hands to my bed. Then I could lick my way up his abs…
I gave him a long slow smile. I see you turned up on time, I teased.
He grinned in response.
I liked that. The guys I dated in the past would have rolled their eyes.
I couldnt take the chance Id be late, he said. Some other guy might come along and sweep you off your feet.
Im not gonna to lie, I said jokingly, at least four or five tried. One even offered me a ride in his Ferrari. By Ollies side, I stepped into the restaurant.
I bet they offered you a ride. He gave me a lopsided smile, dimple and all.
I snorted. Now that sounds more realistic. A girl standing outside the restaurant by herself is more likely to be offered a fuck in the back seat of the car than a nice dinner.
Ollie winced. I feel like I should apologise on behalf of men everywhere.
Just dont be like that, I said dryly.
If I was, my mother would kill me, he replied.
I wasnt sure if he was joking or not. Full credit to his mother if he was serious. I hoped to meet her someday. I might even thank her for not walking out on her child. Yeah, I had issues.
We have a reservation under the name Tucker, Ollie said to the ma?tre d.
Of course, sir. The ma?tre d wore a badge that said Frank, but his accent suggested he was Francisco or Fran?ois. Please come this way.
Ollie gestured for me to walk ahead of him as we followed Frank through the small, intimate restaurant.
This is nice, I said softly. Ive never been here before. That was surprising, Id been pretty much everywhere else.
I hope you like it. Ollie looked nervous all of a sudden.
I reached to give his hand a squeeze. Damn, he had big hands, warm and calloused. He obviously worked with them.
Im sure Ill love it, I assured him. I mean, you do. He seemed to have good taste. Except when it came to football. That went without saying.
We waited until we were seated with menus in front of us before he spoke again.
I like it here but its a bit fancier than I prefer. Im a good burger and beer kinda guy.
I cocked my head at him. Then why did you bring me here? I put out a hand before he could respond. I want to get to know you better. I can do that anywhere. Especially if its somewhere youre comfortable.
He considered for a moment. Because you deserve the best. A blush rose up his cheeks.
Judging by the sudden heat in my cheeks, one rose up mine as well. Are you sure about that? I said awkwardly.
Youre wearing the black blouse, he said suddenly. You look incredible. Its not surprising you got those back seat offers. I might make you one myself, in spite of my mum. The dark-eyed look he gave me was so searing I was surprised the table didnt catch on fire.
I might take you up on it. I was suddenly all too aware we were in a restaurant full of people. I was tempted to pay everyone in the room to leave, so I could have him to myself. Right here, right now, on top of the table.
I needed to eat to build up my strength first. That was almost a big enough deterrent. Add to that the fact Id have to explain how I had that much money. I had to restrain myself.
For now.
His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. So, oysters for starters then?
Oh? You need an aphrodisiac? I teased.
Oh, God no, he said. Not at all. I just like oysters.
I smiled. Of course thats it. I mean, who doesnt like oysters?
Lots of people, I think, he said uncertainly. But it would be boring if we all like the same thing. Right?
Right, I agreed. I might start with the little quiches. I prefer those to fishy things that look like snot.
He laughed. I like how honest you are. I bet no one gets away with anything around you.
I wouldnt take that bet, I said with a wry smile. Sometimes I know when to keep my mouth shut. Not very often, but it was known to happen.
A woman walked past our table. She glanced at me, stopped and glanced again. Her brow furrowed. I could almost see what she was thinking. She knew me from somewhere but wasnt sure where. That or she knew exactly who I was, and was trying to decide whether or not she should interrupt our meal.
I gave her a mild look. Not welcoming, and not threatening. On the inside I was praying like crazy shed keep walking without saying anything.
She glanced at Ollie and her frown deepened.
I looked over to him. To my surprise his eyes were wide. If I had to guess Id say he was worried. Ex-girlfriend? Mother? I couldnt think why else he had that expression on his face.
Unless he was hiding something.
Can I help you? I found myself saying.
Hmmm? The womans eyes swung back to me. Oh, Im so sorry I didnt mean to be rude. Its just that you both look…familiar. I didnt mean to stare. She hurried away from the table with only a glance back over her shoulder.
Well that was interesting, I said. Anyone would think were famous or something.
Ollie gave a funny little laugh. Yeah, I guess she mistook us for someone else.
I leaned back in my chair. Its not surprising, I suppose. You could probably pass as a movie star or a model.
He smiled wryly. At least you didnt say porn star.
Now that you mention it… I might watch porn if he was in it. Better yet, we could make some of our own. Not on camera. There was no way Id risk that leaking out to the public.
Not a chance, he said firmly.
Dont tell me, I said, your mother would kill you?
She wouldnt have to, he said, his expression dark. Id be fired at best and crucified on social media at worst.
I sighed. Ah yes, social media. Where would we be without it? How would you know what to eat, who you want to look like, and how to judge people?
I had a shit ton of followers, and some influence, but I was realistic about social media. I mean, I wouldnt be influenced by me. What did I know about anything?
Okay, I could suggest to people what to wear, and tell them what make up and books I liked best, and that they should do what they could to help the environment, but there were far more qualified people than me out there.
Exactly, Ollie said. I just want to live my life, without it becoming the front page of some online magazine or speculation in some forum somewhere.
Luckily they dont care about nobodies like us, I said lightly. Right? He wasn’t wrong about online trolling. I’d had to learn to ignore them, for my own sanity. Id never understand why people felt the need to get on a keyboard and trash talk someone they didn’t even know. At least meet a person before you call them a useless waste of oxygen. Or better yet, don’t say shit like that.
He knitted his brows. Youre not a nobody, he said firmly. You are… He hesitated, obviously thinking carefully about his next words.
My heart skipped a beat. I had a sinking feeling he was about to admit he knew who I was. On the other hand, if he did it would be liberating. I liked him. A lot. I didn’t want to pretend with him. I wanted to be one hundred percent honest.
Unless being honest chased him away. I didn’t know what Id do if that happened. I met him two days ago, but already the idea of not being around him made my heart ache.
Yes? I prompted cautiously. What am I? I held my breath.
You are you, he said finally. Youre amazing. If anyone should be a movie star or a model, it should be you. His face was a study in sincerity. He meant every word.
Clearly he saw something in me I couldn’t see in myself. Amazing was never a word Id use to describe me.
I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, then did the thing I always do. I resorted to humour.
Or a porn star? I said with a teasing smile.
He grinned. Or that, he agreed. He gave me another smouldering look. His gaze lingered on my breasts before he locked his eyes on mine.
If you keep looking at me like that, Im going to eat so fast I give myself a stomach ache, I said dryly.
He was going to make me leave a puddle on my chair. There already was one in my panties. I couldn’t remember a time when I wanted a guy more than I wanted him right now.
We cant have that, he said. Would you prefer I kept my eyes on the table? His gaze was unwavering.
I leaned forward and whispered, I could gobble you all up, then come back for seconds. And thirds.
He leaned in to meet me in the middle of the table. If you gobble me up, there won’t be anything left for seconds or thirds.
That depends on the way I gobble you, I said. I was thinking more sucking than using teeth.
He slipped a hand down to his lap to adjust his pants. Its getting really, really hot in here.
It really is, I agreed. Dinner was good but I dont think I have room for dessert. At least, not the kind you eat. I frowned. Okay, the kind you eat, but not the kind you eat in public.
He grinned. Yeah. I get what you mean. Ill pay and we can get out of here.
No, I said immediately. Ill pay for my half.
I dont mind, he protested. I picked this place.
And I was the one who asked you out, I pointed out I should be the one paying for the whole thing. I could afford it.
Im not letting you pay for it all, he said firmly. If you want go half, then fine, Im not going to argue with you. I have a feeling Id lose anyway.
Yes. Yes you would. I got out my credit card—okay Dads credit card—and settled my half.
When I was sure Ollie wasnt looking, I put on a generous tip for the server. It was only right, considering the crappy pay they got.
Honestly, it wasnt enough, not when they had to deal with people day in, day out. I tried my best not to be an asshole with people who served other people.
Ready? Ollie offered me his hand. I took it and let him lead me out of the restaurant. Heres where I invite you up for coffee, I said.
Is that where I dont actually get to drink the coffee? he asked.
Yes, thats exactly what it is. Thank goodness I lived nearby, in an apartment Dad owned.
I bit my lip. I should tell him the truth, before things went too far.
Before I could say a word, he drew me into his arms and crushed his lips to mine.