The Beginning - Part 2

Chapter 1  The Beginning

Part 2

The dining room was the perfect atmosphere for what SB was planning. It was large but not overwhelmingly so, the wall lights dimly shone against the scarlet red walls, accented by perfectly crafted dark oak panels. It smelled of steak, but a light breeze of lilac also drifted about. They lingered behind the hostess, still clinging to her best friend; Nicki observed the semi crowed room, Feeling nothing but enchantment and serenity surrounding them. Leaning into Safree leaving no space between them her eyes closed in satisfaction. She inhaled taking in his scent, and sighed at how perfect the moment felt. The usher led them to a table for two in the middle of the dining room. SB gave her a look and simply shook his head. Nodding, understanding what this gesture meant, she trailed to the back into a more secluded section. Leaving all the wandering eyes behind; they sat at their “special” table away from the others.

“Your waiter will be right with you.” She said pleasantly and strutted back to the front.

“Felling better yet?” SB took his hat off, brushing his hair to the front with his hand. Analyzing the flawlessly set table, she smiled. A huge Crème cloth covered the oak, appetizer plates aligned with the neatly folded hand towels, and silverware wrap, two wine glasses surrounded a lit lamp candle in the center. Wisps of Lilac casted a dreamy fog around them, while tiny shards of star light sprinkled from the chandelier, illuminating their space, a couple’s setting.

“A little bit.” She lied, but gave it away when she grinned. Seeing her smile made him do the same.

“See, this is better than sitting in a room being mad. Huh?”

“What do you want a cookie?” She asked maliciously. He didn’t speak, just gave her a confrontational stare.

“Ok fine. I am feeling better, Thank you.” Finally he was breaking through her guard, getting her to confess how she was Really feeling. If only he could manage this with his other situation.

“Just what you needed right?”

“Yes, very much so.” She nodded examining the menu. A sense of fulfillment washed through him, he’d made her night, if only she could further make his.

“Good evening I’m Leo and I’ll be your server for tonight. Can I start you off with drinks?” The waiter asked. He was a tall, muscular man, chiseled with the bone structure of a Greek god. Gorgeous if you will. SB’s smile vanished, but to his surprise Nicki had not acknowledged the man at all, but was looking to him. He rubbed his temple thinking “get it together man, you got this” You’re the Boss.

“A bottle of wine is fine.”

“Do you have a preference?” Leo kindly asked.

“The Best you got”                                              

“Very good sir.” Leo strode away. Nic burst out laughing.

“Oh, so you on ya cocky shit right now?”

“Errrrrrrrrrrrrr.” They laughed together. After a moment Leo returned with the wine, carefully pouring a fair amount into each glass.

Pulling out his pen and pad he asked “So, what can I get for you?” SB looked to Nicki to order first.

“I’ll have the petite filet, please.” Her voice so adorably cute.

“Of course my lady, and for you sir?”

“I want the Cowboy Ribeye, thank you sir.”

“Ahhh wise choice sir.” Again Leo strode away. And this time he wouldn’t be returning for quite a while. SB lifted his glass to take a sip of wine. Nicki kept her eyes on his lips as they parted around the rim. Imagining how soft his lips would feel against hers. But what she pictured did not spark a feeling of lust, but something more, a deep rooted emotion, the same one that takes over every time her eyes meet his. She silenced her thoughts, daring not confront the truth.

“I have rehearsals tomorrow. Don’t let me forget okay?” She tried regain control, and steer the dinner the way she wanted it to go.

“I won’t. I got this,” SB chimed as a lone violinist approached the table and began playing a soft ballad neither of them recognized. The soft music only added to the urges, they’ve both attempted to ignore. But on this night Safaree Samuels was KING. He stretched one hand out to her, his F1 stones beaming subtle light in every direction.

She looked at him like he was a fool. “I don’t dance. You of all people should know that.” Though she wanted too. To feel him close to her, holding her, loving her.

“C’mon Nic, just one dance. I’m sayin it’s just us.” He urged, hand still out. She couldn’t deny that she wanted to. Without her permission, she suddenly found their hands together, and he pulled her up to him. Heated breath caught in her lungs, she shivered, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her waist beneath his hands made his blood boil, a million thoughts racing through his mind. A bit embarrassed she broke eye contact laying her cheek against his chest as he rested his head on hers. The hushed music surrounded them, creating an ambience that made everyone else obsolete. He swayed with her side to side to the music, slightly lifting her arm, spinning her around. The food arrived now, Safaree deeply disappointed at the interruption of their first moment, breaking up what he's always hoped for and finally got, and allowing the night to wind down.

“So, how was that for your first dance? Was it up to par?” SB asked casually, cutting into his steak.He didn't want to be to serious, making her feel pressured, because that would ensure that he wouldn't get an answer.

“Don’t ever say that again!” Nicki laughed, picking at her plate. Never answering. “So we’re back to this?” SB thought. Avoiding questions. Through dinner she fronted as if that dance meant nothing, but as insecure as he was about his place in her heart, He could see through her guard. And this was definitely an act. Again he sat in the SUV, staring out the window. This time contemplating, this night would NOT end until she let him be great. In the car, the elevator, and through the hall she had no idea what was coming. But once she opened that door and he walked in behind her, she was soon to find out.

~TBC~