Man of Mystery (11 page)

Since there are plenty of places to go she assumes he will take her to a nearby café or something.  Instead he places her in a limo he has outside heading a little further out of the area to a more upscale restaurant. Once inside the limo he gives her a tender kiss which she reciprocates.   He says so softly “I've missed you.”  Smiling warmly at him
“Ditto”.

It only took them like 8 minutes to get there but she is concerned about being back in time. 
She just got the notification from Mr. Bradshaw not wanting to mess it up by being late coming back from lunch.

We are immediately seated and served Iced Tea; Ok he must have a game plan or something.

“Nathan, not to be impolite, but I really don’t want to mess things up at the bank and be late after lunch.  Not that I don’t appreciate this!” trying to explain. 

“Don’t worry, I already pre-order if you don’t mind so you will not be late.  I understand your time restrictions.  You will be back before you know it” his warm smile melts her.  Has it been 2 days since she’s seen him? He still looks and feels just as gorgeous in her mind. Her mind drifts to that day, her body has never felt more fulfilled sitting here with him again, it is now telling
her so.  She sighs put her chin in her hand and dreamily gaze at him.  This is so exhilarating; feeling like she is playing chess and the king sits before her. OK Nathan game on, because you are exciting her more than she can let show.

“You have caught me by surprise, you planned this today?” trying to ask passively.

“Well, yes and no, I missed you, so as you might say you were not exactly in my schedule so yes I changed it for you.  Is that Ok?  He says sincerely with a slight excitement in his eye.

Soaking his words in with a smile, “Ok you got me, what is with all this, seriously you could have just called but it is very sweet.  Now the question is what did you order me for lunch and will I like it?” she says jokingly.  She is so pleased he did this but this is a little much for her.

“A simple chicken salad since you where thinking of ordering that the other night.  Is that ok?” he asks so sweetly. 
She is astonished that he remembered how touching.

“That sounds perfect.”
she replies “So I’m glad I have a chance to thank you in person for the flowers you sent the other day.  I’ve never received flowers before, it was very charming.”

“I’m glad you liked them.” Smiling so smugly, “You’re telling me a beautiful girl like you has never received flowers before?  I am truly baffled!” 
Nathan replies with a slightly surprised expression.

“Well” looking down at her hands trying to control a blush, “I’ve never really had a boyfriend to speak of and this is really kind of new for me.  I’m not trying to say that you are my boyfriend or anything but I mean I never received flowers from a man before”
Oh my gosh, open mouth insert foot, really flustered and her stupid mouth just made her look like an ass.  OK Brandy try to seem like a normal person.

His smile is so real and his dimples are so glorious when she looks up, he has no idea how stupid she feels but he is warmed by it obviously with his expression.  This is weird but nice and makes her feel a little more at ease. He looks so intently at her having a hard time meeting his eyes, it’s like he is examining her to see if she is for real.

“Brandy, you are the sweetest and honest person I have met in so long.  Your innocence is astonishing.  You have no idea how much I appreciate that.” He says so sincerely with his eyes still locked on hers.  She feels somewhat clueless because she’s that kind of honest person, hating to lie as much as she hates being lied to.  Believing strongly in always telling the truth no matter how painful it can be.

Saved by the waitress showing up with our preordered lunch we politely disengage our conversation.  Cutting up her salad since time is limited she’s starving.  The bagel she had for breakfast has long been digested still having a full day ahead of her.  He watches her as she eats starting on his lunch of some kind of fish that is broiled and sweet smelling.  It really smells good so she has to ask since fish normally doesn’t smell delicious.

“May I ask what you ordered; I’m not usually a fish person but that smells really good?” she inquires.  

“Oh, this is one of the best fish you can ever eat.  One of my favorites, its red snapper, would you like to try a bite?”

“Yes I would if you don’t mind, I have never had red snapper and it smells divine.” He cuts a small piece onto his fork holding it towards to her politely to take the bite.  It is simple but elegant in a way of his look as he feeds her the delightful bite of fish.  Their eyes meet and his seductive smile calmly smoothes over his face, what is he thinking as she gingerly takes the bite of fish from his fork.  The taste is as divine as the smell closing her eyes savoring it.  She will definitely order this if she has the chance.  Opening her eyes, he is staring at her with his beautiful blue eyes like he is soaking her in; rolling her eyes at him with a slight grin.

“That was delicious; I’ll definitely order that if I ever go to a restaurant again that serves it.  My salad is very good also, but you have topped the cake.” smiling back at him.

“Good, I like to be the cherry on top that you save for last!” he says playfully “So what are you doing today after work?   Do I have a chance of seeing you again?”  What a hopeful look he has and I melt for the zillionth time.  Her body screams yes please take her into those warm sexy arms but trying to keep this under control.

“No real plans, I don’t have to work tomorrow and my finals for school are in the afternoon.  I usually like to study before the finals but I already finished the harder courses so I’m pretty much set.  Why what do you have in mind?” hopeful but remain calm.

“Well remember how you said you have never seen one of the townhouses on the marina, I thought you might like to see one?” asking me but seeing in his eyes a mischievous agenda; her body goes along with it.

“Ok, I’m game to see new things” with desire that her inner body is putting out, “ But I do need to get back to work, having a possible full time position not wanting to blow it away on taking a long lunch if that’s ok with you.” her practical side kicks back in.

“No problem, I got your back, lets finish and we still have 25minutes left.  But don’t eat so fast that you get an upset stomach.  So what time do you get out of work?

“I’m done at 4:30 pm but I would like to go home first and freshen up, I can be ready by 6 pm if that works for you?”

“Perfect, I’ll pick you up at 6 and I’ll have dinner for us all set if that’s ok with you?”

“Works for me, I normally cook since Tiffany isn’t the best cook but I have sauce premade for her so she will be fine.”

“Really, you cook and actually pre-make things while still going to school and working.  I’m totally impressed.” His expression really looks dumbfounded

“Well, yea it’s not that hard, that’s about living, isn’t that normal” being now the one dumbfounded!

He chuckles shaking his head, “You’re right in your own way, I’m just not used to that but it is reality in so many ways.  Listen finish up lunch, don’t worry about your dinner tonight, I’ll take care of our meal for tonight, how’s that?”

“OK” finishing our meal heading back to the limo.  Perplexed to why he didn’t drive but she’ll save her questions for later.  As a sweet as the first kiss was when she got in the limo the kiss for leaving was a little more intense.  He playfully bites her bottom lip after saying “I'll be counting the hours until I see you again.”

“I look forward to it too, you look very handsome in your suit today” playing back with a grin. “Until tonight” she turns to head back into the bank. 
God, is that man sexy or what!

Getting back with a few minute to spare trying to shake off the curious stares she gets from her co-workers.  Really it is none of their business but she works with gossip queens.

Nathan just couldn’t wait to see her again.  He enjoyed surprising her today with a lunch date.  It was living on the edge just like inviting her over tonight.  Trying something new by breaking up his hum drum day even if it is business as usual for him she made it so worth it.  She has a spark in her he just can’t explain, he needs that spark to blossom.  It makes him feel vivacious.  This is good, really good.

Chapter
8

Brandy is safely home telling Tiffany that Nathan is picking here up at 6 pm.  She is excited for her starting to fling herself in
to a frenzy to decide what Brandy should wear out tonight.  She will not allow her to wear comfortable jeans and before you know it she has her dressed ready to go.  Her favorite girl always has her back as she is wearing now a perfect knee length skirt with a purple blouse obviously Tiffany’s clothes that fit her right with her favorite stylish boots. She does her hair off to the side as she freshens up her makeup.  Seriously wondering why women go through this much torturer to look good then looking in the mirror at her reflection.  OK, girlfriend you look better than you did earlier today.

Nathan is right on time in the Jag tonight, telling Tiffany sh
e’ll call or tm later as she shoos her off saying have fun.  That’s what BFF’s are for smiling warmly back.

Nathan has her door open for her politely giving her his hand to escort her into his car.  Climbing into the driver’s seat he appraises her and says ever so sweetly, “You look fantastic like always, you’re my dream girl.”

Totally caught by surprise by his words and just blush again; damn Brandy you need to learn how to control that!  She has never been good at complements.  Looking down at her hands nervously he notices.  Placing a hand on her thigh to get her attention he glances over.  “Is everything Ok? You seem a little out of sorts?”

“No, I'm fine, to be honest I'm not good at complements and I'm kind of adjusting to hearing them.” sincerely telling him.

“Well, you better get used to it because to tell you the truth I'm surprised you never heard them before.  You are an exquisite women; you need to see that in yourself like a lucky guy like me sees. Your beauty comes right from your heart and not just your looks.  You’re smart, witty and totally irresistible in my eyes.  I'm sure you have had plenty of other admires but refused to see the truth.” stating it somewhat matter of factual.  Trying to recollect, he is right in some ways.  She has gotten “hit on” per say when she has been out with Tiffany but just kind of blew it off like a drunken man was speaking through his little head and not his big head.  Also having looks from guys at work or school but being so into her work that she didn’t really take much notice of it. 
Gosh Brandy you are that blind
!  Tiffany, Mikey and Pete always say she seems to look the other way when someone does notice her.  Oh well, at least she didn't with Nathan so she at least feels a little better.

Smiling warmly back at him grabbing his hand which is still on her thigh giving it a warm squeeze. “Thank you Nathan, for the compliment and opening my eyes.” He reciprocates by taking her hand giving it a warm kiss, looking at her sideways as he is trying to drive at the same time.

They reach his place he says “Stay still”, after they park, he gets out gracefully, comes around opens her car door, holds his hand outstretched “My fair lady, may I escort you out?” playfully being the charmer he is.

“Well yes my good man, I would be delighted!” playing back. He pulls her into an embrace nuzzling her neck giving a tender kiss. “You smell divine” then
give a slight lick on her neck, “and you taste as good as you smell!”  Chills run down her spine making her giggle.  His smile broadens with his glorious dimples.  He kisses her deeply on the lips as she places her hands on his shoulder and draws him into her.  He is really a great kisser as his tongue searches for hers, we break away staring into each other’s eyes. Her eye lids are slight closed taking in that passionate kiss when her stomach growls. Now that is really how you ruin a moment. She turns slightly to cover her stomach dropping her purse.
Way to go Brandy
. Some of the contents fall onto the parking lot making Nathan chuckle as he helps her pick everything up.

As we are retrieving her makeup and such he holds up a packet which
he hands to her.  “Are those what I think they are?” quizzically.  He hands her the packet of pills. “Oh gosh! Yes, I take them to regulate me, hmm sorry!” cringing putting her head down.

Brandy rolls
her eyes with another embarrassing moment to add to the list as he starts laughing.  “Well why didn’t you say that before our time on the boat?  It saves a lot of time not having to wear a condom.” Chuckling slightly with an amused look “I guess I better feed you first, obviously your body needs some substance.”  He puts his arm around her waist leading towards the townhouse he has rented. “Brandy, don’t be embarrassed, you could have told me, OK?”

“Ok” shyly replying, like she blabs to the world about her birth control pills, but he is right, it will make things easier.

Taking in her surroundings noticing more closely how beautiful these townhouses are when you are standing before them.  They have small balconies in front as well as the back so you can really get a nice view of your surroundings from any ankle in the home.  Most of the balconies have planted floor pots which really make the building look warm and friendly.  He opens his front door being amazed by the room size.  It is contemporary in its styling with a huge chandelier center in the foyer.  You can see the stair case which leads to the next level. Nathan leads past the foyer and it has a glorious dining table of solid cherry with a smaller chandelier that hangs over it to give it that elegant touch.  The kitchen is right off the dining area with a wrap around counter in granite.  It has several bar stools which blend nicely with the dining set. The entire kitchen appliances are stainless steel looking extremely expensive.  Noticing there is no living room or bedrooms but they must be on the next level.  Wondering how that works since recalling that she saw three balconies from the outside.  Off of the dining/kitchen area are French doors that lead out to a balcony facing the water.  Still making out beautifully planted flowers outside in pots with a bistro set as the sun is now setting.  It must be glorious to sit out there in the morning enjoying a cup of coffee.