The Butterfly House (7 page)

“Mr. Walker are you enjoying your night?” He said all smug.

“
Damn it you know I am! Fuck man she's killing me.” I said gritting my teeth.

“
Nolan you're not a monk for fuck sakes, she's a fine looking woman. Why beat yourself up about feeling something for her?” he stated.

“
I don't
want
to feel anything for any woman, man you just don't get that do you?” I said loudly.

“
I do get that! What I don't get is why you won't just go with it? Enjoy the feelings and if she brings them on, then enjoy it with her! What the hell is wrong with you?” he asked lighting up a cheroot.

“
She isn't looking for more than friendship and that's fine with me.” I said.

“
Ok let's see how long that works for you both but if those sparks that passed between you two earlier mean anything, friendship is the last thing going on here”

“
Fuck!” I stood, I had to go meet her for our just
friends
dinner date. This conversation was going nowhere. I could handle this. I just needed to not see her naked anymore. I told Sam I'd see him tomorrow for our afternoon meeting. He just sat shaking his head as I walked back to the dressing room hallway.

Ava was cleaning up her area when I walked in. I knocked first. Once she had yelled “The coast is clear come on in,” she was the only one there; everyone else had left. She had changed into a sunflower-covered summer dress with sandals and it was already killing me – her legs bare. Her hair was in a twist and she was smiling but I could feel the tension, she was nervous. Hell so was I!

“Hi.” I said like a dumb ass.  She smiled.  Then said “Hi back.” 

I asked her if she was ready to leave. She said she just needed a minute yet. It looked like Sam had gotten them lockers to use temporarily, I watched as she struggled to figure out the combination lock on the door. I walked over to see if I could help, and the scent she wore was like sunshine and cookies I swear. I leaned down a little closer when suddenly the lock sprang open and she flew back into me. We both laughed. She felt so good in my arms but I made myself pull away. I didn't want her to think I was pawing at her.

“
We better get going if we are going to make our reservation.”

“
You made reservations?” “That's sweet, I would have been okay with pizza or even just coffee.” she said.

“
I thought maybe you might like a real meal, I'm guessing with your schedule you don't get much time for eating.”

“
You know that's thoughtful, Thank you Nolan. I'm ready if you are,” she said grabbing her purse and slamming the locker shut.

We walked outside, it was still very warm but still a nice clear night. I put my hand on the small of her back as we walked down a few blocks to the restaurant. She smiled looking up at me as we walked. I swear I died inside. I felt my heart race, I didn't want to fall for her. My heart couldn't take being hurt again but she was so breathtaking to be with. What the hell had Sam gotten me into? Silently I was cursing Sam Rayburn.

Ava

I knew it. The moment I made eye contact with Nolan I was done. I told myself as I walked out to the dance floor I would just do my job like I did any other night, boy was I in for a surprise. As soon as I walked out, there he was. If I thought he looked sexy as hell in dress clothes, it was nothing compared to what he looked like in jeans. His jeans were something else. They were faded Levi’s and torn in just a few of the sexiest places. He also wore a tight ass dark blue tee shirt, which did nothing to hide the fact he worked out. Thank God I was not able to see him from the back, the image I had in my mind of his ass in those jeans was already driving me crazy.

I had a job to do, I had to push him out of my mind and get this party started. I had practiced this routine a few times so it went like clockwork but as I made my moves and began to sing I could just feel Nolan's eyes sliding all over me. God help me but I wanted to turn him on. I knew it was wrong and it would torment us both but I did it anyway. I had never had a real boyfriend. I had dated a few guys but nothing that ever turned serious, I had goals I wanted to accomplish before I could even let myself get involved with someone. Nolan didn't feel like just
someone
to me. I wanted to be his friend yet I wanted to test the waters.

I walked out with my intent for the crowd only. I did my job to the fullest; but from the moment I walked back across the floor for my finale, as my dress slid off my shoulders my nipples got rock hard for him. The moment I turned and we made eye contact, it was like being struck by lightning but in reality, it was lust, carnal and so sinful I felt myself  blush all over. Thank God for the lights going out at the perfect time, no one noticed my flushed skin. I walked to the dressing room wondering what it would feel like to have those hands of his on my naked flesh.

I had just enough time to get changed before he was due to arrive in the dressing room and take me to dinner. I had called before my set to check on baby Miles, he was doing well. I was relieved now I could go to dinner and visit him afterwards. I couldn't remember the last time I had actually eaten a meal, let alone sat down to do it.

I chose a light sunflower print dress and low-heeled sandals. I put on some lip balm and a touch of mascara. I felt guilty as hell about coming on to Nolan earlier. I had no idea what was wrong with me. Maybe I needed a break from the depressing routine my life had become but baby Miles needed me and I was totally in love with that little guy. He was worth the struggle. My classes were going better than I first expected. I was doing much better but I could still use a little more sleep.

Tonight however I felt refreshed and excited. Dinner would be nice and I'd apologize for my behavior. Nolan was a nice guy, I wanted to spend time with him but I didn't want to come across as a slut. I may have done just that with my actions. He actually knocked before asking to come in the dressing room. Maybe he didn't notice my forwardness like I thought.

Ok that was total bullshit, I knew he noticed. I felt his eyes all over me. They were all over me now as he walked in the doorway and over to my dressing table.

“Hi.” He said.

“
Hi back!” I said, I was struggling to get my locker open, thank God that helped me hide my nervousness. He moved closer as if to help me but suddenly the locker door sprang open as I finally hit the right combination. It caused me to fall backwards against him.

“
We better get going if we are going to make our reservation.” He said smiling as he eased me away from him.

I was surprised.

“You made reservations?That's sweet, I would have been okay with pizza or even just coffee.”

“
I thought maybe you might like a real meal. I'm guessing with your schedule you don't get much time for eating.” He said.

“
You know that's thoughtful, Thank you Nolan. I'm ready if you are.” I said grabbing my purse and slamming the locker shut.

We walked outside, it was a bit warm but I was feeling happy as I felt his hand touch the small of my back lightly as we started walking. I wanted this little moment to last forever, it just felt like the start of something good for a change.

Nolan ~
Ten

We arrived just a few seconds shy of our reservations at
Les Halles
.
I was glad when Ava said it was her first time here. We were seated in the back corner, it was not very crowded for a Thursday night.

Our waiter brought the wine list, we both declined but I talked Ava into letting me chose a drink for her. I chose for us both the “Breakfast Delight.” The drink was tea infused Tanqueray Ten Gin, orange marmalade with grapefruit juice.

“Nolan this is fantastic,” she said after our drinks had arrived and she tasted hers. I knew she'd like it.

“
I thought you might like it, it's sweet but light.”

“
I haven't been out for a drink or dinner since I moved here almost a year ago.”

“
Are you from Manhattan?” I asked. I could tell by her accent she wasn't from New York.

“
I'm from Colorado, I grew up in Grand Lake. I came to Manhattan to study trauma medicine at NYU. Are you from Manhattan?” she asked.

“
I'm actually from Mesquite, Texas. I came to Manhattan to expand my business. Speaking of my business, I have something for you.” I said. It felt like the right time to give her the gift I had made.

I reached for my jacket that I had brought but knew I wouldn't need. I pulled out the small box and slid it across the table.

“A gift? You didn't need to do that Nolan,” she said but I could tell she was curious and a bit excited as she reached for the box.

Opening the box, she pulled out the purple and turquoise butterfly key ring I had made.

“Oh Nolan, this is beautiful!” she exclaimed as she held it up to the light, admiring it.”

“
It's just a small sample what I make at my business. I'm glad you like it.”

“
Oh I do, it's amazing. How did you get the colors in the glass and it's so tiny. How in the world did you make this?” She asked smiling.

“
I'd be happy to show you sometime if you'd like a tour of my business.” “I could show you how to make something,” I said returning her smile.

“
I'd love that!” “I don't have much free time but I'd enjoy seeing how you made this.” “Thank you for this, it's very sweet of you,” she said.

Our waiter had perfect timing, he wanted to know if we were ready to order. We really hadn't even looked at the menu.

“Nolan if you don't mind, what do you suggest?” she asked.

“
I'd be happy to.” I ended up ordering
Cote de boeuf
, Black Angus Prime Rib for two, black peppercorn sauce on the side for our fresh cut steak fries.

The waiter took our menus and left to place our orders.

“That sounds heavenly. Have you been here before?” she asked.

“
Sam Rayburn, your new boss turned me on to this place when I first arrived in Manhattan. They have amazing food and drinks.”

“
Have you known Mr. Rayburn long?”

“
I met Sam when I first came to New York, I designed a set of lamps for his mother for her birthday,  and we have been friends ever since.”

“
He seems nice, he has taken a real interest in the house,” she said.

“
When Sam sees something he likes, he has to have it and make it his.” I said just as I saw our waiter coming with a server.

Our food had arrived, two huge plates of steaming steak and fries. Ava wasn't like most women, she dug in and ate a decent portion of her steak and fries. She even made a play for  the last bit of my peppercorn sauce for her fries.

“Hey now just because you ate all your  sauce doesn't mean you can just hover that french fry of yours over my dish.” I said seriously.

“
Oh hey look is that Beyonce?”she yelled pointing behind me!” I stupidly looked without thinking and when I turned around she had switched out our sauce bowls.

“
You know that was pretty sneaky, how did you know I'd fall for that?” I said laughing.

“
Please all men jump when they hear the name Beyonce,” she said waving her empty fork around.

“
You just caught me off guard, I secretly covet
redheads only
in case you were wondering.”

“
Oh I see, that's good to know,” she said blushing.

The waiter came by to ask if we wanted dessert or coffee. We both were stuff so we declined.

“Nolan, I can't thank you enough for tonight, dinner was really good and I love your gift.” “I hate to eat and run but it's getting really late. I have classes real early.” she said reaching for my hand.

“
I had a nice time too, would you like to maybe do it again sometime?” I asked taking her hand in mine.

“
Of course I would. I'd love to see how you made my key ring” she said.

“
That can be arranged.” I said and I meant it. I really wanted to show her where I worked and how the glassblowing process worked.

After taking care of the check and tip, we walked outside together. I felt like there was so much more I wanted to ask her but I didn't want to keep her out knowing she had early classes.