“So, I asked around and found out you are the one that planned the North Winds Gala. It was quite...extravagant. Don’t get me wrong it was beautiful but so much gold.” everywhere. Literally everywhere.
“It is funny, that is what everyone says. The gold is the most memorable thing about it I guess.”
“I wouldn’t say the MOST memorable thing, but definitely up there.” definitely not the most interesting thing, that would have to be her. The woman herself. The woman that has haunted my thoughts since the second I laid eyes on her.
We sit there eating and talking for over an hour before we decide to try some rides. She seems to be much more advaterus than I, so we compromised and end up at the track.
“I am quite competitive, just be forewarned.” I smile and put on the helmet.
“Oh really? Well you may have met your match today sir.”
“I do hope you are right about that. Let’s see what you have got Agápi Mou.” the words are out of my mouth before I even realize it. Thankfully she does not speak Greek.
She gives me a sexy smile that makes my cock stir again. This woman is going to be the death of me. I will be taking a very cold shower when I get home.
“What does that mean?” she asks innocently.
“If you win I will tell you.” I arch my brow and get in the gocart.
The light turns green and she is already ahead of me, but not for long. I take the inside and managed to pass her on the first lap. Seems she really is competitive, but no chance can I lose.
The last lap she has me again, but the straight strip is my saving grace. I floor it and whip past her crossing the finish line and pulling the cart to the loading zone. I walk to her and offer my hand to help her up, she takes it and the heat it creates sends me into another world. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and never let go.
“So, what does that word mean?”
“Guess you will have to look it up.” I smirk at her pouty lips. Lips just begging me to kiss them. There goes my cock again.
“How can I look up a word I can’t remember? I’m not even sure what language it is, how many do you speak?” She whines, and it is adorable.
“I speak six languages actually, but you can take English off your list.”
“So, you’re really not going to tell me? Come on, at least say it again.” she begs.
“I will say it as often as you like, Agápi Mou.” I mean it too, I would say it to her everyday for the rest of my life if she would let me.
We walk to the games and she tries to get me to compete again, but I refuse. No way can I take the chance of losing. Though after a few games I realized she had no chance of winning. She really has awful aim, but with my luck she would have won that one.
I on the other hand have excellent skills, especially when it comes to throwing and shooting games. I win over and over until she is able to get the biggest prize. I must say that I would have expected her to pick the large unicore or teddy bear. But not this girl.
She jumped up and down screaming like a child pointing to an odd looking stuffed octopus. She seems so different from any woman I have ever met. I want to know everything there is to know about her.
“Thank you.” we both say to the boy running the game.
She looks up at me and my heart melts at the sight of her big golden eyes peering into mine. She squeezes it and buries her face into it. I cannot help but wish it was me she had her arms around and face pressed against. “Thank you, I love him.” her voice is small and soft, childlike when she says it.
I cannot help but smile. “I am glad to hear that. You seem to be having a good time. I hope I can claim some of the credit for that.”
“Yes, I am having a wonderful time, and it is all because of you. My dad used to bring me here every year and it just hasn’t been the same since he passed away. This is the best time I have had here in a decade, so thank you for that.”
She has unshed tears in her eyes and my heart brakes for her. She tells me a bit about him and I can see that he is the most important person in her life. I cannot imagine losing either of my parents.
We talk more as I walk her back to where we first met today. She really is a remarkable woman. We have not even separated yet and I already cannot wait to see her again.
“Thank you. I hope we have a chance to do it again sometime...but I really must be going now.” she gives me a sweet smile and tries to run off but is caught by the same twat that interrupted us the first time we met.
The way he speaks to her makes me want to rip his fucking toung out. He grabs her arm and pulls her away as he yells at her for being in my presence. This guy really needs to get his shit together and learn how to treat women.
I am not saying I am a saint, but I have never nor will I ever treat a woman the way he is treating her. I can see his fingers turning white from the grip he has on her arm. I want to break those fingers for inflicting pain on her.
Chapter 6
Ember
Yesterday was easily one of the best days I have had in a long time. I find myself humming and smiling at nothing. It is strange how one day’s events can change your perspective of the world. Suddenly everything seems right.
"Hey giggles, what's so funny?" Spence says as he grabs a muffin from the pan I just pulled from the oven. Playing hot potato with it in his hands till it cools down enough for him to shove nearly the whole thing in his mouth.
"Just in a good mood, and these smell amazing. Taste anything?" I tease as he chews with his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.
He rolls his eyes and flips me off. "Delish" he manages with his full mouth. After he finishes the first muffin he goes for a second following the same pattern.
"You know if you would let them cool you wouldn't have to do that?"
"Shut up." he laughed as he shoved the second muffin in his mouth.
"Whatever you say Piglet." I smile as he gives me the look of death.
Before he can finish chewing and give me some snippy comeback, the doorbell buzzes. He rolls his eyes and walks out the door. It is an old building so you have to physically go to the building entrance to let your guest in. We have never really minded though, the walk up and down the stairs is good for our butts.
I don't know why I started baking this morning, but once I started I didn't want to stop. Once the muffins were in the oven I started on cookie dough. That was a dumb idea, it rarely makes it to the oven. I take a spoon full and enjoy the surgery goodness.
When Spence walks back in he has this look of disgust on his face, which only means one thing. Kade is here.
"Hello my darling." he says in a very un-Kade like manner.
"Um, hi?" I say slightly confused as I pull the spoon out of my mouth. I am waiting for him to make nasty comments about me eating this, but it never comes.
"I just wanted to stop by and apologize for yesterday. I know it was my fault that you ended up having to spend your day with that creep. I should have been a better boyfriend and let my work wait."
I stood there with my mouth ajar. Spence looked at me like we had just entered an alternate universe.
"I know you are probably going to stay angry with me, but I would very much like it if you would give me the opportunity to make it up to you."
Spence and I still stood there dumbfounded. What the hell is going on with him? He hasn't been this nice since we first met.
"Yeah, sure. What did you have in mind?" I ask as the shock starts to wear off.
Spence was still standing behind Kade, looking at me like I had just done something really stupid.
"I would like to take you out tonight. It has been a while since we have had a proper date, and I think it would be good for us to have some one-on-one time. We have..." he stops and looks back "Do you mind Spencer? I would like to have a private moment with the love of my life." it came out in a kind voice without any attitude.
Spence just looked at him wide eyed, nodded and walked off to his room sha
king his head and mumbling to himself.
"Where was I? Oh yes, we haven't had much romance these past few months." he said as he walked around the island to where I was standing, still with the spoon in one hand and the bowl in the other. He took them out of my hands and set them on the counter, then taking my hands in his he continued. "I miss us. You know how we were in the beginning? It was full of romance and passion and I miss that."
He was clearly waiting for me to respond, but words were not forming, my brain was still trying to catch up, and not doing a very good job might I add. I nod and that seems to be enough for him.
"I thought we could go out to the same restaurant we went to on our first date. Sit at the same table, the same wine. Just recreate the bliss we had that night."
I wasn't sure what face I was wearing at this point. I was confused, supersized even by his words. This is the Kade that swept me off my feet, sweet and charming.
Finally, I managed to get words out. "That sounds very nice Kade. I would love to do that."
His smile was so genuine and beautiful. I haven't seen it in so long.
"Perfect. I was afraid you would say no." his eyes seem to get sad at the thought.
I don’t know why but it made me sad to think I made him sad. Silly because just ten minutes ago I was off in lala land about another man. What a shity girlfriend I turned out to be.
"How could I say no to such a sweet gesture? I really appreciate all the thought you have put into this."
"I would do anything to make you happy.” he was almost giddy. "I will be back to pick you up at six o'clock sharp."
He kissed my cheek, dipped his finger into the cookie dough and put it in his mouth as he walked out the door.
Spence must have been at his bedroom door listening, as soon as the front door shut he was in the living room staring at me with a WTF look. I shrugged and went back to my cookie dough, every other spoon full ending up in my mouth. Spence grabbed a third muffin and plopped on the sofa in silence. Guess neither of us really knew what to think or say.
∞∞∞
I found the dress I wore on our first date. I'm not sure if I was expecting him to remember or if I was testing him. His sudden change in behavior is nice but I just don’t think it will last. I guess I have just gotten used to him letting me down and treating me like crap, I had forgotten why I started dating him in the first place. He was funny, crazy to think that now; he has become so dry.
I smooth the skirt of the dress against my thighs. It is almost too big, guess all the insecurities he has helped me to develop have worked. You don't really notice the difference over the time of a year until you do a side-by-side, or in this case put on an old dress.
It should be form fitting with bunching at the waist on the left side, but it is loose and the gathered fabric doesn't quite sit right. I decide it is good enough and put my hair in a French bun with curly tendrils hanging on either side of my face.
The doorbell buzzes. I grab my clutch and head down to meet Kade. I can see him through the window of the door as I walk down the stairs. He is dressed in a nice suit, the same thing he wears every day for work. I swear he was born in a 3-piece suit. His blond hair is spiked a bit, that's new. No tie, unbuttoned collar. It is strange to see him looking this way. No one would know the difference but those that know him. He has always talked down on the 'casual' way some men wear their suits. I open the door and he takes me by surprise.
He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me into him, kissing me a little too hard. I kiss him back not wanting to offend him, but quickly end it. He smiles and offers his arm for me to hold as we walk to the car. The driver has the back-passenger door ajar and we slip into the backseat.
"You have a driver tonight?" I question, normally the only time he has a driver is for big public events.
"Yes, I don't want to have anything distracting me tonight. I want to spend every minute looking into your beautiful eyes."
Now he is just being cheesy, but it is nice. We will see how long this lasts. I give him a quick smile and change the subject for the ride.
When we arrive at the restaurant the driver opens the door for us, as I step out of the car Kade takes my hand to help. He is really trying and I am being so negative in my head. I really should give him a chance.
"Thank you" I say sweetly, and give him a genuine smile.
"You are most welcome, my darling."
The restaurant is a small but fancy space. White table cloths, tealights on every table in crystal holders, cloth covered chairs and original brick walls. The lights are dimmed and it creates a very romantic ambiance. The servers all wear black pants and shoes with white button up shirt and black bow tie.
The table was already set and waiting for us to arrive, the smell of fresh warm bread filled the air. As we sat down the waiter popped the cork on the bottle wine and poured us each a glass, bowed and walked away. The menu looks beautiful, like a page from an old book, the kind monks would hand-paint. It only had a few pages, one was all wine.
I skim the menu and decide on eggplant parmesan, Kade orders the escargot for appetizer and ribeye for his meal. Everything looks amazing as it is set on the table, the smell fills my nostrils and makes my mouth water. Kade makes a toast "To a long and happy relationship." we clink wine glasses and begin to eat with minimal conversation.
Before I get a chance to look at the dessert menu the waiter sets a beautiful soufflé between us. He then sets down a small plate with three sauces in tiny ceramic pitchers.
"Strawberry, chocolate and sweet vanilla." He says as he points to each with a smile. "Enjoy, and please let me know if there is anything you need." He bowed his head and walked off.
"It looks delicious, I didn't hear you order it."
"I arranged it when I made the reservation. I did not want any delays" he said with a smug proud look. There is the real Kade seeping through.
I smile and pick up the vanilla sauce, I turn the tiny pitcher in my hand admiring the golden design, it contrasts so nicely against the black glaze.
"Why do small details like that fascinate you so much?" he asked as he broke the top of the soufflé and scooped out a portion for each of us.
I look up at him puzzled.
"You always seem to pay so much attention to the design of things; fabric, paintings, even graffiti on the side of buildings. I just don't understand why you do that."
"Why don't you?" I ask in an annoyed tone
"Sorry Em, it was just a question. I didn't mean to offend you." he said with his hands up.
I sigh. "Beauty is in every detail. Even the smallest ones. I find it peaceful and satisfying to look at each brush stroke or stitch. I always have." I say as I pour the creamy white sauce over my portion. I set the pitcher back on the plate with the other sauces and pick at my dessert. He didn't say another word until we were ready to go.
"I hope you don't mind, I planned something special for you." he looked a bit hesitant. "Shall we?"
I walk through the door as he holds it open and see a horse drawn carriage. It is white and silver with red velvet covering the single bench. The top portion is a swirling design of metal rods covered in white paint and wrapped with fairy lights all the way to the center of the dome. A single white mare at the front and a small man in an old-style coachmen’s suit of white and black holds the reins.
He steps down and opens the small ornate door on the carriage and pulls a step from the undercarriage. "Ma'am." he says, offering me his hand to help me in.
"Thank you, sir.'' I take his hand and step up and into the rather large carriage. I sit down and glance around admiring the beauty of it. Kade takes his seat next to me and takes my hand in his. From the look on his face he can tell how much I love this.
"Do you approve?"
"It is beautiful, and very romantic. I approve." I say with a sweet smile.
"I thought we could take a ride through old town, maybe get out and see some of the beautiful details on the stai
ned glass and maybe the museum."
Now I feel horrible about how I spoke to him when he asked me about my love for detail.
"I would really like that."
The ride to Old Town was only about ten minutes, but going through it would be much longer. It is full of historical monuments and buildings from the original settlers to the mid to late 1800's. Nothing on the streets of Old Town is new. The streets are brick, gas lit light posts have been converted to electric but still the original casing. It is a living monument to Shoreline City. The entire history of the city started here.
Not many people live in Old Town because it is...well it is old, but those who do say they would never choose to live anywhere else. Most of the interiors of the building have been remodeled within the last 30 years, but the old warehouse was just converted into a museum and apartment building last year.
The outside is 100-year-old brick, but once inside, it is as if you walked through time. The first floor has a grand entrance with sleek and clean lines and gray scale color pallet. The walls are lined with photographs that create a timeline of Shoreline City from when it was young to present day. The museum is filled with artifacts from the first settlers, the first town newspaper and replicas of official documents from the town's inception. Pedestals holding glass cases behind velvet ropes house everything from police uniforms to the first baseball thrown at Bruiser Stadium in 1923.
The door man greets us with a smile as we walk in "Welcome to Old Shoreline, is there anything in particular you are here to see?"
I smile with excitement, "No, I want to see everything!"
I can see the regret on Kades face but it was his idea, which surprised me. This really isn't his idea of fun. He likes to be seen, fun to him normally costs a lot of money and involves a lot of rich snobs. So, for him to actually come down to my level is pretty impressive.
Ribbon of Fate: Love or lust? Page 5