“A little of this and a little of that. It’s a mixture that I blended especially for tonight. I call it the Two-one-fourtini.”
“That’s an odd name.”
“Not at all. Two is for February, one and four are for fourteen, get it? February fourteenth, Valentine’s Day,” she said, taking a sip of her drink.
“My, my, aren’t you the clever one? I hope you made enough of this love potion for everyone.”
“Yes, I made quite a few batches. I also gave the bartender explicit instructions on how to mix the drinks.”
“Good. I’m sure Blaine will love it.”
“Why are you so bent on me meeting this particular guy?”
“I know I’ve been wrong in the past about the men I’ve set you up with, but I have a feeling that Blaine is the perfect match for you. He’s creative...”
“How do you know that?”
“He owns an advertising agency, so he must be creative, and so are you. That’s something you two have in common, which is good for starters.”
Mika sipped her drink, and couldn’t help but wonder if Fritz was right. Suppose she and Blaine did share more commonalities. She didn’t want to get her hopes up, but the thought of spending the evening with a handsome man was more than appealing.
As they were talking, a tap sounded at the glass door. Fritz waltzed over and opened it for his lover, Oskar.
“Hey, sweetums.” Fritz greeted Oskar with a kiss on the lips.
“Hello, my love,” Oskar replied. He walked in and surveyed the room. “This place looks fabulous. I love the candelabras on the counter. They’re so romantic.”
“Yes, the entire store resembles a den of inequity. I hope there’re going to be many love connections made here tonight,” Fritz commented, eyeing Mika as he spoke.
“I’ll be right back,” Mika said, heading toward the rear of the store.
“Where are you going?” Fritz asked.
“I forgot to put on some lipstick.”
* * *
By the time Mika returned, the entire place was packed with singles hoping to make a love connection. The bartender was shaking and pouring martinis at a rapid pace. Servers were also on hand with trays of crab-stuffed shrimp, mini lobster rolls and tuna tartar.
“May I have your attention!” Fritz yelled. “We’re going to play a getting-to-know-you game called Speed Dating. You will only have five minutes to talk, flirt or tell your innermost secrets before the buzzer sounds. At that point, men, you will switch tables, while the ladies remain seated. Are there any questions?” When no one responded, Fritz said, “Okay, let the game begin. Ladies, take a seat at the tables near the wall. The time starts now.”
Mika watched as the men scurried to the empty chairs facing the women. From her vantage point at the bar, she couldn’t hear the conversations and wondered what was being said.
“I’ll have a martini,” she told the bartender.
“Coming right up,” he responded.
Mika surveyed the room while she sipped her drink. She was looking for the guy Fritz had invited, but didn’t see him. She found herself checking the door every time someone walked in. Why are you waiting on this man? You don’t even know him. Mika wanted a distraction, so she moved through the room toward the speed-dating tables. As she passed by, she overheard a guy asking the woman across from him a very personal question.
“So what’s your favorite position?”
“On top,” the woman replied.
Wow! That’s pretty forward, but I must say, I like being on top, too, Mika thought as she giggled and continued walking across the room. When the buzzer went off, Mika turned and considered joining in what looked to be a fun time judging from the participants’ giddy facial expressions. But all the tables were occupied, which was probably for the best, she thought. I might as well go back to my office and work on my manuscript.
“Hey, there, where are you going?”
Mika turned around, and there, directly in front of her, was the handsome stranger smiling, looking like a yummy piece of buttery caramel.
Chapter Six
Mika was rendered speechless. He was standing so close to her that she could smell his cologne, which had the scent of sandalwood, lavender and ginger blended together. Not only was his scent delicious, but his appearance was enticing, as well. He wore a black blazer, crisp white shirt, open at the collar, and a pair of black gabardine slacks. Mika swallowed hard. She didn’t know what to say. They hadn’t formally met, yet he was speaking to her as if they were friends.
“Uh... I was going in the back to work on a project.”
“Whenever I get a glimpse of you, you’re working. Do you ever take time off? Wait a minute...where are my manners? Here I am quizzing you and I haven’t even introduced myself. My name is Blaine Chess and yours?”
“Mika Madison, I’m the co-owner of Delicious.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” he said, shaking her hand. “Your partner, Fritz, invited me tonight. Sorry I’m late, but I had a last-minute fire to put out at the office. I own an ad agency around the corner, and had to deal with a demanding client.”
“Oh. No problem.” He’s explaining his tardiness as if I’m his date, Mika thought.
Blaine looked around the room. “You guys have a great turnout tonight.”
“Yes, we do. People seem to be enjoying the speed-dating game. It’s a real ice breaker.”
“Isn’t that a game where you have a few minutes to talk to the other person before a buzzer goes off?”
“Yep, that’s the game.”
“I, for one, would much rather have an intimate conversation without the pressure of a clock.”
Mika felt the same way, but was too nervous to agree. She was finally face-to-face with the man she had admired from a distance for so long, and she didn’t quite know what to say.
“Oh, I’m so glad you were able to stop by tonight,” Fritz said, walking up to them.
“I am, too,” Blaine replied, glancing at Mika.
“Where’s your drink? Mika, you didn’t offer Blaine one of your signature martinis? She makes the best cocktails in town.”
“I’m sure she does. I would love to try one,” Blaine said, smiling.
“Sure. Let’s go to the bar.” She turned to Fritz. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“You kids have fun.” He winked at Mika. “I have to find Oskar and get ready for the next game.” Fritz flitted away.
“Thanks again for the invite,” Blaine said, and then followed Mika across the room. He sat on a bar stool and watched as she poured contents from a silver pitcher into a shaker, added ice and agitated the shaker vigorously. She poured the chocolate concoction into two martini glasses. The bar was abuzz with people chatting, drinking and munching on appetizers.
“Here you go,” she said, handing Blaine the glass, “I hope you like it.”
He took a sip and licked his lips. “Mmm, this is really good. I can’t even taste any liquor.”
Mika also took a sip of her drink. “Don’t let the taste fool you. There’s plenty of alcohol in these cocktails, and the effect will sneak up on you.”
“I’m not worried about that. I’m a big boy.”
You sure are! Mika put the glass to her lips and eyed Blaine over the rim as she drank. He was even more handsome up close. She hadn’t kissed a man in a while, and had an impulse to lean across the bar and plant a juicy one on his full lips, but restrained herself.
“Excuse me,” Fritz stood in the middle of the room and yelled over the chatter. “May I have your attention? The next game we’re going to play is called Dim the Lights. The rules are simple. First, find a partner, and then have a seat. You’ll have ten seconds to gaze into your partner’s face. After the time is up, the lights will dim
for thirty seconds. While the lights are dim, turn your back to your partner and take turns describing their best feature. Any questions?”
“Suppose you don’t have a partner?” a guest asked.
“No worries. This game can also be played in groups,” Fritz replied.
“Would you mind being my partner?” Blaine asked Mika.
“Uh...sure,” Mika said, calmly. She downplayed her excitement.
“Okay, are we ready?” Fritz asked. When no one responded, he held a stopwatch and said, “The time starts now!”
Mika leaned her elbows on the bar and turned to Blaine. They gazed intently at each other. Mika searched his eyes, trying to see any hidden, undesirable flaws, but couldn’t detect any. She roamed every inch of his face with her eyes. His skin was smooth, his lips were full and begged to be kissed. His eyes, which were staring back at her, were brimming with desire. She could feel a strong pull toward him. An intimacy was being created between them that couldn’t be denied.
“Okay, time!” Fritz announced. “Now turn your backs. Oh...I forgot to add that you’re to whisper this to each other.” Fritz glanced over to Mika and Blaine, and said, “You two will need to sit together for the second half of the game.”
Mika walked from behind the bar and without saying a word, sat on the bar stool next to Blaine. She then turned her back so that it was touching his. The moment their backs met, a warm sensation ran up her spine and she smiled slightly. This game had her totally intrigued and she was anxious to hear Blaine’s assessment of her.
Once Fritz stopped talking, the lights dimmed, so that the only illumination was that of the candles, giving off a warm, seductive glow. The hum of whispers began filling the room.
“Where should I start? All of your features are perfect,” Blaine began. “Your eyes are warm and kind. I know we’ve just met, but I can see that you’re the type of person who loves deeply when you allow yourself to fall for a man.”
Mika was astounded. He was absolutely correct. She wasn’t quick to fall in love, but when she did, she fell hard. “I thought we were supposed to discuss features, not feelings,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry if I offended you, but I just couldn’t help telling the truth.”
“No offense taken. Actually, I find your honesty refreshing.”
“Good. Well, in that case, let me say that I’m glad we finally had a chance to meet. I find you extremely attractive and would love to take you out to dinner if that’s okay with you.”
“Yes, I would like that.” Mika appreciated Blaine’s direct approach. She wasn’t one for game playing. She was becoming more and more intrigued with him. Blaine wasn’t wasting any time conveying his interest in her. Sitting there with her back close to his, Mika could feel herself becoming aroused. This night was getting better and better by the minute. Suddenly, the lights came up. And unfortunately before Mika had a chance to describe Blaine’s best feature.
“Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes the warm-up exercises for this evening. Hopefully, everyone has loosened up by now and you’re no longer strangers.” Fritz shot Mika another look. “Please eat, drink and mingle, that is if you haven’t already found that special someone to spend the evening with. And to keep the mood festive, the lights will remain low.”
“I like your partner’s style. He really knows how to get the party going,” Blaine commented.
“Yes, he does.” Mika was grateful that Fritz had orchestrated the event. If she didn’t know better, she would have sworn that Fritz had invented Dim the Lights in order to bring her and Blaine closer—which it did. She looked at Blaine’s empty glass. “Would you care for another drink?”
“Only if you’ll join me.”
This time, Mika didn’t walk behind the bar. Instead, she signaled the bartender and had him refill their glasses. For the next hour, she and Blaine traded life stories, talking easily like they had known each other for years. They were both creative in their own rights and had similar life views of working hard and playing hard.
Time had passed so quickly that before Mika knew it, the event was over and people were filing out of the store. She was enjoying Blaine’s company and didn’t want the night to end. After talking for so long, both of their glasses were now empty again. The bartender was busy cleaning up, so Mika went behind the bar and poured them another round. Before she could walk back to the other side, Fritz and Oskar emerged from the back, strolling arm in arm.
“Well...I for one think tonight was a mega success,” Fritz announced as he came closer to Mika and Blaine.
Blaine glanced across the bar at Mika. “I’ll second that.”
“Fritz, darling, you sure know how to throw an event. I just loved that Dim the Lights game. It really made people open up,” Oskar commented.
“That was the point,” Fritz replied, eyeing Mika.
She noticed that Fritz and Oskar had on their coats. “Are you guys leaving?”
“Yes, we are. The rest of our night needs to play out in private.” Fritz winked. “Mika, the cleanup crew finished, and left by the service entrance.”
“Okay, good night, guys.”
“Oh, Mika, don’t forget to turn the music off, and snuff out the candles before you leave.”
“Okay.”
“You guys have a great evening, and thanks again for the invite,” Blaine said.
Shortly after Oskar and Fritz left, the bartender called out to Mika. “Hey, boss, I’m done. Is there anything else you need before I leave?”
Mika took a quick look around the store and everything seemed to be back in order. “No, I’m good. Thanks for all of your help tonight, Frank.”
“You got it. Good night.”
Once the bartender left, Mika and Blaine were alone in the store, which was still bathed in candlelight with soft jazz playing in the background. Mika couldn’t help but think, it was the perfect romantic setting. She sipped her drink, quietly contemplating what to do next. She was attracted to Blaine. But didn’t know whether to step out of her comfort zone and make a move, or sit back and let the night unfold organically. After a few more sips, she decided to choose the latter.
“So tell me, what goes on behind the double doors?” Blaine asked, breaking the silence.
“My test kitchen and office are in the back.”
“So that’s where you make the magic? Concocting your unique blends of chocolate.”
“It sure is.”
“I’ve never seen a chef’s kitchen before,” he said, swiveling around on the stool and looking toward the back.
“Would you like the dime tour?” Normally Mika didn’t allow strangers in her kitchen, but tonight she was willing to make an exception.
Blaine hopped off the stool. “I certainly would.”
She led the way, with him following closely behind. When they reached the kitchen, the lights were off. Mika took a step toward the light switch, but Blaine caught her by the arm.
“Hey, where are you going?” he said, gently bringing her toward him.
Mika took a few steps until her breasts were touching his chest and she could feel his breath on her cheek as he spoke. His unexpected advance had taken her by surprise and now she was aroused with anticipation. He had taken the lead and his aggressiveness was a sure sign that he was interested.
“I was going to...”
She didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence before he leaned in and kissed her mouth. Mika’s lips met his and she wrapped her arms around his neck as their tongues danced softly together. He engulfed her in a tight embrace all the while passionately kissing her. Their first kiss seemed to last for minutes before they came up for air.
“I’ve been dying to kiss you all night,” Blaine admitted.
Mika could only blush. She was rendered speechless.
Their arms were still wrapped around each other as he spoke. Mika thought about moving away from him, but she was too comfortable in his embrace. Their bodies molded into each other as if they were already lovers. Mika hadn’t felt this excited about a man in a while and she planned to enjoy the moment.
Without another word, Blaine resumed kissing her. This time he reached down and began massaging her bottom.
Mika could feel his erection getting firmer and firmer. But she didn’t shy away. She pressed against him and began slowly grinding her hips.
He slipped his hand underneath her dress and into her underwear. “You’re getting moist,” he whispered in her ear.
“And you’re hard as slate.”
“You’ve gotten me excited.”
“What are you going to do with all of that excitement?” she tossed back, surprising herself.
“Should I tell you or show you?”
“Showing is so much better than telling, don’t you agree?”
Blaine didn’t say another word. He reached into his pants pocket, took out a condom, unzipped his pants and slid on the latex. He allowed his pants and underwear to fall to the floor. He stepped out of his clothing and then whipped Mika around so that her rear end was facing his pubic area. He gently bent her over and began massaging her female parts.
She spread her legs, took off her thong and welcomed his advance. He lifted her dress and entered her slowly yet purposefully. They immediately found their rhythm, bumping and grinding against each other. Their vertical dance lasted for minutes before they each gave in to an explosive peak.
Once they collected themselves, Mika whispered, “Blaine, I don’t normally do this type of thing...” her words trailing off.
“Neither do I, but the chemistry between us is undeniable.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks for a wonderful evening.”
“Yes, it was great.” Mika wanted to ask if she was going to see him again, but didn’t want to appear needy. “Well...I’d better close up. It’s getting late.”
“I’ll blow out the candles,” Blaine said when they reached the front of the store.
Dim the Lights: Islands of DesireLiquid ChocolateHer Wild and Sexy Nights Page 12