by Summers, MJ
As they left the pool, after drying off and dressing, Claire took Cole's hand. "Can we sleep at my place tonight? We could go grab Otis so he won't be alone."
Cole raised his eyebrow, looking confused for a moment and then a wave of understanding crossed over his face, "Sure, if that makes you more comfortable."
He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers, "Are you feeling strange about Gabriela having lived there?"
"I am," she sighed, "I know it's in the past, but somehow, I just feel weird about it right now. Can you give me a bit of time to adjust?"
"Of course, Claire," he replied. "I don't think I would necessarily love being in the bed you shared with Antonio. Let's go get Otis and get some sleep."
Chapter 48
Just after breakfast the next morning, the guests said their good-byes and left for the airport. Alicia walked over to Claire, "Grab your purse. You're coming with me. Ladies day out."
"Oh fun! What did you have in mind? I have to be back by about five to get ready for a mystery date with Cole."
"I know. He has our day planned too. We'll be back in plenty of time."
"Really?" Claire smiled, "This is intriguing. Am I dressed for what we are doing?"
"Um, wait... you'll need a button-up shirt and flip-flops," Alicia smiled. "I will too. Meet me at my car in a few minutes?"
"Deal!"
As Claire started for her cabin, she saw Cole leaving in his truck with Ben in the passenger seat. He gave her a wave as he pulled out.
Fifteen minutes later, Claire was sitting in Alicia's Ford Escape on her way to the city. "I'm excited and I don't even know what we are doing! Can you tell me where we are going now?"
"Yup! We are going for a spa day. Manis, pedis, massages, lunch, make-up and hair!" Alicia grinned over at her as they sped along the highway.
"Really!?! Wow! So fun!" Claire had a huge grin on her face.
"Cole called and booked everything and paid for it all already."
"Wow, he is just so thoughtful. You know it's our first official date?"
"I know, he told me. He's pulling out all the stops."
"He's the best. How did I get so lucky?"
Claire sent Cole a text as they neared the salon, "Just found out what we are doing today! SO excited! You must be the sweetest man on the planet. Can't wait to see what we are doing later!"
The day was pure luxury for both Alicia and Claire. First they were treated to massages. Then they each were taken to private bathrooms lit only with candles for a soak in an aromatherapy bath with rose petals floating on the water. They met up again for lunch after, each wearing bathrobes. They ate on the enclosed terrace at the spa under a large umbrella.
"This is the most relaxed I've ever felt," Alicia said, smiling.
"Me too. I could do this every day," Claire said, taking a bite of her salad.
After lunch, they were treated to manicures and pedicures. Claire chose a soft, light pink for both her fingers and toes. Then it was off to have their hair washed, blown out and done up, then make-up.
It was after 4:30 pm when they left. Claire had her hair pinned in an off-center bun at the nape of her neck with a few pieces of hair falling in waves around her face. Her make-up gave her the look of flawless skin and lush pink lips. Her eye make-up had a slightly smudged, smoky look and her eyelashes were full and long.
Alicia looked gorgeous with her hair falling in curls around her shoulders and beautifully applied make-up on her already glowing face. They walked out of the spa feeling every bit as amazing as they looked.
When they got back to the ranch, Cole's truck was there. Claire hurried back to her cabin to get dressed. She texted Cole to let him know she was back at her cabin.
A few minutes later, she got a message back, "I'll be over there at 6 to pick you up. Can't wait to see your beautiful face."
Claire looked over at the clock. She had forty minutes to get dressed which was plenty of time. She got undressed and took a quick shower, being careful not to wet her face or hair to freshen up and then put on her bathrobe. She rubbed body butter all over herself, giving her a faint smell of plums and flowers. Then she selected a pair of diamond drop earrings and a diamond necklace that had been her mother's. She had only worn these once before, at her sister's wedding. Tonight felt like a special enough occasion.
She sat in her robe for a few minutes, admiring the work of the stylist and make-up artist. Then she wandered over to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. She put on some music, deciding on Enigma's Love Sensuality Devotion CD to set the mood. She walked over to her room and pulled her suitcase of shoes out from under the bed. She selected stilettos in nude with an iridescent finish on the leather.
She put on a new navy blue push-up bra and matching thong. Then, she slipped on her dress. It was a navy blue Chinese silk brocade dress with a delicate cherry blossom pattern in a muted gold thread. It had a mandarin collar, was fitted through her chest, waist and hips, and fell to her mid-calf with a long slit up one side. She fastened the knotted butterfly buttons, smoothed the dress along the sides and took a long look, feeling satisfied with what she saw. It was two minutes to six when Claire touched up her lip gloss and slid into her stilettos. She was just finishing putting her cell phone and lipstick in her clutch when she heard a knock at the door.
Chapter 49
Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the door and saw Cole standing in front of her in a sexy European cut suit. The black jacket and grey dress pants fit him perfectly and managed to display his build in spite of covering him completely from his neck down. He had on a crisp white fitted dress shirt and a silver tie with thin stripes in black, white and light blue. He was freshly shaven, had a haircut and in his hand was a bouquet of eighteen red roses.
The pair stood staring at each other for a moment, both wide-eyed. "Wow!" they both said at the same time. They laughed, feeling awkward with each other for the first time.
Cole leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, "You look amazing," he said, handing her the flowers.
"Thank you," she said. "So do you. I mean serious GQ material...and these are beautiful roses."
She took his hand and led him into her cabin. "I better put these in some water," she said, taking a long whiff of the flowers, "mmmm, thank you."
Cole watched her as she walked over to the kitchen to find a container. "That is some dress you're wearing. And your hair and make-up - you are stunning. I'm going to have to fight off all the other men that see you tonight."
Claire turned to him, "And I'm going to feel sorry for all the women who see you tonight because they won't ever get to sleep with you. Lucky for them, they won't know everything they are missing."
Claire found a large pitcher in one of the cupboards and filled it with water, then quickly unwrapped the roses, cut the stems and put them in the pitcher. "There! Perfect," she said, as she put them on the kitchen table, admiring them.
"You are so thoughtful, Cole. Thank you for such an amazing spa day today. Alicia and I had the best time. You picked a wonderful place, they totally pampered us," she said as she picked up her clutch and walked over to him. She gave him a kiss on the lips, lingering for a moment,
"I can't wait to see what you have got planned for tonight. Can you tell me yet?"
Cole smiled down at her, "I'm going to keep it a mystery just a little bit longer if you don't mind."
He looked down at his watch, "We'd better get going. I think our ride should be here by now."
They walked out of the cabin together and Claire locked the door, "Our ride?"
Cole took her hand and walked down the path with her. When they reached the parking lot, a long black limousine was waiting for them. A driver stood beside the back door, waiting for them. He smiled at the pair, "Hello, I'm Will. I'll be your driver this evening."
Cole introduced himself and told Will where they were going. Claire stepped into the back of the limo first and was surprised at h
ow posh it was. The cream coloured leather seat wrapped around two sides, creating enough seating for several people. There was a full bar, a TV and opulent lighting.
Cole climbed in after her, "So, what do you think?"
Claire looked over at him with wide eyes as he seated himself next to her. "It's wonderful! I mean the whole day has been perfect - more than I ever would have imagined. But really it's too much, Cole. First the spa and the roses, now a limo? This all must have been so expensive. I would honestly have been happy with burgers and a movie."
"That's one of the things I love about you. I already knew that you'd be happy with a more simple date. But I wanted tonight to be something we'll always remember. Besides, with all those other offers you have to consider, I need to pull out all the stops to make sure I'll still be a contender," he looked down at her with his sexy grin.
Claire smiled back, "Well, you are off to an amazing start, Mr. Mitchell. Things are definitely looking good for you, so far," she replied, gazing into his hazel eyes.
Her eyes flicked down to his mouth, "You know, I don't normally kiss on a first date, but with you, I'm willing to make an exception."
"Well then I made the right choice with the whole romance package today," he said, leaning into her.
They shared a lingering embrace. Cole held her cheek with his hand, feeling her soft skin on his fingertips. She smelled of delicious perfume and tasted of strawberries. Claire moved her hand along his abs as they kissed. She could feel his muscles under the smooth, cool fabric of his shirt. It was all she could do to restrain herself from climbing onto his lap at that moment and ripping his shirt open.
Instead, she pulled away from him and straightened herself next to him on the seat, picking up her clutch. "That's all you get, Cowboy," she said, she digging out her lipstick.
Cole let out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair.
"I don't want you to think I'm easy," Claire looked over at him with a wicked grin.
"I really only asked you out because I thought you might be easy," Cole said, snatching the lipstick out of her hand and kissing her hard on the mouth. He held the lipstick just slightly out of her reach. She tried for a moment to retrieve it, but gave in, choosing to hold his face with her hand instead. They stayed like this, snuggling and touching each other for a few delicious minutes. She could smell his cologne and it made her wet with desire. Cole pulled his mouth away and kissed her neck and her ear lobe, causing her to moan softly. Then he stopped suddenly and handed her back her lipstick, "That's all YOU get."
Claire gave him a sultry stare, "I could get more if I wanted to. I'm just not in the mood for more, actually."
She plucked her compact out of her clutch, opened it and carefully applied her lipstick.
"That's not possible. No woman can resist me," Cole retorted shaking his head, "You're just saying that because I put the brakes on."
He leaned into her ear and lowered his voice, "I know how badly you want me. You're so wet right now, your panties are probably soaked."
Claire looked over at him, snapping her compact shut, "Who says I'm wearing panties?"
Cole groaned in defeat just as the limo slowed to a stop in front of the Broadmoor Hotel, an expansive resort property. It was majestic, with a large fountain in front and the mountains behind it.
"We're here," Cole said, watching Claire's reaction. Her mouth fell open in surprise and she had that excited look that he loved to see.
"Wow!" she said under her breath, biting her bottom lip.
Will opened the door and Cole exited the car first. He held his hand out to help Claire get out.
"I'll be here waiting for you," Will said, smiling at them, "Enjoy your dinner."
They both thanked him and Cole pressed his fingertips to the small of Claire's back to guide her up the steps of the hotel. The lobby was as impressive as the building's exterior. It had vaulted ceilings and was lit with intricate, crystal chandeliers. Claire's heels clicked on the marble floors as they crossed the room toward the elevators.
When they got on, Cole pressed the button for the top floor and they rode up together. He kept his hand on her back, just above the curve of her derriere. Claire smiled up at him and wiped the trace of lipstick off of his bottom lip with her thumb.
"You're amazing," she whispered as the elevator doors opened.
Chapter 50
They stepped out into a classically designed, upscale restaurant with floor to ceiling windows on three sides. Outside, a large balcony surrounded the restaurant. The tables were intimate with white linens and comfortable high-backed chairs in rich gold and cream stripes. A trio including a pianist, a violinist and a cellist played a romantic song. The host stood behind his podium wearing a black tuxedo writing something.
As soon as they approached, he greeted them with a gracious smile, "Welcome to the Grandview Room, do you have a reservation?"
Cole answered to the affirmative and they were led to a table for two near the corner windows. The view was amazing. It overlooked a large lake and the mountains to one side, with the other window showing a spectacular view of the city. Claire looked at him with a wide grin, "This must be the best table in the entire state."
"So I've heard," Cole said. A part of her couldn't help but be relieved that he hadn't brought Gabriela here.
The host helped her into her chair and then handed them each a menu, "Naomi will be your server, she will be here in just a moment to go over the specials and take your drink orders." With that, he quickly turned and walked back to his post.
Claire sat for a moment with her hands under her chin, taking in the sights.
Cole opened his menu and began scanning it. Claire followed his lead and they talked about which items interested them most.
A few minutes later, Naomi appeared, dressed in a white dress shirt and a black fitted skirt that showed off her long, lean legs. She had long, blonde hair and was young and beautiful. She smiled at them and her eyes grew wide as she took in the sight of Cole in his suit. She licked her top lip, staring at him as she introduced herself and went over the specials for the evening. Claire watched her closely and felt irritated at her obvious attraction to her date. Her gaze fell on Cole with a feeling of jealousy brewing inside her. It was exactly the type of scenario where Antonio would have failed miserably. He would have spent the entire meal flirting with Naomi, ruining the evening and likely the next day as well.
Claire was pleased to see how impassive Cole's face was as he listened respectfully to Naomi and how quickly his gaze became warm when he looked back at her.
"Sweetheart, have you decided on an appetizer yet?" he asked.
Claire grinned at him, "I need another minute to decide."
"Of course," Naomi said, quickly glancing at her and then back to Cole.
Cole smiled, "We're celebrating tonight. Could we start with a bottle of the Louis Roederer champagne, please?"
"Certainly. I'll be right back with it," Naomi replied and turned to leave.
Claire looked up from her menu at Cole, "I have to warn you, champagne makes me get a little crazy."
"I'm counting on it."
Naomi returned with the bottle of champagne, two flutes and an ice bucket with a stand. She popped the bottle open and poured their glasses, setting them down in front of them.
"Have you decided on appetizers?" she said to Cole.
"Yes, I think we are ready to order. Go ahead, honey," he said to Claire.
Naomi's face changed to slight boredom as Claire ordered her meal. She was going to start with the Moroccan spiced artichoke soup and for her main course, the butternut squash and prawn ravioli with truffle butter sauce. Cole ordered the Maine lobster bisque to start and the braised beef tenderloin with gnocchi.
Naomi touched Cole's hand as she took the menu from him, looking into his eyes. He gave her a polite half smile and returned his gaze to Claire as he leaned across the table and reached for her hand that was resting on the stem of her champagn
e flute. Naomi, not used to being ignored by men, stalked off.
"I think she likes you," Claire said.
Cole rubbed her fingers with his thumb, "It's the suit. I've been told I look like I stepped out of a page of GQ in this," he replied with a teasing grin.
Claire laughed, resting her other hand on top of his fingers, "It is a highly fuckable look on you."
"My, my, Ms. Hatley, you are a bit forward for a first date. It must be the champagne."
"No, it's you. You're highly fuckable. It's the main reason that I'll probably go out with you again."
"Speaking of fuckable, have I told you how hot you are in that dress?" Cole replied, "If I could, I'd clear this whole restaurant out and have my way with you on the table."