Taking A Risk

by Caroline Easton

  “Wha...why...erm why are you here? There is nothing in the diary that says you were scheduled in today.” Grace began madly flicking through pages in her desk diary; she didn’t trust the computer one.

  Placing his hand on top of hers, he stopped her incessant searching. “I came to see you, you didn’t call me so I figured it was best to come and see you in person.” He spoke softly not wanting to unnerve her further. “You must be Sasha.” Alex held out his hand to greet the woman staring at him. Before he knew it she had leapt from her seat and hugged him, almost cutting off his air supply. “Okay...yeah. Hi, erm do you think you could just loosen the grip a little, it’s kinda hard to breathe right now.”

  Sasha released him instantly, lowering her eyes as she apologised for her inappropriateness. “So you made it in time, I thought you were just gonna call her not show up!” Grace spun around to face her friend, confused by her last statement.

  “You knew about this? Why didn’t you tell me? Wait a minute... did you call him?” Grace was furious now; sure this was the only explanation.

  “No she didn’t. I rang you a few days ago and Sasha just happened to let slip when would be the best time to catch you at work. It’s me you should be mad at, I did all the work not her. Now about that dinner date, I have a table booked for seven thirty if you wanna grab your bag or whatever...”

  “In case you hadn’t notice I am at work. I don’t finish til eight.” Her state of shock was passing, now replaced with anger at the audacity of the man who stood before her grinning like a schoolboy.

  “Okay, I’ll ring the restaurant and change the time, no biggie babe.” Pulling out his phone he began to scroll through the list of recently called numbers.

  “Did you just call me babe? Don’t bother ringing; I’m not free after work tonight.” She now stood with her arms firmly crossed over her chest in a very defensive stance. She wasn’t about to be a push over no matter what.

  “You’re kidding right? I flew all the way up here to see you; I even booked into a hotel and everything. Please, let me take you to dinner.” Using his best puppy dog eyes he looked up at her through his long dark lashes.

  Sasha shouldered her from behind. “You can’t not go if he flew up here especially Grace! What’s wrong with you it’s only dinner?”

  Grace glanced between the two of them now, what was she supposed to do? He was mega famous and she had no idea why he was so interested in taking her to dinner. “I don’t have to do anything! You should have called first!” She turned to face the grinning idiot now.

  “I did but you weren’t here, oh and I sent flowers, chocolates and emails. All of which you ignored, what’s a man gotta do to get a date these days? Look, I get it, I’m not stupid, you didn’t call, you’re not interested but I did just fly up here to see you. The least you can do is let me take you to dinner please. Then, if you want me to, I’ll leave you alone. Promise.”

  She was lost for words, it wasn’t that she didn’t want to go out for a meal with him; she just didn’t like being railroaded into it. Besides she probably wouldn’t hear from him again after, so what the hell? “Dinner and then you will quit all this rubbish? Just dinner...but I really can’t leave til eight.”

  “Go, I’ll cover your shift. Go before she changes her mind again!” Sasha handed her coat over before almost shoving them towards the exit. Alex stood to the side, arms open wide gesturing for her to lead the way.

  “I’m wearing jeans and flats!” Grace muttered in an unmasked tone. Hardly dressed appropriately for the sort of place she presumed he would frequent.

  “So am I.” Alex didn’t even look at her he just held out his hand for her to hold as he waited for the lift to arrive. Trying to hide her smile, she lowered her gaze to the floor as she took hold of his hand, entering the lift behind him.

  As they entered the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria, Grace came to an abrupt stop. “I thought we were going to dinner? You definitely said dinner.” Feeling more than a little uncomfortable as she took in the elegant surroundings, the beautiful ironworks that swept up the enormous staircase, the marble pillars that stood all around were truly breathtaking.

  Alex chuckled. “I did say dinner, the restaurant is this way.” Tugging gently on the hand he had reclaimed as soon as she stepped out of the car. He guided her through the archway that led to The Pompadour restaurant. Grace began to fuss with her clothes, ran her fingers through her hair trying desperately to make herself look a little more presentable. Damn him for not letting her change. “Hi, I have a reservation, it’s Carter.” The Maitre d nodded his head in acknowledgement before signalling for someone to show them to their table. Alex bent down to whisper in Grace’s ear. “Stop fidgeting, you look fine.” She knew he was lying. The only reason he hadn’t let her stop off at home was because he was sure she would bolt inside, lock the door and refuse to come out again. He was probably right. It didn’t help that she now felt grossly out of place and underdressed for such a grand place.

  The waiter led them to a small table through another archway overlooking the Castle, after pushing in her chair for her, he handed them both a menu. Alex asked the Sommelier for his recommendation before deciding on which wine to order. Grace sat there in stunned silence, pretending to study the menu, half of the stuff on it she had never eaten before. Who the hell ate rabbit these days? And what the hell was Foie Gras exactly?

  Sensing her unease, Alex felt a little stupid for trying to impress her to this extent, this wasn’t the sort of place he normally went for but he was going out on a limb here. Desperate for the night to go well. “I don’t know about you but I thought I might have the scallops to start with and then the venison. You’re not a veggie are you?”

  Grace laughed. “No, definitely carnivore but I think I may have the scallops and the sea bass if that’s ok with you?” She was sure she had read somewhere that you weren’t supposed to have fish for your starter and main course, but there was no way she would eat the veal or the venison.

  “Why wouldn’t it be ok? Order what you like, to be honest I’m not sure I’d like the other stuff on offer really.” Grace was astounded at his admission; he must get the chance to sample this stuff daily. “What? I have simple tastes; they don’t serve this stuff on tour. It’s usually pasta or meat of some description cooked in huge batches. There are a lot of us to feed. I prefer my mum’s Sunday roast actually.” It was true he had very simple tastes. Not only food but in most things in life. His parents had instilled good old fashioned values in him and they had stuck. He would never pick something purely for cost of because it was the done thing.

  “Then why are we sitting in a posh restaurant in an equally posh hotel? There is a perfectly good Italian just down the road I could have taken you to.” She felt more uncomfortable than at any other time in her life. Sat in the overly opulent surroundings she knew she was underdressed and out of her depth. Her heart raced as she tried desperately to keep a check on her shaking clammy hands.

  “I asked you to dinner remember, not the other way around. I wanted to make sure you had a good time, maybe then you’ll let me see you again.” He shrugged as he peered down at his wine glass, swirling the deep claret liquid around the before lifting it to his lips.

  Grace watched, mesmerised, as he swallowed, her gaze following the journey the wine took down his throat, her eyes stopping at the button of his shirt. Noticing her avid attention Alex smiled broadly, winking when her gaze returned to his face. Embarrassed at being caught admiring the view she quickly reached for her glass, with one still very shaky hand, only to knock it over. Grace watched in horror as the deep purple liquid flowing over the pristine white linen table covering. Her hands flew to her mouth as she watched the wine cascade over the edge of the table like a waterfall.

  “Shit! Sorry I am so clumsy. Maybe this was a bad idea after all.” Her face flushed to almost the same colour of the wine. “Call the waiter over Alex, I’ll pay for the damage and then leave you to eat in peace.�
�� She was frantically mopping up the spillage when the waiter appeared beside her.

  “Sir, madam if you wouldn’t mind just moving to the next table, I’ll get this cleared away in no time at all.” Grace hurriedly collected her things as she stood, not daring to meet Alex’s gaze.

  “You promised me dinner; I’m not letting you leave now. Come on its a little spilled wine, no drama.” He held her hand firmly, certain that she would run at any minute given half a chance. Once seated he ordered more wine but asked for white this time. “Just in case.” He smiled across at Grace who was still mortified. Grace relaxed just enough to let out the giggle that was rising in her chest.

  She had never been more relieved to have ordered fish when Alex’s venison arrived, she was sure it was still pulsing on the plate. The blood seeped out of it when he cut into it. She had to take a deep breath just to stop the gag reflex that was building in her throat. Concentrate on the fish Grace she told herself. The fish. It didn’t seem to bother him as he heartily cleared his plate.

  The conversation flowed, with Alex soon putting her at ease. He asked about her job, family and why she had moved to Scotland alone. She answered with ease amazed at how comfortable she was with him. Every time she steered the topic around to him, he would answer quickly before turning things back around to her.

  “Why won’t you talk about you? You keep avoiding my questions or just giving me one word answers. I thought this was a date, isn’t then when you’re supposed to find out about each other. See if you like what’s on offer?”

  “Everything about me is already out there, written in some gossip column or interview somewhere. It’s boring, there isn’t really much else to tell you that hasn’t already been put out by my publicist, manager or so called friends.” Alex reached to top up her glass again; she covered the top with her hand as she shook her head.

  “I’m a lousy drunk, I’ve had two glasses already, and it won’t be long before I start behaving really inappropriately.” Her eyes were already a little glassy looking and she had the warm fuzzy feeling all over. “Besides you only had one little glass, you finish it.”

  Alex shook his head. “I’m driving you home; I’ll have a drink later.” He placed his hand on top of the one she had covering her glass. She felt herself shiver at his touch. The sudden feeling of calm flowed through her veins, like nothing she had experienced before. If this was anybody else she would not have drunk anymore but with Alex, well for some reason she trusted him. Deep down knowing that he would take care of her. He gently lifted her hand away from the glass, proceeding to fill it until it was almost overflowing. “Anyway, I might like a little inappropriateness.” Grace smiled broadly before taking a cautious sip.

  They chatted easily throughout the rest of the meal, both finally relaxing around the other. “Thanks for tonight; I had a really good time. Who knew!” Her eyes grew wide as she hurriedly placed her hand over her mouth. “Sorry, I mean I’m really glad you persuaded me to come. Look I can grab a taxi home its fine.” Grace stood to leave the table, rummaging around in her bag she pulled out some cash.

  “You can put that away, I’m paying AND I am taking you home. Sit.” He ordered as he signalled the waiter to bring the bill. “Can you charge that to my room please? I’m in the Caledonian Suite. Thanks.” Alex stood to shake the waiter’s hand, Grace was sure she saw him slip the man a hefty tip before he once again held out his hand for her to hold. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

  Chapter 8

  Once back at her flat Grace insisted he come inside for coffee, it was the least she could do after the extravagant dinner he had just paid for. Alex was more than willing to oblige, he wasn’t ready for the night to end yet. Showing him into the kitchen she busied herself with the coffee maker before shredding her coat and bag. “Make yourself at home, the lounge is that way or you can sit here.” She indicted to the tiny folding dining table with folding chairs. Alex pulled out the tiny kitchen chair, it barely seemed stable enough to take his full weight as he cautiously lowered himself onto it.

  Placing the cup in front of him she jumped up onto the kitchen counter, cradling her own cup in two hands. She blew across the top of it to cool the brown liquid before taking a tentative sip as Alex watched her every move.

  “So I guess this means I have to stop bugging you now. That was the deal wasn’t it?” Alex asked, hoping for so much more than a dinner date.

  Grace studied his features, watching his hard square jaw twitch. He wasn’t what she was usually attracted to but there was something drawing her to him, he had been nothing but charming over dinner, spending his time trying to put her at ease. There hadn’t been even a glimpse of the megastar image she had presumed would emanate from him. She now felt she had known him for years. This was bad, real bad.

  Her mother would have heart failure if she even thought she may be in the same building as someone like Alex. The ink was a definite no-no as far as her very staid family was concerned. At least he didn’t have any piercings; well not as far as she could see anyway. Snapping her eyes back into focus, she spoke tentatively. “Yeah well...I don’t exactly fit into your world now do I?”

  She watched as his eyes glazed over, jaw tense again. “What world exactly do you think I live in? As far as I can see we are just the same. I eat, drink, and breathe just like you. I have two arms, legs and eyes, one head; last time I looked anyway.” He ran his hands through his already precisely messed up mop of almost black hair, before rubbing around the back of his neck. Trying to ease the tension knot that was building there. “I’m just me. Yeah I may have a crazy insane job but it’s just a job. It doesn’t mean that the person who stands on stage is me. They don’t get the real me, they get a version of me, a version that I don’t like very much at the minute.” Shaking his head he took a sip from the coffee she had made for him. It was god awful. Trying not to choke on the foul brown liquid or let his expression give him away, he swallowed quickly before placing it back on the table where it would sit, untouched again.

  Grace hadn’t meant to upset him, that wasn’t her intention at all and now she felt responsible for the look of disdain that crossed his face. She had offended him so badly that he couldn’t even drink the coffee.

  “I’m sorry; I wasn’t implying that you were any different in that sense. It’s just that...well you know...you’re famous and I’m not. I don’t know how you do what you do or put up with the whole fan thing. It must be crazy for you. And well I only mic’ed you up the once. You kind of threw me, sending all those huge gifts to thank me for doing my job. Like you, it’s what I do. It pays the bills.” It was her turn now to look uncomfortable.

  “You think I sent that crap to thank you for doing a job? I sent those things because I wanted to get to know you, spend time with you. I asked you to call me; I even gave you my number. I never give my number to anyone. You know what, I get that you’re not interested it’s fine. You don’t need to make any more excuses, I’ll leave you alone. Thanks for having dinner with me.” Alex stood to leave, pushing his chair under he grabbed the cup, moving to the sink to rinse it out before he left.

  “Wait, wait Alex, don’t rush off.” She placed her hand on his arm in some vain attempt to hold him there. “I kinda liked the email bit; it was the other stuff that freaked me out...besides I think I owe you dinner now, that’s how it works isn’t it? You pay then I pay?” Grace lowered her head to catch his attention, trying to get him to look at her now; it felt like the tables were turned all of a sudden. She was now the one who had to rescue this situation before he left.

  “That’s not how it works in my world at all.” Alex held her gaze, his dark sexy eyes fixed to the stunning green pair that sparkled before him. “Yes, I think you owe me dinner again but I don’t understand the bit where you think you get to pay. What are you doing tomorrow night?” Maintaining his stare he fought to stop his mouth from turning up at the corners. Desperately trying to maintain his fake hurt look.

  “
Busy all week now with some work stuff I can’t get out of. But I can do Thursday night, how long are you up here for, is that too late, do you have to go back to work?” Grace fiddled with her cup, his nearness making her feel all hot and bothered. The heat settling in the pit of her stomach.

  “No plans, I have a few weeks of down time so Thursday is great for me. I’ll pick you up at work.” Alex sensed her nerves around him now.

  “You will not!” The thought of everyone she worked with gossiping behind her back gave her the creeps. Sasha could keep a secret but she didn’t want anyone else judging her just because she had been to dinner with him. “Well... you can, but wait outside for me this time. I can’t deal with Sasha gushing all over you, never mind everyone else!” Alex moved to position himself between her knees, placing his hands either side of her legs on the countertop. Grinning he moved in closer to her, holding her gaze to the point she daren’t even blink. “Is this where you kiss me and walk out the door?” Her voice was breathy and low giving her feelings away.

  “You’re safe with me for tonight at least, but if I was going to kiss you...” Alex leant down placing his lips a fraction above the skin behind her ear, allowing his breath to warmly wash over her. “I would kiss you here...and here...” Moving lower his breath lead a trail down her neck towards her collarbone, causing goose bumps to spring to the surface of her skin. As he placed his hands on her thighs he felt her shudder, resting his forehead against her shoulder he smiled, allowing a small chuckle to escape his lips. “...but I promised to behave myself tonight. I am going to leave now or I may not be able to stop myself from actually kissing you, but I will be back on Thursday. I will pick you up at work too but I promise to play nicely and wait in the car park for you if you insist.”

  Grace couldn’t speak, the whole not kissing thing had left her completely speechless, that was by far the sexiest thing anyone had ever done to her. Her skin was crying out for him to touch her, the urge to wrap her legs around his waist to pull him into her was now becoming insufferable. Lifting his head, their noses now no more than an inch apart, he stared into those beautiful green eyes again. “Thursday. I expect you to call me before then though.” Walking backwards towards the kitchen door, his eyes never left hers. Grace was acutely aware of the brainless grin that had plastered itself across her face but could do nothing to remove it. “Thursday.” She said just loud enough for him to hear as he turned to head out of the flat and to the rental car.