I had to force myself not to stare at his gorgeous grey blue eyes. But it seemed like he didn’t want to be ignored.
He cleared his throat to get our attention, “Hope we’re not intruding. We had a business meeting nearby and this was the only sushi place that we could see. We had to head back soon so---”
“Oh don’t even worry about it! It’s not a problem at all.” Tiffany quickly replied.
For some reason I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. The dark haired one looked at me and smiled before handing me the sugar packets next to him. Even his smile was gorgeous. I started to wonder if his ‘business meeting’ was some sort of model convention. I wouldn’t be surprised with it being L.A. and him being gorgeous.
I forced myself to smile and thanked my genetics for never making it obvious when I blushed. I quickly looked away and avoided eye contact by drinking my iced tea hoping it would help me cool down.
“Good then. Well I guess we shouldn’t be strangers right.” He said as I looked up from my drink and both our eyes met before I looked away again, “My name is James and this is my cousin Chris.” He emphasized cousin as if he knew what Tiffany and I were thinking before.
“I’m Tiffany and this is my best friend Karina.” She said way too chipper.
“Pleasure to meet you both.” They both said. I didn’t fail to notice when James looked straight at me when he said it.
Tiffany started talking to Chris about her job. I listened to their conversation and Tiff asked him about his. Apparently Chris works for James at his production company, Carmichael Media Productions. The name of his company sounded so familiar but I wasn’t sure where I had heard it from.
“Oh I’ve heard of Carmichael Productions!” Tiffany started, “You guys do everything. Music, publishing, and movies too right? Is it here?”
“No, it’s in Burbank.” James replied.
“Oh…” she replied before elbowing my side to get me to talk. I didn’t know what to say though.
“What do you do?” James asked looking at me. My eyes met with his again and I couldn’t help but smile.
“I’m in Marketing. Advertising to be more specific. I work at W&D.” I replied confidently and happy that it didn’t come out as a squeak. James nodded looking interested.
Kristina, our favorite waitress, brought our sushi along with a complimentary plate of extra tempura. She looked at the guys and winked at us before walking away.
After talking with them for a bit and eating more sushi than we could, we exchanged numbers and parted ways. James had slipped his credit card to Kristina when she walked by him and he ended up paying for our meal. I hated it when people paid for my meal, especially since I didn’t know him, but he did it so skillfully I let it go.
I looked back at him as we walked away and he looked back at that moment too. He smiled before nodding goodbye and turning back in the direction they were walking.
“Look at that. He was totally into you.” Tiffany gushed, “It was like a surprise blind date.”
“Who was?”
“James, you idiot! You two were eye fucking the whole lunch.” She said and smacked my arm. I looked around making sure no one heard or saw that.
“Hey, I don’t even know the guy.” I said as we walked down the street to the bigger mall when I suddenly had a realization, “Blind dates. Please tell me you didn’t plan that. I mean what are the chances that we’d be here on the day your cousin Kristina was working and two hot guys would have to sit with us.”
“I swear I had no idea who they were.” She promised. I glared at her not totally believing her but gave up when she didn’t budge.
“If you say so…”
“Can’t deny that he is cute though.” She nudged me with her elbow and wiggled her eyebrows.
“I never said he wasn’t. I just don’t know him. So we found out the guy was his cousin not his lover, doesn’t cross out the possibility that he is married or has a dark dungeon room in his house to spank me.”
She laughed, “You act like it would be a bad thing.”
“I never said that either.” I winked.
“See! If he calls you, go for it! And you can find out what this one’s issue is by the second date.” She said referring to every other guy I have turned down, “Or you should call him.”
“Yeah. I will be right on that when I get home,” I said sarcastically, “But if he calls… I guess I’ll give it a shot.”
“Good.”
“Want to do something fun tomorrow? I need some change…” I mumbled feeling all of a sudden kind of down.
“You mean self-defense isn’t fun?” she joked.
“Oh! There’s a new club in West Hollywood. We haven’t done anything like that since college. Want to?”
“Hmm… why not?”
Chapter Two
The next day was typical. Woke up exhausted since I could only get an hour of sleep from being sucked into my new favorite book. I got ready for my day and decided to stop by the Starbucks nearby before running my errands. It was definitely one of those days that I could not pass on the extra caffeinated energy buzz.
My plan was to order my favorite latte and ran off around the city and get things done before tonight. Maybe dancing at the Club will help me get exhausted enough to sleep at a normal time when I get home.
But unfortunately, like every coffee shop in L.A., it was extremely busy in the morning. I waited in the long line that curled around the store all the way to the door. I was practically glued to the door and I prayed no one else would come after me till the line moved up a little.
I mentally groaned when the door opened almost knocking me back. I refused to move forward since I was going to be sandwiched between the guy that looked like he didn’t shower in front of me and whoever just came in. I took a quick glance to see who it was so I could glare at whoever it was so they wouldn’t make me move.
But I was surprised when I turned around and saw the familiar grey blue eyes look into mine. It was James.
“Good morning.” He said with his heart melting smile. He was wearing a dark grey suit today and still looked deliciously unshaven to perfection.
“Good morning…” I said staring into his eyes. They were hypnotizing.
The guy in front of me took a step back almost pushing me into James’s chest. I tried to sway to stay out of his personal bubble but my stiletto slid causing me to almost fall back. James wrapped his arm around me preventing me to fall on my bum in front of everyone, and him.
“Are you okay?” He asked looking down at me.
“Yeah I’m so sorry…” I said trying to stand up straight. Even with my stilettos he was much taller than me.
“Don’t be…” he smiled. I think we were both secretly thankful. At least I know I was. “Um… so what are you up to this morning?” he asked trying to change the subject as we were crammed even closer together when the line moved back again..
“Seriously, does no one make coffee at home anymore?” I mumbled to myself as my back pressed into his chest.
James laughed, “You know you came here for coffee too right?”
“I could have come here for the food.” I stated.
“Did you?”
“No…” I mumbled, “I was just grabbing coffee before I went out for some errands.”
“Ah…” he said thinking to himself.
“What are you doing today?” I asked as we walked up the line together.
“Grabbing my coffee before I stop by work.” He smiled.
“Work on weekends?” Is that a good sign or a bad sign? Could go either way; Good because that means he’s hard working. Bad because that means he works too hard.
“I was just going to go by and check on some of the artists. Nothing too urgent.”
“Oh…” I said quietly. We walked up the line again and I cursed the barista for suddenly becoming fast at the coffee making.
“Karina.” He said my name so smoothly I almost didn’t r
eply, “Do you maybe have some time to spare this morning?”
“I’m sorry?”
“I’d like to treat you to coffee if you keep me company?” he nodded trying to convince me to say yes.
“Shouldn’t I be the one treating you to coffee? Sushi last time…”
He smiled, “No. Just say yes.”
“Well if you want company…” I smiled already knowing the barista had my information ready. Since this location was literally a block away from my home I frequented so much when I was just starting out looking for a job that I ended up paying monthly for my coffee in advance. I saw an old guy do it once and thought it was brilliant. Made coming in and out for coffee quicker.
James was surprised when the barista knew my name already and put it on my ‘tab’. I had the biggest grin and shrugged, “I drink a lot of coffee.” I admitted.
“You must if you have a tab at a Starbucks.”
“It’s my addiction.”
We took our seats in the cozy little table near the window just as the barista called out my name. James stood to grab our drinks and pastries. Like any coffee place in the city, the locations are usually small but once you can find a seat, they are a coffee scented heaven. We were lucky that there was even a table available since it was so early in the day and busy. But I guess it was one of those grab and go days rather than stay.
“So… you work at W&D Ads? What exactly do you do there?” He asked.
“Depends on who we’re marketing for and what they want us to do; marketing plans, themes, campaigns, product placement, commercials, and magazine ads. Things like that.”
He nodded, “How do you like it?”
“I like it. I started out as a total newbie but now I’m trying to get promoted. So it’s a little stressful at times… but I like it.” Feeling awkward about talking so much I decided to change it back to him, “What about you? What exactly do you do with your company? Tiff made it sound like you did everything.”
“Basically anything in media. Production mostly but we manage a few artists as well.” He smiled, “My favorite is our music though. I write sometimes.” I could tell he was truly proud of his work.
“Can you sing or play instruments?”
“Yes. Piano and guitar but I could figure out other instruments if I’m given a few minutes. Music used to be my passion but I decided to take the business route of it instead.” He said giving me his killer smile again.
“Nice.” I imagined him shirtless with a guitar and I had to force myself not to swoon. Could he be more perfect?
“I could show you sometime…”
I smiled wondering if I accidently let my fantasy slip out loud, “I’d love that…”
We had an awkward moment of silence till he finally broke it again, “So… are you…seeing anyone?”
“No…” I answered as I took a sip of the coffee. “Are you?”
“No.” he answered and the question of him possibly married was gone. Maybe he was perfect after all. But I still don’t know if he has the dungeon at his house.
We chatted a little more. I found out some of my favorite artists are under his record label and actors I loved were managed by his company as well.
His phone beeped as a reminder and he looked disappointed, “I have to get going now. But I was wondering, would you maybe want to go on a date. Let’s say…tonight?”
“Tonight?”
“That is if you’re not busy…and if you’re interested.” He said cringing at his own forwardness. The thought of going to the club with Tiffany came to mind but I realized she would be the one who would tell me to say yes to him.
“No, I’m not busy. Um… I’d love to.”
We said our goodbyes and I tried to finish my most important errands quickly. I called Tiffany the minute I got home.
“We’re going to a place called Lucianna’s Pub.”
There was a pause on the other line. I wasn’t sure if she was still there or not, “Hello?” I said looking at my phone to check if it was still connected.
“I just looked it up. He owns it.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Oh my…” she mumbled to herself, “He’s loaded---”
“I don’t want to know anything off the internet Tiff. I’d feel guilty if I already knew something he tells me. I suck at acting.”
“Yeah well… I don’t see any issues with him so far.” She said completely ignoring my plea of no cyber stalking the guy I was about to go on a date with.
“I am going to hang up Tiff.”
“In this day and age girl you have to cyber stalk a little to know he’s safe to date.”
“Just tell me if there is anything I should worry about. Other than that, I want to be surprised.” I said picking out my outfit.
“Well I looked up Lucianna’s Pub. It’s a Scottish Italian fusion restaurant. It’s casual dressy because one side is a pub and the other is a restaurant. So I say go sexy business casual or slutty librarian with your hair down.”
“This isn’t Halloween.” I laughed. But still eyed the blazer and cardigan in my closet. “But my blazer is calling out to me.”
“Good call. Save the slutty librarian for your first day at his house. Or better yet, if you ever go somewhere with books. Guys all have that fantasy.”
I rolled my eyes but took a mental note anyway.
“Call me as soon as it’s over!”
“I will…” I said before saying my goodbye.
I ended up deciding to wear my usual dressed up but not super dressed up style. Black blazer, cleavage friendly top, and perfect butt skinny jeans. I paired it with some signature stilettos and faux diamond stud earrings and I was ready to go. I had one last look in the mirror and when I was satisfied I grabbed my keys and forced myself to ignore my nervousness.
Against his wishes, I met him at Lucianna’s Pub instead of having him pick me up. First time I’m meeting the guy on purpose so I figured better safe than sorry. Lucianna’s Pub was nice. It had the cozy aspect of a pub but had a more restaurant feel to it. The hostess took me to James who looked as good as he did when I saw him that morning but he had changed into a white button up and blazer combo.
He stood when I reached the table and pulled out my chair for me. The innocent touch of his hand on the small of my back leading me to my chair said a lot but I forced myself not to over think it. I still had to wait and see how the night played out. So far extra points for the chair.
“You look stunning.” He said as I sat down. Another point for not calling me hot.
I never took well to compliments though. I felt my ears heat up before I smiled shyly, “Thank you. You look good yourself.”
“Have you been here before?”
“No I haven’t. It’s nice though. What do you recommend?” I asked as I looked at the menu. I hoped I didn’t somehow give it away that I already knew he owned it. Thank you Tiffany for making me feel like a gold digger.
He was about to answer when the waitress came over, “Hi Mr. Carmichael, what can I get you today?”
She batted her lashes to her boss as he told her whatever he was telling her. I wondered how often he ate here. Did he always bring dates to here? Or maybe not often because she called him by his last name and not James.
“Karina…” he said trying to get my attention. “Do you need more time?”
“Um…” I said looking at the menu as if it was written in a different language, “You know what. Since it’s my first time, could you pick for me? I’m not a picky eater so nothing is off limits.”
He eyed me, “Nothing?”
“Nope…” I said nervously wondering if we were still talking about food. “Surprise me.”
He told the waitress to just bring me the same order he had and I wondered what it even was.
“Scottish Italian? Why that fusion?” I asked as I took a bite of my fried ‘tatties’.
“How did you know it was mine?”
“Confession? Tiffany
told me…but the waitress made it obvious too.” I smiled mischievously.
He smiled, “It’s mine but I got it for my parents really. My dad is from Scotland and my mamma’s from Italy. Grew up with the fusion. As much as they are crazy about each other, they didn’t want to give up their favorite foods.” He said simply.
“That’s where they draw the line.” I smiled.
“Yep.”
“Can you speak Italian?” I asked wondering if it was possible that he could get more perfect.
He rolled his r's and said the most beautiful sentence ever.
And it was possible. “What did you say?”
“I only know enough to not starve in Italy.” He looked guilty, “Like literally I only know food.” He laughed.
I couldn’t help but laugh too, “Not perfect after all.”
“Far from it.” he said seriously.
Chapter Three
The date turned out great and I couldn’t find anything wrong with him. He texted me almost as soon as I got home to say he had a good time too and good night even though he had already said it when we parted ways. I couldn’t help but smile and wrote back just as quickly including a “Talk to you soon xo”. He wrote back almost immediately saying, “I’ll text you in the morning. Maybe we can do something soon?”
After writing back an okay I quickly got ready for bed. Practically on cloud nine because I was so happy. I grabbed the book I was reading and crawled into my comfy bed. I promised myself I would read only one chapter but ended up reading half the book. It was a scary book about a vampire kidnapping a human to be his pet. I found it creepy but couldn’t stop reading.
“Maybe that wasn’t the best story to read before bed.” I mumbled to myself forcing my eyes to close so I can attempt to sleep. But my eyes shot open when I remembered I needed to call Tiffany.
“Give me the details.” she said not even saying hello when she picked up the phone. I didn’t even check the time before calling her but she sounded wide awake.
In My Veins Page 2