o’clock exactly.’
Ivan
had been sitting in his car for the last fifteen minutes. He could not wait to
be alone with Stephanie outside of work; he wanted to give her his undivided
attention. To hear her voice, to touch her, to kiss her, to
fuck her. ‘What the hell is wrong
with me? I run a goddamn billion dollar corporation and I can’t get my fucking
emotions under control with this a woman.’
He
got out of the car and walked into Stephanie’s building. She opened the door
and inwardly sighed, ‘he looks so damn
good; this is going to be harder than I expected.’
“Hello.”
She said as she turned sideways to let him in.
“Hello
yourself. You look absolutely beautiful.” That was an understatement. When she
opened the door he was blown away by her beauty and the scent she wore was
sending his heart rate into overdrive. He had been around beautiful women all
his life but there was something special about Stephanie. Looking into her
vulnerable and beautiful eyes, he felt an overwhelming need to hold her and
protect her from the world.
“Are
you ready to go?”
“Yes.
Just let me get the lights and lock up.”
His
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 was parked in front of the building. “Nice car.”
“Thank
you. It’s sort of a hobby.”
“Men
and their toys.” She said just above a whisper.
Ivan
smiled and she realized he heard her comment. The ride to the restaurant was
quiet. Ivan had classical music playing.
“That’s
beautiful. Who is it?”
“Her
name is Mina. She is an Italian singer from my mom’s era. I grew up listening
to her. This song is called Non Illuderti , loosely
translated it means don't delude yourself about love.”
“Oh.”
Was all Stephanie could say, until Ivan spoke again.
“So,
how do you like working for Quinn Corporation considering the few, uhhh , missteps we’ve had?”
“Missteps?
Is that we are calling them?” She smiled. “To answer your questions, the work
is demanding but I am enjoying the challenges.”
“Like
completing a report that should have taken two days in five hours. Very
impressive, Ms. Young”
“Well,
thank you.” She said doing a mock bow in her seat. There was silence again and
the music continued to permeate throughout the car. A short time later they
pulled in front of Napoli, one of the most exclusive restaurants in
Philadelphia. He turned to her before getting out.
“I
hope you like Italian.”
She
smiled at him as the valet opened her door. The smile on her face took his
breath away. The restaurant was extremely crowded. The hostess walked up to
them as soon as they entered.
“Good
evening Mr. Quinn. Would you like your usual table?”
“Yes,
that will be fine Maria, thank you.”
“Right
this way.”
She
said looking at Stephanie with a faint smile that did not reach her eyes. The restaurant
was understated in its design, yet sleek and comfortable. Napoli was designed
with a multi-tiered terrace, hand-crafted serpentine bar in the lounge and a
cozy lounge setting in front of a roaring fire that added to the romantic
atmosphere. From the moment they stepped over the stone threshold. Stephanie
could tell a restaurant in Italy must have inspired Napoli.
“I
can start you off with drinks. Would you like your usual, Mr. Quinn?”
“Yes.”
He said as he stared at Stephanie. “And for you Madame.”
“Oh,
I’m not really sure. What do you suggest, Ivan?” “Bring us a bottle of Barolo Pajana and Ms. Young will need a menu.”
“Very
good sir.” And with that she was gone.
“This
is a beautiful restaurant and I assume you come here quite often.”
“One
of my college buddies who is also my best friend owns this place. And yes, I do
come here often.”
“Well,
thank you for bringing me here.”
“My
pleasure.”
“So
do you really think we are going to get any
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