I had a hard time believing that what I was seeing was real. Was this the same girl that I had saw for the first time at that silent auction? Was this the same sweet, innocent looking girl that I first spoke to the night of the gala? If her sister hadn't been standing next to me, I would have sworn that Sarabelle had decided to back out of the date and convinced Lexi to be a stand-in. I couldn’t believe my eyes. She was truly a sight to see. Never being able to pass on the opportunity to crack a joke, I opened my mouth against my better judgment.
“Wow Sarabelle, you look fabulous. As good as you look, I think I should have my driver just take us back to my place. We can skip dinner and move straight on to dessert.”
Lexi started laughing instantly but it only took a few seconds of studying Sarabelle’s face to realize I shouldn’t have said anything. Regardless of the fact that I was just kidding, the smile she had been wearing on her face had suddenly turned into a scowl. The comment had apparently left her feeling uncomfortable.
“You know what, I’m not sure if I’m feeling up to this after all. Maybe going out with you tonight isn’t the best idea,” she said, desperately searching for a way out. I would have to think quick if I was going to be able to salvage the evening.
“Oh no, you’re not getting out of our date that easily. What if I promise to be good? Will you go out with me then? I promise I will be on my best behavior.”
Sarabelle looked down at the floor and started to giggle. When she looked back up at me, her face had turned a deep shade of crimson. I’m not sure what I said that was so funny to her but whatever it was had been enough to make her blush. I considered that a success, especially when she continued down the stairs and walked to my side.
“You kids be good and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Lexi said as we started to walk out the door.
“Lexi, I don’t think there is anything you wouldn’t do,” Sarabelle replied.
“Whatever, Sarabelle. Don’t be jealous of me just because I’m not a prude. You guys have fun. I won’t wait up.”
Sarabelle rolled her eyes and walked out the door, closing it behind her. Much to my surprise, she accepted my invitation to take my arm, interlocking hers with mine, allowing me to lead her to the car. The limo driver was standing at the rear of the car, waiting to open the door for us. As we walked, I gave a subtle motion with my head for the driver to get back into the car, which would allow me to play the role of the gentleman who would open the door for the lady.
I held the door open and winked at Sarabelle as she entered the limousine. She looked uncomfortable as she slid in, continuously fighting with her dress to make sure it didn’t expose any more skin than she intended to show. Once she was situated, I got in and sat directly across from her. I wanted to slide into the seat beside her and let my hands explore every inch of skin that her dress wasn’t covering before making my way to the rest of it but I knew I had to bide my time. To make sure I was on my best behavior and kept my wandering hands to myself, I figured it was best if I sat opposte of her. If I played my cards right, I was sure it would happen.
“So where are you taking me?” she asked as I poured her a glass of champagne.
“Nowhere special,” I lied. “Just this little French place that I know in Tarrytown.”
The part about going to a French restaurant in Tarrytown was true. The nowhere special comment, on the other hand, was not so accurate. I was good friends with the head chef of the restaurant and had called ahead to make sure the evening would go smoothly. I don’t know what had gotten into me. I’d never felt pressure to impress anyone I’d taken out before but Sarabelle was different. I wanted to show her a different side of me. The problem was, I wasn’t sure whether or not that
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