An Unexpected Proposal

Chapter 4

Different restaurant, same man. Abigail found herself unable to resist the invitation for dinner. Only this time she knew for sure it wasn't because of the job proposition but because of the man. She wanted to spend more time with Andreas, talk with him more, and listen to him speaking about things that were deeply important to both of them.

There was something different about Andreas. He still had the arrogance and authority of someone with wealth who could have his every whim delivered within minutes; that was still there. But he didn't use his wealth as a tool to intimidate like so many other men she had come across. It wasn't lost on her that he had immediately noticed her nervousness in his office and had adjusted his voice and behaviour to make her feel more at ease. And the fact that he once more pulled the chair out for her without allowing the wait staff to do it. Abigail had to admit that despite herself, she was beginning to like Andreas Karidis.

Andreas inhaled as Abigail came in front of him and sat in the chair he was holding out for her. She was wearing a beautiful perfume, subtle yet intoxicating. He couldn't tell how many times he'd almost choked on the strong, overwhelming concentrates some of his dates had worn. On those occasions he would make sure they had a table outside so he could actually enjoy his food.

He didn't miss the small shiver that he saw in Abigail as his hand accidentally grazed her arm. He was also very well aware that, although she was a physical beauty, there was a vulnerability about her that was very endearing. Was it because she too was an orphan like himself?

"Thank you," he heard her say quietly as he pushed in her chair.

He moved to the other side of the table but what he really wanted to do was sit right next to her, to feel the heat of her body close to his. However, this was business and he had to remain detached and neutral. Maybe offering her this position was a bad idea.

"We'll have some starters to begin with," Andreas said to the waitress who came over immediately. "Bring us everything on the entrée list."

He watched as Abigail's eyes widened, a small gasp escaped her mouth. "All of the entrées?"

He couldn't help but smile. "You look hungry," he said simply, and watched as the shock left her face and a broad smile took over. Then she did something that he never expected a model to do. She laughed, a beautiful, almost melodic sound, and said, "You bet! I'm all in." Andreas couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. Watching this petit little thing eat an entire entrée menu would be interesting, to say the least.

She looked up at him with those midnight blue eyes and asked, "What?"

A slight rumble escaped him. "First of all," he said, "I like that you're not pretentious. You are yourself without reserve. I can tell you don't put on airs, so to speak." Andreas watched as her cheeks reddened slightly. Was this compliment making her feel shy and a bit embarrassed? Ah theos mou! Oh my God. She was!

He continued. "And secondly, I like that you're actually going to eat."

This time it was her turn to raise a brow. "Of course I'm going to eat. As you've already correctly assumed, I'm hungry."

He chuckled again. "Yes, Abigail, but to be honest, I've dated models before, not that this is a date," he clarified putting his hand up.

She nodded, a smile spreading on her lips. "Don't worry. I didn't think it was," she said gently.

"And they almost never eat," he continued. "Do you know how hard it is to enjoy a meal with someone when the other person just pushes their food around the plate instead of eating it?"

Suddenly, the smile disappeared from her face. She bit her lip on one side and he couldn't help the direction his eyes took, looking at that full, luscious mouth. His body reacted just to the thought of crushing her lips under his. He looked back up at her face but her eyes were down.

"Why did you date them then? I mean, apart from the obvious?" she asked, still not looking up at him.

All of a sudden, he was taken into unchartered territory. No-one had ever questioned his choices before, especially when it came to women.

There was silence for a moment. "I like that you're honest, Abigail," he said, and it was only then she raised her eyes to his.

"I don't mean to insult you – or them," she clarified. "It's just that you seemed not to like them much by the way you're speaking."

He leaned back in his chair, considered her for a few seconds. "I was younger and certain things were important to me back then," he said. "Like they are to many younger men. But with even just a few more years of experience – and age, life looks different."

She regarded him then, titling her head to the side slightly. "You're not that old," she said. "You're in your mid-thirties."

He didn't take his eyes off her. He couldn't. She was pure loveliness, in every way. He would describe her eyes as like the ocean, iridescent and flecked with every shade of blue.

"Have you been looking me up online then?" he asked, not able to help the smile that spread across his face.

Again, he watched as her cheeks reddened and he immediately wanted to reach out and take her in his arms. He regretted embarrassing her. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Abigail," he said gently. "I would have expected you to do some homework on me as well as the charity," he explained, hoping his understanding would allay her nerves and embarrassment. "After all," he added, "I did my homework on you."

She inhaled deeply, her eyes not moving from his.

But he didn't like the punch to his gut which told him everything he needed to know about how he was feeling about this woman. He had to tread carefully. After all, she would be working for him. He had to keep his distance.

They continued speaking more about the International Children's Appeal charity and what Abigail's position entailed. She seemed more than ready and her eagerness and fresh ideas were welcome indeed. She would be able to bring to the charity a new and invigorating energy which Andreas looked forward to greatly.

"Look over the papers I gave you," he said. "Better yet, have someone with expertise in this area look them over before you sign them. Although they are pretty straight forward."

"I will," she replied, the glint in her eyes all he needed to know that he'd made the right decision.

Andreas nodded. "You're keen, and it isn't because of the money. I can tell. It's because you, like me, know what it means to be orphaned and alone. Vulnerable."

He watched as Abigail swallowed, her slim neck moving with the action. His body came alive just looking at the simplest things about her. He wanted to reach out and touch that neck with his fingers, caress her. Then he wanted to put his mouth to her neck and kiss, and taste and suck....

And by the way she looked back at him Andreas knew that was exactly what she wanted him to do. She was just as attracted to him as he was to her.

But he had to remind himself again to be very careful. This was business. Strictly so. He had to ensure it stayed that way.