The First Time (A Nigerian Love Story)

21. The Dinner Date

Debbie's POV

Sitting down in front of the piercing gaze of Kendrick, I could feel my underarms itching with sweat irrespective of the fresh breeze blowing around us. I was a nerve wreck.

We were currently at a lounge at the outskirts of Lekki, Lagos called The Sailors Lounge. It was one of the luxurious lounges situated on the Lagos lagoon.

When we arrived minutes ago after he came to pick me up from the salon, he lead me to a small table outside of the lounge so we could see the view of the sea across of us. I was so nervous and I felt out dressed with my blue fitted jeans and a big black tee shirt.

He pulled the chair out for me gently and I took my seat opposite him. Sighing, I cleaned my sweaty hands on my jeans and looked around me to avoid eye contact with him. Gosh I did not know I was going to get this nervous.

From the corner of my eye, I saw him watching me and it only intensified my nerves. Looking away from the sea down to my intertwined fingers, I heard his rich and velvety voice speak out.
"Don't tell me you are shy now Debbie because you wouldn't even look at me." Chuckling softly, he continued. "I would say I'm pretty hurt." He teased.

Wetting my lips, I raised my head gently and met with his eyes.
"I am not shy." Clearing my throat,I lied.

His smile turned into a smirk and his eyes were fixed solely on mine, unmoving, until I felt them move over me down to my nose, cheeks, lips and I watched the smirk on his lips twitch a little. His eyes moved back up to mine and then to the freshly made braids on my head. Smiling brightly now, he complimented.

"Your hair looks really good on you. Wow!" He exclaimed jokingly and I felt a small smile grace my lips.

"Thank you." I replied timidly stylishly avoiding his eyes."

I heard him sigh deeply and he stretched out his hands to hold mine.
"Hey hey, If you are not comfortable here we can go somewhere else. Okay?"

Smiling, I shook my head. "No no I am fine. I am a little bit nervous that is all and I'm sorry." A waiter approaches us and, without a word pours wine into the two wine glasses on our table and leaves the bottle.

"Maybe you should drink a bit of this. It would ease your nerves a bit." He said releasing my hands and sat down straighter.

Nodding my head, I sipped the wine and licked my lips marveling at how sweet and expensive it tasted. I almost groaned at it's rich taste, half closing my eyes. I have never drank anything like this.

"That good huh?" He chuckled and I shyly blushed while nodding my head.
"That good." I replied. I felt my body calm down a little and after a few more sips I felt all my nerves gone.

I gazed at him over my glass of wine and my eyes made a quick assessment of his appearance. He was putting on a blue shirt and slacks. Looking very relaxed and casual. His appearance made me feel less out of place and I felt myself relax more.

Looking up at him boldly and our eyes locked. Deciding to speak first, the same waiter approached us again with the menu and I distracted myself with the contents of food written on it and tapped on the one I wanted. The waiter moved to Kendrick for him to place his order.
"I would take the same thing the lady is taking." He replied making me blush harder and the waiter left us."

"I hope your Aunty was convinced enough that I was really taking you out on a date and nothing else."

Giggling, " Yeah I hope so because she texted me not quite long asking if you were to be trusted."

"I get her though. Many men would not be able to behave like proper gentlemen anymore if they were with a girl as beautiful as you. So I can't blame your Aunty."