The Darker Exterior

Chapter 5

"I didn't know we would be eating at your restaurant," I remark, looking around the extravagant dining area. The lighting was dim, and the tables were all made of dark wood coated in what looked like resin.

"I thought it may be a bit much to ask. I should have mentioned it, but I was working today, which made it quite convenient for me to get ready. I also have a penthouse right above this building on the top floor. It was the most convenient way to see you, which I was passionate to do,"

"Brag much?" I joke, unbuttoning my coat.

"Let me take that for you," he offered, gently helping me out of my coat, hanging it on a nearby hanger.

"Thank you," I remark, following him to the hostess stand.

"Mr. Gainer," she said, giving him a little nod, "what can I do for you today?"

"Two please," he remarked, motioning to me. I was so wrapped in anxiety I hadn't even noticed what he was wearing.

His choice of suit for the night was a gray that nearly matched the silver in my dress. His tie looked like it was the exact material and color of my dress itself, and his undershirt was a slightly darker shade. His hands were adorned with the same rings as the other night, and he smelled expensive. Not overpowering, like expensive douchebag cologne, but more of a subtle, clean, masculine scent. Notably, he was not wearing a wedding ring.

"Of course, right this way," she said, leading us toward a small booth in the very back of the restaurant. The booths were made of a soft and comfortable material, and were the perfect combination of firm and supple. 

"Can I get you two anything to drink before your waiter greets you?" she asks genuinely.

"Do we have any housemade wine left from the vineyard party last week?" Atticus asked. The hostess nodded and looked at me.

"Oh, just water," I say. She gives me a small smile and nods before walking away gently.

"No alcohol for you tonight?" Atticus asked.

"I don't know much about wine, but I feel as though what you just ordered cost you more than a thousand dollars, and I don't have the luxury of that," I responded, wiping my sweaty palms on my thighs.

"That is true, but it was a gift, and I'd love for you to at least try it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime wine, we make it every year, and leave it to ferment. We open bottles from twenty years prior, and I can tell you this batch is extravagant," he straightened his suit and let that devilish smile crawl onto his lips once again. 

"One glass probably wouldn't hurt," I respond, letting my cheeks flush with heat as I watch Atticus' eyes graze my entire body.

"Is something wrong?" I ask, insecurity crawling its way through my bones. I felt the sudden urge to hide under some sort of coat or blanket like I was laid bare and the world was watching. 

"No, everything is perfect. Thank you for blessing me with that beautiful dress yet again. I wasn't trying to appear overbearing," our hostess brought back the two glasses of wine, which I nearly glared at, as I had told her merely water, but relaxed slightly as she set a chilled glass of water in front of me as well.

"Your waiter will be with you soon," she said, walking back to her stand.

"As I was saying," Atticus said, taking his first sip, "I'm not trying to be controlling," he motioned toward my glass, "You just looked like the epitome of perfection the other night, and I thought it may be in my graces to ask you to wear it again. I also wanted to make the decision of what to wear easier for you."