The Affair

Chapter 20

Theodora's POV:

I've just barely made it to the restaurant on time. My anxiety has caused me to fidget and pick at the skin on my thumb until it's sore, but I quickly ground myself as I walk inside. I'm not late, so there's no reason for our evening to be spoiled. Yet I feel slightly nauseated and sick to my stomach as I approach the hostess's stand.

"Reservation?"

I try to catch my breath as I smile at her.

"It should be under Maddox."

"Right this way."

I'm lead through the restaurant, which is packed full, and take my scarf and gloves off as we walk. Our table is in the back, for two, and he's waiting for me. He stands and comes to me, helps me out of my coat, and pulls my chair out. As I sit he kisses my cheek and I get butterflies in my stomach the way I always do when he does that.

I stare at him as he sits down. He's dressed so handsomely, the way he always is, in a dark, three piece navy blue suit. I can tell it's made of wool and fits him well. All of his suits are tailored, as they should be. He's clean shaved, has his hair pushed back, and smiles broadly. God, he's so handsome.

He's already ordered me a glass of wine and a glass of either scotch or whiskey for himself. I can never tell the difference. He drinks both of them often.

"You look beautiful, darling. I've missed you."

I blush and smile and bite at my bottom lip. We saw each other only a few days ago, and Hugh had taken the day off to spend with me before he left for Florida. We went to lunch, he took me shopping, and then to a play on Broadway. Benjamin wasn't happy, as he so often isn't when I'm with Hugh, but there wasn't a blow out fight.

He orders steaks for both of us. I like when he does that, orders my food for me this way, and he knows that. Before our food comes, as we both sip on our drinks, he takes out a gift box.

"I got this for you. Early Christmas present."

I can tell he's nervous and it makes me love him that much more. He's the sweetest man when he wants to be. And intensely cute at times. Like right now. He hands it to me and presses his fist to his mouth, elbow on the table, and watches me closely. He's definitely nervous, but he shouldn't be. I'll love it no matter what it is.

But it takes my breath away. It's a beautiful bracelet, silver, with diamonds on it.

"Oh, Benjamin... it's gorgeous."

"You like it?"

"I love it. How could I not?"

I turn it over in my hands and realize there's an engraving on the inside of it.

My darling, always. I love you.

Emotion threatens to overcome me. Tears begin to well in my eyes and I try to keep them at bay, smile, and look to him.

"I love you so much."

We meet in the middle of the table and kiss slowly, deeply, and then he's standing.

"I was hoping you'd like it," he says quietly.

I watch as he puts it on my left wrist. I've become used to taking my wedding bands off when I know I'm going to see him. This is surely the most beautiful piece of jewelry I own now. Hugh has bought me plenty of necklaces, bracelets, a couple watches, and rings. But none of them have felt as special as this. I know he must have put a lot of thought into this.

"I love it. Really. It's so beautiful."

He kisses me again before he sits back down. My stomach is warm from the way he tastes and the way his lips feel on mine. That happens so easily, my arousal, my want for him. I could never get enough of that feeling. It's highly addictive and I discovered that long ago. I would be okay with paying the check, going back to his apartment, and showing him just how much I love this bracelet.