The Escort S2

Part 43: Loudly

Lisa's POV

I inhale three quick breaths hoping to settle my nerves as my handsome companion for the evening, Jihoon, pulls out my chair. I'm no stranger to five-star restaurants with all the elegant touches like this one, but I'm not familiar with having such an attentive man focus on me in a way that feels goddamn magical. I know the game, all too well; however, his seems to elude me. I'll never lose again because I won't play.

Like I told Tae, I can't do this. How dare he call me a coward? "Jihoon, this is breathtaking," I say, looking out from our garden terrace table seating into the mountainous landscape as the sun sets.

"Yes, the view is very breathtaking," he says as I lift my eyes and he holds me in his gaze with a sweetness. He has looks and moves that I've never encountered, and I hate that. My cheeks peak with heat as I momentarily shift my eyes to the crisp white linen napkin with its polished silverware and back to him.

"Jihoon, you are too kind and sweet."

"Ah, Ms. Lisa, I can tell that you are used to the finer things in life. I'm happy that a woman like you would be so kind as to go out with me." Okay, now that we've gotten past the pleasantries, it's time to get real.

"Jihoon, you're a man that can have your pick of any woman. It's hard for me to believe that you'd want me for anything other than a little fun."

"My God, your honesty is refreshing. Ms. Lisa, you sadly don't know your worth. I too can be honest." That was an unexpected bite of truth and I like it. But that's the damn problem. I keep finding things that I like about him. But we'd never work.

"Are you hungry, Ms. Lisa?"

"Yes, very. And after us getting together, uh, over four times, please call me Lisa."

"Getting together? Surely, you mean dates." His smile is sly and gorgeous and something inside of me heats up. That upward twitch of my lip appears again. This man is fuckin up my poker face.

"You love good food." I lift my brow not knowing where he's going with this. So, this is where he's going to talk about me eating too much? He's a control freak. There it is. I knew it was something because he's too good to be true. I bite my lip and get ready for his next comment. If he steps out of line, he'll make my work tonight easier.

"I noticed at my son Tae's dinner party that you ate well. I love a woman with a good appetite." Wait. What? Stop it Jeon Jihoon. Stop giving me more reasons to care about you.

"Well, damn it, let's order some food."

He laughs. "There's that spiciness I love." And there's that perfect smile that makes my tummy flutter. "There's nothing sexier than a woman with attitude who knows how to handle herself. You're quite outspoken. I hope you can relax and be your true self with me."

"You'd better be careful what you ask for," I speak in a flirty voice unable to hold back.

We order and have a wonderful meal together. I relax and become a prisoner captured and lost in his eyes. He's smart and passionate. He's also a world traveler and loves his two boys.

I loosen up and talk about growing up in poverty and starting my business. This man makes me feel... free. And I want to fly. Being with him is easy. Was Tae right? Is he in my heart? Fuck. There I go again, wanting things I can never have.

"Jihoon, I believe that your youngest son will learn to trust you. Just don't give up on him. All children want their daddies. You're an amazing man."

I've had a great few weeks spending time with him but it's time to move on. "Look, Jihoon, I really like you and I'm not going to play games. Spending time with you has been wonderful and I'm not who you think I am. I have a past." I say it clearly and directly. I don't look away.