ready for it ...

xxviii. escape

Celia stood in front of the bathroom mirror, brushing her teeth. "I'm thinking about wearing this cute little Green dress." Her voice was slightly slurred from the two glasses of champagne she'd drunk after lunch, but she didn't care. She thought it sounded nice. Max leaned against the doorframe, watching her brush her teeth.

"It's pretty" he said. " You look amazing in everything you wear. I don't think you need to put on any more makeup. And your hair looks perfect."

She finished brushing her teeth and spat the toothpaste into the sink. The champagne made her feel warm and fuzzy inside.

It had been a great day so far. She looked up at him, meeting his eyes. "You can help me get ready if you want." He grinned. "I love helping you get ready."

She laughed and reached out to him, pulling him down into a kiss. His arms went around her waist, pulling her close to him.

She stepped back from the kiss, her heart beating faster. "That's what I'm talking about. Come here, let's get ready." They sat on the bed, and she opened the suitcase to get the dress.

When she held it up for him to see, he smiled. "Nice. Green is definitely your color." He undressed her and then helped her put on the dress, adjusting it so that it was just right.

Then they were both standing in front of the mirror, looking at each other. He took her hand and kissed the top of it. "Let's go," he said. She nodded, feeling happy and excited. He opened the door to their suite, holding it for her. She stepped through it and turned around to face him. He smiled, his eyes dark and intense. "You look beautiful," he said.

She smiled back at him. "So do you." He laughed. "What are we waiting for?" She took his arm and walked with him to the elevator, her nerves tingling with anticipation.

The elevator took them down to the lobby and out onto the street, where there was a line of cars waiting. Max walked to the first one and spoke with the driver before getting in and waving her over.
The driver got out and opened the car door for her, and Max followed her into the back seat. The ride to the restaurant seemed to take forever. She couldn't wait to get there.

Max held her hand as they got out of the car and walked into the restaurant. The hostess led them to their table. Max pulled out her chair for her and waited for her to sit down before taking his own seat.

The waiter came over to them, offering them wine. Max ordered for them both, and they settled back into their chairs, sipping their wine and chatting.
After the appetizers, the main course arrived. Max cut off a piece of steak and handed it to her. She took a bite and moaned softly. "Oh my god, that's so good." He smiled. "Glad you like it."

He ate some of his own and then offered her another bite. She took it and moaned again. "Wow, this is amazing." The waiter brought dessert, and Max chose a chocolate mousse for her and coffee for himself. They talked about their plans for the rest of the week while eating their desserts.