Blood Kiss

Blood Kiss: 10. The Date

Taking my hand Ian led me out of the house and to his car. Stumbling in the too high high-heels as I was getting into the car, Ian steadied me with the hand that wasn’t holding the car door open.

“Careful,” he said quietly. Successfully seated and strapped into the vehicle Ian quickly maneuvered us onto the main road leading back into town. My mind had been racing over the possibilities of where he was taking me.

“Ian what’s all this?” I asked sounding as puzzled as I felt.

“Can’t I surprise you?” he replied.

A loud exasperated sigh escaped my lips, “I guess so.”

Ian chuckled, “Don’t sound so put out, love. I’ll make sure you enjoy the evening. Don’t worry.” A small smile broke my brooding stare.

The drive was short ending at a busy restaurant I’ve never been to. The outside was all sleek and bright. When the sun set in a little bit I’m sure the place would be lit up like a Christmas tree. A long line of customers ran out the front door and weaved around the side of the building.

Ian escorted me right past the line, in through the front door, by the packed waiting lounge and through the inner doors to stand in front of the hostess. The noise of the restaurant was loud. Music mixed with voices laughing and talking along with the sounds of silverware against plates rang in my ears. The hostess’ expression was harried before turning outright disgruntled as she realized we had bypassed the line.

“I’m sorry but we have…” she began when Ian cut her off.

“Reservations for Hamilton?” The hostess’ face abruptly changed from harassed to contrite in the second it took for recognition to take hold. I knew Ian and his family were well off, but this kind of reaction?

“I’m so sorry, sir. Let me escort you to your table.” Fumbling, she quickly picked up two menus and led us to some stairs at the far side of the main dining hall. I looked at the stairs dubiously. The only reason I had succeeded without breaking something back at Ian’s in these heels was Evie’s helping hand. Ian took my hand slipping it through his arm at the elbow giving me something to balance myself with. I glanced up at him watching me and mouthed ‘thank you’ as we ascended the stairs side by side.

We were led to a small balcony that overlooked the rest of the restaurant in all its brilliant décor. The hostess led us to the solitary table in the center of the small room. Ian held my chair out like a gentleman.

When we were both seated nearly side by side with menus placed in front of us the hostess asked, “May I get you started with drinks or anything?”

“Yes please, may we have your finest merlot?” Ian responded. My eyes widened.

“Of course, sir, your waiter will be out with that in just a moment.” With that she turned and plunked down the stairs. After watching the hostess go I swung my head back around to face Ian again.

“Merlot?” My said incredulously.

With a raised eyebrow Ian simply replied, “Yes.”

“‘Yes’ that’s it? I’m seventeen years old, Ian. Although plenty of my peers may have chosen to neglect laws regarding underage drinking I. Am. Not. One. I’m no saint, but that is one thing I refuse to do even when I’m legally allowed to do it.” Ian’s smile widened to an all out devilish grin the longer I spoke.

“You don’t have to drink any of it, sweet. But I’ll be happy to partake in anything you deem un-saint-like anytime you’d like.” Ian wiggled his brows giving me an overly lecherous grin. I rolled my eyes at the tease.