The Wedding Issue

Chapter Thirty Five - Date Night Phase: One

I didn't think going on a date was going to be so overwhelming. I've been on plenty first dates before, and they were all also the last dates. This time, however, I knew that it could lead to something more than special. It wasn't a matter of whether I was ready for it or not, because I was more than ready to have my first official date with Killian. It was being part of his world that was slightly intimidating. I didn't know if I could fit in. And I was afraid that he might not like my world either.

I never realized that being from two completely different social classes could determine the fate of a relationship.

I decided that all was fair in love and war. And after "The Wedding Issue" being officially out and an instant success, I could now focus on my love life which I thought until recently was dead-on-arrival.

The only thing I regret losing out of this whole ordeal was Madison. Try as I might to fight for her to stay, she was determined not only to leave Femme, but the entire continent. She said something about finding her calling in the Middle East, and I didn't understand how their constant sun would work with her fragile skin. I wished her the best, anyway, and promised to put in a good work with an old acquaintance of mine who could help her settle in. I gave her a mighty end of service reward, and she gracefully walked out the door.

I soon followed her as I had an important lunch date myself. I went home, got into a nude Zuhair Murad floral dress, made my hair in a half-up high ponytail and was ready to have my very first date with one charming Killian Rhodes.

When I walked down the stairs, I didn't expect to see him standing there with a bouquet of lively red roses. Even though Claire carried a replica of the same bunch when she tried to kill me, I still found roses romantic and appropriate for a first date. Clearly, so did Killian.

'You look stunning', he complimented as I made my way to him.

'You look quite dashing yourself', I offered a compliment back.

He really did clean up nice. He wore beige khaki pants with a baby blue fitted shirt that did wonders to his body. His hair was just as messy and teased as I loved it to be and it made me want to tease it some more just for the fun of it. I had half the mind to pull out his belt so we could do some erotic things with it. Truth be told, I was finding Killian very hard to resist.

I had to keep on reminding myself that a lady never puts out on the first date, even if her date is one hot tamale Killian Rhodes.

'So where are you taking me?', I asked as he took my arm into his.

'Only the best place in town to have lunch in', he said as we went down the elevator.

Benji was waiting for us with by the Merc. He had a goofy smile on his face and I could instantly tell and he and Killian had a few tricks up their sleeves that they were going to showcase tonight. I wanted to squirm with excitement but didn't want to seem like a complete goofball, so I played it cool and went along as if expecting nothing less than ordinary. When he opened the backdoor, my jaw dropped to the floor – totally ruining the poker face I tried so hard to muster. The entire backseat was filled with roses. We barely had a place to seat ourselves.

'Someone's really getting his game on', I said as I inched a little closer to him.

'A queen deserves to be treated like royalty', he said as he gestured for me to get into the car.

My palms were itching me to grab his face, pull him closer to me and plant one on him that will have him reeling for days. Not just plant one of him, I was eager to explore all the glories that were safely tucked under his clothes. He seemed like he would send me on a magical, mystical ride that would send ripples of pleasure through every part of me body. The thought of the intensity of his touch made me want to lure him to my bedroom so we could just do it to please the burning fire that was building inside me.

Behave, I chastised myself, and excitedly got into the car.

Soon, we were parked in front of a petite Italian restaurant that read "Alidoro", the same one that he took me to on our very first encounter outside of work. It was cozy and smelled like an Italian festival was happening in its tiny kitchen. I only tried it once and was already growing addictive.

'I thought this place would be fitting for our "official" first date, since we had such a great time the last time we were here', he said as he winked at me.

I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. I enjoyed the fact that he felt so comfortable sharing his world with me, and it made me feel more confident to share mine with him. The two seats that we sat on last time were waiting for us to be seated on. A reserved sign was placed on the table and I looked at Killian knowingly. He helped me to my seat – I was glad to know that chivalry wasn't quite dead yet – and went into the restaurant to order our meals.

I couldn't help but enjoy the weather as I waited for him. We were seated in a shaded area, but the afternoon sun wasn't that bad. In fact, the sun smiled at me very eagerly today, and I couldn't help but offer one back. I went from a non-believer to a total sucker for love. But truth be told, if it weren't for Killian and his many charming ways, I would still be a non-believer. I was certain that no other man could've ever made me open up the way he did – and he didn't even have to try. It was all a matter of finding the right person at the right time, and that feeling in your heart that you already love them despite of anything and everything in the world.

This is what love felt like, and I certainly agreed with it.

He came back with a tray full of sandwiches and iced-tea, and a smile on his face that was contagious.

'I hope you're ready for the meal of the century', he said as he rubbed his hands with thrill.

'I can't wait', I joined in the enthusiasm with a little squeak.

'Other than the amazing sandwiches, there's another reason why I got you here', he said after taking a long breath.

'Okay?', I urged him to continue, feeling a little tense myself.

'When Madison called me to set up our "interview" for the Wedding Issue gig, I was here. This is the place where I found out that my fate would be changed forever. It was only fitting that our first date would start here', he said nervously.

I felt my face flush as my heart picked up its pace. I met his eyes and I could see the fire in them that was just as alive and burning as when he first stepped into my office. It was fate that has mercifully placed us in each other's paths. I didn't have to verbally tell him that I agreed with every word he said and every emotion he felt because it was already agreed between us with our locked stares.

'It's perfect', I said with a dreamy sigh that earned me an ear-to-ear smile.

We started munching on our sandwiches and they were mouth-wateringly better than the last time I tried them. I had no idea that carbs could taste so wonderfully delicious. This sandwich captured the flavors of Italy better than any fancy restaurant in the city. I moaned my way through the sandwich and a naughty, wicked smile grew on Killian's lips. He was very much pleased with himself and he had every right to be. I only hoped that I could have dessert from his lips.

'Killian, I could rape you right now', I said as I licked my fingers, so un-lady like of me.

He was taken aback for a few moments then started laughing whole-heartedly at my bold statement. I loved that sound. It filled the year with joy. I don't think I've ever felt lighter in my entire life. I could only stare at his beautiful soul and wonder where did I go right to deserve such an abrupt surge of happiness make its way into my life.

'Are you ready for Phase: Two of our wonderful first date?', he asked as he wiped his fingers with a tissue.

'Phase: Two? Wow. You really thought this through, haven't you?', I said as I wiped my fingers clean with a napkin.

'This is just the beginning', he got up and offered his hand.

I accepted his offer with a grin and we made our way to the car.

'So where are we headed to next?', I asked with anticipation.

'You'll see', he said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.