Captivated

// part 2 \\

Looking forward to tonight. I'll be at your flat shortly before 7pm

I read the text and smile. Sending a quick reply, I set the phone back down on the desk beside my computer's keyboard.

I am too :) But are you going to tell me yet where we're going so I know what to wear?

Almost instantly I got a message back to answer my question.

Don't you like surprises? I already gave you an outfit recommendation

Shaking my head, I sent my comeback.

I don't want to be over or under-dressed. "Semi-casual" doesn't give me much to go by. I like to judge by the event that's being attended

It took a moment for him to answer this time.

Sorry, Love. Still not telling

I left the conversation at that, laughing softly under my breath. I still could hardly believe that I had agreed to go on a date with Tom during our time at the club the other night.

*flashback*

Talking to Tom had actually lifted my spirits significantly, and I was able to let loose and truly have fun with my girlfriends. We danced to song after song without a care in the world, mingled with drinks and lots of laughs. And just before we decided to call it a night, the cherry was placed on top of the cake with Tom walking up to me with that charming smile.

"Could I have this dance?" he asked, hands clasped behind his back and bowing slightly.

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry, but you make your request sound so sophisticated. Might I remind you we're in a bar?"

He also laughed, a sound I quickly grew to love. "I guess you're right. But that didn't answer my question."

I answered by stepping towards him and placing my hands on his shoulders and then around his neck. I felt his steady hands find their place around my waist, and we began to sway to the more romantic song the DJ had decided to play. I glanced around briefly, and saw a few other couples dancing close to each other, while my girlfriends were beginning to gather their things. I guess it was almost time for me to leave.

I returned my attention to Tom, and found his piercing eyes gazing at me. I had to tilt my head up to look at him directly – god, he was so tall – and I smiled.

"You've really made my night, Tom," I said, holding his gaze. "This might sound crazy, but I feel like I've known you my whole life." I laughed nervously, shaking my head and looking down for a moment. "Okay yeah, that sounded stupid. I just realized that after I said it."

Tom chuckled softly. "I don't think so at all, because I feel the same," he replied, moving one of his hands to tilt my head back up so I'd look at him. Placing it back at my waist, he pulled me slightly closer to him, and I embraced the warmth it gave me. He was still incredibly respectful, though. His hands didn't roam, and his attention wasn't on an other parts of me other than my face. I never thought I'd be one of those girls, but this man could quite literally sweep me off my feet if he had wanted to.

But that could always be the alcohol talking.

I then heard my friends call my name. Turning my head in their direction, they waved at me to follow them as they headed for the door.

"Well, I guess that's my cue." I'm sure my expression visibly fell as I regrettably lowered my arms from Tom's shoulders. "Thanks for the dance," I added, flashing my new friend a graceful smile.

"The pleasure was all mine. But before you go, I have a question for you..." He followed me to where I had left my things, and helped me with my coat. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me sometime. Someplace where we can actually have a quiet, civil conversation without being interrupted." He laughed slightly.