Taking a girl out to dinner was not something that Paul had done often, certainly not one who was presumably accustomed to the finer things in life like Stephanie. He hoped that he would not embarrass himself. They were approached by a server and Paul asked for a table for two. They were led to a table and Paul decided it would be good manners to pull Stephanie's chair out for her. As she sat down she giggled and Paul also saw a little grin on the face of the server. Maybe that was over the top for a place like this? As he sat he heard Stephanie say, "Excuse him, we got married today."
Paul was surprised and felt himself smiling. The server said, "Oh! Congratulations. Honeymoon in Vegas huh?"
Stephanie grinned, "Something like that."
"Considering the occasion I recommend this wine..." He showed her on the wine list. "It's one of the most expensive but it's definitely the nicest we have."
Stephanie nodded, "Okay, get us that one. You drink wine Paul, right?" The server raised an eyebrow. Paul guessed that he was wondering why his 'wife' did not know what he liked to drink. He joked, "It's on expenses. Nothing is too good for my wife if I'm not paying for it."
"Uh.. I'll get your wine," The server sounded even more confused by this strange couple and walked hurriedly away.
Stephanie laughed, "You dare try putting this on expenses."
"You wouldn't know if I did," Paul reminded her mischievously but she grinned, "Wrong. I work in accounts. I can see all of your expenses if I want to."
"Really? I didn't know that."
Now was Stephanie's turn to be mischievous, "I can see everything, even those dirty movies you order in your hotel room."
Paul blushed and stuttered, "Uh... I don't, I mean I haven't... I don't order porn in my room!"
She giggled, "It must be your girlfriend then."
"Steph!" She giggled again and raised her hands and rubbed them together, pretending that they we cold. She held them out towards him, "Can I warm my hands on your cheeks? They're bright red!" Paul laughed as the server arrived with the wine. He poured a small amount for Stephanie to taste and she nodded. The server poured a glass for each of them and asked, "Are you ready to order?"
Paul realised that they had not looked at a menu yet. "Give us five minutes." The server nodded and walked away once more. Paul handed Stephanie a menu and then opened one for himself. He saw that the prices in this place were not actually too bad but he hoped the food would be nice enough for her. He noticed that she had not opened her menu, instead she was looking at him. He smiled nervously, "What?"
"You can order for me."
"I don't know what you like."
She grinned again, "Then let's hope you guess correctly." She seemed very happy in his company, she had spent most of the time smiling or giggling. It helped him feel at ease although he had no clue why she had insisted that he order for her. "What if I order something that you don't like?"
"I won't be happy."
"But you're happy now, right?" He asked nervously.
Stephanie smiled and this time he could tell that she was not playing with him, "Yes." He reverted his attention to the menu trying to decide what to order for Stephanie. His own decision was simple but now he was in a real tough spot. Before he knew it the server arrived again and he asked, "Are you ready to order?"
"Yes. I'll have the steak, well done. My wife will have... the fish."
The server left with the order and Paul searched for a reaction from Stephanie to give him a clue if he had ordered something she liked or not. He noticed that she was trying to hide a smile. After a few moments she failed and said, "You're good. I would most likely have ordered that myself."
Paul laughed, "Okay so I passed your little test. Now you have to tell me about yourself."
"I didn't agree to that," Stephanie pointed out slyly.
"Seriously Steph, please tell me about yourself. I like your company but I know nothing about you." She spent the next thirty minutes telling him about herself. Again he noticed how at ease she seemed to be in his company and he was glad she felt the same way that he did. When he had first me her he had feared that deep down she might be a spoilt little princess or even worse a total airhead but he was pleased to find out that she was neither. She seemed like a genuinely nice girl and she made him laugh so easily. He was actually disappointed when the food arrived and broke up the conversation. They made small talk over the meal and he noticed that she drank most of the wine. She declined his offer of dessert and sadly it was time to leave. He paid for the meal and they walked out of the restaurant, heading for the elevator and their rooms.
Stephanie said, "Thank you for tonight Paul. It's not often I get to enjoy something like this."
"You're more than welcome. We should do it again soon, I really enjoyed it. Next time it can be on expenses though, right?"
She laughed, "No. Next time it's on me."
They entered the elevator and as he reached to push the button for the third floor she gently slapped his hand, "Where are your manners? You escort the lady back to her room first." Instantly he was telling himself not to go into her room. He could escort her to it but he definitely could not go inside.
As they arrived on the tenth floor Stephanie led the way to her door. She put her card in the slot and when the light turned green she opened the door and stood in the doorway. She looked into his eyes, "Thank you again, Paul."
"My pleasure Steph."
She reached up and kissed him. She did not have to reach far as she was nearly as tall as him in her heels. She let the kiss linger for just a micro second longer than it should have if it was just a friendly gesture before saying, "Goodnight," and closing the door.
Paul stood there thinking about the kiss and the fact that it had lingered ever so slightly. He knew that he had not imagined it. He also knew that she had deliberately not invited him into her room. The question was whether he was pleased or disappointed about it. He considered it as he headed back to his room. Disappointed, definitely.
