Chapter 4: Dinner and a...

Glancing over at the clock, realizing I only had 15 more minutes before Phillip showed up. I was already dressed and in the process of getting dinner assembled. Tonight, I chose to keep my outfit as casual as possible. I went with an oversized gray sweater that hung off my shoulders, black skinny jeans and tan UGGS. He did only ever mention having dinner, not this being a date.

Yea, ok, you keep telling yourself that. Why else do attractive men ask you to dinner? Not now, brain, please.

Gone was my seduction playlist from the stereo. Melodies' from The Nutcracker playing in the background while Olivia snored away peacefully on the couch. With it being so close to Christmas and all, it just made sense to have a little Christmas music.

Steaks, local green beans and baby red potatoes were on the menu for dinner. I wasn't sure what Phillip cared for. Maybe with all that rugged charm he would be a typical meat a potatoes kind of guy. I guess I'll find out once he shows up. We haven't spoken to each other except at the store and the few quick texts about where to show up and what time. I leaned back against the counter waiting. There wasn't anything left to do till he got here.

Man, I really can't believe how tired my mind got this morning. There has never been a time where I danced myself into a delirious, erotic clown strip tease. Just thinking about it started to make my face flush. God, I don't think I've ever been turned on from giving a show before, even if it was to an imaginary peeping clown. It really was too bad it was just all in my head. My make-believe clown looked like he wanted to take a bite out of me while ravaging me senseless. And, oh man, how I had wanted him too. Glancing over at the center of the dining table was the single red rose in a vase. When I had pulled it from the tub I just assumed it was from the owner leaving me a nice welcome gift. Strange thing to leave a rose in the tub. My mind wandered back to Phillip again.

Girl, seriously, I've been telling you for months to get laid. I know, but no one sees me for me. Besides, anyone who shows interest in me finds out I'm a stripper, then everything changes. Well, maybe you can just NOT tell Phil. Let him be your vay-cay bang and then go back home with no regrets. Eww, vay-cay bang? I don't even know why I listen to you, brain.

DING! BARK! DONG! BARK!

"Alright, Olivia. Just wait…. Stay…. stay." I walked away from her to open the front door. A huge smile reached my eyes as Phillip stood in the door way looking just as handsome as I remember. That same wavy hair, green eyes, and just a hint of stubble. Phillip was wearing faded blue jeans, carpenter boots, a jet-black t-shirt with an unbuttoned black and white plaid long sleeve shirt over. My inner brain was abnormally quiet. I assumed it was because she had melted on the floor and was now drooling and fanning herself. I couldn't allow myself the luxury to losing my shit. One of us must be the sane one around here. In his right hand he was holding a bottle of red wine. He was really taking his potential suitor role very seriously.

"Hey, Phillip. I'm glad you came. Come in and prepare to be assaulted with attention." Realizing he probably thought I meant from myself I laughed and sputtered. "Sorry! I meant from my dog, Olivia!"

Phillip, also sporting a huge smile from my remark, chuckled as he pulled a single red rose from behind his back. I stared down at the flower. Huh, what are the chances I'd get two, single red roses today. My inner brain was still quiet. Probably still hormonally overwhelmed and fanning herself. Phillip extended the flower to me. "Thanks for having me, Quinn. You look beautiful."

I couldn't help but blush a little. I'm no stranger to compliments but most of them are cat calls from my dancing on stage. I don't remember the last time someone called me beautiful. I took both the flower and bottle of wine from Phillip and asked him to come in. Olivia was sitting but whining and doing a front paw dance on the floor. She was DYING to say hello but waiting for me to give her the OK. I looked over at Phillip who was smiling down at Olivia. "Are you ready?" I asked him.

Phillip looked back at me and let out a breath "I think so" kneeling.

I looked at Olivia, "Go say hello".

Upon hearing the 'H' in 'hello' she rushed Phillip, giving her signature greeting to the newcomer. This consisted of spinning in circles, wagging her tail, licking at anything her tongue could contact and over all losing her mind at the idea of a new set of hands to pet her.

"WOAH! Hello, girl. I'm glad you like me. Maybe we can convince your mom to do the same, huh?", he said glancing up at me. Wow this guy was good. Get to the dog first. I see your game plan, Mister.

My inner brain finally coming out of her stupor. Oh, shut up and just let this happen you ninny, she snapped while fanning herself and dramatically fainting again. God, get a hold of yourself, I snapped back.

"I wasn't sure what kind of wine liked. You looked like a sweet wine kind of girl. I hope that's OK?"

"Perfect! I hate dry wines. Would you like me to pour one for you too?" I asked walking into the kitchen.

"Yes, thank you." Poor Phillip was now being used for belly rubs. Lucky dog. Easy girl, I told my brain. After pouring two glasses I took the chance to add the second rose to the vase, both resting against each other.

"So, I wasn't sure what you liked for food. I've got steak and potatoes. I haven't started on the steaks yet. How do you like yours cooked?"

"Raw. Still mooing and bleeding if possible," he said having stood back up and was making his way towards me. Funny, that's exactly how I liked mine too.

"Great, me too. It should only take about 10 minutes till dinner time."

"Anything I could do to help,' he offered.

I gave him the simple task of putting the veggies and potatoes in a dish for the table. We had a few cute moments bumping into each other in the small kitchen. Once, I heard him clear his throat when I bent down to remove the steaks from the oven broiler. Looking away I grinned from ear to ear and tucking some of my loose hair behind my head. My inner brain giving him a come-hither look.

With dinner ready, I gave Olivia a bone from the butcher I had picked up during the morning shopping trip. I knew I needed her to have something to keep her busy while I was having my… new friend over for dinner. Just call it a date already, my brain yelled at me. I chose to ignore her and pretended not to care. The wine Phillip had brought over was insanely delicious. It was cherry wine. But it also had a thicker, richer flavor I couldn't quite place. I'll have to ask him where he got it from. We sat down and started eating.

"So, what brings you…" "How do you like….", we both started at the same time making both of us laugh at the other.

"Boy, we sure have no idea how to do this, do we?" Phillip said with a shy smile and looking away.

"Nervous?" I joked

"Actually, yes."

"Me too", I took another huge sip of wine. I appreciated his honesty.

"I didn't want you to think that I was only asking you to dinner because of your looks. I'm sure you get that all the time. I felt drawn to the store that morning. I didn't even need anything. Just felt like I needed to be there. And there you were contemplating popcorn."

"It's funny you say that because that's how I feel about Derry. I wasn't sure where Olivia and I were going to end up. I was just driving down the interstate waiting for… something. I saw the exit, rented the house and here I am."

"Tell me, how does a girl like you end up in a small town like this?"

I knew I couldn't tell him everything. I didn't want to lie but the thought of this turning into another one of my failed attempts because of what I do sadden me. "I just needed a break. I don't have any family I speak to. The holidays are always lonely for me. Instead of staying home and watching bad TV with the pup I wanted to do something different. Something enjoyable."

"What about you," I inquired, trying to deflect from myself, "What do you do? Have you lived in Derry long?"

"All my life. It feels like eons. I'm a Foreman for Derry Public works. Mostly maintaining the inner workings of Derry's sewers and its parks."

"Sounds like a messy job," I said making a face.

"Yea but I really enjoy it. My whole working day is me in the sewers making sure everything works properly. The only awful part is the kids. They don't have any respect for public property."

Woah, his voice got low and dark at the end there. "Sounds like kids aren't really your thing?"

"No" was all he said.

"I can agree. I love the idea of being a mother and bringing life into this world, but the raising part sounds out of my comfort zone. I'm happy with how things are. Just me and Olivia to care about." I saw that we were both done eating and got up to start clearing plates.

Phillip got up to help and brought both our wine glasses into the kitchen. Following me and setting them down he leaned against the counter. He was so close to me as I stood at the sink, setting the dishes inside. I can feel him looking at me again. My left side was going to burst into flames from the intense look he was giving me. I turned to look back at him. Inside, my Brain was panting heavily.

Phillip, standing up straight, reached up as if he wanted to touch my face. He hesitated.

"I want to kiss you."

I stopped breathing.

"I want you to kiss me." I let out in a slow breath

His hand reached up to lightly touch my cheek. For a second time, I stopped breathing. In a split second, I saw his eyes flash from the green I knew to an ocean blue. His eyes. They looked almost like…. Phillip brought his mouth down on mine and my world stopped. Touching just the small of my back, he used one of his free hands to pull me closer to him.

The kiss was so gentle. Soft and sweet. He must be holding back because I felt a soft vibration coming off him. I think he was trying to gauge how far he could take this. I wanted him. Badly, in fact. I was right in the middle of contemplating letting him take me right here in the kitchen when a bark broke up our kiss.

BARK BARK! Olivia was standing by the door, tongue handing out and wagging her tail.

I blushed, "I need to let Olivia out."

"Okay", I can tell he was a little annoyed at the interruption.

I really enjoyed being in his arms. I felt safe and warm. It took a lot of willpower to tear myself away from him and the dog out. Walking to the back door, I cracked it open to the cold night air. Olivia barreled past, having a secondary motive of chasing any squirrels that might be lurking. I stood at the door watching her, waiting for her to finish. I felt his presence behind me as a hand came around my waist pulling my back to his hard chest. Phillip leaned down to take an inhale from the V in my neck. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. He trailed several small kisses on my neck and shoulder.

"God Quinn, you are intoxicating. You have to know that I want you. I know you feel it too." He really put a lot of emphasis on the T. "But if you don't want this, I'll... understand. But if you need me as badly as I need you right now," I felt a low moan in his chest. Maybe it was a growl, "I promise to consume and worship you till you beg me to stop.

My insides tensed up. I did want this. Inside, my Brain was screaming at me to do it. I can't remember the last time I felt this strongly towards a guy. But I was terrified of getting hurt. How can someone so normal want someone like me? Disgusting whore, filthy slut, nasty bitch. These were things my parents told me the day I moved out to become an exotic dancer. I knew I wasn't that girl. But if someone you love tells you-you are, and men treat you like it, you tend to start believing in them. Did I even need to reveal my secret to Phillip? Could I if I had too? I let out an exhausted breath and turned in his arms.

"I really like you, Phillip. Too much already, maybe. Let's just see how the rest of the night goes. We still have a scary movie to watch. Besides," I slid my hands up his chest letting my next words purr out of my mouth," Maybe I get so scared that I won't let you leave."

My answer seemed to sit well with him because he grinned from ear to ear, "OH, you'll get scared. I'll make sure to pick the most frightening movie this house has to offer."