Author's Note: This chapter takes place about a fortnight after Orianna, Lennox and Prime have their ''chats''.
Orianna and Lennox have been settling into their relationship and this new dimension between them. It is assumed Prime has interacted with them as a couple and they with him on various occasions, but I am just trying to fast forward the story and didn't want to drag out the chapters.
/denotes internal thoughts/
/''denotes recalled conversations''/
Chapter 79: A Perfect Night
Orianna P.O.V
''Cheers gorgeous!'' Lennox raised a glass to me across the table. ''You look stunning!'' His eyes roamed appreciatively over the figure-hugging floral-print dress I was wearing before giving me a little wink.
I chuckled at his enthusiastic assessment and clinked my glass with his. ''Why thank you babe. You look pretty damn gorgeous yourself.'' And he did. A slightly unbuttoned white linen shirt, showing an expanse of tanned skin, and some beige-coloured cargo pant shorts was a refreshing change from seeing him in his N.E.S.T uniform. /Although he looked hot in that too/.
I reciprocated by allowing my eye to wander over his fine masculine form, before taking my straw in my mouth and sucking on it suggestively as I held his gaze.
Lennox coughed and sputtered as he took a sip of his drink. ''So, OC,'' he placed the drink back on the table and shifted somewhat uncomfortably on his seat.
''Hhhmm?'' I placed my drink back down and smiled innocently at him.
''I've been hanging out to come to Jake's Place and have a burger with you since that night you surprised me with dinner at work.'' He smiled brightly at me.
''Have you now Lennox?'' I was genuinely surprised he had not been here since then. ''You don't get out often, do you?'' I teased.
He threw me a dark look. ''You know the crazy hours I work. By the time dinner rolls around I usually just see whatever is left over in the mess or have my ''lonely man'' frozen meal when I get home – if it isn't a ridiculous hour.''
''Aww,'' I pouted and reached out towards him, and he placed his hand in mine. ''Poor Lennox. Are you fishing for sympathy?'' I grinned at him.
''I could be." He rubbed my hand with his thumb. ''Depends on what it might earn me I guess?'' He leaned forward and raised a suggestive brow at me.
Laughing out loud, I brought his hand to my lips and kissed it. ''Let's see. At this stage the only thing it will get you is a sound teasing. At best, maybe cooking lessons?'' I released his hand and sat back in my chair, taking another sip of Pepsi Max.
Lennox sighed in mock disappointment before a wicked gleam shone in his eyes. ''Hmm? OC wearing nothing but a skimpy black, low-cut apron. Her long locks flowing over her barely restrained breasts as she gets all hot and sweaty in the kitchen with me…''
It was my turn to sputter as I drank.
He leaned back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head, grinning like a Cheshire Cat. ''Now that I would very much look forward to!''
''Really? An apron Lennox?'' I rolled my eyes at him even as I felt a heat rising in my cheeks at the image he had suggested. ''That does it for you?''
He threw his head back and laughed heartily as he reached forward and popped the last crab cake in his mouth. ''Yep! Apron, potato sack – nothing!''
''Lennox!'' I growled at him as I folded my arms across my chest, trying to look unimpressed. However, truth be told I was enjoying the banter and the flirting.
Sobering slightly, Lennox leaned forward once more reaching out for my hand. I snorted and placed my hand in his. He ran his thumb over my knuckles and raised my hand to his lips, placing a soft, lingering kiss on my hand. ''Face it babe. Anything involving you would do it for me OC.'' He grinned mischievously at me, and I found myself grinning back.
He really could be quite charming.
''You are incorrigible you know that don't you?'' I found myself leaning forward across the table, seeking a kiss.
Lennox leaned forward, pausing centimeters from my face. ''Yes. I know.'' His breath was warm against my cheek, and he smelled amazing. His eyes searched mine as his lips moved to graze mine ever so slightly. ''Would you like me to stop?'' I almost started at the feel of his left-hand resting lightly on my knee. His fingers teasing my skin as he stroked slowly along my upper thigh, up under the hem of my dress tracing a familiar path.
I closed my eyes and placed my hand on his, stilling his actions. /Dear God!/. My skin was tingling, and my pulse was beating rapidly as I ran my right index finger lightly along his cheek and jawline. Whispering against his lips, ''Are you able to?'' I delighted in hearing him try to stifle a gasp.
''Not at all,'' he breathed against my lips before he gave in to temptation and kissed me, his left hand squeezing my thigh as he deepened the kiss.
''AHEM!''
A loud cough startled us both and we broke apart, sending an apologetic smile to the waiter that stood holding our meals. ''Ahh sorry mate,'' Lennox apologized, mildly chastened by our public display. ''I ah, didn't see you come over.''
The older man looked from Lennox to me and sent us a disapproving look as he placed our meals on the table. ''I wonder why?'' He snarked as he looked pointedly at us both. ''Enjoy your meals,'' he barked before turning and disappearing in the direction he had materialised from.
Lennox shot me an apologetic look as he picked up a chip. ''Sorry about that OC, I guess I kind of got carried away.'' He dipped the chip in his ketchup and brought it to his lips. ''I didn't mean to embarrass you.''
I scoffed dismissively as I set about picking chips off my plate too. ''All good. To be honest, I think he's just jealous.''
''Well,'' Lennox swallowed his chip and reached for another. ''I could go and kiss him too and see ifthat improves his mood?''
I burst out laughing, drawing a few more stares in our direction. ''Now that I would like to see!'' Lennox simply grinned as he picked up his burger and began devouring it.
I shook my head at him, but I could not stop grinning. He always managed to make me laugh, usually when I needed it the most. In the few weeks since we officially became a couple, we had been on several dates, each time I felt I got to see more of the real Lennox. I picked up my egg, bacon and cheeseburger and tucked in.
Despite my initial hesitation in starting a relationship with him because of Optimus and my feelings for him, I was beginning to think I had made the right choice. Lennox was safe. I knew where I stood with him. I knew how he felt about me, and I knew him well.
There was just one major hurdle we had yet to overcome.
Lennox had kept his word and followed my lead on physical intimacy. As difficult as it was for him at times, he had let me govern how far we went each time we were together, and he respected my boundaries. He was, as Prime had said that night, a good, honourable man.
''Ahhhh!'' Lennox licked the juice from his fingers as he reached for a napkin. ''I don't imagine this night getting any better.'' He dabbed his mouth and reached for his drink. ''A rare day off work, a delicious meal sitting by a beautiful beach watching the sun set.'' He took a quick swig from his drink before placing it down and smiling at me. ''And to top it all off, I have the pleasure of escorting the most gorgeous woman home.''
I put the uneaten portion of my burger down and reached for my drink. ''That's sweet of you Lennox. Thank you.'' I took a sip and reached for my burger again. ''However, I can think of one way this day could get better.'' I bit into my burger as a nervous, excitement began to build within me.
Lennox looked genuinely confused for a moment before a small, knowing smile spread across his lips and began to shine in his eyes. ''OC, I don't want to jinx myself but if you're suggesting what I think you are, then it would be the perfect end to this day!'' I felt the warm touch of his hand gently rest upon my knee, his fingers brushing lightly against my skin.
Suddenly, the burger I had been enjoying didn't seem anywhere near as satisfying as the thoughts racing through my mind. I lowered it to my plate and leaned forward. ''Well. I'm full.'' I arched a questioning brow at him. ''You wanna get out of here?''
Lennox leaned forward and placed a soft, chaste kiss on my lips. ''I thought you'd never ask.''
