Reese, Naomi, and Scott sat at the bar waiting for a table; the restaurant was full, and the noise level was high. Aside from having to drive 45 minutes to LA, it was one of the things she hated most about having dinner on the strip; it seemed like every restaurant was a 2 hour wait unless you made a reservation 2 months in advance. At least Naomi and Scott were enjoying themselves, the two acted like teenagers when they were around each other. It was kind of endearing.
Reese fidgeted, occasionally adjusting the strap of her dress, and taking continuous sips of her dirty martini. With nothing else to do, she decided to peruse the nearby dessert menu even though she already knew that regardless what was there, she would order a slice of cheesecake.
"I'm going to run to the bathroom," Naomi said excusing herself.
"Want me to come with?" Reese asked.
"No, I'm okay. Thanks."
"So, I heard you sold the Greys place," Scott said over the noise, sliding closer to Reese.
"Yea…well almost," she stammered, "Just have to submit the paperwork."
"That's awesome Reese," he beamed, "I knew you would."
"Thanks," she said with a half-smile.
"What's wrong," he raised his brow.
"Nothing, I'm just hungry."
"I know the feeling," he laughed, "I'm getting a little hangry myself," he said casually rubbing his stomach looking around for the maître d', "Are you going to be okay for a minute?"
"Yes dad," she teased," I'm fine."
"Good," he laughed, "I'm going to see what's the hold up."
"Don't get lost," she shouted after him.
Reese continued to look at the dessert menu. She let herself soak in the ambient music and conversations from various groups around her. There was so much going on. From the corner of her eye, she realized a very attractive man staring at her. She glanced at him and smiled innocently, and he winked in return. She bit her lip nervously as the image of the attractive man came closer and closer.
"Hi," the deep voice rested on her neck, "I'm sorry to bother you, but I had to come over and introduce myself.
"Hi," she said softly, blushing, turning in the bar stool.
"I'm Kevin," he said extending his hand, "and you are?"
"Reese," she said softly placing her hand in his, "it's nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," he said raising her hand to his lips, planting a soft kiss, "So, I couldn't help but notice that you're sitting here alone. Do you mind if I join you?" he said raising his perfectly framed brow.
"Oh, I'm not alone," she stammered, "I'm actuall—"
MMzz! MMzz!
"Do you need to get that?" he asked.
"It's probably nothing," she smiled, "but I'm actually with my brother and my best friend. Actually, they're dating…I'm kind of third wheeling it tonight," she continued rambling.
"We've all been there," he chuckled, taking a sip of his drink, "So what brings you out tonight?"
MMzz! MMzz!
"We're celebrating," she smiled.
"Oh yea, what's the occasion?"
"I just sold a house, made a really big commission. Eh no big deal," she said taking a sip of her martini."
"Eh no big deal," he teased, "That's awesome. I heard the market hasn't been doing too well, so congratulations."
MMzz! MMzz!
"Thank you," she smiled.
"You have a really great smile," he said staring at her.
"Thanks," she said hesitantly, blushing.
MMzz! MMzz!
"Are you sure you don't need to get that?" he asked again.
"Sorry," she sighed rummaging through her clutch for her phone, "It's probably work."
"No worries," Kevin smiled.
7:35 PM 3234933687: Do you see what kind of attention biting your lip gets you?
7:36 PM 3234933687: He's not your type
7:37 PM 3234933687: Are you seriously flirting with him?
7:37 PM 3234933687: Reese…
Reese read the texts and then glanced around the bar. Christian was there, watching her but she just didn't know where.
"Everything okay?"
"Yea," she said looking up at Kevin, "just work."
7:37 PM Reese: Christian…
"Okay," he paused, "So—"
"Hey Reese," Scott interrupted, "Table's ready. I intercepted Naomi from the bathroom, she's already…hello," his voice trailed as he noticed Kevin standing there, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt."
"Oh, Kevin this is my brother, Scott," Reese said.
"Nice to meet you," Kevin said firmly, shaking his hand.
"Same," he said turning towards, Reese, "Are you joining us or are you staying here," he whispered.
"I'll be over in a moment."
"Okay," he smiled, "Take your time," he continued walking away.
7:39 PM 3234933687: What are you doing?
7:40 PM Reese: Having a drink.
"So," she said turning attention to Kevin, "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm an investment banker."
"Impressive," she said taking another sip of her drink.
"I do okay," he said modestly, "Are you from here?"
"LA? God no," she scoffed, "I moved here about 6 years ago for school and just never left. I live in the Hills now."
7:42 PM 3234933687: Why are you giving out personal information
"Nice. I live over in Hollywood Hills."
"I love Hollywood hills," she gushed, "it's so beautiful."
"Well, maybe you should come over sometime," he smiled, "I have a pool."
"Maybe," her voice lingered.
7:43 PM 3234933687: Reese, I swear.
7:43 PM Reese: It's just conversation.
"Well here's my card," he said handing her a business card, "If that maybe ever changes to a definitely, you should give me a call."
"Okay," she said softly, taking the card.
"Enjoy the rest of your night," he said walking away.
Reese shoved the card into her purse and took one final sip of her dirty martini before leaving the bar. She walked stiffly through the overly crowded restaurant looking for Scott and Naomi, trying to avoid bumping into anyone. Reese's body jolted backwards at the rough pull on her shoulder.
"Christian," she spun on her heels quickly, "what are you doing? Did you follow me here?"
"No," he said firmly, "I was having a business dinner and to my surprise, I look over and see you. What are you doing here?" he said sizing her up and down.
"I think you saw what I'm doing here," she said turning to walk away.
"Right," he paused, "but what are you really doing here," he smirked, grabbing her arm, "did you follow me here," he teased.
"I'm celebrating for your information," she said firmly, "Now if you would excuse me—"
"No," he smirked, "I don't believe I will excuse you."
"Christian—"
"Reese," he smiled smugly, "Okay, tell me what I can do to change your mind about me, then I'll excuse you," he smirked.
"I don't know," Reese shrugged, softly biting her lip.
"You do know," he said staring at her intensely, his eyes roaming the curves accentuated by her dress. He sighed, "why do you insist on provoking me?"
"What?" she said softly, "How am I provoking you now Christian?!" she exclaimed.
"I told you everything you do provokes me. Flirting with that guy…biting your lip," his voice lowered, "dressing like that," he said, his eyes exploring her again, "Are you naked under there?" his eyes narrowed.
"So, what if I am," she said firmly, "I'm not yours!"
"Are you naked?" he asked again firmly.
"Wouldn't you like to know," she said biting her lip again, pressing up against him.
He groaned, "Reese," he said roughly.
"Christian," she said firmly brushing pass him, "Have a good night," she smirked.
He emitted a deeper groan as he watched her walk away. Reese finally found Naomi and Scott and sat down feeling accomplished. She smiled triumphantly as she looked over the menu.