Say Yes
How did he do it?
Here it's only been like six hours, barely seven since their little agreement in Antonio's tomato fields and Julius has, somehow, managed to be friends with the owner of Kabash. Maybe they knew each other from before but it still baffles Michelle. How did he just know so many people and why were they always just so nice and willing to do whatever he asked? Case in point, at the restaurant that night. Kabash, unknowingly to her, had been fully packed, booked up for the evening by the time they arrived a little after seven. Michelle's giddy disposition faltered a little at the idea of waiting two hours just to have dinner. But there was Julius, a comforting hand on her lower back that moved across the material of her (Lili's actually) black dress to touch her waist. He pulled her closer to him with an effortless tug. Did he know she was upset? A thumb pressed against her hip and rubbed in soothing small circles. Michelle looked up at him but he was busy searching the restaurant for someone. It didn't matter much really.
Ah, the things those circles were doing her had to be a sin.
"Excuse me," Julius' voice drew her from certain thoughts and she looked to see him flagging down the host. "Excuse me," he said again, slipping his hand and warmth away from her as he turned to walk to the man.
Michelle whimpered a little when he pulled away completely. How sad. It's only the first 'official' date and here she was whimpering like a puppy when all he did was walk three steps away from her. Then he grabbed her hand, tugging her along as they walk towards the man's small podium. Around them a number of people, couples and families alike stood and sat in available sitting while they waited to be seated inside the restaurant,
Michelle stood a little bit behind Julius while he talked, still holding his hand and glancing around the restaurant. She'd tuned her date out for the latter of his 'discussion' in what Michelle has playfully coined as his 'I mean business' voice. It's the same voice and commanding air he used when making deals at art trades and the like. Instead, her attention flickered from one oddly decorated and colourful piece of artwork to the next. Even though she'd selected this place, she had never actually visited it before. The ambiance was nothing if not the perfect scene for 'romance'. Low lighting, soothing music with wild and exotic aromas permeating the room, it practically screamed alluring, sensual and inviting. The place was both dark and light, deep purples and bright gold. It really fit the theme. Somewhere in the mist of her gazing off in the distance, another host came to cater to Julius' demands though he was having none of that. He demanded to see the owner of said restaurant. The hosts explained that the owner was not in at the moment. Of course, this did nothing to dissuade a man who was used to getting what he wanted. He asked for whoever was in to come speak with him, now.
Her mouth opened to tell him it was okay. They could eat somewhere else, really. Julius didn't have to go all 'I'm taking no shit' mode on them. Michelle closed her mouth then thought of a nicer way to say that. "Julius, we can eat somewhere else. It's fine."
He turned to her, looking almost as if he'd forgot she was there. His business look stayed for all of about ten seconds. Then he smiled that carefree, playful smile that made her unable to take him seriously as an adult. "You wanted to eat here, right? We'll eat her."
"Well, yeah, but you don't have to cause a scene." Michelle whispered, glancing about them and back to him.
Julius looked around them too, "Are you uncomfortable?"
Yes. She sort of was.
The stares didn't get pass her and people stared for different reasons. Here she was, a young twenty year old in a rather nice looking black dress and matching heels, holding hands with a man old enough to be her father. She knew what does stares meant, people were probably assuming all sorts of things about them, about Julius about her. Then there were the women just watching Julius outright as he smooth talked his way into the host going to get the manager. Some of them discreet, checking him out then looking away at their phones or the wall or floor whenever Michelle caught them. Then there were the ones who were obviously ogling him with drooling practically trailing down their chin. Now, she had never been the possessive type but she could totally relate to how people got to that point. Like, come on, Julius was clearly holding her hand.
Those stares didn't quite bother her so much as the ones who were staring at them because of Julius. There were like two other couples that came in to eat but they'd been at that podium for about ten minutes just negotiating. Well, Julius negotiating while she just stood there useless.
Michelle offered a tight smile. "Not exactly. I'm just saying, you know, we could go eat somewhe—"
"Gupta!" Julius cut her off, squeezed her hand then let go in order to give the approaching man a hug.
She blinked once in disbelief and watched the rather comical exchange as 'Gupta' took a step back, seemingly bracing himself for a hug from Julius. He looked extremely uncomfortable with the physical contact and tried to dislodge himself from the taller man all while looking completely bored with the exchange. Eventually Julius let go and the other straightened his suit jacket as he spoke in a voice softer than she would have expected. "Don't do that again,"
Julius grinned and ignored the comment. "How's your mother?"
"Well. She's not here tonight, unfortunately. Lovino and Feliciano how are they?"
"Lovino is grumpy and Feliciano is too happy for his own good. They're doing just fine."
Gupta nodded and looked around himself before looking back to Julius. With a sigh he gestured for him to follow. "You should have told me you were coming," the man reprimanded. "I would have told them in advance and saved you the wait."
Julius took her hand once more, pulling her along while her brain tried to catch up to what was going on. So, they knew each other?
"It was sort of a last minute plan." Julius admitted, "We didn't know where we were going to be eating."
That caught the shorter man's attention "We?" Gupta questioned as one of the servers pushed open sliding doors that doubled as a wall. Behind the wall were a few rooms that looked like private dining areas. The server ushered them in and Julius pulled her forward and closer.
"Yes." He clarified and paused just as Gupta turned around. "This is Michelle. Michelle, this is Gupta. His mother and I go way back. She owners several North African restaurants around town."
Michelle smiled shyly and extended a hand. Gupta took it and shook her hand in a light grip, flicking his gaze between the both of them. A delicate brow raised and even though his expression never quite changed, it still had a hint of curiosity and confusion.
"A date?" Gupta asked, letting go so they could step further into the room.
A large bay window that opened to what looked to be an outside lit seating area. The room itself was a marvellous displace of blues and gold, decorated sparsely with small artefacts and details.
A hand on the small of her back pushed her further into the place and the door closed silently behind the three.
To Gupta's question, Julius nodded and then things got a bit…confusing.
Gupta and Julius seemed to have a bit of a silent exchange for about two seconds before the former asked, "Does she know?"
Who, her? Michelle blinked in confusion as Julius chuckled a bit nervously.
"Not yet. I haven't exactly gotten around to chatting with her lately."
Who were they talking about?
"She's going to be mad if you don't tell her soon. Sit down, please," Gupta gestured towards the seating and low table then turned to her. "It's very nice to meet you, Michelle."
"You too," she returned the pleasantry thought she was still very confused about what was going on. "Thank you for getting us into the restaurant. I was really hungry,"
Julius laughed at her honesty while Gupta cocked a surprised bow then nodded slowly. "It was no problem. A waiter will be here to tend to you soon." With that he took his leave but not before leaving Julius with a very ominous "Do it soon."
Julius didn't appear to find this conversation 'out of the norm' for the man he'd obviously know for some time. Nor did he attempt to explain their exchange. Michelle decided to approach the subject…discreetly.
"That was pretty amazing how you managed to get us in here." She complimented, and adjusted her fork and spoon so as to appear 'casual'.
He chuckled once more, drawing her attention to his small grin. "Like I said, his mother and I are close."
Michelle shrugged and placed one elbow on the table, propping chin in the palm of her hand. She gazed passively out the window. "Like old friends?" her eyes briefly flickered to him and then away at the big banana leaf swaying every so often outside.
That grin grew a little and he waved a dismissive hand. "Old friends, older lovers, then friends again. We have a lot of history."
"Lovers?" Her surprise was evident. Immediately her mind tried piecing together what this woman may look like and a dreadful pinch of, slight, barely there insecurity crept in.
So much for playing it cool.
"We're friends now."
"It doesn't really matter. I was just curious," Totally a lie.
He paused then answered. "All the same, I want you to know we are just friends."
Michelle kept her gaze on the banana leaf. "Okay. Thank you for telling me."
"And you're okay with this?"
"I never said I wasn't okay."
"Not verbally," Julius quipped.
She affixed her eyes to the table where a warm hand reached over to take hers.
Julius and Michelle locked eyes, a gleam of something in his as he massaged her palm.
"You have a bad habit of being transparent, bella. I can read you like a book." He said without it somehow sounding like he was teasing.
She blushed and her gaze drifted to his hand, unable to look him in the eye for longer than a few seconds. Julius brought her hand to his lips and she felt her heartbeat jump when his breath moved over her skin before his lips touched it gently. "I like that I can read you," he stated and lifted her hand to rub against his cheek. "I like every fiery emotion that crosses your face when you think too hard." He tilted his head, brushing his lips against her palm.
Ohh.
"I-I told you I'm fine," Michelle weakly justified though he was totally right. "I was just curious because Gupta said she would be mad…"
Julius looked at her from the corner of his brown eyes. They twinkled with the kind of smug satisfaction of just knowing her was right. "She will be mad. I haven't told her about you yet."
She opened her mouth to question why he hadn't but he stopped her before she could get out. "It's because she's been worried about me." He clarified, and then threaded their fingers together. "See, I haven't been on a real date in about five years."
"Five years?" That pulled Michelle from her foggy brain of having Julius fondle her hand. "You mean you haven't dated anyone in five years?"
Julius sat both of their hands on the table, still linked fingers against fingers and nodded a bit more serious. "I've been with women within those five years. I just haven't been on a proper date in that time. It's why Gupta looked a bit stunned when he saw you. He knows too."
She bit her lips a little, trying to think of a discreet way to ask. "Why not?"
He caught her gaze and held it. "I haven't found anybody worth the time."
"But you have now?"
He smiled. "It just so happened a met a woman at a swimming pool and she was crazy enough to be my type. She also has a bit of a jealous side."
"I do not!" Michelle declared face blazed in embarrassment.
"Envy then?"
"Ugh, shut up."
He chuckled and leaned on the table a bit. "Oh bella, don't worry. Despite my many escapades I am a one-lover kind of man. I can be that for you. If you will have me."
If Michelle blushed any more, her entire body was going to burst into flames. Here it was there first official real date and he was already talking about them being lovers!
"C-can we cross that bridge when we get to it?" Like way later down the line.
Julius nodded approvingly, "Of course, of course, bella."
Thank her lucky stars the server came. Michelle quickly took hold of the menu to advert her attention to a 'safer' topic. Though she was well aware that the conversation of if they would even get to third base would come up. Ideally these ground rules should be established at the beginning of a relationship. I don't kiss on the first date. No hanky panky until at least one month into the relationship. Did she just mentally refer to sex as 'hanky panky'?
Michelle quietly groaned and held the menu high enough to cover her face and shame. They could get to ground rules at a later time. Besides, Julius couldn't be that much of a sex fiend to expect 'hanky panky' on their first date, right? Well, he did just say he had 'many escapades'. How many? How many women had he actually been with? Ten? Twenty? Fifty?! Well, he was handsome enough but fifty? That's just way too many for any one person to consider!
She inched the menu down and discreetly watched her date over the rim while he pointed out the things he wanted to order.
Yeah, he could totally score with fifty different women but would she want a man who'd sown his royal oats up and down the city? She had yet to have any oats sown, fertilized or otherwise. What if…what he didn't like her, er, garden?
"…or do you want the garden? Michelle?"
She snapped her menu closed. "What? Garden?"
Julius and the waiter both looked at her. "I was asking if you wanted to order a salad to start. I recommend the garden salad, it's picked fresh here."
Salad, Michelle. "Oh, right. Yes, sure, my garden." She paused then quickly amended, "Salad! The garden salad is fine. Yeah. Garden salad not my garden. The salad. Garden."
Ah, god, she was making herself more nervous with every word. Thankfully Julius ignored her weird babbling blunder and nodded to the man to bring them both garden salad as well as wine to drink. Michelle was very thankful for the later because she would need something to help her get through this without making herself look like a complete idiot. Their dinner did go a lot smoother with the liquid courage. She made sure to stay clear of any topics that included the words 'garden' 'oats' and 'sown' though when he asked about her major, fertilization came up quite a bit. But she managed to talk about her love for planting and growing things without blushing too much. When asked why she was blushing at all, Michelle told him it was the wine to which Julius graciously began to monitor her intact. She had a sneaking suspicion that his 'monitoring' had less to do with her blushing and more to do with what would happen after dinner.
They did in fact go on that walk near the river like she demanded. The night could not have been more perfect for a stroll. A cool breeze carried the scent of water to them. There were clouds but not too many. She and Julius held hands as they took their time walking on the path. He even offered her his jacket when the wind got a little too feisty. It was perfect.
Or it would have been.
Had it not started to rain.
It wasn't just a sprinkle of rain either. It was a murderous torrent of rain that poured heaven and hell, aided by the wind that made it seem ten times colder outside than it actually was.
Literally, the rain seemed like it came out of nowhere. Seemed like because Michelle was too busy glazing longing at Julius' lips while he talked about something. The clouds and the wind gust should have been a dead giveaway that rain was on the horizon. Neither of them was prepared and they'd walked a good distance from his car on their stroll. All Michelle could do was laugh as they half walked half jogged to find the nearest shelter. Julius tried to keep his pace light, taking into consideration her shoes, while also trying to move quickly enough for them not to get soaked.
Unfortunately, she was too busy laughing to pay attention. They'd walked from the smooth concrete boardwalk to some dangerously slick but beautifully parquet sidewalk. Her shoe lost grip.
"Wait!" She yelled but it was too late. One foot went forward while the rest of her body went back and then down. She landed, on the wet ground with a thud while the rain still poured.
Julius turned around quickly to see his date sitting and laughing at herself. "Are you okay?" he asked in genuine concern but she could hardly speak. "Let me help you up."
He took her arm but she resisted and shook her head. "Let me take off my shoes first. I can move quicker if I do."
"You're going to do that now? Sitting on the ground?" he questioned, almost having to yell over the sound of the rain.
Michelle wiped water from her face though more just accumulated. "I'm already down here," she told him, reaching for the heel. "I can't get any wetter than I already am!"
He nodded in agreement but did the honours himself, moving her hand as he knelt down to unhook the strap fastened around her ankle. The warmth of his hand was a great contrast to the cooling rain. Her entire body broke out in goose bumps and she shivered as she watched him move with expert skill. Instinctively her legs pressed closer together when he hand to bend her knee. But Julius kept his gaze respectfully on her feet only until both shoes were off. They must have looked ridiculous, sitting and kneeling in the rain and taking off shoes. Julius didn't appear phased by any stares they may have gotten. He hooked her shoes together than helped her stand. Before Michelle could thank him, she was scooped off the ground and thrown over broad, strong shoulders.
"Julius!" Michelle gasped.
"Sorry, bella," he apologized, "I normally don't do this on the first date but it's raining harder and I can see the car from him."
Michelle tried to push herself up, using his back as support. Thankfully her dresses was a clingy mess right now, otherwise things would have gotten really awkward in the back. However, there was a bigger problem. Actually, two small problems but still a problem in her current position "Put me down! I can walk fast."
"Not fast enough," he countered, already walking ahead. "Plus, I like the view."
"Are you serious?" Michelle huffed, struggling a little.
"About the view?" he questioned, steps faltering a tad, "Si, I do like the view from here."
Face flushed, she tried again and, hopefully, he would understand where she was coming from. "Stop looking at my butt and listen. I need you to put me down. This is a strapless dress!"
He chuckled. "I noticed."
Ugh. Men. "It moved when you threw me over your shoulder." Meaning, two small but important assets threatened to be exposed with any sudden movement, strapless bra be damned.
Julius finally got it. "Oh,"
"Yeah,"
He remained silent for a few moments, still walking until, finally, "If you lay flat no one will see."
"Julius!"
"We're almost at the car, I promise."
Defeated, she mumbled to herself but did as he requested. It was just odd having her girls practically against his wet back while her ass was damn near his face and his hand was on her thigh. Hmm, such a warm hand.
"See," Julius boasted ad sat her down, "We're here."
Quickly, Michelle turned to fix herself, feeling especially awkward when he opened the door for her to get in. Julius did a quick jog in the rain to his side and let himself in as she buckled up. Soon the heat kicked on and they were driving off. Michelle shed his wet jacket in favour of eh heater, rubbing her hands together to generate warmth. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window. Ugh, she looked horrible! Her once straight hair that took hours of straightening started to curl again. Her make-up ran and no matter how much she wiped, her mascara only smeared but didn't disappear. She looked drowned and washed out with smeared make-up, messed up hair and a clingy wet dress.
Needless to say, Michelle was very happy when they made it to her apartment. She wasn't feeling very pretty in that moment and avoided showing Julius her face. But Julius had a way of making her feel and do things she didn't want. There was no just saying 'no' to him, as she soon realized when they made it to her apartment door. She was desperate to flee, feeling all sorts of insecurity standing before a man so utterly perfect. Francis always told her she could never see the full potential of her own beauty and if he were here in this moment, Michelle would say he was totally right.
Julius saw something though; of this she was sure. He wouldn't let her look away from him, turn her face or drop her eyes. Playfully he rubbed at her smudged mascara and chuckled almost memorized to himself.
"It's not funny," she protested weakly, blushing and looking at the fire extinguisher on the wall behind him.
"Hnn," he said or grunted because it's really a not response but more like a noise that followed a brush of wet curl hair away from her face. Julius hooked a hand around the back of her neck and tilted her head up. "You are so…"
Michelle blinked coquettishly against her will and her pulse warned him as something interesting sizzled across her skin, radiating from the spot where he touched her. She hadn't quite caught up mentally to what's happening, still trying to figure out how his voice was so...rich, smooth and deep.
"So…what?" she whispered.
She imaged that he could say anything—so young, so unrefined, so average. Her heartbeat spiked at the idea of any one of them being his final answer. For a moment her confidence, as fleeting as it came, faltered and she felt herself wanting to draw back.
"I'm so what?"
But he bent closer; thumb pressed against her pulse and grounded her to that spot in more ways that she thought he realized.
"Dangerous." He finally said and bumped his nose against hers. "And forgetful. Do you remember what you asked from me on this date?"
Yes. She does and she didn't exactly need that little instinctive reminder of his lips ever so teasingly brushing hers. It's barely a kiss more like the passing of breath, like brushing shoulders with someone you're trying hard not to touch.
It's achingly annoying.
"I do," Michelle answered, chin up, ready, prepared.
But Julius keeps his lips just barely away, "What was it?"
She huffed and he rumbled something deep in the back of throat. Michele just wanted to pull him into her, that something interesting that sparked is morphing far too quickly into a mutual desire for more physical contact and he's toying with her.
"...Kiss me back,"
"Have you changed your mind?' he challenged.
"No," she said.
Then the sea of desire warmed as it enveloped Michelle, lapping against her cold, wet skin in waves that were as soothing as they were sensual. Julius' kiss gradually deepened—controlled, confident and devastating thorough. He knew how to kiss. More specifically, he knew how to kiss Michelle. Her fingers instinctively tangled in thick curly hair, wanting more of his warmth on her person as Julius buried her doubt under a simmer of mutual desire. A mental tiny version of her screamed 'ground rules' 'ground rules' ground rules'! The feeling of his arm going around her waist quickly drowned that voice. She would have gladly gone under if he didn't pull back first.
Michelle licked her lips, not willing to let even the slightest memory escape her. Julius brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. "You should go,"
She looked into eyes wiser and more experienced than her own. Julius' voice was reassuringly calm but he had to be crazy. She was barely catching her breath here and he just expected her to walk inside just like that. "Are you going home?"
She tilted her head once more, hoping for a kiss and he granted her a brief but endearing pleasure.
"I think I should." Julius informed then added, "I'll call you."
Michelle was not ready to leave but "Okay,"
"Good nigh, ciacobella," He kisses her one last time on the lips and then again on her forehead before leaving.
Unbelieving of what just happened, Michelle went inside in a bit of a haze. She didn't make it to her bedroom, instead throwing herself over the couch and closing her eyes, remembering. How unpredictable her day has gone. It started with trying to forget that man and ended with her kissing him. Their little romance was already a whirlwind of ups and downs without even officially beginning. Yet she couldn't think of a person who's made her feel more alive than that man. When she really thinks about her ideal man, Julius is it. He's a combination of three of the most important men in her life yet in a class all his own. He's just,
"Amazing," she sighed wistfully and turned on her stomach, still covered in wet clothes.
"He's amazing".
A/N: And finally the date! I am nothing if not a person of my word. This chapter is specifically dedicated to sctwilightvampwolfgal. I told her I would finishes my RomeSey stories and I will if it is the last thing I do! :D
-CeCe ^^