Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
The waiter arrives with a bottle of wine and Bryan gives him our order. He leaves and Bryan turns his attention back to me.
“So tell me about yourself, Beth. What brings you to the city?”
“The job did, actually. I graduated college this year and wanted a change. I must have applied for a hundred jobs before your company called.”
“Was there something specific about New York? You’re a whole country away from home.”
“That’s exactly why I picked it. I have a friend who graduated the year before me who lives here, and she offered to let me stay with her while I get on my feet. That was all I needed to hear. A fresh start far away from the past is exactly what I was looking for.”
“May I ask why? Aren’t you going to miss your family and friends?”
“Not so much. I never really felt like I fit in back home and my mother has a new life now with a new husband so the timing just feels right to me.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re brave enough to pick up and move like this. It’s given me a chance to know you.”
“That’s nice. Thank you. So, what about you? Are you from here? Do you have a family?”
“I grew up in a little village north of here and moved to the city for college. My parents immigrated here from Scotland before I was born. They’re still up north and so is my sister, Mary. I bought them a piece of farmland and had two houses built there for them.”
“Wow, that was very sweet of you.”
“You have to take care of the people you love. That’s what it’s all about. Isn’t it?”
“What about a wife? Have you ever been married?”
“No, and no children. My work has consumed most of my time.”
“So, do you live in the city?”
“I do. I own a building in a quiet part of the East Village. I live in the penthouse.”
“My friend's place is tiny. I can’t believe how much it costs to live here.”
“I guess that’s the price you pay for the convenience of the big city.”
“Well, I can tell you I’ll be moving out of the city once I’m on my feet. There’s no way I can afford to live here. I’ll just have to commute.”
“You never know, kid. Things can change overnight.”
“I hope it’s not too personal, but can I ask you how old you are?”
He smiles and says, “That’s not too personal, sweetheart. I’m thirty-nine. And you’re…wait…let me guess. You’re twenty-two.”
“That’s right.”
I feel so comfortable with him that I decide to ask the question that’s been plaguing me all afternoon.
“When I was in your office filing that paperwork, you got a fax. It was from the airline. Why did they send you a copy of my driver’s license?”
He folds his hands on the table and stares into my eyes.
“Beth, I have a confession to make. Since the plane, I just haven’t been able to get you off of my mind.”
“Why?”
“Because you made a huge impression on me. You’re sweet, smart, and beautiful beyond words. I was very disappointed when you didn’t show up for our date last night, and I wanted a second chance to win you over. Does that make you uncomfortable?”
I take a moment to contemplate his words. “No. I’m not uncomfortable. To be honest, I’m very flattered.”
“I’m glad. I don’t want to come on too strong for you. I know I can seem a bit aggressive.”
“I have to say, I’ve never had someone follow me into a bathroom or take me over their knee before. That was a surprise.” I feel myself blushing.
“Well, you said you had a problem and I was more than willing to help you solve it in the bathroom. I aim to please. The spanking, on the other hand… Well, I have to teach you the rules, right?” He reaches for my hand and squeezes it.
“Yes, and you were close to helping me with my problem when we got interrupted.”
“Look me in the eye and tell me the truth, sweetheart. Were you as disappointed as I was?”
I look down at the table then back up into his eyes and nod. “Yes. I don’t know what came over me in there. I’m usually pretty reserved but I wanted to. I really did.”
Our dinner arrives and I’m amazed by the beauty of the presentation. I take my first bite and feel the delicate flavors combine on my tongue.
“How is it?” Bryan asks.
“It’s delicious. You said you’re an investor in this restaurant. Do you have a passion for food?”
“Not really. I just know something special when I see it. I invest in the things that stand out from the competition. Like you, for example.”
I’ve lost count of the number of times he’s made me blush, but I can add this one to the list.