This is so confusing. Looking at Alexander it is so hard to say no. It has been a long time since a man has called me beautiful. He seems genuine. I guess I can understand what he means by that. I can’t say he doesn’t want to be with me because he has money. I should at least give him a chance, right?

  “Okay, but no expensive gifts. I don’t need that stuff. I couldn’t afford a necklace even close to that if I saved up for three months.”

  Alexander agreed and we went our separate ways.

  Chapter 5: alexander

  I couldn’t believe that she thinks that women like her don’t end up with men like me. I wonder why she feels that way. Not all rich men care about having a woman with money. All I care about is having a woman that will treat me good and love me for me instead of my wealth. I just want to find my forever with someone and give them the world. I must put in a lot of effort into making sure that I will be able to provide for my future wife and children.

  I didn’t think I would find someone but I ran into Ella and could not take my eyes off her. I could tell she was pissed but she couldn’t keep her eyes off me either. I feel so lucky that she agreed to go out with me. You don’t find women that are beautiful, down to earth, and sophisticated that often. I didn’t want her to slip thru my fingers.

  I want to take her to the most expensive restaurant in town but figure since she told me she is a simple girl, I will just make reservations for White Camingo. It isn’t super expensive but it wasn’t cheap either.

  I call Shawn and talk some more about her. I tell him how the necklace and flowers were a bust. A woman that didn’t enjoy receiving necklaces and flowers are rare. I could tell she isn’t like any other woman that I have ever asked out. He told me I should get her a dress to wear. I try to explain that she didn’t like gits but he advises me to do it anyway. I did as he advised. I call a local boutique LA VI and have them find her a dress and put it in a pretty box. I wouldn’t give it to her unless she doesn’t have anything to wear. I don’t want to make her mad.

  I am starting to get nervous. My palms are moist and my throat is beginning to get dry. This isn’t like me. Usually, nothing makes me nervous. She has a different effect on me. I could tell that this is a good thing. I am excited to see her all dressed up tonight. I am going to get to see her in a different setting.

  It is time for me to start getting ready. I head back to the hotel from LA VI and head up to my room. I wasn’t sure what I want to wear tonight. I am usually in a suit. However, I feel like maybe I should change things up and let her see the other side of me. The casual Alexander. I want her to see me in a different setting too. I’m just going to wear some dark jeans and a nice button up shirt. Let her see me in something other than a suit. I had finally got her to say yes and I didn’t want to mess it up. I need tonight to go perfect.

  I have never cared so much of what my appearance looked like before now. I want to make sure I look to the best of my ability. Although, I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable either. She already is on the fence about me because I have money.

  I take one last look at myself before I head out the door. It doesn’t take long to get there since she only lives a couple blocks from the hotel. I drive my Audi down the street and see her house. Why am I so damn nervous? Get it together. It’s just a date. You got this. I took a deep breath, gained my composure, give myself a pep talk and head up to her door.

  chapter 6: ella

  After I finally get off, I start feeling super nervous. I have not been out on a decent date in a while. What the hell am I going to wear? He is probably going to take me to a fancy restaurant. I don’t have anything like that in my closet. I start to panic. I go thru my whole closet and nothing. Maybe I shouldn’t go? Suddenly, I hear my doorbell ring. Crap! He is already here? I don’t know what to say. My heart is racing.

  I open the door to him wearing jeans, a nice shirt and carrying a white box.

  “Hey, come in.”

  “So, are you ready?” He says as he looks at me in my uniform.

  “I don’t have anything to wear to a fancy restaurant.”

  “I figured you would say that. I came prepared. I guessed your size.” He tells me as he hands me the box.

  “I told you not to get me any gifts.”

  “But aren’t you glad I did?”

  He is right. If he hadn’t, then I wouldn’t have anything to wear. I go to my bedroom and open the box. Inside is a long elegant red dress which has a low neckline and practically no back with a high slit to show off my legs. Wow, this is sexy. A man picked this out? I laugh. I slip it on and it fit perfectly. I take my hair out of my ponytail and my sun-kissed hair hit the middle of my back in my natural curls. I do need to put on at least a little bit of makeup.

  I walk to my vanity and line my eyes, put on a little mascara, and some red lipstick. I look in the mirror. I look like a completely different person. I look smoking hot. I haven’t had confidence like this in a while.

  I walk out of my bedroom and Alexander didn’t take his eyes off me His jaw drops a little. I’ve never had a man look at me like he is right now.

  “Ella, you look stunning. That dress compliments you perfectly.”

  In this moment, I wasn’t self-conscious because he makes me feel gorgeous.

  He grabs my hand and walks me to his car, opens the door, and shuts it as I slip inside. He climbs in the driver’s seat, starts the car, and places his right hand on my thigh. Suddenly, my thigh got a burning sensation.

  What is that? It is my want, my needs, hoping to get met. I’m not going to sleep with him yet so my body can feel whatever type of way it wants. I will stand my ground. It’s been this long so I’m sure that I can hold out for a little while longer.

  As we are driving thru NYC, people are walking down the streets with bunches of shopping bags. I suddenly know that I am out of place. I couldn’t afford a sock in this neighborhood let alone multiple shopping bags or dinner. I start to feel a little uneasy.

  “Where are we going?” I ask.

  He tilts his head towards me and answers, “The White Camingo.”

  Wow. I have heard of the restaurant. I’ve heard they have amazing food but an appetizer alone is close to thirty bucks. I swallow hard and my throat feels like it is closing. I can’t be this person. As I start to tell Alexander that I have changed my mind, the car stops. He gets out, comes around to let me out and hands the keys to the valet attendant.

  We walk inside, with my arm entwined with this, people staring. Why are they staring at us?

  “I’m not sure I fit in here.” I whisper.

  “Believe me, you do. They are gawking at you.”

  After his comment, I realize he is right. They are gawking at me. The host walks us to our reserved table and sits us down. It feels like this wasn’t real like I am going to wake up any minute. I pinch myself. Nope, still here. This is a not a dream. I have never eaten at a restaurant like this before. They don’t even serve soda, just wine and water. Of course, Alexander orders us a bottle of wine instead of just glasses. He’s trying to get me drunk. I laugh. I really couldn’t complain. This is the nicest place man has ever taken me.

  My palms are getting most as the nerves set in. I haven’t been on a decent date in four years. He is such a handsome and wealthy man. He could have any women he chooses. Why does he want me?

  “So, tell me about yourself?” He asks.

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Have you always been in the hospitality industry?”

  “God no. I worked at a small office for close to fifteen years until it shut down.”

  “Interesting.”

  He goes on and on asking me about my life. I explain that I have never been married, no kids, and how I want to get out of NYC. He looks puzzled. He can’t understand why I didn’t like the city. I guess I should explain.

  “My uncle left me the house that I live in. Once he passed, I moved in there. I never really did like the city but he did. He loved the tall buildings and stuff to do. He never wanted to get out but I do.”

  He looks like he is trying to comprehend what I am saying with a furrow in his brow.

  I wouldn’t mind living in a city, just not a city this big. I want it to be quieter. I want to be able to drive places, see rivers, lakes and oceans. I want to go out in the woods and camp. I have never been camping. My uncle always said he was going to take me but we never ended up going.

  We talk mostly about me. He didn’t take his eyes off me. He looks so deeply into my eyes and is listening to what I am saying. I feel more comfortable as the night progresses because I get to see him. Not the man in the suit but just regular him. He is a laid back and casual man when he wants to be. I like that we could hold an actual conversation.

  We got into the car and again he places his right hand on my thigh. There is that burning sensation again. Nope, not happening. As we pull up to my place, I know what is going to happen next. He helps me out of the car. He takes my hand and walks me to my door.

  “I had a really nice time tonight. I’m glad to see you did too. You are a very interesting woman, Ella. I would love to see you again. Hopefully that’s okay with you.”

  “I would love to see you again.”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Sounds good to me. Same time?”

  “I’ll be here.”

  He is an amazing man. He’s such a gentleman.

  He gently moves a strand of hair out of my face and plants a subtle but passionate kiss on my lips.

  chapter 7: alexander

  Tonight, went better than expected. Ella is smart, funny and could hold an intellectual conversation. It wasn’t that I am surprised by that, but it hasn’t always been the case with the women that I have previously dated. It is nice.

  She feels open enough to tell me about her uncle passing away. I feel honored. She doesn’t seem like the type to open up to people. I am usually not that way either but there is something so genuine about her. It just seems so easy.

  I am blown away by the dress I got her. When she came out, my jaw dropped. She looked drop dead gorgeous.

  I am glad that I could talk to her about my aspirations and my success. I didn’t have many people besides my parents and Shawn that I could talk too. She didn’t seem to mind. She couldn’t believe how I did it being so young. Most people can’t. That’s nothing new to me. I could tell that we were going to get along great.

  When I kissed her, it made me feel alive. More alive than I have felt in a long time. I felt a connection with her that is so strong. It is more than just physical. She matches me intellectually. I might have gone to a prestigious school but she is still smart. I like that about her. She wasn’t a dumb blonde as they say.

  I want to see her again. I know that she feels the same way. I could tell by her body language and the way she looks at me. She could feel the connection we have and we couldn’t just let it slip away. We need to keep seeing each other and see where this could go.

  The only thing I could tell that makes her uncomfortable is my money. I wasn’t sure what to do about that. I can’t change the fact that I have money. I need to start planning what we can for next time.

  I need to call Shawn. He told me to call him when I got home. He probably wants an update on how it went. He is my best friend and he has been trying to get me to start getting out there and dating. I have just been against it. So, he is excited that I went on an actual date tonight.

  “Hey bud, what’s going on?” I ask.

  “Sitting at home. Fixing to go out. How’d your date go?” He asks inquisitively.

  “Pretty damn good. She looked amazing in the dress that I got her. We had a nice dinner, talked a lot, and went for a walk. She is amazing, Shawn. I’m hoping she will want to go out again.”

  “Well, good. Hopefully it will work out. I’m sure you guys will go out again. You’re a catch man. I don’t know why she wouldn’t? From what you have told me so far, she sounds like a keeper.”

  “I sure hope so. We will see.”

  We get off the phone and I am just feeling great. I got to show her a different side of me which I think she enjoyed too. I found out more about her and what she wants. Tonight, was a success in my book.

  chapter 8: ella

  I wake up ready for my day. I must work today but it would be better because I will get to see Alexander again. I had such a nice time with him last night. He is a real gentleman. I put my hair up in a bun, slipped on my uniform, and head to work. I take a bit of extra time to make sure I lined my eyes and put on a little lipstick.

  When I get to work, I grab my clipboard and start cleaning my rooms. I didn’t see Alexander’s name on the list anymore. Where did he go? Did he not enjoy the date? I thought we both had a good time. Why would he just leave and not even tell me? The rest of my day drug by and I am ready to go home. I was planning on going out with him again but he’s not around. I’m upset. My heart aches. I let him in and I should have known better. I knew that this wasn’t going to work out. I told myself that but I still said yes.

  A couple of days later, my phone rings.

  “Hello?”

  “Is this Ella?”

  “Yes?”

  “It’s Alexander.”

  “Now you call me? Three days later?” I yell.

  “I had an emergency and had to fly back to Baltimore first thing that morning. I’m sorry.” He apologizes.

  “I don’t know if I’m okay with that. You are already disappearing on me for days. Not a good sign.”

  “I won’t do it again. I promise.”

  “Okay, last chance.”

  He tells me that he is on his way back to NYC and will be here in an hour for more business. I am excited to see him. He did just disappear on me but I’ll give him one more chance. He is an important man and when duty calls he must run. I didn’t have to work today so I can do as I please. He wants to get together and do something.

  About two hours later, he comes and picks me up and lets me pick what we are going to do. I want to do something cheap like see a movie. So, I search the movie listings and found, “Unexpected.” It’s a romantic movie. Why not? He didn’t disagree with my idea. He just went with it.

  Once we got to the theater, we get our tickets and sit down. I legitimately enjoy his company. He subtly put his arm around me and pulls me closer as the movie began. My head is now resting on his shoulder. I want to watch the movie but enjoy being close to him. He smells heavenly with whatever cologne he is wearing.

  After the movie is over, I could tell he is a little nervous so I asked if he wants to go back to the hotel or continue the date and do something else. He wants to continue the date so I decide to take him to play miniature golf.

  While playing miniature golf, I realize that I am horrible but he is good. I ask him how he is so good and he responds that he used to play all the time with his mom. I notice that he has said that in the past tense so I ask what happened and apologize for his loss. That’s when I found out a lot more about him.

  “She was a single mom who raised me all by herself no help from my dad. My dad left when I was five years old and have not seen him since. I don’t think I would ever want to see him again. I don’t know how any father could just abandon their son.”

  The way he says this means he is a good man. He is going to be a wonderful father someday.

  “This is the reason why I have waited to have kids. I want to make sure that both the mother and the father are fully committed when it happens.”

  Wow he is really an amazing guy. He is not afraid to share things with me which is what I want. I want someone who is an open person and not closed off. Maybe I have finally found someone who could be that person for me.

  After we are done playing golf, he takes me home. When we got to the house he says, “I want to be upfront with you about this dating situation. I travel a lot for my job but I do like you. I want you to know that there is no pressure for sex with me. When you are ready then I shall be ready. Don’t feel like me walking you home means you need to consider inviting me in for sex.”

  I smile and laugh. I also feel a little relief. I haven’t had sex in a long time. I thank him for taking me out tonight and gave him a sweet kiss.

  “Again tomorrow?” He asks.

  “Same time.” I reply and smile.

  After an exhausting day at work, I come home and decide to take a hot bath. I run the water to an almost scolding temperature. My muscles are sore and tense from all the squatting and bending over from work. Some days I wonder if this job is worth it. When I have doubts, I just remind myself that I get paid well and to stop complaining. I grab a book and enjoy about an hour of pure silence. When I got out of the bath, my muscles feel like JELL-O.

  I hear a knock at my door. I grab my towel and ask, “Who is it?”

  “It’s Alexander.”

  I open the door, “Hey, is it time already?”

  He looks at me and then I realize I am in only a towel. Shit.

  “Sorry, I just got out of the bath. I wasn’t expecting you yet.”

  “Sorry, I thought I would come by early and see if I could make you dinner.”

  “Oh, sure. Come in. Let me get dressed.” I say shyly.

  I couldn’t believe I am standing in front of him in only a towel. How embarrassing? I went and changed into some short and a t-shirt.

  “So, what do you plan on making?”

  “I got stuff for spaghetti, is that okay?”

  “I love spaghetti. Carry on.”

  Alexander can cook too. Wow, I am lucky. I’ve always hoped that I would end up with a man that knew his way around a kitchen. I’m not much of a cook. There are five things that I can make that doesn’t involve a microwave. This is good. I just stood behind him watching him.

 

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