Page 41 of How May I Please You

Alpen Rose is an upscale restaurant in Philly, but I never knew just how upscale until tonight. When Trey texted that he had made reservations for the three of us, I had to look the establishment up just to see what it was like. I was pleasantly surprised that he had chosen a steakhouse instead of a place that serves hors d’oeuvres and caviar, because Journey and I are not “fancy” people. While the setting is romantic dim lighting, vibrant chandeliers, and even a fireplace, I don't feel out of place when we’re escorted to our table. The waiter who takes our order is dressed in a tuxedo, but he doesn't have his nose in the air as he memorizes what each of us want, and I don't have the sudden urge to meet him out back to stick a fork through his chin.

Journey sits next to me in a sequin black dress that she tones down with a black leather choker that’s wide enough to cover the slight bruising on her neck from last night. Her hair crashes down her back in beautiful black waves, and the look in her eyes tells me she can’t wait to return home and watch me take off the all-black outfit I’m wearing. The top three buttons of my shirt are undone, giving her a subtle peek at my chiseled upper chest, and I keep catching her glancing at it before sucking her bottom lip into her mouth.

After last night, Journey and I are back on track—the way we always should have been. Her suspicious activity steered us off course, but I chose to re-center us. The scene we pulled off with the belt last night was precisely what we needed, the perfect shade of black to make us feel at home again. Now that we are on solid ground, my thoughts are no longer weighed down by doubt or distrust. All I can think about now is when I’ll make her scream for me again.

“Nah, you both look good,” Trey says, smiling in a white button-up. His beard is freshly trimmed and he is well put together tonight. “I've never seen you so done up before, Evan. Journey really brings it out of you, huh?”

We all share a laugh.

“That she most definitely does,” I agree, but the look Journey and I share is much more devious than Trey knows.

Yes, she brings out the murderer in me. My Little Devil.

“It’s nice to see you again, Journey,” Trey says, reaching for his glass of water. “How have things been going with you, besides putting up with Evan’s shit?”

Journey giggles lightheartedly. “I can’t complain. Just doing the same old stuff, really. Work all day, play with Evan all night.”

Trey smiles but I can see the apprehension on his face. “Umm, yeah that’s cool. Any interesting cases you can tell me about? I heard a diner around here was burned down.”

I keep my eyes on my glass of red wine while Journey speaks on the now taboo topic.

“I can't really get into an ongoing investigation, but yes, Andrea’s was burned down recently. That’s actually my case and we’re looking into it.”

“Any leads?” Trey asks.

I laugh mockingly. “Leads?”

“What? That’s what they call it on TV,” Trey shoots back. “Evan is always hating.”

“No, not really,” Journey answers. “We haven't had much luck with this one.”

“That’s too bad,” says Trey. “Well, at least the two of you are going strong. I hope I can have what you guys have one day. Love is hard to find.”

“It most definitely is,” I chime in. “Especially finding someone who’s into the same kind of things as you. People say opposites attract, but I think that’s not the way to go for the long term.”

The waiter interrupts our conversation by bringing out our food and positioning each plate neatly in front of its owner. Journey’s beef wellington is a sight to behold, while Trey’s lamb looks delectable. My T-bone steak is so mouth-watering that I forget what I’m even talking about.

We spend the next fifteen minutes eating instead of talking. The sound of forks and knives scraping against ceramic plates fills the air, mixed with wine being gulped and glasses clinking back to the table.

In no time at all, all of our plates are nearly empty and our bellies are full of wine. When the waiter returns to ask if we’d like dessert, we shoo him away as if the question is offensive.

“I couldn't possibly eat another bite,” Journey says as the waiter walks off.

“I will literally explode if I have one more forkful,” Trey agrees. He leans back in his chair and rubs his belly. “Now I’m ready for my Santa Claus audition.”

“Santa Claus? You think your future fiancée will be into that?” I ask before bringing my wine glass to my lips and looking at Trey over the top edge.

“Oh, you got jokes?” he quips. “I don't know, but if she is, I’m down for it. Hell, I see that collar on Journey’s neck. I might need you two to teach me a little something about getting my girl to be kinky.”

Journey laughs as she habitually rubs her day collar. “If she’s open-minded, you might be able to introduce her to some stuff. It takes a lot of love and trust to explore kinks, though.”

“We’ve got plenty of love and trust, that’s why I’m considering popping the question.”

“Just be careful,” I join in. “Ease her into the idea of you being kinky. You don’t need her snapping on you for doing too much. The last thing we need is you ending up dead over a kink.”

We laugh together as the waiter brings the bill to the table and sets it next to Trey, who snatches it up quickly. When I reach for my wallet, he holds out his hand.

“Don't even think about it,” he says, shaking his head. “I told you this was on me, so I got this. Plus, I’m your boss. I’m supposed to pay.”

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