Page 27 of Perfect Strangers

A small smile creeps along my face as I pull the door open, only to find it locked. Tapping on the door, I wait for Major to let me in. The cool night air gusts through the city, flowing through my golden locks.

A shiver travels through my body as I glance around, waiting for Major. I knock harder this time, hoping he hears it. At that moment, a sense of urgency and fear seeps into me as the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Feeling like someone is watching me, I spin around, hoping it’s no one. That familiar sense of fear scares the shit out of me as I glance around, looking for anyone that might look like one of those thugs from Atlantic City.

I can’t even imagine they’d still be after me, after all these years, but you never know how long people will hold grudges; especially if money’s involved.

A dark shadow emerges from across the street causing me to freeze in position. My breath hitches as my vision sharpens.

At that moment, the door swings open behind me and Major sneaks up behind me. I yelp out, startling as he touches me.

“Geez, it’s just me. Are you alright?”

I stare into his eyes, letting the warmth from his body, calm me down. I push the tears away and breathe. “Sorry, I thought I saw…nothing. It was nothing.”

Major holds me against him. “You sure? Your face is pale like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I laugh it away. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

He hesitates but lets go, ushering me into the restaurant. He takes my jacket and ushers me toward the table just for the two of us. Soft music plays in the background as candles light up the restaurant. The scent of our delicious meal wavers from the kitchen, making my stomach growl with excitement and hunger.

Major returns with a bottle of champagne and two champagne flutes. I’m not sure drinking would be the right thing to do tonight, but I can handle one. Anything more, and I’d be a total goner. I smile as he pours the champagne into my glass. He takes a seat across from me and stares intensly with those deep dark eyes.

My body trembles with a heated yearning and I have to force myself to not lick my lips. We hold up our glasses for a toast.

Major chimes first. “To new beginnings.”

I smile shyly and click my glass with his. “To new beginnings.”

I pull the glass back, allowing the drink to spill down my throat, coating each layer with the warm sparkly buzz. We sip together in a comfortable silence. I can’t help but smile as Major sips his champagne and watches as I finish up mine.

His deep eyes brighten under the candlelight and I watch as he stands and heads back toward the kitchen. As he exits, I wipe away the sweat from my hands and fan myself with a napkin. Damn it’s hot in here.

Major returns with a silver dome, covering our food. I smile with anticipation as he sets the dome on our table. I can’t help but feel all giddy like a little girl, opening up Christmas presents.

Major places his hand on the dome, teasing me for a few seconds. “Ready?”

I nod, “Of course I’m ready. Stop messing with me!”

He snickers as he uncovers the plates of food. I gasp at the delicious display of a beautifully crafted meal. The scent of greens and savory sauce fills my nose, causing my mouth to salivate in an instant.

“Dinner for tonight is the chef’s specialty; Beef Wellington. Bon Appétit.”

“Wow, Major. This looks amazing!”

He glances at me from across the table as he sits in his seat. “I’m glad you like it. Now, dig in.”

We enjoy our meal together as we discuss work and his expansion plans for a third restaurant. I watch and listen to his plans as his eyes grow with determination and his face lights up with excitement.

I’ve always admired Major’s motivation for broadening his horizons. He’s never satisfied with meeting just one goal. He’s the type of person to always strive for more. It’s one of his great qualities that I admire so much.

“Refill?”

He motions the champagne bottle toward my empty glass, waiting for my answer.

“Oh sorry. Uhhh, yes please.”

I watch as he pours another glass, mentally spanking myself for giving in to another portion. It’s just champagne, what’s the worst that could happen?

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