Page 9 of Stella’s Manster

“Wow,” I gasp as I run my eyes up and down her body. “You look beautiful.”

“It’s no Catwoman costume, but I suppose this dress will have to do,” she says with a smirk. Her face reddens slightly as she looks down at our joined hands.

“If it’s possible, you’re even more stunning today than the last time I saw you,” I tell her genuinely. “You look like royalty.”

I twine my fingers with hers and lead her into the restaurant.

“Welcome to Martinellis, how many?” the hostess greets us.

“Two.”

The hostess smiles and nods before leading us to one of the white-clothed tables in the back of the chandelier-lit restaurant. I sit across from Stella and order us a bottle of red wine. I can’t help but gaze deeply into her gorgeous eyes and share a smile with her.

Say something, say anything! No, not anything. Don’t talk about her brother and the court case. Don’t say anything to cause her any stress. Say anything else.

Clearing my throat lightly, I spark conversation. “Thank you for coming tonight.”

She smiles. “Well, thanks for the invitation. We didn’t get to talk much at the party,” she adds. “Or at the courthouse.” Her eyes peer down at the table.

In an attempt to keep the conversation light, I spill a witty response, “It’s a shame, Halloween parties are so much fun. It would’ve been fitting for Batman and Catwoman to have shared a dance, wouldn’t you agree?” I chuckle, coaxing a laugh from her.

“You went to that party alone?” she asks and I respond with a nod of agreement. “Why?”

Shrugging my shoulders, I pick up my glass of wine. “I didn’t have anyone to take,” I tell her then take a sip.

“That’s surprising to hear. I figured a man like you would be involved with someone,” Stella admits.

I raise an eyebrow at her playfully. “And why is that?”

Stella blushes and shrugs. “I’ve never met anyone as sweet as you. You were a complete gentleman that night,” she tells me, resting her chin on her hand as she peers at me. “Then I find out you’re quite successful in your career. Not to mention,” she pauses and bats her long lashes in my direction, “you’re hot.” She tosses her hands up. “There, I said it out loud. You’re hot, okay? I think you’re hot.” She blushes once more and lets out a half-hearted chuckle before taking a long swig of her wine.

Chuckling, I smile back at her. “Thanks, but for the record, you’re the hot one out of the two of us.” I motion toward her. “And I would only ever treat you with respect,” I promise her. “That is unless you wanted me to do something naughty to you.” I wink playfully.

She gently bites her bottom lip and my dick twitches beneath the table. I need to say something to change the subject or I might lift her dress and take her over this table right here in the restaurant.

“Tell me, Stella, what is it that you want in life?”

Her eyes widen, “In life? That’s a broad question.”

“Okay, how about, if you could have the perfect life, what would make you the happiest?”

Bringing a hand to her chin, she glances upward to think for a moment. “Realistically, if I had it my way, I’d have a decent man, our perfect house, and of course, a Golden Doodle,” she says with a bright smile.

“Golden Doodle?” I chuckle.

She nods proudly. “Yep, I’ve always wanted a Golden Doodle. I just haven’t had the chance to go and get one yet. My boss has been keeping me busy,” Stella sighs wistfully.

“What do you do?” So much mystery still surrounds Stella, and I’m drawn to her every twist and turn.

“I’m an executive assistant to the CEO at a bank,” she replies. “I’d ask about you but, well, we’ve established that you’re a lawyer.”

I tear my eyes away from Stella for a moment as the waitress brings us more wine.

Perfect timing.

We order our food, both of us choosing the fettuccini alfredo.

We even like the same food.

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