Mr. Brown noticed and quickly ordered for us both, telling the waiter, "She'll have what I'm having."
He smiled reassuringly, "Relax, I'm a regular here. Trust me, you'll enjoy it."
He expertly cut up my steak and handed me the plate.
Watching him swirl his wine with ease, he gave me a knowing look and downed his glass in one go.
I took his lead, sipping one glass after another until the room started spinning. I ended up slumped against him, spouting all sorts of silly things.
He steadied me, responding to my rambles with, "It's all good. You've got me."
I ended up spilling my guts about my past, and everything I'd been through.
He was a solid presence, his chin resting on my forehead, his scent calming.
Maybe it was the wine talking, but I felt oddly drawn to him, caught in a haze between dream and reality.
As we neared my building, he stopped and looked down at me intently. I looked back, squinting slightly, and saw a mix of curiosity and desire in his eyes.
He kissed me. I didn't resist.
"Want to keep this going?" he whispered, his breath hot and rough against my ear, sending shivers down my spine and my body softening.