001: Better The Devil You Know
Nov 21, 2019 17:06:31 GMT -5
Post by Admin on Nov 21, 2019 17:06:31 GMT -5
Las Vegas ♦ November 16, 2019
As the car she'd hired came to a stop, LJ Starke took out her rose gold compact and checked her reflection. Her makeup had been intricately applied and she spotted no flaws. She was meeting up with her new acquaintance, Rick Raven. They had planned to meet at his penthouse that was located above his club. She'd been to Lux a few times and had always wondered who owned it. She enjoyed her nights spent at the establishment and was going to make it a point to go back. LJ had also made sure to dress for the evening in a long golden dress with the back cut out and matching heels. Perhaps the attire was too dressy for the evening, but LJ didn't think Rick would mind.
She walked into the club and let the staff know who she was, just as she had been directed. LJ was taken to a private elevator that was hidden in the back of the club and got into it. She went up to the top and stepped off, surprised to find that she was inside the penthouse. It seemed deserted but she could hear the soft strains of music coming from deeper within— it sounded like something familiar yet strange and then Rick moved into view, keeping her from dwelling on it for too long. The space was large, floor-to-ceiling windows that looked over Las Vegas and the strip. Neither one of them seemed to have any interest in the view as they walked towards each other.
Rick was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit with a crimson dress shirt, the top button worn open instead of sporting a tie. He looked as dapper as he always did and the smile that curved his lips was filled with delight as he took her in. "You look wonderful," he said, and she was surprised to hear that he had a hint of an English accent. After the week or so they'd spent chatting online, that wasn't quite what she'd expected to hear.
LJ smiled back at him, her eyes wide with a hint of something in them, it was unclear as to what. She looked him over, the suit looking incredible on him. "As do you." She would never have admitted it, but she could hardly believe she was standing in front of him. "Thank you for having me." She gave off the aura of a confident woman, but inside she felt like a teenager trying to muster up the courage to talk to her crush. The moment she'd laid eyes on him in person, she'd realized why he had seemed so familiar when they'd gotten to chatting online: his last name wasn't Raven at all. It was Ravenswood. Her family and his had been business aquaintences for years. Of couse, the last time she'd seen him, she'd been an awkward teenager. "It's nice to see you... in person."
"It's nice to be home." He held out his hand to her, "dinner will be ready shortly. But in the meantime, let's sit. Unwind a little." When she placed her hand in his, he lifted it to his lips and kissed the back of it. He let it linger a bit longer than would have been polite, mischief in his eyes before he led her over to the large and almost circular leather couch in the middle of the room. It was a deep red leather that looked unbelievably expensive.
Her cheeks flushed when his lips were on her hand, but she didn't falter. "Your place is stunning, Rick." She took a seat on the couch, enjoying the feel of the leather under her palm. "You have great taste, but that isn't a surprise." She crossed one leg over the other, revealing the high slit in her dress that came up to her thigh. "And dinner smells great." She had a hard time looking away from his eyes, they were locked on each other. She gazed back at him, a smirk on her face. "Do you entertain here a lot?"
"Not as much as I'd like to," he confessed, taking a seat next to her. "This is my sanctuary, when things get a little too crazy downstairs. Usually, the elevator's locked. Tonight was an exception. Consider yourself part of a very elite group." He turned towards her, crossing his ankle over his knee. The shoes he had on looked very expensive, high-end Italian leather that looked almost as supple as the couch they were sitting on. "I suppose it would be good for that, if I were inclined. As much as it pains me to say it, I'm just not much of a 'people person'."
"I can understand why you haven't. You have all the party you could ever want downstairs." She sat back into the plush leather. "And I do feel very special that you invited me here. I've been in Vegas since August and unfortunately, aside from the few times I came to the Lux, I haven't gotten out too much." Just being in close proximity to him was intoxicating. She had never been around anyone like Rick before.
"I've been here for ten years. Eventually, the novelty wears off." He flashed her a devilish smile, "that's not saying I get bored easily. If I have a reason to be intrigued... I find my focus never wavers." There was an obvious double meaning there. "I collect things. I fill up this space but it still feels empty. I'm sure you understand what I mean."
She nodded agreement, "yes. I spent the majority of my childhood at boarding school and then when I was home, my parents were away. I was alone, a lot. To make up for it, my father would always have some elaborate gift for me, but I was still lonely." LJ shrugged her shoulders, kind of surprised that she was opening up to him like this. "I guess now I'm used to solitude. I'd rather not be, though."
"Boarding school," he smiled, surprised to hear that they shared a similar background. "Of course. And I'm sure you went to a prestigious university afterwards and graduated summa cum laude— top of your class, to the envy of all." Rick inched a little closer to her on the couch, his arm thrown up casually over the back of it so that his fingers barely grazed her shoulder. He wasn't quite sure how old she was, maybe a decade between them if his estimate was accurate, but he felt as though they were on the same page. After the last person he'd connected with online that had turned into a major disappointment in person, he was overjoyed at how well they were clicking.
"Am I that transparent?" She liked him being close to her and she turned toward him. "Yes, to everything you said." Her hand came up and brushed her blonde hair behind her shoulder. "As it is, I don't have many I'm close to, nor have I had many relationships. The few I've had were wastes of space, so I just kept to myself. You, though, you're different and I didn't want to keep to myself."
Rick found himself nodding in agreement. "I understand completely. There are so many people who like to be in my presence... especially those hangers-on downstairs. There aren't many I truly want to spend my valuable time with— present company excluded, of course. I-" he had leaned in closer, as though he was going to confess something but the oven timer in the kitchen chose that moment to go off. With an apologetic smile, he moved to his feet. "I'll just be a moment, doll. Make yourself comfortable."
LJ got to her feet and followed him into the kitchen. "Can I help at all?" Whatever was cooking smelled divine and had her mouth watering. "I feel bad that you've gone to all this work..."
He turned in surprise, stopping before he reached the oven. "I think I've got everything under control. It's an easy recipe... one that makes me look far more talented than I actually am." Chuckling softly as he turned to open the oven, he pointed to the wine rack in the corner. "You're welcome to choose what we're going to drink with it, though. I'm afraid I didn't get that far in my planning."
Once the oven was open, the smell in the space intensified and it was heavenly delicious. Rick took out a roasting pan and lifted the lid to reveal a full roast chicken with golden brown skin, surrounded by red-skinned potatoes. "Basil and herbed chicken and potatoes," he murmured, inserting a meat thermometer into the thigh to make sure it was cooked properly. When that met with his satisfaction, he skewered the bird with a meat fork and set it gently on the platter he had sitting on the counter. "Normally, I'd have sent out for something and passed it off as my own. Far less work involved." He looked over at her with a smile, "but I wanted to do this. For you. I admit I was a little less than honest with the time for my flight. I was back a few hours earlier than I led you to believe. I wanted to ensure I had time to prepare this little feast."
As he was getting the food out of the oven, she had pulled out a bottle of Chardonnay. It was the same as a bottle she'd seen in her father's wine cellar. She set the bottle on the counter and found two crystal wine glasses. Turning, she couldn't suppress the smile on her face. "I think I can forgive that transgression, especially when it was for a good cause." He looked to be a natural in the kitchen. She was a talented cook, herself, and hoped she'd get to pamper him. "Would you like some wine?"
"I would." He murmured, looking over with a small nod at her choice before going back to carving the chicken into four quarters. "Would you prefer white or dark?"
"Dark." She managed to get the wine open and poured them each some. She walked over to him with his glass in hand as she looked around his kitchen. "You have my dream kitchen. Maybe sometime I could cook for you."
"Cook for me?" Rick looked at her with surprise on his face. "Hmmm, that would be a novelty. Never had that before." He took the glass from her and took a sip before setting it down and turning back to preparing their plates. "I set up a little table by the window, but if you'd rather, we can eat here. Suddenly, I don't think the view outside holds much appeal." He finished putting chicken and vegetables on both plates and then he turned to her with one dark brow quirked. "Up to you, doll."
The pet name he'd just given her, made her smile. "Everything's already here and well I can look at Vegas anytime. You on the other hand," she smirked up at him as she took a long sip of her wine. "Yanno... you have a lot of tricks up your sleeve."
"I'd hope so. I dabble in magic as part of my show, just a little sleight of hand." He quipped, picking up the plates and carrying them over to the butcher block counter. "Silverware is in the drawer, if you'd be so kind."
"Of course." LJ pulled out the utensils they'd need and followed him over to the counter with the silverware. She then went back and got their wine glasses. Once she was there, she took a seat across from him. "This is absolutely wonderful, Rick. Thank you again for this. Everything smells delicious."
He rested his elbow on the counter, eyes on her as he smiled. "Oh, no. Thank you. For coming over. For being more than I hoped for." Picking up his fork, he gestured for her to do the same. "Tell me how it tastes. I trust your judgement."
She did as he asked and picked up her fork. Not hesitating, she got a forkful of food and as she tasted it, her eyes went wide. The food was superb and she wanted to tell him so, but she couldn't. Instead, she set down the fork and gave him two thumbs up. Once she swallowed, she grabbed the wine and took a drink. "That tastes better than sex."
He stared at her for a few seconds before a wry chuckle passed his lips. "Darling, I can assure you it's most certainly not." He took a huge bite of his own food, chewing thoughtfully. "No. Absolutely not. Close. But..."
"Well maybe not in your experience." The smirk she gave him was a playful one as she took another bite, this one bigger. After a moment, she nodded her head. "And even better the second time." Taking another drink of wine, she felt better than she had in a long time. She was eating delicious food with an even more delicious man. "Most people can be very charming online but end up being duds in person. You are even more charming in person. I like that," she blushed, realizing she was oversharing again. He seemed to have that effect on her.
"I know," Rick nodded, "I was thinking that a few moments ago myself. It's a relief, really. That you're just as stimulating in person as you were..." he lowered his fork, setting it gently on his plate. "Actually, no. Much more in person, if I'm being honest. Your voice is very soothing and I could get lost in those eyes of yours."
The rest of their meal continued as it had been. Once they'd both finished eating, LJ helped him clean up and load the dishwasher. She marveled at how comfortable she'd been with him and she could almost see this going somewhere. It was too early to tell, of course. But she just had a feeling.
When they'd finished cleaning up, LJ was led back into the living room where they both sat on the couch. They'd finished off the wine during dinner and LJ felt a bit tipsy, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle.
"Can I convince you to sell me this couch?" She undid her heels and brought her legs up so that she was sitting on her knees. "I can be quite persuasive."
"Absolutely not." Rick had taken off his suit jacket and had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, looking far more relaxed than he'd been when she arrived. "I had this specially made. You'll simply have to spend more time here to enjoy it." Following suit with her, he took off his own shoes and his socks as well, wiggling his bare feet against the plush rug that the couch sat on.
"I could handle that." The thought of spending more time with him at his place was a good one. "Though to be honest, if I get in some comfortable pajamas and get a big ol' blanket, you may never get me to leave." She wasn't completely joking as her side pressed against the back of the couch.
"Mmmhmm," he grinned, "well, hold that thought." Before she could ask what he meant, he was up and across the room, disappearing through the doorway that she hadn't been through that she could only assume led to his bedroom. A moment later, he returned with a plush red blanket in his arms. He shook it out and sat down on the couch beside her, spreading it out across both of them. "I don't have any pajamas that would fit you, I'm afraid. This will have to do." He pulled his knee up on the couch, tucking his one leg under himself and turning towards her even as his arm stretched out across the back. "I did buy a dress... in your size. I was going to send it over to you before our date but that felt a little too controlling. I wanted to see what you'd choose."
"I think that's sweet and the next time we get together, I'll plan on wearing it." No one had ever done that for her before and it made her like him even more. If that was possible. Scooting closer to him, under the blanket, she laid her head back on the couch. "I know I overdressed, but I thought you'd like it."
"You didn't. At all." He shifted so that his arm was actually around her shoulders, his fingers gently grazing her arm. "And I did— I do," he corrected himself, "you look incredible. Good enough to eat." His other hand was still under the blanket and he rested it on her knee for a moment, leaning in closer to her. "Which begs the question, of course..."
She bit down on her lower lip a moment as she brought a hand up and rested it on the side of his face. "Whatever plans you had for tonight, consider me game." She snuggled in closer, her thumb caressing his cheek.
"Fantastic," he murmured, closing the rest of the distance to press his lips to hers. The kiss was hot and hungry, letting her know just how much he was enjoying her company. When the kiss broke, he sighed with contentment. "Mmmm... delicious. I've been dying to do that all night."
"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been dying for you to kiss me." She pressed her lips against his once more, this time she was bold and slid her tongue into his mouth. Her hand slid down and rested on his shoulders, her fingers wrapping around part of his shirt. She pulled him closer to her and pulled back. "And I've been dying to do that."
"Hmmm..." he pretended to consider the ante she'd just upped, "I think this blanket might be a bit too warm. Or perhaps I'm a little overdressed." He smirked, kissing her again, this time letting it linger as he pressed her back against the couch. "Be a dear, would you? Give me hand with these pesky buttons?"
"Absolutely." She undid his buttons one by one before sliding the shirt off of him. She felt her breath catch as she looked him over. "I know I said I would just help with the buttons, but your skin needs to breathe." She ran her hands over his chest before resting them on his shoulders. "I hope you don't mind."
"I don't..." he was still smiling, that twinkle of mischief back in his eyes. "Feels much better, wouldn't you say?" He lifted his hand and caressed her cheek, slowly sliding it down her neck. "You feel warm," he murmured, replacing his fingers with his lips to gently kiss and nibble at her neck.
"Oh, I do feel warm." Her head tilted back, giving him better access to her neck. She let her hands roam over his chest, arms, back, and shoulders. "What do we... uh... do about that?" When she spoke, her words were breathy as she closed her eyes and softly moaned.
"Get rid of more layers," he whispered against her skin, "it's the only way." His hand was on her side, surprised that the shimmery material of her dress wasn't as uninviting to the touch as it had seemed. "We can go to the bedroom, if you'd prefer..."
"I do." Her cheeks were completely flushed as Rick got off the couch. She did so as well and followed him to what was his bedroom. When they got inside, it was one of the most beautiful rooms she'd ever seen, all decked out in black-stained wood and crimson accents. Walking over to him, her arms went around his neck as she kissed him again.
The bed was huge, at least double the size of the biggest bed she could ever remember seeing, covered in red and black pillows. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close against him as he backed up against the bed. The windows in here had shades over them, the ones around the bed pulled down and they gave the illusion of privacy more than the open space they'd just left did. This felt more like the place Rick spent his time, looking far more lived in with a silk robe thrown over a chair and a hardcover novel sitting on the bedside table with a bookmark in it and a pair of black-rimmed glasses resting next to it. "You're positively burning up," he murmured against her lips when the kiss broke, his fingers gentle as he ran them down her bare back.
"You're right," she said softly, "I'd better do something about that." LJ pushed him gently back against the bed as he sat down. She loved having his eyes roam over her as she slid off the gown off of her shoulders, letting it fall to the ground. Underneath she wore a black and crimson bra and panties set. While the lingerie was revealing, it left just enough to the imagination. Taking a step forward so that she was right in front of him, she leaned over and kissed him. It was slow at first, but the longer the kiss went on, the more desperate it was.
Rick was grinning when the kiss broke and he pulled her down on the bed with a playful growl. Her underthings perfectly matched the bedding, as if she'd planned it— his favorite color scheme that she'd had no way of knowing before setting foot in his place. It was almost as if it was meant to be and he couldn't get enough of her. "I'm in the mood for something sweet..." he kissed her again, his hands caressing every inch of exposed skin, "something decadent."
"I might be able to provide that for you." She grinned back at him as her lips pressed against his again. She'd bought the lingerie the day before with him in mind. When she pulled back, she bit his bottom lip playfully and sat up, her hands on his chest. "See, I'm in the mood for something fiery."
"Something spicy?" His eyebrow quirked, that smirk of his bordering on wicked. "Oh, yes, I think we can do that, doll." He rolled her over, pinning her to the mattress. "Which begs the question... are you ticklish? Allergic to feathers?"
LJ looked up at him as she playfully struggled under him. "Not allergic to feathers and yes I'm ticklish." Her breathing was getting heavier. He was playing a game of cat and mouse with her and she wasn't complaining. "I feel like there's something mischievous going on behind those eyes."
"Better the devil you know," he quipped with a laugh, clapping his hands twice. The lights dimmed and the Righteous Brothers came on over a hidden sound system. "There now, that's better. Now, where were we?" His lips found a tender spot under her ear and he nibbled at her skin. "Ahhh, yes... that's right. I was going to show you how shabby that dinner really was..."
She walked into the club and let the staff know who she was, just as she had been directed. LJ was taken to a private elevator that was hidden in the back of the club and got into it. She went up to the top and stepped off, surprised to find that she was inside the penthouse. It seemed deserted but she could hear the soft strains of music coming from deeper within— it sounded like something familiar yet strange and then Rick moved into view, keeping her from dwelling on it for too long. The space was large, floor-to-ceiling windows that looked over Las Vegas and the strip. Neither one of them seemed to have any interest in the view as they walked towards each other.
Rick was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit with a crimson dress shirt, the top button worn open instead of sporting a tie. He looked as dapper as he always did and the smile that curved his lips was filled with delight as he took her in. "You look wonderful," he said, and she was surprised to hear that he had a hint of an English accent. After the week or so they'd spent chatting online, that wasn't quite what she'd expected to hear.
LJ smiled back at him, her eyes wide with a hint of something in them, it was unclear as to what. She looked him over, the suit looking incredible on him. "As do you." She would never have admitted it, but she could hardly believe she was standing in front of him. "Thank you for having me." She gave off the aura of a confident woman, but inside she felt like a teenager trying to muster up the courage to talk to her crush. The moment she'd laid eyes on him in person, she'd realized why he had seemed so familiar when they'd gotten to chatting online: his last name wasn't Raven at all. It was Ravenswood. Her family and his had been business aquaintences for years. Of couse, the last time she'd seen him, she'd been an awkward teenager. "It's nice to see you... in person."
"It's nice to be home." He held out his hand to her, "dinner will be ready shortly. But in the meantime, let's sit. Unwind a little." When she placed her hand in his, he lifted it to his lips and kissed the back of it. He let it linger a bit longer than would have been polite, mischief in his eyes before he led her over to the large and almost circular leather couch in the middle of the room. It was a deep red leather that looked unbelievably expensive.
Her cheeks flushed when his lips were on her hand, but she didn't falter. "Your place is stunning, Rick." She took a seat on the couch, enjoying the feel of the leather under her palm. "You have great taste, but that isn't a surprise." She crossed one leg over the other, revealing the high slit in her dress that came up to her thigh. "And dinner smells great." She had a hard time looking away from his eyes, they were locked on each other. She gazed back at him, a smirk on her face. "Do you entertain here a lot?"
"Not as much as I'd like to," he confessed, taking a seat next to her. "This is my sanctuary, when things get a little too crazy downstairs. Usually, the elevator's locked. Tonight was an exception. Consider yourself part of a very elite group." He turned towards her, crossing his ankle over his knee. The shoes he had on looked very expensive, high-end Italian leather that looked almost as supple as the couch they were sitting on. "I suppose it would be good for that, if I were inclined. As much as it pains me to say it, I'm just not much of a 'people person'."
"I can understand why you haven't. You have all the party you could ever want downstairs." She sat back into the plush leather. "And I do feel very special that you invited me here. I've been in Vegas since August and unfortunately, aside from the few times I came to the Lux, I haven't gotten out too much." Just being in close proximity to him was intoxicating. She had never been around anyone like Rick before.
"I've been here for ten years. Eventually, the novelty wears off." He flashed her a devilish smile, "that's not saying I get bored easily. If I have a reason to be intrigued... I find my focus never wavers." There was an obvious double meaning there. "I collect things. I fill up this space but it still feels empty. I'm sure you understand what I mean."
She nodded agreement, "yes. I spent the majority of my childhood at boarding school and then when I was home, my parents were away. I was alone, a lot. To make up for it, my father would always have some elaborate gift for me, but I was still lonely." LJ shrugged her shoulders, kind of surprised that she was opening up to him like this. "I guess now I'm used to solitude. I'd rather not be, though."
"Boarding school," he smiled, surprised to hear that they shared a similar background. "Of course. And I'm sure you went to a prestigious university afterwards and graduated summa cum laude— top of your class, to the envy of all." Rick inched a little closer to her on the couch, his arm thrown up casually over the back of it so that his fingers barely grazed her shoulder. He wasn't quite sure how old she was, maybe a decade between them if his estimate was accurate, but he felt as though they were on the same page. After the last person he'd connected with online that had turned into a major disappointment in person, he was overjoyed at how well they were clicking.
"Am I that transparent?" She liked him being close to her and she turned toward him. "Yes, to everything you said." Her hand came up and brushed her blonde hair behind her shoulder. "As it is, I don't have many I'm close to, nor have I had many relationships. The few I've had were wastes of space, so I just kept to myself. You, though, you're different and I didn't want to keep to myself."
Rick found himself nodding in agreement. "I understand completely. There are so many people who like to be in my presence... especially those hangers-on downstairs. There aren't many I truly want to spend my valuable time with— present company excluded, of course. I-" he had leaned in closer, as though he was going to confess something but the oven timer in the kitchen chose that moment to go off. With an apologetic smile, he moved to his feet. "I'll just be a moment, doll. Make yourself comfortable."
LJ got to her feet and followed him into the kitchen. "Can I help at all?" Whatever was cooking smelled divine and had her mouth watering. "I feel bad that you've gone to all this work..."
He turned in surprise, stopping before he reached the oven. "I think I've got everything under control. It's an easy recipe... one that makes me look far more talented than I actually am." Chuckling softly as he turned to open the oven, he pointed to the wine rack in the corner. "You're welcome to choose what we're going to drink with it, though. I'm afraid I didn't get that far in my planning."
Once the oven was open, the smell in the space intensified and it was heavenly delicious. Rick took out a roasting pan and lifted the lid to reveal a full roast chicken with golden brown skin, surrounded by red-skinned potatoes. "Basil and herbed chicken and potatoes," he murmured, inserting a meat thermometer into the thigh to make sure it was cooked properly. When that met with his satisfaction, he skewered the bird with a meat fork and set it gently on the platter he had sitting on the counter. "Normally, I'd have sent out for something and passed it off as my own. Far less work involved." He looked over at her with a smile, "but I wanted to do this. For you. I admit I was a little less than honest with the time for my flight. I was back a few hours earlier than I led you to believe. I wanted to ensure I had time to prepare this little feast."
As he was getting the food out of the oven, she had pulled out a bottle of Chardonnay. It was the same as a bottle she'd seen in her father's wine cellar. She set the bottle on the counter and found two crystal wine glasses. Turning, she couldn't suppress the smile on her face. "I think I can forgive that transgression, especially when it was for a good cause." He looked to be a natural in the kitchen. She was a talented cook, herself, and hoped she'd get to pamper him. "Would you like some wine?"
"I would." He murmured, looking over with a small nod at her choice before going back to carving the chicken into four quarters. "Would you prefer white or dark?"
"Dark." She managed to get the wine open and poured them each some. She walked over to him with his glass in hand as she looked around his kitchen. "You have my dream kitchen. Maybe sometime I could cook for you."
"Cook for me?" Rick looked at her with surprise on his face. "Hmmm, that would be a novelty. Never had that before." He took the glass from her and took a sip before setting it down and turning back to preparing their plates. "I set up a little table by the window, but if you'd rather, we can eat here. Suddenly, I don't think the view outside holds much appeal." He finished putting chicken and vegetables on both plates and then he turned to her with one dark brow quirked. "Up to you, doll."
The pet name he'd just given her, made her smile. "Everything's already here and well I can look at Vegas anytime. You on the other hand," she smirked up at him as she took a long sip of her wine. "Yanno... you have a lot of tricks up your sleeve."
"I'd hope so. I dabble in magic as part of my show, just a little sleight of hand." He quipped, picking up the plates and carrying them over to the butcher block counter. "Silverware is in the drawer, if you'd be so kind."
"Of course." LJ pulled out the utensils they'd need and followed him over to the counter with the silverware. She then went back and got their wine glasses. Once she was there, she took a seat across from him. "This is absolutely wonderful, Rick. Thank you again for this. Everything smells delicious."
He rested his elbow on the counter, eyes on her as he smiled. "Oh, no. Thank you. For coming over. For being more than I hoped for." Picking up his fork, he gestured for her to do the same. "Tell me how it tastes. I trust your judgement."
She did as he asked and picked up her fork. Not hesitating, she got a forkful of food and as she tasted it, her eyes went wide. The food was superb and she wanted to tell him so, but she couldn't. Instead, she set down the fork and gave him two thumbs up. Once she swallowed, she grabbed the wine and took a drink. "That tastes better than sex."
He stared at her for a few seconds before a wry chuckle passed his lips. "Darling, I can assure you it's most certainly not." He took a huge bite of his own food, chewing thoughtfully. "No. Absolutely not. Close. But..."
"Well maybe not in your experience." The smirk she gave him was a playful one as she took another bite, this one bigger. After a moment, she nodded her head. "And even better the second time." Taking another drink of wine, she felt better than she had in a long time. She was eating delicious food with an even more delicious man. "Most people can be very charming online but end up being duds in person. You are even more charming in person. I like that," she blushed, realizing she was oversharing again. He seemed to have that effect on her.
"I know," Rick nodded, "I was thinking that a few moments ago myself. It's a relief, really. That you're just as stimulating in person as you were..." he lowered his fork, setting it gently on his plate. "Actually, no. Much more in person, if I'm being honest. Your voice is very soothing and I could get lost in those eyes of yours."
The rest of their meal continued as it had been. Once they'd both finished eating, LJ helped him clean up and load the dishwasher. She marveled at how comfortable she'd been with him and she could almost see this going somewhere. It was too early to tell, of course. But she just had a feeling.
When they'd finished cleaning up, LJ was led back into the living room where they both sat on the couch. They'd finished off the wine during dinner and LJ felt a bit tipsy, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle.
"Can I convince you to sell me this couch?" She undid her heels and brought her legs up so that she was sitting on her knees. "I can be quite persuasive."
"Absolutely not." Rick had taken off his suit jacket and had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, looking far more relaxed than he'd been when she arrived. "I had this specially made. You'll simply have to spend more time here to enjoy it." Following suit with her, he took off his own shoes and his socks as well, wiggling his bare feet against the plush rug that the couch sat on.
"I could handle that." The thought of spending more time with him at his place was a good one. "Though to be honest, if I get in some comfortable pajamas and get a big ol' blanket, you may never get me to leave." She wasn't completely joking as her side pressed against the back of the couch.
"Mmmhmm," he grinned, "well, hold that thought." Before she could ask what he meant, he was up and across the room, disappearing through the doorway that she hadn't been through that she could only assume led to his bedroom. A moment later, he returned with a plush red blanket in his arms. He shook it out and sat down on the couch beside her, spreading it out across both of them. "I don't have any pajamas that would fit you, I'm afraid. This will have to do." He pulled his knee up on the couch, tucking his one leg under himself and turning towards her even as his arm stretched out across the back. "I did buy a dress... in your size. I was going to send it over to you before our date but that felt a little too controlling. I wanted to see what you'd choose."
"I think that's sweet and the next time we get together, I'll plan on wearing it." No one had ever done that for her before and it made her like him even more. If that was possible. Scooting closer to him, under the blanket, she laid her head back on the couch. "I know I overdressed, but I thought you'd like it."
"You didn't. At all." He shifted so that his arm was actually around her shoulders, his fingers gently grazing her arm. "And I did— I do," he corrected himself, "you look incredible. Good enough to eat." His other hand was still under the blanket and he rested it on her knee for a moment, leaning in closer to her. "Which begs the question, of course..."
She bit down on her lower lip a moment as she brought a hand up and rested it on the side of his face. "Whatever plans you had for tonight, consider me game." She snuggled in closer, her thumb caressing his cheek.
"Fantastic," he murmured, closing the rest of the distance to press his lips to hers. The kiss was hot and hungry, letting her know just how much he was enjoying her company. When the kiss broke, he sighed with contentment. "Mmmm... delicious. I've been dying to do that all night."
"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been dying for you to kiss me." She pressed her lips against his once more, this time she was bold and slid her tongue into his mouth. Her hand slid down and rested on his shoulders, her fingers wrapping around part of his shirt. She pulled him closer to her and pulled back. "And I've been dying to do that."
"Hmmm..." he pretended to consider the ante she'd just upped, "I think this blanket might be a bit too warm. Or perhaps I'm a little overdressed." He smirked, kissing her again, this time letting it linger as he pressed her back against the couch. "Be a dear, would you? Give me hand with these pesky buttons?"
"Absolutely." She undid his buttons one by one before sliding the shirt off of him. She felt her breath catch as she looked him over. "I know I said I would just help with the buttons, but your skin needs to breathe." She ran her hands over his chest before resting them on his shoulders. "I hope you don't mind."
"I don't..." he was still smiling, that twinkle of mischief back in his eyes. "Feels much better, wouldn't you say?" He lifted his hand and caressed her cheek, slowly sliding it down her neck. "You feel warm," he murmured, replacing his fingers with his lips to gently kiss and nibble at her neck.
"Oh, I do feel warm." Her head tilted back, giving him better access to her neck. She let her hands roam over his chest, arms, back, and shoulders. "What do we... uh... do about that?" When she spoke, her words were breathy as she closed her eyes and softly moaned.
"Get rid of more layers," he whispered against her skin, "it's the only way." His hand was on her side, surprised that the shimmery material of her dress wasn't as uninviting to the touch as it had seemed. "We can go to the bedroom, if you'd prefer..."
"I do." Her cheeks were completely flushed as Rick got off the couch. She did so as well and followed him to what was his bedroom. When they got inside, it was one of the most beautiful rooms she'd ever seen, all decked out in black-stained wood and crimson accents. Walking over to him, her arms went around his neck as she kissed him again.
The bed was huge, at least double the size of the biggest bed she could ever remember seeing, covered in red and black pillows. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close against him as he backed up against the bed. The windows in here had shades over them, the ones around the bed pulled down and they gave the illusion of privacy more than the open space they'd just left did. This felt more like the place Rick spent his time, looking far more lived in with a silk robe thrown over a chair and a hardcover novel sitting on the bedside table with a bookmark in it and a pair of black-rimmed glasses resting next to it. "You're positively burning up," he murmured against her lips when the kiss broke, his fingers gentle as he ran them down her bare back.
"You're right," she said softly, "I'd better do something about that." LJ pushed him gently back against the bed as he sat down. She loved having his eyes roam over her as she slid off the gown off of her shoulders, letting it fall to the ground. Underneath she wore a black and crimson bra and panties set. While the lingerie was revealing, it left just enough to the imagination. Taking a step forward so that she was right in front of him, she leaned over and kissed him. It was slow at first, but the longer the kiss went on, the more desperate it was.
Rick was grinning when the kiss broke and he pulled her down on the bed with a playful growl. Her underthings perfectly matched the bedding, as if she'd planned it— his favorite color scheme that she'd had no way of knowing before setting foot in his place. It was almost as if it was meant to be and he couldn't get enough of her. "I'm in the mood for something sweet..." he kissed her again, his hands caressing every inch of exposed skin, "something decadent."
"I might be able to provide that for you." She grinned back at him as her lips pressed against his again. She'd bought the lingerie the day before with him in mind. When she pulled back, she bit his bottom lip playfully and sat up, her hands on his chest. "See, I'm in the mood for something fiery."
"Something spicy?" His eyebrow quirked, that smirk of his bordering on wicked. "Oh, yes, I think we can do that, doll." He rolled her over, pinning her to the mattress. "Which begs the question... are you ticklish? Allergic to feathers?"
LJ looked up at him as she playfully struggled under him. "Not allergic to feathers and yes I'm ticklish." Her breathing was getting heavier. He was playing a game of cat and mouse with her and she wasn't complaining. "I feel like there's something mischievous going on behind those eyes."
"Better the devil you know," he quipped with a laugh, clapping his hands twice. The lights dimmed and the Righteous Brothers came on over a hidden sound system. "There now, that's better. Now, where were we?" His lips found a tender spot under her ear and he nibbled at her skin. "Ahhh, yes... that's right. I was going to show you how shabby that dinner really was..."
