Chapter 1: Introduction
Justin swung the door open and stepped into the bustling Italian restaurant, greeting the aroma of garlic and basil that filled the air. He scanned the dimly lit room, taking in the red checkered tablecloths, the twinkling candles, and the chatter of the patrons. A witty retort was already forming in his mind, ready to charm the shit out of whoever would be his date tonight. He scoffed, conscious of his own arrogance, and shook his head at the inner dialogue. No need to be a cocky prick tonight.
Justin ran his fingers through his thick hair, adjusting his collar and bracing himself for the blind date. After all, the woman who set this up was a close friend who wouldn’t have paired him up with anyone boring.
His gaze roamed the restaurant again and found himself fixated on a striking brunette with a curvy silhouette. She sat alone, her back towards him, leafing through a book. A book? Who does that on a date? He smirked to himself, intrigued.
She definitely doesn't seem like the bubblegum pop, Tik-Tok watching, selfie-obsessed type. An image of a strong, confident woman who could hold her own in a heated debate popped into his mind. He shook his head to snap out of his reverie and took note of the thin, delicate silver chain she wore around her neck, the way her hair tumbled over her shoulders in silky waves.
As if sensing his scrutiny, she turned and Justin's breath hitched as his eyes met hers.
The most beautiful, striking, absolutely captivating pair of emerald green eyes locked on his, a mischievous smile curving her full lips.
"You must be Justin," she said, her voice sultry and warm, and as he approached her table, her eyes swept over his frame suggestively, heating the blood running through his veins. "Jenny," she introduced herself, slowly extending a delicate hand and he eagerly swallowed it up in his grasp, taking in the feel of her skin and the confident way she maintained eye contact.
They exchanged pleasantries before Justin flagged down the waiter and ordered a bottle of the finest wine on the menu. "A celebration of sorts, don't you think?" he winked at Jenny and she playfully rolled her eyes, an indulgent smile on her lips.
As the bottle of wine arrived, Justin was drawn to Jenny's every word and gesture. She moved with a grace that was anything but delicate, holding her own in their conversations. She spoke with conviction and passion, never shying away from voicing her wildest opinions.
Her laugh was infectious, and they shared stories, anecdotes, and bawdy jokes, laughing together and growing more comfortable.
Their bodies seemed to react on their own, closing the distance between them slowly, but irrevocably. Justin's leg brushed against Jenny's under the table, the contact sending jolts of electricity coursing through his veins. She didn't recoil or seem to mind, so he lingered, letting desire build as they continued toying with the subjects of their banter.
Her laughter was intoxicating, and Justin found himself helplessly entranced. He shifted his weight in his seat, thighs tensing as his growing arousal became almost unbearable.
Throughout dinner, Jenny's playful touches became increasingly seductive. A hand on his thigh under the table here; a suggestive lick of her lips there. Justin couldn't help but watch, mesmerized by every curve of her luscious figure.
As midnight approached, the waiter offered them each another glass of wine. Jenny stood suddenly, eyes gleaming mischievously.
"Come on then, Justin," she purred, gesturing towards the door. "Let's get out of here."
The restaurant blurred around them as they left, the conversation falling silent as they walked hand in hand down the street.
Her apartment was only a short walk away.
Once inside, Jenny closed the door behind them with a determined click. Justin grabbed her wrists to halt her progress, pulling her close and searing his lips to hers in a kiss. She responded eagerly, lips parting to allow his tongue inside.