“A worthy endeavor.” Personally I was of the mindset that fortune was won by hard work but human interest would look good in my campaign, so I could support her sister’s belief and make a few points with Emily’s favor at the same time. “Tell her to let me know what she needs, I’ll be glad to help with her funding.”
“You would do that? She’ll be thrilled and maybe not think you’re a jerk.” She blushed at that and I knew there was a story.
“A jerk?” Such sweet terminology, this little woman was so perfect for my needs. “I guess one could perceive me that way until they’d met me in real life.” Winking at her, I watched her blush deepen and knew that I was really pouring on the charm.
“I think it’s because she felt you were trying to buy a woman?” She nibbled that plump little lip again, and I could see she wasn’t sure of my intentions herself.
“I promise that was not my intention. Truly, my only interest was in meeting a woman that I could relate to. I admit the ad was probably distasteful.” Since it helped me acquire my bottom line it was obviously what I’d needed to do.
“I find it hard to believe women aren’t throwing themselves at your feet.” Her eyes lowered to the napkin in her lap and I fought back a groan. I wanted to lift her chin and kiss those lips.
“The women I normally meet are interested more in my bank account.” I wasn’t sure why I gave her that information. I had enough ego to know that I was an attractive man, but I could have been a troll and woman would still flock to my wealth.
“I guess I’m a little guilty of that, too.” The way she looked guilty over that fact made me grin. “I only filled out the application because I wondered what it would be like to meet someone so rich.”
She was honest to a fault. How could I be offended when I wrote that ad knowing women would be interested for that reason? “Well, I hope now that you have met me, you’ll get to know the real me, and not just my bank account.” Giving her one of my panty dropping smiles, our conversation halted as the waiter delivered our wine.
I tested it and nodded. I ordered for us at her request and the waiter left us alone once more. She sipped at the wine and smiled. “This really is delicious.”
“I’m glad you like it. I’d like to share much more with you, Emily.” She flushed so beautifully and gave me a small nod. I wondered if she would have agreed so easily if she had any idea of the things I planned to do to her.
We enjoyed a quiet dinner and I watched the expressions on her face with humor as she tried the dishes. She had no problem telling me she’d never had Quail before, but would love to eat it again. I found her fascinating. She was like a blank slate that I could create anything upon, and I was aching to begin.
We skipped dessert because she claimed she couldn’t touch another bite. I would have to work on her eating habits, and made that another mental note on my list. She’d eaten only a small amount of everything and I hoped she didn’t have an eating disorder. Not that I didn’t love her small stature, but being healthy meant she would give me perfect children.
“You mentioned in your application that your ideal date would be enjoying dinner on a yacht.” We’d slipped back into the car and my driver was informed to take us around the block. “Since we’ve already eaten, perhaps you’d settle for a small ride, instead?”
“That would be incredible!” Her enthusiasm made me smile. Actually, everything about her left me very happy with this meeting.
Lowering the partition, I informed the driver of our destination. My vessel was something I was very proud of, and I looked forward to showing off my skills as a captain, as well as spending some time alone with her. Her infectious grin brightened as we approached the harbor, and remained splayed over her beautiful face as we walked down the docks to where my yacht was secured.
“This is your boat?” The awe in her voice made me feel like I ruled the world as I led her onboard.
“Yes. I don’t get to take her out as often as I like, but maybe with your encouragement, she’ll see the water more often.” Giving an indulgent smile to Emily, we walked toward the helm.
I navigated us out, enjoying the excitement in her stance as she watched the dock fade into the background. It was a quiet night during the week and thankfully I could easily anchor off, leaving us in relative isolation. “Can I kiss you, Emily?”
I’d wanted to do that all night and felt that I’d been as proper of a date as I could be up until now. She didn’t speak instead she lifted hesitant hazel eyes to mine and gave a small almost unperceivable nod of her head. Reminding myself that she wasn’t like the women I normally dated, I lowered my lips slowly to hers, and kissed her gently.