“You’re kind of an ass, you know that,” I said. He had me squirming pretty good and he could have just told me he owned the restaurant. Was he trying to piss me off or just keep me off balance?
“Mmm, there’s the fire I like,” James said with a smoldering look in his eye that sent tingles straight to my core.
“Do you enjoy teasing me to get me angry?” I asked tersely ignoring the excitement between my thighs. His face went serious as he hooked his leather boot around the leg of my chair and slid it across the tile floor towards him. I grabbed the seat to keep from tumbling to the floor. James leaned close and I felt my breath catch in my throat.
“I’m going to enjoy so much more than teasing you,” he said in a low whisper as his hand found my bare knee and worked its way under the hem of my skirt. I sighed despite myself as this man, this agonizing, abrasive man, touched me and I suddenly wanted him never to stop. His hand squeezed my inner thigh, just short of my panties, and he kissed me ever so softly. For a moment, there was nothing but his lips and his hand but after the initial shock wore off, my defenses kicked in.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked as I pulled away and pushed his hand from my leg. I wanted him to kiss me again and touch more than my thigh but I was scared. I’d never felt the way I did as he touched me. My heart felt as if it might beat right out of my chest and my panties were surely soaked. James laughed softly.
“Yeah, I do like your fiery side. You come off as some innocent farm girl from the sticks but I know there’s more inside. I can sense you’re just aching to let loose and I’m the man that’s going to set you free, little girl,” he said as he pushed my chair away to where it belonged. I was pissed or turned on beyond belief, I wasn’t sure which.
“I’m not some groupie. You can’t just assume I’m going to jump into bed with you. I’m not attracted to men like you. I’m not some whore that will just peel her clothes off and submit to the egomaniac rock star. And stop calling me little girl,” I replied as sternly as I could muster but every word was a lie. Against my nature, contrary to everything I believed about myself, I wanted nothing more than to be nude for James and let him have his way with me. I was dying to let loose and do things with James I’d never even dared to dream of before. I did want to be his whore and do anything he asked. Nevertheless, I wasn’t ready for that and it was as if James could read my mind.
“You’re not ready...not yet. Nevertheless, inside you’re all those things. I can see past your prim and proper exterior. I’m going to bring out your wild side, little girl. Mark my words,” he said ignoring my request and everything else that I’d said. I was hot, flushed and my breathing was fast and ragged. I wanted it to be anger. I wanted to hate him, to slap his face and walk out of the restaurant. However, it wasn’t anger and I didn’t leave. Thankfully, the chef walked in and I never had to find out if I had any self-control left at my disposal.
~5~
“James, so good to see you,” the chef said. I assumed he was the chef by the white clothes and tall cylindrical hat. He was on the portly side, maybe fifty-five years old and wore a full beard that was greying.
“Hey, Lyle. How’s the kitchen treating you?” James asked and rose to hug the man.
“Same as usual. I can’t stop sampling my own creations,” he said and pat his round belly. Both men laughed but I wasn’t in the mood to join in after James’ advance. As I sat there watching the two men reminisce, my arousal waned and turned slowly to anger. I couldn’t believe he touched me like that. He didn’t ask and I never gave him permission. Lyle turned towards me, took my hand and kissed it causing me to put my thoughts aside.
“And you must be Simone. I’ve selected the best filet in the house for you,” he said as I tried to appear jovial. Then still holding my hand he turned to James and said, “She’s lovely, my friend. My compliments,” as if James and I were an item. Monica returned with our drinks and Lyle told us he wished he could stay and chat but the kitchen beckoned. Lyle and Monica both took their leave and James sat back down. I stared at him and I could feel my temper boil. It seemed that I was either sexually aroused or angry when I was around James and right then I was definitely both.
“Just who do you think you are? I don’t care if you’re a rock star or the prince of Persia. Keep your hands off me. I’m not your girlfriend and I won’t ever be. I’ve got to stay here since you’re the client, but that’s the only reason. I like my job and I swear I’m going to be the best damn agent you’ve ever seen. Victoria can shove her threats up her tight, little ass. Spoiled rotten bitch!” I ranted, letting all my frustration of the past day out, and then I kicked James in the shin for good measure.