“I suppose you won’t take ‘no’ for an answer then?”
“Duh…. I’ve only been nagging you about this all day, everyday for a week!” Came Alyssa’s reply. The smile in her voice quite obvious.
“Lyss, why is this so important to you? There’s a reason I’ve been single for so long….. I HATE MEN!” Cori said somewhat facetiously.
“You do not, sis. You just hate the games they play. Trust me, Gareth’s not like the other losers you’ve dated. Do I need to recount his many fine qualities?”
“No, no. You’ve covered them to the point of making me ill.” She replied dryly, now barely able to hide her own smile. “When and where?” Cori asked, resigned to pacify her sister’s match making. It was only a couple of hours, right?
“That’s my girl!” Alyssa clapped her hands, apparently quite pleased with herself. “How about we all meet at Largo’s around 7?”
“Largo’s? For a blind date? That’s pretty spendy isn’t it?” Cori had never been there because the cost was so prohibitive, she just couldn’t imagine expecting someone she didn’t even know to pay for it.
“Trust me Cor, he can afford it. Plus it was his idea! Now wear that cute little frilly red and black dress you bought this summer. It’s to die for!”
Still unsure, Cori reluctantly agreed. She glanced at her watch, almost 4. “I guess I better get going then.” She hugged her sister, when really she just wanted to throttle her. She was at least grateful that she was meeting everyone there, that way if the evening fell short, she could bow out and not rely on anyone.
Cori walked the few short blocks home from the coffee shop. Alyssa had been trying to set her up with this Gareth guy for awhile. He was a friend of Chris’, Alyssa’s fiancée. Supposedly, they’d be perfect together!
So absorbed in her own thoughts, not at all paying attention and walking on auto pilot, she was stunned when she collided head on to a man walking out of an expensive men’s boutique.
“Oh, heaven’s! What I have I done?” Strong arms caught her as she started to go down. In a slight Brittish accent her victim continued. “So sorry, I just simply wasn’t watching where I was going!”
He helped her right herself and Cori sputtered something that sounded like, “no… my fault.” When finally she gazed at the man she collided with, her heart stopped. She found it hard to breathe even.
“Are you alright?” His concerned voice asked.
As speechless as a mute, Cori nodded. This man with his sexy accent and stylish clothes was quite frankly the most perfect specimen she had ever seen. His hand still gently holding her elbow, set her skin on fire. She imagined if she could see his eyes behind his dark glasses they would be a pool of green ocean water.
“Um, um… I’m fine. Th thank you. I am so so sorry.” She stammered. Embarrassed and sure he knew how he was affecting her, she jerked her arm away.
With a wicked smile full of crisp white teeth, he asked, “So, you haven’t hit your head then?”
“No. I don’t think so, anyway.” Cori replied, not entirely sure. “I. I must be going.” She turned and started to go the wrong way, stopped, cursing to herself and turned the other way and scurried by as Mr. Perfect watched, an amused look on his face.
By the time Cori arrived home, she was nearly in hysterics with laughter. Surely if anyone saw her right now, they would have her committed.
Using what little time she had left to get ready, Cori took a quick shower and donned the dress her sister had recommended. She still had enough of a tan to pull off the strapless little number. She chose to style her hair in a messy up-do and added just a hint of color to her sunkissed cheeks. Mostly satisfied with how she looked, she slipped on her strappy, sexy sandals and made her exit.
“Cori!! Oh my gosh, sis, you look stunning!” Alyssa gave her sister a hug and a kiss.
“Hi, Cor.” Chris said and also gave her a hug.
“Hi, guys.” She replied a little embarrassed by Alyssa’s gushing.
“Gareth isn’t here yet. He usually runs just a tad behind, he likes to make an entrance.” Chris explained.
“Your table is ready now.” The maitre d’ announced.
The décor of the restaurant was surprisingly casual, but the aromas in the air definitely smelled rich and elegant.
The trio sat and made small talk while they waited for Gareth. Cori fidgeted with her napkin and her White Russian.
“There he is!” Chris exclaimed, raising his hand in a waving motion.
Cori, her back to the door, tensed. She was prepared to see an ordinary, nerdy type. She craned her head to sneak a peek and for the second time that day was rendered speechless. Her eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat.
“Cori, this is Gareth, Gareth, Cori.”
“I believe we’ve made each other’s acquaintance.” Gareth smiled and gently brought her hand to his lips.
“You!?” Cori breathed.
“You two have met?” Alyssa asked, deflated that the surprise had been spoiled.
“Um, more like ran into each other.” Cori explained and they both laughed.
Gareth recounted the story with more drama and detail than was necessary, oddly enough, putting Cori completely at ease. She couldn’t help but notice that she had been right about his eyes, and she was pleased.
Dinner was exceptional, the company even more so. Gareth entertained them all with stories from his life and travels. It seemed he had fit more than enough adventures into his life than possible for one so young.
His eyes would meet Cori’s often and he’d smile that delicious smile of his, making her heart melt.
Finally, the evening came to an end with an offer from Gareth to walk her to her car. Cori accepted without hesitation. She had the urge to be alone with him for even a second and feel his lips on hers. Alyssa would be shocked at Cori’s desire. Always prim, proper and slightly prudish, Cori never kissed on a first date.
The moon lit the streets, oak tree shadows scattered the ground. A chill crept down Cori’s spine and she shivered.
“Cold?”
“No. Well maybe a little.”
Gareth wrapped an arm around her and rubbed her skin with his gentle hand. Finally, Gareth turned Cori to face him. “I’ve wanted to do this since the moment I saw you.”
Cori’s heart sped up and skipped excitedly.
For the third time this evening, she was left speechless as she saw the glint of fangs and then the sting of his bite in her neck.