He opened the door for me like a complete gentleman, and I climbed in, suddenly feeling inadequate in my clothing choice, but I trusted Easton for being honest that he wanted to take me on a date and to have sex.
His car smelled of his cologne, which was light and crisp with a touch of sweetness and spice, not overwhelming at all. I took a deep breath of it. It was a truly sexy scent, and it fit him perfectly.
“I hope I don’t sound rude…” I started.
“Rudeness doesn’t affect me. Just speak your words.”
Ugh, I loved that. Just speak your mind. “Right… So, how do you afford such a car?”
“I get paid a lot.”
“I’m clearly in the wrong business.”
He glanced at me before putting the car in reverse and backing out of the spot. “You don’t want to be in my business. It’s challenging and messy work. I also come from money.”
That made more sense.
“So, sushi, right?”
He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel in a silent rhythm. “Yes. There’s a place not too far. It’s the only place I’ll eat sushi at. I’m picky about my food. Certain foods disgust me.”
“I’ve never had it.”
He looked at me again without an expression on his pretty face. “You should have told me.”
I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I want to try it. We can’t… really afford sushi at home.”
Easton said nothing else as we pulled into the parking lot of a busy restaurant ten minutes later.
“Stay.”
I stayed put as he ordered, but I undid my seatbelt. He rushed to the other side and opened the door for me again. I climbed out with pent-up excitement at what a gentleman he was. I suppose growing up with wealth would do that.
To my surprise, he took my hand in his. His palm and fingers were smooth and warm. I tried not to think about my own calloused hands. Easton tugged me into the restaurant as if he were claiming me, letting everyone know I belonged to him. God, why did that make my heart race in the best way? The last guy I dated didn’t like showing off that he had a boyfriend. He kept all that private. Easton made me feel seen and appreciated without even trying. He carried such a wonderful nonchalance. That nothing affected him.
We stepped into sheer elegance. Now I really regretted what I’d worn. Would it kill me to get at least one nice shirt? I could probably find something decent atGoodwill.
“I have a reservation,” he said when we stepped up to the host. “Easton Virgil.”
“I feel underdressed,” I said under my breath to him as I removed my coat.
He scanned me up and down before we followed the young woman to our table. “You look fine. But if you want nicer clothes, I’ll get you some.”
I chuckled, unsure if he was joking. “That’s funny.”
“I’m serious.”
“Whoa, whoa… no,” I chuckled again, this time nervously. “That’s okay. You don’t need to buy me things. We barely know each other.”
We sat down and opened our menus, but Easton looked at me with confusion on his face. “Is that wrong?”
“Buying me things?”
He nodded.
“It’s not wrong, it’s just… not something you usually do on a first date.”
“Got it. I’m new to dating.”