“Yes, see you then,” I replied before heading inside.
Chapter 19 - Makari
Throwing the third jacket on the bed, I turned in a circle, stomping my foot on the ground. I was so nervous about our date. I was worse than a woman. I couldn’t even decide on a simple jacket to wear.
After another three or so, I closed my eyes and just grabbed one off the bed. Turning to the door, I looked at the jacket I had selected. It could have been worse, I thought as I pulled it on and headed downstairs.
Pavel had brewed a fresh pot of coffee. The kitchen smelled divine. Grabbing a cup and filling it, I walked out back. I stood watching the wind rustling the leaves in the trees. My hands were sweaty, and my heart was beating faster than normal. I had never felt like this before.
Grace was an exceptional woman. This date had to match her essence. I also wanted her to see me again. I didn’t want her scared of me or horrified by what I did. She was special to me. I wanted to treat her grandly and show my support for her achievements.
Taking the last sip of coffee, I went back inside. After rinsing my cup, I headed to my office. I had to find a place that was unique for our dinner. It had to be romantic and private. Sitting down, I pulled my contact list up on my computer. Scrolling through, I found someone I had almost forgotten about.
Sitting back, I smiled. Yes, he would surely be able to assist me, I thought as I picked up the phone. Dialing his number, I wondered what he would come up with. Sam didn’t have a restaurant or a place where one could dine, but he knew every inch of the city.
“Sam,” I shouted as he answered.
“Makari?” he replied half hesitantly.
“Yes, it’s me. It's been a long time, though,” I responded.
There was a mumbling I couldn’t make out before he spoke again. “It sure has been my friend. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”
Clearing my throat, I replied clearly, not wanting any confusion as the line sounded a bit static. “I need a place. Something romantic and private. A hidden gem, if you will, and I am sure you would know such a place.”
The line was silent for a bit. “Sam, you still there?” I asked, wondering if he hung up on me.
“Yes, sorry, I was just considering your request. I do know of a place. I’ll send you the details, but I’ve gotta run now,” he responded. I could hear someone calling in the background.
Not wanting to keep him, I replied quickly. “Yeah, sure. We’ll catch up soon. Give me a call when you have time.”
“Sure thing, my friend,” Sam huffed before the line went dead.
I had barely hung up when the message came through. That was quick even for him, I thought. I knew Sam from my school days. But once I started working for the Chernykhs, we battled to find time to hang out. Twice a year, we would get together for a long weekend. We’d get girls, party, and just hang out. But this year we haven’t found the time.
Opening my browser, I searched for the place. Looking at the pictures, I knew it was perfect. I called the number he gave me and told the guy who answered that Sam had shared his details with me.
After a swift conversation and explaining what I wanted, the booking was made. Staring at the screen, I grinned at my reflection. Now, I just had to get through the day. I checked my emails, made some calls, and checked in with the warehouses.
The day passed slowly. But it might have only felt that way as I was excited and slightly nervous about our date. Before heading to my room to wash and change, I called and ordered a bouquet.
I had just finished when I heard the doorbell. Sprinting down the stairs, I was there before Pavel. “What’s your rush?” Pavel asked as I opened the door.
“My flowers,” I huffed.
He grinned, shook his head, and went back to where he came from. Grabbing the flowers, I headed up to Grace’s room. As I approached, I saw the door was half open. I knocked and pushed it open all the way. Grace wasn’t in there. My throat closed as panic slowly grabbed hold of me.
I rushed back down the stairs, looking for her. Relief flooded through me as I saw her coming out of the kitchen. She smiled as she saw me. She came closer, speaking in a high-pitched tone. “Are those for me?”
“They sure are,” I replied, holding them out. Grace pulled the bouquet to her chest. Lowering her head, she breathed in deeply. She looked like a beauty queen who had just won the pageant.
Her glittering silver dress hugged her figure. The top appeared to push her breasts up, showing a reasonable amount of cleavage. On both sides of the dress were slits running from her hips down to her feet. She didn’t look like a queen; shewasone, and she was mine.
My heart rate increased, and my palms became sweaty as I stared at her. “They are perfect,” she breathed out. “Are we heading out now?”
Turning back, I opened the front door as I replied. “Yes, right this way.” Increasing my pace, I opened the truck door for her and assisted her in.
Pulling out, I glanced at her as I spoke. “You look amazing.”