Page 10 of The Database

Emily drove home that night smiling, desperately trying to remember when the last time she enjoyed conversing with a man was. She wondered what had possessed her to give him her real name, she never did that but there was just something about Hunter that had her doing things right.

She had deviated from the task at hand, completely forgetting about it to be quite honest. Emily was enthralled by Hunter’s company and found they had much in common. This led to intense confusion with regard to bedding and rating Hunter.

The week dragged on for Emily and when Friday came around, she found herself excitedly nervous. Quite the conundrum considering the fact it’d been well over a year since she’d dated. The idea wasn’t completely foreign to her, just not something she’d recently thought she wanted. Emily raced home, showering and primping before ordering an Uber to meet Hunter at the restaurant. When she arrived she found him waiting outside for her.

“You look beautiful,” he said, kissing her cheek.

“Thanks, you don’t look so bad yourself.” He looked dashing in a tailored pair of slacks, powder blue, long sleeve button up shirt and blazer with black dress boots. His hair was slicked back with the curls tamed. Emily wanted so badly to reach up and run her fingers through his auburn locks.

“Shall we?” he asked, holding the door open for her.

Hunter gave the maître d his name and they were promptly seated. The host came by sharing this evening’s wine and dinner specials. After sampling the blend, they both agreed and ordered a bottle.

The pair talked about their work week and all it entailed and before long, they found themselves out of wine. Not wanting to alter her inhibitions any further, Emily declined a second bottle but wasn’t prepared for the night to end.

“Emily, I’m not ready for this to end,” Hunter said, mirroring her thoughts.

“Me either.”

“How do you feel about taking a walk?” Hunter asked.

“That sounds lovely.”

Hunter paid the check before they slipped outside into the brisk night air. As they rounded the first corner, Hunter noticed Emily shivering, so he placed his blazer over her shoulders. They continued walking along the boardwalk when they happened upon an ice cream shop.

“I’m crazy cold Hunter, but for some reason, ice cream sounds good.”

“Then ice cream it is,” he said, opening the door open for her.

Once inside, they both ordered a cup with two scoops. Emily selected mint chocolate chip and bubble gum, while Hunter opted for chocolate chip and peanut butter cup. They seated themselves inside at one of the little bistro sets. They chatted about anything and everything, enjoying the warm ambiance the parlor offered. It seemed they never ran out of things to talk about. When they were done with their frozen treats, they strolled further down the walk when Emily realized they were headed toward her apartment which was only a couple blocks away.

“I live just up the block,” she said, biting her bottom lip. “Would you like to come up for a cup of coffee?” Nervously, she asked, still not ready for this date to be over.

“I would love to, as long as you’re okay with it.”

“I’m sure, it’s just coffee.” She giggled.

Once inside, she draped his blazer over the back of the chair and went to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Hunter walked to the balcony door, taking in the view.

“You have a fantastic view from here. The city is so beautiful at night.”

“Yes, that view is one of the reasons I stay put and continue to pay the extortion money the landlord calls rent.” They both laughed. “Do you want cream and sugar?” she asked.

“Just cream please.”

Emily walked to the living room, placing both cups on the coffee table. He joined her on the couch. “Would you like to watch a movie?”

“Sure, what are you in the mood for?” he asked.

“I’m kind of a movie freak, I have a large selection in the hall closet. I’ll let you pick.”

He took a sip of his coffee before walking over to the closet. “Wow, you weren’t kidding. There must be a thousand DVDs in here.”

“Ya, I’ve spent a lot of time alone.” Why did that suddenly sound so sad? Emily had always been comfortable with her life and down time.

He selected one then walked over to her media center to get it going before rejoining her on the couch.

“Bram Stoker’sDracula, this is my all-time favorite.” She was giddy with his choice. He smiled, placing an arm around her. Emily cuddled up against Hunter, feeling more at home than she had for a very, long time.

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