"I'm coming to Phoenix."
My heart skips a beat the minute I see the message. I long for the reason he's coming to my city to be because of me but I know it's for work.
"Oh? For work?" I type back.
"Yes, my company is bidding on a contract with a company there, and I volunteered," he replies.
"Now you'll be able to see why I love it out here," I tease.
"I am hoping to see a few things while I'm out there."
"What are you hoping to see? Maybe I can help," I respond.
It's almost an agonizing minute before he replies. "I was hoping to take you to dinner." My nerves scatter.
"Are you sure?" I ask, my heart racing.
You see, my friend is married and so am I. We met on a forum for people who have marriage issues, specifically sexual incompatibility. We try to keep it to just friendly, helpful chatter but, as it happens between sexually frustrated people who are attracted to each other, sometimes it wasn't so pg. But I know he loves his wife and doesn't want anything to change that, so I was quite surprised.
He typed back, "Yes, I'm sure."
The next few weeks flew by fast as I anxiously awaited the week of his arrival. He told me that he had work for the first couple of days but that Friday night we would have dinner. I tried to occupy my time getting ready.
The day he arrived he sent me a message, "Just got in. So excited to see you in a couple days."
He sent another message the next day stating he had gotten reservations at an Italian restaurant that came highly recommended. I knew the restaurant he was talking about and became even more excited. It was touted as one of the best in Phoenix.
I took Friday off from work so I could get ready. I had a special vintage wiggle dress that showed off my curves as well as played up my red hair and pale skin. Even though I knew nothing would happen aside from dinner, I wanted to make a great impression.
I arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes early. I hoped to get there, be seated and get my nerves calmed down before he showed up. As the maitre d' walked me to the booth, I knew that wouldn't happen as he was already there.
He stood as I approached. My breath caught in my throat as I saw him for the first time. He took my hand and I smiled up at him. I leaned in thinking he was going to hug me, only for him to kiss me on the cheek.
He gestured for me to sit down and waited for me to get situated before sitting down on the other side. He fumbled with the napkin which made me smile and relax some. Obviously I wasn't the only one who was nervous.
He looked up in time to catch my grin and smiled back at me. "You look even prettier in real life," he said, blushing a little at his words.
I blushed also and looked down as my nerves skittered again. I looked back up at him. "Thank you. You look really good yourself," I countered.
There was nervous silence as we looked over the menus and ordered drinks. I'd been talking to this man for months with no problems and I was suddenly at a loss for words. The waiter brought our drinks and took our food orders.
Suddenly we were alone. The silence was deafening. I started to ask him about his meetings just as he started to ask me something. We both stopped and started laughing.
This broke the ice and from there the conversation flowed well. We talked about his work, his family, my family, my work and everything in-between. Before I knew it three hours had passed and the restaurant was closing.
Reluctantly we left, carrying the conversation out to the front of the place where we stood waiting for taxis. We turned towards each other. I could feel his hesitance and since I didn't want anything to ruin such a great night I leaned up, kissed his cheek and told him goodbye.
As I climbed into the cab, the other door opened up and he sat down. I closed the door, my heart in my throat.
"What's going on?" I asked tentatively.
He grabbed my hand and looked into my eyes. "I'm not ready for tonight to be over, and I don't think you are either."
I shyly shook my head. "No, I'm not. I just wasn't sure if you were."
He grinned as the taxi driver demanded an address. He gave the address of his hotel and settled into the seat. I glanced at him, still unsure.