I was a few minutes early, so wasn't surprised not to find him at the bar. I left word with the hostess, found an empty seat, and ordered a glass of chardonnay. I'd been looking forward to this Valentine's Day evening all week - a romantic dinner out with my boyfriend, in one of the nicest restaurants in town. I was still shocked that he'd thought of it early enough to get a reservation, and figured I'd give him something a little special tonight in return - perhaps, after we got home, I'd finally wear that last, um, outfit he'd bought for me?
I felt a few wandering sets of eyes move over my body as I crossed my legs, the skirt of my red silk dress riding up on my leg. I knew I looked hot, but didn't think much of the attention - after all, I was very much taken. I'd worn my strawberry blonde hair up at work that day, but had let it out to cascade in curls around my shoulders on my way to the restaurant. I'd also left the professional jacket in the car, entering the restaurant in just the form-fitting red dress and matching heels.
My glass of wine was half-empty by the time it occurred to me to check my watch - was he late? Just then, my phone buzzed in my purse. Just once, meaning it must be a text message.
"Hi Brit, stuck at the office, I'll be late, sorry!"
I frowned, and shot back a message of my own, "But we'll lose the reservation!?!"
"Get a drink, be there soon, OK?"
"OK."
Hmm. How could his boss be so insensitive, keeping him late on this night, of all nights? Knowing Josh, I'm sure he'd told his coworkers about our plans for a night out. What could be so important! Oh well, not worth getting upset, I thought as I nursed the end of my glass, pondering whether to order another.
A few minutes later, the hostess sought me out, and I pleaded for a few extra minutes to allow my beloved to arrive - thankfully, she had some heart on this Valentine's Day. Just then, my phone went off again. Oh good, he must be on his way!
"Sorry, honey, I'm going to be a while. Let's just meet at home."
What? Now I was getting suspicious. I'd ruled out his boss keeping him this late, and couldn't think of any special projects he'd been working on that might have been on a deadline. He was up to something else. Probably that secretary of his. As this is an inner monologue, no need to censor my jealousy. I'd always wondered about their fairly chummy relationship - especially since I knew Josh was a sucker for her type, big tits, long legs. Fortunately, I was the same type, but that didn't insure his fidelity when he was at the office all day.
And on Valentine's Day - the nerve! Who did he think he was, polishing her off before coming home and expecting me to put out? OK, maybe that language was getting a little strong, even for an inner monologue. Maybe it was the wine on an empty stomach. Maybe I should just go home and wait for him.
That's when I saw him - tall, dark, and handsome, obviously keeping his eye on me, watching me brood from the other end of the bar. Alone on Valentine's Day, a guy that sexy? I smiled, and he beckoned me over. Oh, what the hell - not like my so-called boyfriend would know if I had a drink with this guy before heading home. I walked in his direction, as seductively as possible in my angry and slightly tipsy state.
"Looks like you could use another drink, won't you join me?" he asked, extending his hand to invite me to the barstool next to his. "Tough night?"
"Well, I was supposed to meet someone here, but apparently he got a better offer - looks like I've been stood up."
"That's terrible. Such a beautiful young lady shouldn't be alone on this night. Please, let me buy you another drink, and let's talk."
By the time I had polished off another glass of wine - or two? - we'd shared witty banter, learned a bit about each other, and established a clear attraction. The quick brush of the hand, the hand on the shoulder - before long, his hand was on my knee, and slowly creeping upward. I was shocked at my lack of concern as I flirted the night away with this stranger. I'd been with Josh for almost three years, and never once had I even considered responding to another man's attentions.