Yet again Nic was feeling lucky, and happy with his choice of dates. Val may not be the most forthcoming of women, but she was supportive, and Nic needed support, in spades.
She was also hot. He liked that she was tiny, especially because with her personality she seemed strong. Usually he would associate petite or tiny with fragile, but not in Val's case. And he found the combination electrifying in its uniqueness.
As it happened, he had been thinking back to their last time together, and that kiss they shared outside Flannigan's, when he now felt her get a little frisky with her foot. He grinned slyly at her across the table, and drained the last of his champagne.
"It's always good to hear I haven't lost all my talents. Maybe some time, under a more intimate setting, I can persuade you to fill me in on what those 'things' might be. Maybe it's time I start playing up those more obvious things, and stop worrying about the things I lack promise in. And from what I've seen of you, I'd say you know of what you speak. Who better than to trust with positive feedback...as long as you keep it positive."
He winked and finished his meal, as the waiter came by to see if either of them wanted coffee, or an after dinner drink. Nic ordered coffee, black, and waited for Val. As the waiter's attention was on her, Nic reached under the table and pulled her foot up to rest on his thigh. He took over the stroking then, only this time it was his hand on her leg. Thankful for long table cloths, and small tables, Val's diminutive leg just reached far enough that he could caress her shin, and almost over her knee. Her leg was soft, and he was glad her skirt was short.
è Aumentato (attn: Nic)
She'd gone into work on pretence, something so someone could drop her off. It would hardly be a wise thing to have him pick her up at the Domicile and when they'd made the date Val didn't have a place in town. Something she'd since taken care of.
It had been tricky dressing for dinner, the museum and a club but she'd managed. The skirt was black leather and slightly too short and paired with a black pinstriped jacket. Under that, she wore a white silk camisole. She'd gone with very high black and white high heels that reminded her of old style wing tips and art deco white gold jewelry, necklace, ring, bracelet and earrings all the mettle was diamond cut and boldly scattered through it was diamond chips. It was, at the time, an extravagant gift. Giovanni had given it to her not long after her turning. Valentine often suspected it was an apology, but he had never said so in so many words.
The maitre'd greeted her with more warmth than most of the patrons, but then again Val was a regular. She explained she was meeting someone under a reservation in her name. He smiled and personally escorted her back to the table.
è Aumentato itself was a very elegant restaurant. Pleasantly dim but not so that one could not see the food. Small tables, no booths, were scattered about all covered in long red tablecloths, a white rose in a vase in the center of each one. Tall potted plans were strategically placed so that there was an illusion of privacy at each table, yet one could still see one's fellow dinners and it would be a simple matter to create a large table. The décor was clean and modern done in rich colors. While it was an Italian restaurant it was confident in its identity and did not need to beat its patrons over the head with cliché music, faux finishes and badly mounted prints of The Coliseum.
It was not a large place, holding perhaps one hundred people at a time, but Nic was sitting with his back to her. Val politely dismissed her escort, and rested one hand on Nic's shoulder and slowly trailed it along his back to the other shoulder before sitting opposite him, smiling.
"Sorry I'm a little late. Traffic was positively evil."Â?
((OOC... permission to have Nic there before her and waiting etc.))
Nicholae
17 years ago
Valentine
17 years ago
Val looked up at him from under her lashes, on some the gesture might look timid or submissive. She made it daring, something that was made easier by a subtle hint of fang displayed by her half smile.
“You want to be obvious?”
She teased him before giving half her attention to the waiter as she ordered cappuccino and a biscotti he took control of their game of footsie. Her manner was polite and formal as long as the server was there but as he left, she let lose with a low soft nearly sultry laugh. The impetuousness of his action had caught her off guard and she didn’t mind at all.
“I’ve never been accused of not having an opinion or shy about sharing it.”
“You want to be obvious?”
She teased him before giving half her attention to the waiter as she ordered cappuccino and a biscotti he took control of their game of footsie. Her manner was polite and formal as long as the server was there but as he left, she let lose with a low soft nearly sultry laugh. The impetuousness of his action had caught her off guard and she didn’t mind at all.
“I’ve never been accused of not having an opinion or shy about sharing it.”
Nicholae
17 years ago
"Some times there's really no reason to be anything but obvious. Subtilty has it's place, and can be fun...building up the tensions, and all...but it can also be a waste of precious time too... Don't you agree?"
Grinning in a slightly besotted way, Nic was really starting to enjoy Val's flirtations. As the evening was progressing, so was her level of play, and in the back of his mind he couldn't help but wonder how far she might be willing to go. Never really having been fond of celibacy, Nic hadn't been with a woman since Alexandra...which now almost seemed like another life ago. In all honesty, he had thought about calling her again, once or twice, but had either forgotten to get her number that night, or in the midst of everything had lost it. All things considered, he had met some very intriguing women in Nachton...including young Dawn.
But Val...she was proving to be a unique challenge, and even though he wasn't one who sought out difficulty, he found he didn't mind so much with her. At least not for now.
Her laugh caused a tightening in his groin, and he almost moved his chair closer under the table, wanting to feel her foot against him. That he did have a little class, he refrained, and just imagined what it would be like to take her back to his suite and make crazy, passionate love to her...starting from her beautiful toes, and moving upward.
"No, that much at least I've come to see...you aren't at all shy, or without opinions. And lady, I gotta tell you, you keep giving me a few more looks like that, and laughs like that...and you may need to scrape me up off the chair."
What was it about the women of Nachton...was it something in the air? Or maybe he had gone through some change since arriving, and just no longer had any resistance to any females. It was a matter he would think about later, when he was no longer sitting across the table from a beautiful Valentine.
"I don't suppose you'd be at all interested in coming back to my place for...well, whatever?"
Grinning in a slightly besotted way, Nic was really starting to enjoy Val's flirtations. As the evening was progressing, so was her level of play, and in the back of his mind he couldn't help but wonder how far she might be willing to go. Never really having been fond of celibacy, Nic hadn't been with a woman since Alexandra...which now almost seemed like another life ago. In all honesty, he had thought about calling her again, once or twice, but had either forgotten to get her number that night, or in the midst of everything had lost it. All things considered, he had met some very intriguing women in Nachton...including young Dawn.
But Val...she was proving to be a unique challenge, and even though he wasn't one who sought out difficulty, he found he didn't mind so much with her. At least not for now.
Her laugh caused a tightening in his groin, and he almost moved his chair closer under the table, wanting to feel her foot against him. That he did have a little class, he refrained, and just imagined what it would be like to take her back to his suite and make crazy, passionate love to her...starting from her beautiful toes, and moving upward.
"No, that much at least I've come to see...you aren't at all shy, or without opinions. And lady, I gotta tell you, you keep giving me a few more looks like that, and laughs like that...and you may need to scrape me up off the chair."
What was it about the women of Nachton...was it something in the air? Or maybe he had gone through some change since arriving, and just no longer had any resistance to any females. It was a matter he would think about later, when he was no longer sitting across the table from a beautiful Valentine.
"I don't suppose you'd be at all interested in coming back to my place for...well, whatever?"
Valentine
17 years ago
But time was on her side, his side too. In truth neither of them had much to worry as far at that went; subtlety or blatantly obvious wasn’t of much matter, it was just how one wanted to approach things at any given time, as it were.
“Time is never wasted, as long as the end results are” She paused significantly. “satisfying.”
One of her close-lipped, ‘cat that ate the canary’ smiles hovered on her lip. She was surprised he’d admit she was having such an effect. Val was used to people playing things closer to the vest but Nic was so far nothing but open. He’d nearly admitted to being a vampire so inviting her home was nothing.
“I didn’t think you’d melt so easy.”
While she teased, Val realized she had charmed her way into a corner. Going home with him would almost certainly lead to sex and no doubt, he was a bitter. There was no disguising the taste of vampire blood either, her teeth she could make excuses about the other meant she’d be outted. And while he might have made a guess or two, she didn’t want them confirmed. This was a game she wanted to play on her terms.
“I might be able to be talked into that.”
“Time is never wasted, as long as the end results are” She paused significantly. “satisfying.”
One of her close-lipped, ‘cat that ate the canary’ smiles hovered on her lip. She was surprised he’d admit she was having such an effect. Val was used to people playing things closer to the vest but Nic was so far nothing but open. He’d nearly admitted to being a vampire so inviting her home was nothing.
“I didn’t think you’d melt so easy.”
While she teased, Val realized she had charmed her way into a corner. Going home with him would almost certainly lead to sex and no doubt, he was a bitter. There was no disguising the taste of vampire blood either, her teeth she could make excuses about the other meant she’d be outted. And while he might have made a guess or two, she didn’t want them confirmed. This was a game she wanted to play on her terms.
“I might be able to be talked into that.”
Nicholae
17 years ago
In one sense what she said was true. It wasn't like he was going to run out of time in the near future. At least barring any unforseen events. But unless Nic got something in his life to focus on soon, he would be inclined to think that to a great extent the past few months really had been a huge waste of time. For the most part. He did acknowledge having met some really great people...just not having been terribly productive in his professional life. And though he was a rather lazy sort, not really wanting to exert himself greatly, he did like having things to occupy his time. Plus, the older he got the more value he saw in having accomplished things. Though his investing, past and present, would keep him financially comfortable for MANY years to come, there was nothing but a few rolls of celluloid in a Hollywood vault, to show Nicholae Lache had ever existed. That was what he sought to change now.
He smirked at the way Val's words implied certain things...along with the hot, teasing glint in her eyes. But the fact that she hadn't turned down his invitation almost made him shout with joy. Almost. He thought he detected enough hesitancy to preclude assuming a night of wild sex was for certain.
"How could I do anything but melt, while in the presence of such a hot, beautiful woman such as yourself? You nearly make my blood boil, Valentine."
He spoke in low, soft words, drawing her name out as if it were sweet brandy running over his tongue.
During the conversation, Nic had managed to slip her shoe off, and was now massaging her foot, running his thumb and index finger along the arch, and top of her foot. He didn't really understand why, but he did know a lot of women enjoyed having their feet rubbed, and Val seemed to be supporting that idea.
"Now, let's see...what would I need to do to sway you in that direction. I don't want to bribe you, by offering to buy another bike from you...and while it would be easy to flatter you with words of your beauty, at this point it would probably seem trite to your ears. I could continue to tell you how very attracted I am to you, and without any false modesty let you know I think the two of us could make each other feel very good..."
Somehow Nic managed to move close enough to her now, that he was able to rub the toes of her foot along his expanding crotch. To show her he was dead serious, he did so now for emphasis. He also stopped when the waiter brought her coffee drink and cookie, and his own coffee, which he sipped using his free hand.
He smirked at the way Val's words implied certain things...along with the hot, teasing glint in her eyes. But the fact that she hadn't turned down his invitation almost made him shout with joy. Almost. He thought he detected enough hesitancy to preclude assuming a night of wild sex was for certain.
"How could I do anything but melt, while in the presence of such a hot, beautiful woman such as yourself? You nearly make my blood boil, Valentine."
He spoke in low, soft words, drawing her name out as if it were sweet brandy running over his tongue.
During the conversation, Nic had managed to slip her shoe off, and was now massaging her foot, running his thumb and index finger along the arch, and top of her foot. He didn't really understand why, but he did know a lot of women enjoyed having their feet rubbed, and Val seemed to be supporting that idea.
"Now, let's see...what would I need to do to sway you in that direction. I don't want to bribe you, by offering to buy another bike from you...and while it would be easy to flatter you with words of your beauty, at this point it would probably seem trite to your ears. I could continue to tell you how very attracted I am to you, and without any false modesty let you know I think the two of us could make each other feel very good..."
Somehow Nic managed to move close enough to her now, that he was able to rub the toes of her foot along his expanding crotch. To show her he was dead serious, he did so now for emphasis. He also stopped when the waiter brought her coffee drink and cookie, and his own coffee, which he sipped using his free hand.
Valentine
17 years ago
Years of practice allowed Val too keep her Mona Lisa smile in place, but for some reason it was wrong when he used her full name. Giovanni had given it to her, other lovers had used it but from Nic it wasn’t quite right. But she wasn’t about to share her real name with him either.
Her smile broadened as Nic made his ‘feelings’ very clear. She wiggled her toes, teasing him as she tempted her.
“Mmmmm… you do start fast don’t you.”
She purred at him as the waiter returned with their after dinner drinks. As he left Val suggestively half closed her eyes.
“At the very least you owe me a ride, don’t you think?”
A tiny smile curled about her lips clearly implying her double meaning.
Maybe she could be a little reckless tonight, gamble that either he wouldn’t bite her or that she could continue to out bluff him.
Her smile broadened as Nic made his ‘feelings’ very clear. She wiggled her toes, teasing him as she tempted her.
“Mmmmm… you do start fast don’t you.”
She purred at him as the waiter returned with their after dinner drinks. As he left Val suggestively half closed her eyes.
“At the very least you owe me a ride, don’t you think?”
A tiny smile curled about her lips clearly implying her double meaning.
Maybe she could be a little reckless tonight, gamble that either he wouldn’t bite her or that she could continue to out bluff him.
Fallon
17 years ago
"Fast? Well, I did meet you a few months ago, so by some standards I've been dragging my ass."
He winked at her and continued to smile. Who would have thought the night he met Val and Fallon, he would have wound up asking Val out. Fallon had been his initial target, and he'd not seen her again since.
His eyes flashed with pleasure when she wiggled his toes, but moved her foot slightly away. It was okay for him to play the aggressor here, she could take over with his full approval once they were in private. It wouldn't do for her to see him lose control now...later, it wouldn't matter.
He loved the way she flirted though. He hoped it was a sign of how she was in private, and not a facade. He had given his hormones a bit of freedom a while ago, and was glad to think he'd not need to reign them in anytime soon. If she wanted a ride...he'd be more than happy to oblige.
"At the very least...and I trust you'll be a good girl, and hold on tight? You never know when things might get a little fast, and bumpy. I'd certainly hate to lose you somewhere along the way. Hopefully we'll both have a great time, and enjoy the ride to its destination. "
Innuendos and double entendre...Nic normally wasn't real quick on the uptake, but tonight he was having fun, and relishing the ease of just being with Val.
"But initially I'll drive. If you play nice I may let you take over later...do you think you can handle that?"
He wasn't anywhere near the chauvinist he had been a half century ago, but he still liked the definition between the sexes. Hell, even with Addison Nic had been the one to lead the encounters. Though as time passed, Nic had to think that whole thing had been a huge aberration, and not one that would likely be repeated. Hunger, horniness, and loneliness could lead a person to do some strange things, but hopefully Nic was gaining 'some' wisdom.
He had resumed rubbing her foot along his leg, and every now and then casually brushed it along his length.
He winked at her and continued to smile. Who would have thought the night he met Val and Fallon, he would have wound up asking Val out. Fallon had been his initial target, and he'd not seen her again since.
His eyes flashed with pleasure when she wiggled his toes, but moved her foot slightly away. It was okay for him to play the aggressor here, she could take over with his full approval once they were in private. It wouldn't do for her to see him lose control now...later, it wouldn't matter.
He loved the way she flirted though. He hoped it was a sign of how she was in private, and not a facade. He had given his hormones a bit of freedom a while ago, and was glad to think he'd not need to reign them in anytime soon. If she wanted a ride...he'd be more than happy to oblige.
"At the very least...and I trust you'll be a good girl, and hold on tight? You never know when things might get a little fast, and bumpy. I'd certainly hate to lose you somewhere along the way. Hopefully we'll both have a great time, and enjoy the ride to its destination. "
Innuendos and double entendre...Nic normally wasn't real quick on the uptake, but tonight he was having fun, and relishing the ease of just being with Val.
"But initially I'll drive. If you play nice I may let you take over later...do you think you can handle that?"
He wasn't anywhere near the chauvinist he had been a half century ago, but he still liked the definition between the sexes. Hell, even with Addison Nic had been the one to lead the encounters. Though as time passed, Nic had to think that whole thing had been a huge aberration, and not one that would likely be repeated. Hunger, horniness, and loneliness could lead a person to do some strange things, but hopefully Nic was gaining 'some' wisdom.
He had resumed rubbing her foot along his leg, and every now and then casually brushed it along his length.
Nicholae
17 years ago
"Fast? Well, I did meet you a few months ago, so by some standards I've been dragging my ass."
He winked at her and continued to smile. Who would have thought the night he met Val and Fallon, he would have wound up asking Val out. Fallon had been his initial target, and he'd not seen her again since.
His eyes flashed with pleasure when she wiggled her toes, but moved her foot slightly away. It was okay for him to play the aggressor here, she could take over with his full approval once they were in private. It wouldn't do for her to see him lose control now...later, it wouldn't matter.
He loved the way she flirted though. He hoped it was a sign of how she was in private, and not a facade. He had given his hormones a bit of freedom a while ago, and was glad to think he'd not need to reign them in anytime soon. If she wanted a ride...he'd be more than happy to oblige.
"At the very least...and I trust you'll be a good girl, and hold on tight? You never know when things might get a little fast, and bumpy. I'd certainly hate to lose you somewhere along the way. Hopefully we'll both have a great time, and enjoy the ride to its destination. "
Innuendos and double entendre...Nic normally wasn't real quick on the uptake, but tonight he was having fun, and relishing the ease of just being with Val.
"But initially I'll drive. If you play nice I may let you take over later...do you think you can handle that?"
He wasn't anywhere near the chauvinist he had been a half century ago, but he still liked the definition between the sexes. Hell, even with Addison Nic had been the one to lead the encounters. Though as time passed, Nic had to think that whole thing had been a huge aberration, and not one that would likely be repeated. Hunger, horniness, and loneliness could lead a person to do some strange things, but hopefully Nic was gaining 'some' wisdom.
He had resumed rubbing her foot along his leg, and every now and then casually brushed it along his length.
He winked at her and continued to smile. Who would have thought the night he met Val and Fallon, he would have wound up asking Val out. Fallon had been his initial target, and he'd not seen her again since.
His eyes flashed with pleasure when she wiggled her toes, but moved her foot slightly away. It was okay for him to play the aggressor here, she could take over with his full approval once they were in private. It wouldn't do for her to see him lose control now...later, it wouldn't matter.
He loved the way she flirted though. He hoped it was a sign of how she was in private, and not a facade. He had given his hormones a bit of freedom a while ago, and was glad to think he'd not need to reign them in anytime soon. If she wanted a ride...he'd be more than happy to oblige.
"At the very least...and I trust you'll be a good girl, and hold on tight? You never know when things might get a little fast, and bumpy. I'd certainly hate to lose you somewhere along the way. Hopefully we'll both have a great time, and enjoy the ride to its destination. "
Innuendos and double entendre...Nic normally wasn't real quick on the uptake, but tonight he was having fun, and relishing the ease of just being with Val.
"But initially I'll drive. If you play nice I may let you take over later...do you think you can handle that?"
He wasn't anywhere near the chauvinist he had been a half century ago, but he still liked the definition between the sexes. Hell, even with Addison Nic had been the one to lead the encounters. Though as time passed, Nic had to think that whole thing had been a huge aberration, and not one that would likely be repeated. Hunger, horniness, and loneliness could lead a person to do some strange things, but hopefully Nic was gaining 'some' wisdom.
He had resumed rubbing her foot along his leg, and every now and then casually brushed it along his length.
Valentine
17 years ago
She half laughed, a soft chuckle that didn’t quite leave her throat when she was his reaction her little toe wiggle.
“I’m sure I can keep up. Maybe I’ll surprise you.”
Val raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Nic. She wouldn’t have taken him for a guy who was intimidated by an aggressive woman. Had she misread him that badly?
It was something to think about if nothing else. If it was possible to think while he was toying with her foot and leg. Of course maybe she could play gentle and passive once or twice; at least she could try… a bit…
“You don’t like women drivers? Although if I recall you were the one who nearly ran me off the road.”
Then again maybe she couldn’t play passive. She had always been equal to anything, but that didn't mean she -didn't- want to play.
“I’m sure I can keep up. Maybe I’ll surprise you.”
Val raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Nic. She wouldn’t have taken him for a guy who was intimidated by an aggressive woman. Had she misread him that badly?
It was something to think about if nothing else. If it was possible to think while he was toying with her foot and leg. Of course maybe she could play gentle and passive once or twice; at least she could try… a bit…
“You don’t like women drivers? Although if I recall you were the one who nearly ran me off the road.”
Then again maybe she couldn’t play passive. She had always been equal to anything, but that didn't mean she -didn't- want to play.
Nicholae
17 years ago
"No, no, no...you misunderstand. I love women drivers. But I also like to drive myself, and usually when I'm testing out a new ride, I do like to be the one in charge...at least until I get a feel for her."
Of course he was speaking of the two of them, and he doubted she misunderstood that. It just so happened he felt the same way about a new vehicle. But he meant it about other things in life as well. He had lived his life thus far as a stereotypical man, and that he could adjust and give over the reigns to his life to a woman at all spoke volumes about how far he had come.
"In truth, I don't really care for the meek and timid woman. What's the excitement and challenge in that? I know in almost all things we are equals." He grinned, and waited a beat to hear if she objected. No matter what women's lib said, for the most part men were stronger physically, but that was the only way Nic had found where men had a slight advantage.
"And seeing that you are definitely a strong woman, I guess I can understand how it would be just as difficult for you to hand over the reigns to someone else, male or female. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I could let you test drive first."
And he gave her a slight frown, but couldn't hold onto it long. Who was he kidding. If he were horny enough, and backed into a corner, he'd let Val do whatever her heart desired. He just wouldn't tell her that quite yet.
Of course he was speaking of the two of them, and he doubted she misunderstood that. It just so happened he felt the same way about a new vehicle. But he meant it about other things in life as well. He had lived his life thus far as a stereotypical man, and that he could adjust and give over the reigns to his life to a woman at all spoke volumes about how far he had come.
"In truth, I don't really care for the meek and timid woman. What's the excitement and challenge in that? I know in almost all things we are equals." He grinned, and waited a beat to hear if she objected. No matter what women's lib said, for the most part men were stronger physically, but that was the only way Nic had found where men had a slight advantage.
"And seeing that you are definitely a strong woman, I guess I can understand how it would be just as difficult for you to hand over the reigns to someone else, male or female. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I could let you test drive first."
And he gave her a slight frown, but couldn't hold onto it long. Who was he kidding. If he were horny enough, and backed into a corner, he'd let Val do whatever her heart desired. He just wouldn't tell her that quite yet.
Valentine
17 years ago
Stubborn boy wasn’t he? Val’s smile was almost smug and she again attempting to tease him with her toes and casually stretching her other leg so it rested right between his legs. He was going to have to make a few compromises.
“You know most dealerships don’t let you take a test drive without an escort.”
It was half tease half warning. He would have to learn she didn’t back down willingly.
“But I’d never buy a car without driving it first. So how about we just relax and see what happens.”
“You know most dealerships don’t let you take a test drive without an escort.”
It was half tease half warning. He would have to learn she didn’t back down willingly.
“But I’d never buy a car without driving it first. So how about we just relax and see what happens.”
Nicholae
17 years ago
He wasn't sure he understood the 'escort' she referred to...
"And most dealership owners don't accompany the prospective buyers on test drives, yet I have the undivided attentions of one in my midst...at least I hope I've got her undivided attentions."
Shifting in his seat, he made more room for her second foot, finding it increasingly both arousing and uncomfortable at the same time. Thinking to distract her a bit, before he made an utter fool of himself, Nic wondered if she was ticklish. He slowly drug his thumbnail up the center of the sole of her foot, still holding it firmly with his other hand.
"I'd say I've got the ultimate escort, no? But I need to make sure you're aware...after buying two motorcycles, I'm not really in the market for 'buying' anything else right now. I'm not saying I might not want to buy in the future, but it would take something awfully special to tempt me. But relax? I can relax."
How it was that buying a car had somehow become associated with establishing a more permanent relationship was a little confounding to Nic. Maybe he was reading innuendo into too much now. He had tried to keep the word game going as best as he could, but was afraid things might have gotten a bit out of hand. He wasn't scared, per se...but he didn't want to lead Val on either. Oh for the days when a man could just offer up some flowery words and the woman became putty in his hands. The game they now played was still too new to Nic, and though he had been enjoying it, and had started out well, he really wasn't in the mood to lose tonight. Yet he was afraid if he didn't play it just right, he certainly would lose.
They had finished their coffees and the time to leave was drawing near, yet he still hadn't established where they would go from here.
"So does that mean we go back to my place? I'll tell you what, I'll even let you drive the bike." Now if that wasn't a sign of how he felt about her, nothing was. It showed he trusted her, above all else, with his bike...and his comfort. It also showed he valued her abilities and knowledge of common sense and vehicles. It really was a huge act on his part, to offer this opportunity to her, whether she knew it or not.
"And most dealership owners don't accompany the prospective buyers on test drives, yet I have the undivided attentions of one in my midst...at least I hope I've got her undivided attentions."
Shifting in his seat, he made more room for her second foot, finding it increasingly both arousing and uncomfortable at the same time. Thinking to distract her a bit, before he made an utter fool of himself, Nic wondered if she was ticklish. He slowly drug his thumbnail up the center of the sole of her foot, still holding it firmly with his other hand.
"I'd say I've got the ultimate escort, no? But I need to make sure you're aware...after buying two motorcycles, I'm not really in the market for 'buying' anything else right now. I'm not saying I might not want to buy in the future, but it would take something awfully special to tempt me. But relax? I can relax."
How it was that buying a car had somehow become associated with establishing a more permanent relationship was a little confounding to Nic. Maybe he was reading innuendo into too much now. He had tried to keep the word game going as best as he could, but was afraid things might have gotten a bit out of hand. He wasn't scared, per se...but he didn't want to lead Val on either. Oh for the days when a man could just offer up some flowery words and the woman became putty in his hands. The game they now played was still too new to Nic, and though he had been enjoying it, and had started out well, he really wasn't in the mood to lose tonight. Yet he was afraid if he didn't play it just right, he certainly would lose.
They had finished their coffees and the time to leave was drawing near, yet he still hadn't established where they would go from here.
"So does that mean we go back to my place? I'll tell you what, I'll even let you drive the bike." Now if that wasn't a sign of how he felt about her, nothing was. It showed he trusted her, above all else, with his bike...and his comfort. It also showed he valued her abilities and knowledge of common sense and vehicles. It really was a huge act on his part, to offer this opportunity to her, whether she knew it or not.
Valentine
17 years ago
She just couldn’t make up her mind about him. He seemed to vacillate, to give mixed signals, there was something in the back of her mind that just wasn’t setting right with her. Val wasn’t accustomed to ignoring those little cues.
Had she reached bad conclusions about him or was he just ‘off’. Too bad he was more than slightly attractive, but instinct was important to her.
“Take me for a walk.”
It was rather abrupt, but not un-charming, a subtle and suggestive smile saw to that. Very simply Val needed time to think.
She slid her shoe back on and stood waiting for Nic to escort her out of the restaurant.
Had she reached bad conclusions about him or was he just ‘off’. Too bad he was more than slightly attractive, but instinct was important to her.
“Take me for a walk.”
It was rather abrupt, but not un-charming, a subtle and suggestive smile saw to that. Very simply Val needed time to think.
She slid her shoe back on and stood waiting for Nic to escort her out of the restaurant.
Nicholae
17 years ago
Putting is best acting face forward, Nic refused to let his disappointment in her refusal to accompany him back to the Towers show. Instead he merely nodded, slid some money into the leather folder the waiter had left on the table, and patted her foot before releasing it and standing.
Tossing his linen napkin onto the table, Nic moved to Val's chair too late to pull it out for her. Only very slightly irked at her rush to stand, Nic gestured towards the door with a nod and sweep of his hand.
"A walk it is...anywhere in particular?"
His other hand firmly but lightly resting on the small of her back, Nic guided her to the door, and held it while she exited. Once they were outside the restaurant, Nic let his hand drop, only to slide into his pants pocket, opposite his other one. The difference in their heights, even with her heels, made it impossible for him to drape his arm around her waist, and to rest it on her shoulders he doubted would have been comfortable for her. It seemed silly to hold her hand, so that left him with his hands in his pockets.
Tossing his linen napkin onto the table, Nic moved to Val's chair too late to pull it out for her. Only very slightly irked at her rush to stand, Nic gestured towards the door with a nod and sweep of his hand.
"A walk it is...anywhere in particular?"
His other hand firmly but lightly resting on the small of her back, Nic guided her to the door, and held it while she exited. Once they were outside the restaurant, Nic let his hand drop, only to slide into his pants pocket, opposite his other one. The difference in their heights, even with her heels, made it impossible for him to drape his arm around her waist, and to rest it on her shoulders he doubted would have been comfortable for her. It seemed silly to hold her hand, so that left him with his hands in his pockets.
Valentine
17 years ago
Val was used to taller men, after all the odds of her finding one shorter than she was or even just as tall were pretty damned slim. So she neatly slid her arm through his, even though it was shoved in his pocket.
She couldn’t help but notice that was being rather self-contained. It was an odd reaction to have when she hadn’t rejected him, she’d only asked him to take her for a walk rather than back to his place. It was one more thing that sent out warning signals about him.
“Not really, you can show me around a little.”
Cities, big cities especially, at night were wonderful places. Her fondness for them had only increased as the cities got bigger and taller. Then when you had a city like this with a mix of old and new architecture created mini worlds with in the city.
She couldn’t help but notice that was being rather self-contained. It was an odd reaction to have when she hadn’t rejected him, she’d only asked him to take her for a walk rather than back to his place. It was one more thing that sent out warning signals about him.
“Not really, you can show me around a little.”
Cities, big cities especially, at night were wonderful places. Her fondness for them had only increased as the cities got bigger and taller. Then when you had a city like this with a mix of old and new architecture created mini worlds with in the city.
Nicholae
17 years ago
What had taken his attention away from Val, was something Nic didn’t take the time to figure out. But realizing he was just walking along, staring at the sidewalk, he almost blushed when he heard her speak. Eyes still cast downward, he again noticed her heels.
“I can show you around a ‘very’ little. Normally when I’m going through town its at such a speed that doesn’t lend well to sightseeing. But, really…you feel like walking much in those? I don’t know how you women manage.”
Not ready to give up so easily, Nic had to try at least once more to convince her to go back to the Towers with him.
“I could get a map of points of interest for next time, and we could get you into some real ‘walking’ shoes…and spend hours going wherever…”
Again, not wanting to throw in the towel on her just yet, Nic didn’t think it would hurt to mention a future date. Besides which, he really didn’t know the city all that well, and couldn’t think of a place to take her that he knew she hadn’t already been to.
“Or, if you’re insistent, we could just explore and see what we see.”
It was his last ditch effort to at least keep the evening going.
“I can show you around a ‘very’ little. Normally when I’m going through town its at such a speed that doesn’t lend well to sightseeing. But, really…you feel like walking much in those? I don’t know how you women manage.”
Not ready to give up so easily, Nic had to try at least once more to convince her to go back to the Towers with him.
“I could get a map of points of interest for next time, and we could get you into some real ‘walking’ shoes…and spend hours going wherever…”
Again, not wanting to throw in the towel on her just yet, Nic didn’t think it would hurt to mention a future date. Besides which, he really didn’t know the city all that well, and couldn’t think of a place to take her that he knew she hadn’t already been to.
“Or, if you’re insistent, we could just explore and see what we see.”
It was his last ditch effort to at least keep the evening going.
Valentine
17 years ago
Val looked down at her feet unconcerned, she’d worn heels, very high slender heels for years and you did get used to them. Besides it was that or be very short, rather than just short.
She smiled slightly at his determination. Perhaps she was just taking some time to warm up to him, it was an odd thought but one worth considering.
“Where ever, I love specific plans, but it might work for next time.”
Curiosity was getting the better of her. She was certain he was a vampire, but if he wanted to take her home would he bring her into the clan’s strong hold or did he have a place apart from them?
She knew it couldn’t possibly be a good idea, but…
“Where did you say you lived? Or did I forget?”
She smiled slightly at his determination. Perhaps she was just taking some time to warm up to him, it was an odd thought but one worth considering.
“Where ever, I love specific plans, but it might work for next time.”
Curiosity was getting the better of her. She was certain he was a vampire, but if he wanted to take her home would he bring her into the clan’s strong hold or did he have a place apart from them?
She knew it couldn’t possibly be a good idea, but…
“Where did you say you lived? Or did I forget?”
Nicholae
17 years ago
He wasn't sure her answer was an answer, but rather than look any more foolish than he possibly already did, he just nodded.
In listening to her talk, something jogged his memory though, and he remembered he was going to take her to the museum.
Smacking the heel of his hand against his forehead, he stopped and grinned.
"I almost forgot! I was going to take you to the museum, and we were going to check out your artistic preferences."
Though now that he had remembered, he had to wonder if her lack of reminding him was more because she really wasn't interested in seeing the museum. He wouldn't second guess her though, as he was getting tired of that. Never before coming to Nachton, or at least not since he was first with Iuliana, had Nic been so unsure of himself.
"Lifede Towers. You may not have heard of them, but if you've been anywhere in the city, I know you've seen them, they're impossible to miss. They're joined to another building by a catwalk...the Meridian Towers...and the two structures together are among the most impressive Nachton has to offer."
Nic spoke of pride when he described the Towers. If he could create a hotel that was even close to the grandeur of the Towers, he would be a happy man, he thought.
They were still walking, as they talked, now that he let go of his concern for her comfort. The night was beautiful, and even as crazy as the evening had been thus far, Nic was still enjoying himself, and Val's company. If this was what she wanted to do, instead of the museum or the Towers, then he would just continue on. He squeezed her arm a little, as it was wrapped around his, and smiled down at her. Though given his choice he would have been a lot happier having her naked body wrapped around his, for now this was better than hanging out in his suite alone.
In listening to her talk, something jogged his memory though, and he remembered he was going to take her to the museum.
Smacking the heel of his hand against his forehead, he stopped and grinned.
"I almost forgot! I was going to take you to the museum, and we were going to check out your artistic preferences."
Though now that he had remembered, he had to wonder if her lack of reminding him was more because she really wasn't interested in seeing the museum. He wouldn't second guess her though, as he was getting tired of that. Never before coming to Nachton, or at least not since he was first with Iuliana, had Nic been so unsure of himself.
"Lifede Towers. You may not have heard of them, but if you've been anywhere in the city, I know you've seen them, they're impossible to miss. They're joined to another building by a catwalk...the Meridian Towers...and the two structures together are among the most impressive Nachton has to offer."
Nic spoke of pride when he described the Towers. If he could create a hotel that was even close to the grandeur of the Towers, he would be a happy man, he thought.
They were still walking, as they talked, now that he let go of his concern for her comfort. The night was beautiful, and even as crazy as the evening had been thus far, Nic was still enjoying himself, and Val's company. If this was what she wanted to do, instead of the museum or the Towers, then he would just continue on. He squeezed her arm a little, as it was wrapped around his, and smiled down at her. Though given his choice he would have been a lot happier having her naked body wrapped around his, for now this was better than hanging out in his suite alone.
Valentine
17 years ago
"My taste in art runs to steel and chrome... unless you really wanted to give me a lesson."Â?
Val was seriously torn there was the plain and simple fact that she wasn't playing straight with him and hadn't planed on telling him about her peculiar diet. But then again, to have him just walk her right into Evenhets residences...
The thrill seeking, 'I know I shouldn't do this' side of Val wound up wining out. Who could possibly resist such an invitation.
"I've driven by them before, but never been inside."Â?
She scanned the skyline looking for them, well half looking for them.
"Must be some nice digs and maybe a night cap is in order."Â?
Val was seriously torn there was the plain and simple fact that she wasn't playing straight with him and hadn't planed on telling him about her peculiar diet. But then again, to have him just walk her right into Evenhets residences...
The thrill seeking, 'I know I shouldn't do this' side of Val wound up wining out. Who could possibly resist such an invitation.
"I've driven by them before, but never been inside."Â?
She scanned the skyline looking for them, well half looking for them.
"Must be some nice digs and maybe a night cap is in order."Â?
Nicholae
17 years ago
No...he really wasn't in the mood for an art lesson. Maybe if she had expressed the tiniest bit of interest he would have forgone the apprehension, and taken her to the museum anyway. However, in light of her apparent disinterest, Nic just couldn't drum up much enthusiasm.
Her next words did perk him up a little though, and that she was now talking of the Towers, and night caps, Nic's grin grew into a genuine smile.
"Sure, a night cap it is! Do you want me to run back and get my bike...I can pick you up here in a manner of minutes? Or we can walk back now...whichever you want...really...it's no trouble either way. Here, you wait here...I'll be right back."
And without waiting for an answer, yet feeling like a fourteen year old, Nic turned and headed towards the parking lot of the restaurant at a quick jog.
During the short run back he couldn't admonish himself enough. For someone who had been around the block many times, he was just not holding up well tonight at all. Until Nachton he hadn't suffered anxiety of this kind since he had been fourteen, and even then he wasn't sure he had been this nervous or felt this inexperienced or inadequate. He really needed more than a quickie like he'd had with Alexandra, to build his confidences back up. He really needed to find someone he enjoyed being with, and who enjoyed being with him enough to see him again. He needed to get laid, but he also wanted the comfort in knowing that person would still be his friend the night after.
Pulling up to the curb along the sidewalk where he'd left her, Nic jumped off the bike and handed her the helmet.
"Okay, here you go, just put that on and we'll be on the way."
Her next words did perk him up a little though, and that she was now talking of the Towers, and night caps, Nic's grin grew into a genuine smile.
"Sure, a night cap it is! Do you want me to run back and get my bike...I can pick you up here in a manner of minutes? Or we can walk back now...whichever you want...really...it's no trouble either way. Here, you wait here...I'll be right back."
And without waiting for an answer, yet feeling like a fourteen year old, Nic turned and headed towards the parking lot of the restaurant at a quick jog.
During the short run back he couldn't admonish himself enough. For someone who had been around the block many times, he was just not holding up well tonight at all. Until Nachton he hadn't suffered anxiety of this kind since he had been fourteen, and even then he wasn't sure he had been this nervous or felt this inexperienced or inadequate. He really needed more than a quickie like he'd had with Alexandra, to build his confidences back up. He really needed to find someone he enjoyed being with, and who enjoyed being with him enough to see him again. He needed to get laid, but he also wanted the comfort in knowing that person would still be his friend the night after.
Pulling up to the curb along the sidewalk where he'd left her, Nic jumped off the bike and handed her the helmet.
"Okay, here you go, just put that on and we'll be on the way."