Chapter Six

Geena came strutting into her office a few hours later as Jerrica was reviewing documents. “Eeeek, you’ll never guess who’s going to come visit me at work tonight,” she squealed. Jerrica tapped her chin “Hmmm, a certain bodyguard comes to mind,” she replied. “Oh my God, he’s so dreamy. And that voice…I could listen to it all day and night then all day again,” she said with a voice that emulates the heart-eye emoji. “Okay, okay I get it,” said Jerrica. “Ready to go shopping?” “Does a Lamborghini purr like a kitten? Yes!” Geena exclaimed. “Just let me finish up then I’ll be ready,” she said as she tidied up her desk. She called Joshua to meet them out front. They made their way to elevator giggling like school girls.

“I’m so happy for you. You’ve finally met someone on an equal playing field. You guys are going to rock the business world,” Geena said enthusiastically. “Thank you,” Jerrica replied. “We’ll see what the future holds.”

Once they were in the car, Geena got back on the subject of Taylor. “He can guard my body any day. And he knows a thing or two about vehicles,” she prattled on. “He’s coming to Fyre to watch me perform, I hope he’ll like what he sees,” she said. “Of course he will!” Jerrica exclaimed. “You’re beautiful inside and out,” she continued.

They pulled up to the shopping district. “Ooohh, let’s check out Giselle’s first. I heard they just got a new line in,” Geena said. They made their way through the doors and they were greeted by a personal stylist who took their height and measurements to recommend pieces that would compliment them most.

After a few outfits, they finally decided on a few items. Jerrica looked at the time. “Oh my God Geena we have to get going! It’s almost 6:00 and my dinner is at 7:00. We went a little crazy with shopping therapy.” “But look at this wonderful outfit you found! You’re going to knock his socks off!” Geena exclaimed. 

Geena was right. The stylist sure knew her stuff. This aqua dress hugs her curves and shows just enough skin to leave something to the imagination. And matching shoes and clutch. All she had left to do was hair and makeup. She called Joshua and they were on their way to drop Geena off at Fyre and Jerrica home. “Have fun tonight but not too much fun,” Geena said as she got out of the BMW. She blew Jerrica a kiss before making her way into the club.

Jareth was visiting with his parents, updating them on recent events when Gabby walked in. "I heard you have a date tonight," she squealed. "Yes, and you'll get to meet her at your party." He replied. "I'm looking forward to it! I'm glad you're finally dating 'up from Gwen. That bitch didn't deserve you," she exclaimed. 

Jareth was pleased with his sister's approval already. "So, what would you like for your birthday? I promise I won't leave it until the last minute again." "You mean like you did last year?" Gabby retorted jokingly. "I'm sure you'll think of something." That doesn't help at all, he thought to himself. Perhaps he'll get Jerrica's input for girly gift suggestions.

Back at her place, Jerrica showered quickly, put her hair in a French roll and went easy on the makeup. She was just putting on her jewelry when her phone chimed. It was Jareth texting.

Jareth: “I can’t wait to see you.”

Jerrica: “Well you’ll have to wait a little longer. I still have twenty minutes.”

Jareth: “That’s twenty minutes too long.”

Jerrica: “I’m on my way out the door.”

She made her way to the elevator. On the main floor, she waved to security. The doorman opened the door for her and she came face to face with Jareth. “Your chariot awaits, m’Lady,” he gestured dramatically to his Mercedes. He gave her the once-over look and offered his arm. “How long have you been waiting down here?” she asked, blushing under his gaze. “Long enough to know the life story of the doorman,” he said jokingly. 

She took is arm and he said, “God, you smell like strawberries, just like you did yesterday.” Jerrica gave a little laugh as Taylor held the door open for her. Jareth slid in next to her and Taylor closed the door. “You’re beautiful in that dress,” he whispered close to her ear. She felt the goosebumps shoot down her arm as she sucked in a breath. He slid his hand into hers and rested them on his thigh.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she murmured back. He looked sharp in a navy blue Armani suit and silk tie. She felt his Rolex against her wrist. The cool metal contrasting with the heat she felt from him. “All eyes will be on you when we walk in,” he said in that velvety voice. “And I’ll be the lucky man to have you on my arm,” he continued. She blushed as she adjusted her body to be closer to him and he let out a low groan. “What are you doing to me?” he groaned low in her ear.

“Um, I have something to tell you,” she said hesitantly. He drew back and searched her eyes. She seemed almost embarrassed to tell him. ‘Um, I’ve only been on a few dates and um…I’ve never…I mean…the other guys felt too intimidated by my line of work and things fizzled out after a few months. I just want to make sure I do things right with you…” she trailed off. He felt his chest swell with pride and admiration at her confession. His heart did a little flip and he squeezed her hand.

“I’ll give you all the time you need,” he said as he squeezed her hand and brought it up to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss along her knuckles which sent shivers through her. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I’ll wait for you for as long as it takes,” he said with heated desire in his voice. She felt her cheeks get warm. “Ahem, sorry to interrupt, sir, but we’re here,” said Taylor.

Jerrica peered out the window at the front of the bistro. “This is place looks wonderful!” she exclaimed. Bistro table and chairs lined the sidewalk out front and old timey street lanterns all in row leading up to the door definitely gave it that Paris feel.

Jareth held out his hand as she exited the Mercedes. She stood facing him and straightened out his tie. “I like this color on you,” she murmured softly. He took her hands and brought them up to his lips. “I could say the same for you,” he whispered huskily. “See you around 10:00 Taylor. Tell Geena we say hi,” he said over his shoulder with a smirk on his face.“ Yes, sir,” said Taylor as he closed the car door and hurried around to the drivers seat.

Jerrica giggled a little. Music to his ears, thought Jareth. They made their way to the hostess stand but just as they got to the podium, they heard screeching tires on the street. A silver Audi sped down the street and turned the corner, causing other drivers to veer out of the way.

“What was that all about?” Jerrica said. “Oh, probably some young guy driving like a douche,” he replied. But he would recognize that car anywhere. He had a feeling Gwen was going to make her presence known yet again.

The hostess lead them to a secluded table in the back. A little booth enough for two. A pianist was playing a soft melody only a few feet away. The hostess took their coats to the coat check and their server arrived promptly.

“Zee wine leest, sir,” said the sommelier. He had a towel draped over his arm and a black beret on. “Merci, garçon,” said Jareth. “Que recommandez-vous?” he said in perfect French. Jerrica just sat there with her mouth agape. He can speak French too?! She thought.

“Oui, oui, Monsieur!” the sommelier exclaimed. “Le vin blanc est exquis!” “Merci, white it is,” Jareth said as he smiled at Jerrica. He reached over slowly and put two fingers under her chin to gently close her mouth. “You’re collecting flies,” he said jokingly. 

“You speak French?” she asked incredulously. He just smiled and said, “Of course. Steele Logistics has business dealings worldwide so  learning the language of our clients is highly recommended,” he said matter-of-factly.

Makes sense, Jerrica thought to herself. She sat back and enjoyed the melodies being played on the baby Grand. “You look so relaxed,” said Jareth. “I am,” she responded. “It’s been a long day and finishing off like this is delightful.” She let a small smile curve her lips and her dimple peeked out of hiding. “Your dimple is just the cutest thing,” Jareth said with a little amusement. Jerrica blushed at the compliment. 

“Thank you,” she murmured as she twirled her water glass in her hand. The sommelier showed up with their wine and made a big flourish of opening and pouring their glasses. “To first dates,” Jareth whispered. “To first dates,” she said as their glasses clinked she gazed at him over the rim of her glass.

God, she can look at me like that for twenty four hours a day and it’ll never get old, he thought to himself. He opened the menu in front of him and perused the selections. “So what are you in the mood for tonight?” he asked with a raised brow. 

Oh my God, if you only knew, she thought to herself. “You’re the one fluent in French, order something you think I’ll like,” she said with a slight smile. “Oooohh, a challenge! I like a challenge,” he said. “Hmmmm,” he said, looking at the menu. “ Not that…not that either…oh, here we go, Beouf Borguignon,” he said triumphantly. She giggled and said, “Sounds good to me.” The server appeared and they gave their order. He decided on the Confit de Carnard. “It’s been a while since I’ve had duck and it’s so flavorful and tender the way they do it here,” he said.

He reached across and took her small hands in his big ones. She blushed at the sudden PDA. “It feels like I’ve known you longer than just three days. Being in your company feels so right,” he said as he kissed her knuckles. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I enjoy your company too.” He rubbed between her finger and thumb again and she gave a little gasp. How can such a simple movement elicit such a reaction from her? She’s never reacted so strongly to her other dates.

The sommelier came by to refill their glasses. The wine was definitely a good choice. It’s been a while since she’s had a drink so satisfying. Their food arrived and she said, “Bon appetite!” He just smiled at their little inside joke. “Indeed,” he replied. Her first bite just melted in her mouth and she let out a little moan of satisfaction and closed her eyes. She heard a little clink of cutlery and open her eyes and just stared at him.

“What?” she asked. “God, I loved that sound coming from your mouth,” he said huskily. “I want to hear it again but in a different setting.” He rubbed her thigh under the table and felt her shudder. She definitely felt tingles all the way up her thigh and beyond.

She cleared her throat and said, “I look forward to learning how you’ll make me moan for you,” she said, sounding braver than she felt. His eyes got wide and he squeezed her thigh again. He let out a low groan.

“Finish your dinner so I can get you home before I break my promise to your father,” he said in a low, husky voice. She giggled a little and took another bite and moaned a little more again. “That’s not fair,” he said in his most pouty voice. She giggled again.

They finished up and Taylor showed up promptly at 10:00. He definitely had permanent grin on his face as he held the door open for them. “Did you have a good time at Fyre?” Jareth teased. “Yes, I did, sir. Thank you for asking,” Taylor replied, grinning wider.

Once in the back seat, Jareth immediately took her hands in his and put it on his thigh. Jerrica could feel his hard muscle under her hand. She got brave and snuggled closer. She put her head on his shoulder and he let out a low sigh. “You feel so good next to me,” he whispered. “Yes, I agree,” she said. I could get used to this, she thought to herself.