Married to a retired playboy

and sophistication. Dressed to impress in a dress that flowed like midnight silk, Vanessa felt a flicker of self-doubt. Carolyn's text, an impulsive invitation to a "girls' n

ring shadows across the pristine white plates, Vanessa scanned the room. Disapp

he balanced, materialized beside her. "Can I get you someth

an, her voice barely a whisper, "I'm wa

sing his features before he schooled it back into professional courtesy.

her friend was a punctual person but she was surprised by her lateness today. Had Carolyn forgotten? Was this some elaborate prank? A pa

her wanted to call Carolyn, to demand an explanation. But another part, a curious one, fel

f her eye. A man, tall and broad-shouldered, was approaching the table, a hesitant smile playing

raightened in her seat, a nervous flutter rising in her stomach. She doesn't want

e a hesitant offering. "Vanessa? I presume? I'm Samuel, Carolyn's friend.

her. A blind date disguised as a girl's dinne

low-grade irritation. Blind dates were one thing, but a blind dat

usiasm that grated on Vanessa's nerves. She learned about his extensive sock collection (extensive!), his passion f

ods less convincing. The image of Carolyn, cackling with delight at Vanessa

e-winning pigeon, Vanessa rose from her seat. "Thank you for the evening, Samuel,

ily eclipsing his usual boisterousness. "Oh,

wide, it collided with a passing waiter. A yelp escaped the man's lips as his tr

enjoying a quiet dinner, splattering the man's white shirt with a large stain.

f epic proportions. A girl's dinner gone wrong by turning into a blind date, a ruined ou

apology, her voice barely audible above the stunne

n her chest. The glass clinked harmlessly on the table as the wine-soaked

re. Vanessa felt a desperate urge to crawl under the table. B

pen." He looked down at his now ruined shirt, then back at Vanessa with a glint of something more than just amusement. "Besides," he continu

as well. "This is a brand new Armani!" she hissed, her voice laced with

r off again with a gentle, placating gesture. "It's alright, h

ediately" Vanessa suggested si

Vanessa, his gaze lingering for

er, " the man said as they

replied, leaving n

st, taking a moment to blatantly admire the way Vanessa's figure hugged her dress as she followed close behind. His

s damp shirt, revealing a toned torso he took pride in maintaining. Vanessa, however, remained focused

no-nonsense tone. "Laundry service, please. Yes, there's been a spill on a guest's shirt. Room..."

ly deflated ego, attempted a cocky gri

milk, One-word answers suffice. "Wouldn't you agree?

He was used to a more receptive audience, one that melted under his charm. Suddenly, the prospect of a quick