Page 12 of After Midnight
I wasn't sure what to expect when Madam called me in, but I liked to be prepared. I pulled out the three dresses I had brought and laid them gently on the bed. My eyes settled on the cream satin one. Spaghetti straps, teasing neckline, form-fitting and fell just above my knee. That was the one. I dressed and slid some strappy silver heels on my feet.
I stared at myself in the full-length mirror, turning to catch myself from all angles. Smoothing the dress over my hips, I smiled pleased. Satisfied, I tossed my hair over my shoulder and made my way to the dining room. The table was already set for two, candlelight, and a bottle of wine chilling.
Taking my seat, I crossed my legs under the table and waited demurely for my guest. Ten minutes later the door to the dining room opened. His eyes swept the room once before settling on me. I clocked his reaction. That small shift in a man’s expression when the fantasy becomes real.
I stood slowly from my chair. “Good evening,” I said with a soft, inviting smile.
He seemed to collect himself as he walked further into the room. “Good evening,” he replied, his voice deep but polite.
I stepped around the table and extended my hand. “Gianna.”
He took it, his grip warm but gentle. “Daniel.”
His eyes lingered on me, taking me in. I let him enjoy the view.
“I see Madam wasn’t exaggerating.”
I tilted my head slightly. “Oh?”
He gave a small smile. “She said the new girl was going to make an impression.”
I let out a quiet laugh. “Well now I feel like I have something to live up to.”
He chuckled under his breath. “Something tells me you won’t have any trouble with that.”
I gestured toward the table. “Please. Have a seat.”
Daniel pulled out the chair across from mine and settled into it as I reached for the wine. “Red or white?” I asked.
“Red.”
I poured slowly. When I set it in front of him, his gaze met mine again curiously, studying me. I lifted my glass. “To your evening,” I said.
He lifted his. “Toourevening.”
I smiled again at that.
The chef came in moments later wheeling in two silver domed dishes. He placed them in front of us gently. "Lamb chops, roasted root vegetables and sauteed greens," he presented before quietly exiting.
We began to eat. The food was amazing and seasoned to perfection. For a few minutes I was so focused on eating that I forgot the goal. Wiping my mouth delicately, I took a sip of wine. "So Daniel, aside from what's been shared with me, is there anything else you would like for me to know to make this a memorable night for you?" I asked softly.
He smiled. "I'm a pretty simple man. I just enjoy the company of beautiful women. My work keeps me out of townand busy, so when I do have down time, I enjoy companionship without pretenses if that makes sense."
I nodded in understanding. "It does. You want pleasure without the extra steps, but you don't want it to feel…transactional. Am I correct?"
His smiled widened. "That's correct. You're observant and beautiful."
I shrugged modestly with a small smile. "I've always been a quick study."
"I like that." He cut into his lamp chop still smiling. "Tell me about you, Gianna? You're obviously gorgeous. How did a woman like you get into a field like this?"
"Well…I believe that as a man in finance, you and I share a commonality," I began.
His eyes focused on me curiously, a faint smile on his face. "Please do share."
I took another slow sip before continuing, "Money," I said simply. "I don't have a trauma filled back story of abuse. I was raised in a two-parent household. My parents were married. Divorced now. Middle class upbringing. I was a cheerleader in high school. Popular and well adjusted. For the most part I've led a very regular life. But I like nice shit, Daniel. And nice things cost money. I dothisbecause I like money and I don't want to struggle for it."
His brows shot up in surprise. He paused his eating to focus on me.
