Page 55 of Last First Date

“Sure,” she said, smiling. “What kind of dinner?”

“What kind?” I asked, not understanding the question.

“Like what should I wear?” she replied.

I smiled. “Just casual. Business casual. Do you like sushi? That’s something I’ve been craving.”

“I like sushi.” She nodded.

“Good, you haven’t had the good stuff.” I chuckled.

“I’m looking forward to it.” She smiled.

I walked into my suite and looked around. It boasted a breathtaking view of the city. I took a few moments to look around the suite before moving to stand in front of the window that gave me a beautiful view of Central Park.

“Damn,” I murmured. I had missed the view. I couldn’t wait until it got dark, and the skyline came into view.

Exhausted, I flopped onto the plush bed, letting out a content sigh. For a moment, I simply lay there, my eyes shut as I soaked in the luxury of it all. However, just as quickly as I’d stretched out, I sat up and checked my watch. I needed to get some work done. I had planned on taking care of some of my duties on the flight over, but Waverly’s fear had taken center stage.

I liked being her hero.

With a smile tugging at my lips, I retrieved my laptop from my bag and started going over the emails I’d missed. There were a few from the lingerie company we were working with, confirming our schedule and asking for some last-minute preferences. I had to give them credit. They were thorough and efficient.

My phone buzzed with incoming messages. Friends who had heard of my arrival were eager to catch up. I replied to them all, reassuring them that there would be time for reunions. But tonight, it was about Waverly. It was crazy to be back in a city full of beautiful women that wanted to spend time with me but the only one I wanted to be with was in the room next door. I couldn’t explain when things shifted. I was interested in her in a way I couldn’t explain. I wanted to get to know her.

I closed my laptop and went to freshen up. As hot water cascaded over me, I found my thoughts drifting back to Waverly. She was different in the most intriguing way. There was an innocence about her, a refreshing contrast to the cunning, career-driven models I was used to spending time with.

After a quick shower, I dressed in a pair of slacks and a warm sweater. Just before six, I went next door to knock on Waverly’s door. She answered it, wearing a similar outfit to mine, except black leggings with a sweater that hung below her ass. She wore boots that went just over her knees.

“Ready?” I asked.

“Let me grab my coat.” She pulled on a coat that still had tags.

I didn’t jerk them off. “Do you want to keep these on?”

She laughed. “No. I bought this on clearance last year and have never had the chance to wear it.”

We left the hotel and got into the car I had ordered earlier.

The city was alive, as it always was, with the usual chaos of people moving in every direction, cars darting in and out of traffic, and the hum of life in the Big Apple. As the car headed toward my favorite sushi spot nestled in the heart of SoHo, I found myself stealing glances at Waverly.

Waverly looked like a kid on Christmas morning, taking in all the sights.

“I guess I can see the allure,” she said, smiling.

“Wait until you’ve been here for a few more days,” I said. “There’s so much to see and do. And the dining is amazing.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” she replied.

The sushi place was just as I remembered it, sleek, modern, and minimalistic, with a warm glow from the overhead lighting. The chef stood behind the counter, crafting each roll with an expertise that only came with years of practice.

“I’ve been here plenty of times,” I said as we were led to a table in the corner. “I’ve never been disappointed.”

Waverly’s eyes widened at the array of dishes set before us. “This is wild,” she whispered.

“I’m glad you think so,” I replied, my gaze lingering on her awestruck expression.

Over the course of dinner, our conversation flowed as easily as the saké. We talked about the meeting tomorrow morning and some of the sights I was hoping to show her while we were in town. By the end of the night, I was feeling a certain way. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I was looking forward to spending more time with her.