Date with the Enemy
“Well,” Henry began, leaning back in his chair, his arms folded as he considered all that she’d said, “I didn’t have to cast him. I chose to do that from the beginning. Granted, we have a contract now. I could release him from it, but that’s what he wants.”
“Then don’t do that!” she said, reaching for her drink. It seemed ridiculous that she was ordering him not to do the very thing she most wanted him to do, but he had to think she hated Rome as much as he did.
“No, no I won’t. But… I do wish there was something I could do to get out from under that portion of the contract.” He was thoughtful for a moment before he shrugged and then added, “It was a costly acquisition, that’s true, but probably not as expensive as you might be thinking. If you keep selling those Wards, I bet you’ll be able to afford your own production company before you know it. Not that I want to compete with you!” He chuckled, and reached across the table, placing his hand on top of hers. Juliet chuckled along with him, focusing her eyes on a spot on the wall over his head, not on his face. Certainly not on his hand.
The waiter brought the check, and Henry paid it quickly. Then, he pulled out his phone, likely calling for the car. “Well, dear, what else shall we do with our evening? It isn’t that late.”
Pursing her lips together, Juliet groaned. “I’m sorry, Henry, but I have so much work to do. I’m afraid I should head home.”
“Home? Already? If I’d have known that, I would’ve ordered dessert.”
“I know,” she said, still pouting. “But I will see you again soon. Besides, we’ll get to spend the ride back to my apartment together. Unless, of course, you were planning to make me walk.” She gave him her best flirty grin and watched his face turn red.
“No, I definitely will not do that,” he assured her. “The car is here. Come on, darling. If all we have left tonight is the ride home, I’ll be sure my driver takes his time.”
With her teeth ground together behind her faux smile, Juliet took his hand, praying he didn’t get too fresh with her on the first real date. She’d hate to have to ruin everything so soon with a swift knee to his family jewels, but at the moment, she wasn’t sure how she’d even stomach letting him kiss her. She certainly wasn’t going to be able to handle anything more.
Henry’s driver was waiting for them. He held the door open, and Juliet slid into the backseat first, Henry behind her. She slid most of the way over to the door, and he took up a position directly next to her so that his knee was bumped up against hers. She tugged at the hem of her dress, wishing it was longer but kept the smile on her face.
As the car pulled into traffic, Henry wrapped his arm around her shoulders, his other hand trailing down the bare flesh of her leg, making slow, easy paces over and over again.
His face was so close to hers, she could smell the wine on his breath. His cologne was French and strong, tinged with a bit of perspiration. He was sweating now, probably anxious to see if she’d be open to getting to know him better.
Juliet put her hand on top of his, stopping him from his roaming. “Thanks for dinner, Henry.” she said, smiling up at him. “I’d never eaten there before. It was divine.”
“You’re quite welcome.” His teeth caught the passing street lights through the window, and for a moment she thought of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. “When can we do it again?”
“I don’t know. I’ll have to check my schedule. Soon, I hope.”
He took that as confirmation that she had enjoyed herself and was starting to like him. Henry tipped his head down, and Juliet steeled herself, knowing what was to come next. She closed her eyes and braced herself as his warm, sour mouth pressed against hers. When he urged her to open, she declined, making a soft moan and turning her head away so that he lifted his. “I like to take things slow, Henry. As you can imagine, there are many men who wish to date me at the moment. I have to be careful. I know that you are a good, kind man, but I can’t rush into relationships at this time in my career. I hope you can understand.”
“I do understand,” he said, his expression a cross between disappointment and empathy. “I’m not looking for a relationship right now, though, Juliet.”
He was implying they wouldn’t have to be in a relationship in order to get physical. She met his gaze. “I’m not sure what sort of girls you’re used to dating, Henry, but I assure you, I am not the sort of woman who rushes into things. I need a man to prove himself to me. You do understand?”
He nodded, but the vacant look in his eyes implied he didn’t actually understand what she was saying. He just knew he wasn’t getting any that night.
Settling back against the seat, Henry kept his arm around her, but he was done making advances for the night. She hoped she hadn’t pushed too hard. If he thought he’d never get her to give in to him, he might give up and lose interest. She couldn’t have that either.
As the car pulled up in front of Zita’s apartment building, Henry seemed to get over his hurt feelings at least a bit. Perhaps it was the possibility of a goodnight kiss that had him springing to life. “I’ll walk you up,” he said.
“Thank you.” Her voice was so sugary sweet, she hardly recognized it.
He took her hand and helped her out of the car. Juliet punched the code she’d been given into the door and waved at the doorman, who was aware of the situation. He waved back. They took the elevator up to Zita’s floor. By now, Henry was on the prowl again, his arm around her, his breath on her neck. She smiled, trying not to be too disparaging.
Outside of Zita’s door, Juliet had the key in her hand. “Well, thanks again,” she said, looking at him through her long eyelashes, hoping to be coy but also alluring.
“Thank you, Juliet. I hope to see you again. Soon.”
“Absolutely.” She lifted her head then, bracing herself, knowing she’d have to kiss him if she wanted any chance of continuing to reel him in.
Henry placed his hands on her waist and bent down, his eyes closed. Juliet lifted slightly, and this time, when his lips pressed hers, she allowed the tip of his tongue to graze hers, putting herself mentally somewhere else as his mouth continued its assault for far longer than she was comfortable with.
After she’d had more than she could tolerate, Juliet took a step backward. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
He nodded. “Bye, Juliet.”
“Goodbye.” She entered the apartment, not looking back. Once she was inside, she quickly locked the door, and headed to the bathroom in search of some mouthwash. This was definitely going to be the most difficult thing she’d ever done in her whole life, including faking her own death. She just had to remind herself, if she were able to pull it off, it would all be worth it in the end.
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