Chapter 14: Firsts

Seraphina

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror, eyeing my reflection.

“Maybe I should try on the velour dress again?”

I glanced at the phone and realized I had to decide quickly. Thankful that I had my makeup and hair done at the salon. Deep smokey eyes with gold undertones to compliment my skin and my brown eyes. I take in a sharp breath and then exhale.

I decided on the gold and black striped pattern mini dress. The fabric clung to my curves, showing off my hourglass figure. I slipped on my brand-new five inch black knee-high boots. The look is fierce and sexy.

Men like Dimitri didn't go for women like me. They choose models, heiresses, and actresses. But it doesn’t stop my mind from wandering about the ‘what ifs’.

What if we take things further? What if he gives me what my body has been craving since I set eyes on him? What if he wants me just as much as I want him?

“Just let the night happen, Sera,” I said to myself before I left the room.

I made my way down the stairs and was greeted by Dimitri and a delicious expression on his face. It was a an expression that told me I was edible. My look was as sexy as I believed it to be and if possible would be my ticket to getting what I want. Him.

“You look flawless.” he growled the words against my hand before placing a heated kiss to the exposed skin.

Behind him was four packages of roses from The Million Roses. I’d only see these flowers on social media and never thought I’d receive them. The box mirrored my attire.

“Dimitri.”

“It’s our first date of many.” He said as he led me to the table that held the packages.

The elegant black and gold package was host to 25 long stemmed red roses. I’d never received one rose, let alone one hundred.

“Thank you, Dimitri, I’ll never forget this.”

He reached down and moved a strand of hair from my ear, then ran his thumb along my jaw. I leaned into his touch, asking for more. More of him in any way I can.

“The limo is waiting.”

“Ok.” I said in a breathy whisper.

The limo was waiting out front for us, with the driver standing holding the door open for us. Dimitri gestured for me to go first. I slid over on the bench to make room for him. His body radiated heat as we sat. His phone vibrated, and he broke the silence when he answered.

“Hello?” There was a long pause, and then he said, “I’m unable to continue our arrangement. Have a goodnight.”

With the tone of his voice I knew that was a woman he was intimate with, and it heated me. I was jealous and it. I moved away from him, putting some much-needed distance between us.

“Are you ok?”

“Peachy.”

“We’re here.” The driver announced as he let the partition down.

“Thank you, but give us a minute.” Dimitri stated as his eyes fixated on me.

“We don’t need a minute.”

“Yes, we do. You’re pouting like a child.”

“Dimitri, I’d like to get tonight over as soon as possible.”

“You don’t mean that.” he whispered.

“Yes, I do.”

I didn’t mean it, but I couldn’t tell him I was jealous. That’s like signing my death certificate.

His eyes were angry, his nostrils flared, and the muscles in his face hardened.

“I know what you’re thinking, Sera, and it’s true. But you and I have a contract and I do not break my contracts.” He growled.

He’s right. This is just my job and anything I think I felt between us is just part of our facade. So, why does it hurt? Because I’m a fool.

“Do you think we can make it through the night? If not, we can head back home. I’m trying here, Sera,” His voice was calmer as he shot me a regretful smile.

He lowered into a squat, and then on one knee. I could sense my body language softening as he grabbed my hand and cupped it between his hands.

“I had planned to do this while we were sitting courtside but it seems now is as good a time if any.” He said as he reached in the breast pocket of his black blazer.

He pulled out a thin black box and when he opened it enveloped in velvet was a ring. The oval diamond ring was stunning.

I hadn’t noticed the music playing in the background until he reached over and turned the dial, which increased the volume. A rendition of Elvis Presley Can't Help Falling in Love enveloped us.

*Take my hand, take my whole life too. Oh, for I can't help falling in love with you.*

“Seraphina Marie Fulton, this isn’t easy but I just need you to bear with me.” He said as he slipped the ring on my finger.

I haven’t imagined a proposal in years, but this was much better than I had expected from him. I figured I’d wake up to a ring next to my bed, or he’d give me the task to pick it up. But this was very unexpected in the most beautiful way.

I leaned in and brushed his lips as I tried to hide the tears that were already formed. He kissed me back. If there were others around, they would believe this because although pretend, I do.

A tap came to the window and broke our kiss.

“Shall we?” he said against my lips.

I gave a slow nod as I regained my composure.

I’d never been to a basketball game outside high school, but this was different. From the large crowd, the size of the stadium, and being so close to the actual players was exhilarating.

The best part was how close we sat to each other. His arm was wrapped around me throughout the night as he pulled me in to explain the game. I was oblivious to what was going on other than they needed to score points.

While I savored my margarita, he sipped his expensive champagne. We each had a slice of pizza. He was so human.

“I prefer you like this.”

“You mean close to you?” He answered with a raised brow.

“You know you’re fantastic at ruining moments.” I replied playfully.

“How’s your drink?”

“It’s wonderful. I stick to wine, but this is delicious. I love the peachiness of you.”

“Speaking of peaches, your ass looks perfect tonight.” he said as he shot a wink my way.

I tore my eyes from his to see they were selecting people for the kiss cam, and I was pleading for him not to agree.

“We will.” he answered.

We watched as the other couples kissed and then our turn came. He pulled me into him as he placed a deep kiss to my lips. I lifted my newly adorned hand up to run through his tousled hair. People were cheering all around us.

“Perfect.” He declared against my lips.