Love At First Glance (Love at Firsts #1)(19)
I take a quick shower, using what’s left of my cotton candy shower gel. I wash my hair and deep condition it as I shave. I highly doubt I’ll be getting naked tonight, but a girl’s gotta be prepared. Besides, might as well make myself feel good even if tonight doesn't meet my expectations at the end of the night.
I rinse and step out of the shower. I’ve barely stepped out when Bernard jumps in, ignoring the water that’s still draining away. Weirdo. I towel dry my body and wrap my hair in a big towel. I sip my wine as I walk back to my room. I find my body oil that makes my skin feel silky soft and rub it over my arms, legs and boobs. Gotta make the girls feel special.
I finish the rest of my wine and get dressed, squeezing myself into my pantyhose. Not an easy task after taking a shower and applying body oil. I pull the dress over my head and look at my reflection in my full sized mirror. Not too bad if I do say so myself. The dress accentuates my curves in all the right places whilst camouflaging my tummy. I wander back into the bathroom and blow-dry my hair. I apply some mousse and let it do its own thing. It’s pointless to even try to tame my mane right now, I’m running out of time and this is at least an hour’s work when I’m supposed to meet Vincent in the lobby in ten minutes. I spritz on perfume and apply some make up, focusing mainly on my eyes and lips. I stay as far away from blusher and bronzer as possible. Knowing myself, I’d end up looking like a Jersey girl. I have zero makeup skills.
I hear my phone ping from the kitchen. I put on my boots and walk to the docking station. I pick it up and see a text from Vincent.
Vincent: Hey Haven, it’s Vincent. I’m a little early so come down whenever you’re ready.
At least, he seems nice and isn’t pressuring me to hurry. That’s makes a change, Adam always used to go on and on about how long it took me to get ready
I usher Bernard out of the bathroom and close the door. That’s right you little f*cker, no more bathroom products for you! I make sure everything is turned off before I grab my cowl neck cape and my bag. I lock the door behind me and take the elevator. I don’t want to risk falling on my face in the stairs with my heels. It also gives me a few seconds to collect myself. The closer I get to the ground level, the more nervous I get.
CHAPTER 7
I step out of the elevator and see a man standing by the main entrance. From where I’m standing, he looks quite handsome. Vincent is tall with broad shoulders, sandy blonde hair and a dazzling smile that lights up his face when he spots me. I smile back and make my way to him.
He meets me half way. “Haven, it’s lovely to finally meet you. Matt has told me so much about you.” He smiles.
“Ah, it’s nice to meet you too, Vincent. Matt hasn’t told me much about you I’m afraid.” I chuckle nervously.
“Well, we have all the time we want to get to know each other.” He opens the door for me and we walk out of the building. He holds his arm out for me to take and I do. So far he seems to be the perfect gentleman.
“We do.” I smile nervously.
“Don’t be so nervous. I don’t bite.” He chuckles.
“I’m sorry, I’m just not used to dating.” I offer him an apologetic smile.
“Don’t be sorry. I hope I’ll make you enjoy dating again, well at least dating me.” He grins.
“I hope so too.”
“How do you feel about going to Panzano? I know it’s just down the street but my car broke down this morning and I couldn’t get a replacement. I had reservations at Linger but there’s no way we can walk there.” He looks at me apologetically.
“I love Panzano. I don’t mind at all.” I smile, feeling a little relieved that we’ll be in a familiar place.
“Awesome.” He sighs in relief. “I thought you were going to be mad that we aren’t going to a fancy restaurant.” He chuckles.
“Panzano is one of my favorites. I’m not really the fancy restaurant type of girl, if you walk out of a place still hungry and in need of a McDonalds then you haven’t been out at all and I don’t think my ass would thank me if I had to eat a Big Mac tonight.” I shrug and laugh.
“Your ass is perfect, don’t change it and I have to agree. It’s just that women always seem to want the most expensive things all the time. I apologize for thinking you were one of them.” He bows and grins. Damn, that smile.
“Why thank you.” I blush at the compliment about my ass. “Apology accepted. My work might involve fashion and expensive things but I’m not like that.” I shrug and walk in as he opens the door to Panzano for me. The smell of this place is divine, like freshly cooked pizza dough mixed with the sweet aroma of tomato, basil and garlic. Heaven.
A young woman seats us at a table by the window, overlooking the still busy street. Vincent kindly helps me out of my cape and looks at me with an amused expression.
“What?” I look at him confused.
“Your hair.”
“Oh god.” I'm mortified, my hair is full of static and if it was shorter it would be standing straight on my head. I comb it with my fingers as I sit down.
“Don’t be so nervous. Your hair looks amazing, even when it’s all ruffled and bird nesty.” He smiles and takes off his coat to reveal a tight button down white shirt that hugs his broad shoulders and chest perfectly. He clears his throat and I look up. Yep, I was caught openly staring at this guy’s chest.