The Billionaire's Secret Love Child(123)

He thought for a moment, “I want to go somewhere that locals go. Where do you go when the night is young?”

I doubt he’d like to go to the corner bar that I frequent, but I wouldn’t mind getting a drink to take everything in.

“I have a small bar near my place that I enjoy. We could go there. If we walk, it’ll pass by one of my favorite sights in the city.”

He gave me a look up and down, admiring my slim physique it seemed. I took his advice and wore a pair of jeans that I like that made my backside more pronounced. I also threw on a pair of old calf length boots that I used to wear hiking which were more comfy than my work shoes.

“Tell me, did you wear those jeans to entice me? Cause you really didn’t have to try that hard, Darlin’” he said.

“I wear what I wear because I like it, it’s up to you if you like it too, but this is the best I have for a long walk.” I replied.

“I think a nice long walk oughta do us some good. Not too hot or cold, I think it’s just about right.” He presented his arm to me again and I gladly took it.

He was right, the weather was quite nice. These late summer nights were wonderful for casual strolls and the cool breeze coming off from the water just made me want to come closer to him for warmth. I almost wondered if he’d planned this all along.

We continued to chat as we walked along the avenues and after a few blocks I turned down toward the ocean where we eventually stopped.

I leaned over the iron railing, staring out at the ocean that lapped along the shoreline beneath me. The ebb and flow of the water soothed my nerves whenever I came here and now was no different.

“I love this place,” I said, “I can’t imagine being somewhere else. The calming sound of the ocean, the ocean breeze and the sounds of the cars on the road driving along just make the city feel so alive and real. Each and every time I travel I end up missing home and I always end up missing this.” I gestured.

He leaned in next to me and looked out over the ocean, while the sun set far in the distance. Silent and stern faced he watched, taking in the sights and sounds.

“It reminds me of my own home. I might not have an ocean, but the feeling is the same.”

“Where do you live?” I asked.

“I have a ranch in Texas. It’s bigger than I can work alone, but at least I know it’s mine,” he said. He seemed proud to talk of home.

I stood silent and let myself relax.

“I could use a drink,” I said, “we’re not far from the bar.”

He nodded and we continued on. The mood shifted and I could feel his need to return home.

We entered the corner bar, Nelson’s pub. It was dark inside for the most part, behind the bar a strand of white Christmas light illuminated the shelves of liquor and in the back a low hanging lamp lit the pool table that was being used by a few people laughing about who knows what.

I sat at the table I liked, the one nearest the bay window that looked out to the street. The seats were low but comfortable, but it was an awkward fit for a tall man like John. He looked so out of place with his knees smacking into the tabletop. He spent a few seconds trying to find the most comfortable position before just pulling the chair out and crossing his legs at an angle away from the table.

“I’ll just stick to bourbon,” John said to the woman taking our order.

I decided that beer would be easiest and we continued our conversation. Though most of the conversation in the beginning amounted to pleasantries and small talk it began to get a little more serious and sometimes playful as the drinks started to wear on.

“So, when are you going to invite me to visit?” I asked with a drunken smile.

“When do you want to visit?” he replied.

“I’m only joking I think; besides, weren’t you going to invite me up to your room?” I said.

“I could invite you to my room, but I think you’d enjoy the trip. You could take my jet.”

“Your jet?” I asked giving a laugh of non-belief, “what else do you own, a private island?”

“I sold the island, it’s not as much fun and I hardly ever went,” he said, “I just like relaxing after a nice long ride more than sitting on some beach.”

I couldn’t stifle my laughter; this guy was really trying to show off.

“Okay, I’m done for the night.” I said.

He took another sip and finished off his fifth bourbon of the night and stood up.

“Well, shall we head back to my place, or yours?” he asked expectantly.

“I shall head back to my place, and you shall head back to yours. I don’t think I can seriously stay with some guy I just met. Especially when that guy goes and tells a bunch of stories I can hardly believe. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, mister John. Have a safe trip home.” With that I picked myself up, cautiously, and started feeling a little more drunk than I thought.

“Watch yourself,” he said, “here let me get you home at least.”

He held me upright better than I was able to hold myself. I did take a bit of comfort in his grasp and he seemed trustworthy. Whether that was the alcohol or me talking I couldn’t say, but at least I would have a safer walk home with him nearby.

“This way,” I said pointing to the wall, realizing a bit too late my error then pointing for the door.