Call Me

The scrape of silverware and muted conversation filled Layla’s ears as she walked through the restaurant and took a seat at the bar. In the corner, a beautiful baby grand piano sat with a tuxedoed man playing soft classical music. The wooden floors were polished to a high shine and the bar looked hand carved. The high-end restaurant was far nicer than any other she had ever been in. Sitting on the plush, velvet covered barstool, Layla sipped her drink, nervously twisting a cocktail napkin in her hand. She was a few minutes early, but her date should be arriving soon. Layla watched as a pretty brunette excused herself from the bar and headed towards the ladies’ room. The man she was with locked eyes with Layla and gave her an unctuous smile. Rolling her eyes in return, she shifted so her back was to the man and gave her drink her full attention. She was determinedly ignoring that end of the bar and was startled when she felt a hand rest gently on her shoulder.

“Layla? I didn’t mean to scare you. Sorry I’m a few minutes late, I got caught up at the office.” She turned at the sound of his deep voice, her eyes roaming over the speaker’s face. His features were classically handsome, with a chiseled jaw and strong nose. His blue eyes were bright, yet serious. The few strands of silver in his inky black hair and the beginnings of small lines around his eyes were the only hints of his age.

“Marcus, it’s no problem at all.” She replied as she stood from her seat. She discreetly ran a hand over her dress, smoothing the wrinkles. Marcus nodded at the bartender over her shoulder and said “have a bottle of Tenuta dell`Ornellaia Masseto 2001 sent to our table.”

Marcus placed his hand on the small of Layla’s back and directed her away from the bar. As they approached the back of the restaurant, a server in a white tuxedo opened a door which led to an opulent hallway with mahogany wainscoting on the walls and crystal chandeliers lighting the way. Shortly down the hall, the server opened another door, leading them into a private dining room. Layla drank in the sight while she tried to keep her chin from hitting the ground. The wall across from the door was one large window, affording the occupants a breathtaking view of the city. The marble floor reflected the soft glow of the dimmed chandelier that hung over a carved oak dining table set for two. She noted that a bottle of wine was already open, waiting for them on the table. Layla sauntered across the room with as much confidence as she could muster and stood at the window, looking down at the city. She felt the warmth of his body against her back as he came up behind her.

“This view is amazing,” she murmured with awe. He gently turned her around and whispered “yes, it is,” his eyes on hers. He leaned down slowly and, hesitating for a second, gently pressed a kiss to her lips. She responded in kind, opening her mouth to allow his tongue entry. His hand slid up her side and rested on the back of her neck, drawing her closer to him. Marcus turned, grabbing her hand to lead her to the table. She blushed at the thought of kissing in front of the server, but when she looked around the room, she found that he was gone and the door closed.

Marcus helped Layla into her seat, then, taking his own, said “this is the chef’s private table. He is preparing a special five course dinner for us that isn’t on the menu.”

“Wow, you sure know how to impress a girl,” Layla teased as she placed her cloth napkin in her lap. She picked up the glass of merlot in front of her and took a sip. She was struck as different flavors burst across her tongue; chocolate and dark fruit with a hint of spice. Before she could compliment the wine, the server reentered the room and delivered their first course. “Pan seared scallops with champagne grapes and almonds. Bon Appetit,” he said with a flourish before quickly exiting the room again. Layla took a bite and stifled a moan. It was the best thing she had ever eaten in her life. When she looked up, she noticed Marcus staring at her intently, his food clearly forgotten. She gave him a small smile as she slowly took another bite, closing her eyes and savoring the flavor. Marcus cleared his throat and hastily cut into a scallop.

They continued to eat, and the further they progressed in the meal, the easier the conversation began to flow. While Marcus was a little reserved, it wasn’t long before Layla’s charm had him engaged in answering her questions and laughing at her anecdotes. He enjoyed watching her delight as each course, the next more decadent than the last, came out. After the plates were cleared and Marcus settled the bill, he pulled Layla's chair out and led her back through to the main part of the restaurant and out the front door. As soon as they stepped onto the sidewalk, a black Mercedes Benz rolled to a stop directly in front of them. The chauffeur rushed around the car and opened the door. Marcus offered his hand to Layla and followed her in.

After a short drive around the city, the Mercedes pulled up in front of the Plaza Hotel. “Shall we go up for a drink?” Marcus asked.

“I’d love to,” she said breathlessly as her pulse began to race. He grabbed her hand and led her through the sumptuous lobby and into the elevator. Entering the penthouse on the top floor, Layla was once again mesmerized by the sheer luxury surrounding her. The penthouse had vaulted ceilings and another spectacular view of the city. There was even a fireplace with a crackling fire already lit. Off to the side, there was a door that led to a bedroom with the biggest bed Layla had ever seen. She shifted nervously at the sight of it. Marcus crossed the room and grabbed a bottle of champagne out of the wine bucket sitting on the bar and popped the cork. Pouring two glasses, he walked back to Layla and handed her one. He took a drink, seeming unsure as to what to do next. Layla raised her glass and clinked it against his. “To us,” she chimed. Then, after taking a sip, she set down her glass and slowly began to unzip her dress. She lowered the straps off of her shoulders, letting the dress slide down her body and pool at her feet. Marcus’s breath caught in his lungs as his eyes roamed over her perfect naked form.

Layla reached up and kissed him, her hands moving down the front of his shirt, undoing the buttons. Any hesitation he had dissolved completely and he grabbed Layla by her hair, angling her face and deepening the kiss. Layla undid his belt and pulled him out of his pants. He lifted her legs around his waist and the next thing she knew her back was pinned against the wall and he was inside her in one deep thrust. She moaned into his neck as he picked up the tempo, moving inside her faster and harder with each thrust. Right when she was on the edge, she felt him shudder and release inside of her, her own release following. He carried her into the bedroom, gently laying her down then climbing on the bed next to her. She rolled onto her side, propping her head up on her hand. “That was fun,” she said as she ran her other hand down his chest. He climbed on top of her, pressing her back into the bed and whispered, “baby, I’m not nearly done with you yet.”

Layla rolled over and groaned when she saw the clock. It was already after ten in the morning. She reached her hands above her head and stretched. She was tired and sore as Marcus had kept her up half the night. She gradually sat up and noticed she was alone in the room. On the nightstand, she saw a bundle of money and a note. Grabbing both, she read:

Dear Layla,

I’ve arranged a late check out for you. Feel free to order breakfast and have it charged to the room. Thanks for a great time.

Marcus

Layla unbundled the money and carefully counted it. She smiled as she put the rubber band back around the bills and slipped the money into her purse and pulled out her little black book. She had used her college fund to buy the book from a woman who was retiring from the trade. Layla had met the escort by chance, sitting side by side while getting a pedicure. Layla knew not all the men were as handsome as Marcus, but it would be worth it. The woman was barely 30 and was already retiring with a sizeable nest egg, plus the 10% Layla would be paying her for the next five years. Layla opened the book, ready to schedule her next first date.