Golden Eyes and a Glass of Merlot

Luna shifted uncomfortably in her chair. It was clear the waitstaff was still eyeing her with discontent. Did she look that out of place? Did she look that cheap? She did her best to straighten her burgundy maxi dress, hoping that the neckline wasn’t a little too low. It would be a lie to say she had worn it before… or anything like it, to be frank.

Fresh out of college, she was more concerned about paying off her loans and, more importantly, finishing her first novel. She didn’t have the time or money for a place like this, let alone date anyone who did.

Her focus shifted between the chair before her and the clock on the wall. It was a quarter to nine, and he still hadn’t shown.

She took a long sip from her water, her shaky hands threatening to spill it. Her heart was ticking frantically, her stomach in knots. Maybe he saw her and decided this wasn’t worth his time. He had kept his identity a secret this long. Why blow it on someone as bland as her?

Some part of her felt hurt. The hours they spent talking, the sleepless nights she would spend tuning into his show. That velvety deep voice soothed her worries and made her laugh all the same. She thought they made a genuine connection. After all, following their interview, he was the one who asked her on a date.

She huffed, burying her face in her hands. No! She will not get upset over this. He’s probably some creep after all. Why else would he hide his identity? Not a single fan of his radio show knew what he looks like. He could be twice her age and have a neck beard. Or maybe he’s some underaged boy looking to score an older woman, she kept telling herself.

Yet she still felt rejected. She fought tears that stung the corner of her eyes. She fought off nausea that followed. God. This. Was. Humiliating.

Suddenly there was a soft scrape of metal on the concrete floor of the terrace. The scent of expensive cologne wafted through the air. It was a delicious mix of mint and something earthy. Luna froze, it felt as if her heart was lodged in her throat. Swallowing hard, she slowly looked up, straightening her posture and faked composure. Or at least tried to.

Her gaze was met with the most intense golden eyes she had ever seen. It was as if they were made of molten metal and framed with thick sooty lashes.

He was by no means old or unattractive. She blinked. Then blinked again, her cheeks turning a rosy pink. This couldn’t be real. The man before her was as gorgeous as he was out of place.

Surrounded by CEOs and ex Calvin Klein models, all dressed in expensive suits wearing designer watches; he wore a plain black tee-shirt and a leather jacket. He was less of a tan hot businessman or the Greek gods who model underwear, rather some kind of gothic debauched angel. Thick raven hair was pulled into a messy bun, held by what looked like chopsticks. His face pale and flawless in comparison to his dark ensemble. His brows were knitted in a mix of concern and curiosity.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.” That familiar voice sent chills up her spine. It was him. There was no mistaking it. “I hope I didn’t worry you.”

It took her a moment to find her voice. Her heart was lodged in her throat. “It’s alright. I got here kind of late, anyway.” Luna lied. In reality, she was fifteen minutes early. She knew if she waited until eight she would chicken out… dating was far from her strong suit. And well, after this first impression… she almost wished she had. “Sooo… this is the man behind the mystery.”

“I’d hardly call myself a mystery.” Gabriel flashed a heartbreaking smile. “I’m guessing this wasn’t what you were expecting.”

“Not really, no.” She couldn’t help but smile. His mood was contagious. “I’m sure you’ve heard the stories.”

“Ah, yes. I think my favorite’s still the circus accident. A handsome model who was mauled by tigers now left to hide in the cover of night” They both laughed. “Though I must admit your article was refreshing. No ghost stories or conspiracies. I think that’s my first proper review.”

“I think it was a good change for us both then, huh? I’ve never had a story blow up like that.” She took a long sip from her water, feeling self-conscious under his gaze. Was she overdressed? Did her makeup smear?

Much like over the phone, he was quite easy to talk to. It felt so familiar and natural. Yet seeing the face behind the voice made it all too real. There was no hiding anymore; not the blush in her cheeks, nor that tight feeling in her chest when he laughed. She couldn’t distance herself by calling him a stranger. Nor deny that he was unfairly attractive, not only on the inside but out as well.

Just as Gabriel began to speak, the suspicious server arrived at the table. For the first time that night, he seemed to look at her as a customer rather than a problem waiting to happen. “Good evening, sir.” The teenager had a thick French accent and wore a suit worth more than her paycheck. “Can I interest you in something to drink? Perhaps an appetizer.”

“Lunette, do you drink?” She flushed slightly, she’d never get used to her name passing through those lips.

“Sometimes.” Her voice came out slightly higher than normal. In all honesty, she had drunk once… maybe twice since she turned twenty-one. She had always been the designated driver back home.

After a long second of contemplation, Gabriel placed his order. “A bottle of merlot and two glasses. Preferably something well-aged.” The server eyed him skeptically. Luna had to admit, they hardly looked like the type to be ordering the good stuff. Hell, aside from the fact it was wine, she had no clue what merlot was.

Those golden eyes returned to her. “Feel free to order whatever you’d like. Price isn’t a concern.”

“I’m alright.”

“If you think of anything else, don’t hesitate,” Gabriel said smoothly, rousing the butterflies in her belly. He straightened a silver cross that hung from his neck. “I guess that will be it.” He told to the lanky server.

They were silent for a moment, taking turns studying one another. As if to carefully catalog every curve of the other’s face. The roar of traffic and hum of jazz became distant as she looked on. He acted so comfortable… so natural in the dark. As if the night itself existed to compliment him. From way the moonlight glinted off his raven hair; to how the shadows danced across his skin. It mesmerized her.

As the seconds beat on, her breathing slowed, as if matching the rise and fall of his chest. “You never answered my question the other night.” Gabriel finally broke the trance. His voice low and husky.

“Huh?” She rose a brow, still slightly dazed from the moment they had just shared. Her eyes flickered to the server who returned with a pair of delicate wine glasses and a tall, slim bottle. Gabriel simply nodded at the man as he poured a deep red fluid into each glass.

“The first time you called into the show. Was it a matter of business or pleasure?” She swallowed hard.

“Excuse me?” Luna squeaked. She knew it was a simple question, but something about it sounded so dirty coming from him.

He let out a musical chuckle. “That first time we spoke. Was it all in the hopes of getting an interview? Or did you call as a fan?”

Luna toyed with the glass before her for a long second. She sighed. “The first time I heard about 99.6 I thought it would be a great ghost story. Something spooky to put on my blog for Halloween. Local urban legends and that stuff. I didn’t believe my coworker when she said the station only goes live after midnight. I mean it sounds kind of crazy.”

“Are you implying I’m crazy?” He flashed a wicked grin. Okay, if those weren’t bedroom eyes, she didn’t know what was.

“No, I’m just saying it sounded implausible. Which is why, when I tested it myself I was blown away. Now, promise you won’t laugh at this next part.” She muttered, shyly sipping her wine. Surprised by the smooth rich texture. It tasted expensive and went down smooth. It was a far step from the cheap beer and spirits her friends drank.

“Why would I laugh?” He quirked a dark brow, resting his chin in one hand. There was something cute and youthful about this. It clashed with the severity and age that dwelled in his gaze.

“That’s not a promise.” She challenged playfully.

“Alright, you win. I promise.” He tried his best to look hurt. It didn’t work.

“I think you were talking about serial killers. And somehow I found myself up until almost three thinking to myself, dear god how can anyone sound so sexy talking about a homicide. So the next night when no one was calling in and you were going to end the show early, I guess I wasn’t ready to say goodnight. Thus… you got caller number one.” She tried to wash her nerves away with another sip of wine.

“You think I’m sexy?”

“I thought you sounded sexy.” God, did she just say that. There went another sip.

“Not nearly as sexy as I find you.” There was nothing joking left in his tone. His voice game out deep and cool. “I’m rather glad you called.”

“I’m glad you asked me on a date.”

“I’m glad you said yes.” He took a sip from his glass.

This was not the first date she was expecting. Yet it was everything she could ever wish for.