The British Invasion

Kylie sat alone in the restaurant, frustrated and nervous she watched the big hand move another minute past the seven o’clock hour. He was 15 minutes late, why had she even agreed to this she wondered, Kylie always felt the need to make others happy. She just couldn’t say no, and she wondered why because some of the things she agreed to were the last things she actually wanted to do. Like this blind date for example.

Her best friend Miranda was always insisting she needed to get out more and finally meet someone, if it weren’t for the fact that she truly loved her best friend and hated to disappoint her she wouldn’t be here right now. Miranda had gone on and on about how this was the perfect guy for her, that he was stable and sweet, and I think the word Miranda had used was “dreamy”. Kylie had retorted that if he was so perfect, why hadn’t Miranda just gone out with him? Miranda had pouted and crossed her arms over her chest, doing that mom thing she always did to Kylie when she was being stubborn. Eventually Kylie had given in as Miranda assured her again that “this is the perfect guy for you.”

Kylie didn’t have problems in the guy and relationship department per say, she just had problems attracting the right guy. Kylie had long dark hair, it was a dark brown but could almost be mistaken for black in the right light. She liked to think that, and her olive toned skin with her bright green eyes that were almost the color of leaves in the spring, or the color of bright moss were her best features. They gave her an exotic look, one that most men couldn’t resist. Kylie was just more introverted though, she preferred her books and gardening over the clubs and bars, Kylie was more mature for her age than most. An old soul as her grandfather had always called her before he had passed.

Kylie was pulled from her thoughts as the waiter approached the table. Again. The waiter was kind enough to point that she was still sitting alone as he asked, “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to order a drink while you wait miss?” Kylie thought briefly, I am already here which ironically was half the battle so she might as well order something. “I will take a glass of the 2016 House Merlot Please.”

A moment later the waiter returned, glass in hand. As he set it on the table he commended her on her fine choice and promised to return shortly; Kylie lifted the glass and swirled it as she took in a deep breath closing her eyes, the dense dark mixture slowly swirling in her glass sent a heady fragrance of blackberry, ripe plum, and something darker…. Sandalwood perhaps.

Kylie raised the glass to her lips and took in the rich, smooth flavor of dark fruits and a note of acidity. The flavor was smooth and dry, her favorite. “Mm-hh-mm” a deep voice came.

Startled, Kylie’s eyes flew open to see who had caught her being entirely too interested in her wine. Nearly choking, her eyes widened as she took in the 6-foot-something man in front of her. She reached for her napkin eyes widening in horror as she realized how stupid she must look, she dabbed at the little bit of wine she felt lingering on her lips.

“Hello my name is Lucas, I believe you’re Kylie? Miranda’s friend.” He spoke with the most perfect English accent.

An English accent, oh my god Kylie thought. Miranda hadn’t been joking when she said he was perfect, at this point the accent was just an extremely hot bonus. A vision of him licking that drop of wine off her lips that she had just wiped away popped into her head. Suddenly, she realized she been quiet for too long.

“Hi yes, I’m Kylie” she said sticking her hand out haphazardly in greeting. Great, Just Great she though, what a first a first impression. As they shook hands Kylie took note of how large his hand was, his entire hand nearly engulfed hers.

“Nice to meet you” he continued in his melodic accent as he started to sit down.

“I’m sorry for my Lateness, I assure you its not usually like me. I would have called you, but then I realized well; I simply didn’t have your number.”

Kylie was hardly listening at this point, she was taken with his eyes, his beautiful eyes the color of the sky on a perfect summers’ day. His hair was blonde and styled in a sleek way that flipped up and back at the same time. He had on jeans that fit him well, not too tight but form fitting enough and a white button up shirt that showed all the curves and bulges of his muscles in his stomach and chest, with a dark tailored jacket over it.

“I was held up at work and the traffic was horrible” he continued. Kylie cut him off assuring him that it was ok. Breaking the awkward tension the overly observant waiter appeared and for the first time tonight Kylie was relieved by his presence.

“Ahh, I see you’ve arrived! Can I start you off with a drink sir?” he asked.

Lucas clearly caught off guard, looked to Kylie and said “I’ll have what the lady is having.” The waiter nodded and strode off.

“what kind of wine are you drinking? I should hope it was something good, but then again when I approached it appeared as though it was quite enjoyable.”

Kylie could listen to him talk all day, laughing quietly at the awkward moment she replied “I’m sorry, I was lost in thought. It’s the 2016 House Merlot from one of my favorite vineyards, it’s very good. Are you usually a wine drinker?”

“Red Wine only, and I would say that is my second choice. I am more of a Bourbon on the rocks kind of man.” He smiled in reply and Kylie nearly fell out of her chair, he had a dazzlingly white smile and straight teeth. The smile also held a glint of mischief that sent her thoughts racing with pleasure and curiosity.

“Well that’s ironic, I would say that would be my second choice, I am drinking my first choice.” Kylie said taking the glass in her hand and tilted it in a small cheers gesture as she took another sip. The waiter set Lucas’s glass of wine on the table and indicated he would be back shortly.

“So, what do you do for work that had you tied up and running late?” Kylie thought this was it, this is his flaw. He probably doesn’t have a real career and then she would have to start thinking of excuses so she could leave right after dinner.

“I am the chief editor for a book publishing company, I don’t typically go on blind dates. I am not one for surprises so I may have asked Miranda for a bit of detail on you before I agreed, you are an English teacher, correct?” Kylie’s mouth dropped open, she quickly regained composure as she realized that Miranda was right. This was the perfect man.

“yes, that’s correct, it appears we have similar interests at least.” Kylie said in a flirtatious tone, was she flirting? Kylie couldn’t recall the last time she had flirted with anyone.

They both read the menu for a moment and the waiter appeared again, this time taking their orders and noting the empty glasses. “should I bring another round of the Merlot?”

“Actually, please just bring the bottle, I quite like this.” Lucas replied motioning toward the table with his empty glass.

The evening carried on with Kylie and Lucas flirting, laughing, and enjoying their meal. As the wine flowed, they learned more about each other, interests, hobbies, aspirations, even delving into family histories and where they had grown up.

As the plates cleared, Lucas poured the last of the Merlot into both of their glasses. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to get me drunk.” Lucas smirked with a devious glint in his eyes.

Kylie giggled and took note that his English accent had a bit thicker than earlier, maybe he was actually a little buzzed she wondered. Hell, who is she kidding she was probably a little buzzed too if she was being honest. “You’re the one who said oh just bring the whole bottle” she said in a mock English accent.

Lucas stared at her for a moment, then he let a laugh that would make the gods themselves weep, a genuine belly laugh that was so contagious Kylie started laughing as well and neither of them could stop. He reached across the table and took her hand gently, still breathless with laughter.

“Was that supposed to be an impression of me?” Kylie nodded yes, “oh dear that was dreadful, we’ll have to work on that.” He stated and started laughing again, Kylie made a mock offended face but couldn’t hold it and started giggling again too.

As the words registered in her mind she found herself breathless and giddy with excitement, if they were going to have to work on her accent that would mean they would have to see each other again. He wanted to see her again, she certainly wanted to see him and learn more about this fascinating man.

Lucas Paid the bill and stood reaching out a hand to Kylie in a true gentlemanly fashion. She took his hand and as they walked out the door he asked, “would you like to get a night cap somewhere? I know this great Piano Bar nearby.”

His hand was warm and now that they stood closer, she could smell him, like fresh soap and crisp autumn leaves. A heat burned in Kylies core and she couldn’t be sure if it was desire or the Merlot in her belly, One thing she new for sure is that she didn’t want this night to end yet. She faced Lucas and took a small step closer, “A piano bar?” she cocked an eyebrow and smiled.

“Yes, I like to play sometimes for fun and I assure its much more interesting and fun than it sounds.” He stared into her eyes and suddenly Kylie realized there was barely a foot between them, how had that happened? The wine had them swaying closer together like a moth to a flame.

“Wow, attractive and talented. What a dangerous combination.” Kylie sounded a little breathless even to own ears, get a grip woman she demanded to herself. As she thought it though she noticed Lucas staring at her mouth with a dark glint in his eyes.

Just then he started to lean down but stopped himself, “May I kiss you” he asked, “I know its not the end of the night yet but I can’t seem to help myself.”

Kylie couldn’t speak, she just nodded her head in agreement and leaned the rest of the way in. He raised his hand to cradle the back of her head and placed his other hand around her waist. The searing heat and passion between them exploded as they pressed there lips together, tasting and exploring each other. She tasted the lingering flavor of the Merlot, the ripe berries and sweet flavor of the dark plums.

The kiss left her head swimming and body buzzing with excitement, again Kylie wasn’t sure if it was the Merlot or the kiss, but right now she didn’t care. He rested his forehead against hers before pulling away and releasing her. They smiled at each other for a moment, silently acknowledging that there was something special between them they wanted to explore more. He took her hand and it radiated with heat and strength, under the moonlit sky they walked together towards their next adventure.