Just as Keiran starts to make a smart ass suggestion, Kathryn gently places her hand inside his and he’s immediately disarmed, she says ever so sweetly, looking straight into his eyes “Although jackets are required for men, I may need to borrow yours just to stay warm” and then adds with a light laugh, “That was quite an awakening!” Continuing she says, “Thank you both very much, we are fine, truly fine, and are looking forward to our dinner. Aren’t we Keiran?”
Smiling and allowing himself to relax once again, “Yes, very much so.” he looks at her, puts her left hand into his left hand and pulls out her chair, leaning over whispering in her ear, “Let me know the moment you have a chill.” and with his warm breath on her ear she feels a chill run from the nape of her neck to the tips of her toes.
She looks down and closes her eyes to still her reaction, lifts her eyes to his and replies, “Thank you, I will.”
Once they gave their orders; vegetable soup and the grilled scallops served on a creamed leak puree smothered disk of puff pastry topped with truffle shavings for her, and soup, salad, and snapper, which came to the table whole, for him. They manage to make it through dinner learning very little more about each other than they knew when they started. Although the atmosphere was perfect, the servers who were superb still caused the conversation to pause every time they approached. Feeling a little frustrated because he truly wanted to learn all of the intimate details of her and her life, he asks for another bottle of Cristal and a couple glasses, he pays the bill and asks, “How do you feel about taking a walk on the beach?”
“I would love it!” she beams.
Just as they exit the restaurant Basil appears carrying a light blanket, “Thank you, Basil, you have helped to make this evening memorable. Good night.” Keiran said handing him a large amount of dirhams and taking the blanket. Carrying the bottle of champagne in his left hand, with the blanket over his left arm, and he has two champagne flutes upside down in his right hand, carrying them by the stems. He gently points her in the right direction by lightly putting his arm across her back when she turns and says, “How would you feel about going back to the beach where we met earlier today?”
“I’d like that.” he replies, “I’ll grab a taxi.”
“Not necessary, I have my car. The valet will bring it around.”
“Of course you have your car… I lost my mind for a moment.” He said with a laugh.
Just as they reach the valet area her ice blue Audi R8 is brought to a stop. As she starts forward he asks with surprise, “This is yours?”
With a slight smile and light laugh she responds, “Yes, isn’t he beautiful?”
Keiran let out a whistle and says, “Yes, very.”
She slips the glasses from his hand and places them safely on the storage shelf behind her seat separated by her small clutch. Keiran tips the valet and holds the door for Kathryn himself. As she eases into the driver seat, she snaps her seat belt, the seat and mirrors adjusting automatically with a touch of a button. Keiran closes the door and leans down to the open window and whispers “Are you sure?” Kathryn nods and smiles in response and Keiran walks around the back of the car smiling broadly and enters the open passenger door, tucks the blanket in the back on the ledge by the flutes, and carefully wedges the bottle of champagne between the blanket and the interior side of the car, then settles in beside Kathryn and fastens his seat belt. They are underway, both of them trying not to think too far ahead of themselves. Keiran notices that Sugar Pie Honey Bunch is playing, “Temptations fan?”
Smiling she glances over at him, “Isn’t everyone? I only live a few minutes from here so we will be there in no time.” she says glancing over at him.
“There’s no reason to be in a hurry.” he said smiling, “I have to say I’m impressed that not only do you have a car with a manual transmission, you manage the gears with finesse.”
“Thank you!” she said half smiling, half laughing.
“You must tell me though, how did a nice girl like you end up with a car like this?”
“A moment of insanity, really! I wanted something new and different for my life here in Dubai and I just fell in love with this car the moment I saw it. I’m usually always saving for the future and for the ‘what ifs’ in life, and this year I decided that I would indulge in a few things.” She continues with a shrug, “This happens to be one of them.”
“Nice choice.” He said with a smile.
She glances his way and smiles broadly.
Keiran sits back, enjoying the salty breeze coming from the coast, Kathryn’s hair blowing in the breeze as the car roars down the road. He is intently listening to her music collection noting that she quietly sings along, taps her fingers on the steering wheel or pats her hand on her lap with the beat to every song that plays. He likes that she really enjoys herself. When the Temptations ended, Cold As Ice by Foreigner began playing, The Nearness Of You by Rod Stewart, followed by I Could Have Danced All Night by the Royal Manchester Ballroom Orchestra. Following the orchestra All Summer Long by Kid Rock played prompting Keiran to say, “You have an eclectic taste in music.”
“I enjoy all kinds of music, don’t you?” She asked.
Nodding, “Yes, yes I do.” He said smiling, “Who was your favorite performer when you were growing up? Oh wait, let me guess, hmmm, Sean Cassidy?”
“Nope”
“Leif Garrett?”
“Nope”
“Okay I give up.”
“I was into a ton of bands and singers. I listened to different music depending on my mood but I had a crush on Andy Gibb.” Kathryn said smiling.
Acting like he just got shot in the heart, “Oh no! Not Andy Gibb!” he said laughing, “Let me guess, was it his smile?”
Laughing lightly, she said demurely, “Oh Keiran, it was his everything.” Making them both laugh out loud.
Chapter 6
Kathryn eases her car into her reserved space and starts to get nervous in anticipation of what may happen. Silently taking a deep breath, she offers, “Would you like to lock your wallet or anything inside the car?”
“That’s a great idea, thanks.”
Having grabbed their items and locking the car, she reaches her right hand into his left to lead the way. As they step into the lobby of her building, she motions to a chair near the elevators saying, “You’re familiar with this chair” with a light giggle, “I’m going to run up and change into something a bit dryer if you don’t mind. I promise not to be long.”
“Very funny, yes, I’m quite familiar with that chair, thank you very much. That chair and I will be quite comfortable while you are gone, take your time.” he said with a smile taking a seat.
She looks at him with a small smile dancing on her lips as she steps into the elevator and presses the button for her floor.
Lost
