POV: Raven
I arrive at Le Bernardin at 8:05pm. Intending to be late because I didn't want to give Dexter the belief that he could order me around like he used to, so I took a while getting here.
He must know I’m not the same woman I was when we were married, so, I made sure I dressed the part. He spent so much time putting me down that I needed to prove to him he didn't break me. I also wanted to make a wonderful impression on my date with Greg. I have to choose between the guys I’ve been dating by Friday, and I called Greg because there is chemistry between us. Nothing like I felt with Hugh... but at least it’s something I can work with.
So with those two things acting as my motivation, I put on a sexy red mini dress with 4 inch heels, just for the occasion. I pulled my jet-black hair back in a bun and I dressed my face with light makeup, mascara and deep red lipstick.
As I walk to the host station to see if Dexter has landed, the maître d' smiles his approval on my approach.
“Reservations for Dexter Cunningham.” I smile back as he checks for my booking.
”Oh yes... the other member of your company arrived fifteen minutes ago. Let me take you back.”
“Can you also check another reservation for Raven Cunningham at 8:15pm?”
He quirks his eyebrow at me in curiosity before scanning the list of reservations again until he gets to my name.
“Here you are… again. Do you want me to lead your party back when he arrives?” He smiles.
“That will be great... Thank you.”
He leads me halfway through the dining room before pointing me to a supper table in a private corner of the restaurant. I praise him, and he nods, before retreating to the host podium, leaving me to go the remaining distance alone.
As I approach the dinner table, I slow my steps because the closer I get, the more anxiety wells up inside me. The broad shoulders sitting at the table doesn't belong to Dexter, they belong to someone else who I would rather not see.
I look around, seeking a means to escape wondering if there’s any way I can withdraw from the restaurant without being noticed. But I remember that Greg is meeting me here in ten minutes and I can't afford to stand him up. So, I take several deep breaths before continuing toward the table. When I get closer, he sits up straighter in his chair as if he knows I’m behind him.
“What are you doing here? Where is Dexter?” I question him, trying to keep my emotions in check.
“Good to see you to baby girl... we have a lot to talk about.”
“What do we have to communicate about after all these years, Hugh?” I ask, taking him off guard.
He tilts his head to the side as surprise flares in his pupils. “Is that anyway to greet your friend whom you haven't seen in a while? I thought your mother taught you better.” He quirks his mouth up in a smile... the smile.
The beam that melts my heart every single time I see it. he’s much hotter than I remember, if that’s even possible. His crystal gray eyes, strong jawline and soft lips, are almost enough to make me forget all the reasons I’m angry with him... almost.
I stand at the table gawking at him with a bewildered expression on my face because seeing him for the first time in over two years has thrown me into a tailspin. I spent countless hours this afternoon preparing for Dexter's insults, his anger, low blows and his threats but nothing could have prepared me for Hugh.None of the safeguards I’ve fabricated for Dexter will ever be effective on him, because Hugh means something to me. The confidence that I've mustered up, and the defenses I have established preparing for a showdown with my ex-husband, is rendered useless now.
Hugh has always possessed a unique talent for breaking through all my defenses, so I’m not prepared for this impromptu encounter. I have to play this cool because I don't need him to see how substantial my pain was when he abandoned me, and I don't desire him to know how much his kiss rocked my foundation and made me think of him in ways that I never had before. So, saving whatever dignity I have left, I replace my shock with a breezy smile creating the illusion that everything is fine.
“You’re right, Hugh, where are my manners? It’s so good to see you after these years. How are you?” I ask, with a hint of sarcasm in my voice, despite my best efforts. His face contorts in amusement because of my sudden switch of mood and demeanor. He smiles before clearing his throat and stands to greet me.
“I’m doing fine, Raven.” He furrows his eyebrows together as he continues to stare at me. “Please sit so we can catch up.”
“Well...” I pause, looking around the restaurant, trying to avert his intense glare.“This is not an ideal moment, Hugh. When I thought I was meeting with Dexter, I asked the man I’m dating to meet me here because I was determined not to be subjected to over fifteen minutes of Dexter’s criticisms and insults. But... since he isn't coming, I can wait for my date at the bar. So, it was good seeing you Hugh, and the next time you’re in New York, be sure to look me up.”
I smile my goodbyes, before turning on my heels to escape. But as soon as I turn to take off, Hugh grabs my wrist before I can make a hasty retreat. My breath catches in my throat because this small, intimate contact feels like fire against my skin. I try pulling my arm away from his grasp, but he tightens his grip, holding me in place.
“Please, don't go...” His whispered words are so soft that I almost miss the desperation that is attached to his plea. I turn my head around to meet his gaze.
His breath catches in his throat as he pulls me closer to him. My backbone is touching his chest as his breath caressing my neck. The heat from his eyes burn a path down my spine, over my hips and then along my ass at a slow pace before traveling back up the same route. A soft moan escapes his mouth as he places his other hand on my shoulder, turning me around until I’m facing him.
“You look stunning, baby girl.”
The huskiness of his voice causes me to shiver. “Please let me go, Hugh,” I beg, stepping away from him to create distance between us. But he moves with me, taking two steps forward.
“Why did you come back after all this time?” I ask, keeping my eyes on his chest because I’m petrified that if I look into his gaze, he might see right through me. So, I just stand with him at the moment, breathing in the alluring scent of aftershave and spice combined with his own natural aromas. It’s just him and me, and I get lost in the fantasy of what it would feel like to have my legs wrapped around his waist.
“Raven...” he mumbles my name as he places his finger underneath my chin to lift my face to his. When our minds meet, the longing reflecting from his eyes takes my breath away.“I’m sorry if I overstepped by being here... but I had to see you.”
I shake my head, not ready to exhume all the feelings I buried years ago. I thought I had sequestered the residue of passion and desire that he left behind after he kissed me. But seeing him today, conjures up these emotions and they are rising to the surface. The levee I’ve built around my heart, to protect me, is shattering before me, and the only release that seems plausible, is through the tears that are threatening to drip from my stinging eyes... I refuse to let him see me cry.
“Tell me what's going on here or I will leave,” I say matter-of-factly. I suck my bottom lip into captivity, trying to calm my racing pulse as I wait for his response.
He smiles before bringing his thumb to my mouth to stroke my chin until I release my lip from its imprisonment. “Dexter was in no condition to speak with you...” A muscle flutters in his jaw as he squeezes the words from his throat. “I convinced him that talking to you today would be a colossal mistake, so I came to see you instead,” he answers with a distinct edge to his voice. He surprises me by releasing my wrist and taking several steps away from me.
“If you want to leave, then you had better go now... because if you stay, I may never let you go.” He smiles, with hope in his tone.
