“Casual to say we’re going out right after work,” I said with my back turned to him.
“What are you implying? I didn’t work today?” I turned to him to catch his grin widened.
“Did you, Mr. CEO?”
“Yes, but not next door. Are you ready or must I give you the details of my day before you agree to leave with me?” I rolled my eyes at him trying to conceal my blush. He winked his eye at me. Snickering, I grabbed my things and we left.
Getting into his car was odd to say the least. I felt like royalty. When we walked out of the building, his driver opened the door to let us into a Bentley that was an unusual shade of brown. It was gorgeous! I’d never been in a Bentley in my life. Once inside, I saw the almond leather interior trimmed with walnut wood. The smell of the leather took me to another place. There was light music flowing, inducing a very relaxed and reposeful atmosphere that was appropriate after a long workday. The car matched Azmir’s elegance.
We were barely out of the parking lot when Azmir’s phone rang and he took the call. I could tell it was business related. He was on for a few minutes before telling the person on the other line he had to go. I found this considerate. The last thing I wanted was a man reminding me of how busy he is professionally by being on the phone for most of our time together.
On the way to the restaurant we chatted a bit but in measured quantity. I couldn’t fight the gripping amount of intimidation I felt when in his presence but fought like hell not to make him aware of it. He attempted humor that made me laugh. I could tell he was trying to get me to lower my guards and it helped just a bit. I had hoped I didn’t give him the impression that I was uptight. Somewhere during our commute my phone rang. It was Michelle and I knew she was just checking up on me, making sure I was okay. I answered to assure her and got right off.
Azmir must have noticed me staring pensively out of the window.
“You okay?” he asked pointedly.
“Where are we?”
“In Beverly Hills,” he scoffed suggesting I should’ve known.
I chuckled, “I’m embarrassed to say this, but I’ve never been to this side of Beverly Hills.”
“You’re kidding me?” Azmir’s face was filled with incredulity.
Shaking my head I answered, “No. Really. We have a branch here but I’ve been so wrapped up in school and work since I’ve been on the West Coast that I never ventured out to explore the lay of the land.”
His lips twisted into a smile and I could tell he’d been hit with a revelation. “So you haven’t had the tourist excursion yet, huhn.” It wasn’t a question, more like an acknowledgement of a problem.
I snickered, slightly embarrassed as I continued to look around at the lights and high-end designer marquees. I could feel him gaping at me, but was too fascinated with the view to confront him about it.
We arrived at Ruth’s Chris in Beverly Hills. The hour ride went so fast. It should’ve been half that but L.A. traffic is a monster.
After giving the waiter our order Azmir asked, “So where are you from, Ms. Brimm? Tell me a little about yourself.”
“You and this “Ms. Brimm” thing. What’s up with that?” I asked while giggling, happy to traverse the conversation. I was good at that.
He flashed that coochie creaming smile but hid his teeth much to my disappointment. I relished his full smile, but his smirk or grin would do just as well. “Because it fits you. Now tell me. I want to know all about you.” Azmir was clearly flirting again.
“Well, what do you wanna know? Be specific.”