“Virtually, the only person I’ve been able to open up to is Michelle and I’m sure it’s come with some headaches for her. Being so guarded provides me protection and allows me to…to cruise beneath the radar with minimal damage. But it also comes with a great deal of loneliness. I mean, I can take on a physical relationship without involving my heart with the best of them…but encountering you has…has illuminated my problems,” she paused with that.
As she spoke, she avoided eye contact with me. Rayna was incredibly uncomfortable but I couldn’t hold her hand on this, she had to muster the courage to express herself. The one thing that terrified me concerning her was her inability to open up to me and freely convey her feelings, I needed this. I took a sip of my drink, never leaving her eyes.
She continued with, “I am, by no means, asking you to take me in like a lost puppy. But I am telling you that…that…this thing between us…” she paused again. This time she chuckled to herself and craned her neck further showing her unease of this conversation. I waited.
She looked at me and I maintained my fixated gaze on hers, showing she had my undivided attention. She jerked her chin in the air trying to regain composure. She even took a sip of her drink. At this point, humor had overtaken both of us, and together we laughed. Hell, I was even a little nervous at what was coming.
She finally forged ahead, “This thing between us is good. I like it and would like to see where it goes.”
At that, I nodded my head and broke my silence with, “So would I.”
“Would you?” she asked and sighed in relief.
We laughed again. It was a bit awkward.
“Sure I would. Why wouldn’t I?” I admitted as the waiter came with our first course.
I picked up my fork, ready to dig in when she said, “Azmir.”
I looked up at her. “I really do apologize for my behavior. I hope to one day erase that image of me out of your memory.” she said with the most sincere and docile look in her eyes. I was taken.
“It’s all good, little lady. Don’t sweat it,” I tried to assure her.
“No, it is and was not. I am truly sorry.” Rayna looked away as she was contemplating her next set of words before returning her gaze upon me. “I’m not comfortable with the money thing. I hope you can understand that and honor it.” Her words were soft and earnest.
“What about the money thing, Ms. Brimm?” I needed to be clear. I am a wealthy man and didn’t like to be criticized for how I courted a woman, particularly one that I was very interested in. After this moment of candor I knew Ms. Brimm was that woman. She was what I wanted to acquire and I wanted to employ every resource available to me to gain her, to mark and brand her mine. Shit – this feels crazy!
There was a shifting going on during this meal on this vineyard that would change my world forever. That force had a name.
Rayna Brimm.
“I just don’t need it. The car was a huge help and I really appreciate it…a lot. But you’ve shared a sneak peek of your mind with me and I am in awe of your brilliance and tenacity.” The tenacity that I am planning to exercise to win your heart. I thought as she paused. “…that’s all I can bear right now, all I want and need.”
I nodded for the sole purpose of making Rayna feel secure. I knew the only way that I could possess her was to garner her trust. She was delicate and I should move accordingly. I was resigned to making her mine from that moment on. I would try on her terms.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner and once we were done, the waiter came with a box of Padron Family Reserve #44 Maduro and La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Magnifico among other stogies. I had to indulge. Rayna and I engaged in meaningful conversation while there basking in the picturesque scenery. She tried explaining her perspective on me paying off the Sebastian dude and tried to the best of her ability to describe her insecurities with trust. I felt her.
We walked the ranch and was back to our normal speed with laughing and light banter exchange. I can honestly say that we had chemistry—sexually and mentally, it was just the emotional aspect that we had to reel in.
~~~~~~~~~~
Rayna