Blind Date

It was Sunday, allowing Rosette ample time to prepare for the date. She had let her long blonde hair out of its usual ponytail, styling it in cute curls. Rosette emphasized her green eyes and applied what could pass for lipstick. Standing at 5'8, she was not unattractive with a size C chest and a generous rear end. Having spent considerable time running the hospital stairs during her training, she had grown proud of her legs and wanted to flaunt them. Choosing the only skirt she owned, a snug black piece with a thigh-high slit, Rosette paired it with a tasteful red sleeveless top and a thin black sweater for warmth.

Twirling in front of the mirror a couple of times, Rosette ensured the colors complemented her pale complexion, especially during the winter months when she tended to look fragile. Satisfied with her appearance, she aimed for a look that was neither overly doll-like nor too provocative, just enough to capture a man's attention.

Upon her arrival, Rosette found her date already seated at the restaurant, known for its impeccable service and elegant ambiance. The layout consisted of several cozy dining rooms, most of which were empty, likely due to the off-season. A group of men occupied one section, with only one other couple present in the small dining area.

"Rosette," her date greeted as she approached, "so lovely to meet you!" Standing up, he reached for her hand, which felt cool and slightly damp. Kate's description of him turned out to be accurate—a tall blonde man who seemed to devote more time to his hair than she did. His unnaturally flawless tan hinted at tanning bed sessions.

"Jerson, thank you for the invitation. I've always been curious about this place, given its excellent reputation," Rosette remarked, gesturing to the elegant surroundings. She was eager to release his hand as they took their seats facing each other.

During their meal, Rosette had ample opportunity to observe Jerson, who was quite talkative and seemed to be involved in real estate, judging by his well-tailored charcoal grey suit. While retrieving her fallen napkin, she noticed a man from the larger group staring fixedly at her from across the room, his intense gaze making her feel uncomfortably exposed.

Adjusting the slit in her skirt to cover a bit more leg, Rosette glanced over once more. The man displayed a complete lack of manners, his eyes freely roaming her body as he grinned and winked. Meanwhile, Jerson prattled on about a beachfront view condominium, completely oblivious.

"Well, it's not like I wasn't seeking male attention when I chose this outfit," Rosette thought to herself, "I just hoped to aim a bit better."

Following that initial encounter, it turned into a game for Rosette. She peered over Jerson's shoulder at the man every few minutes, particularly when Jerson delved into discussions on roofline architecture.

Even seated, the man's tall stature was unmistakable. His lustrous black hair cascaded in waves to his ear, complementing his golden olive skin that exuded a healthy and outdoorsy vibe. Observing his nearly flawless physique, Rosette noted his large, muscular hands placed on the table.

Despite his simple attire of a polo shirt and casual slacks, he exuded an air of authority. It was evident that he was well-regarded at the restaurant, given the staff's attentive demeanor towards him. Whether he was an owner or a wealthy patron remained uncertain.

Rosette found herself fixated on observing "Mr. Tall and Dark," as she had dubbed him. He wore a constant smile, but when Jerson reached for her hand, she noticed his tense jaw. Pretending a cough, Rosette withdrew her hand and received a subtle nod in return, signaling their peculiar unspoken exchange.

Lost in reverie about Mr. Tall and Dark, Rosette envisioned his strong arms enveloping her and his powerful mouth on hers. She wondered if his physical prowess matched his captivating appearance. Their silent stare-off seemed to evolve into a captivating interlude, punctuated only by brief interactions with her dinner companion.

As Mr. Tall and Dark's dinner companions remained oblivious to his distraction, engaging in their own discussions, he continued gazing directly at Rosette. Occasionally, he said something to the group, halting all other conversation at the table. Rosette concluded that he held a position of authority.

"Where do you reside, Rossett?" came the inquiry from her dining partner, breaking Rosette's trance of staring back at Mr. Tall and Dark. 

Caught off guard by Jerson's intense blue gaze, Rosette managed to respond, "On the east side." Jerson seemed satisfied with her answer and launched into a discussion about the rising property values in the east side.

Rosette shook her head as she gazed at her partially eaten meal. Despite being at the finest steakhouse in town, she couldn't fully enjoy the food as she found herself stealing glances at the enigmatic man. Prodding at her steak with a disgusted sigh, she realized she was neglecting the eagerly anticipated date. Glancing at Jerson, he prattled on about the advantages of a 15-year mortgage while she mechanically nodded along.

What Rosette truly craved wasn't a man knowledgeable about mortgages; rather, she yearned for someone to satisfy her physically. Anything would suffice at this point. Even the awkward fumbling of her high school exes, from her last dating experience, now seemed appealing.

"No, no, no," she scolded herself. Dating is for finding a life partner, and that's her primary goal. Gazing up, disappointment washed over Rosette as the tall, dark stranger was nowhere to be seen. At least now she could focus on Jerson, notwithstanding the uncomfortable moisture between her legs that distracted her. Squirming in her seat to alleviate the sensation, she sought a more comfortable position.

"Um, excuse me, Jerson, I just need to visit the ladies' room," she whispered with a smile. Jerson returned the smile and guided her back in the direction they had come from, providing directions that seemed to evade Rosette's attention.

Navigating through the restaurant, Rosette inwardly reproached herself for squandering a promising date with Jerson by flirting with a stranger. Attempting to calm her nerves as she walked, the presence of the tall, dark man left her unsettled.

Lost in the labyrinthine layout of the restaurant, Rosette stumbled upon a group of waitresses conversing animatedly in a corner. Politely asking for directions, they eagerly guided her to the restrooms. "This place truly lives up to its reputation for exceptional service," she mused silently.

The restroom exuded an art deco charm, featuring individual cubicles for privacy and a spacious central mirror for grooming. Standing before the ornate gold mirror, Rosette critiqued her appearance and adjusted her curls, though they remained unchanged.

Suddenly, Rosette was no longer alone. With a forceful shove, the towering man pushed her into one of the private bathrooms and closed the door behind them. He was not just tall, but enormous. His firm grip on her arms pushed her against the wall, eliciting a gasp as her back met the cool tile. Meeting his gaze, Rosette nervously remarked, "This is the ladies' room." A faint smile played on his lips as his thumb brushed against her lower lip.

Up close, his scent was intoxicating, a blend of leather and spice. The heat radiating from his chest was palpable. Realization dawned on Rosette – she was about to face a disturbing encounter in the women's restroom.