Chapter 5 - Small talk and serious subjects.

Irina

“Two steaks medium rare …” I sat there blinking at Hunter. After we had been shown to our table, he simply ordered for the both of us without so much as a look my way to find out if I wanted something different. I wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about it. We were on a date and I didn’t want to cause a scene. I also didn’t want him thinking he could just decide for me. I waited until the waitress left and then glared at him.

“Are you going to cut my steak for me as well?” I frowned as my heart pounded in my chest. I knew I was probably overreacting, but he could at least have asked if I wanted something different. A little laugh escaped between his lips, accentuating their fullness and making me slightly gasp for my breath. As I felt my panties growing a little wet! My only saving grace was that he couldn’t possibly know! What the hell was happening to me? What was he doing to me? I cleared my throat and noted a slight smile on his lips right before he took a sip of wine.

“So, tell me something about yourself.” I had never been as nervous as I was right at that very moment. It was clear that there was something between us.

“I’m an entrepreneur. My parents are no longer with us.” He sighed deeply and I thought it was a strange thing to say, but then I wondered why it would be a strange thing. Surely people talked about this kind of stuff when going on dates. “I don’t have any siblings and I like hunting. What about you?”

“Well, I work in town. My parents are both still alive, and I’m also an only child.” I smiled, but inside there was a storm brewing. Our food arrived and we started to eat, but it still felt really tense. I was having a hard time swallowing and emptying my glass of wine way too fast. I was beginning to feel a little tipsy and had to focus if I was going to make it through the date. As if reading my mind, Hunter requested a glass of water from the waiter and my cheeks turned bright red.

“What kind of job do you have?” He smiled kindly after the water arrived.

“I work in the flower shop.” My cheeks turned bright red. Why was I so shy about my job? What did it matter? “But I make a good enough living and I’m thinking of studying something.” I had no idea why the hell I added that last part. I was thinking about taking evening classes at the local college, but …

“Oh?” He raised a brow. “What do you want to study?” Great! I swallowed, trying to think of something close to the truth.

“I haven’t decided. I’m interested in law but I don’t want to become a lawyer. I also love anything to do with technology, but there is no way I would be able to afford to do that course.” I shrugged. There, that should satisfy him, shouldn’t it? He nodded frowning.

“What other interests do you have?” He finished his meal and sat back in his chair. I had never really had a medium rare steak and I wasn’t sure if I would ever have one again, so I was actually savoring every bite. I popped the last piece of meat into my mouth and chewed on it for what felt like forever while I tried to figure out what to say.

“I like photography, but my parents can’t afford the equipment and I would have to save for a while before I could afford it.” From the moment I got my first smart phone, I loved taking pictures. It was my secret pleasure that I hadn’t told anyone about before. Especially not my parents. I knew they would want to buy me whatever I needed to pursue my passion, but they couldn’t afford it.

“That sounds interesting.” He smiled. “Is there anything in particular that you like to take pictures of?” I burst out laughing, and he looked puzzled but amused.

“Well, my time is a little limited so I’ve mostly taken pictures of the flowers in the shop.” My cheeks turned bright red. “But when I do have time, I love walking in the forest and taking pictures of the animals.” I shrugged. The waitress appeared beside us and we ordered dessert. The chocolate mouse was incredible!

“What kinds of animals have you photographed?” He frowned and something in his eyes had changed. I could feel it in the air as well. He wasn’t nervous. No. He actually looked agitated. Angry even.

“Rabbits, deer and some birds.” He visibly relaxed as soon as I told him and that made me wonder if he had something to hide.

“You shouldn’t go into the forest alone. It’s not safe.” He suddenly sounded very curt as he called the waitress over and asked for the bill. I felt as if I had said or done something to upset him, but I didn’t know what! His entire demeanour was strained the moment we walked out and the entire drive home he was quiet. We pulled up outside my house and he walked me to the door.

“Thank you for a wonderful evening.” I tried to smile, but I couldn’t help but feel as if I had messed things up. What did it matter?! I wasn’t going to go out with him again! His hands suddenly softly gripped my upper arms and he pulled me closer and looked deep into my eyes.

“Don’t go into the forest alone again. Tell me you won’t, Irina.” I was so shocked that I just nodded. “Promise me, Irina. Say the words.” His voice was thick with emotion and I couldn’t understand why.

“I promise.” My voice was raspy and filled with the sudden fear I was feeling. He instantly let go of me and kissed me on my forehead before leaving.