Rina stopped by at her cottage to change into something more appropriate to be worn for dinner. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, feeling excited about the night. She was going to be with Joel outside of their work environment for the first time since she signed the contract, and it made her feel giddy.
She was putting on a cute black dress that stopped above her knees, cinched on her waist, and flared from that point down. She paired it with a pair of strapped nude heels and a nude beaded purse. Rina’s hair was still dyed red, and since she hadn’t had the time to change it just yet, she left it that way, slicking it back in an elegant ponytail, and leaving a few strands to frame both sides of her face.
With very minimal makeup, she left her house and got into a taxi, armed with the address of Joel’s house. It was a building sitting on a hill, with every inch seemingly lit up. Even the grounds had lights in them, and Rina basked in the amount of glow that touched her skin. Joel had probably seen her arrive because most part of the building was made of glass.
Rina stood by the door, clutching the bottle of red wine she had gotten on her way there, and took a deep breath. Using the glass beside the door to check if her lipstick needed to be touched, Rina almost jumped out of her skin when she suddenly saw a face looking at her.
“Oh God!” She clutched her chest, temporarily rattled at the sight. Joel pulled open the door at once, a rueful expression etched on his sexy features.
“I swear, I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said with laughter somewhere in his tone. “I thought you would notice me before you could get all worked up.”
“That was creepy,” Rina finally said, getting over the initial shock. “You could have given me a heart attack. Don’t do that next time.”
“There’s going to be a next time?” Joel danced in his steps, earning a look from Rina. “Pardon my manners,” he said, stepping aside to let her pass, then closing the door softly behind him.
“This looks really pretty,” were the first words that fell from Rina’s lips when she walked into the huge living room. It looked like it had been ripped out of the pages of a contemporary interior design magazine, with beautiful modern artwork lining the walls, white furniture, a beautiful chandelier, and a fireplace that looked like it had never been used.
On a closer inspection, Rina discovered it was a part of the vibe the living room was supposed to give because heaters had been installed in the house.
“Pretty?” Joel muttered. “I was hoping for more, like mind-blowing. Pretty?”
Rina chuckled. “Are you going to take it or not”
“I guess I would since it came from you.”
“What’s that smell?” Rina asked suddenly, turning in the direction of the kitchen. “Don’t tell me…”
“I couldn’t help it.” Joel scratched the back of his neck. “But I promise that you’re going to love it. I didn’t do anything dramatic. Just meatballs and pasta. You like pasta, don’t you?”
Rina rolled her eyes. “That would pair quite well with this bottle of vintage wine.” She held it up and handed it to Joel. “What’s for dessert?”
His eyes suddenly widened in panic. “I didn’t … I hadn’t…”
She shoved him playfully and sashayed past him, heading in the direction she was certain would lead to the kitchen. Joel caught up with her. “We can order…”
“I was just joking,” she said, chuckling. “Now, see who is all worked up.”
They walked into the kitchen together, and Joel left her side to check on what he left on the stove. There was a huge dining out there, but Joel had set up the kitchen island instead because he felt it was more intimate.
Rina slid onto the stool and watched as Joel walked the length of the kitchen, getting things in order. It took ten minutes for him to get the meal over to the island, sliding in beside her.
“You look great.” His voice deepened as he muttered. “I like the dress. It suits you, and sets this mood about you.”
“Vampire mood?” Rina laughed. “I need to change my hair again but I haven’t had the time yet.”
“I could help with that,” Joel blurted without thinking, then paused. “I mean, I…”
“You are stammering a lot tonight. Nervous?” In truth, Rina was nervous too, but she handled hers pretty well.
“I think I’d just shut up now.”
They ate in silence, broken at intervals by Rina’s compliments about the food and Joel’s praises on the wine, even though it was the cheapest Rina had found. She didn’t want to get any from her basement. Then, it would have meant she was actually dedicating energy to the dinner and she didn’t want Joel to think it was something more.
At least, not yet.
“The floorboards are pretty,” Rina mouthed, sipping her wine. “I can bet all my money on the fact that you actually scrubbed it clean before I got here.”
Joel bit his lips and smiled. “Okay. You got me. I would have easily argued since you have no money to bet on anyway. But where’s the fun in that?”
“Nice comeback.” Rina nodded, swirling the wine in the glass. “Get ready for mine.”
“I can’t wait.”
They spoke some more into the night until Rina decided that it was time to leave. She slid off the stool and grabbed her purse.
“I had such a great time. Thank you for not killing me with your food.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” Joel mock bowed, causing Rina to laugh. He was pleased with himself that he had made her laugh a lot tonight, and grateful that he’d ceased the moment to invite her over. Joel knew he was going to go to bed with a smile on his face.
As they stepped out of the door, Joel grabbed a jacket off the hook, and the keys to his car by the side. He’d never been to Rina’s house before, but seeing as it was late, he had to go drop her off.
And Rina thought she trusted him enough for him to know where she lived.
But suddenly, a bright light shone into their eyes as a Lamborghini pulled up in the compound. A burly man got out of the driver’s seat and nodded slightly at Joel before turning to Rina.
“I have been given strict instructions to take you home safely.”