Business Dinner 2

(Lisa's POV)

We showed up in matching green outfits—him in a dark green silk button-up shirt, black pants, and high-top white sneakers decorated with splashes of dark green and black. I wore a dark green halter dress and matching shoes. We both had on gold accessories, and I even wore the earrings he gave me yesterday. I made sure to take a few pictures with him in the car and at the door before we went into the restaurant.

The hostess led us to where my company's party was set up. Angela was already there and waved me over to sit beside her.

"Hey! You look pretty! Oh! Are those new earrings?!"

I touched them and said, "Yeah… they're a gift from Valin."

I glanced at him. He was slouched in his chair, glaring at the ceiling, so I took his hand under the table to comfort him. His mood improved instantly.

"Wow, where did you go to get those?" she asked. Why is she trying to strike up a conversation with him?

"...I got the gems overseas a few years back for my collection. I had them set last week at Rigderton's."

He actually answered her. I'm impressed... and surprised he went through that much trouble for me for no special occasion at all.

"The gold is 18 carats, and I had it molded into the shape of her favorite flower."

They're custom-made?! I guess these earrings are now family heirlooms.

"Wow! And it's not even her birthday!" she said cheerily.

"It's soon. On June 10th, I plan to do even more."

He knows my birthday?! Did we even talk about it? …When is his?!

"Wow, you're such an attentive boyfriend. I'm jealous."

His eyes met hers for the first time when he said, "I love her. So of course I want to treat her well."

Okay… he has no issue saying it in front of other people now?!

Around that time, more of my coworkers and their dates arrived, and the conversation shifted to work-related topics. After eating, people started ordering alcohol. When Valin said he only wanted water, Derrick chimed in:

"Water? Running low on cash or something? Oh yeah! You're probably too young to drink. It kills the vibe when there's someone like you around."

One of my coworkers shushed him, and Valin's expression turned icy.

"He just doesn't like alcohol!" I said defensively. He keeps bringing up Valin's age… I guess that's the only angle he has to attack from.

Valin called the waiter back, flashed an ID, and ordered a cocktail called Death in the Afternoon—a mix of absinthe and champagne. His ID worked? I'm not going to rat him out, but I'm shocked he even knew the name of that drink.

Valin chugged it, smiled at Derrick, and said, "Are you happy now?" Then gagged at the taste—but asked for a refill.

"I'll have the same!" Derrick shouted.

They locked eyes, drinking at the same time. Derrick wobbled and swore before collapsing after one glass. Valin's face was flushed, but he still seemed fine.

"You didn't have to drink," I whispered. "Most people didn't even care."

"...But that asshole was picking a fight with me." He chuckled under his breath and turned to me, rubbing his cheek against mine. "You're so beautiful… I wish we were alone right now."

I trembled. Then Valin freed the hand that had been holding mine and slid it under my dress.

"Valin?!"

Everyone turned toward us when I shouted. He smiled innocently and asked, "What's wrong, Lisa? Ready to go home?"

How can he make that face while touching all my sensitive spots through my panties?! I'm surrounded by coworkers—I don't even know how to respond.

"I'm fine!" I said, a little too loudly. People looked away, and I chugged my martini. At the same time, he pulled his hand back. Okay—no more drinks for him. Oh god… now my legs are shaking. I don't want people here to think I'm a pervert.

"Hey Lisa, some of us are going out for karaoke after this. You wanna come?"

I opened my mouth to say no, thinking Valin would be too worn out socially. But before I could, he said:

"Can I come too?"

Angela nodded cheerfully, so I agreed to go with her. Thankfully, Derrick wasn't coming—his friends were waiting for a taxi with him. Only three others (two girls and one guy) joined us for the afterparty.

Angela took the mic first. "I thought it'd be fun to sing some of the songs we've worked on! Not mandatory—so feel free to leave if you hate my singing."

Everyone laughed, except me. I was nervous as heck—and it didn't help that Valin was groping my ass! Maybe I should leave… no, Angela would misunderstand. She sang a song I helped write, then handed the mic to Valin.

"You go next!"

He flipped the mic around like a baton and stood. Oh no. He hates attention. I'm surprised he didn't lash out when she put him on the spot. The chosen song was one I wrote for the singer Michael. A love song. I was nervous.

He sang it… and hit the high note in the climax perfectly. Chills ran through me. My female coworkers screamed and cheered.

"Oh my god!" Angela gawked.

"I think I just fell in love," Naomi muttered, biting her lip.

Okay. I want to go home now.

He returned to his seat, but the girls got up and pleaded for him to sing another. He sighed and glanced at me.

"You don't have to…" I started, but everyone glared. "B-but one more would be nice," I added quickly.

He smiled softly. "Okay."

This time he chose a more explicit song, written by a coworker who wasn't there. The lyrics made me blush—especially in his voice. In the middle, he unbuttoned his shirt and did the choreography from the music video. When did he learn all those steps?! He never does this in public. The women screamed like it was a real concert. Kim even reached toward him.

I jumped up and stood in front of her. Valin stopped singing and squatted at the edge of the stage, holding the mic out to the only other guy present—Rohan.

"It's your turn," he said, even though the song wasn't over. Rohan took the mic. Kim booed. Angela clicked her tongue.

Valin stepped off the stage and hugged me tight.

"What's wrong? Are you mad at me?" he whispered, his sweet voice and puppy eyes melting me.

"I… I'm just…" I cupped my hands around his ear and whispered, "Really turned on right now… can we go home?"

I hoped the music drowned out my words. As I looked up at my boyfriend, blushing, Valin kissed me deeply—suckling on my tongue, biting my lip. My body ignited. Nobody seemed to notice us sneak out.

Valin drove like a maniac, just like our first date, and carried me upstairs to his room. I started removing my underwear, but he tore them off and pressed his face between my thighs, licking me hungrily. He teased and pleasured me until I screamed and begged for him to stop teasing.

I'm glad I took the weekend off—I couldn't walk the next day. My whole body felt like jelly. Valin brought me breakfast in bed. After I ate, I asked,

"Are you… a sex addict?"

He was sipping juice when he turned to me and laughed.

"Me? YOU'RE asking ME if I'm an addict?"

His reaction confused me. He continued, "When we first started dating, when I kissed you—I wouldn't have taken it all the way if you hadn't started humping me."

My face went red. I did that?!

"I tried to give you breaks, but every time I do, you beg me. You want me to wear you out. Do you honestly think I'm the addict?"

…When he puts it like that… I guess it's me. Wow.

"You're right. My bad..."

He took the food tray, came back to bed, and started fondling my chest.

"Wait! What are you doing?!"

"You also said I don't have to control myself. And I haven't had enough of you yet."

"I should… take a bath first."

He scoffed. "That would be pointless… I'm about to get you dirty."

He moaned into my ear, grinding against me. I squeezed my eyes shut and held onto him. As he kissed me, I moaned, "I love you..."

He spread my legs, pinned me down, and entered me—gently at first, then with more intensity.

An hour later, we were in the bath together. He washed me, helped me into a nightgown, and tucked me into bed, handing me my phone. Angela had sent me a few texts about the sound files and asking if I was with my boyfriend. I didn't respond until I listened and got Valin's opinion. I picked the version that matched my lyrics best and replied, saying I was on a date… a lie. I was definitely not leaving this bed.

Sunday morning, I woke cuddling a pillow. Valin wasn't beside me. I panicked… until I spotted him sitting on the balcony, staring up at the sky. I wrapped a sheet around myself and walked over.

"Hey… I hope you slept well."

"I did… did you?"

He kissed me gently.

"I had a wonderful night. I got myself back under control. I'm sorry for giving you such a hard time lately."

Was that a pun?

"I… I'm okay, really."

"No… I even made you think I'm a sex addict. I feel bad. So I'm going to stop initiating."

What?!

"If you want to do it, you'll have to start by sucking my—" CENSORED. "And if we're somewhere public and you can't say it out loud, take my hand and draw a circle on my palm. I'll take you to the nearest discreet location… and make you mine."

His words made me blush—but also…

"D-Did I offend you?"

"I'm not offended… I just want to treat you better."

"You treat me fine!" I shouted.

He kissed me again and repeated, "I want to treat you better."

Then he got up to order breakfast. What the hell have I done?!

"Oh, and if the mood hits you… I'll show you what's in that box we haven't opened yet."

He gave me a sweet, adoring look. Later, he showed me a new Latin crossword book. When I asked why Latin, he said it added a challenge. We did puzzles, shared meals, and watched movies. He played games, held my hand, gave light kisses—but kept his distance otherwise.

He's sticking to his word. I admire his self-control… but I'm losing it. I feel like I'll combust. And sharing a bed tonight… may be too much.