Chapter 24 - Leon

Most retail stores only open around ten. This gave me enough time to sort things at home and get to Konstantin's place to pick up Cindy. But I wanted to surprise her with something special.

Before going to the apartment, I stopped at the florist, the jeweler, and the corner bakery. I bought five dozen roses, a diamond bracelet, and, of course, some food. I was unsure what she would like, so I got croissants, muffins, and a mochaccino.

Cindy wasn't ready to go shopping as she was still in her nightgown when I arrived. I didn't mind as we could have breakfast first. Handing her the food and coffee, I went back to collect the roses and bracelet. She had left the door open so I could just come in when I returned.

The food and coffee stood on the small island. I positioned the roses around it and placed the bracelet on top of a muffin. I sat sipping my coffee, waiting for her to return. She came down all dressed and ready.

Grinning, I waited for her to check out the arrangement. Cindy picked up the bracelet and smiled softly at me as she spoke. "Thank you, but you didn't need to do all this." She sat down and drank her mochaccino. She didn't look overly pleased or happy about the gifts.

"I want you to know how important you are," I replied, wondering what I did wrong. We ate in silence as she seemed to study the roses and bracelet. Once breakfast was done, we could head out.

We stopped for some groceries, and I took her to Fifth Street. We walked through almost all the stores, but she only bought a few items. She seemed a little distant, and I wasn't sure why.

"I made a reservation at Baltza for eight and will pick you up around seven," I said after we packed away the groceries.

Cindy nodded but didn't seem overly enthusiastic. Leaving her to finish some work, I wondered what I was doing wrong.

The day passed quickly, and time caught up with me before I knew it. After a quick shower, I headed out to pick up Cindy for our first official date. I was bubbling over with excitement. I wanted to show her what kind of life I could offer her.

As I pulled up, she was coming out. Cindy was wearing a tight-fitting red dress. It hung to her feet with two slits on the sides where her legs came peeking out as she moved. I felt my breath catching as I opened the door and assisted her into my truck. She was stunning, with her hair pinned up and her breasts threatening to climb out the top of the dress.

I felt my heart beating excessively as I started the truck. I was battling to focus and keep my eyes on the road. Entering the restaurant, all eyes turned, and I saw admiration in the stares. I wanted to pick her up and head back home. She was mine. I didn't approve of the looks she was getting.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to stay calm. I had promised her space, but reacting in such a way would not play out well. The service and meal were both out of this world. I was sure she appreciated it even though she didn't show it.

Dropping her off, Cindy didn't invite me up, which was a bit puzzling, but I accepted it. Piotr was sitting on the veranda as I got back. He was having a drink. Joining him, I decided to ask him for advice. He lived a simpler life than the rest of us. But I also believed he had more experience in life.

"Piotr," I said, looking out into the darkness. "I've showered Cindy with gifts and a meal at one of the best restaurants around, but she seemed distant."

He glanced at me, took a sip from his glass, and cleared his throat. "Maybe you're overdoing it," he said blandly.

My mouth hung open as he turned to me, grinning. "What do you mean?" I asked, stunned. "I want her to have a comfortable life, and I can give her one."

"Not all people, especially women, are the same, Leon." Piotr took another sip from his glass. "Maybe she's not into fancy stuff. Have you considered that?"

Shaking my head, I thought back. I didn't really know anything about her. I hadn't been to her apartment where she stayed, and to think about it, she had never asked for anything during the time she stayed with us.

It was like my eyes, and my mind suddenly opened. Jumping up, I tapped Piotr on the shoulder, spilling his drink all over him as I excitedly proclaimed my newfound knowledge. "Thank you, I now know what to do."

Piotr wiped at his shirt, grinning. "Sure, no problem," he added as I headed inside.

Mila and Konstantin were in the kitchen making coffee. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and went to my room. I rolled around half the night trying to plan our next date.

Early the next morning, I prepared breakfast. As we sat down, I spoke up. "Hey guys, I was thinking that, seeing as most jobs have been handled. Well, that you might want to go out tonight?"

"Great idea," Konstantin replied. "Where do you wanna go?"

Clearing my throat, I glanced at Piotr. "Not me, you all."

Piotr grinned. He knew what I was aiming at. "Yes, sure," he said, rising from the table. "A new club opened on the other side of town. I've been hoping to go for some time now." Glancing at Mila, he continued as he walked to Konstantin. "What do you think? A night out with the two of us sounds good?"

Mila nodded as she swallowed. "Yeah, sure, why not."

"It's settled then," I added, a bit too overly eager.

Konstantin gazed at me with narrowed eyes. "And why pray tell are you not going? What are you planning?"

Smiling at him, I replied with caution. "Nothing that would interest you."

"Okay, okay, I get it, Leon," he added, and we all laughed.

Feeling relieved, I started planning. First, I called Cindy and asked if she would give me a second date to set things right. After some convincing, she agreed. Not wanting to go overboard, I tried to think of ways to make it more intimate.

Sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee, I realized I didn't know her. I had no idea what kind of activities she would find relaxing. I considered starting the hot tub, then pondered food and drinks. There were so many different things to take into account I felt lost.

By lunchtime, I still had no idea what to do. Pacing up and down the length of the kitchen, I tried to focus. Feeling eyes on my back, I turned to find Mila standing in the doorway watching me.

"Yes," I snapped feeling irritated.

"Nothing," she said, walking closer. "I was just wondering what was burning you?"

"I don't know, Cindy," I breathed out, taking a seat and pushing my hands into my hair. "I don't know what she likes or would prefer doing."

Mila chuckled lightly as she replied. "So, this is what you are up to, a date night?"

Grinning at her I nodded. "Yes, but Piotr said I was overdoing it; now I'm not sure what to do."

Mila rubbed her chin and then replied. "What would Piotr like? I mean, he is a simple man, isn't he?"

Glancing up at her, it hit me. "Yes, of course," I said as I sprung to my feet and headed to the lounge.

Scrambling through the cupboards and closets in every hallway and room, I finally found them. There was a box filled with old-style candles. We rarely ever used the lounge, and most of the furniture was covered with sheets. I removed the sheets, placed the candles around the room, and added a single red rose next to each.

After cleaning the fireplace, I packed new logs and readied them for later. I placed down pillows, some blankets and ordered a couple of romantic movies. Standing back, I felt proud of what I had done. The room looked comfortable and inviting. It wasn't much, but I felt sure it would do. At least, I hoped it would be sufficient.

I ordered pizza, made popcorn, and set out various sweet snacks. Once the others left, I went to pick up Cindy. She was casually dressed in a yellow tracksuit, a white silky top, and sneakers. I was glad to see her looking comfortable and at ease.

"Good evening, my lady," I said, opening the truck door. I waited for her to get in before bouncing around to my side.

Cindy smiled as I started the truck and headed to the mansion. "Nothing fancy?" she said as we got closer to home.

"Nope, as agreed, just a relaxing evening," I replied, grinning. I pulled into the garage, jumped out, and opened the door for her. Holding out my hand, I smiled as I spoke. "My lady, your relaxing evening awaits."

Cindy giggled as she got out. Holding her hand, I led her inside and to the living room. I lit the candles before fetching her and left all the lights off. I had also started a fire, which was now in full force.

Holding her hand and bowing, I let her walk in first. "This is so nice," Cindy said, looking around.

Walking in behind her, I held her hips, whispering into her ear. "I hope it is more to your liking, my dear." Softly guiding her, I moved to the blanket on the floor before the firepit.

Next to it stood a picnic basket and ice bucket. Taking her hand, I waited for her to take off her jacket and sit down before taking my place next to her. "I wasn't sure what movies you like, so I picked a couple of different ones," I said, pushing the on button on the remote and handing it to her. "On the screen is a variety to select from. You choose what you want to watch."

Cindy smiled as she took the remote. Her eyes sparkled as she flipped through my selection. She settled on a horror movie.

Fluffing the pillows behind us, I poured some wine and spoke as I gave her a glass. "You want some snacks?"

Cindy glanced at me and took a sip before speaking. "What have you got?"

Opening the basket and taking out three containers, I placed each one down between us, describing what was inside. "There is pizza, some salty snacks, and sweet ones."

"We'll have something of everything," she said, leaning against the pillows.

We ended up watching two whole movies and eating all the food. By the end of the second bottle of wine, I felt as tipsy as she sounded. After placing more logs on the fire, I put on some music before lying back down. This time, I turned to face her and turned the television off. The light in the room was a lot less, and the music helped create a romantic ambiance.

Cindy also turned on her side. I caressed her cheek as I spoke. "I hope the evening wasn't a loss."

Beaming at me, she moved closer. "No, I loved it," she said.