Chapter 19 - Dahlia

Konstantin had already left when I got up this morning. After having breakfast, I decided to catch some sun on the porch. I was traveling through a world of strange events in a book when I heard someone clearing their throat next to me.

Turning my head swiftly, I found Konstantin standing in the doorway. "Is everything okay?" I asked. I had been so deep into the book. I had not even noticed him coming home.

He smiled at me as he bent down. "Sugar," he said. "Nothing's wrong. I was wondering, though, would you like to get out a bit? Go on a date with me?"

I felt my face brighten as excitement flooded me. Beaming at him, I replied quickly as I rose. "Yes, when do you want to leave?"

"How about an hour from now," he said, glancing at his watch. "Is that fine with you?" I could see he was also excited to go out as his smile stretched from ear to ear.

"Yes, baby," I whispered, kissing his cheek before heading in. I found it adorable that a man could get excited about a date.

Standing in front of my closet, I scanned my clothing. I had no idea where we would be going, so, I went with something neutral. Taking out a white, flowy summer dress, I held it up. After getting dressed, I turned, admiring the look and feel.

I didn't like a lot of makeup, so I only added a little. Once I was done, I headed downstairs. Konstantin was leaning against the kitchen doorframe. Licking my lips, I couldn't believe how handsome he looked in his dark blue suit.

His crisp white shirt with the thin gold lines appeared to be shining. His hair was perfectly styled. He had a sparkle in his blue eyes. It made him look a little mischievous. Taking it all in, I wanted to be in his arms and feel his warm love. I suddenly felt underdressed.

Stepping up to him, I placed my hand on his chest as I spoke. "Hi sexy, I'm ready whenever you are."

He gave me a once-over and smiled. "Shall we go then?"

Nodding, I took his hand and followed him out. I felt happy and excited. I realized as we walked to the car that I wanted to be with him. He made me whole. As we pulled out, I had to ask. "So, where are you taking me?" It was too early for supper, so I felt sure there were other plans.

Konstantin gave me a sparkling smile but said nothing. After driving a while, going up and down small, quiet streets, he stopped. It looked more like a small suburb than any business area I had ever seen. Getting out, he took my hand and led me to a slightly larger building than the rest.

There was no name or sign on the building. I felt my stomach turning as we entered. I was intrigued by the secrecy of it all.

After entering, I noticed the counters and stands filled with jewelry. A young man in a grey suit led us through two rooms. He stopped by a thick, solid wooden door. Taking a keycard from his pocket, he swiped it through the slot next to the handle. The door clicked, and he opened it.

Stepping to the side, he waved us to enter. There was a table in the middle of the room. On one side was a single chair, and on the other, two more. Konstantin pulled out the one, and I sat down. He sat down next to me, beaming.

An old stocky man can through a door on the other side of the room. He was carrying two golden boxes. As he placed them on the table, he nodded at Konstantin. "As you requested," he said, sitting down.

Konstantin pulled the two boxes closer and opened them. Turning to me, he spoke softly. "Anything you want sugar?"

I glanced at the glittering jewelry covered in diamonds. There were earrings, necklaces, bracelets, some rings, and pendants. "This is too much," I said, looking at him in astonishment. I couldn't accept such lavish gifts.

Konstantin's smile faded, and he looked hurt. I didn't want to offend him, but felt overwhelmed. Smiling at him, I decided on a pair of earrings I was sure would be the least expensive. They were pure gold covered in small diamonds shaped like a heart.

"Excellent choice," the man said, taking out a small box and placing them inside. As he handed the box and slip to Konstantin. As he scanned it, I noticed the price. I thought my head was about to explode. No man in his right mind would spend that kind of money on jewelry.

"No," I said quickly.

Konstantin looked at me, puzzled. "Don't you want the earrings? Is there something else?"

"No," I said, taking a slow breath. "That is too much."

He smiled at me and signed the slip before handing it back to the man. Grinning broadly, the man rose. He took the two boxes and left the room. As we stood, the other door opened, and the young man was there to lead us back out.

I wasn't used to such luxury and would prefer it if he kept it simple. But I didn't know how to tell him without hurting his feelings. I got back in the car without a word. I was trying to find a way to gently let him know how I felt.

He smiled as we pulled out of the parking and headed down the street. Next, we stopped at an ice cream parlor. This was more suitable for me, I thought as we entered the shop. We sat in a corner booth, and the waitress brought two menus.

"So," he said after studying the menu for several seconds. "What are you having?"

"They all sound amazing, I can't decide," I replied, wishing I could have them all. I had been craving ice cream the last week. I had Mila buy me a small tub every day. I suspected she had told him, and that was why he had brought me here.

"Let's test a couple then," Konstantin replied, waving at the waitress. We tried several different flavors before deciding which ones were best. There were two flavors I truly enjoyed. As I ate them, I let out a low moan. The taste sensation was purely delightful; I couldn't help myself.

"I wasn't expecting that," Konstantin mumbled as I closed my eyes. I was absorbed by the taste. Opening my eyes, I noticed his grin. I felt my cheeks heat up as I blushed. Feeling slightly embarrassed, I lowered my gaze.

Reaching across the table, Konstantin lifted my head before continuing. "Sugar, that sound is honey to my ears, don't hide it."

I smiled at him but felt the red glow spreading. Even my ears were on fire. By the time we left, I was overflowing with sweetness.

From there, he took me to a private book reading by my favorite author. There were only a handful of people present. It was held at the author's house. It had cost him a pretty penny to get in here. I was thrilled to be there but felt he was spending a lot of money on wildly lavish things.

I got to meet the author and get a signed copy of her latest book. I loved it and was overcome with pleasure, but it was all too much. "Konstantin," I said as we headed to our next destination. "I love everything we've done so far. But you don't need to spend so much."

Grinning at me, he replied enthusiastically. "Sugar, there is no price on happiness."

We stopped at a private deep-sea aquarium. No other people were around, and I suspected he had booked the entire place. I felt a little guilty knowing he had spent so much money on me. The day was marvelous, but I realized I preferred the simple things in life. I didn't need all this lavishness.

We spent two hours roaming the dark hallways, looking at the wonderful creatures. As we headed back to the exit, Konstantin smiled at me. "Ready for dinner?" he asked.

As I responded with a yes, I hoped dinner would be more normal. I hoped he didn't go overboard with that as well. Not that I was complaining. It was nice to be spoiled. But I didn't want him to spend so much to impress me.

I sat watching him as we drove to our next destination. He seemed overly happy. He appeared to be singing under his breath as he moved his head from side to side. I had never seen this calmer side of him, and I was fascinated.

We pulled into a dark alley, and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. "Where are we?" I asked as he stopped.

"Don't worry, it's a friend's place." He replied, hopping out.

I was astonished as I got out to find the alley clean and quiet. There were no people, no trash lying around, or sprayed saying on the walls. Most alleys I've seen were horrid. It was a place to stay clear of.

A door on the side of the building opened and flooded the area with light. "Dinner awaits, my lady," Konstantin said as he took my hand and led me inside. We entered the place through the kitchen. The staff all greeted us cheerily, and the odors were divine.

My stomach growled, and I realized I was actually starving. As we walked into the dining area, I gasped. The lights were turned down low. In the middle between all the empty tables was one with candles lit on it. Between the tables on the floor was a line of candles leading to that table. It was all so romantic.

We walked through the deserted restaurant to that table. "Konstantin," I said as we sat down. "You didn't have to."

"But I wanted to, my sugar," he replied, waving his hand in the air. The waiter came over with our drinks and starters. "I hope you don't mind, but I already chose the meals."

Shaking my head, I didn't know what to say. I felt overwhelmed by everything. We shared a delightful three-course meal. The food was to die for.

As we left after the best dinner I have ever had, I smiled at him as he opened the door. "Can I drive?" I asked.

Konstantin's mouth fell open, and his eyes seemed to double in size. "What," he uttered.

Grinning, I continued. "I want to take you somewhere."

He fumbled in his pocket and held out the keys to me. I was stunned he didn't argue or resist. I knew how to drive; I just didn't enjoy it much. He could have told me to give him directions, but he didn't.

Pulling out, I went slow. I headed to a secluded piece of beach I had found during high school. It was my favorite place to just clear my mind. Stopping on the street, next to a row of trees, I turned to him before getting out.

"Baby, thank you for a lovely evening, but I think you went a little overboard. I'm not one for lavish or fancy things."

I could see the worry in his eyes as he responded in a shaky tone. "Was it a bad date? Did you like anything?"

"No, no, don't get me wrong," I said, taking his hand. "It wasn't bad, that's not what I meant. I just want you to dial it down a bit."

He smiled softly and nodded as he spoke. "Understood."

"Follow me," I said as I got out. I led him down a narrow path through some trees and bushes. Stepping through the last trees into the clearing, we were on the beach. I heard him gasp. The view was blocked by the trees, but it was spectacular.

The sun had started setting. It was throwing an orange glow over the ocean. Taking off my shoes and carrying them, I started towards the water. I loved walking barefoot on the sand. Glancing back, I saw Konstantin jumping around on one leg, trying to get his other shoe off.

Laughing at the sight of him, I stopped and waited. "You think that's funny," he shouted as he ran towards me.

Sprinting towards the ocean, I hollered back at him over my shoulder. "I do."

I was almost in the water when I felt his arm closing around my waist. He softly pulled me to a stop, and we tumbled over. For a moment, we lay laughing in the sand. Getting up first, he held out his hand and pulled me to my feet.

Pulling me into his arms, he kissed me. I felt all expectations flowing away as the ocean lapped at the beach behind us. "How did you find this place?" he asked as he let go of me.

Holding his hand, I moved to the edge of the water. We stood with our toes in the water. Every time the waves came in, our feet would disappear and reappear as the water pulled back.

"I stumbled upon it one day while roaming around after my mother's passing." Swallowing hard, I felt his hand move across my back as he pulled me closer. "I have been coming here for years now. Every time I felt alone or needed comfort, I came here. It calms me. The sound of the waves crashing, the water rumbling. It's nice to be here."

Glancing up, I noticed he was looking at me oddly. Bending over, I cupped my hand and splashed him with water before taking off. He dashed after me again. Luckily, we didn't tumble as we were in the water.

We kicked water at each other for a bit and ran up and down the beach. Before we were completely soaked, I stopped. Konstantin pulled me into his strong embrace, looking out over the ocean. Leaning back against his chest, I felt safe. "This is nice," I whispered as we watched the sunset.

Turning in his arms before heading back to the car, I kissed him passionately. "Thank you," I breathed out over his lips.

"Look," he whispered, pointing out to the ocean.

Turning back, I saw the most amazing thing ever. A group of dolphins were jumping in and out of the water. "That is something you don't see every day," I replied softly. We stood until they disappeared into the night.

Konstantin put on the heater as we got in. The night air was cooling quickly. Leaning over, I kissed his cheek. "Thank you for an amazing day," He took hold of one side of my face as he kissed me back. For a moment, our tongues tangoed with each other.

He moved his seat back and pulled me onto his lap. Placing my hands on his chest, I could feel his heart racing even through all his muscles. His hands moved up and down my legs. His touch was tender and warm. I felt my insides stirring.

While we kissed, I felt his hands move over my back down to my rear. He pulled me closer as our kiss intensified. His hands moved back up and into my hair.

Shifting on his lap, I caressed his chest and abs as I moved down to his pants. Pulling his shirt out of his pants, I placed my hands on his abs. His skin was sizzling as I moved over those perfectly formed abs to his chiseled chest. I loved the feeling of him. He moved his hands around, grabbing hold of my breasts. I moaned as he squeezed them tenderly.

The weather outside was very cool, and the car windows started steaming up with the heat we were giving off. Konstantin kissed my neck softly, pulling my head back as he moved down to my breasts. He came back to my neck. I nibbled on his ear as I breathed out heavily. "Baby," I whispered.

His mouth found mine, and his kiss was hard but sensual. My stomach was making waves as my body tingled. Nibbling his lower lip, I felt his love for me growing. Tugging gently at his bottom lip with my teeth, he shifted under me. Konstantin accidentally pressed my body back as he moved.

The next moment, the quiet night air was filled with the loud hooting of his car horn. We stopped and glanced around as I shifted off the steering wheel. Looking at him, I knew we both got a fright. I started giggling as he hugged me.

Konstantin took hold of my face, staring into my eyes he spoke softly. "You are my world. But I think we should be getting back. I don't want you freezing and getting ill in this night breeze."

Placing my hand on his cheek, I kissed him passionately before getting back into my seat. He got out and took off his jacket. "Here, put this on," he said, getting back in and starting the car.

Our drive home was spent in silence but wasn't uncomfortable. I welcomed the bit of silence as it gave me time to think. Today was a special day, one I will never forget. Staring out at the stars starting to accumulate in the sky, I felt calm.

I loved everything Konstantin offered. Yet, I didn't want to depend financially on him or his family. I had to be able to provide for myself. As we pulled in, I smiled at Konstantin as I spoke. "Do you know when Piotr will be returning?"

Konstantin gave me a sideways glance before getting out. He opened my door and waited for me to get out before he replied. "I think they're getting back tomorrow or the day after. Why do you want to know?"

"It's just been a while since I've seen them, is all," I replied. I felt drained from the day's activities and was glad to be able to go to bed.