Risk

Thirty Three

She was in a white dress, her red hair cascading down her back in soft waves with a small braid at one side pulling it back from her face. She had a small bag in her hand mostly containing a purse and phone and a singular tube of lipgloss which she'd already applied before leaving so her lips were a plump deep pink colour.

He was in a loose short sleeved white shirt and some beige trousers, looking effortlessly cool with his slicked back hair and his hands in his pockets as they walked along the wooden walk way in the beach towards the restaurant.

"Don't we clean up nice," he commented, making her smile back up at him as she was walking slightly ahead.

The glow from the evening sun as it began to set made him look even better, the tan that had already taken to his skin making him look stronger as it brought out the toning in his muscular arms. Natasha almost said something about it before she stopped.

"You could look better," she made a face, making him laugh and roll his eyes at her.

"Charming." He teased, following her up to the restaurant where they were seated outdoors at a table for two. A large candle burned in the middle of the table to provide more light for when the sun finally set, and it flickered slightly in the soft breeze that came from the sea.

They ordered their meals, including margaritas which was Natasha request that James liked the sound of, and waited, sipping on the sharp alcohol as they looked across the table at one another.

"So..." she said, twirling the straw back and forth in her fingers as she kept hold of the glass.

"So?" He asked, setting his glass down and giving her his full attention.

"This woman you dated..." She pursed her lips, carrying on when he didn't stop her. "Was there a second date? Asking as a friend." She half joked, and he smiled a little in return.

"No. No second date." He confirmed. "Do you want all the details?"

"Not really, but if I'm going to be annoyed at you for no apparent reason, I'd rather do it while I can throw back a margarita."

He shrugged "Fair point. Well," he sat up in his chair a little. "We met for dinner at the cheese place, you know that restaurant where they serve pasta with a big wheel of melted cheese? We ate then had a few drinks, I walked her home and she thought I was distracted. Too distant. We just agreed to end things there and then. No kiss, nothing"

She looked at him for a moment then flicked her straw out her drink and brought the glass to her lips, swallowing it in one fluid motion. He stared at her a moment.

"What about any of that annoyed you?"

"You never took me to the cheese place." She frowned.

"You're just looking for a reason to be mad," he said honestly and she pouted slight.

"No, you know I really like cheese. Especially melted cheese." She tried to keep the disappointed pout up, but her lips were twitch into a grin. He smirked at her and shook his head.

"Well, I'll take you once we're back then."

"You bet your ass you will." She grinned, and they both chuckled softly.

"It's a date." He confirmed, raising his eyebrows as she did too.

"Oh, is it now?" She mused cheekily, But the waiter interrupted them with their meals.

"A refill, ma'am? And....and for sir too?" The waiter watched James fluidly down his margarita also and agree to a fresh one.

He saw the amused smile she gave him and smirked. "I don't have to look after you or be a responsible adult, I'm on holiday."