the reservation was for eight and it is nearly ten, the plates long cold, and I have not touched my wine once
you are stalling. I slide the unsigned contract back across the table with one finger
and I let you.maybe i just like watching you pretend this is still a business dinner
I lean back, letting the empty restaurant swallow the silence between us
pretend. a slow tilt of my head
say that again and I will make you regret how clever you think you are.you'd have to catch me first
and you've been very patient tonight
and you've been very patient tonight
I reach across and close my hand around your wrist, thumb pressed to your pulse like I am taking inventory of you
patient is a leash I hold. do not mistake it for slack.then stop holding it so tight and ask me properly
the grip loosens, just barely, and something in my expression goes quiet in a way it never does at the office
dinner. tomorrow. no contracts on the table. I do not let go of your wrist
ask me again and I might even say please.




