So I'm Dating a Murderer ~Closed~

[fr33ks33k]

So, the hostess of the speed dating was her friend. She may prove troublesome at some point, but for now it was nothing to worry about. Stephanie's story about 'macho bravado' made him smile. He disliked men like that, but not for the same reasons she had. They made his work much harder to enact. Again, nothing to worry about at the moment.

"Well, that's the thing. I normally am, but around you...I don't know, I just feel comfortable." A typical line, but one that was sure to bring reciprocal feelings about. "I haven't felt this comfortable around someone in quite a while."

The hand laying atop hers was tracing her fingers lightly, slowly moving from fingertip to the back of her hand. The waitress came back again, this time with refills that hadn't been requested. They were welcome though, as Craig had drained his cup several minutes ago. He took a slow drink, enjoying the chocolate-laced coffee. His jade-tinted eyes flashed as the lights came back up. The open mic was over for the evening, and people were leaving in twos and threes.

"Looks like it's over. I guess our running total is up to an hour and 5 minutes..." He chuckled and continued to trace her hand with his.

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie was quickly falling for this guy. God, he seemed like just the right type of guy for her. Sweet, sensitive, & cute. Not to mention, he seemed to be into the same things she was into. That was always a plus. She glanced down at her hand which he had been softly caressing sending shivers down her spine and making her bite her lip.

Despite what he said about feeling comfortable around just her, it did seem like he had that cool confidence about himself. She liked that, it wasn't overbearing but it showed that he wasn't a wimp or anything. Stephanie accepted the refill of her caramel machioto as the lights flickered back on.

"Yeah, it does look like it's over..." she let the sentence trail, not really ready for the date to end quite yet. She hadn't even glanced around at the people leaving, unable to take her eyes off of Craig. Stephanie wasn't quite sure what to say without seeming either over eager to continue on with the date or to sound like she didn't want to be here. Having Craig trace her fingers the way he was, proved to be rather distracting though.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Jerry's had cleared out to just a few people now. It was nearing closing time, and Craig was considering his options. He could rush this, and perhaps she would go along with it; or he could play it cool and aim for a longer build-up. The first option would be quick gratification, but the second afforded him more time to prepare. He sided with the latter.

He let his hand linger for a moment longer before removing it. He smiled at her, his eyes focused on hers.

"This has been a lovely evening. I wish it would last longer, but I'm afraid we'll start upsetting the staff if we stick around too much longer. I've got a meeting tomorrow morning that's going to take up most of my time, but if you want you could give me a call tomorrow evening and we could get together. I'll let you pick the date this time. Sound good Stephanie?"

His smile was warm, but in his mind, Craig was envisioning things much colder happening in the near future.

 

[princesssexci]

Looking slightly disappointed that the date was ending, she nodded. It was for the best. She did have work tomorrow and couldn't exactly stay out all night. She was a waitress and had to stay focused during the day which meant no staying out late, at least until the weekend.

"I had a good time and yeah, that sounds great." She said as she stood up.

"So I'll call you tomorrow evening then." Again, not wanting to rush things instead of giving him a kiss, Stephanie leaned forward and gave him a quick hug before walking out of the cafe. Her phone buzzed. It was Tanya texting her about how her evening went.

She responded telling Tanya it was probably the best date she'd been on in a long time. The next day was very boring, serving customers and getting hit on. That was the way her day went. Throughout the day though, she thought about where she wanted to go that night with Craig.

She settled with the movies since they both enjoyed the movies. Besides, she'd been wanting to see that new movie Obsessed with Beyonce. That night when she got home from work, Stephanie changed out of her uniform and into a casual black skirt and matching black top. The skirt wasn't too short but it wasn't extremely long. It was about knee high. Around 5 pm she dialed Craig's number.

"Hi, Craig? It's Stephanie, I was thinking the movies? Have you seen Obsessed? They have an eight o'clock showing tonight."

 

[fr33ks33k]

His meeting had been dreadfully long and uninteresting. The same old stories from a different face, spewing nonsense and pleading for funding. Somehow he'd made it through without killing anyone. Craig laughed at the irony of that thought....then his phone rang. It was Stephanie.

He'd just arrived at home, and was surprised she'd called so early. This was a good thing, though. "Hi, Stephanie. Oh really? I had thought about seeing that movie. Kind of a chick flick, but definitely an interesting premise. 8 o'clock? Sure! That sounds great. Which theater? Ok. I'll see you there."

He hung up and smiled. A movie...darkness, loud obscuring noises. The perfect venue for....No. Not yet. He had to keep telling himself that over and over. He wanted her here, at his mercy.

He showered and chose another dress casual outfit, a maroon shirt and khakis. As he dressed, he wondered if she would insist on paying for herself, or if his proposal to buy would be welcomed. That in itself would help him determine how to take the rest of the evening. He looked at himself in his mirror and smiled again, this time like a wolf on the scent of its prey.

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie had arrived at the theater around 7:45 pm. Her hair was let loose out of it's ponytail that she'd had to wear that day to work. She stood by the theater wondering if she should get their tickets or wait for Craig. Was he the type of guy to buy his date the ticket or was he the sort that let the girl pay for half the date or her own ticket?

She hated to admit this to herself but she was slightly nervous and couldn't for the life of her figure out why. She'd been on dates before, so this wasn't new to her no matter how long it had been since her last date.

Craig was a normal guy. She just really felt a connection with him and didn't want to screw it up in some shape or form. She did that from time to time. She thought this was a good choice for a date though. Stephanie was actually pretty surprised he hadn't made a move on her during their first date.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Craig parked his car and engaged the alarm, looking toward the marquee of the theater. Looking down toward the doors he saw Stephanie and moved briskly to meet her.

"Hi there! You look great. Ok, so I'm not sure how you feel about such things, but I was thinking that I would pay for the tickets and snacks, if you wanted anything. How does that sound?"

He smiled and stepped into line with her. The movie seemed to be a popular one; the queue was moderately long and most people seemed to be getting tickets for it. His hand absently found its way to the small of her back, his fingers moving around her waist. It was a slight reach in boundaries, but if she'd been willing to let their hands touch, this was more than likely fine as well.

 

[princesssexci]

Normally, she didn't do the whole paying for movie thing. She liked the 50/50 type dates, it made her feel like an equal and not so submissive. Sure her daytime job wasn't glamarous but she could afford a movie. She didn't want to come off as a bitch though.

Pursing her lips, she said "Well, normally when I go out on dates I like to at least pay for half of whatever. So how about we split the cost?" Besides, paying for the whole date? That seemed a bit too intimate for a 2nd date.

She blushed lightly once more as his hand found the small of her back and remained there. Clearing her throat, she smiled "I hope you don't mind. It's just a normal rule I stand by." When he looked curious she decided to explain as the line moved forward, "I normally don't let guys pay for my half of the date until its like the 5th date or so." She didn't go any further than that as she waited for his response.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Oh, that's perfectly fine. I just figured I'd offer. I like to think chivalry's not dead, but going dutch is fine with me."

He had expected that response, and smiled at his correct assumption. She hadn't brushed his hand off, so he left it where it was. The line moved forward slowly as she explained her reasoning behind her decision. It seemed fairly logical, and it certainly was nice to know that some women weren't complete gold diggers.

"Oh my! A fifth date? Let's hope I can make it that far then. So, what have you heard about this movie? Some of my coworkers seemed to think it was a bit too crazy, even for a psychological thriller..."

They were next in line now, and Craig removed his hand only to reach for his wallet and allow her to access her purse unimpeded. After they each paid, he led the way toward the concession stand, waiting just outside the forming lines.

"Would you like to get anything? I'm thinking of a soda and maybe some popcorn..." he smiled again, warm and inviting as he looked into her eyes.

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie let out a slow sigh of relief. She was glad he didn't take her response offensively, a lot of guys did. However, he didn't seem like a lot of guys she'd dated...which was a good thing. Soon they were talking about what they'd heard about the movie.

"Well, all my friends said it was probably the worse movie they've ever seen but I don't like to judge something by someone's opinion. I like to experience things on my own and make the judgment myself." Stephanie said as she paid for her movie ticket.

"I don't know what I'd like; probably a soda and some gummy bears. I'll share if you want, only if you share your popcorn." She looked into his eyes and thought she could possibly drown in them.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"That's a wonderful outlook to have. Letting others tell you how things are can only lead you along without really experiencing anything. Sure, I'll share." He smiled at her. She was looking at his eyes. He imagined how that stare would be different...later...

They ordered their snack and went to the theater the usher indicated. He led the way to a place midway up the stadium-style seating. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable with his seat choice, but did want a bit of privacy. As they settled into their chairs and set down their snacks, he looked over at Stephanie and smiled.

"Thanks for calling me. I had worried I'd been too forward last night. I certainly hope the movie's good."

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie raised her eyebrow at his comment about being too forward. She couldn't help but giggle. It wasn't out of rudeness but she thought it was sort of cute that he thought he was too forward because lightly caressing her hand was far from the forwardness she was used to.

"No, not at all. You were very gentleman like. Besides, I said I would call. I don't say things and not mean them. That goes against everything I believe in." Stephanie grinned at him, "Oh, I'm sure it will be and if it's not we can always talk or something."

She took a sip of her diet coke, the lights were slowly beginning to dim as the words flashed onto the screen saying to turn off their cell phones and respect the other customers, etc.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Her response was yet again as predicted. She was truly pretty when she giggled like that. It might almost be a shame to make her his next 'project'....almost.

The lights went down and the movie's preview reel began rolling. He relaxed into his seat and started working on his popcorn. Partway through the movie, Craig shifted in his seat and draped his arm over Stephanie's shoulders. Getting close to her was easy, and he hoped that it would be a trend easily escalated when the time came...

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie was fully focused on the movie for the most part. Throughout the movie she'd taken handfuls of popcorn from Craig's bowl. During that time, their hands had brushed against one anothers, not all the time but some of the time. She liked to mix her popcorn with her gummy bears because it gave you that sweet yet salty taste. So what she did was get a handful of popcorn and pour some of the gummy bears in her hand and then eat it.

She offered the box of gummy bears to Craig during the movie as well, keeping her promise to share. About halfway through the movie, she felt him shift next to her and his arm drape around her shoulders. Stephanie was thankful that it was dark because then he'd be able to see her blushing once more and she thought she'd done enough of that the night before.

The movie so far hadn't been THAT great, just like her friends said. It reminded her of all the other movies where a girl chases after a guy who wasn't really even interested in him, like that one with Glenn Close.

 

[fr33ks33k]

The movie hadn't been too terrible, but it still didn't hold his interest much. He instead thought of interesting things to do both with, and to, Stephanie. He'd noticed their sharing of snacks had afforded several brushes of their hands, more intimate linkage. The movie ended predictably, and as the lights came up, Craig removed his arm from around her, smiling at her as his eyes readjusted to the light.

As they walked out to the parking lot, he looked over at her. "What'd you think? Were your friends right?"

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie shrugged, "It wasn't terrible...but it wasn't exactly one of those kinds of movies where I would have to buy the dvd the first day it came out. " she blushed and shook her head. "I also disliked how they made it seem like white girls are all obsessed with black men..." her eyes widened as the words just flew out of her mouth. It was clear that Stephanie was the kind of girl who would speak what was on her mind.

"I mean..." SHIT! "No offense." There was no way of getting out of that one. Stephanie looked down, trying to hide her blush. Blushing more so at what she'd said more than anything.

"What about you? Did you enjoy it?" she asked, finally looking up. Well, she probably scared this one off. She silently and sarcastically scolded herself.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Craig nearly lost it. He kept himself in control, but his laughter seeped out and eventually he was chuckling openly. She was blushing, obviously embarrassed, but he found it rather amusing.

"Don't you worry, dear. I'm not offended. It is a terrible stereotype to perpetuate, even if it might sometimes be true." He winked at her before continuing.

"I thought it was an ok movie. It certainly isn't something that will be adorning my collection, but I don't regret watching it. And the company I kept during was certainly a help in keeping me invested."

They'd reached Stephanie's car. He stood facing her, waiting for her eyes to meet his again. His mind raced with the possibilities of his next move. He decided to let her make it instead.

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie let out another slow soft sigh of relief. He wasn't offended and actually took her opinion with good nature. So far, it seemed like he was definitely a keeper. As they walked towards Stephanie's car thoughts raced through her head. She wasn't sure if he was actually going to make a move tonight.

"I had a good time too."

Finally, they reached her red prius and she fumbled with her keys while trying to make up her mind. He hadn't said anything so maybe that meant he wanted her to make a move or that he wanted to make a move but didn't know how to approach...or he could obviously be just waiting for her to get into her car safely.

God, Stephanie forgot how hard it was to be on a date. She was surprised she'd made it through her second date. She pursed her lips and glanced up at him. He was just..staring at her. "I had a ...really good time." She said, emphasizing the really. By now, she had stopped fumbling with her keys and just stood there before standing on her tip toes and pressing a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"I'd like to do something with you again, when you're not busy." She stared into his eyes, unable to look away.

 

[fr33ks33k]

After her kiss on the cheek, he knew he'd have to make the move after all. She was nervous, but he had intent.

"I'd like that a lot. I'll give you a call. Have a good evening, Stephanie."

He turned to go, counting five seconds off in his head. He turned back to her and caught her just as she'd opened her car door. He planted a firm kiss on her lips. It was a solid kiss, but he didn't probe forward with his tongue. He let their embrace linger for a further five seconds before pulling back. He smiled, turning slowly and striding over to his car.

Let her think on that for a day or so....the bait was set. Now just to reel her in completely.

 

[princesssexci]

As he got ready to go, Stephanie had a little smile on her face and she turned to unlock her door. The moment she had opened her door though, Craig had grabbed her and kissed her. It was a firm kiss, one that said I like you but it wasn't probing or insistent or domineering in any sort of way. The perfect kiss for a second date, in Stephanie's opinion.

As he stepped back and smiled at her, Stephanie shakily smiled back and then got into her car. She drove home, still able to feel his arms wrapped around her and his lips pressed against hers.

In fact, the whole day at work all she could think about was that kiss. It wasn't any sort of special intense, long lustful kiss but it had still gotten her attention. One could even say it inspired her because as soon as she'd gotten home, she'd worked a little more on her novel. Though, she did glance over at her cellphone hoping it would ring.

Stephanie had to remind herself a few times that night not to call him and that if he liked her he'd call her. The one time it did ring, it was Tanya.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Craig waited until the weekend to call her again. The time passed relatively quickly, and Friday evening around 6pm he dialed Stephanie's number.

"Hello there! How was your week? I was thinking that maybe we could get together and hang out, get a bite to eat or something."

He was banking on the lingering memory of their kiss to still be burning in her mind, and that she would jump at the chance to experience another. Craig felt cocky. It was almost too easy when he had his sights on a 'project'. He smiled as he waited for her reply.

 

[princesssexci]

As time flew by, Stephanie had eventually forced herself to forget about Craig. He probably wasn't interested and she probably made a huge mistake even suggesting they go see Obsessed. It probably put a whole bunch of different thoughts in his head about how she might potentially become obsessed with him.

And then her comment about the movie..god, she was a such an idiot sometimes. Needless to say that she hadn't actually forgotten about Craig. Instead, she tortured herself about what she'd done wrong. By Thursday, she eventually made herself get busy with other priorities like finishing her novel and getting someone to publish it.

Friday night, Stephanie had been thinking of trying to find an editor which then led her to think about Craig, again. The millionth time that week. Suddenly, her cellphone rang. Not even bothering to check the number, Stephanie automatically assumed it was Tanya. Who else would it be?

"Hello there! How was your week? I was thinking that maybe we could get together and hang out, get a bite to eat or something."

Stephanie blinked a few times. He'd called, he'd actually called?! Really? Realizing how silent she was, Stephanie cleared her throat and tried to rid herself of her nerves. That kiss replayed in her mind as it had done during the week. "Hey Craig." She said as calmly as she possibly could, as if she hadn't been anticipating his call. "My week was good. I'm almost finished with my novel. Um, yeah we can hang out. I need a break from the computer. I'm getting writers cramp."

 

[fr33ks33k]

Craig laughed softly as he heard the surprise in her voice. She did sound glad to hear him though, which he took pride in. His plan had worked without a hitch.

"Oh really? You'll probably be looking for an editor and a publisher soon. So, what are you in the mood for?"

An innuendo, intended to gauge her response once more. His wolfish grin continued to split his lips. Craig wasn't particularly hungry, but a shared meal would give him more opportunity to get close to her. He was nearing the territory where she might be comfortable enough to come back to his apartment. Then the real fun could begin...

 

[princesssexci]

"Both." She said, in answer to his comment about needing to find an editor and publisher. Not picking up on the innuendo, she responded "Italian sounds good to me." Then again, it'd been quite awhile she'd been in the dating game, which was her excuse for not picking up on said innuendo.

"I know this great little restaurant. It's cozy, it imitates the restaurants in Italy with inside seating and outside seating. It's called Georgino's. Have you heard of it? They know me pretty well so we don't have to worry about reservations or anything. "

After agreeing to meet there around 8, Stephanie walked to her closet to find something to wear. She chose a red cap-sleeve bra top dress which meant she didn't have to wear a bra that evening because it came with one attached inside. It was the third date, after all and Stephanie felt she could be a bit more forward in her clothing choices than the first and second date.

She arrived at the restaurant around 7:55 pm and stood outside talking to the matre'd while waiting for Craig to arrive.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"She must either be really innocent, or very conservative" he thought to himself as she gave him the details of the restaurant. Either one he could work with, though the former was preferable. He liked the innocent ones...they seemed to have more of a sense of wonder when they realized their situation...

Craig chose another outfit from his closet, grabbed his keys, and drove to Georgino's.

He got there right on time, striding up to the host's lectern. Stephanie was talking to the host, laughing and smiling. She looked stunning in her dress, and Craig told her so. They got seated almost immediately, which he chalked up to her friendliness with the staff.

As they waited for their orders to be taken, Craig decided to delve into her career.

"How much more of your novel is left to complete? I'd actually like to read it when it's done. What genre is it again?"