A smile crept onto my lips, as I found myself sinking deeper into this unexpected exchange. "That's right, although I don't find as much time for it as I'd like, due to my demanding work schedule. And you? What keeps you busy in life, Scott?" I questioned, intentionally feigning oblivion of his true identity as a Hollywood actor.
Scott chuckled, clearly amused by my assumption. "I'm an artist, an entertainer, etc. But not in the way you might be thinking," he answered, laughter dancing in his rather emerald green eyes at the idea of my mistaking his profession for something else entirely.
"Ah, okay? I get it. Mr. Private Reeves?" My ecstasy around him was uncontrollable, causing me to blurt out his real name as though we had known each other for ages. Panic engulfed me as I realized the mistake I had made. "Reeves? Did you just mention my last name? How do you know?" Scott's curiosity peaked, his eyes widening in surprise as he stared at me. Regret flooded over me, and I found myself feeling like a complete dummy whenever alcohol was involved. Perhaps this embarrassing moment was the universe's way of telling me to steer clear of drinking and live as an innocent fellow of this welcoming country, despite my foreign roots.
To not startle Scott any further, I resolved to come up with an excuse and keep the truth about how and why I knew him to myself. I didn't want our first conversation to be tainted by an awkward revelation.
"Vanessa said. Um, Vanessa told me about you earlier, when you were with Don at the other table. That's why," I fabricated, hoping my lie would suffice.
"Okay," Scott said, smiling at me, "I thought you already knew me before we even met, and maybe this night will decide if we can become friends, right?"
I enthusiastically replied, "I like that. From now on, you're one of my friends, Scott."
"Thanks, Danni."
After that awkward situation, Scott and I began spending a lot of time talking about just a lot of things. I wasn't ready for this, but I was okay with getting close to him because who could resist someone like Scott? However, regardless of how our conversation tops off, it's painful to give attention to that thought that I might just settle him as a rebound in my lost love.
But Scott means so much more to me. He's not just attractive; he's irresistible. I never expected things to become so intense, and suddenly, we found ourselves sharing our very first kiss.
He maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, his arms enveloping me as he skillfully explored the contours of my body, and I couldn't help but yield to his touch, and devouring myself for the first time that we actually made love. The next thing I knew, I awoke in a dimly lit room that was distinctly different from my own. As the dawn cast its gentle glow, the evidence of what had transpired between me and Scott became painfully apparent.
I am enthusiastic to move forward in my life, but I am guarded about rushing to any conclusions regarding what happened between Scott and me. I didn't want to act impulsively or believe that our encounter was the right solution or a forceful decision. That is why, instead of waiting for the sun to rise, I quietly left his room, discreetly gathering my clothes. I realized that he wouldn't have mind searching for his missing bathrobe if he hadn't seen me lying next to him. There didn't seem to be any other option but to leave the ranch permanently without even informing Don and Vanessa.