Treyton was lost in thought, as he took the turn towards Erisha's apartment at 7:20 pm.
There was an excitement within him, that had his pulse racing. And he didn't remember the last time he had felt like that..maybe his first date?
He frowned at himself, as he remembered something else.
Huber..what had he been saying to Erisha about some plans..he wanted to know..

But, ever since he had come back from Erisha's place last night, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her.
All day at work, he had been waiting for evening, like a little kid.
Their kiss..God! She kissed like a firestorm that raged in the forests..burning everything in sight..so hot!
Her softness, her willingness..she had been with him all the way..

Treyton forgot about Huber, as he parked in front of her building, and hurried out.
He paged her apartment and waited. When there was no answer, he pressed his thumb on the buzzer, a tad impatiently.
Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was exactly 7:30. He rang the buzzer again, but still she didn't let him in.
What the! She stood me up?
He frowned, realising he didn't even have her phone number.
Just then, the door opened, and out came Erisha, dressed in a smart beige long coat. He blinked.

Erisha turned to see him staring and looked at him questioningly.
'What? Am I late?'
She glanced at a slim silver watch on her wrist, then looked back at him.

'No! Right on time!'
He was still looking at her. He had expected to go up and get her.

'So?'
She shrugged her shoulders.
'Are we going, or you are going to stand here and stare at me like this?'

Treyton realised she was right. He had been staring. But then, she looked beautiful, despite the coat she had donned on to hide whatever she was wearing beneath it.
'Oh, we are going alright..come..'
He moved back, to let her come down the steps, and moved to the passenger side to open the door for her.

Erisha was a bit surprised to see his gesture, and the fact that he had driven by himself and not used a driver.
She had expected him to, so gave him a funny look, as she walked past him to sit inside.
She watched him, as he came round to the driver's side and opened the door.
He looked very handsome in a navy blue suit, white shirt with a maroon tie, but she couldn't help compare it to how much better he had looked in casual slacks, shirt, and leather jacket last night. More approachable, perhaps.
However, she was glad that she had ended up wearing what she did. It had taken her five change of dresses, before deciding on the current one.
She rolled her eyes mentally, at how nervous she had been.

As Treyton came to sit inside, the spacious interior of the car, suddenly seemed cramped.
His manly cologne, his aura, his body, so close to hers, caused butterflies to flutter in the pit of her stomach.
Remember, Erisha..you are here for a reason..stay focused..

Treyton looked her way, and their eyes met.
'How's your toe?'
He looked away, to maneuver the car through the traffic, and felt her surprise that he remembered.
'What? You didn't think I'll ask?'
He glanced at her to see that he had been right. She did look a bit awed.

'Well..I..never mind.'
She shrugged.
Act cool, Erisha!
'Yes, its better now, thanks.'

They crossed the city in silence after that, although there was some heightened emotion in the atmosphere.
As they passed by St. Stephan's cathedral, and Hofburg Palace, the most popular architectural delights of the city, did Erisha straighten up to look around.

'Where are we going?'
She asked suspiciously.
'You left most of the restaurants behind..I..what..'
She looked at him as he shook his head.

'That would be unfortunate, if we were going to any of them..'
There was amusement in his voice, and it raised her hackles up.

'Meaning?'
She looked around, as he turned towards the most expensive district of Vienna, to where tall buildings lined the broad streets on either side.
'Where is this? I expected a restaurant..'
Her voice trailed off, as Treyton turned into the  basement of one of the buildings, and it struck.
'Your apartment? You brought me here for dinner?'

Treyton turned into the parking and stopped the car, before looking at her.
'Yes! Why? Is there a problem?'

Erisha was a bit flustered at the thought of being alone with him at his place.
How will I handle this gorgeous, virile man for a couple of hours..and that too, on his turf..

'Erisha?'
Treyton snapped his fingers in front of her face, and she blinked, realising that he had gotten off the car, and come to her side to let her out.

She looked at him a bit blankly, and he bent closer.
Thinking he was about to kiss her, Erisha pushed herself against the car seat.
'What do you think you are..doing..'
This, as he leaned over, and unsnapped her seatbelt.
He stopped in the act, their faces really close to each other's.

Treyton knew what she had thought, and a small smile touched his lips.
Before Erisha could react, he brushed his lips with hers, and moved back to stand.
He saw her face flush, and liked the effect on her.
'Come on..'
He held out his hand to help her out, but Erisha ignored it, getting off the car.
He smiled inwardly, and shutting the door, led the way.

Reaching a separate elevator, he pushed in a code, and the lift opened.
He gestured for her to get in, following after her, and pressed a button.
As the lift began its ascend, he saw her in the lights for the first time tonight.
Her hair was tied up in her favourite knot on top of her head. She had applied makeup, and a dark black liner lined her beautiful brown eyes.
He wondered what she had on beneath the coat..

The elevator pinged on the fifteenth floor, or what was the penthouse.
Treyton again gestured to Erisha to move ahead.
She stepped out and then stopped, as the first sight of Treyton's home came in view.
Luxurious was an understatement.
In front of her was a huge lounge, beautifully decorated with sofas and chairs and a grand piano in a corner.
Home magazines could be put to shame, at the gorgeous interiors.
The sitting area opened onto a huge terrace, beyond which, Vienna's skyline could be seen..even from this distance.
It was hard not to be awed or impressed by the grandeur, but Erisha tried to keep her face from showing too much excitement.
Treyton watched the display of emotions on her face, and gave a quick smile.
'Come inside..'

His voice was low, and it sent a shiver down her spine. She felt like the fly, who the spider had invited into her parlour.
Erisha's heels didn't make any sound, as she walked over the plush carpet to the centre of the hall.

'Let me take your coat..'
Treyton said from behind her, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders.

Knowing there was no other choice, as his fingers burnt through the material of her coat, she opened the tie in front. Treyton slipped it off her shoulders, his fingers lingering.
Throwing it carelessly on a chair, he moved in front to look at her.
Erisha resisted the urge to move or hide herself, as his gaze travelled from her high heeled, silver, peep toed sandals, up her calves, to where her salmon pink crepe dress ended at the knees. They travelled higher to pause at her tiny waist, then up her breasts, which were appealingly covered by a V neckline, in a wraparound style. She had worn just silver studs in her ears. The sleeves of the dress were full, covering her quite adequately, and Treyton was surprised to realise, that despite her being covered up, she looked very sexy.
As his eyes reached her face, he saw that she was flushed from his perusal, and he found that even more amazing.
'Köstlich!'

Erisha blinked, breaking out from the trance of his scrutiny.
'Sorry?'

Treyton realised he had spoken in German, and a smile touched his lips.
'Delectable! That's what you look! But I don't bite..'
He leaned a bit towards her, and her breath quickened, eyes wide.
'Unless invited to..'
He whispered in a low voice near her ear, so that she shivered slightly.
He suddenly moved back, and walked towards the terrace.
'Come..dinner awaits..'

He knows the effect he's having on me..and damn it! He's using his charm perfectly..
Erisha had had him on his mind, ever since he had left her place yesterday.
Her sleep had been disturbed by the image of green eyes burning with desire, strong  hands touching her all over, her body pressed against his...
She had even been distracted at work, which had never ever happened before.
And then this dinner..she had thought of disappearing somewhere, but David..she was only here because of him.
Don't lie, Erisha..

'Erisha?'
Treyton's voice, had her start, and she realised that she still stood rooted to the spot he had left her in.

'Yes..'
Taking out a small clutch from her coat, holding her head high, and putting on a resolve to get through this evening without doing anything stupid, she moved her legs forward, and joined Treyton at the doorway of the terrace.

But as she stepped out, her mouth opened in amazement at the breathtaking view.
The terrace was huge, housing a swimming pool on one end, which looked beautiful with it's under water lights. It was accompanied by sun loungers, with umbrellas, which were closed at this time.
On the other end, was a sitting area, with lounging sofas, and a table for four, with a big parasol over it, to protect from the sun in the afternoons. But right now, it was set for dinner, with candles and flowers as it's centerpiece. The lights of the city created a very romantic atmosphere.
Treyton moved towards it, completely unaware of how awed Erisha was at the grandeur.
'Wow!'
She couldn't help but exclaim, and Treyton turned to look at her.

'You like?'
He watched her closely.

'Who in their right mind wouldn't?'
Erisha moved to the railing, from where almost the whole city of Vienna could be seen. 'This is absolutely breathtaking! The view..'

'Yes! The view is indeed striking..'
Treyton had come to stand next to her.

Something in his tone made her turn, and she saw Treyton looking at her instead of the view.
She gave a soft chuckle, despite herself.
'That's quite an old line..and I bet you say that to all the women you have ever known..'
Her eyes twinkled.

'I've got better lines..should I start using them?'
He stepped towards her, and Erisha stepped back.

'No! That's quite alright..I can manage..'

Treyton gave a small chuckle.
'Come! Let's eat!'
He moved to the table, and held out a chair for her.

He had been surprising her since yesterday with his chivalrous attitude, and she didn't want to drown in it.
She quickly sat down, as he stood there waiting.
He finally moved to the chair opposite hers, and pressed a small bell.
Within minutes, a butler? (did rich people actually have butlers?), dressed in a black suit, arrived with a food cart, and greeted them.

'Good evening, Herr Elrod. Good evening, Frau.'

'Good evening, Gordon.'
Treyton replied, while Erisha could only nod.
The butler arranged the serving dishes on the table.
'I took the liberty of ordering the food. I didn't know what you would like. Is there something you don't eat, like meat? I know Indians are mostly vegetarians..'

Stop acting so nice..
'No..that's alright..I eat meat..'

'Great then..'
Treyton signalled the butler to serve.

Erisha was awed by the gourmet style dishes. There was the famous Wiener Schnitzel, or 'Viennese cutlet', as it was called. They were a popular Austrian dish made of veal, where the meat was lightly coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried in butter. It was accompanied by lemon slices and potato salad.
There was also grilled steak, pasta, and garlic bread.

'Wine?'
Treyton asked, holding up the bottle, as the butler left them to eat.

Erisha shook her head.
She really needed a clear head, and alcohol wasn't going to help any. Not even for Dutch courage.
As it was, whenever she raised her head from eating, she found his eyes on her.

'So, Erisha..how long have you been in Vienna?'
Treyton asked, behaving as if he knew nothing. Which he really didn't, still.
Erisha hesitated a bit, but then told him the exact same things about herself which he already knew from the detective. She even mentioned owning the shop. He made appropriate comments, acting surprised.
'That's impressive! But, what made you leave your home country and settle here?'

'Well, actually...'
She stopped eating, wondering how much was safe to tell him.
'My grandfather..he shifted here after my grandmother died. So, after I finished my studies, I came here to take care of him..he was lonely..'
She shrugged, but Treyton could feel there was something else to the story too.

'And this grandfather..where is he now?'
He saw something flicker in her eyes, before it disappeared.
'I mean, you live alone, run a shop alone..'

'He's not with me anymore...'
She sounded a bit sad.

'I'm sorry..'
Treyton consoled, and she nodded.
'I didn't mean to upset you..'
He tried to change the mood.
'I knew an Indian man once. In fact, he played a big part,  in me being where I am today..'
This was probably the first time he had told anyone about his past, and he was surprised at himself.
Erisha was also amazed, as she saw him shrug, and quickly take a sip of his wine.
'Dessert?'
He asked, about to press the bell.

'No, no! I'm absolutely full. I couldn't manage another bite. But if you want to..go ahead..'
She quickly told him.
She wanted to ask him more about himself, but knew she had no right to..

They both declined, as the butler came to clear away the food, and serve them coffee.
Treyton asked her if she wanted to go inside, or have their coffees outside. She opted for outside, as the weather was pleasant.
Erisha glanced at her watch, surprised at how much time had passed.
He noticed the gesture.

'In a hurry to get away from me?'
He drawled, as Erisha sat down on one of the three seater sofas there.

She realised her mistake, as soon as he came to sit right next to her.
It had all been well so far, but now his proximity was a bit disturbing.
'I..don't know what you are talking about..but it is getting late. I have work in the morning..'
She blabbered on, before it registered, that he was now just looking at her.

'You are very beautiful..but I'm sure you know that..'
His green gaze pierced into hers, as he held them.

'I..no!'
She shifted to the side, but he did the same towards her, his hand brushing her knee, where the hem of her dress ended.
'Treyton..'
She tried to stop him, her heart picking up speed.

'I like the way you say my name..and wonder..'
His voice was husky, and he paused, compelling her to ask.

'What?'
That came out as a gasp, as the back of his hand slid down from her shoulder, down her arm. It was a mere brush, but felt like a jolt of electricity.

He leaned closer.
'How you will say it in the throes of passion..'
He held her chin with a thumb and forefinger, as she made to move it away.
'Will you whisper, or scream it with pleasure..'
His words were doing something to her insides, and she swallowed audibly. He heard her make a moaning sound, and it aroused him.
He lowered his head, and before she could react, with a flick of his tongue, licked her lower lip.
As she opened her mouth in surprise, he pressed his lips fully onto hers.

Erisha felt her heart thudding in her ears, as Treyton invaded her mouth. He tasted of coffee..and passion, as his tongue shot out to capture hers.
Before she could think, he had pushed her back with his body, so that she was almost half lying on the sofa, with him hovering over her.
Her senses muddled, lost in sensation that she was, as a hand came to cup her breast through the light silk. His thumb rubbed against her nipple, puckering it, and she almost lifted her pelvis, highly turned on by the feelings he was arousing.

Treyton left her mouth to kiss her neck, exposed above the neckline of her dress. His hot breath and lips, were like liquid fire, molting her insides.
Her eyes closed of their own accord, and she didn't know what to do..except feel..as he kissed her neck, his lips burning her skin.
There was no other thought in their heads, except each other..

Until..her phone rang.

A loud sound, startling them out of their lovemaking.
Erisha's eyes flew open in shock.
Oh my God! What am I doing?
As the noise continued, she pushed at Treyton, who also had a dazed look in his eyes. She felt a fleeting sense of power, before she came to her senses fully.
She quickly got up, to grab her clutch purse from where she had put it on the table, and took out her phone.

And every inch of her stiffened to attention.

David Huber..

To be continued..