Chapter 1
She is dancing the night away at her favorite club, when she suddenly feels like someone is watching her. Her gaze searches the dance floor and the bar, and then suddenly stops at a familiar face.
Isn’t that the cocky billionaire Tony Stark? Why is he looking at me? She thinks to herself. She tells her friends that she will go and say hello to someone, and then she walks right up to him and smiles invitingly. He thinks to himself that her smile could light up the entire city.
She is wearing a short silver dress and her blonde hair is flowing over her shoulders. It bothers him a bit that it’s too dark to tell whether her eyes are green or blue.
”See something you like, hot shot?”
”Wow, I was just going to shake your hand and say ’hello, my name is Tony’, but I will have to guess that you already know who I am?”
”Yeah, most people in this city do, or in the country for that matter. So tell me, how are you?”
”I’m great, thank you for asking. I was just admiring the view.”
”You sure did. Can’t say I’m complaining about the view either.”
”Oh yeah? Which part do you like most, sweetheart?”
”Your eyes. You could melt an iceberg with that gaze.”
”Well I do love it when things melt.”
”What makes you melt then?”
”A beautiful, confident woman who moves like a goddess.”
”Wow, let me know when you find her, ha ha.”
”Don’t play coy with me sweetheart, you know you’ve got me hooked.”
”That’s flattering and all, but I’m afraid I don’t do hookups.”
”Who said anything about a hookup?”
”Yeah right, smooth talker. What was your presentation again? Genius, billionaire, playboy, philantropist?”
”You actually memorized that line?”
”Yeah… It takes a certain kind of ego to brag about being rich and sleeping around every chance you get.”
”Ouch, you wound me. What should I say instead to impress you?”
”How about genius superhero philantropist? Ironman is impressive.”
”Thank god, I thought you hated everything about me.”
”How could I? We’ve only just met.”
Fair point. What would your introduction line be?”
”Intelligent, funny and empathetic.”
”Not bad, I happen to like all those qualities in a woman.”
”You don’t say? What a coincidence.”
”Sarcastic little kitten, this one.”
”Meow” she says and playfully scratches his shoulder. He laughs.
”You’re pretty flirty for a woman who doesn’t do hookups.”
”As if you could tell the difference. I bet you’re going through scenarios in your head as we speak. All of them leading to me going home with you tonight.”
”Hey, can’t blame a guy for trying?”
”Come on, playboy, why would I want to be another scratch on your bedpost?”
”You wouldn’t? I’m confused, you seem to be attracted to me.” ””
”Being attracted and settling for a hookup are two different things.”
”So… If you don’t like the fact that I’m a playboy, then why are you flirting with me?”
”You’re adorable when you’re confused. And the playboy thing is a fact huh? Never gets old?”
”Not very many people have called me adorable, and certainly not in recent years.”
”Feels good, doesn’t it?”
”Surprisingly… yes.”
”I knew it, ha ha. So tell me, what is it about this whole playboy lifestyle that keeps you going?”
”Keeps me going? Spending time with gorgeous women with no strings attached? What’s not to like?”
”You do know that there are still people in this world who only have sex when they are in love? Or even people who save themselves for marriage?”
”Yes I am aware of that. But you don’t strike me as the religious type.”
”That’s right, I’m not religious. I am however, a big fan of dating.”
”Dating? Haven’t done that in a while.”
”Why not? Is it that hard to get to know someone beyond their bedroom skills?”
”I’m sure they are all amazing women. But what happens when they get to know ME? It’s so much easier to keep people at arm’s length.”
”Is that why you don’t date? You’re afraid about what will happen if someone starts scratching your mental surface?”
”Yes, you got me. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take care of some playboy business.”
”Wait, what? Tony, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you or push your boundaries.”
He sighs and runs a hand through his hair.
”Look, I’m scared ok? I don’t even know your name, and you’re already getting under my skin. I feel like I’m in trouble. And you talking about dating isn’t helping.”
”I’m Cherry Anderson. It’s lovely to meet you, Tony Stark. How about you take my number, and text me tomorrow? I want to go on a date with you. Sex tonight is not going to happen.”
He stares at her for a moment, visibly torn between playing along and trying to talk her into going home with him tonight. Finally he takes out his phone.
”Give me your number, sweetheart.”
”Good boy. Let’s talk tomorrow, ok?”
He nods and she leans forward to give him a kiss on the cheek. Then she leaves, and he touches the spot where she kissed him, shaking his head with a confused smile.
Thank you! What format were you thinking?