**Sara**
"I don't know," I hesitated. "I mean, I barely know you."
"Fair enough. How about this - we go back to my place, no pressure. We can talk, maybe watch one of those web series you mentioned. If you feel uncomfortable, I'll call you a cab. No questions asked."
I bit my lip, considering. It was crazy, wasn't it? And yet, something about Tom made me feel safe. Plus, the thought of going back to my empty apartment was less than appealing.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "You know what? Sure, let's get out of here."
Tom's face lit up in a wide grin. "Excellent. After you, my lady."
I slid off the barstool, feeling the hem of my dress ride up dangerously high on my thighs. I tugged at it self-consciously, trying to pull it down, but the fabric clung to my curves. I could feel Tom's eyes on me, and my cheeks flushed with a mixture of nerves and excitement.
We stepped out of the pub, and the cool night air hit my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. Tom must have noticed, because he immediately shrugged off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.
"Can't have you catching a cold now, can we?" he winked.
I clutched the jacket, inhaling the comforting scent of cologne and something uniquely Tom. As we walked towards his car, I could feel the heat radiating from his body. My thighs felt damp, and my panties were practically soaked. I tried to focus on putting one foot in front of the other, but all I could think about was how his knee had brushed against mine back at the bar.
Tom unlocked the car and opened the passenger door for me. "After you."
I slid into the seat, my dress riding up even higher as I did so. I wondered if Tom had noticed, and the thought sent a thrill through me.
Once we were both settled in the car, Tom turned to me. "So, where to, milady? My humble home awaits."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "Lead the way, kind sir," I replied, hoping my voice sounded more confident than I felt.
As we pulled up to Tom's place, my jaw dropped. This wasn't just an apartment building - it was a freaking skyscraper, all glass and steel, and probably more expensive than my entire life savings.
"Holy crap," I muttered under my breath. "Do you own the whole building or just the top floor?"
Tom chuckled as he parked the car. "Neither, actually. Just a modest little place on the 37th floor."
Right. Modest. Sure.
I felt a bit out of place as we stepped into the elevator. Here I was, in my borrowed 'desperate housewife' dress, standing next to a guy who probably had silk pajamas and ate caviar for breakfast.
The elevator dinged, and we stepped into a hallway that cost more than my entire apartment building. Tom led me to his door, fumbling with his keys for a moment before swinging it open with a flourish.
"Welcome to my humble abode," he said, gesturing me inside.
I stepped in and immediately felt like I'd walked onto a movie set. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, and the furniture looked like it belonged in a museum. I was afraid to touch anything lest I leave peasant fingerprints on the pristine surfaces.
"Make yourself comfortable," Tom said, heading towards what I assumed was the kitchen. "Can I get you something to drink? Water? Wine? Liquid gold?"
I snorted, finally allowing myself to sink onto the ridiculously plush couch. It was so soft, and I felt like I was being swallowed by a cloud. "Water's fine, thanks. I think I've had enough alcohol for one night."
As Tom busied himself in the kitchen, I looked around for a moment. The place was nice, but it felt empty somehow—like one of those staged apartments you see in magazines. There were no personal touches, no photos or knickknacks. It was beautiful but cold.
"Nice place you've got here," I called out, trying to break the awkward silence. "Very... minimalist."
Tom returned with two glasses of water, handing one to me before settling onto the couch beside me. Not too close, but close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body.
"Thanks," he said, taking a sip of his water.
An awkward silence fell between us as we sat on the couch, our legs barely touching. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and my heart was pounding in my chest. I shifted slightly and suddenly became acutely aware of how damp my panties were. Goodness, what was wrong with me? I barely knew this man, yet my body was betraying me.
Tom cleared his throat and reached for the remote, clicking on the TV. "So, uh, did you have a particular show in mind, or shall we just see what's on?"
I shook my head, and my mouth suddenly dried. "No, no preference. Whatever you'd like."
He nodded and selected a web series. The opening credits rolled, and suddenly the scene shifted to the two main characters - a man and a woman - locked in a passionate embrace.
My eyes went wide as I watched the characters' clothes slowly start to come off. This was not what I was expecting. I glanced at Tom, wondering if he would change the series, but he seemed just as engrossed in the scene as I was.
Without warning, Tom shifted closer to me on the couch, our legs now firmly pressed together. I could feel the heat from his body, making it hard to concentrate on the show. I swallowed hard, my gaze flicking back and forth between the screen and Tom's face.
Suddenly, Tom leaned in, his face mere inches from mine.
I held my breath, every nerve in my body buzzing.