Background

Meet Paul, a romantic American in search of true love.

His profile was quite explicit about it that made me wondered if he wasn't desperate. I was very much surprised by such honesty: « I am looking for someone to create something special, an attractive, down-to-earth, fun-loving lady who is articulate, and appreciate the finest things in life. Someone who believes honesty, trust, communication and affection are keys to a successful relationship. Someone with a good sense of humour and a good sense of perspective on life, a companion for life who wants to build a future together free of hang-ups from the past». Well, interesting…

Meet Paul, 5 foot 9, 40, American, brown long hair, brown eyes, thin traits with a cute Roman nose; he is an international lawyer working for an international firm based in London.

I replied to his first email two weeks after he wrote his to me, my mind being too busy with Adrian. Now, left aside, I had to date other men. Paul and I chatted a bit online, and we quickly exchanged numbers, texted to hatch on plans for our first date pencilled the following Friday.

Pre-date

Thursday night, Paul dropped me a line, and we had a rather fast and formal conversation. He had a very sexy and robust male voice (J'adore!), he confirmed our dinner for 8 pm the next evening and promised to choose a place at the level of my sophistication. I was not very impressed by this first call (except his sexy voice) because he didn't have Adrian's fun and sounded too serious to my likings. But, I agreed to meet.

Friday night arrived, and I must admit I was not very motivated to go to that date, not having heard from Adrian for some time and not in the dating mood, but I could hear in my mind Bianca's multi-dating advice.

The date

I finally managed to get my derriere out of my coach around 8 pm, I was heading to Martin Lane, all stressed out, nervous, and late. Grrr...

I almost wanted to go home, but the doorman opened the door of my cab and behind him, a man who seemed to be Paul greeted me "Good evening Valérie, you worth the wait, you're gorgeous. I am delighted to have dinner with a woman like you. " He took my hand and lead me to the splendid Asia de Cuba.

The host greeted him "good evening Mr Willis, your table is ready" as if he was a regular in the restaurant, we sat at our table where a vintage bottle of champ was waiting for us.

At first, he was a bit cold and distant... I wondered if he did really like me... But over the course of the dinner, he relaxed, and we talked the night away about politics, culture, Beckham, football, wine, kitchen, his divorce, my divorce... I happened to have such a great evening I knew more about him in one night than Adrian in anyways.

The restaurant was nice albeit slightly noisy and so totally my type. Paul made an excellent choice, and the food was divine, I had scallops, then chicken, and plantain and we finally shared a chocolate fondant.

The evening was great. Yet, I couldn't stop thinking about Adrian, but I should not have qualms about dining with another guy because I haven't heard from him in weeks. And I was just dating, wasn't I? Just fair.

Anyway, back to Paul Willis, we were sharing a great moment, when I decided to go to the bathroom to check my phone for Adrian’s text. What was my problem? Like a perfect gentleman, he stood up and pull my chair. I smiled face to such attention and went all ashamed to the Ladies. I couldn’t comprehend my behaviour, I was dating an amazing man and was still thinking of that asshole of Adrian.

No text from Adrian, I came back determined to enjoy my evening, when Paul got up again and flew me a passionate kiss before the whole assembly of the restaurant adding sensually "you're absolutely beautiful my dear". Wow, I wish the ground had swallowed me up, I did not know where to put myself, I was so uncomfortable. I immediately put my head in my bag pretending to search for something, I felt like everyone was watching us. And Paul was looking at me with a charming smile and amused by my shy attitude then we resumed our conversation until the closing of Asia de Cuba.

We left the restaurant and decided to share a cab heading towards the same direction. And there, I was taken by surprise by Paul's fiery and passionate attitude, he took my head, kissed my neck, passed his hands in my hair, gently licked my neck and made the most inflamed French kisses. Wow, he was so delicious to kiss... He managed to arouse me, and I wanted him now. But as a perfect gentleman, Paul prompted me to go home when the cab arrived at my destination. He kissed one more time, and I was gone.

Post-date

The next morning, I had goose bumps at the thought of Paul's kisses. He texted me, very cordial, he was so uptight, it was boring. I did not see myself going on further dates with him, despite the flowers sent several days later and all the romance in the texts and calls. I did not feel comfortable with this multi-dating thing, I felt like I was cheating on Adrian... I could not help myself but think otherwise.

Conclusion

Paul Willis phoned me and texted me for almost a month after our first date and I were still sorting out things with Adrian, I declined or cancelled each time until he got tired of asking.

I never heard back from him. Too bad, he was such a charming, romantic and attractive man. He was too good to me. I probably was not ready for this, still unknowingly healing from my divorce. Just the wrong timing! I still had plenty of mistakes to make, a full lot of funny dates to understand what was a good match for me... Next story!