SA 3

The final three floors have the two of you trading off glances, one looking away as the other looks over, both clearly struggling to maintain your composure. You actually jump, startled as the elevator reaches its destination. Again, he motions for you to proceed him, the two of you unintentionally accompanying each other out onto the sidewalk.

He hesitates as the door closes behind you.

The clearing of his throat keeps you from turning the opposite way down the street, towards the closest bar-- your intended destination.

"Um... I-if... you're not..." He clears his throat again, adjusting the sleeves of his jacket nervously. "If you're not... meeting your boyfriend.. or..."

"I-I..." you interrupt reflexively. "I.. don't have one..." He meets your eyes, clearly surprised at the admission before clearing his throat once more.

"W-well..." he begins again. "I-if you're not meeting anyone or anything... Would... would you consider..." He lets out a breath before replacing it with a slow, deep intake of air. "Would you like to come with me? I'm headed to a sort of dinner meeting at Spontanée... and I'm allowed to bring a guest..." You blink, feeling your flush spread and deepen. _Spontanée _is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, well known as a place where the most powerful business firms held frequent corporate events. "Um... I-I just... If you're interested... I'd be honored to have someone as beautiful as yourself with me..."

He both looks and sounds sincere, making the increasing of blush from the compliment even stronger. You are sincerely surprised you haven't spontaneously combusted yet.

Well, the whole point of you going out was to try to meet someone, after all. You have no real plans, and this could be pretty interesting, if the attendees are allowed dates.

He seems to be holding his breath, awaiting your answer.