Your Orange County male companion Danilo emerges into the dining room of Marche Moderne in Costa Mesa. His gorgeous eyes widen as he exclaims, “Whoa.” You tenuously peer over your shoulder to see what drew his attention. You retreat a bit abashed when you realize that, yes: he was taken aback by laying eyes on you. You feel a surge of blushing in your face and plead with yourself, to little avail, “Please stop being so flustered! He’s just another guy…right?!” After sharing the tender Steak Tartare and the succulent Scallops “Poussiere de Coriandre,” you two walk leisurely through the nearby South Coast Plaza Shopping Center, pausing briefly to embrace. With stores like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and even La Perla, the shopping sanctuary promises a treasure trove of luxurious finds during the day. But at night it s’ décor sparkles, making you feel like you and Danilo are alone to enjoy it privately.
You and Brian both sip your green tea as the fresh scent of eucalyptus wafts through the spa. After chilling out for the day on the beachfront property of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, you and Brian await your couples massage at the hotel’s serene spa. You wish to emulate his ease at relaxation as you fidget to settle into the chaise lounge chair. Swathed in fresh, white terrycloth robes, Brian and you accidentally join eyes for a second. You instantly forget about the chair’s recline and sink into it, feeling comfortable. Yet, simultaneously, your heart starts racing. You sip again, peering over the tea cup, at Brian’s incredible eyes. You luxuriate finally in the thought of your massage that is moments away.
Orange County Male companion Paul Ryan says, “Gorgeous angle, Angel. I like the sunlight on your pretty hair like that. You have natural highlights.” You relish the compliment and are dying to know what his sketch of you looks like. Surely, Paul’s passion for illustration is playing out perfectly amidst the backdrop of the scenic Fullerton Arboretum. “Look!” You exclaim. “A wedding ceremony is starting in the Peony Garden!” You declare. Paul drops his sketch pad, “Well, do you plan to be mine for the night so we can toast to ‘us’ over dinner?” He asks. “I do!” You eagerly reply. Both giggling and giddy, you lock arms and saunter on to dinner at The Cellar for a romantic French faire evening.
You meet Parker, your Orange County male companion, at the turn of the hour over a cup of coffee and dessert at Irvine’s 850C Bakery Cafe. As a university graduate student, you’re trying to decode some of the more philosophical debates of our century. Parker is equally as eager to delve into deep analysis of them. While indulging your cravings with a decadent tart you feast your mind as you and Parker evaluate the state of the economy, foreign policy, and the justice system. As you head for a stroll down nearby Main Street, your heady conversation morphs into feathery topics (like the virtues of wearing white before Memorial Day!). By the time you’ve meandered to campus, you’ve each weighed in, on the subjects, and feel richer for engaging in such discourse.
You are donning your red cocktail dress and matching red lipstick (of course). You enter the foyer of the Orange County Pavilion Performing Arts Theater in Santa Ana and see Michael wink at you while you look for him. He is so on top of things that he not only spots you but hands you red roses in a hue that perfectly compliments your ensemble. This seriously feels fated to you already. The performance of the recent Broadway hit is about to commence. As an actor, Michael will appreciate the intricacies of the production. You and Michael take your seats, the lights dim, and you feel his hand in the palm of yours’. You subtly glance at him out of the corner of your eye. You feel his hand hold tighter for a split second as if to say, “I got ya.” The one-act play concludes. You gather your flowers and you gather your composure before heading downstairs to The Vault V.I.P. Lounge for live jazz and spirits.
“I’ll totally beat you at this one,” claims Skyler as he gently lifts you atop the glistening rock at Pirates Cove, in Newport Harbor at the north end of the Corona Del Mar State Beach, near the City of Newport Beach. You’re so grateful you finally found a guy who can match your rock-climbing skills and wonder who will, in fact, reach the summit first. Skyler is making your heart flutter by setting up the challenge. You proclaim to him you are certain you will win. But, secretly you know that his triumph would turn you into putty over him. Ooohh the dilemma… Game on! Or, belay on! As you attempt to anchor your foot between the two behemoth rock formations you begin to lose your footing. Masking your feelings of fear, you feel Skyler’s hands grasp your hips, steadying you, giving you exactly the grip you need to advance. You feel relieved and safe.
Jake Anderson, your Orange County male companion who hails from San Clemente, will lead the way with you as he shows you around his hometown. He promises to guide you around the city. He brings you to the La Galette Creperie and then gets your feet wet while dipping you in the San Juan Creek. Then, Jake ushers you to the Casa Romantica Gardens. After his big reveal, you relinquish your guard a bit and lull into titillating dialogue about his experiences traveling in Eastern Europe. As the temperature climbs to become steamy, Jake drapes your beach towel over your eyes and shepherds you down to the waves by Seahorse Resort at The Pier. He instructs you about how you will surf together. You are mortified but intrigued at the thought of riding the waves. As an expert surfer, Jake patiently teaches you how to hang loose and find your rhythm on the board.