Victoria shifted nervously, the blush deepening as it crept down from her cheeks to her neck and chest. Isabel knew she should do something, say something, but all her heart was hammering in her ears, and she was still searching for a deep breath as she wonderedHow did I get this lucky?
“Um… So…” Victoria stammered, “Are you going to take me out on a date or not?”
Isabel laughed as she surged into action, opening the passenger door and gesturing for Victoria to get in.
“Yes. Of course. I’ve got some great plans for tonight.”
Once Isabel had rounded the car and settled into the driver’s seat, she simply buckled up and started driving. She turned her head as she heard Victoria giggle under her breath. Isabelraised an eyebrow sarcastically questioning silently, waiting for Victoria to crack.
“You’re not going to tell me where we’re going, are you?” Victoria finally asked.
Isabel’s smirk widened as she replied, “Nope.”
The two laughed as Isabel made her way across the city, the streets kissed by the last rays of sun as it set across the sea.
Isabel couldn’t stop smiling as she guided Victoria through the heavy double doors of the restaurant. They were led to a table by the window, where candles flickered against the glass and the ocean breeze carried faint hints of salt and jasmine from the nearby coast. Isabel couldn’t stop stealing glances as they sat down — the way the light touched Victoria’s hair, the rare curve of her smile.
Dinner felt like exhaling after holding their breath for months. The conversation was easy, their laughter soft and genuine. Isabel told stories from her first few months in Phoenix Ridge, how out of place she’d felt at first, and Victoria admitted that she’d thought Isabel would quit within a week.
When dessert time came, Isabel handed over the menu with a grin. “You pick.”
Victoria gave her a look that said she was up to something but played along. Minutes later, a molten chocolate cake arrived, rich and indulgent, paired with two spoons.
“I should’ve known you’d go straight for the classic,” Isabel teased.
Victoria arched a brow, her eyes glinting. “Some things are classic for a reason.”
They shared the dessert, their spoons clinking softly and laughter punctuating the quiet moments. But beneath the easy rhythm of conversation, Isabel’s heart beat too fast. Her secretpressed against her ribs, and when she finally set down her spoon, she knew she couldn’t hold it in any longer.
“I have something to tell you,” she said, and her tone immediately made Victoria’s posture shift — alert and cautious.
“Should I be worried?”
Isabel laughed. “No. Definitely not.” She hesitated, then leaned forward, the candlelight catching in her eyes. “I got a call this morning. From Ridgeview Investigations.”
Victoria frowned. “You just applied yesterday.”
“I know.” Isabel’s smile widened, full of disbelief and delight. “They said they heard about the Harper case. Said they didn’t need an interview — they just wanted me on their team.”
For a heartbeat, Victoria just stared at her. Then her face softened in a way Isabel had never quite seen before. “You’re staying,” she said quietly.
“I’m staying,” Isabel said, voice trembling just a little. “I wasn’t sure at first, but…it feels right. Phoenix Ridge feels right.” She swallowed. “Youfeel right.”
Victoria’s hand reached across the table, her fingers brushing Isabel’s. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear that.”
Isabel felt warmth bloom through her chest, deep and steady. “Good,” she murmured, her thumb stroking the back of Victoria’s hand. “Then I guess dinner was a good idea after all.”
“More than good,” Victoria said softly.
The world around them dimmed until it felt as if only the two of them existed — the low hum of music, the flicker of candlelight, and the unspoken understanding that something between them had shifted for good.
When they finally left the restaurant, the night air was cool and gentle, the streetlamps glimmering off the quiet waves beyond the boardwalk.
“So,” Isabel said, tilting her head toward Victoria with a grin, “you want to go to your place or mine?”
Victoria’s answering smile was slow and certain. “Mine.”
Isabel’s pulse skipped. “Perfect.”
