I stand in front of the mirror, smoothing my hands down the material.My makeup is simple, just enough to enhance my features without screaming, I spent an hour on this.My hair is in a half updo, keeping my look sleek and polished, but not overly done.Black boots give me just the right amount of height without the discomfort of high heels.
I take a breath.This is happening.Our first real date.He wouldn’t tell me where we’re going, just said to dress comfortable, which left me second-guessing every outfit.
A firm knock on the front door sends my heart into overdrive.I press my palm to my chest as if I can steady it, but the butterflies inside me are relentless.My fingers tremble slightly as I reach for the handle.
When I open the door, he’s standing there on time, of course.
Adrian’s dark pants fit him perfectly, and his white shirt and jacket hug his broad shoulders in a way that makes my heart skip a beat.His hair is freshly cut, neat and styled, and I can smell his aftershave.A mix of deep velvety cocoa and entirely him.
He grins, running his gaze over me slowly.“Hi.”
I smile back as my heart stutters.“Hi.”
“You look beautiful.”He leans in and kisses me.
“And you look very handsome yourself.”
Mom steps forward, hands clasped.“Have a great time, you two.”
“I will,” I promise, though guilt tugs as I glance around the house.It’s still unsettling, leaving her alone like this.But she looks more like herself than she has in months, and that helps ease some of the knot in my chest.
“Call me if you need me.”
“I will.”
She waves us off, and Adrian extends his hand.As I slide my fingers into his, he gives them a light squeeze before leading me toward his car.His palm is soft and warm, like he’s silently telling me he’s got me.
“This will probably be one of the only times you get to enjoy this car.”
“Oh?Why’s that?”
“I’ve been shopping around for trucks.Decided it’s time to fully commit.”
I turn to him with a teasing grin.“I can see you in a truck.”
My mind flickers to an image of him with an elbow out the window, wind ruffling his hair, looking like a lumberjack, even though he’s a doctor.His solid jaw, the way his strong hands grip the wheel.Yeah, that suits him.
As we reach the car, he opens the door for me like a gentleman, and I slide inside.Before I can even adjust my coat, he’s already jogging around to the driver’s side, slipping in with an easy confidence.
“So.”I buckle my seatbelt.“Where are we going?”
“Not telling.”He winks.
“There aren’t that many places around here.I could just guess.”
“You could,” he says, pulling out of the driveway.“But where’s the fun in that?”
“I’ll figure it out soon enough.”
His lips quirk in amusement.
A few minutes later, I do exactly that.My mouth parts as we pull up in front of the new town restaurant.Pulse & Co.“How’d you get a reservation here?”The waitlist is threemonths long.
He smirks.“I have my ways.”
I shoot him a look.“You’re not doing anything illegal, are you?Because I really don’t need to end up in the headlines again.”
He laughs.“No, I promise.Definitely not illegal.”
