“I was trying to listen,” I say.
Her gaze holds mine a second longer than before.
“That showed.”
The fire pops softly behind us. Somewhere near the bar, someone laughs. The world continues, but it feels like we’ve stepped slightly outside of it.
She shifts forward, elbows resting lightly on her knees now.
“This is the part,” she says, quieter, “where things usually get complicated.”
“Because it’s quiet?”
“Because it’s easy,” she says. “And easy can make you forget why you showed up in the first place.”
I hold her gaze. Don’t argue. Don’t deflect.
“I’m not forgetting,” I say. “I’m choosing to stay right here.”
Her breath shifts. Not a step back. Not forward either.
That’s enough.
I move slowly, giving her every chance to stop me. She doesn’t.
“Tell me if you want me to stop,” I say, low.
She shakes her head once. Barely.
So I kiss her.
Not rushed. Not careful either. My mouth fits to hers like we’re both testing something we already know the answer to. Her lips soften under mine, then press back, deliberately choosing this.
No hands roaming. No urgency.
Heat and connection coil tight between us. I open my mouth slowly, giving her time to pull away. She doesn’t. Her lips part in answer, and I fill the space with a light brush of my tongue against her lower lip, another invitation, not a demand. She responds immediately, meeting me there, softening and pressing closer like the choice has already been made.
Then she pulls back first.
Not flustered. Just breathing harder than before.
“Okay,” she says softly, like she needs to anchor herself.
I nod. “Okay.”
I hesitate, then add lightly, “Nice way to end a really nice date. Ready, I’ll text the drivers?”
She smiles, already reaching for her phone. “Yeah. And, before we scatter, let’s exchange numbers.”
I arch a brow, amused. “Already planning the encore?”
“Partly,” she says. “I can get you tickets to a few shows in Nashville. Perks of the job.”
“Only fair,” I say, pulling my phone out. “I’ll return the favor. Good seats. No cameras.”
Her smile widens as our phones buzz almost in unison.
Outside the tall windows, headlights sweep past as two black car services pull up, right on cue.
