Blake.
My gut twisted. If Blake was here, that man with her must be Will.
Before I could turn around to confirm, Lucas leaned in. “I think that’s Will over there at the bar,” he said casually. “Perhaps we should go say hello.”
Panic bubbled in my chest. “Nonsense,” I said quickly. “There’s no need to bother them.”
Lucas didn’t seem to notice my hesitation. “He just made eye contact with me. Let’s go say a quick hello.”
Before I could stop him, Lucas was already leading the way. I followed reluctantly, dreading whatever interaction awaited.
“Hello, mate,” Lucas said cheerfully. “Let’s have a drink.”
Will’s gaze flicked to mine, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Sure. What are you having, Natalie? White wine tonight, or something stronger?”
“Something stronger,” I said flatly, my tone betraying my nerves.
Blake appeared, her towering frame commanding attention. “Hi,” she said brightly.
Will introduced us. “This is Blake,” he said. “Blake, this is Natalie. She’s working on a project with me, and our daughters are in the same class at St. Isidore’s.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said, forcing a polite smile.
Blake smiled back; her tone syrupy sweet. “Cute top. I have one just like it.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, swallowing the sharp retort that threatened to slip out. “Thanks,” I said stiffly.
Lucas stepped in, introducing himself to Blake. “How do you do?” he asked, his British accent on full display.
“Oh my gosh, I love your accent,” Blake gushed, her enthusiasm grating on me.
When our drinks arrived, I barely took a sip before suggesting we head back to our table.
“Well, join us for another drink after,” Will said, his smirk deepening.
“We’ll see,” I replied coolly.
“We’d love to,” Lucas added, oblivious to the tension simmering beneath the surface.
As we walked back to our table, I heard Blake’s voice behind us. “They seem nice,” she said to Will.
I could barely focus for the rest of dinner. My mind kept drifting back to the bar, replaying every detail of Will and Blake together. Was it a coincidence they were here, or had Will figured out my plans and decided to crash my date?
After we finished eating, Lucas suggested grabbing a nightcap.
“Sure,” I said, though my heart wasn’t in it. All I wanted to do was go home and cry.
As we walked past the bar, I saw Blake leaning into Will, her leg brushing against his. She was looking at him with an intensity that made my pulse spike .
We stepped outside of the cramped restaurant, the open air breathing life back into me. I stopped abruptly at the end of the street. “You know what, Lucas? I’m so sorry, but I think I’m going to call it a night. I have a headache.”
“Oh,” he said, surprised. “Can I take you home? I’ll ride in the Uber with you.”
I laughed lightly. “I’ll be okay but thank you.”
Lucas waited with me on the corner until my car arrived. As the Uber pulled up, he spun me gently toward him and kissed me. It was a good kiss—soft, tender and sweet.
But he wasn’t Will.
