Her confidence was natural, her steps purposeful as she approached their table. But beneath her assured exterior, a tangle of excitement and nerves churned. She rarely second-guessed herself, but there was something about Catherine that made her heart race and her thoughts stumble in the best possible way.
Taking her seat, she leaned back, her gaze sweeping over the terrace. The restaurant’s energy matched her mood, lively but with an undercurrent of intimacy. She couldn’t help but glance at the entrance every few moments, her mind flitting between anticipation and curiosity.
She’ll come,Sloane thought, a grin tugging at her lips.She has to.
Precisely at 7 p.m., Catherine stepped onto the rooftop. The ambient glow of the string lights highlighted the sharp elegance of her figure. She wore a tailored black dress, understated but impeccably cut, paired with sleek heels that clicked softly against the stone floor.
She moved with purpose, her confidence evident in her posture and the steady gaze that scanned the room. But for someone who appeared entirely in control, there was a subtletension in her shoulders, a guardedness that suggested she wasn’t as composed as she appeared.
Sloane noticed her immediately, her heart skipping a beat. She stood as Catherine approached, a smile playing on her lips.
“Dr. Harrington,” Sloane said, her voice warm as she extended a hand. “Right on time. I should’ve known you wouldn’t be late.”
Catherine arched a brow, taking Sloane’s hand briefly before settling into her seat. “I don’t like to keep people waiting.”
Sloane chuckled, her eyes sparkling as she sat down across from her. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Catherine’s gaze flicked around the terrace, taking in the ambiance with a faintly approving nod. “Interesting choice,” she said finally.
“Interesting good or interesting bad?” Sloane asked, tilting her head.
Catherine met her eyes, her expression unreadable. “Let’s just say I’ve never been anywhere quite like this.”
She’s stunning, Sloane thought, her grin widening.And she knows it. But there’s something behind those blue eyes, something even she doesn’t want to admit.
As the waiter approached with their drinks that Sloane chose in advance to ensure a smooth start, Sloane leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed but her focus entirely on Catherine. The terrace was alive with conversation and music, but for Sloane, the only thing that mattered was the woman sitting across from her.
And as Catherine lifted her glass, her fingers poised and her lips curving into the faintest hint of a smile, Sloane felt the evening truly begin.
“I wasn’t sure you’d show,” Sloane began, breaking the silence. “Thought you might be allergic to anything too…fun.”
Catherine’s gaze didn’t waver as she lifted her glass, her movements as deliberate as her words. “I don’t scare easily. You should know that by now.”
Sloane grinned, leaning back in her chair as she swirled her drink. “Good. I’d hate to think I misjudged you.”
Catherine took a sip, her expression giving nothing away. “You make a habit of judging people quickly, then?”
“Not judging,” Sloane corrected, her eyes gleaming. “Assessing. There’s a difference.”
Catherine’s brow arched slightly. “Is that what this is? An assessment?”
Sloane’s smile widened. “More of an experiment. I wanted to see if you’d actually show up.”
“And now that I’m here?”
“Now”—Sloane raised her glass in a mock toast—“I get to see if you’re as fascinating as you look.”
Catherine set her glass down, her posture as composed as ever. “Flattery won’t get you far, you know.”
Sloane chuckled, taking a sip of her Old Fashioned drink. “Good thing I’m not trying to flatter you. I’m just stating facts.”
Catherine’s gaze flicked to Sloane’s drink. “That’s an unusual choice.”
Sloane held up her glass with a smoky mezcal concoction, the sprig of fresh herbs brushing against her fingers. “Bold, smoky, with a little heat. Keeps things interesting.”
“Interesting isn’t always good,” Catherine replied, her tone dry but her eyes faintly curious.
“True,” Sloane conceded, tilting her head. “But playing it safe doesn’t usually lead to much excitement.”
