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I did my best to clean up the rough edges with a quick shave and trim. But there wasn't much I could do for the bone-deep weariness today. Not that it mattered - Natalia's radiance always managed to outshine any superficial flaws. I just needed to see her again. Nothing else was as important.
Rummaging through my walk-in closet, I needed to find something suitably regal for the role of Natalia's storybook datetonight. My everyday stuff was out - I wanted to look worthy of her.
In the back I found a sleek charcoal three-piece number that might work. Fancy, but understated. After dressing it up with a crisp shirt and polished Oxfords, I checked myself out again. Looked like I'd suffice as the prince to match Natalia's princess for a night. Anything to make her smile.
Glancing at my watch, it was time to get over to Ashley's place. My pulse quickened just imagining finally getting to hold Natalia again soon. Tonight could be a fresh start for us both after so much chaos - a chance to just be together and have some magic again, nothing else.
A part of me worried this glow was too good to last with all the ugly reality still swirling around us. But I shook it off. Tonight was about making Natalia happy, giving her the perfect romantic evening she deserved. That was the only thing that mattered to me. The rest could wait.
Buttoning my suit jacket, I headed out to see my Cinderella, trying to leave the darkness behind for the night. Whatever this mystery was, whatever came next - it was no match for the power of Natalia's light and love. And I would remind us both of that again as we lost ourselves in starry-eyed dreams just like any normal couple, at least for a few enchanted hours.
Here's a continuation:
The drive to Ashley's house felt endless, my fingers drumming impatiently on the steering wheel at every stoplight. The radio played low, but I was too preoccupied imagining finally seeing Natalia again soon to focus on much else.
When I pulled up outside the cozy suburban house, the nerves I rarely felt even entering hostile negotiations or enemy territory surfaced. Straightening my tie unnecessarily, I made my way up the front steps. Our first official date suddenly felt like unmapped territory.
Before I could overthink further, the bright red door swung open to reveal Ashley's smiling face. "Leonardo! Don't you look dashing," she exclaimed, ushering me inside warmly. "Nat is going to swoon when she sees you."
I chuckled, shoulders relaxing slightly. Ashley's approving once-over and infectious enthusiasm eased my nerves. "Well I certainly hope I can live up to that introduction."
Ashley just waved a hand airily. "Oh please, she's already head over heels. But the dapper gentleman look will definitely send her over the moon!"
Her playful confidence was contagious. I found myself laughing again when she pretended to fan herself dramatically and imitate fainting onto the plush couch.
Before I could reply, a flurry of movement on the stairs caught my eye. I glanced up and instantly lost all breath.
Natalia stood poised on the landing, looking resplendent in a sweeping dress that shimmered like stardust when she moved. Delicate flowers adorned her flowing chestnut locks. Everything about her glowed ethereal, a vision stepped from myth.
As Natalia gracefully descended the remaining steps, she met my awestruck gaze and her cheeks colored charmingly. "You look...absolutely incredible," I managed when I found my voice again.
"So do you," Natalia murmured, a little shyly. She drifted closer as if drawn by some magnetic force between us. Her jasmine and vanilla scent enveloped me intoxicatingly.
Unable to resist, I slowly drew her into my arms, our bodies fitting together perfectly as always. Natalia's eyelids fluttered closed as I lowered my mouth to hers in a kiss that conveyed everything words could not adequately express.
A muffled squeal jolted us back to awareness that we had an audience. Ashley was watching our reunion with a huge grin. "You two are just too gorgeous!" she exclaimed. "Now go have an amazing time!"
With a playful little shove, she herded us reluctantly out the front door. I kept my arm wrapped securely around Natalia'swaist, craving her closeness. Her own delicate arm stayed looped through mine as if she too needed the contact, the physical reassurance this was real.
At the sleek car waiting at the curb, I rushed to open Natalia's door gallantly. She sank gracefully into the plush leather interior, radiant smile lighting up the dusk. As we pulled away headed to our elegant dinner reservation, her hand found mine, fingers entwining. Our eyes met in perfect understanding of what this meant for us both.
I had spared no expense planning an evening worthy of Natalia's majesty, starting with dinner at the most exclusive restaurant in the city - a sleek rooftop eatery with luxe details and glittering vistas I knew she would adore. I relished watching her expression transform to sheer wonder as we stepped out of the elevator doors into the resplendent space.
"Leonardo...this is incredible," Natalia breathed, clearly awed by the countless votive candles flickering and extravagant ice sculptures adorning the tables.
Giving my name to the maître d', we were promptly escorted to the best table at the rail, overlooking the sprawl of twinkling city lights laid out before us. I smiled seeing Natalia already utterly enchanted, green eyes sparkling as brightly as the jewels adorning the elegant patrons surrounding us.
Over decadent courses and imported wine, we fell into easy conversation and silences warmer than any hearth. The livelybackground music and spectacular view faded to pleasant ambient noise. Everything beyond our candlelit haven ceased to exist.
Only after dessert did I notice the small ensemble had switched to playing slow, romantic classics. Natalia followed my gaze, a knowing smile curving her lips. "Is that your subtle way of asking me to dance, sir?"
"It would be my honor," I responded at once, unable to deny her anything tonight. I drew Natalia smoothly into my arms and led her in a graceful waltz, relishing the feel of her body swaying with mine fluidly in time to the melody.
As the music swelled around us, Natalia met my eyes with that soul-piercing look only she possessed. "This night has been pure magic, Leonardo. I'll never forget it."
Her hushed words resonated through me. "It's only the beginning, my love," I promised fervently, twirling her into an elegant dip that drew delighted laughter.
Nothing else mattered tonight except showering this miraculous woman in my arms with all the devotion and wonder she deserved. Holding Natalia close, gazing at the dazzling lights beyond, we moved as one - two kindred souls finally granted a reprieve from the storms of life and circumstance. Only joy and wonder filled the space between us now.
