I offer him a warm, grateful smile and lift my glass, clinking it gently against his. We take a slow sip before turning our attention to the food. The atmosphere feels easy, unhurried, and for the first time in a long while, I feel a genuine sense of happiness and peace. We engage in casual talk as we eat our meal, catching up on everything we missed in each other’s lives from the past nine months.
He talks about his plans to open a second restaurant, Jake starting Year 1, and how he’s already giving his teacher trouble. I share about my new job as a speech pathologist and my recent trip to Melbourne, where I got to witness Skylar get engaged.That part earns me a sincere smile from him. I can tell how happy he is to hear how well my sister is doing after everything she’s been through.
Several minutes later, I finally voice the question that’s been weighing on my mind.
“How did you cope… I mean, after we broke up?”
He places his fork and knife down on the table, reaching for his wine glass. Taking a small sip, he sets the glass back on the table and lets out a sharp sigh.
“If you want the truth… I was a wreck the first six months.” He pauses, letting the admission hang between us. “And that’s not on you, so get that out of your head if that’s what you’re thinking.” Another pause, softer this time. “I practically buried myself in work and started spending more time with Jake, my dad… even Chris. It helped, in its own way. But every time Jake asked about you, it was like the wound opened up again.”
I nod, feeling a surge of guilt rush through me. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but I really am sorry, Jason. For leaving youandJake just when things between us started getting serious. There were so many times I felt like I had let you both down.”
“Mila, you did what you had to do. I’ll never blame you for that. The important thing was that you were able to focus on your healing without distraction and that you’re in a much better place now.”
“I am. That I can say with one-hundred percent certainty.”
“I’m so happy to hear that.” He smiles widely.
“So… what else did you get up to? I bet women were lining up just to get a date with you.” The words slip out before I can stop them. I hadn’t meant to say it so directly, and now that it’s out in the open, I’m almost too afraid to hear the answer.
His eyes lock with mine, steady and intense. Then with a low, steady voice, he says, “No, baby… there hasn’t been anyone since you.”
I let out a long breath, a mix of relief and joy. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
“Yeah?” He raises an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”
“Because I really don’t want to have to knock a bitch out.”
He howls out a laugh, and I can’t help but laugh along with him.
We finish our meals, and he orders us dessert. The moment our mouth-watering cheesecake arrives, we dive right in. My eyes immediately drop to his mouth as he slowly licks the whipped cream from his bottom lip. The simple act is unbearably erotic, so tantalising, that I feel I’d need to bathe in holy water just to cleanse the filthy thoughts racing through my mind.
Once we’ve finished our dessert, he stands and extends his hand towards me. “Come,” he says. “Let’s go for a walk around the garden.”
I take his hand, and he lifts me to my feet with gentle ease. He drapes my coat around my shoulders before slipping into his own jacket. We walk hand-in-hand towards the hostess stand, where he quickly settles our bill before leading me towards the exit door.
When we step out into the cold, refreshing air, we’re greeted by a sea of lush green and twinkling lights. No matter how many times he plans on taking me here, I will never get tired of this view.
As we quietly stroll along the stone path, his hand warm and secure around mine, we simply soak in the atmosphere, calm and serene, while we listen to the gentle music floating from the outdoor speakers.
A few minutes later, we arrive at the heart of the garden, where a white gazebo waits like something out of a dream. Strings of tiny lanterns drape from its ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow that dances in the night air. A lone bench rests against the railing, and Jason slowly guides me towards it.
Just as I’m about to take a seat, I feel a gentle tug on my hand and before I know it he’s pulling me gently against him.He lifts my arms and locks them around his shoulders while his hands slip around my waist, holding me close. It’s then that I realise—he’s leading us to a slow dance.
Shania Twain’s,From This Moment On,drifts softly through the speakers, enveloping us in a warm, intimate embrace. We sway gently and slowly to the rhythm, and when our eyes meet, I catch the sparkle in his gaze—focused, tender, as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist. He twirls me slowly, then pulls me back against him, my hand pressed to his chest. He smiles, staring into my eyes, and Christ, that smile—it’s enough to make every limb in my body weak.
“I had such a great time tonight. Thank you, Jason.”
“Thank you for coming along on this date with me.”
“Did you think I’d say no?”
“Honestly, I wasn’t sure if you’d be comfortable yet.”
“I’ve never felt uncomfortable around you. It’s quite the opposite actually.”
“That’s really good to know.” He smiles warmly.
