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Chapter FOUR ~ Date Night
I applied red lipstickto my lips as I smacked them together and blew a kiss for my reflection. Looking over my smokey eye makeup with black liner to ensure it’s just right. Grabbing my hair and pulling it back into a messy bun with wispy red hair hanging down. Noticing my freckles standing out even more with the makeup and up-do. Feeling flirtatious and nervous all at the same time. I stood back and gazed at my reflection, that stared back at me. Taking in my knee high bright red dress, bright lipstick and black heels.
Damn, I looked drop dead gorgeous.
Why am I so nervous?
I fidgeted with my hands as I pondered the thought and gazed around my oversized bedroom. The tones of grey and black surround me. Elegant and comfortable furnishings laid throughout the room. I wanted my living space to be set apart from my business. Cassie’s Blossoms wasn't only my business but my home. It’s where I lived, but it had to feel like home. A place I could finally call my own.
I checked my makeup one last time and grabbed my clutch from the nightstand. Wandering through my living quarters to my small business that connects right in the middle. Listening to my heels click against the floor tile and reaching the front door. Moving out into the night as my keys jingle and I lock the door. Gazing up at the moonlit sky with clouds slightly covering its light and stars twinkle in the sky.
The night is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a date. My cheeks blush at the thought of Matthew and his persistent attitude. His bright blue eyes drew me towards him and made me want to know more. He wanted me to meet him at the only fancy restaurant in town and one I’ve never been to. The one where couples went to celebrate new beginnings, anniversaries, get engaged or to impress a date.
My feet carried me down the main street and towards the middle of town. Listening to cars travel by as the tires move across the pavement and brakes squeal. Hearing slight chatter of locals as they mingle for the evening and unwind. Dim lights appear up ahead from the sign of Dawson Delights and my interest sparks. I don’t have to imagine what it looks like any longer and can actually experience it for myself. My excitement ignited as I wandered through the front door and expected the place to be packed. But it was the complete opposite. It's deserted, with only a greeter at the main entrance and soft music played.
“You must be Cassie.” The man asked with a slight smile and he wore a crisp white suit.
“Yes, I am.” I responded with surprise and a suspicious smile played across my lips. “What’s going on here?”
“You’ll soon find out.” He replied as he nodded his head and pointed behind him. “Right this way, miss.”
I followed his instruction and fell in step behind him as we made our way through the restaurant. The place was massive and from looking at the outside, one wouldn’t guess it’s this huge. My curiosity rose as we wandered through with not a soul in sight, but the music grew louder.
We must be close.
The sweet melody was perfect and bounced off the walls. Floating around as our feet move forward and that’s when I see it. Flowers were everywhere, and the colors were radiant. Red, pink and white roses. Candle light danced across a single table that laid in the middle of the floor. The music still plays, but it's set at just the right volume. The sight before me left me amazed as my eyes twinkled with delight and he turned around to face me.
“You made it, Cassie.” Matthew said as his blue eyes met mine and he moved towards me. “You look absolutely stunning.”
I blushed immediately and glanced down at my dress. “Oh, this old thing? It’s nothing.”
He chuckled and extended his hand. “Well, that old thing is lucky to be on such a gorgeous body.”
I take his hand in mine. Tingles run through it, and I let out a nervous giggle. “So, um, why is there no one else here?”
“Well, I wanted this to be a special night for you, and I made sure it would be just the two of us. It’s not every day a gorgeous woman hits you in the head with her door.” Matthew smiled that beautiful grin and led me towards the table.
“Oh, gosh I’m never going to live that down and I’m still so sorry.” I apologized with embarrassment.
“It’s okay, Cassie. Don’t worry about it and let’s enjoy this evening.” Matthew interrupted and reassured me.
He pulled out my chair, and I took a seat. It was comfortable and comforting to know he could get past my stupid mistake. He pulled out his chair, leaned down, and pressed his tie against his chest as he took a seat. Matthew looked absolutely delicious in a black and white suit. His black hair tossed to the side and his clear blue crystal eyes shimmered at me from across the table. He was as breathtaking as the first time I saw him, but looks aren’t everything, and I barely knew anything about this man.
“So, I know you’re here to visit your parents in town, but where are you headed after that?” I asked curiously as I leaned closer and rested my head in my hands.
“Well, I am headed wherever I’m instructed to go next.” Matthew responded with a brief explanation.
I narrowed my eyes and peered at him with a puzzled look. “And who instructs you where to go next?”
“Whoever made it through our last deployment and survived to talk about it.” Matthew answered as his eyebrows knitted together and he’s lost in thought.
My eyes widened with surprise, and I breathed. “You are in the military.”
“Yes, I am, but I don’t like to talk about it much. There’s too much change with every mission, too much you see you can’t take back.” Matthew explained as he gazed down at the table and his hands fiddled. “When I’m not saving my country, I like to not think about it and live in the moment. But when I’m there, my instincts, skills and drive to stay alive are in high gear. So, I like to keep it all separated.”
I gazed at him with shock, surprise, and wonder. I’m left in awe by his honesty and humbled by his compassion. I took Matthew for a business person with his friendly and favorable attitude. His down-to-earth personality just seemed to fit the part. I wouldn’t have guessed this as his profession, but people have their mysterious ways. He doesn’t show any sign of being in the army. No dog tags hanging from his neck like Dante. He just didn’t fit the part like he did. Rough, handsome and edgy. Matthew appeared to have it all figured out while Dante seemed to struggle and he's lost in his own battles. They were the complete opposite of one another and I’m drawn to both. The only difference was Matthew was here and Dante wasn’t. He left and never came back. Left me with only his memory and nothing more.
Dante...
Why can’t I stop thinking about him?
I shook my head and cleared my throat. “So, how much longer are you in town?”
“Just a few more days and then it’s time for me to hit the road again.” Matthew replied as he smiled slightly and nodded towards me. “So, this floral business of yours. When is the grand opening?”
“That is a good question...” I giggled slightly while Matthew ordered some wine and they served appetizers. “I’m not one hundred percent complete on the answer, but it should be within the next three months.”
“Well, maybe I’ll be back in town for opening day and we could celebrate.” Matthew grinned with promise and raised a bruschetta towards me. “Cheers to a second date?”
I laughed softly, grabbed an appetizer and raised it. “To a second date.”
We smiled brightly towards one another and the future promise. Everything about Matthew inspired me to want to know more. He intrigued me, delighted me, and surprised me. He screamed boyfriend material, and Lexi was right. If I didn’t snatch him up, she would’ve. But something about him and the way he looked at me made me wonder.
Could he fall for her, or did he only have eyes for me?
We fell into small talk and laughter. Getting to know one another even more and the time ticks by. Matthew was an only child and his biological parents married. Their marriage inspired him to find that same connection with the love of his life. A characteristic that I loved, and he was definitely husband material. I couldn’t believe my luck, how kind and charming he was. It’s almost like fate brought us together and I’m bound to find out.
“Well, the evening has been lovely and I don’t want it to end, but...” I smiled and gazed at the clock.
“It’s getting late.” Matthew sighed with displeasure and rose from his seat.
“Yes, and I have a lot to tackle when morning hits.” I sighed along with him and frowned.
“Well, would you honor me with just one dance before we call it a night?” Matthew asked sweetly as his eyes shimmered with the candlelight and he held out his hand.
“Absolutely.” I answered as he took my hand in his and I followed him towards the open dance floor.
Matthew turned towards me and pulled me close. His warm arms cradled me in his embrace and my body pressed against his. Melting into him just like I’ve fallen for his words. We swayed slowly to the rhythm, and his presence danced with mine. Feeling as one as we move in unison and his hand draws slow circles against the small of my back. My body comes alive to his unique touch and trembles in his arms. He feels it as he pulls back and peers down into my eyes. His blue hues pulled me in and made me feel at home. No man has ever made me feel like this, and the moment had me floating in it. Lost in his embrace, his eyes and soon his lips. They inch closer towards mine with his hot breath fanning my cheeks. Mingling with my own as my eyes leave his and find his lips. Sweet and succulent, just wanting to be kissed. I closed my eyes and felt his lips graze mine. Soft and plump. Tender and sweet. His lips dancing over top of my own as his hands creep up my body and cradle my head in his hands. The moment was the sweetest I had ever experienced. And one I soon wouldn’t forget.
He broke the kiss, our foreheads touched, and his husky voice filled the air. “Now that’s a kiss.”
I giggled and pecked my lips against his cheek. Letting my head fall onto his shoulder and falling into his world for just a little longer. Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world and he glides me around the empty room. An empty restaurant he had created all for me and it brought a smile to my lips. I closed my eyes and expected to see his face, but all I could see was Dante. A man that was completely opposite from Matthew. He was here with me, showing me what he offers and Dante wasn’t. He never came back, and that ended months ago. I needed to forget about him and move forward with my life. I needed to move on, and Matthew could be the key to all of that. Feeling his arms surround me as they keep me safe, and I wonder about the future. Pondering if my floral shop could be a great success and if Matthew will be there by my side. Helping me make my biggest dream come true. So much was going to change and I couldn’t wait to see what the future holds.
