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I took a deep breath as I watched Alexander pull up to the curb in his sleek black car. He stepped out, looking impossibly handsome in a tailored suit that hugged his muscular frame. I couldn’t deny the attraction that burned between us like an unquenchable flame.
I had agreed to a date. A real date, the one he was supposed to take me on. And in that moment, I was both terrified and glad I did.
“Good evening, Olivia,” he greeted me warmly, his eyes scanning my form appreciatively. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, self-consciously tugging at the hem of my dress.
He opened the door for me, and I slid into the plush leather seat. “So, where are we going tonight?” I asked, needing something to focus on besides the heat pooling in my core.
Alexander flashed me a mysterious smile. “It’s a surprise.”
As we drove through the city, the world outside our cocoon dimmed, faded away.
We arrived at a secluded rooftop garden, lit by twinkling fairy lights that cast a romantic glow on our surroundings. My breath caught at the sight of a beautiful table set for two, complete with flickering candles and a bouquet of my favorite flowers.
“Alexander, this is amazing,” I said. I could see how much effort he had put into creating that perfect moment.
“Nothing but the best for you, Olivia,” he replied, pulling out my chair for me. His touch was feather-light on the small of my back, igniting a trail of fire in its wake.
As we dined on exquisite food and sipped wine that danced on our tongues, Alexander’s eyes never left mine, an electric connection pulsing between us.
“Olivia,” he whispered, reaching across the table to grasp my hand. “I know I can’t change the past, but I am committed to showing you how deeply I care for you.”
“Alexander, I appreciate everything you are doing,” I said quietly, my gaze lowering as I confronted the whirlwind of emotions inside me. “
“Thank you for letting me, Olivia,” he replied sincerely, his thumb gently caressing the back of my hand.
As we shared dessert, feeding each other bites of rich chocolate cake, I couldn’t help but steal glances at his lips, imagining how they would feel pressed against mine again.
The soft glow of candlelight flickered across Alexander’s face, casting shadows that only accentuated the intensity of his deep eyes. I watched as he leaned in, his lips brushing against my earlobe before whispering, “I thought we could enjoy a little wine tasting tonight.”
My breath caught in my throat, and for a moment, I was lost in the sensation of his warm breath against my skin. I forced myself to blink and refocus, reminding myself to be guarded. But even with my reservations, I couldn’t deny the thrill that danced down my spine.
As Alexander leaned in to kiss my cheek, his lips lingering just a moment too long, I found myself wavering in the tempest of my emotions. The desire to embrace him, to surrender myself to him, warred with the need to maintain my distance.
“Olivia,” he breathed against my skin, his voice heavy with longing, “I understand your hesitation with me, but I’m glad you let me take you out tonight.”
“Thank you, Alexander,” I whispered, reaching for his hand and squeezing it gently, our fingers intertwining like two souls seeking solace in one another. “I’ve had a really good time.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Olivia
I stepped into Sarah’s cozy apartment, a sanctuary from the chaos of the world outside. Alexander’s sister greeted me with a warm embrace, her petite frame full of energy and compassion.
“Olivia, it’s so good to see you,” she said, her eyes alight with genuine happiness. “Please, have a seat. I just made coffee.”
Sarah and I had met in passing when she came to the office. We weren’t strangers by any means, but I knew she was a little confused when I asked her if we could meet.
After my date with Alexander, I knew I needed to let go of everything that had happened between us. I wanted to move forward with him, and I thought if I could talk to someone as close to him as his sister, see his family who he put first, I could believe he could do the same for me.
“Thanks, Sarah.” I sank into the plush sofa, my fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the embroidered cushions.
“Here you go.” Sarah handed me a steaming mug, and I wrapped my hands around it, welcoming the heat that radiated through my skin.
“Thank you,” I murmured, taking a tentative sip. Bitterness danced on my tongue, mingled with the faintest hint of sweetness. It was perfect.
Sarah settled beside me, her hazel eyes filled with concern. “You seem troubled, Olivia. What’s going on?”
