CHAPTER 13
Dillon
I stood in the serene ambiance of the Flower Garden, a picturesque setting I’d chosen for our ice cream date. Well, it wasn’t really a date nor would it count as a first date but it was just my way wanting to hang out with her without the confines of the office, but also without the public and media getting grabs.
As I waited for her, my thoughts couldn’t help but wander to Azzaria. She was a puzzle, a mystery that had captured my curiosity from the moment we met. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her inner strength and independence that drew me in like a moth to a flame.
My good friend Ronan approached me, and I greeted him with a nod. “Everything’s all set, Dillion,” he said, and I couldn’t help but thank him profusely. This was a really big and short notice favor, but it helps having friends in high places and he always came through for me.
“Thanks Ro,” I told him.
“Do I want to know why I closed down my ice-cream park for you? I’m losing a lot of money here.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll make twice as much within the hour. And I told you, I’m doing an experiment.”
His eyebrows furrowed. “The experiment has to take place at one of my properties?”
“Yes.”
He laughed. “Alright, well, I’m on my way out. I’m headed to Italy for about two days. Leave the keys with the guard when you’re done.”
This man travelled more than he did anything else. But with him gone, I went on the inside to ensure that everything was set up as I had envisioned. The display of ice cream flavors was impressive, with twenty different options, each more tempting than the last. Toppings, sauces, and all the sweet accompaniments were also arranged, creating a colorful and appetizing spectacle. This wasn’t only going to be delicious, but very pleasing to the eye.
At precisely 7:25, I saw her walking towards me.
As I watched her approach, it was impossible not to notice how her outfit hugged her curves with a perfect balance of elegance and allure. The one-shouldered brown bodysuit seemed custom-made to accentuate every inch of her alluring figure, showcasing her natural grace. It was as if the fabric had been designed to cling to her body in all the right places, revealing the subtle contours that left little to the imagination.
The white shorts she wore only emphasized the graceful curve of her hips, and they were the ideal canvas against which her legs, toned and sculpted, found their spotlight. A pair of brown slippers added a casual, yet charming touch to her attire, allowing her to move with an unmatched grace that drew all eyes toward her.
She really was beautiful.
Her natural, curly Afro was wild and untamed, a testament to her confidence and authenticity.
And let’s not even start on the skin. She was glowing like a dozen golden Christmas lights.
I couldn’t help but gush over her beauty in my thoughts. Shaking that sentiment aside, I walked over to greet her.
“Hey,” I said with a warm smile. “You look absolutely stunning.”
Her laughter filled the air as she replied playfully, “Well, Mr. Xander, you don’t look so bad yourself.”
Azzaria looked around the enchanting setup at the Flower Garden, a mix of curiosity and admiration twinkling in her eyes. The soft lights, the gentle breeze, and the array of ice cream flavors surrounded us.
With a playful glint in her eye, she turned to me and asked, “So, Dillion, would you consider this our first date?” This was the first time she’d ever mention me by name and I don’t think I’d ever want her to stop.
I chuckled and shook my head. “No, not the first one. This,” I gestured to the delightful ice cream setup, “is just a nice little evening outing.”
She raised an eyebrow playfully. “Technically, it’s still a date.”
I smirked and replied, “Okay, fine, let’s call it a pre-date then.”
We both shared a laugh before I took her by the hand and led her inside.
As we entered, she seemed mesmerized the set up.
She turned to ask, “Where is everyone? The place seems empty.”
With a soft smile, I explained, “I had the place cleared out for the evening. I didn’t want us to be disturbed by the public. I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable.”