Page 57 of Evan

They talked for hours and never seemed to run out of topics.

At nights, she fell asleep talking to him.

She also insisted on praying for him every single night. Her prayers were simple and sincere, making him believe again. She was changing him, and people were noticing. His staff found him more approachable and some of his management team wanted to know what was going on with him.

She brought joy in his life, and he woke up each morning with this elevated energy.

Now he was on his way to pick her up and his heart was beating so rapidly, he had to take measured breaths to compose himself. He was also sweating copiously, even though he had turned the AC up several notches and the September night was very cool.

He had changed outfits three times before settling on the ash gray dress pants, pearl pink shirt and striped sports jacket. His shave was close, his hair immaculately cut by his barber just this afternoon.

Letting lose a self-deprecating laugh, he turned into the driveway, just as she opened the door. He sat there for a full sixty seconds staring at her.

She was back lit by the light coming from the foyer and it flattered her profile. The dress was elegant and not too showy but suited her perfectly. It was made of some stretchy material, and he could tell that it was cashmere.

The color was a cross between plum and orange, with a scooped neckline and fitted sleeves. Her hair was a tumble of curls around her face and shoulders. Her smiling mouth was coated with the exact shade of the dress, and she was wearing stilettoes.

Finally stirring himself, he alighted and met her halfway down the steps.

“Hi.” He felt like a tongue-tied teenager on his way to the prom with the most popular girl in high school.

“Hi yourself.” Even though she was wearing heels, she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze.

I am going to be the envy of every male in that fancy restaurant.”

“You stole my line.” She had a hand on his chest, and he could feel the warmth of her skin seeping through his shirt. “I am not sure we should bother leaving. I am going to have to fight off all the men with a stick.”

Her hand lifted to cup his clean-shaven jaw, and his eyes kindled at her touch. “But then I would miss letting everyone know that you are taken.”

“Am I?” He repeated her earlier question.

“Absolutely.”

*****

Heads turned as soon as they entered. Bella Giardino was aptly named and was a swanky Italian restaurant located in the middle of a wildly verdant location, with flowers blooming and moss like grass covering the grounds.

Dining was offered outdoors under twinkling pepper lights that had been threaded through the leaves of palm, sturdy oaks, and redwood trees.

Tables were set far apart to afford the diners privacy. Inside there was a live band playing soulful music. The maître D rushed forward to guide them to a table situated on a dais that afforded them an excellent view of the gardens.

“What do you think?” He asked as soon as they were seated, and their orders taken.

“I read about this place in several magazines and on the internet.” She looked around, her smile vying with the brilliance of the moon shining through a cloudless sky. Their table was on the balcony, and they were the only ones in the private alcove.

Cassandra had a feeling it was deliberate. “And you have to wait months, almost a year to get reservations.” Her eyes drifted to his face. “I would ask how you managed to accomplish that, but I think I already know the answer.”

“You do?” Stretching his legs out, he delighted himself by gazing at her. Her dark brown eyes were dancing and to him she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

She nodded. “Your name open doors.”

“It is a little more complicated than that. The company owns fifty percent of the restaurant.”

“Oh.” She continued to stare at him, and he realized that she was no longer smiling.

“What is it?”

“I love you.”

---