Page 21 of Challenged By the Ex-Military Tattoo Artist

I blink, momentarily thrown by the suggestion, "A date? With you?"

He nods, his expression open and sincere.

"Yeah, why not? We've already taken the first step towards crossing that line. Might as well see where it goes from here."

I chew on my lower lip, mulling over his words. A part of me wants to outright reject the idea - it's far too reckless, too unpredictable. But another, deeper part of me...

"Okay," I hear myself say, the word barely above a whisper.

Max's eyes widen slightly in surprise.

"Okay? You mean, you'll go out with me?"

I nod, feeling a flutter of nervous anticipation in my stomach.

"Yes, okay. Let's...let's do it. Let's go on a date."

The smile that spreads across his face is warm and genuine, and I can't help but return it.

"Well, in that case..." He leans in, his breath ghosting over my lips. "How about we start right now?"

Before I can respond, his mouth is on mine, kissing me slow and deep. I melt into him, all thoughts of propriety and control slipping away. In this moment, all that matters is the feeling of his lips on mine and his body's warm press against mine.

When we finally break apart, both of us a little breathless, I can't help the giddy laugh that bubbles up.

"Wow, um, okay. I guess we're really doing this, huh?"

Max chuckles, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

"Looks that way. And I, for one, couldn't be more excited."

I can't help but smile back, feeling a spark of that same excitement ignite within me.

"Me too."

Two Days Later

We're sitting on a blanket near the town's lake, the fading light of sunset painting the water in dazzling hues of orange and pink. Soft music plays from the portable speaker I brought along, a perfect accompaniment to the tranquil scene.

I pop another juicy strawberry into my mouth, unable to keep the smile from my face.

"This was a great idea," I murmur, glancing over at Max. "Coming out here, I mean. It's so beautiful and peaceful."

He smiles back, reaching over to tuck a windblown strand of hair behind my ear.

"I'm glad you like it. When I saw this spot the other day, I just knew it would be the perfect place to watch the sunset together."

I feel a pleasant flutter in my stomach at his words. It's been two days since our impromptu first date, and I still can't quite believe this is happening.

Me, on an actual date with Max - the handsome stranger who stumbled into my life and turned everything upside down.

We continue chatting as we snack on the fruit and cheese platter between us. Despite only knowing each other for a short while, conversation flows easily between us.

Max has a witty, charming way about him that keeps me entertained. And the way he looks at me - with such warmth and interest - makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

As the fading sunlight paints his hollowed cheekbones in a golden glow, I'm struck once more by just how beautiful he is. Without thinking, I reach out to trace the line of his jaw. Max turns his head, pressing a soft kiss to my fingertips, and my breath catches at the unexpectedly tender gesture.

Heart pounding, I meet his intense gaze.

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