Page 8 of The Art of Loving You

Hope.

CHAPTER FOUR

Ella

As I flipped through the channels, I landed on the evening news, the familiar anchor’s voice filling the room. The headlines droned on about the day’s events, each segment a reminder of the time slipping by. I glanced at the digital clock on the corner of the screen—just a little past six. Lucas would be here any minute now, and with each report, excitement mingled with a hint of anticipation in my chest.

I took a deep breath, feeling calm and charged, and turned to the mirror. I carefully smoothed the soft black fabric of my dress against my hips, admiring its sleek, understated fit, which promised just enough allure to make Lucas wonder. Tonight was different. Gone were the days of juice boxes, cartoon theme songs, and sticky handprints on my favorite blouse—tonight meant adult conversation, good wine, and maybe a bit of… well, fun.

Earlier in the day, as I dropped Bess off at my parents’ house, she practically bounced out of the car. Her chatter about boardgames and bedtime stories filled the quiet street, and her bubbling excitement made the handoff completely guilt-free. Just before she dashed inside, she tugged at my sleeve and made me promise that I wouldn’t forget to take her to April’s birthday party tomorrow. With joy in my parents’ eyes as they welcomed her, I silently celebrated the sudden gift of a little time to myself…with Lucas.

I then held up two pairs of earrings—silver hoops or delicate studs. With a decisiveness that felt both freeing and chic, I chose the hoops, letting them dangle just below my jawline. I added a spritz of floral perfume and gave the mirror one last appreciative glance. “You’ve got this,” I muttered to my reflection, a private mantra that steadied my nerves.

The doorbell rang, snapping me back to the present. My heart quickened as I stepped into the hallway, my heels clicking softly against the floor. When I opened the door, Lucas stood there, and for a moment, all my words fled. He looked absolutely incredible. His navy blazer, tailored to perfection, effortlessly contrasted with the crisp white shirt beneath—its collar casually open to hint at an underlying charm. His light hair, meticulously styled, complimented the subtle scent of cologne that almost whispered promises as he smiled warmly.

“Ella,” he said, his voice rich with warmth and sincere admiration. His gaze lingered in just the right way to send a rush of heat to my cheeks. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you,” I replied with a smile as I gathered my composure. “I must say, you clean up pretty well yourself.”

He laughed, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I do try,” he said with a playful wink.

Offering his arm, Lucas led me to the waiting Jaguar at the curb. The car gleamed under the streetlight—sleek, polished, and exuding an air of quiet sophistication, much like its owner. As we approached, the cool night air, mixed with the hum of distant traffic, set a perfect stage for an unforgettable evening.

Before I could settle into the passenger seat, Lucas turned to me with a conspiratorial glint. “Wait,” he said, reaching into his pocket and producing a compact, black silk mask.

“A black silk mask?” I asked in amusement as curiosity danced in my eyes.

“Just a little surprise,” he teased, his voice dropping to a husky murmur as he urged, “Slip it on.”

I twirled the mask between my fingers, glancing up at him with a playful challenge. “And what exactly do you plan on doing while I’m blindfolded, Lucas?”

He smirked, leaning in even closer so that our breaths mingled briefly. “Nothing... for now,” he whispered, leaving a delicious hint of mystery suspended in the warm night air. As we stepped into the car, the thrill of the unknown made my pulse race with anticipation and delight. He promised a night of unexpected adventures that would linger on in my memory long after the hour had passed.

A laugh bubbled out of me. “You’re lucky I trust you.”

“Good to know,” he replied, amusement laced in his voice.

With the mask on, he carefully helped me into the car, his hand a reassuring presence at my back. The seatbelt clicked, the door shut, and moments later, the low hum of the engine filled the air.

Soft, sensual music played through the speakers. “You’re really going all out, aren’t you?” I mused.

“Only the best for you.”

The city passed by in a blur of lights seeping through the silk. The combination of the mask, the music, and Lucas’s calm presence was unexpectedly thrilling. I leaned back, inhaling the scent of leather and his cologne.

“Are we almost there?”

“Patience, Ella,” he replied smoothly. “You’ll see soon enough.”

His hand brushed mine briefly as he reached for the gear shift, sending a flutter through my chest. Wherever we were going, I had a feeling tonight would be unforgettable.

Finally, the car slowed to a stop, and Lucas killed the engine. As he opened the door, the scent of salt and sea wafted in. I could hear the distant lapping of water and the soft creak of wooden planks.

“The marina,” I guessed.

“Good start,” he replied, clearly grinning.

“Lucas,” I began, reaching for the mask. “Where are you?—”

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