Page 93 of Seduced By Moonlight

Ward pulled out a chair for Kayden, who sat down with a smile. Someone had poured wine into their glasses before their arrival and covered plates waited on the table. He sat across from Kayden.

“To a beautiful night,” Ward toasted, raising his glass.

“To a beautifully planned dinner.”

Conversation flowed easily between them as they ate a savory herb-crusted lamb accompanied by roasted root vegetables and a side salad. Throughout dinner, their laughter mingled with the soft serenade from the music.

As they reached for their dessert spoons together—an unintentional action that caused them both to chuckle—Kayden’s hand briefly covered Ward’s on the table. It was a simple touch, but one charged with an electric current that pulsed in time with their heartbeats.

Finally, as they lingered over coffee served in elegant porcelain cups, Kayden reached across and held Ward’s hand firmly. “Are you trying to seduce me by moonlight?”

“What if I am?”

“Then I’d have to say it’s working. Thank you. It’s more than I imagined.”

Ward squeezed Kayden’s hand in response. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now.”

“Me too.”

Ward stood gracefully, extending his hand once more. “May I have this dance?”

“Oh shit, for real?”

“For real.”

Laughing, Kayden quickly stood up and took Ward’s hand. Together, they stepped out of the gazebo. There was a little open area bathed in moonlight that was absolutely perfect to slow dance in.

Kayden moved into Ward’s arms. “Just so you know? This may be the best date I’ve ever been on.”

Ward pulled Kayden closer. “Same.”

They swayed gently to the quiet melody, surrounded by the soft glow of moonlight and the subtle lights from the gazebo. Ward could feel Kayden’s heartbeat through the light fabric of his shirt, a steady rhythm that paired with his own.

There was a comfortable silence that settled over them as they continued to dance. The music was a sweet, quiet whisper against the backdrop of rustling leaves and distant night sounds.

Eventually, they stopped moving altogether, merely holding each other in the silvery light. Ward was reluctant to let go. He wanted to remain locked in this moment, where everything felt right in a world that often seemed determined to prove otherwise.

Kayden pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Ward’s gaze. “You know something? I think this should happen more often.”

“I agree,” Ward replied without hesitation. “I enjoyed spending time with you.”

“Me too. It’s a good start, isn’t it?”

“It’s an excellent start,” Ward assured him, tightening his embrace momentarily before releasing him. “Come on, let’s head back inside. My time is running out, I’m afraid. Daylight approaches.”

Ward had never hated the sun more. He wasn’t ready to turn to stone.

“I know. Could I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“Can I see you change, or am I completely out of line?”

Stunned, Ward stared at Kayden. “You want to see that?”

“Of course. It’s part of who you are. I mean, if we’re going to be together, shouldn’t I embrace that aspect of you as well? It’s not like you can stop yourself from turning into stone—that’s just what gargoyles do. Unless it’s, like, a private thing.”

The acceptance nearly knocked Ward over. His mind swirled with disbelief and excitement. “You are amazing. Yes, you can see.”

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