Page 41 of House of Soot

The knock at my door makes my heart skip. I open it to find Blaise looking devastatingly handsome in a tailored suit, his green eyes sparkling as they take me in.

"You look beautiful," he says, drawing me close for a kiss. Yes, I’m living a fairy tale.

“You look handsome.” More like a million bucks. If I didn’t know better, I might think he came from money. The suit fits him like a glove.

I look over my shoulder. “You’ll be okay, Mom?”

“You two have fun. Don’t you worry about me. I’ll be just fine.”

The restaurant he takes me to is the fanciest place I've ever been. It’s the sort of place the Keans might go to, or movie stars.

I feel out of place. "I've never been anywhere this nice.”

Blaise's hand finds mine across the table. "You deserve nice things. I want to give them to you."

I’m confused. Not that I thought he was poor, but I never thought he was the type to afford places like this. If he’s rich, why is he working for the Keans as a guard?

“I hope you’re not wasting all your money on me.”

“I don’t have much opportunity to spend money. I might as well spend it when I can on you.”

After years of caring for Mom and pining after someone who never saw me, having someone want to spoil me feels surreal.

"Thank you," I say softly. "For everything. These past weeks have been amazing."

His smile falters for just a moment before returning brighter than before. He lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles that sends shivers down my spine.

Blaise orders a bottle of wine I can't pronounce. Everything gleams, from the polished silverware to the gold-rimmed plates.

"Have you been here before?" I fidget with my napkin, hyper-aware of how out of place I must look.

“No. But I’ve heard the duck here is excellent. Would you like me to order for both of us?"

I nod, grateful. The menu prices make my head spin, and half the dishes are in French.

The sommelier appears with our wine, presenting the bottle to Blaise who swirls, sniffs, and tastes it with practiced ease. My brow furrows. For someone who told me he grew up ordinary, he moves through this world of luxury like he was born to it.

"How do you know so much about wine?" I ask.

"Picked it up here and there." He redirects smoothly, reaching across to take my hand. "You look stunning tonight. That green brings out your eyes."

The compliment makes me blush, momentarily forgetting my curiosity. When the waiter returns, Blaise orders in French.

He catches my surprised look and winks. "High school French class really paid off."

I laugh, but something niggles at the back of my mind. Everything about him tonight feels… different. More polished. Like he's revealing glimpses of someone else entirely. It’s unsettling until he smiles, and I’m dazzled by it. I push the confusing thoughts away. He's just trying to give me a special evening. And boy, is he succeeding. I need to appreciate it.

After dinner,Blaise leads me to a small dance floor tucked into the corner of the restaurant where other couples sway to the live jazz band.

I've never really danced before, not like this. "I don't know how.”

Blaise pulls me close, one hand settling on my waist. "Just follow my lead."

His chest is solid against mine as we start to move. The music wraps around us, and somehow, my feet know exactly where to go. Blaise guides me with subtle pressure, making me feel graceful instead of clumsy.

"See? Natural talent." His breath tickles my ear.

I laugh softly, relaxing into his embrace. "More like excellent teaching."

---