Page 79 of Knot Happening

"That's all I've ever wanted," I admit. "To use whatever talents and opportunities I have to create something meaningful."

"It's working," Belle says softly. "You're definitely creating something meaningful."

The restaurant I've chosen is a small bistro in the arts district, the kind of place that focuses on good food and comfortable conversation rather than trying to impress with fancy atmosphere. We get a corner table with good natural light, and Belle looks relaxed and content as she settles into her chair.

"So," she says after we've ordered, "I've seen your professional passion. What about personal passions? What do you do when you're not building community centers?"

"Honestly? I don't have a lot of hobbies outside of work," I admit. "Most of my personal time is spent with Felix and Theo, just... being together. Cooking dinner, watching movies, arguing about whose turn it is to do laundry."

"That sounds nice," Belle says, and there's something wistful in her voice. "Simple and comfortable."

"What about you? What does Belle Hartwell do when she's not revolutionizing library science?"

"Reading, obviously. I volunteer with a literacy program for adults, help people who are learning to read later in life. And I write on and off, lately it has been more off than on. I've never shown my writing to anyone,” she confesses.

"What kind of writing?"

"Essays, mostly. About education and community development and social justice. Things that matter to me but might not be interesting to anyone else."

"I'd love to read your writing sometime," I tell her. "If you're ever willing to share it."

Belle's scent spikes with something that might be pleased surprise. "Really? You wouldn't just be saying that to be polite?"

"Belle," I say seriously, "I'm not capable of being polite about things that don't genuinely interest me. If I'm asking to read your writing, it's because I actually want to understand your thoughts about the issues you care about."

"I... that means a lot," she says softly. "Most people assume that librarian equals boring, that anything I'd write would be dry and academic."

"Most people are idiots," I say bluntly, which gets a laugh out of her. "You're one of the most passionate people I've ever met, Belle. I can't imagine anything you write being boring."

We spend the next two hours talking about everything her work at the library, my plans for the construction company, books we've both read, places we'd like to travel, childhood memories that shaped who we became. The conversation flows easily, naturally, like we've known each other for years instead of days.

"I have a confession," Belle says as we're finishing dessert.

"What's that?"

"I was nervous about today. About spending time with you one-on-one. I was worried it would be awkward or that we wouldn't have anything to talk about."

"And how do you feel now?"

"Like I could talk to you for hours more," she admits. "This has been... really wonderful, Marcus. Thank you."

"Thank you for giving me the chance," I tell her. "For being willing to step outside your comfort zone."

"When do I get to have individual time with Felix and Theo?" Belle asks, and the eagerness in her voice makes my heart soar.

"Whenever you want. They're both eager to plan their own dates with you."

"Good," she says firmly. "I want to understand all of you, individually and as a pack."

As I drive Belle home, I can't help but feel like today was a success beyond my wildest hopes. She didn't just tolerate my work passion, but she embraced it, understood it, saw the deeper meaning behind what I do. She asked thoughtful questions and shared her own dreams and goals. Most importantly, she seemed genuinely happy to be spending time with me.

"This was perfect," Belle says as I walk her to her apartment door. "Exactly what I needed to start understanding who Marcus Chen really is."

"I hope you like what you're discovering," I say.

"I do," she says without hesitation. "Very much."

For a moment, we just stand there looking at each other, and I can smell the way her scent is shifting toward something warmer and more interested. The urge to kiss her is almost overwhelming, but I force myself to remember our agreement about taking things slowly.

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