Page 88 of Third Time Lucky

‘It would be amazing,’ I say, grabbing my purse from a nearby table and searching for my phone. I snap half a dozen photos. ‘I can make this work and it’ll be so cool.’

After we help Kyrie gather her things as she prepares to leave the restaurant, Asher grabs my hand, sending a jolt of warmth through me.

‘This was so much fun,’ I say to him. ‘I’ve never been on a better date.’

‘Good, because it’s not over. There’s one more part.’

‘One more part?’ I ask, my voice rising with anticipation. He really did put some thought into this, and I’m delighted he did because I’m not ready for this to be over.

He leads me to a hidden staircase in a corner of the restaurant. A heavy velvet curtain obscures its entrance.

‘Shockingly, this next partwasAaron’s doing – a private romantic VIP lounge for the warmer months. Welcome to The Ember Lounge, a play-off your name suggestion.’

He leads the way up the stairs, pulling open a heavy door at the top, and we emerge into a cozy outdoor seating area – still under construction but still completely epic, just like downstairs. My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight before me – city lights twinkling in all directions.

The space is transformed into a romantic oasis, with outdoor loungers, large umbrellas emitting a light glow, a metal fire pit lit with a blue flame, and a table with wine and a picnic basket. Stunning.

‘Aaron created this?’ I ask, shocked because it’s incredibly romantic and he’s – not. To be honest, considering he meandered my way while grooving to Flock of Seagulls all those weeks ago, I’d have expected that guy’s rooftop to have bright colors, a smoke machine, neon lighting, and MTV playing on a big screen. But this… ‘It’s beautiful,’ I gush.

‘Yeah, he surprised even me. I think he might be a little deeper than even I knew.’

‘Madi will be so impressed to see he has this side. She’s a total girls’ girl. She’ll love this.’

He stops, our eyes meeting. ‘Doyoulove this?’

My smile widens as I reach out, touching his hand bashfully. ‘As I said, it’s already my favorite date ever.’

He smiles, relief washing over him. ‘I thought this would be the perfect place for a nightcap and dessert after our artistic endeavors. Just us.’

‘Just us,’ I repeat, the fluttering in my chest growing stronger. ‘You are incredible,’ I breathe out, overwhelmed by his effort to create this surprise.

‘I wanted tonight to be special,’ he says, his eyes reflecting the flickering light of the fire pit. ‘Because you’re special.’

His words cause my heart to skip a beat, and his intense gaze washes over me like molten honey.

‘Were you this sweet in high school because I would remember if Isabelle had been talking non-stop about this – and just like Kris gushed about me, she did about you. For sure, she would have told me.’

Isabelle was his girlfriend when Kris and I were dating. She was tall, blonde and beautiful – the head cheerleader and once voted ‘most potential’ of his class. I wonder: whatever happened to her?

He rumbles a laugh. ‘Isabelle, wow, I haven’t thought about her in a long time. She was my, uh?—’

‘First?’ I ask, with a sly smile. ‘Yeah, she did tell me about that. How do you think I knew you weren’t in Vegas to lose your virginity?’

His eyes widen, with a nervous laugh. ‘Fair enough. Though, I don’t know how I feel about her giving you details. I wasn’t exactly Mr Romance as a teen. And if she told you the story – I hope to God she didn’t – you already know that.’

It’s not a terrible story. He got excited it was his first time and well – you know how that goes. But for the record, once he recovered physically and emotionally (according to Isabelle), she was pleasantly surprised at multiple aspects of their ‘encounter.’ Now that he’s a full grown man with experience under his belt – pun intended – it’s got me wondering…

But, no, Lucy. It’s date number one. Find your manners. I know it’s been awhile and he’s incredibly handsome and sweet, but you will not joy ride this man on a rooftop. At least not yet.

‘Now, not to sound impatient, considering I’m all in with anything you cook, but what’s on the menu tonight?’

He grins proudly. ‘A little bird told me you were a dessert girl?’ he says, grabbing the picnic basket.

I smile wide. ‘They didn’t lie to you.’

‘Good, because I spent all afternoon in the kitchen creating my first custom dessert.’ He unpacks the basket, pulling out two bottles of wine, stemmed glasses, ice packs, and a closed brown takeout box with ‘#3’ (nice embarrassing touch there) written on it, before revealing two personal-sized chocolate cakes.

‘Oh my God, what is it?’ I ask excitedly.

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