Page 5 of August and the Night

I apply dark red lipstick as the final touch to my preparation and study my reflection. I'm dressed in a long black dress with a high slit, a synched waist, and a slightly revealing V-neck that may show more cleavage than I initially intended.

Adorning my collarbone is a diamond necklace that Lily had to practically force me to wear. It was a gift from my father to her, and I didn't want to impose by wearing it. But she insisted, brushing off my doubts as nonsense, and now I understand her vision—it looks stunning. Lily also took the time to straighten my typically wavy hair, despite having an upcoming psychology final, she is truly a sweetheart. My minimal makeup is enhanced by the dark red lipstick, which I must say suits me well.

"Goddamn! He's going to be all over you as soon as he lays eyes on you, mark my words," Lily exclaims, twirling me around and making me laugh.

"Really? Should I add more blush? Is there anything missing from my look?" I ask anxiously, bombarding her with questions fueled by my nervousness. She quickly shushes me.

"You look fantastic. You don't need to add or change anything. Just relax," she reassures me with a gentle tone, giving me a tight hug.

"John will be with you, but please call me if you feel uncomfortable," she whispers in my ear. I hug her tightly and kiss her cheek.

"I will, Lily. Thank you for convincing Father," I express my gratitude.

"Don't thank me. You know I'd do anything for you. Just remember, if he asks, it's just dinner with a friend, not a date," she advises, her voice briefly trembling with what seems like fear. But it vanishes as quickly as it appeared, leaving me wondering if I imagined it.

Brushing off the thought, I nod to Lily and bend down to put on my heels. I take a few steps to test walking in them, enduring the discomfort, and confident that I won't stumble. Giving Lily a final kiss on her cheek, I grab my handbag and coat before leaving the house.

I provide John with the restaurant's location. He seems a bit nervous, fidgeting with his wedding ring and looking around the garden.

"Did you get permission from Mr. Lexington?" he asks, concerned. I assure him that I did, understanding his unease as my father was not someone to be messed with.

He nods before getting into the driver's seat and entering the location in his GPS. I settle into the passenger seat and double-check my appearance using my phone's camera. I'm incredibly nervous, my mind filled with thoughts of August. Will he like how I look? Will he think my red lipstick is too much? Am I overdressed?

I silence the barrage of questions as I notice my chest heaving and my hands shaking. Recalling our time at the café, where we hit it off effortlessly, I assure myself that our conversation will flow just as smoothly this time. I start playing with my hair, a nervous habit.

After some time, John parks the car in front of a tall, luxurious building and informs me that we have arrived. I step out, gazing at the beautiful structure as my heart races even faster. My hands are shaking uncontrollably now, and I feel like I might faint. This is my first official date ever, and it's with a man who looks like he stepped out of a Calvin Klein photo-shoot. I scold myself for the inappropriate image of August that pops into my head, this is not the time for such images. My heart feels like it's about to explode.

Sensing my nervousness, John gently nudges me toward the building. "I'll be waiting for you here, Layla. Call me if you need anything," he says softly. I'm left surprised but grateful that he won't be babysitting me during my date. I am sure John won’t tell father either way, he always covers for me.

I nod to him and squeeze his hands before walking toward the building. As I enter, I'm momentarily stunned by its beauty. Taking cautious steps, I approach the receptionist to ask about the sushi restaurant. She appears flustered by my question, perhaps it’s her first day.

"Are you with Mr. Steele?" she nervously asks, smoothing down her slightly wrinkled dress after standing up. I nod, and she immediately guides me to the elevator, where she accompanies me to the rooftop. My nerves intensify as I notice the elevator's glass walls, providing a view of the city below. The receptionist seems to sense my anxiety and reassures me about the elevator's safety. I express my gratitude for her attempt to comfort me.

As the elevator doors open, I'm greeted by a stunning white flower path leading to the restaurant. The receptionist instructs me to follow the path, indicating that the restaurant is just ahead. I thank her before she departs.

Stepping onto the path, I'm captivated by the beauty of the flowers, momentarily forgetting my nerves. Kneeling down, I inhale their fragrance, and a smile naturally spreads across my face. Suddenly, I'm startled by the sound of someone clearing their throat. I turn around to see August, looking absolutely dashing.

August wears a navy blue suit that complements his perfect complexion and brings out his blue eyes. His hair is stylishly swept to the side, and his stubble is now a slightly overgrown beard which gives him an alluringly intimidating look. He takes steps toward me until he's dangerously close to my kneeling form. His eyes hold a mysterious darkness as he offers me his hand to help me up.

I accept his hand, and he pulls me up a little too forcefully, causing me to stumble in my heels and fall directly onto his chest. His intoxicating scent overwhelms me, and I instinctively nuzzle closer to his chest to savor it.

His chest rumbles with barely contained laughter, and I playfully slap it, my face burning bright red from embarrassment.

"Stop! I wouldn't have fallen if you helped me up more gently," I tell him, pouting, and he laughs even more.

"Did you mistake me for the flowers, baby?" he teases, causing my face to match the shade of my dark red lipstick, a mix of embarrassment and the thrill of being called "baby."

"I-I mean... your scent is just... really good," I manage to stutter, my eyes welling up with tears from the overwhelming embarrassment tightening in my chest.

Panic flashes across his face, and he immediately pulls me into a tight hug, whispering in my ear, "Hey, baby, it's okay. I was just joking." Goosebumps ripple across my skin, and he seems to notice, as he starts rubbing my arms soothingly.

"I'm sorry, August. I've just never done this before," I whisper, my hands gesturing awkwardly between us, and my voice barely audible if I weren't so close to him.

He creates some distance between us to examine my face, his expression one of intense confusion. "What do you mean by that?" he rasps, and I look away, unable to conceal my shame.

"If you want to stop, I understand. It's strange for a twenty-three-year-old to have as little experience as me. If it's a deal-breaker for you, it's okay," I mumble, my eyes once again welling up with tears, fueled by the overwhelming shame I feel.

He quickly wipes away my tears and embraces me tightly before whispering in my ear, "It's not a deal-breaker for me, love. You're perfect just the way you are. There's nothing wrong with you."

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