Page 33 of That's What Love

“Could you take me home?” I plead.

“Sure.” He stands up and takes my hand and we walk toward Scarlett.

“Hey, I’m going to have Eric take me home.”

“Okay, call me when you get there.” She gives me a hug.

* * *

We sitin the driveway of my house. I haven’t made a move to get out yet, wanting to sit in the silence a moment longer. I finally feel ready and make a move to open the door. Eric stops me and steps out of the truck, a small smile playing on his lips as he walks around to my side of the truck. The sun shines a bright glow down on us. He opens the passenger door, a gesture so simple yet incredibly endearing.

As I step out, the night air wraps around me, and he closes the door with a soft thud. My heart quickens as he walks beside me, his stride matching mine. The path to my front door seems longer tonight, as if time had decided to slow down for us. With each step, my gratitude wells up, and I find the courage to voice it.

“Thank you for being there. It meant a lot to me,” I say, the sincerity of my words echoing in the hushed night.

“I’m glad I could be there for you,” he says, his hands finding refuge in his pockets.

And then, the question hung in the air, an unspoken invitation to something more. “Can I, uh, take you out for dinner soon?” he asks, his vulnerability adding a touch of charm.

A smile dances at the corner of my lips. “How about Tuesday night?” I respond, my voice carrying a blend of hope and excitement.

The words, “Sounds like a date” leave his lips, his proximity sending a delightful shiver down my spine. His lips, soft and warm, brush against my cheek, imprinting a memory that lingers like a sweet melody.

“Have a good night, Hailey,” he whispers, his breath brushing against my skin like a promise.

“You too,” I reply, my voice carrying a sincerity that surpasses mere politeness. As I watch him walk away, his figure illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights, I feel conflicted.

Each detail, each word, is etched into my heart.

CHAPTERNINETEEN

The next fewdays whisked by, leaving me in a haze of emotions that swung between nervousness and excitement. Tuesday evening arrives, and as the sun dips below the horizon, I stand in front of my mirror, my reflection revealing anticipation and doubt.

My fingers hesitate over my clothes, unsure of what would be right for the occasion. After a series of changes, I settle on a simple, but elegant dress. I carefully slip into it and look in the mirror. The dress accentuates my curves, but my reflection also shows the slight crease of my brow, the self-conscious tuck of a strand of hair behind my ear. Uncertainty tugs at the edges of my thoughts.

Is this too much? Too little? Does it make me look awkward?My heart flutters in response to the questions in my mind. The dress draws attention to my features, but the mirror also shows the slight crease of my brow, the self-conscious tuck of a strand of hair behind my ear. It’s more than just a dress; it’s a piece of the puzzle that I hope fits seamlessly into this unfolding connection.

As I gaze at myself in the mirror, I try to summon a smile, to reassure myself that this is a step worth taking. The memory of his lips grazing my cheek warms my heart, and in that warmth, a hint of happiness emerges. I can’t help but wonder if Eric saw the unease that hid behind my smile.

As I stand lost in my thoughts, the doorbell chimes, startling me. My heart leaps in my chest, excitement and nerves flooding over me. Taking a deep breath, I smooth my dress and make my way to the door. With each step, the sound of my own heartbeat seems to grow louder, an erratic rhythm that mirrors my emotions.

I swing the door open to see Eric looking as charming as ever. His gaze meets mine, eyes wide as he looks me up and down. His eyes hold a warmth that eases some of my apprehension. With a small smile playing on his lips, he holds out a bouquet of roses, their vibrant colors of blue and purple contrasting beautifully with the evening’s fading light.

“You look beautiful,” he breathes. “These are for you.”

I take the bouquet, my heart racing. “Thank you.”

The corners of his lips curl into a smile that reaches his eyes.

“Come on in,” I offer.

As he enters the room, I glide over to the sink. Carefully, I cradle the bouquet in my hands, lowering them into the vase. The clear, cool water rises around the stems, enveloping them in a refreshing embrace. With deliberate grace, I set the vase down on the table, allowing the vibrant blooms to steal the spotlight. I look at Eric. “So, where are we going tonight?” I ask, curiosity bubbling in my voice.

He shuffles his feet, a hint of shyness in his smile. “Well, that’s the thing, Hailey. It’s a surprise,” he replies with a wink, his tone gently teasing. “I’ve got something special planned for us.”

My curiosity ignites, an ember of excitement growing within me. His playful secrecy intrigues me. “Oh, come on, give me a hint,” I prod, unable to contain my eagerness.

Eric’s eyes sparkle as he considers my request. “Alright, I’ll give you this much: it involves sand and a basket.”

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