Nadine's POV.

He pulls away and asks me a question I wasn’t expecting. Things are moving faster than I thought, but I know we’ve been avoiding our feelings for too long. We’ve both suffered in denial.

“Go on a date with me,” he says softly, his eyes searching mine for a reaction. But I know I’m ready to take that leap of faith for us.

I smile warmly, letting him see just how open I am to his request.

“Of course, yes.”

The smile that lights up his face is beyond ordinary, it’s captivating, pulling me in like a spell.

He draws me closer and kisses me gently, and I...