Chapter 14
14
Brylee
As Candace sifts through the racks of clothes in my closet, she holds up a black dress. “This one is perfect for a romantic dinner.”
I hesitate, fingers brushing over the soft fabric, imagining wearing it for Leo.
“Maybe. I’ll put it over here for now.”
“What about this one?” she asks, her finger resting on a delicate silk number.
I frown, my hands twisting a strand of hair. “I don’t know. Don’t you think it’s too formal for a home-cooked dinner?”
Candace tilts her head, studying me. “Leo did say he wanted to make this dinner special. I think he’ll appreciate the effort if you dress up a bit.”
I chew on my bottom lip, torn between wanting to impress Leo and being comfortable. “I just can’t decide!” I gaze at the army of dresses.
The deep blue dress has a subtle shimmer that catches the light just so. “What about this one? Do you think it’s too much?”
“Girl, if you wear that, you won’t make it to eating dinner. You’ll be the main course.”
I throw the dress at her. “Girl, shut up! Although I do plan on that tonight. We have never had a problem in that arena.”
“Okay, so I might make jokes, but let’s keep the sex talk to a minimum. Right now, I’m not getting any and the last thing I need to do is be jealous of your sex life.”
She is so fickle. I guess the guy she is seeing at work didn’t work out. I am not going to ask to reopen wounds, so I just let it slide, and go right back to trying to pick between the three dresses on the bed. Each one is beautiful and sexy, but tonight has to be perfect.
After much deliberation, I finally relent, slipping into the black dress.
Candace beams. “You look stunning. Leo won’t know what hit him when he sees you in that!”
With Candace's seal of approval, I ready myself for the evening ahead. Leo's cooking skills are legendary, and I am both excited and nervous to experience his culinary creations firsthand again.
As I apply a soft rose blush to my cheeks and a touch of shimmering eyeshadow to my lids, anticipation rising for the expectations tonight. Leo has a way of making even the simplest meal like an extravagant feast, and tonight will be no exception. A pair of silver chandelier earrings catch my eye, their intricate design adding a touch of glamor. I fasten them into place, letting them dangle delicately against my neck as I admire them. Leo had gotten these for me eight years ago for my birthday and tonight is the perfect night to show them off again.
“Alright, that’s my cue to leave. I’ll call tomorrow to see how it went. Love ya!”
With one final glance in the mirror, I grab my purse and head out the door, knowing that whatever the evening holds, I am ready to embrace it with an open heart.
When I finally saunter to his doorstep, Leo greets me with a warm smile that makes my heart flutter. The scent of something delicious wafts from the kitchen, and my stomach rumbles. Leo holds out his hand for me to take a step inside. Oh, was he ever the gentleman . Leo’s warm smile appears as he takes in my appearance. His gaze lingers on me for a moment, a look of admiration shining in his eyes.
“You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you.” A blush creeps up my cheeks.
“Shall we?”
As I loop my arm through his, a surge of comfort washes over me. Leo's touch is familiar yet electrifying, and a sense of ease settles in as we make our way to the dining room. The table is set with a bouquet of fresh flowers serving as the centerpiece. He is sure to pull out all the stops to make this a special night.
Leo pulls out a chair for me, his eyes never leaving mine as I seat myself. With a charming smile, he disappears into the kitchen, returning moments later with a bottle of wine cradled in his arms. He expertly uncorks it, filling our glasses with a deep red liquid.
As we clink our glasses together in a silent toast, memories of our past dates flood my mind. But tonight is different - there is an unspoken energy buzzing between us, a current of possibility that crackles in the air. We are starting over.
He leaves and returns with two plates and sits them down. A beautifully plated salad that looks almost too exquisite to eat. Each bite is a burst of flavor - crisp greens, tangy vinaigrette, creamy goat cheese. Leo watches me with a small smile playing on his lips, clearly pleased by my reaction.
“Don’t get too full, we have the actual food coming too. I have a feeling you are going to love it.”
As I look into his eyes, the realization of how lucky I am sinking in. Some women want a man that will provide them money, afford them certain luxuries, especially in all the romance novels I’ve read, but honestly this right here spoke volumes to a person’s love for another. Everyone has their different love language, and this is mine. I didn’t need anything fancy, jewelry or vacations, just everyday things turned into special nights with the person I love.
Twenty minutes later, after my salad is devoured, Leo emerges from the kitchen with two plates with a colorful array of food that looks like it belongs in a Michelin-starred restaurant. He places them before us, a proud smile on his face as he watches me take in the sight. The aroma of herbs and spices tease my nostrils, making my mouth water. I pick up my fork and take my first bite, savoring the explosion of flavors that dance across my taste buds. Each bite is a culinary masterpiece, a testament to Leo’s skill and passion for cooking. As we eat, conversation flows effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and a kiss here and there.
Something tells me that tonight is going to be etched into my memory for decades to come.