Chapter Seventeen
Mikkel
“To love is nothing. To be loved is something. But to love and be loved, that’s everything.”
~ T. Tolis
S aturday arrived faster than I expected.
Thank God.
The week had been a whirlwind of back-to-back investor meetings, expansion plans, endless travel, and a mountain of vetting. Work consumed my days, leaving little room for anything else. I still forced myself into the gym a few times, but even that felt more like an obligation than an escape.
The highlight? Texting Abigail every chance I got.
Even when I was knee-deep in a summit in Shanghai, rewriting a proposal for the thirtieth damn time, frustration clawing at me, one message from her was enough to cut through the noise. She was the one thing in my life that didn’t feel like work .
But today? Today wasn’t about business. It was about her.
I’d been counting down the days—hell, the hours, minutes and seconds—until this moment. I didn’t want our first date to feel formal or suffocating in some overpriced restaurant where we’d sit across from each other, too aware of the moment. I wanted something real. The aquarium felt perfect—not just because it was fun, but because she’d once told me seeing sea lions was on her bucket list.
Maybe she hadn’t realized I’d tucked that piece of information away.
But I did.
Because everything about her stuck with me.
I knew she loved ice cream, but only in certain seasons because of her sensitive teeth. That she wasn’t a huge fan of sweets, but chocolate cake and the occasional donut were her kryptonite. That Lay’s chips held a sacred place in her heart, but barbecue flavor ruled all.
And then there was her favorite color—yellow. It made sense. Yellow was warmth. Comfort. Sunlight spilling through a window, touching everything in its path.
But the thing that had stuck with me the most?
She told me that if she could be a time of day, she’d be just before dawn.
That quiet, extraordinary moment when the world holds its breath—full of promise. Not quite day, not quite night. Just… in-between.
She was right.
There was something about her that mirrored that moment. That feeling. She was the calm before everything changed.
Maybe that’s why I couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Every couple of weeks, she’d get her nails and toes done and send me pictures of her latest designs. At first, it was just a casual thing she did. Now? I looked forward to it like a fool. My heart kicked up whenever I saw her name pop up with an attachment. A glimpse into her world, into the little things that made her feel like herself.
Most days, she lounged around her apartment, hair in a messy bun or tucked under a silk bonnet. And yet—she was still the most beautiful person I’d ever seen. Her dedication to her hair, her routines, her care—it pulled me in.
She talked a lot, about everything and nothing. And I could listen to her for hours. She didn’t believe I did sometimes, which pissed me off more than I’d like to admit. Who the hell made her feel unheard? I wanted to track them down just to let them know I’d spend a lifetime proving her wrong.
I even started watching Beauty and the Beast —both the original and live-action. Work swallowed me whole before I could finish the holiday specials, but I would. Because she loved it. And I wanted to know what made her heart ache in the best way.
I didn’t just like her—I felt her.
She reminded me of fall. Not because of its fading beauty, but because of how it lingered—soft, steady, unforgettable. Fall didn’t rush. It held onto its warmth, its colors, until the very last leaf fell.
She did the same to me.
Changing me in ways I couldn’t stop, even if I wanted to.
And then I saw her.
The world seemed to stop.
She walked toward me in cargo pants and an oversized T-shirt, her hair pulled back into a black bow, a silver necklace with a flower pendant catching the light. Simple. Effortless. And yet, I was seconds from forgetting how to breathe.
I’d thought my glasses had failed me before, never quite capturing the full picture of her. Now, I knew for sure. No lens could do her justice.
And the worst part? I didn’t even care.
Because nothing—not my vision, not the city blurring behind her—could pull my focus away from her.
And God help me, I didn’t want it to.
“Hey,” she greeted, her smile radiant, stealing the breath from my lungs.
“Hey,” I murmured, my heart flipping like a gymnast at the sight of her. “You’re really beautiful. ”
A blush bloomed on her cheeks, making my grip on reality even more precarious.
“These are for you, Red.” I offered her a bouquet of yellow and blue primroses.
She stilled, her fingers brushing the petals with the kind of reverence that made my chest ache. “You remembered.”
“I always will.”
“Thank you.” Her voice was soft, almost like she didn’t trust herself to say more.
“I know you prefer yellow, but they didn’t have enough, so I mixed in blue.”
Her lips parted, eyes glistening with something unspoken. “They’re perfect.”
Not just the flowers. Her.
We stepped inside the aquarium, greeted by the cool hush of water and the distant hum of sea life. The air smelled of salt and something timeless, the kind of place where the world slowed down just enough to make you believe in magic.
The receptionist beamed at us. “Good morning! Welcome to the New York Aquarium.”
I handed her my ID. “We have reserved tickets.”
She scanned them, then glanced at Abigail’s bouquet with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, but the flowers can’t go inside. Would you like to leave them here?”
Abigail nodded, and I set them carefully on the counter, reluctant to part with something that had made her smile like that.
“Enjoy your visit!”
We wandered deeper into the aquarium, the light shifting like ripples in water. Schools of vibrant fish darted past, their scales catching the glow, and Abigail’s awe was almost palpable.
“This is amazing,” she whispered, pressing her hands against the glass. “It’s like stepping into another world.”
Her wonder was intoxicating .
We explored every corner, marveling at stingrays gliding like shadows, bioluminescent jellyfish pulsing with an eerie glow, seahorses drifting in slow-motion elegance. At the touch pool, we trailed fingertips over starfish and sea cucumbers, our laughter echoing when a feisty crab waved a claw in her direction.
“Oh my God! Did you see his expression? I think I scared him.”
I chuckled. “He probably doesn’t see women as beautiful as you very often.”
She rolled her eyes but failed to hide her smile. “You’re smooth in person too. Noted. But I’ll stick with the friendlier sea creatures for now.”
My grin widened. “Your loss. I think he was smitten.”
We drifted from exhibit to exhibit, and I couldn’t stop looking at her. The way her eyes sparkled, the way she lit up with every new discovery—it pulled me in like gravity.
She gasped, pointing to a tank full of clownfish weaving through coral. “They’re so cute!”
I nodded, distracted by her more than the fish. “They are.”
The truth? I agreed with everything she said, but she could’ve been pointing at a rock or coral and I would’ve still been mesmerized.
Her presence made everything feel lighter. The exhaustion I’d carried all week evaporated, replaced by something I didn’t dare name yet.
We turned a corner, arriving at a towering tank where sea otters somersaulted through the water, playfully nudging each other. Abigail’s laughter rang out, filling every hollow space inside me.
And just like that, I knew I was completely, hopelessly gone.
We followed the guide through dimly lit corridors, anticipation crackling between us like static electricity. The deeper we went, the quieter the world became, until we arrived at a secluded viewing area overlooking a massive shark tank.
The water stirred. A sleek shadow emerged, slicing through the depths with an effortless, lethal grace.
“Wow,” she breathed, her eyes wide with awe. The glow of the tank reflected in them, making them shine even brighter. I should’ve been watching the sharks, but I found myself watching her instead—completely caught up in the quiet wonder on her face.
A trainer appeared at the tank’s edge, carrying a bucket of fish. With practiced precision, he tossed the morsels into the water, instantly drawing the sharks’ attention.
“They’re so graceful,” she murmured. “It’s weird since sharks are violent.”
I glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at my lips. “It’s all about perspective. Even the most dangerous creatures have their own beauty.”
She turned her gaze to me, and for a second, I forgot where we were. There was something about the way she looked at me—curious, open, like she was trying to figure me out.
The trainer approached us with a friendly smile. “Would you like to feed the sharks?” he asked, gesturing toward the bucket.
“Really?” Her face lit up, excitement flickering across it like sunlight over water. “Yes, please!”
With gentle guidance, she tossed a piece of fish into the tank, and her laughter bubbled up when the sharks rushed forward to claim it. I captured the moment on my phone, like I did with every other moment where her smile burned itself into my memory, where her joy softened something in my chest.
I liked seeing her like this. Completely in the moment. Happy. Calm.
After leaving the shark exhibit, we entered the aquatheater, where a crowd had gathered to watch playful sea lions perform acrobatic tricks. We found seats near the front, and I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at her—the way her hands clutched the edge of her seat, how she leaned forward, completely absorbed.
“It’s like a dream come true,” she whispered, her voice soft with awe.
I grinned. “I can imagine, carino . 38 ”
A trainer approached us with a warm smile. “Would you like to learn some tricks to communicate with the sea lions?”
Her eyes widened, and she nodded eagerly. “Of course!”
I watched as she learned the hand signals, her movements careful and focused. There was something about her that got to me. Maybe it was how she threw herself into things, how she let herself feel without hesitation. I’d spent years around people who calculated their every move, but Abigail was just herself.
“Growing up, my parents always took my sister and me on adventures.” She paused, her smile soft. “As I got older, I promised myself I’d do things like this, but I never got the chance. Being here today reminded me to appreciate life even more.”
I nodded, warmth spreading through my chest. “Experience is everything. I’m all about adventure, and growing up in the Caribbean, there was no shortage of it.”
“I bet there was,” she said, smiling up at me.
As evening approached, we grabbed her flowers and headed toward the exit.
“Did you have fun?” I asked.
“The most fun!” she exclaimed. “Today was amazing. I love sea lions, and feeding the sharks was unforgettable.”
“And let’s not forget your grumpy crab friend.”
She burst into laughter as we reached my car. “I’d never forget him.”
I opened the car door for her, pausing for just a second as she slid in. It wasn’t just about the way she looked—it was the way she fit into this day, into this moment, beside me.
She settled into the seat, then tilted her head. “Is this the part where you take me home?”
“This is the part where I take you to dinner, Red.”
She raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. “How much do I owe you—”
“As long as you’re with me, don’t worry about paying for anything,” I interrupted, my voice firm but gentle. “I should’ve told you to leave your wallet at home. ”
Her eyes widened slightly, something flickering in them before she gave me a soft, appreciative smile. “You’re too kind.” Her voice was quiet, almost uncertain. “I’m sorry, it’s just a bad habit to ask.”
I shrugged, playing it off like it wasn’t a big deal, even though her reaction settled in my chest. “It’s nothing, Red.”
But her words “bad habit” stuck with me.
Had someone actually made her pay for dates before?
The thought irritated me more than it should have.
As we settled in, I reached into the back and pulled out a small pillow. The front had a crocheted book, and the back read: Congrats on your job, Abigail.
Her eyes widened, and she gasped. “Oh my gosh! Mikkel! You didn’t have to do this!”
I grinned, watching as she hugged the pillow close. “Whether you think your wins are big or small, they deserve to be celebrated.”
She blinked, and for a second, I swore I saw a shimmer of tears in her eyes.
“This means so much to me. Thank you.”
And just like that, my entire day felt worth it.
The warmth of the moment lingered between us as I pulled onto the main road. The city lights flickered across the windshield, casting soft, shifting hues inside the car. A comfortable silence settled in, broken only by the low hum of traffic. I reached for my phone and tapped the screen, queuing up the playlist I’d made just for her.
When she noticed, her smile widened, and she leaned her head to the side, a soft, knowing look in her eyes. That look always did something to me—like she saw straight through me and liked what she found.
Before long, we pulled up to Nathan’s Famous, a cozy-looking restaurant, its windows glowing warmly.
“Here we are,” I announced, turning off the engine and turning to her with a grin. “Hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Then we’re definitely in the right place,” I responded, the warmth of her excitement contagious .
“I’ve never been here before. Is it good?”
I chuckled softly. “I wouldn’t take you here if it wasn’t.” With a reassuring smile, I held the door open for her.
We slipped into a cozy booth, the rich aroma of grilled meat and sizzling fries hanging in the air. I stole glances at her, captivated by the neon lights reflecting in her eyes as she animatedly talked about the sea lions and sharks. She had this way of making the smallest details feel like the biggest wonders, and I’d listen to her talk about anything just to watch the joy light up her face.
“What are you looking at?”
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. “You.”
A soft blush bloomed on her cheeks, mirrored by the gentle curve of her lips. “You’re too sweet.”
Before I could reply, the waitress appeared at our table, a pad and pen in hand. “What can I get for you folks today?”
“Two classic hot dogs, fully loaded with mustard, ketchup, relish, and onions,” I said, glancing at her for confirmation. “Barbecue sauce on the side.”
“And a large order of fries to share,” she added.
“Anything to drink?”
“Sprite and orange juice,” I said, and the waitress smiled as she scribbled down our order before hurrying off to the kitchen.
“I cannot thank you enough, Mikkel.”
“You never need to thank me.” A smile played at the corners of my lips. I would’ve done this a thousand times over, just to see her look at me like this.
“It turned out to be everything I had dreamed our first date would be.”
“You dream of me?”
“It takes me days to recover from a dream with you in it, Red.”
She took a sip of water, her head dipping slightly, but when she looked back at me, I saw another tear welling up, her green eyes shining brighter, reflecting every emotion she felt .
“You mean that?”
I leaned in closer, my expression serious. “I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”
She whispered, almost as if she was speaking more to herself than to me, “Right.” Then, she looked up, trying to steady herself, and said, “Sea lions have always been on my must-see list, and seeing them today felt surreal.”
“I know.”
“You know?” she repeated, her voice tinged with surprise, as if she hadn’t expected me to understand something so personal to her.
“Number two and three on your bucket list.”
She looked at me with a mixture of softness and confusion. “I forgot about that. You remembered.”
“What did I tell you earlier?” I prompted, a teasing glint in my eyes.
“Hm?”
“I told you that I’ll always remember everything about you. I pay attention to detail.”
Or, I should’ve said, I pay attention to everything related to you.
“I’m starting to realize that.” She chuckled. “What else have you noticed about me?”
I leaned forward. “The green in your eyes gets deeper, like emerald or pine green, when you talk about your favorite things. Like today, when you saw the sharks or the sea lion interaction.”
Blush crept onto her cheeks, but she couldn’t hide the happiness shining in her eyes. “You noticed that?”
“What kind of man would I be if I didn’t, carino ?”
Her smile softened, a warmth spreading through her features. “You’ve got such a sweet mouth.”
Before our conversation could continue, the waitress returned with our food.
“This looks so good,” she said, her eyes widening as the steaming hot dog was placed in front of her, piled high with mustard, ketchup, relish, and onions.
“Just wait until you try it.”
With a playful grin, she drizzled barbecue sauce over her hot dog, took a bite, and let out a soft moan of satisfaction.
“Oh my gosh,” she mumbled, covering her mouth as she chewed. “This is amazing.”
“Told you,” I teased, taking a bite of mine.
She leaned in slightly, her eyes bright with excitement. “You were definitely right.” Her gaze flickered over my arms, lingering there. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you about your tattoos.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What about them?”
“They’re so…” She bit her lip, her expression thoughtful before breaking into a smile. “They look incredible on you. What do they mean?”
I rolled up my sleeve, revealing a detailed lotus flower on my forearm. “This one represents new beginnings. Fitting, after moving from one country to another.”
“Wow,” she breathed, tracing the ink with her eyes, as if memorizing every line.
“And this one?” I pointed to the compass inked across my chest. “It’s about finding my way. The journey being just as important as the destination.”
She grinned. “You’ve got this whole mysterious vibe going on.” Then, her voice dropped slightly, playful but firm. “Not to mention, you’re really hot.”
I huffed a quiet laugh, feeling my pulse spike under her gaze. “Hot?”
“Definitely,” she confirmed, her lips curving as she wiped a bit of mustard from the corner of her mouth. “You know you are. The tattoos, the way you carry yourself… It’s all part of the package.”
I smirked, nudging her shoulder. “Careful now, amor , 39 you might just make me blush.”
She laughed, a warm, melodic sound that wrapped around me. We finished eating in easy silence, the kind that didn’t need to be filled with words. Once I closed out the bill, we walked back to the car, and as soon as she slid into the passenger seat, she synced her phone to the Bluetooth. Lana Del Rey’s voice spilled through the speakers, sultry and hypnotic.
As I started the engine, she shifted toward me, her expression suddenly serious. “Before we go any further, I need to tell you something.”
I turned to her, giving her my full attention. “What’s up?”
She hesitated, tucking a curl behind her ear. “I recently got out of a relationship. I’m over it now, but I felt like it was worth mentioning.”
He must’ve been a real dumbass to lose a woman like her.
Was he the idiot making her pay for dates?
“I appreciate that,” I said. “Everyone has a past, and whatever you did before me, doesn’t matter.”
She let out a soft, breathy laugh. “I just wanted to be upfront because… I don’t think this will be our last date.”
A slow, knowing smile tugged at my lips. “It won’t be our last date.”
She exhaled, relieved by my reaction. “I know it’s not exactly first-date conversation, but—”
My chest tightened as a memory flashed through my mind—her crying in the airport, that lost look in her eyes.
“Was he the reason you were upset that day?” I asked, my voice gentler now. “Or why you asked about paying me back earlier?”
She nodded slowly, her gaze dropping to her lap. “If I wasn’t paying for something, I wasn’t getting it. And if I did get anything, I’d be reminded of it. Over and over.”
A sharp, protective rage coiled inside me. Es un maldito imbécil. 40 I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my anger in check. The last thing she needed was for me to explode over something she’d already walked away from. Taking a deep breath, I forced the tension from my shoulders.
“There’s nothing I appreciate more than honesty,” I told her, voice steady. “And I know that no matter how ‘over it’ you are, talking about it still isn’t easy. ”
She met my eyes, the gratitude there hitting me straight in the chest. “I know… but I appreciate you listening.”
Without thinking, I reached over, my fingers brushing against hers in a slow, deliberate touch. The moment they met, a spark shot through me—sharp, electric. Her breath hitched, and her eyes widened slightly, like she felt it too.
“Is this okay?” I murmured.
A small smile curved her lips as she gave my hand the lightest squeeze. “It’s perfect.”
I exhaled, something inside me settling. I hadn’t planned on touching her, but now that I had, I knew I wouldn’t want to stop.
I’d make damn sure she felt the difference between what she had before, and what she deserved.
As our hands lingered, I noticed a flicker of unease in her eyes. It was subtle, but it was there—something on her mind. Before I could ask, she broke the silence.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” I said instantly, though I could see the hesitation in her expression. Without thinking, I pulled the car over and turned to face her fully. “What’s bothering you?”
She took a slow breath, like she was choosing her words carefully. “When you were talking about China last week… and coming back to work…” She trailed off, and I sighed, already knowing where this was going.
“You’re wondering why I push myself so hard, aren’t you?” My voice was quieter than I intended.
She nodded.
I exhaled, running a hand over my jaw. “I just can’t afford to lose track of anything. Or fall behind.” The words were heavy, but there was more to it than that—more than I was ready to say. Not tonight. Not yet.
Her gaze softened, full of understanding. “I get it. But you know… it’s okay to slow down. You don’t want to burn out. ”
Her quiet concern settled over me, unexpected yet grounding. I held her gaze. “You’re right,” I admitted, feeling the truth of it more than I expected.
She gave me a small smile. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, I just…”
“You didn’t,” I reassured her, my voice steady. “But I needed to hear that. Thank you, Red.”
“You’re welcome.”
The rest of the drive passed in a comfortable silence, her presence filling the space in a way that soothed something in me. When we pulled up to Common at The Reserve, I wasted no time getting out and opening her door. She stepped out, cradling the flowers and pillow against her chest.
Her smile was warm, bright enough to pull me in. “Thank you again for today, Mikkel. The flowers are absolutely beautiful, and this pillow? It’s going right on my couch.”
I smirked. “The pleasure will always be mine.”
Her brow furrowed slightly. “Aren’t you tired from… everything?”
I shook my head. “I am, but I’ll be good.”
She studied me for a moment before nodding, her lips curling into a smile. “Goodnight, Mikkel.”
“Goodnight, Red.”
I watched her disappear into the lobby, waiting until my phone lit up with her message: I’m home. Thank you again for today.
Only then did I drive away.
The day had been perfect.
She was happy. And that was all that mattered.
I was hers, and I’d wait until she was ready to be mine.