Chapter 5
Tanya
Tonight’s the night I have my first date with Damien. I can’t believe I almost blew it with him over a simple misunderstanding last night. Thank goodness he didn’t give me a chance to hang up on him.
My phone alarm goes off, alerting me that it’s now five o’clock. Thankfully, one of my part-timers, Ana, got here a little early so I can go to my office to get ready for my date.
By the time Damien walks through the front door, I’m already standing by the front cash register dressed in another little black dress that I own, plus red high heels. My favorite thing about myself is my legs, so I always try to make them stand out.
“Wow! Tanya, you look stunning.”
My cheeks instantly go pink. “So do you.”
He chuckles. “Thanks.” He holds his hand out to me. “Shall we?”
I grin, grab my purse, then grasp his hand. “We shall.”
When we reach my tiny parking lot, I notice that his bike isn’t here. “How’d you get here? I don’t see your motorbike.”
He points to a Black SUV. “I borrowed my mom’s vehicle for our date tonight. She said she wasn’t planning on going out anyway, so I could borrow it.
I nod my head. “Makes sense. So, what’s the plan for tonight?”
“I thought maybe we’d go to Mama Cecily’s for some homemade Italian food.”
I lick my lips. “Sounds delicious. Then what about after that?”
He hesitates for just a second. “Well, I was gonna invite you back to my mom’s house for a cup of tea afterwards…”
“We’ll do that but change the venue. We can go back to my place afterwards.”
“You sure?”
“Oh yes, I’m sure.”
Dinner at Mama Cecily’s was simply scrumptious, as usual. Even though it’s in a small town, its world renowned for its passion and quality. Damien enjoyed the veal piccata while I devoured the chicken tetrazzini plus bruschetta for an appetizer and tiramisu for dessert.
Though, I have to say the conversation is even better than the food. Damien went into more detail regarding his football career up to date. He started playing flag football back when he was just six years old. He mentioned that his older brothers loved playing it, so that’s what first ignited his passion for the game. Then, as soon as he was old enough, he joined the local youth football league, then he played on the high school team. Football ended up being his way out of Sandy Cove when he received scholarship offers from colleges. Then the ultimate life changing experience—being drafted to play professionally. Damien’s passion for the game is pure and beautiful.
“That’s enough about me. Now, I want to learn some things about you.”
“Like what?”
“When did you and Ellie first meet?”
I smile. “We met back in grade nine, not long after she moved into town.”
“What about your flower shop? How’d that start up?”
“Ever since I was a young girl, I had three favorite pastimes. Watching football with my dad, reading books, and gardening with my mom. In high school, they offered a floral design course, so I signed up for it. The first time I designed a bouquet, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for my career. Own and run a flower shop.”
“That’s awesome. I’m glad that you found something to do that you’re passionate about. Okay, next question might be a little tougher. Who’s Jose?”
Wait, what? “How do you know Jose?”
He lays his hand upon my own. “I don’t. Ellie made a comment today when I was having lunch with her, Seb, and Mom. She asked me to not be like Jose. Care to explain?” His eyebrows rose in question.
Damn it, Ellie! Why couldn’t you just leave things well enough alone? I breathe in deep, then slowly exhale. “Jose was my high school boyfriend and also my first. We dated for almost three years until his parents decided to move back to Mexico to be closer to their family. Jose and I were both devastated at being separated, but we thought at the time that what we had was the real thing, so we attempted a long-distance relationship. Sadly, that didn’t even last a month when he sent me a ‘Dear Jane’ letter, breaking up with me for another girl that was located a hell of a lot closer to him than I was.”
“I’m so sorry that happened to you. He should have at least been a man and call you.”
I huff. “Yeah, well, he didn’t. Anyway, since then, I’m a little hesitant when it comes to long-distance relationships, which with you would be one as well.”
“Thank you for telling me that. I can tell it’s still a sore spot for you. But, with that being said, I’m not Jose, Tanya. We’re also a lot older now than when you two were dating. If we decide to delve deeper into this connection that we both seem to have, we go in with our eyes open. Hell, I really like you, and I don’t want to stop something before we even get started.”
I burst out laughing. I don’t know why exactly, but it feels like a load has been taken off my shoulders.
Damien winks at me. “Feel better?”
I beam back at him. “Much better, thank you.”
After we leave the restaurant, Damien drives us to my apartment building. As I get ready to depart the SUV, he grabs my hand.
“Tanya, I know you said that I could come up for a nightcap, but I think the best thing I should do right now is head back to my mom’s house.”
His comment stills me. “You don’t want to join me upstairs?” I ask with a frown.
“Oh, don’t worry, I want to come up with you and do many things to you, but that will have to wait another night. I want to gain your trust first. I want you to get comfortable with me. I don’t want you to have any doubt we can’t handle a long-distance relationship.”
I think I’ve just fallen in love with him. “When do you have to head back to the city?”
“The day after tomorrow. I’m only here because the team had an open week, and we were given days off before getting to the grind of preparing for the next game.”
“Crap! I work from open to close tomorrow. There’s no way I can get out of it, either.”
He runs his hand across my jaw. “Don’t worry. I’ll figure out a way to spend some time with you before I have to head back.”
After he finishes his sentence, he slowly draws my face closer to his, to the point there are only centimeters now between our parted lips. I can’t wait any longer, so I close the tiny gap between us, then sink into the most delicious kiss that I have ever had. It’s slow, but extremely sensual at the same time as he massages his lips against mine while his hands travel into my hair and down my back. It only lasts a few moments, but those moments are earth-shattering.
As we pull apart, we’re both wearing humongous grins.
“That was amazing,” he whispers as he nuzzles my cheek.
“Are you sure you can’t come up for a bit?”
He huffs. “No, I need to be a good boy and head back to mom’s house. But first, I’ll walk you up to your front stoop.”
Which he does, then lays another sweet kiss upon my lips.
“Thank you for a wonderful night, Tanya. I’ll text you good night when I’m about to go to sleep.”
I nod. “Good night, Damien. I had a wonderful time as well.”
I then open the front door, head inside, say good night to Hank, the security guard, then take the elevator to my apartment’s floor.
Once inside my home, I lock my door then shuck my clothes on the way to my bedroom. I honestly may have been a little disappointed when Damien declined my offer to join me upstairs. But I also understand his reasoning for it. Emotionally, we dealt with a lot tonight. Plus, looking around my apartment, it could certainly use a little tidying up before I entertain company.
Climbing under my bedcovers, I decide to continue the romance story that I started a few days ago. Nowadays I barely get any time to read for fun. Just as the main characters begin to make love, I receive a text message.
Damien : I’m home angel. Thanks again for an amazing night. Talk to you tomorrow. Sleep tight.
Tanya : Glad you’re home safe and sound. Night.
I set my book and phone down on my nightstand, then fall asleep soundly.