Chapter 21
Luke
I was standing outside a charming brick building.
The restaurant stood right on a small hill overlooking the beach.
I was not thrilled about that, but today’s jump with Hazel was definitely much higher.
Scarier, too. The fear, however, was softened by the gentle glow of Hazel’s smile catching the sunlight beside me, a quiet reminder that I wasn’t facing this alone.
I sighed quietly to myself, the memory lingering as we waited for everyone to arrive. After the beach, the girls wanted to raid some shops for clothes and get their nails done, so we decided to meet here.
From the outside, the restaurant seemed like a casual, vintage spot, but the inside was brand new, elegant, and lavish. A string quartet and a piano in the corner, along with the dim lighting, was pure chef’s kiss. Perfect for the night ahead.
Alex joined me, hands in his pockets, all skittish. He glanced at me but didn’t say a word. I chuckled at the edgy mess beside me.
“Nervous?” I asked, my gaze lingering on his shoes, which were awkwardly clattering against the brick driveway. He just grunted, trying to get his nerves back on track.
“What if she says no?” he muttered.
“She’s not gonna say no. I know that. You know that. We all know that. Even she knows that. Calm down,” I said.
He grunted again. Logan and Ethan emerged from the restaurant debating loudly the legality of pineapple on pizza.
“Where are they?” Alex asked.
“Norah texted me. They’re a couple of minutes away,” I replied, just as a black Audi pulled up. “Less now, I guess.”
“Show time,” I whispered, patting his back. He exhaled dramatically.
The girls stepped out of the car, each more radiant than the last, but Hazel, of course, was the last to emerge. I knew she did it to avoid the spotlight. Turns out, it was a good thing because, at that moment, I was certain that even if I tried, I wouldn’t have seen anyone past her.
My heart sank at the view before me. She was absolutely gorgeous.
My eyes fell on her figure. She got a dark plum-colored dress with tiny white dots on it that so beautifully hugged her waist, and the way the fabric was tightened around her breasts confirmed she was braless.
I cursed under my breath, reminding myself for the millionth time why we were here.
Hazel looked so carefree, so impossibly happy, I couldn’t ruin that for her.
“Damn, girls,” Ethan whistled. “You look like sushi on a conveyor belt. Irresistible.” A ridiculous statement, but he wasn’t wrong.
“You look...” I turned to Hazel, searching for words. “Stunning.” She blushed. God, how I loved that she couldn’t control it. She definitely didn’t do that so often back home. I would’ve noticed.
“I sent a selfie to Mady and she called me ‘pigment-challenged eggplant’.”
I offered my arm for her to hold on to since her high heels could betray her on the pebbled ground. She took it without hesitation.
At the door, I leaned in, whispering against her ear, “You are very, very pretty eggplant.” She tried to bite off a smile.
We entered the restaurant, and I felt her fingers tighten on my suit.
The utter amazement on her face alone was a view to be cherished.
Stunned by the intimate setting and the soft music, Hazel looked at me without concealing her reaction.
Her smile was so bright that I told the small nagging voice in my head Fuck you, this was worth it just to see her like this.
“This is gorgeous,” Ava breathed. I saw Alex watch Ava with such intensity in his eyes. Just as I was watching Hazel a moment ago.
He must love her so much.
The evening went smoothly. Everyone was having a great time.
I decided to switch my phone to Airplane mode so no one could reach me.
It was refreshing. I felt at peace. I sank into my seat, watching everyone around the table, and I had to admit—it looked perfect.
It felt perfect. Like home. Not the one I grew up in, but the one everyone should feel.
I glanced at Hazel laughing with the others, and warmth spread through me. Hazel fit in here more than I did, like she’d always been part of us. Maybe just waiting to be discovered by them. By me, too.
Soft music began to play, almost worthy of the view as I lingered at the edge, watching.
“We should dance. Let’s dance,” Ava pleaded, placing a hand on Alex’s cheek.
“Anything for you, pumpkin,” he smiled, leading her away. The others followed. I raised an eyebrow at Hazel, silently asking.
“Shouldn’t we watch our friends’ stuff?” she asked, trying to find an excuse, but deep down, I knew she didn’t want to protest.
“Oh, c’mon, sweetie.” I stood, taking her hands and whispering, “I don’t bite.” She followed me without a struggle.
Hazel murmured something similar to That’s what I’m worried about, and I laughed, slowly pulling her close like I’d wanted to all night.
Sweet piano notes filled the room, mingling with a soft voice.
But nothing was softer than Hazel’s bare skin beneath my fingertips.
I hadn’t noticed the low cut of her dress.
My jaw tensed. I ran my thumb over her back, and she swallowed.
“So, what’s the big secret?”
I hmm-ed, enjoying the moment.
“The chicken in Ava’s office? The farmer’s market two blocks from my place. In my defense, Alex was in on it too,” I said, spinning her into an open turn before catching her again. She giggled.
“Luke.”
“I’ve never brought any girl home,” I whispered, confessing.
I’d never wanted to. Not until now. The thought just happened to pop into my head without my consent.
Panic surged through my brain at the thought of Hazel and my parents in the same room.
I swallowed and squeezed her palm lightly, protecting myself from whatever was causing this.
She noticed and glided her hand on my back until I eased.
“No, I mean about tonight,” she clarified, searching my eyes.
“Patience, Hazel. The night isn’t over yet, but I promise, it’s gonna be a good one,” I teased, just as light applause rippled around the room. It looked like the pianist was going to take a break as soft recorded music started to fill its place.
We stopped for a moment, looking at each other, contemplating whether we should head back. But this time, Hazel was the one who closed the distance, which made my heart drown in that disgustingly warm feeling. My arms were already open.
If earlier we had left room between us for conversation and eye contact, now Hazel was closer—her sweet breath on my neck, her heartbeat against my chest. The melody brought us into a whole different world, and we started to sway slowly.
I breathed in her scent, pulling her closer, as she rested her cheek on my shoulder.
My hand found her hip, squeezing gently, and I leaned into her neck.
My heart raced, yet I remained calm with Hazel in my arms. My fingers grazed her bare back, tracing delicate circles, as if memorizing the feel of her.
Hazel followed my lead effortlessly with an ease that felt earned, her trust holding the moment together.
I moved us forward, but she kept us safe.
I let my lips hover by her ear as I whispered, emphasizing every letter.
“B.r.e.a.t.h.t.a.k.i.n.g.”
Slowly, I traced my finger from the base of her spine to her shoulder blades.
A quiet, almost inaudible moan escaped her lips, but it was enough for me to close my eyes, savoring it.
Hazel’s temple nudged against my jaw, and I dipped my head instinctively, craving more contact.
Nothing existed beyond this moment—just her, just us, floating in time.
Her fingers found my collar and slipped underneath it, brushing lightly up my neck and to the edge of my hairline. Both my hands spread wide across her back, drawing shivers that answered something deep in me. Just for this endless moment, we were one. No past, no fear or doubt existed. Only us.
My subconscious screamed warnings, but I wasn’t going to let it win tonight.
The only thing that could stop me was Hazel herself, but there was no point in denying she was just as hypnotized by this moment as I was with her.
Her heart was racing, but she held on to me, not wishing for this to end either.
Her fingers lightly danced to the rhythm of the music on my shoulder, and I grazed my nose softly against her cheek.
Her fingers gripped me a little tighter.
The music started to fade, and I heard voices creeping back into existence. People returned to their tables, and we unwillingly let go. And when I glanced at Hazel, she was captivatingly gazing into my soul. A place even I rarely visited.
“I’ll go to the ladies’ room.” She smiled shyly.
I held her gaze as long as I could, but the reality set in, leaving me with an impossible task not to follow her with my eyes as she walked away enticingly.
Her high heels made her legs look as if sent from heaven, and I felt my arms clench into fists as I fought for control.
Alex caught my eye and gave a subtle nod.
Show time.
I went to the bar and waited for the bartender. Meanwhile, Hazel returned from the bathroom.
“Hey,” I said, packing too much into a single word. She didn’t respond, but let out a happy sigh. “Want something from the bar?”
“Just some water.”
The bartender finally appeared.
“Chardonnay and eight glasses. And a bottle of water.” Hazel eyed me curiously.
“Are we celebrating something?”
“Yes.” I smiled. “Life.”
Her eyes sparkled, filling the room with an inexplicable sunshine. I took her hand and led us back to the table, indulging in the thought of always having her hold my hand. And tonight, I wanted to pretend it’s true.
We sat at the table, and eventually, everyone rejoined us.