234: 045 ROMANTIC DATE

045 ROMANTIC DATE

"Where are we going to dine?" The words came out of my lips as I stepped out of my office. I could feel my cheeks heating up. Lucas, noticing my blush, gave a boyish grin, turning my poor knees into Jell-O.2

How could someone be this sinfully handsome? I thought to myself, annoyed by how such a simple grin made my stomach flutter with millions of butterflies.

"Somewhere you will like." He replied and caught my hands, entwining them on his own before I could even react.

Lucas used to hate me, why did he suddenly change overnight? Can really a devil metamorphosis into an angel overnight? I shook the thought as fast as it arrive then raised my eyebrows at him only to see him peering closely at my face as if I have some dirt in it.

Self-consciously, I rub my fingers on my face, trying to remove the dirt if there was any.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" The words came out as raspy, almost seductive which I quite did not expect myself to say.

"Nothing. I just find your face very pretty without makeup on."

My heart made a somersault inside my rib cage. Damn. It's hard to not fall in love with a man like him. He was sincere, I could tell, and it only makes me even fall harder with him.

I must have been stupid for letting him go and finding myself another man. Perhaps the accident tightened my loose screws, allowing me to see him in a different light, and discovering his was every woman's dream but I wasted my chance with him.

"How do you know I will like the place you're talking about." I changed the topic. Not wanting to make it obvious I'm pulling away, I slowly walk away from him. Lucas, still holding my hand, gently pull me back and as he did, he caught me in his arms, wound his arms around my waist, refusing to let me go as if he knew I will run if he did so. 

"I just knew you would." He responded, a confident smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Pray tell why you think so?" My eyes were looking at his lips, enticed by them. 

"I don't have to explain, Inamorata." He whispered to my ears, making my eyes flutter close in response as his fingers trace my jaw.

"If I tell you I need some explanation?" Opening my eyes, I tease him back.

"I have to silence you with a kiss then to keep you asking some questions."

My lips opened to say something just to annoy him but his lips covered my own before I could say a word.

Breath hitched on my throat. My knees turn into Jell-o, making my arms cling to his neck for support. Instead of pushing him away, I found myself responding hotly to his kiss.

His mouth moved slowly at first. I rhythmically followed the flow with my eyes closed, and feeling myself wanting something more I couldn't even explain what. Then the kiss quickened. I feared not being able to go with the flow but he was there, guiding me until I didn't feel lost anymore and I was able to dance to the tune rhythm of his mouth. The moment was perfect that's why when it finally ended, I was thrust back into reality, disappointed that it's finally over.

"Scarlet's gone." Lucas told me.

Collecting my scattered wits in the air, my eyes followed his gaze and saw Scarlet marching away with her fists curled on her side.

A needle stabbed my heart, thinking Lucas just kissed me to make his lover — or was she an ex? — it's unclear yet. The point is he kissed me to make her jealous.

Now that I freed myself from trance, I was able to think much clearer now. Immediately pulling away from him, I start walking away. Lucas fell into steps beside me.

I was still dying to ask if he just kissed me to make Scarlet jealous but I can't muster enough strength to so I kept my mouth shut until we reached where his car was parked.

He opened the door for me like a perfect gentleman, after that he took the seat beside me.

"I would like to apologize for Miss Ross' behavior during the meeting." Now that he's driving the car across the dimly lit highways, Lucas began the conversation.

Just hearing him mention Scarlet's name made my heart ache with jealousy.

"I'm at fault too, no need for you to apologize for her."

"I've been listening the whole time so I know it's all her fault so stop trying to take some of the blame." He said, startling me.

"I suspended Miss Ross for three days for her lack of work ethic."

"Wasn't it too much, Nic?" I shot him a startled look. He didn't look at me. He just kept his eyes straight on the road.

"I don't tolerate my employees. Especially bullies. They should know where they stand. Even if she is the CFO, she has no right to verbally attack any of my employees. If you have done the same, I will suspend you too, without a second thought, and even if you're my wife." Lucas explained.

"I understand, Nic." I replied softly.

He didn't do it for me. He did it for the company. How foolish of me to think he did that for my sake.

"We're here." He broke the silence inside the car.

I raised my gaze and looked up to find myself staring into an upscale restaurant, oozing with elegance and charm.

The outside looked charming but the inside looked more magnificent. It was like I stepped into a romantic ball, where fairy tales took place.

"Do you have reservations, Sir?" The male butler politely asked after greeting us good evening.

"We do." Lucas replied, providing the butler his name.

"Please follow me, Mr. And Mrs. Alexander." He said. The butler led us close to the pool where a romantic dinner table was set. There were scented candles and a bouquet of flowers on the table, helping to intensify the intimate atmosphere.

Lucas was right, I liked the place. The restaurant felt like a safe haven, with the soft orchestra playing in the background, and a relaxing atmosphere to make me feel at ease. What I liked more about the place is we have the pool area only for ourselves. There will be no prying eyes to distract me tonight.

He pulled the chair for me. He was treating me like a pampered princess and despite denying it to myself, I did love it.

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