Chapter 256
Adrian arrives exactly on time.
I know this because I’ve checked the clock three times already, pacing from the living room to the hallway and back again like I’m waiting for an exam result instead of a date. When his car finally pulls up outside, headlights briefly washing over the front of my house, my heart gives a small, traitorous leap.
I stop pacing.
From the window, I watch him step out of the car, adjusting his jacket as he looks up at my house. He pauses for a second, like he’s taking it in, and something about that makes my chest tighten in a way that feels dangerously close to hope.
I smooth my hands down my dress even though it’s already smooth, grab my bag, and then freeze when the doorbell rings.
“Okay,” I mutter to myself. “You’ve got this p>
When I open the door, Adrian is standing there with an easy, unforced smile—hands tucked into his pockets, posture relaxed, eyes warm.
“Hey,” he says softly. “Wow p>
“Wow?” I echo, amused.
“You look really beautiful,” he says, like it’s a simple fact, not a performance.
Heat creeps up my neck. “You don’t look so bad yourself p>
He chuckles. “High praise p>
“Deserved high praise,” I say, before continuing, “Come in p>
The moment he crosses the threshold, he pauses. Not in an awkward way, but like he’s taking everything in. His eyes drift around the living room, lingering on the throw pillows my mom insisted made everything cozier, the framed photos on the wall, and the soft glow of the lamp near the couch.
“This place feels…” He trails off, searching for the right word.
“Small?” I offer lightly.
“No,” he says immediately. “Warm… Like it actually gets lived in p>
Something in my chest loosens.
“Thank you,” I admit. “Though I’m curious about the last part of your sentence p>
Before he can answer, a familiar black shape pads into the room.
Blackie stops short when she sees him.
I brace myself instinctively. She hates strangers. Hates them. Usually reacts with a glare that could curdle milk or worse, a warning hiss… but instead, she tilts her head.
Adrian notices her immediately, his expression lighting up. “Oh wow… is that your cat p>
“Yes,” I say carefully. “And she’s not very social p>
He crouches slowly, not reaching for her, just holding out his fingers at a respectful distance. “Hey there, beautiful. I’m Adrian p>
I hold my breath.
Blackie steps closer.
My jaw nearly drops when she sniffs his hand and then rubs her head against his fingers.
“Oh my God,” I whisper.
Adrian’s eyes widen. “Is this okay p>
“She doesn’t let strangers touch her,” I say, stunned.
He laughs softly, clearly pleased, and gently scratches behind her ears. “I guess she has good taste p>
“Or you’re secretly a cat whisperer p>
“Guilty,” he says lightly. “I grew up with cats. Dogs are great, but cats? They choose you p>
“I think she’s decided you’re acceptable,” I say dryly.
“I will treasure this honor p>
Blackie purrs like she’s known him forever and something about that small moment settles something deep in my chest.
We leave a few minutes later.
Adrian insists on holding my hand and giving me support, as if I’m some delicate flower. It honestly makes me feel so special.
The night air is cool, brushing against my skin, and for a second I just stand there, breathing it in.
He opens the car door for me before I can even reach for it.
“Thank you,” I say softly, climbing in.
As I settle into the seat, I reach for the seat belt and frown when it doesn’t click right the first time. I adjust it, tugging it awkwardly around my belly.
“Need help?” he asks gently, already leaning closer.
I hesitate for half a second, then nod. “Yes, please p>
He moves in carefully, as if he’s aware of how close he is. His arm reaches across me, the faint scent of his cologne filling the space between us. As he pulls the belt into place, the back of his hand brushes against my bump.
It’s barely a touch, but my heart stops anyway.
The world narrows to that single point of contact, warmth spreading through my chest so fast it steals my breath. He freezes too, just for a fraction of a second, before clicking the belt into place.
“There,” he murmurs. “All set p>
He pulls back smoothly, like nothing happened. Like my pulse isn’t racing. Like I didn’t just forget how to breathe.
Once we’re on the road, I glance out the window, trying to steady myself.
“So,” I say casually, like I’m not still reeling. “Where are we going p>