Chapter 258
When we step into the theater, it’s dim but not crowded, that perfect in-between where it feels like the world has stepped aside just for us. Adrian gestures toward the center.
“I picked the best seats,” he says quietly. “Middle row, dead center. You get the perfect view with no neck strain p>
“Look at you,” I tease. “So prepared p>
“I take movie nights very seriously p>
The previews roll, light flickering across his face. When the movie finally starts, I realize why he chose it. It’s my kind of taste… Witches, vampires and ancient magic.
It’s the kind of story that feels like it crawled straight out of a well-loved novel.
“You remembered,” I whisper, glancing at him.
He leans closer, his shoulder brushing mine. “You love novels with the supernatural, so I figured I couldn’t go wrong with this p>
The movie pulls me in almost immediately. It’s so interesting that I forget where I am for a moment, forget everything except the screen.
Halfway through, Adrian leans over slightly. “You enjoying it p>
“Yes,” I whisper back, smiling. “A lot p>
“Good,” he murmurs. “I didn’t want to disappoint p>
“You didn’t,” I assure him and for a moment I feel like kissing him.
Somewhere between a chase scene and a dramatic reveal, my hand shifts on the armrest and so does his.
Our fingers brush just for a second and my breath stutters, heat pooling low in my stomach. I don’t pull away. Neither does he. Instead, our hands rest close, almost touching, like both of us are aware of the space between but letting it exist.
A little later, his knee nudges mine when he shifts in his seat.
I tell myself it’s accidental even though my pulse rises.
When the movie ends and the credits roll, I realize my cheeks hurt from smiling. Adrian stretches slightly, then looks at me.
“So,” he asks, “verdict p>
“I loved it,” I say honestly. “You have excellent taste p>
“High praise again, but I am really glad you enjoyed it p>
Outside the theater, the night air feels cooler.
“I don’t really want this night to end,” I admit quietly, surprising myself.
He studies my face for a moment, then smiles. “Ice cream p>
“Yes,” I say instantly. “Absolutely yes p>
The parlor is warm and softly lit, the kind of place that smells like vanilla and sugar cones. We sit across from each other at first, discussing the movie.
“What did you like most?” I ask him.
“The world-building,” he says thoughtfully. “But also… the way the characters chose each other, over and over p>
Something about the way he says it makes my chest tighten.
I’m mid-scoop of ice cream when he suddenly says, “Knock, knock p>
I blink. “Oh no p>
“Knock, knock p>
“Who’s there p>
“Vamp p>
“…Vamp who p>
“Vamp-ire believe how good this date is going p>
I burst out laughing. Real, unfiltered laughter that has me clutching my stomach and nearly spilling my ice cream.
“Oh my God,” I wheeze. “That was terrible p>
“And yet,” he grins, “you laughed p>
“I almost peed myself p>
“Then it was definitely worth it p>
There’s a quiet moment after that. The noise fades into the background and I realize he’s looking at me like he’s memorizing something.
“Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?” he says softly, almost like he’s afraid to break the moment.
I swallow.
“I mean it,” he adds. “Inside and out p>
“Thank you p>
Something shifts then. He moves, not across from me anymore, but beside me. Close enough that our shoulders touch and our thighs barely brush.
“If I asked you out again,” he says quietly, “would you say yes p>
“In a heartbeat.” I answer, lost in his eyes.
I kid you not, it’s like he’s hypnotized me and I can’t look away from him.
His smile is slow and genuine.
When he walks me back to my door later, I almost tell him to stay because I don’t want him to leave. I don’t want to be separated from him.
“If I kissed you right now, would you push me away?” he asks softly.
I swallow because it’s the only thing I can do. The words refuse to leave my lips.
And when he kisses me, it’s gentle. Careful. Like he’s savoring the moment instead of taking it.
It’s not earth-shattering, but it makes my toes curl in the best way. When he pulls away, I almost pull him back, but I fight that urge.
“Goodnight, Sierra p>
“Goodnight, Adrian p>
I watch him leave and for the first time since Noah, love doesn’t seem impossible.