"I-I think I do," I frowned, not knowing where it was going to go.
"I'm going to be very honest as I possibly can with you, Charlotte," he began, as his ocean blue eyes pierced mine, "The moment I saw you, I felt something different. I'm not going to say that it was love at first sight, because I don't believe something like that exists. Love and trust are earned. And it takes time. However, I do believe that you and I were meant to find each other. Your mere presence makes me feel something I've never felt before. I want to touch you, to hold you, to kiss you. When I look into your eyes, I feel the emptiness dissipate.
"I believe fate put us together in the right place and at the right time. And I hope that you will let me — let us — explore what we have here."
I was speechless. Evander King understood me. I wasn't alone. I wasn't crazy. With that in mind, I had no other choice than to agree with him. I'd be stupid if I let go this chance.
"I'd like that," I whispered, still feeling the shock of his words.
"Okay. Enough for that, for now. Let's enjoy our meal," he said with a warm smile just before our main course was served to us.
——
The dinner was eventful. We had chocolate soufflés for dessert. In the end, I learned that he was born and raised in Washington. His father passed away, leaving her mom alone. That was one of the reason he'd never came to the office. He preferred worked from home where he could accompany his mother. He choose to act behind the scene, leaving his company on Mr. Rivera's hand that would report to him every month without a fail.
The drive to my apartment was filled with comfortable silent. I was not ready for the night to be offer yet. The sight of my apartment parking was making me slightly annoyed. Why didn't he take a longer route.
He swiftly parked his super cool car. In no time, he was opening up my door. Was it a crime to invite your date on the first date? Actually, I didn't care.
"Do you want to go upstairs?" I aksed shyly, already feeling my cheeks heat up, "We could watch a movie. Or maybe just talk."
Evander observed me for some time before nodding his head and then silently guiding me to the building with his hand behind my back. The warmth that I feel with his closeness was indescribable. It seemed like he also liked the contact because he didn't move his hand while we were in the elevator.
Once we got at twelfth floor, we stepped outside the elevator. I opened the door of my apartment with my keys. My apartment wasn't too big, but it was cozy. It was a perfect size for me. Evander's ocean blue eyes drank every inch of my apartment, as if he didn't want to miss a thing. Until, those eyes stopped when he saw something on the coffee table.
Following his gaze, I blushed as I realized he was looking at my designs. I scrambled to close the book. However, my short feet was nothing compare to his long leg. God damn it. He moved away from me while looking at my designs, page by page.
My designs were mostly evening gown. I did draw a few of street clothing. However, I was always fascinated about beautiful gowns. It might be connected due to lack of gown that I owned when I was child. I mean there was no point having a gown if I wouldn't have the event go to. Well, may be except prom.
"Your designs are beautiful," he complimented me, his eyes never stray from the design.
"Thank you," I squeaked out. My face was hot. I was sure that I looked like a tomato. "Give it back, please."
He ignored my question, instead he asked me, "Why didn't you tell Andrew about this?"
Andrew was the first name of Mr. Rivera. I wasn't even thinking to show my designs to anyone. How could I possibly show that to my boss? Sure, Evander was the CEO. However, the boss that might meet on daily basis was Mr. Rivera. And the idea of him laughing at my designs was horrifying.
"Because I'm not that good," I mumbled.
"Are you serious?" He lifted an eyebrow, his ocean blue eyes were back to analyze my designs, "These are incredible, Charlotte. Trust me, I will not lie to you. On Monday, I want you to bring this to Andrew. And before you say anything, I will check with Andrew. So, don't try to lie to me."
I pouted a bit. I knew Evander meant well. But it still scared me to show other people my designs. Not even my family knew that I was still designing. They thought it was a phase that stopped when I entered high school.
"Hey," he said softly as he placed the book on the couch and walked towards me, "you have a lot of potential. I know it. My company is designed for people like you. I hate seeing extraordinary potential wasted simply because you are afraid."
"I know," I said, biting my lip and nodding, "But it's still terrifying."
"It is scary. But it's life. It's a constant leap of faith," Evander caressed my cheek with his right hand, making me feel the sparks that enjoyed so much, "Sometimes, we have to take a risk. And believe me, it will be worth it. If you don't try to put your out there, one day you regret it. You have the chance now. Don't waste it."
"Okay," I whispered as I gazed his ocean blue eyes that hold so much warmth with every word he spoke.
We spent the night eating popcorn and watching Aquaman. However, I was unable to concentrate on the movie. The way his arm wrapped around me, his warmth seeped into my skin, and the sparks trailed with every touch we shared. And I knew I wasn't alone in this.
Evander was different from any other man I'd ever met. It was confusing and frightening. But he was right. Life is a never-ending leap of faith. For me, the thing in between was a leap of faith. And I decided that if I wanted answers, I had to be brave. Not just answers to my designs, but also answers to how I felt a connection with him. Putting a teeny tiny bit of faith in him was the first step toward being brave. So that's what I planned to do, while praying to God for an answer. Soon.