I press up onto my tiptoes as he ducks down to meet my lips with his.
A new heat captures my body, spreading like a wildfire.
His hands move to caress my ass, pressing me further into him. I willingly deepen the kiss, giving into a delicious intensity I've never felt before.
Ade lightly bites my bottom lip, coaxing out a moan. I take hold of his sizeable biceps to steady myself, feeling them flex under my fingers.
A few moments later, he reluctantly pulls away, pressing a kiss to the tip of my nose.
I melt, trusting he is already supporting the majority of my weight.
His warm breath dances on my cheek as he leans in to whisper "I had to stop before I passed the point of decency for an open park."
His deep voice ricochets around my head whilst I process what he actually said.
Blood pools in my cheeks at the realisation. I thank the gods that one us remembered our surroundings.
Leaning back, Ade studies me. Turquoise pools glazed over with a barely restrained need.
His little dimples surface before kissing my forehead. Lingering there for a beat.
I no longer notice the icy brush of the breeze.
I rest my head on his chest. Listening to the lub-dub of his quickened heart.
I relished in his embrace for a short while longer before he released me.
I immediately hate the distance.
Recapturing my hand, we continued our stroll.
So that's what that is meant to feel like.
I squeeze Ade's hand and he returns the favour before stroking his thumb along the side of my mine.
The trees give way to a circular lake.
Young children giggle and jump in delight as they throw bread to the flocks of majestic swans ruling over the extravagant pond.
The waters lay in front of Kensington Palace, a bubbling tourist attraction.
We pause to take in the tranquility of the scene playing out before us.
So much joy from a glorified puddle. Water always seems to have that serene yet playful effect.
Resuming our meander, I ask "What's your family like?"
His step faltered briefly, "My mum is warm-hearted but naive, she comes from an affluent family and has never needed to work. Dad is cunning and stern, no hurdle is too high. Elizabeth, my sister, is very outgoing, she currently works in fashion marketing."
I'm stunned by the immediate honesty, "How did Elizabeth get into fashion?"
"She took off after university, determined to travel the world and stumbled into it whilst abroad." He looks heavenward at the unburdened abyss "Liz is an unmatched socialite, so making connections has never been an issue."
Liz sounds like a great person to be around. I hope I'll get a chance to meet her.
"Did your dad start the business?"
"No, my dad's great-grandfather was the founder. Each generation passed down the responsibility to the eldest son." A corner of his mouth tilts upward, "Although, I don't see why a daughter can't inherit the role."
"Good answer." I elbow him playfully.
"Your turn." Ade swings my hand, egging me on, "Tell me about your family."
"My mum is…inconsistent, so my dad has been my rock since I was little." His job involves a lot of travelling, so I often stayed with my grandparents. But, he was always there when I needed him. "Believe it or not, my dad is actually six foot four!"
"No way!" Ade flashes me a look of mock horror. "What happened?"
"Oi…I'm fun sized like the mini Haribo packets."
"Of course, my mistake. So, what did you inherit from your dad?" His eyes slowly travel down my body before lingering on my ass, where my hair falls to an end. "Your long hair?"
"How did you know!" During his teenage years, my dad was a drummer in a rock band. He looked the part with long hair and eyeliner.
We round the corner of a tall hedge.
A large section of a tree trunk is being showcased in a black wire birdcage.
Intrigued, I pull Ade with me for a closer inspection.
Elves have been intricately carved into the old wood. Colourful details bring the severed trunk to life.
Ade encircles his arms around my shoulders, resting his head on mine.
The weight is an oddly reassuring reminder of his presence.
I lean into his embrace, taking in the numerous carvings.
Many elves clamber up the tree, taunted by those above.
A couple kiss on a ledge, blissfully unaware of the squirrel chasing an onlooker below.
Each carving is lasting evidence of the comprehensive thought process used to ensure the natural shape of the tree was accentuated by every aspect.
"Truly magical…" I breathe, overwhelmed by the spectacular sight.
Adrian's laughter startles me.
I twist my head to peer up at him.
His smile invades his eyes, "Indeed it is Evie."
Ade's soft lips send heat cascading from my forehead.
As he pulls back, I reach up to cup his cheek. His eyes close, letting my hand take some of his weight.
His steady inhalations press against my back, slowing my breathing in turn.
The familiar scent gets tangled in the air, completely surrounding me with him.
I allow my head to fall back against his shoulder.
I shouldn't feel this comfortable on a first date. I know it's crazy, but it just feels right.
I inhale deeply and relax into him as I exhale.
I'll bask in this feeling for as long as it permits me to.
Alas, reality awaits.
"You should be getting back to work." I run the pad of my thumb across his defined jaw, easing him back to earth.
"If I must. Let me walk you to the station."
I nod, slipping my hand back into his.
We start the short walk.
"Are you free Friday night?" Adrian asks smoothly.
"I finish at three am, but should be able to sleep it off." Three till three shifts are my favourite, they give you a late start without being a full nightshift. "I'll text you the details, I already have the perfect place in mind!"
Heidi took Adam to a mini golf bar the other week. From the pictures, it looks really fun.
"Well, this is me." I indicate to the tube station.
After thanking me for a lovely afternoon, Ade captures my lips for one last kiss before I head home.
His fingers slide through my hair to support the back of my head with his hand.
I tilt my head back into to into his large hand, watching him bite his lip.
"Let me know when you get home." He orders softly.
"Always, have a good meeting!"
With that, I make my way down the steps to the gates.
The journey home is simple enough, but I still manage to miss my stop.
How can someone completely entrance my thoughts after a single date.
Life is definitely not a fairytale.
Yet, even whilst clutching my handbag, my hand still feels empty. Cold.