Wyatt stood at the door of Kayla's condo, pacing on the porch. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, his hair gelled black and he looked very handsome.
Wyatt straightened his tie, dusted off the invisible dirt on his clothes, and checked his Rolex watch for the time.
Would she come? Is she having second thoughts? Does she-
The door opened and Kayla slowly came into view, leaving Wyatt beyond stunned. What was beauty compared to Kayla right now?
The dress she dawned was a black velvet fabric gown. The design incorporated a deep, plunging neckline with a high leg slit on the left side revealing her striking tanned long leg.
The structured shoulders and long sleeves created a refined and regal silhouette, complemented by a choker-style collar.
The gown was floor-length, with a flowing draped skirt that added a sense of fluidity and movement.
It made her look powerful yet glamorous. She opted for silver pieces of jewelry this time and a dark sensual makeup look with her hair in a high ponytail.
"Hi." she breathed with a smile.
Hearing her cherry voice he came back to his senses, eyes scanning her from head to toe.
"Wow. Just wow."
"Wow?"
"I don't think any adjective can describe how you look right now." His comment made her laugh.
They made their way to the car and Wyatt opened his Bugatti car door for her, like the gentleman he was brought up to be.
"Why thank you, sir." She giggled, entering the car. Oliver would never do that for her. He was too much of a brute for that.
"You are welcome, my lady." He closed the door, rounded the car, and slid into the driver's seat.
"So, where are we going?" Kayla asked when Wyatt had started driving.
"Guess," he replied with a mischievous smile.
"To an open sex bar?"
Wyatt swerved, momentarily losing control of the steering wheel.
"Do you think I'd take you there dressed like this!?"
Kayla shrugged nonchalantly. "What? You said I should guess."
"You never cease to amaze me, Kayla. I wonder what goes on in that head of yours."
They continued bantering about football, Kayla making jokes that made Wyatt laugh until his cheeks ached. He found himself looking at her more and more—her joy, her spontaneity, her free spirit. She was magnetic. His blue eyes twinkled, reflecting the brightness she brought into the car.
Soon, they arrived at La Paradisia, an elegant, high-end restaurant. Kayla gasped in astonishment. "You got reservations here? Wyatt, people have to book months in advance, and even then, they select only a few!"
Wyatt chuckled. "Happy to fulfill one of your many wishes." In his mind, he thought, 'I'll fulfill more.' Anything that would keep her pleased.
Kayla hooked her arm through his, and they made their way inside.
La Paradisia was stunning. The place was bathed in soft golden light, with delicate glass sculptures shaped like swans perched atop the water features. Large arched windows gave the restaurant an enchanted garden-like atmosphere, with lush greenery seemingly growing from the walls and ceilings.
Wyatt led them to a table near the window, the soft flickering of candlelight casting a warm glow over the pink velvety tablecloth that adorned their round table. Crystal glasses, polished silverware, and an intricate floral centerpiece completed the luxurious setup.
The waiter arrived, "May I take your order, sir, madame?"
Wyatt smiled at Kayla. "You order for me."
Kayla blinked, surprised. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. I trust you've got crazy good taste buds. Or you're just crazy."
Kayla laughed, then thoughtfully ordered a seafood ensemble for both of them. The array included oysters with lemon drizzle, lobster bisque, and grilled seabass with a side of sautéed vegetables. Wyatt nodded approvingly.
As they waited, soft notes from the orchestra filled the air. The musicians played Erich Wolfgang Korngold's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. Kayla hummed along.
"You know this piece?" Wyatt asked, amused.
Kayla smiled softly. "Yeah. It's very unpopular—only professionals know it. It's sweet, romantic, and has so much emotional depth. The cinematic quality is what makes it stand out for me."
"So, you're a professional?" he teased. "What do you play?"
Kayla's eyes dimmed, becoming glossy. Her vision blurs drifting to the past before she replies, softly, "I used to play the cello."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I loved it so much. I even had my own custom-made cello." she chuckled shortly and Wyatt intently listened, captivated by her. She made everything around her become a backdrop.
"The cello was yay big." she gestured with her hands. "It was my favorite color, blue. Sky Blue like your eyes." their gazes met and there was a magnetic pull. A connection. Soft and tugging.
"And it had designs of gold on it. It was beautiful."
She shifted in her seat. "I used all my Christmas money to pay for it. My music teacher helped with the rest."
It broke her heart when she had to sell it six years ago.
"But you said used to. You don't play anymore?"
"Yeah. That was a long time ago." Six years. Her heart constricted as she stared in the direction of the orchestra band.
The waiter came to serve their food.
"Is that what you would have been? A cellist?"
"I don't know."
"But you want to be a Broadway star, isn't it?"
"I can't. I have to be a hacker that's why I'm taking this special class so I can be recruited by a company."
"Why? Is this what you want to do?" his brows furrowed. When he watched her on stage she shone like a star. She was born to be on stage.
She sighed. "It's what I have to do."
"Anyways, enough about me! Are you going to be a professional soccer player?" she changed the subject but he wouldn't push her for answers. Not now at least.
They had started eating. She took a bite out of one of the dishes and moaned. "God this is good. Heaven on Earth." her eyes rolled to the back of her head in ecstasy.
Wyatt licked his lips and he could feel his dick hardening. She was a temptress.
"Why are you staring at me? Eat! The food is really good. No wonder the name of this place is paradise!"
"I'm already full."
"What?"
"Just by looking at you." Kayla almost choked. Her heart would burst before the end of tonight. But Wyatt still picked up his cutleries.
She cleared her throat, tucking her hair behind her hair. "You haven't answered my question. Are you going to play professionally?"
Wyatt's hands froze while cutting the food. "No." Kayla noticed this.
"I'm going to take over my family's business."
"Oh, right. The Hudson Real Estate Firm!" Kayla recalled. They were just shy of the Big Six, practically royalty in the city.
"But is that what you want to do? You love soccer and you're practically one of the best players I've seen out there right now!"
"It's complicated, Kayla. It's what I have to do too."
The mood became serious and Kayla wouldn't stand for this.
"Wait here, Wyatt. I'll be right back." She stopped eating, stood up, and walked away.
"Kayla, where are you going?" he called after her but she turned her head and winked at him.
She went to the orchestra and whispered something in the conductor's ear. The man nodded, surprised.
She headed back to her table, grabbing Wyatt by his hand. "Stand up soldier! We are about to go to war."
"What?"
"Don't ask questions and do what I say, okay?"
Wyatt still confused agreed and the the band started playing 'Drowsy Maggie' a traditional Irish reel.
"Hold my waist and let's dance!" She instructed, beaming.
"Are you sure? Is this... Appropriate?" his eyes darted to all the dignified people sitting down.
"Hogwash! What's inappropriate is letting a tune as good as this go to waste! Now stop worrying and dance with me!"
"Kayla…"
"Stop being a worrying Wyatt and have fun! If they kick us out, it's their loss!"
Wyatt hesitated but still wrapped his arm around her waist and she led him in a fun dance and twirl.
He was stiff at first but Kayla encouraged him, "Imagine it's only me and you, and we are dancing in the field after you've won a goal. Let go, Wyatt."
Wyatt's eyes softened and he did as he was told.
Kayla guided him through twirls, both of them laughing as they lost themselves in the music. The room, once filled with stiff, dignified people, now had a few older couples joining in, swaying to the music. Soon, others followed, clapping and cheering for the pair.
Wyatt was mesmerized by her infectious happiness. These rich people would have never done this but she pushed them out of their comfort zones. She pushed him.
After the dance, the first older couple who joined them approached them. "Thank you. We haven't danced like this in years, and today's our 30th wedding anniversary. You've made it special for us." The old man said, his eyes glistening.
"You don't have to thank us. We're glad we could make it special for you too." Kayla smiled at them.
The old woman turned to Wyatt, "You are lucky to have this Ray of sunshine in your life as your wife. Always make her happy!"
"Oh no, he's not my-"
"Thank you, ma'am." Wyatt interrupted her and they watched as the old couple walked away.
They left the restaurant immediately after the encounter.
Kayla busted out the door, laughing. Her hair was now a mess and she was sweaty all over.
"It has been a long time since I've done something like that!" she exclaimed. Thankfully she used that new medicine she found online or she wouldn't have been able to do this.
Wyatt said, "You made the whole restaurant full of joy. You made me do something I would have never done."
"That's why I'm here! To make you uncomfortably happy!…. Oh! Oh! I have an idea!" She ran to the car and Wyatt chased after her. She was like this ball of energy.
"Give me the keys," she demanded and he obliged.
"Where are we going?"
"Guess." The car started and they drove out of the parking lot.
"To murder me and bury my body in the woods."
"So you do have a sense of humor!" she chuckled.
Kayla pulled the car into a parking spot along the roadside, directly opposite the beach. The soft sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air, and the scent of saltwater lingered as the breeze tousled her hair.
She turned to Wyatt, a playful glint in her eyes. "What better way to end a date than a moonlit walk on the beach?" She smirked, raising an eyebrow as she grabbed her bag and opened the car door. "Come on, don't make me beg," she teased, motioning for him to follow.
Wyatt chuckled, unbuckling his seatbelt as he watched her kick off her heels and step barefoot onto the cool sand. "You don't have to ask me twice," he replied, stepping out and meeting her by the car.
Hand in hand, they walked along the shoreline, the sound of the waves their only companion. Kayla looked up at the star-filled sky, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice soft. She loved the way the stars seemed to dance just for her.
Wyatt, however, couldn't take his eyes off her. "Not as beautiful as you," he muttered under his breath, loud enough for her to hear.
Kayla laughed and nudged him with her shoulder, rolling her eyes. "Cheesy," she teased, but the smile on her face gave away her delight.
They walked in silence for a few more moments, just enjoying the peace and the way their fingers interlaced. The moon's light cast a silver glow on the water, making everything feel magical.
Suddenly, Wyatt broke the calm by splashing water at her. The cold droplets hit her legs, and she gasped, staring at him in disbelief. "Oh, you're so gonna pay for that," she said, narrowing her eyes mischievously.
Kayla quickly scooped up a handful of water and flung it back at him. Wyatt dodged, laughing as more splashes followed. They chased each other into the shallow water, their laughter echoing through the night as they splashed and played like carefree kids.
Kayla's hair was damp, strands clinging to her face, but she didn't care. She stopped for a second, catching her breath, the moonlight reflecting off the surface of the water. "Okay, okay, truce?" she asked, holding up her hands in surrender.
Wyatt grinned, his shirt soaked through. "Truce… for now," he agreed, stepping closer. "But just so you know, I'm winning."
Kayla shook her head, still smiling, and reached for his hand again. "Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that."
They continued walking, now wet and laughing, leaving a trail of footprints behind them as the moonlit night carried on.
When she shivered, he gave her his tux to wear.
Wyatt pulled the car to a stop in front of Kayla's house, the engine softly humming as he shifted in his seat to face her. The night air outside was still, illuminated by the dim glow of the streetlights.
"Thank you for today, Kayla. For everything," he said, his voice full of sincerity as his eyes held hers for a moment longer than usual.
Kayla smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. "You're welcome! But really, I should be thanking you. I haven't danced like that in… well, like ever!" She laughed softly, still riding the high from the night they shared.
Wyatt hesitated for a beat, his hand shifting toward her. Before she could react, he leaned in, pressing a light peck to her lips. The contact was fleeting—gentle and soft, almost tentative. Kayla froze, her breath catching. His lips were warm, but something felt different.
The anticipation … the thrill… she thought, her mind racing. There was no fire, no dominance, no tension crackling in the air like she expected. And yet, despite the subtle disappointment, she felt butterflies stirring in her belly.
It was sweet. Tender. Like something out of a fairytale. She felt like a princess.
Wyatt pulled back, his hand brushing against her arm briefly. "You should go inside," he said quietly, his voice almost a whisper as he nodded toward her front door.
Kayla blinked, still reeling from the kiss, but managed a soft laugh. She turned in her seat and opened the car door. Before stepping out, she glanced over her shoulder to see him still watching her. "Go!" she playfully shooed him away, waving her hand in the air.
Wyatt smirked, shaking his head. "Not until I'm sure you're inside," he replied, his voice filled with that gentle protectiveness that made her heart squirm.
Her chest tightened, and for a moment, she didn't know if she wanted him to stay or go. But instead, she flashed him one last smile before stepping out and walking up the steps to her front door.
She could feel his gaze on her back the entire way. With a final glance over her shoulder, she saw him still standing there, waiting patiently. A small warmth bloomed in her chest as she unlocked the door and slipped inside.
As soon as the door clicked shut behind her, Kayla leaned against it, exhaling deeply. Her fingers reached up to her lips, still tingling from the brief kiss. She ran her tongue across them, tasting faint traces of mint and the lingering flavors of their dinner.
It wasn't citrus… The thought came unbidden, and her heart skipped a beat.
What would Oliver lips taste like?
The sudden thought of her professor jolted her upright, her cheeks flushing hot with surprise. No. Stop it. What am I thinking? She scolded herself silently, her pulse quickening.
Without wasting another second, Kayla hurried upstairs to take a shower, hoping the rush of cold water would wash away the thoughts that had no business being there. I can't be thinking like that. Ever