Morning light filtered through the large bay windows of Eve's farmhouse, filling the room with a soft golden glow. The air was crisp, carrying the gentle breeze of the hills, and Eve stood by the balcony, watching the driveway below. She was excited, her heart fluttering with an unusual lightness. Today was going to be a good day, she knew it.
She had spent the early morning preparing everything—packing the canvas, brushes, a palette of colors, and sunscreen into her bag. Her outfit was simple but elegant, perfect for painting outdoors: a white cotton sundress, its hemline falling just above her knees, paired with a light beige cardigan to keep warm. Her hair was loosely tied into a messy bun, with a few strands escaping to frame her face. It was the kind of effortless look that suited the mood of the day, practical for painting but still leaving a soft, feminine charm.
From the balcony, Eve smiled to herself, glancing at her phone again. Last night, she and Vincent had followed each other on Instagram, sharing casual conversations into the late hours. They'd exchanged numbers too, and she had sent him the location link for her farmhouse this morning.
She wasn't sure why, but there was a giddy excitement bubbling inside her, something she hadn't felt in years. Perhaps it was the anticipation of spending the day with him, or maybe the way their conversations had flowed so easily the night before. Either way, she couldn't deny that today felt different.
The sound of a car engine pulling up snapped her out of her thoughts. She peered down, spotting Vincent's sleek black car as it came to a stop in front of her farmhouse. He hadn't kept her waiting, not really. It was her who had been standing here, eager and early. She chuckled at herself, then quickly grabbed her things and headed downstairs.
When she stepped outside, she was greeted by Vincent, who stood by his car, smiling up at her. His attire caught her attention immediately-- light blue button-up shirt, rolled up at the sleeves, paired with beige chinos and white sneakers. Soft, boyish, and perfect for the day they had planned. His dark hair was tousled in that effortless way that somehow looked perfectly in place.
The sunlight reflected off the aviator shades he wore, which he removed with one hand, revealing his warm, playful eyes.
Vincent waved, a relaxed grin on his face. "Morning."
Eve couldn't help but feel something stir inside her, a soft flutter in her chest as she took in his appearance. She waved back, her voice light. "Morning, Vincent."
She was about to say more, but before she could, Vincent stepped forward and opened the passenger door of his car for her. The small gesture caught her off guard, a simple act that somehow meant more than it should have. Nathan had never bothered with such courtesies, and the difference between them struck her sharply for a moment.
"Thank you," she murmured, slipping into the car, feeling the subtle scent of his cologne surround her. It was rich, expensive, but not overpowering, and it filled the small space between them as he climbed in beside her.
Once inside, Vincent glanced over at her, a boyish grin tugging at his lips. "Where are we heading, Miss Windsor?"
Eve smiled, her excitement growing. "There's a place near the river, just outside of town. It's beautiful—trees everywhere, their leaves falling with the season, and hills in the background. You'll love it. I'll guide you."
He nodded, starting the car and following her directions. As they drove, a comfortable silence fell between them for a moment, but it wasn't long before conversation naturally sparked.
"So," Vincent began, glancing at her briefly, "any trouble getting the canvas and everything together? I saw your bag. Looks like you're pretty prepared."
Eve chuckled softly, glancing at the packed supplies in the backseat. "I might've overdone it a little. I wasn't sure what we'd need, so I packed everything."
Vincent gave her a playful look. "I like it. You're thorough."
They shared a laugh, and then Eve, curious, asked, "Did you have any trouble finding the farmhouse? The roads can be a bit tricky around here."
Vincent shook his head, his tone light. "Not at all. The location link helped, and I actually enjoyed the drive up here. The hills are gorgeous, and your place—it's amazing, Eve. Quiet, serene. Feels like a retreat."
Eve's heart warmed at his words, and she found herself smiling again. She loved her farmhouse, but hearing him appreciate it, too, somehow made it even more special. "I'm glad you like it. It's been my escape ever since... well, since everything."
There was a weight in her words that Vincent didn't push further, sensing it wasn't the time. Instead, he nodded thoughtfully. "It shows. It's a good place to recharge."
They chatted easily after that—about random things, their favorite music, movies, and even their mutual love for the outdoors. Every word exchanged seemed to lighten Eve's heart, and the tension she usually carried from her life back in New York with Nathan began to melt away.
When they finally arrived at the spot by the river, Vincent parked the car, and both of them stepped out. The scenery that greeted them was breathtaking.
Tall trees lined the riverbank, their golden and red leaves falling gracefully to the ground, creating a colorful carpet beneath their feet. The river shimmered in the morning light, and the rolling hills in the background completed the picture-perfect view.
Eve stood there, mesmerized, her breath catching slightly. "It's even more beautiful than I remember," she said softly.
Vincent, standing beside her, glanced over with a soft smile. "You weren't wrong. This place is incredible."
For a moment, neither of them moved, simply taking in the peaceful beauty of the scene before them. It felt as though time had slowed, the world around them fading into the background as they stood together.
Eve could feel the light breeze tugging at the loose strands of her hair, and the warmth of Vincent's presence beside her. Her excitement was no longer the nervous energy she had felt earlier, but something calmer, more settled. She felt at ease, standing there with him, ready to paint and share this day.
They unloaded the supplies and set up by the river.
Vincent turned to her, his eyes glinting with playful curiosity. "Ready to show me your painting skills, Miss Windsor?"
Eve laughed, feeling lighter than she had in months. "Only if you're ready to be impressed."
The day had just begun, but something about it already felt perfect, like a chapter she would hold onto forever. And in that moment, with Vincent beside her, Eve felt like she could finally breathe.