Soft jazz poured over the dimly lit room as Allison sipped her wine, watching the flickering candlelight cast warm shadows across the restaurant's polished mahogany tables. Her eyes wandered, absorbing the soft clinking of glasses, gentle laughter, and occasional whispers that drifted through the air like a secret shared among strangers.
The night felt charged, as if something electric lingered just beneath the surface.
She was mid-sip when he entered.
He was tall, with dark hair that curled slightly over his collar and eyes that seemed to scan the room with a calm, assessing gaze. His suit fit perfectly, tailored to his lean frame, and his confidence was undeniable. She watched as he spoke briefly to the hostess before being led to a table on the other side of the room.
Their eyes met as he crossed the floor.
It was a fleeting moment—his eyes capturing hers just long enough for her to feel the jolt of it, then glancing away as if the moment hadn't happened at all. But it had, and she felt her pulse quicken, a curious heat creeping up her spine.
Allison's hand trembled slightly as she placed her glass down, trying to mask her reaction. She was here alone, meant to enjoy a rare evening of solitude, but something about him stirred something deep inside her. She took a deep breath, willing herself to be calm, yet found herself glancing his way once more.
When he caught her looking, he didn't break eye contact.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, just subtle enough to be mysterious, yet unmistakably inviting. She felt herself respond with an answering smile, her heart racing in response to this silent exchange. It was a game, one played between two people who had never spoken, yet already seemed to understand one another in some unspoken way.
The night unfolded slowly. She could feel his gaze on her now and then, sending tiny thrills through her as the hours slipped by. When he rose to leave, she felt a pang of disappointment—until he walked past her table, pausing just long enough to slide a folded piece of paper toward her, his fingers grazing hers.
"Until next time," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver through her.
And then he was gone, leaving her heart pounding and her mind racing with anticipation.
Allison unfolded the note with trembling fingers. The words were simple, yet they made her heart skip a beat:
"Tomorrow night. 8 p.m. Same place. If you're curious".