The bakery had quieted down after the evening rush. Eunice was wiping the counter when the familiar jingle of the doorbell broke the stillness. She glanced up, expecting one of her regulars, but there was Tom, framed by the warm golden light of the setting sun spilling through the door.
In his hands was a bouquet of roses—deep red, velvety, and perfect, tied with a white satin ribbon.
"Tom," she said, her voice a mix of surprise and excitement.
"Eunice," he replied, stepping closer. There was something in his eyes—a vulnerability that made her pulse quicken.
"These are for you," he said, holding out the flowers.
Her breath hitched as she reached for them. His fingers brushed hers, lingering for a moment longer than necessary, and the simple touch sent a jolt of warmth through her.
"They're beautiful," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Not as beautiful as you," he replied, his gaze never leaving hers.
Eunice felt her cheeks burn, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it. "You're relentless, you know that?"
Tom chuckled, a rich, deep sound that made her stomach flutter. "When something's worth pursuing, I don't give up easily."
She found herself smiling despite herself. "And what exactly are you pursuing?"
"You," he said simply, his voice low and steady.
The weight of his words hung in the air between them, charged and electric. Eunice swallowed hard, her mind racing.
"Dinner," he said, breaking the tension but keeping his tone soft. "Tomorrow night. Let me take you somewhere special."
She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the bouquet. "Tom, I—"
"No pressure," he interrupted, his hand reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. His touch was gentle, lingering. "Just dinner. Let me show you how much I enjoy spending time with you."
Her lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, she nodded, her body betraying her hesitation with the smallest tilt of her head.
The next evening, Eunice found herself standing in front of her mirror, smoothing down the soft fabric of her dress. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the neckline, her reflection showing a woman who looked calm but felt anything but.
When Tom's car pulled up, her heart skipped a beat. He stepped out, dressed in a dark blazer that hugged his broad shoulders perfectly. The way his smile lit up when he saw her made her knees feel weak.
"You look stunning," he said, his voice deep and filled with admiration.
"Thank you," she replied, her cheeks flushing under his gaze.
He opened the car door for her, his hand brushing the small of her back as he guided her in. The contact was brief but sent a wave of heat coursing through her.
The restaurant was a hidden gem, a rooftop overlooking a shimmering river. Strings of fairy lights crisscrossed above, their warm glow casting a romantic ambiance over the intimate setting. Tom had chosen a private table tucked away in a corner, where the world seemed to fall away.
As they sat down, Eunice noticed how close their chairs were. Every time he shifted, she could feel the heat radiating from him.
"This place is incredible," she said, looking around.
"I wanted it to match the company," he replied, his gaze locked onto hers.
Throughout dinner, Tom's attention never wavered. His eyes held hers as they talked, his lips curving into a smile at her stories. When he laughed, it was genuine, and the sound wrapped around her like a warm embrace.
When dessert arrived, a rich chocolate soufflé, Tom grew quiet. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his fingers interlaced as he studied her.
"Eunice," he began, his voice lower, softer.
She looked up, her breath catching at the intensity in his gaze.
"I've been trying to find the right words all night," he said, leaning closer. "But the truth is, I can't stop thinking about you. Every moment we've spent together has been… unforgettable. And I need you to know, I'm falling for you."
Her lips parted, a shaky breath escaping as she tried to process his confession.
"I know it's fast," he continued, his hand reaching across the table to take hers. His thumb brushed against her skin, sending a shiver up her arm. "But I can't fight this. I don't want to fight this."
Eunice's chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. The warmth of his hand, the sincerity in his voice—it was overwhelming.
"Tom, I…" she started, her voice trembling.
"Don't overthink it," he said, standing and moving to her side. He crouched down beside her, their faces now inches apart. "Just tell me how you feel."
Her heart was racing, her pulse pounding in her ears. "I feel… scared," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
Tom smiled gently, his hand moving to cup her cheek. "It's okay to be scared. But I promise, I'm not going anywhere. I'm here, Eunice."
His words broke down the last of her defenses. Without thinking, she closed the distance, her lips finding his in a kiss that was hesitant at first, then deepened as their emotions took over.
His hand slid to the back of her neck, pulling her closer as the world around them disappeared. It was just them—two souls baring their hearts in a moment of pure, unfiltered connection.
When they finally pulled apart, their breaths were uneven, their foreheads resting together.
"I'm falling for you too," she whispered, her voice trembling but certain.
Tom's smile was radiant, his eyes shining with joy. "Then let's fall together."