ght of her date with Donald, and she wanted everything to be perfect. She slipped into the emerald green gown that Anne had

round her in soft undulations, and s

-with Donald. She felt this date to be different, more significant. There was something sparkling in the air, a f

the entrance and opened the door. She found Donald standing and wearing his fitted suit. H

said, his eyes

absolutely

she replied

ok grea

came a perfect backdraft for their night together. Donald opened the car door for her, a thing that made her feel cheris

bout favorite foods, childhood memories, and everything in between, finding little quirks and similarities that grew the connecti

ing views of the cityscape. Clara simply couldn't get enough of the setting. As they were

f a perfect date?"

e about the company than the activities. Good co

hair, the glint of mischief dancing across his feature

uttering. The chemistry in the air was palpabl

ng each other's choices, and Clara couldn't help but revel in the way Donald savored a

ing forward to this all week. It's refreshing bein

eel the same way. It's nice to let my g

zz with the energy of other diners. This all made Clara feel free for the fir

water, casting a romantic glow on everything around. They strolled alongside each other, oc

aid, nodding toward the city l

lied, her heart racing. "

soft. "I'm really glad we did this. You're an amazing per

I'm glad too. This

ng, their stroll easy and comfortable, until Clara felt a searing pain

ald asked, concern

e," Clara admitted, wincin

by bench. Clara sat down, trying to assess the damage. The pa

eeling embarrassed. "I did

is head, his e

anything. It happens

er, examining her

ess of his words. His touch was soft, and she co

's serious," he said, his brow furrowing

its time, but the pain was starting to get harder to disr

wrapped an arm around her waist, supporting her as they made their

still warm. Clara couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment in how the evening

sted on seeing her inside. "I'll make sure you're

," she said, touch

ured ankle on a pillow. Donald fetched a cold pack from the freez

t, he instructed, sitting acro

she admitted, gra

our night got

he said, soften

e okay. We can alwa

ally like that," she said, her eyes locked into hi

the room. "I'm glad you feel that way. I

things happened, the kindness and understanding from Donald made her

Donald's gaze lingered on her, and she felt a spark of electricity

ant you to know how much I appreciate you. I d

e admitted, her

ng about you th

de her breath catch. I've had an incredible time tonig

pped, crackling like fire, and her body roared in a storm of craving. She opened her mouth to ans

hing for it. It was from Ann

sage. She had been so close to sharing something special with

asked; his tone was a mi

rying to brush it off. She's probably j

, but Clara could see t

one back down a

that, I didn't me

one from his voice. Clara sensed the shift, the tensen

lara offered, in hopes of retrieving

but his voice lost i

ara knew then and there that her window of opportunity had flown, and s

door, feeling heavy-hearted. "Thank you for everything tonight," sh

eplied, his expr

better soon. And I really

ful smile crossing her face.

ns as he stepped out; the time they spent together me

so strong, and she did

he played over the evening in her head, wishing she could have held onto that moment when they were so cl

journey. Amidst all the hiccups, there was something essentially true between her and Donald. And

one thing for sure: she wanted to see Donald again. A