Julia took a sip of her coffee, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I haven't seen a movie in years, Max. I'm starting to think I'm a little rusty."
Max chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've never actually seen a movie before."
Julia's eyes widened in surprise. "Never? How is that possible?"
Max shrugged, his smile sheepish. "I've just never had the chance, I guess. But I want to change that tonight. With you."
Julia's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in his voice. "And if I agree to be your movie virginity-taker?" she teased, her voice husky.
Max's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. "Then you'll be responsible for me, Julia. For the rest of my life."
Julia's laughter was startled out of her. "You're really playing the romantic card, Max. But I have to admit, I'm intrigued."
Max leaned in, and said in a low voice. "I'm glad you are, Julia. Because I'm serious. I want to spend the rest of my life making memories with you. Starting with this movie"
Julia's heart raced at the thought. No one had ever said anything so sweet to her before. And coming from Max, it felt like a dream come true. "Okay, deal," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Max's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?" he asked, his voice full of hope.
Julia nodded, her smile matching his. "Really," she said, her heart soaring with excitement.
Max gazed at Julia, his smile radiant. "You're beautiful when you smile, Julia. It lights up the whole room."
Julia blushed, looking away shyly. "You're making me feel a little self-conscious, Max," she said, her voice barely heard.
Max chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's the idea," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want to make you feel special, Julia. Like you're the only person in the world."
Julia's heart skipped at the sincerity in his voice. "You're really good at this, Max," she said, her eyes locked onto his. "This romance thing, I mean."
Max grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Thanks to Sean, my trusty advisor," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "He's been feeding me lines and ideas for weeks now."
Julia laughed, her eyes shining with mirth. "Well, he's definitely done his job well," she said, her voice teasing. "I'm starting to feel like I'm in a rom-com or something."
Max leaned in, and spoke softly. "That's the idea, Julia. I want to make this feel like a movie, a fairy tale. Because that's what you deserve. A happily ever after."
Julia's heart raced at the thought. No one had ever said anything so sweet to her before. And coming from Max, it felt like a dream come true. "I'd like that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Max's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?" he asked, his voice full of hope.
Julia nodded, her smile matching his. "Really," she said, her heart soaring with excitement.
Max took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. "Then let's make this a night to remember," he said, his voice low and husky. "A night that will change our lives forever."
Julia's heart melted, and she couldn't resist the urge to reach out and pinch Max's cheek. "You're really too adorable, Max," she thought to herself. Max was taken aback by her sudden gesture, his eyes widening in surprise.
The two of them locked eyes, time standing still as they gazed at each other. Julia's eyes lingered on Max's chiseled features, his full lips curled into a charming smile. She felt her pulse racing, her heart pounding in her chest. She was tempted to lean in and kiss him, the tension between them palpable.
Just as she was about to give in to her impulses, the waiter's voice broke the spell. "Your dishes are served, ma'am," he announced, placing the plates in front of them.
Julia quickly withdrew her hand, her face flushing with embarrassment. She tried to compose herself, sitting up straight and pretending nothing had happened. Max, however, was still gazing at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"I think we got a little carried away there, Julia," he said, his voice low and husky. "But I have to say, I'm enjoying this date more than I thought I would."
Julia's heart skipped a beat at his words. She couldn't deny the chemistry between them, the attraction that seemed to grow stronger by the minute. "Me too, Max," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Me too."
Just then, Vanessa walked into the restaurant and saw the beautiful and adorable moment between Julia and Max.
Vanessa had been of town for a while. She had just returned and Julia wasn't aware she was back.
Hey Julia.
Hi Vanessa, I didn't know you were back in town. How was your trip?
Awesome, both hugged each other in excitement. Just then Vanessa turned to Max. Hello Mr Handsome, are you the one who's got my friend's heart locked?
Max smiled softly, nice to meet you too Vanessa.
Max invited Vanessa to joined them at the table. They all sat and had dinner. They also talked about life and their experiences. Vanessa talked about the number of times she had set up blind dates for Julia and how she would always turn it down. After the meal, they decided to call it a day.
Vanessa, Julia's friend, chuckled as she watched Julia and Max walk out of the restaurant. "I can't believe I practically had to force you into this blind date, Julia," she said, shaking her head. "But I'm so glad I did. You two are adorable together."
Julia rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Yeah, yeah, you're a great matchmaker, Vanessa," she teased. "But I'm still not sure how I feel about this whole thing."
Max smiled and put his arm around Julia's shoulders. "I think we make a pretty great team, Julia," he said. "And I'm not just saying that because I'm trying to impress you."
Julia laughed and playfully pushed him away. "Oh, stop it, Max. You're making me blush."
As they walked around the square, Julia's discomfort from eating too much began to fade. She was enjoying Max's company, and the fresh air was helping to clear her head.
But then, she saw him. Kendrick, her ex-boyfriend, was standing a few meters away, chatting with some middle-aged men. Julia's heart sank, and she felt a wave of anxiety wash over her.
Max noticed her reaction and followed her gaze. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice concerned.
Julia hesitated, not wanting to ruin the evening. But Max's kind eyes and gentle tone put her at ease. "It's just my ex," she said quietly. "I didn't know he was going to be here."
Max's expression turned sympathetic. "Do you want to go somewhere else?" he asked. "We don't have to stick around if it's uncomfortable for you."
Julia smiled, feeling grateful for his understanding. "No, it's okay," she said. "I'm fine. Let's just go watch the movie."
Max nodded and took her hand, leading her towards the cinema. As they walked, Julia couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. She was glad to be with Max, and she knew that he would make her feel safe and supported, no matter what.