The host led them through and Steven held the door as Lena stepped inside.
She glanced back at him as she passed. "Thank you."
"Of course," he said simply.
They were shown to their table, a quiet corner with a candle burning low between them. Steven waited until Lena was seated before he sat down.
She looked across the table at him and she smiled in relief, like she had been carrying the day on her shoulders and had just set it down.
"You look really stunning tonight," Steven said.
Lena held his gaze for a moment and a small smile filled with a mixture of satisfaction, and pride, flashed across her face.
She had been intentional when she was choosing the dress, as she wanted to look her best. And she was really happy that Steven likes the dress.
"Thank you, Steven," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
"You don't have to thank me. I'm actually short of words on how to describe your beauty."
"What a smooth talker," Lena giggled.
Steven smirked, saying nothing.
