The candlelight flickered gently between them, casting a warm glow that softened everything the edges of the room, the quiet hum of the restaurant, even the distance that had once existed between them.
Tonight… there was none.
Aria sat across from Rafael, the deep blue of her dress catching the light every time she moved. Her fingers traced the stem of her wine glass absently, but her attention was entirely on him.
And his hadn't left her since they arrived.
"You're staring again," she said softly, though there was no real complaint in her voice.
Rafael didn't look away.
"I'm not trying to hide it anymore," he replied.
That made her pause.
Something about the way he said it simple, honest,made her heartbeat shift just slightly.
To break it, she leaned back a little. "So… is this how your dates usually go?"
A faint smile touched his lips. "I wouldn't know."
"You've never been on one?" she asked, surprised.
