Part 3The Man Who Nurtures Me

My curiosity piqued, I agreed to the date. It was at a cozy café, the kind of place you see in romantic movies. Before I left, my mom gave me a "secret weapon," a small sealed envelope she told me to open only after we'd met.

Standing outside the café, I could feel the envelope in my pocket, a little thrill running through me. I pushed open the door and scanned for our table: third from the entrance, by the window.

One, two... three.

The first thing I saw was a broad shoulder. Then, a chest so powerful it looked like it was about to burst the buttons of his shirt.

The man looked up.

A handsome, fair-skinned face met my eyes.

My breath hitched. My brain went completely blank. A wave of heat washed over me, and I had the sudden, primal urge to run to the nearest park fountain and beat my chest like a gorilla.

I restrained myself. Relying on pure muscle memory, I produced the smile I had practiced a hundred times in the mirror.

Liam's ears turned a shy, adorable red. "You... you must be Audrey?"

I gracefully took my seat. He nodded, pushing a glass of peach soda toward me. I blinked.

"My mom said you like this," he said softly, a bashful smile playing on his lips. "So I ordered one for you. I hope that's okay?"

Marry me, my brain screamed.

Outwardly, I just took the glass, tucked a stray hair behind my ear, and took a delicate sip. Then I looked up and gave him my most dazzling smile. "Thank you. I love it."