PERFECT FIRST DATE

ANIKA’S POV

I had smiled so much in this short little time than I had in four years.

It felt strange. Almost unfamiliar. Like my face was relearning something it had forgotten.

Liam had been very intentional about everything lately. Every little thing. And yes, I knew this was 2026 and nobody really used the word woo anymore, but honestly, nothing else fit.

Because what else do you call it when a man remembers how you take your tea without asking? When he leaves small handwritten sticky notes for me every day just before he goes to work in places he knew I would find them but always switches it up so as to not be predictable.

He always makes sure to text because he knew I loved to feed others but always forgot to eat.

But most of all he listened.

He never talked over me, or made me feel like my opinions were less than, even when we disagreed… rarely, he always made sure there was a middle ground.

If that wasn’t wooing then I had no idea what it was.

And I would be lying if I said I was not affected.

I still had my doubts.

Not really about him per say, but more about myself.  That happens when one is still carrying a whole lot of PTSD from four years of marriage to a shit husband who did not see my worth, not even a little bit.

But Liam…

There was something about him that felt safe in a way I could not explain.

He had changed physically. A lot. He was taller, broader, with that sharp jawline and those piercing grey eyes that could somehow take your breath away once they were focused on you.

That man’s beauty was out of this world-

Okay, okay, you get what I am trying to say.

But the most important thing was, Liam did not change.

He was still him. Still that sweet, slightly awkward boy I had once known. He was still kind, and funny and loyal. A very attractive man.

Get a grip Anika!

It was doing things to me though, because I could feel myself falling.

I was literally blushing like an idiot because he had someone send over clothes for me earlier, along with a note telling me to get ready because he was taking me out the moment he was done with work.

Our first date!

I squealed.

Actually squealed.

What was wrong with me?

Was I back in high school?

I was excited. Really excited.

I took my time in the shower, letting the warm water relax me. I washed my hair slowly, carefully massaging and untangling the knots before conditioning it.

 By the time I stepped out, wrapped in a towel, my heart was already racing in anticipation.

I sat in front of my vanity and started my makeup. I kept it simple. A soft foundation, a touch of blush, and then I focused on my eyes. I did a smoky look, that made my eyes pop out, and then I added a nude gloss to finish.

When I was done, I reached for the dress he had sent over.

One word.

Breathtaking.

A black short dress that stopped mid-thigh, but that did not take away from its elegance. Soft fabric that clung to my skin, and then the neckline dipped down flattering my cleavage but no too much that my breasts were pouring out.

I did a little spin in front of the mirror.

I looked beautiful.

I put on my favorite cherry scented perfume and I was still fixing my hair when I heard movement downstairs. My heart skipped.

He was here.

I took a deep breath and grabbed my clutch walked down the stairs, trying not to trip over my own excitement and nerves.

Liam looked up.

And just… stared.

He walked toward me slowly, his eyes trailing my entire body like he could not get enough. Then he took my hand and gently spun me around.

“You look breathtaking, Anika,” he said softly.

I turned pink instantly.

It was not just what he said. It was how he looked at me. Like I was the only person in the room.

Like I was the only woman in the world for him.

I was the sun and his entire world revolved around me.

It made my chest tighten in the best way.

“Hi,” I squeaked, my eyes lowered.

He smiled and pinched my chin between his thumb and index finger. “Shall we go?”

I nodded.

The drive was quiet but comfortable. His hand rested casually on the steering wheel while soft music played in the background. Every now and then, he would glance at me, and I would pretend not to notice.

He took me to a place called Velour, a five star restaurant that looked like something out of a dream. Soft golden lights, polished floors, the faint scent of expensive food and wine lingering in the air.

Everything felt… so poise.

I twiddled with my fingers.

Liam must have noticed because he leaned closer slightly. “Relax,” he murmured. “Or we can go somewhere else-”

I shook my head “no let’s go in”

He rushed over to open the car door for me and helped me out of the car, his hands settling gently on my waist as he guided me forward. The warmth of his touch lingered, steadying me. Inside, the soft glow of lights wrapped around us.

“Do you have a reservation?” the receptionist asked.

“Yes, under Liam Danson” Liam replied smoothly.

“Right this way sir” she said and led us to a space that was secluded from the rest of the restaurant but still so cozy.

“Enjoy your dinner” and just like that she was gone.

“Are you alright?” he asked his eyes searching mine.

I nodded.

When the waiter came, I froze a little. The menu had so many different foods looking at it was even stressing me out.

Liam noticed instantly.

“Let me,” he said gently, taking the menu from me. “I’ve got you.”

I gave him a grateful look.

He handled everything with ease, ordering dishes I could not even pronounce and a bottle of wine.

The waiter lingered a little too long, smiling at me. He looked young, like a literal out of college student and was looking at me like he wanted to eat me.

“Can I help you with anything else ma’am?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Before I could answer, Liam’s voice cut in, his tone harsh. “That will be all or would you like to lose your job.”

The waiter turned pale.

“I’m sorry” he said quickly and left.

“Was that necessary?” I asked.

He took my hand and kissed the inside of my wrist “very”

I smiled and looked away from him.

Dinner was amazing, we talked a lot. And not the usual surface level conversations, we spoke deeper.

I found out that he had turned down seven different proposals because none of them were me.

“I want to be a fashion designer,” I said “I’ve always wanted to be, but not just any designer I want to be well known” I said.

It was nice finally saying my dreams out loud even though they seemed distant.

“Then you will be,” he said simply… didn’t even flinch

I blinked. “Like it’s that easy”

He looked right at me “I will make all your dreams come true Anika, you just have to trust me”

My chest was beating loudly like it wanted to burst out of my chest

“You sound so confident” I said lowly.

“I am”

By the end of the night, I did not want it to end.

But it did.

He drove us home in comfortable silence, I was still reliving the night.

When we got to the front of my room door, we both stood there no one making any move to leave.

“Goodnight,” he said softly looking at me.

And maybe it was the wine.

Or maybe it was just him.

But I felt warm, and reckless.

The night was perfect except...

So before I could overthink it, I stood on my toes…

…and kissed him.