Chapter 50
The familiar voice stirred a flicker of surprise in Vivienne’s eyes, followed by a subtle smile. “I thought…”
“You thought I wouldn’t show up?” As the massive bouquet of roses lowered, Derek’s handsome face came into view. The soft corridor lighting cast delicate shadows across his chiseled features, highlighting the intensity of his expression. His dark eyes gleamed like distant stars, stirring a deep sense of longing in her chest.
He gazed at her with a quiet smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I was worried these flowers would wilt before you got here.”
“Are you complaining that I’m late?” Vivienne swept a strand of hair behind her ear, her brows lifting with a playful glint.
Derek pressed his lips together, his eyes shimmering with warmth. “The timing’s perfect, the moonlight is just right, and you walked in at the exact moment you were supposed to. Everything is how it should be.”
His gaze was so full of affection that it seemed as though he might lean in for a kiss at any moment, making Vivienne’s heart race. She lowered her gaze to hide her flustered emotions. “Did you wait long?”
“One hour and fifty-four minutes,” he replied.
Derek’s candidness left Vivienne momentarily speechless. She studied his striking features, a spark of amusement dancing in her eyes. “So, what exactly are you trying to say?”
Derek’s gaze never left her face, his dark pupils glimmering with something almost magnetic. He took a step closer, holding the bouquet and gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. “Just using your question to show how sincere I am.”
His voice was smooth and rich, like a melody that wrapped around her heart, making it flutter uncontrollably. The distance between them disappeared, and her senses were filled with the subtle scent of his cologne. Vivienne’s long, thick lashes fluttered nervously, her heart racing in her chest. She cleared her throat and, with a soft voice, asked, “Weren’t you going to invite me to dinner?”
“Follow me,” Derek said, his voice calm and steady, as he naturally reached for her hand. As their hands connected, Vivienne felt a rush of warmth spread from his palm, seeping into her skin, sending an unexpected shiver through her. She instinctively tried to pull away, but his grip tightened just enough to remind her of his presence—gentle yet firm.
Reluctantly, she allowed him to lead her, her eyes darting around the restaurant with a hint of unease. Once inside the intimate dining suite, Derek casually set the bouquet down and pulled out a chair for her, the gesture smooth and practiced.
Just as she settled, a waiter entered, carrying a bottle of wine. He poured drinks for both of them before turning to Derek with quiet respect. “Sir, shall we begin serving the dishes now?”
Derek nodded with a slight motion of his head, and the waiter, still smiling, exited without a word. Although their conversation was simple, Vivienne couldn’t ignore the subtle reverence the waiter had shown Derek, something palpable in the air between them.
Soon, the table was filled with dishes, each one more enticing than the last. Vivienne’s eyes widened as she looked at the spread before her, a blend of surprise and curiosity in her gaze. What struck her was how none of the dishes contained anything she disliked. It felt as though every plate had been crafted just for her.
Could it really be just a coincidence? She lifted her eyes, casting a subtle, thoughtful glance at the man sitting across from her, wondering if he knew more than he let on.