Leah woke up the next morning with a dreamy haze lingering over her. Her thoughts immediately drifted to Derrick—the way his voice had wrapped around her like a warm embrace, the effortless charm that made her heart flutter, and the way he had looked at her as if she was the only woman in the world. It had been so long since someone had made her feel this way, and for once, she didn’t want to analyze or overthink it. She just wanted to bask in the warmth of it.

  Emily was already awake, sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee, scrolling through her phone. When Leah walked in, Emily glanced up, grinning. “You’re glowing.”

  Leah rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight the smile creeping onto her lips. “It was a really nice night.”

  “Nice?” Emily scoffed. “That’s all you’re giving me? The Monarch is basically a five-star dream. And Derrick—ugh, don’t get me started. That man is like something out of a classic romance novel.”

  Leah laughed as she poured herself a cup of coffee. “I don’t know how to explain it, Em. It just felt… right. We talked all night, and it was like we’ve known each other forever.”

  Emily smirked, taking a sip of her coffee. “So, when are you seeing Mr. Dreamy again?”

  “Tonight.” Leah’s stomach flipped just thinking about it. “He asked before he left.”

  Emily let out a dramatic sigh. “And just like that, you’re swept off your feet. I love this for you.”

  Leah shook her head but couldn’t deny how quickly Derrick was slipping into her life—and how much she liked it.

  The evening arrived faster than she expected, and before she knew it, Leah was standing in front of her mirror, adjusting the elegant but simple black dress she had chosen for their second date. Butterflies stirred in her stomach when her phone buzzed.

  Derrick: I’m outside whenever you’re ready.

  Leah took a steadying breath, grabbed her coat, and headed downstairs. The sight of Derrick leaning against his car, dressed in a dark button-up and coat, made her heart do an embarrassing little flip. He looked effortlessly handsome, his smile widening as she approached.

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  “You look stunning,” he said smoothly, opening the car door for her.

  Leah felt warmth creep up her cheeks. “You always know the right thing to say.”

  “I only say what’s true,” he replied with a wink before closing the door behind her.

  Tonight’s destination was different—more intimate. Derrick had planned a quiet evening at a charming little rooftop restaurant tucked away from the bustling streets. Twinkling lights hung overhead, casting a soft golden glow, while the scent of fresh herbs and wine drifted through the crisp evening air. The atmosphere was perfect.

  As they sat down, Derrick reached across the table, lacing his fingers through hers. “I was thinking about you all day,” he admitted.

  Leah’s heart stuttered. “You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?”

  He chuckled. “Maybe. But I mean it.”

  Their conversation flowed as easily as it had the night before. Leah found herself opening up more, sharing stories of her childhood, her ambitions, her dreams. Derrick listened intently, hanging onto every word as if nothing in the world mattered more than what she had to say. It was intoxicating.

  “Tell me something,” Derrick said after a moment, his gaze locking onto hers. “What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance?”

  Leah thought for a moment, then smiled. “Travel. I’ve always dreamed of seeing Europe—Paris, Rome, the countryside of Italy. There’s something so romantic about wandering through cobblestone streets, getting lost in little cafes.”

  Derrick’s smile softened. “Then we’ll make that happen.”

  Leah laughed, shaking her head. “You make it sound so simple.”

  “Because it is.” He squeezed her hand. “Life’s too short to not chase the things that make us feel alive.”

  The way he spoke, with such conviction, made Leah’s chest tighten. She had spent so much of her life playing it safe, afraid to take risks. But sitting there, under the twinkling lights with Derrick, she wondered what it would be like to let herself dream a little bigger.

  As the night wound down, Derrick walked her back to her door, just as he had the night before. But this time, he didn’t hesitate. He reached out, brushing his fingers along her jaw before leaning in. Leah’s breath caught as his lips met hers—soft, lingering, sending warmth spiraling through her.

  When he pulled back, his voice was a whisper against her lips. “I could kiss you forever.”

  Leah’s head spun, her heart pounding. “Then maybe you should.”

  Derrick grinned, pressing another soft kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight, Leah.”

  She watched him leave, her heart full, and for the first time in years, she felt like she was falling—really falling—for someone. And it was both exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

  Little did she know, this was only the beginning.