I swallowed the last of my energy drink before tossing the can into the trash outside Nate's building. As I crossed the lobby toward the elevator, I popped a piece of gum in my mouth to get rid of what was supposedly grape flavor, but I wasn't sure anything in that can had ever seen a grape. It tasted more like chemicals and too much sugar, but hopefully it'd give me the boost I needed to make it to midnight.

The elevator creaked as it drifted to the fifth floor and I took the time to straighten my clothes and hair one last time. After a long night of little sleep and an even longer day of work, droopy eyes and a tired smile were the best I could muster at home. If the energy drink did its job, I should be able to fake peppiness for at least a few hours.

I didn't want my exhaustion to ruin our date, even if it was Nate's fault.

After talking to him on the phone, thoughts of him kept me up as I replayed every second we'd ever spent in each other's company. No matter what we'd done—exploring Savannah, or the night at the wine bar, or trimming the trees in Granny's yard—Nate made everything more fun with his upbeat personality and amazing outlook on life. Getting him out of my mind to sleep had been near impossible.

Work could've run smoother too if my thoughts hadn't kept drifting to him. I gave my head a shake. If he was a distraction, it was because I let him be. I liked having something good to look forward to, and it'd been a long time since anyone had been worth thinking of while they weren't right in front of me.

Alex crossed my mind, covering my cheerful mood like a wet blanket. Tired and thinking of an ex. This was not the way I wanted to start my date with Nate.

But how had it not occurred to me that Alex never entered my mind unless we had plans? His laugh never popped into my head, making me smile. Nothing he did—no look, no gesture, had ever been enough to distract me later. The image of his face in my head had never sent tingles through my chest. And I'd certainly never lain awake counting down the hours until I could see him again.

I'd feel guilty if I wasn't sure Alex felt the same way about me. There was no fight or drama to end our relationship. Our encounters just drifted further and further apart until we said goodbye for the last time with shrugs of indifference.

The only heartache was caused by thinking that was the most I could hope for. Bland, indifferent, not-quite-love with a handsome banker who also liked to keep his life private. But that was all before I met Nate.

Standing outside his door, a rush of excitement ran through me. I knocked, and a second later, Nate gave me his beautiful smile, wiping away any negativity I felt and replacing it with hope for the future.

"I wasn't just standing at the door waiting." He chuckled and pointed at his feet. "I was putting my shoes on."

Dragging my gaze up the dark gray slacks tailored to fit his muscular thighs perfectly, to the thin, form hugging sage sweater that stretched over his broad chest. I finally reached his eyes and grinned when I found him checking me out. Apparently, the black pants, white button up, and tan jacket I'd worried were way too boring, were better than I thought.

"You're looking extra handsome," Nate said as he reached for my jacket, tugging me closer to press a quick kiss to my lips.

"Thank you." My cheeks warmed, and I wondered if the compliment or his touch caused it before deciding either was enough. "I was thinking the same thing about you."

"Thanks." He beamed. "Ready to go?"

"Yep. Don't want to be late." I stepped back into the hall and waited as he locked his door. "Liv said ten, right?"

Nate nodded as we strolled to the elevator. "She and Andre are running a bit late, I think. But Laurel's driving separately. I'm sure she'll be there."

"Have you been to Elixir before?" I asked, hoping it wasn't some place I'd bump into anyone I knew.

"Nope. You?" He entered the elevator and chose the button for the lobby as I stepped in beside him.

"No." I'm not much of a club person." I chuckled and pinched the collar of the jacket I worried wasn't appropriate for the venue. "As I'm sure you can tell."

Nate's head tilted as he scanned my outfit again and hummed softly. "I like it." Moving closer, he slipped his hand under my jacket, resting his warm palm on my waist as he leaned in to whisper, "Maybe later, I'll show you how much." He grazed my earlobe with his teeth, sending a shiver up my spine.

The elevator chimed a second before the door opened to the empty lobby. After giving me a smirk that made my heart race, Nate stepped back. "You coming?"

I realized I hadn't moved and cleared my throat as I followed him toward the exit. "Yeah. Let's go."

What was I saying? Forget going anywhere. We should stay here. Go back to Nate's apartment where I wouldn't have to pay attention to the people around us. I could relax and put all my attention where it belonged—on Nate.

We could be alone.

God, I wanted to be alone with him.

But no. We had plans, and he was looking forward to them. If Nate wanted to go out, that's what we'd do. And if we ended up here later tonight, that would be good too.

He stepped outside ahead of me, and the breeze ruffled his hair, making me want to comb my fingers through the softness.

Who was I kidding? If we came back here tonight, it would be way better than good.

Thanks for reading! 💜