-Shelley-

So far, dinner has been great. Ben has been patient with me, answering all my questions, even the annoying ones, with calmness and respect. He has been the perfect gentleman, and I have been my annoying self as always. Now that I look at him closely, I realize that he looks extremely handsome tonight.

He dons a stylish blue jacket paired with impeccably tailored pants and a crisp white shirt, exuding an air of sophistication and sharpness. While he may not be extremely muscular, his charismatic presence sets him apart in any crowd.

Regrettably, just as I was gazing at him with admiration, my phone rudely interrupted my thoughts with its insistent ringing. Glancing at the display, a surge of anger overcame me as I saw the caller ID. "What could she possibly want now?" I muttered. I quickly redirected my attention to the man in front of me.

"Someone you are avoiding?" He inquires, raising an eyebrow.

"Something like that."

"He or she must have pissed you off for wanting to avoid their call. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Nope! just want to focus on the topic at hand."

"Which is?"

"You, Mr. Adam." His booming laughter reverberated through the lounge, a sound I had never experienced from him before. It was a rare moment of unguarded joy that seemed to amplify his already striking physical charm.

"You know, you should laugh more. It suits your face." I suggested.

"I see," he says. "It's interesting to hear that from you. Some people get offended when I laugh; my laughter seems to have a chilling effect on them."

Chuckling, I remarked, "Don't even worry about it. It's their loss."

"Is it really?" In response, he smiles and tilts his head to one side as he looks at me, adoring me completely.

"What?! Is there something on my face, Mr. Adam? You seem to be staring at me."

"I'm sorry if my intense gaze made you uncomfortable," he said. "You look absolutely stunning tonight." His voice had a captivating, sultry tone which made me uncomfortable.

Without meeting his eyes, I fumbled for my drink and shuffled uncomfortably in my chair. I ask, eager to shift the subject. "How did your meeting go?"

"Good," he replies. You could see it is not a topic he wishes to engage in. "They want me to draft a contract for them."

"That's great! How is it coming along?"

"I haven't even started yet. There are some things I really need to concentrate on," he says to me with a wink and a smirk. Just then, his phone starts ringing, saving me from further conversation.

"I am so sorry, but I need to take this. It is important. 'Matthew, where have you been?' Since I got here, I have been trying to get hold of you."

As I observed his focus on the phone call, I politely excused myself and leisurely strolled towards the riverbank. The gentle breeze tousled my hair and rustled my clothes as I gazed out at the serene expanse of the lake.

***

-Adam-

I kept staring at Shelley, who was standing by the riverbank, as I casually spoke on the phone. My thoughts roam. Oh my! Tonight, she chose to wear that dress, for whatever reason. Honestly, I adore the way the dress hugs her curves so well. The lace-back, with its low cut, is my favorite feature. It makes her back stand out beautifully. Envisioning myself standing behind her, I can feel the lace falling off her shoulders as I place kisses on her shoulder. While delicately working my way up her neck, sampling and tasting her, caressing her earlobe with nibbles and sucking. Crying out. I could envision myself letting her dress fall to the floor, revealing her figure to the setting sun.

"Hey, Ben, you still with me?" I snapped back to reality as Matthew's voice pulled me back in. "Yeah, I'm here. What did you say?"

"What on earth are you doing right now? As far as anyone can tell, I am in the way."

"Certainly, you are. Your timing couldn't have been worse."

" Wait, don't tell me you are banging some random chick at your VIP suit this minute, you fox."

"What?! Of course not. Who do you take me for? I'm just occupied with something. Can I call you in the morning? I really have to go."

"Sure, bye then." The line goes dead. Placing the phone back in my pocket. I stood up, grabbed my drink, and poured the content down my throat in a go as I slowly made my way to the beautiful lady by the river.

***

-Shelley POV-

Gush, I am cold. If I had known we were coming to a place close to the river, I would have worn something less revealing.

I'm not sure why I chose this dress. I don't usually like dressing provocatively. I think Sarah's words got to me and influenced my decision when my brother picked this out for me. I wonder what Adam is thinking. He might be thinking the worst of me.

"Are you Cold? Here, let me help you with this." Ben carefully placed his coat around my shoulder. "Better?" he asked.

I didn't even hear him approach, but suddenly, he was standing so close behind me that I could feel his presence. As I turn to face him, I manage to say, "Much better. Thank you." I can't help but stifle a laugh as I notice him awkwardly tucking his hands into his pockets.

"This place is so tranquil. I absolutely love being surrounded by nature like this, it's so refreshing," he remarked as he gazed out at the river. I was taken aback by this vulnerable side of him that I had never seen before, and I felt honored that he chose to share it with me. He went on, "When I was a kid, my parents owned a property near a river. Whenever I needed an escape or caught wind of my parents arguing, I would rush to the riverbank. It was my sanctuary." A chuckle escaped him as he realized the weight of his confession.

"Sorry! I must be drunk or something. I don't usually drink."

"Nor do I usually dress like this," I said teasingly. I found myself amused when he burst into laughter.

"You look fine, Shelley."
"Really!"
"I have seen worse. If you think wearing this makes me think less of you, then surely you haven't seen what I have seen. Then again, I didn't know there was a wild side to you." He says this as he smirks a smile.

Blushing like a teenager, I lowered my gaze to the ground but he tilted my chin up with his hands, then lifted my gaze back to his, looking at me with a calm, steady gaze. He inches in closer, with his hand resting on my waist.

"Shelley, he whispers, snapping my focus from his hand, which traces patterns at my back, to his lips mere inches away.

"Yes?" I reply breathless.

"Be mine," he said.

"I can't."

"Why not?!"

"You will hurt me."

"Never!" He said.

With my hand pressing against his chest, I desperately want to move away, but as if my body has a mind of its own, I lean closer. He leans over to close the gap between us, lips inches away, but the vibration of my phone breaks us apart.

"I need to pick this up." Excusing myself to the side, I answer the call. "Hello, what is it, Sarah? You keep calling me."

"I tried to get a hold of you, but I kept being put on voicemail," says the voice on the other side of the line.

"That should deter you from calling," I said bitterly.

"Please, 'Shelley,' don't avoid me. I know I was an ass last night. I had too many to drink, and I was jealous of the attention you were receiving from men. I know this is no excuse for my actions. I am so happy we are friends again. Apart from running into you, nothing good has happened to me since I lost my fiance to my best friend. I am so sorry. Forgive me." She pleads.

"You hurt me," I said.

"I know. It won't happen again."

I sighed in frustration as I thought of what to say. "I believe that was not the only reason you called."

"Yes." I was calling to find out if tomorrow you will be free to hang out with me. But if you are not up for it, I understand.

"I don't know, Sarah; we will have to wait and see. Let's talk tomorrow."

"Alright, tomorrow then."

"Is everything okay?" Ben asked. Being startled by the sudden sound of his voice, I turn around abruptly.

"Everything is perfect," I stated.

"Shelley", about what just happened.

"Nothing happened, ok? Let's not talk about it. I think we should call it a night. You have way too much wine, and the serenity and quietness of this lovely place are not making any of us think straight."

"Listen, If you want this friendship to go any further, I suggest you refrain from this ever happening again."

Really, what was he thinking while trying to kiss me? I thought. Angry and frustrated with what just transpired, I stormed to our reserved table like a child. "Who does he take me for?"

This anger of mine is perplexing. There was nothing I could have done to prevent it. Like him, I desired it intensely. So to what end, then, am I fuming at him?

***

-Adam POV-

What has gotten hold of me? I never make a move on my first date. How did this happen? Why is it that, when it comes to this woman, I let my emotions cloud my senses?

Of course, she is beautiful, a little bit opinionated, stubborn, and, dare I say, smart, but that is not an excuse for wanting to kiss her.

I watched her storm away, angry, not knowing whether to go after her or let her cool it off instead. Then again, I am afraid of the decision she might make on the spot. It wasn't easy for me to get her to dine with me. I will be devastated if I let this incident spoil my chance with her.

With a heavy sigh, I thought to myself, 'Let's hope it doesn't.'