Ivy stood in front of her full-length mirror, staring at her reflection as she adjusted the soft lavender blouse she'd chosen for the evening.
The gentle fabric flowed over her curves, elegant yet simple, just like she wanted. She brushed her hands down the sides, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles, but her gaze stayed locked on her own eyes.
Why do I feel like I'm going on a date? She mused.
It wasn't a date. She was just going to buy Hunter a drink—just a friendly gesture to clear the awkwardness between them after everything that had happened. That was all it was.
"Right?" She asked herself through the mirror.
Ivy shook her head, exhaling. "Stop overthinking, Ivy. It's just a drink. You're saying sorry, that's it. One step at a ti."
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and grabbed her purse. Yet, there was this strange flutter in her chest, this warm nervousness she couldn't quite shake.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and was surprised to see Hunter standing just outside, leaning against his sleek black car. His hands were casually tucked into the pockets of his jacket, and he straightened the mont he saw her.
"You're... early and here," she said, blinking in surprise.
Hunter gave her a soft smile, his eyes trailing over her for a heartbeat longer than necessary before eting her gaze. "Yeah, I figured I'd pick you up. Thought it'd be easier that way."
Ivy raised a brow, clutching her purse tighter. "Why though? I thought we were eting there?"
Hunter shrugged, that easy, calm confidence never leaving his face. "I just wanted to make sure you got there and back here safely. I don't want you locking your keys in or being stranded outside for anything," he said, making Ivy's heart skip a beat.
But she quickly covered it up, forcing a teasing smirk. "Sure it's not a bother for you?"
"Not at all," he replied, voice deep and sincere. Then his eyes softened, lingering on her face. "You look beautiful, Ivy."
The complint hit her harder than she expected. She looked away slightly when she felt the heat crept up her neck.
She looked down brushing imaginary lint off her blouse to hide the blush blooming on her cheeks.
"Well, you clean up pretty nicely yourself," she replied, eyeing his dark navy shirt and jeans that sohow made him look effortlessly handso.
Hunter chuckled, opening the passenger door for her.
"Shall we?"
"Of course," she said before getting into the car, wondering why she was feeling hot just by being with Hunter.
The drive to the lounge was quiet, but not uncomfortable. The tension between them had shifted, softened into sothing lighter, but still unspoken.
When they arrived, the cozy lounge took Ivy by surprise. Soft jazz music filled the air, the warm lighting casting a golden glow across the modern decor. There were only a handful of other patrons, making it feel intimate yet not overwhelming.
"I love this place," Ivy murmured as they walked in. She was already ntally noting to bring Emma here soti for a girls' night.
Hunter led her to a corner table, and as they settled in, she noticed how relaxed he seed. Calm. Effortless.
"What can I get you?" she asked, grabbing the drink nu.
Hunter raised a brow. "You're really set on paying for the drinks, huh?"
"I said I would," she replied, determined.
He held up his hands in surrender. "Fine. I'll have a whiskey on the rocks, then. Thanks."
Ivy ordered his whiskey and a glass of red wine for herself. When the drinks arrived, she finally mustered the courage to say what had been lingering on her mind since she invited him here.
"I just... wanted to apologize again," she began, setting her glass down and eting his gaze. "For everything. I misjudged you, and I've been... difficult. I know that. I hope you can truly forgive ."
Hunter shook his head, leaning back in his seat with a small smile. "Ivy, it's okay. Really. I get it. And you're not difficult. You're smart and confident. Besides, we're friends now, right? So let's just forget about it, yeah?"
'Friends.'
The word made her stomach twist. But wasn't that what she'd wanted all along? To stay detached, to avoid complications?
Still, she felt the need to keep the conversation going.
"So... why did you choose to be a chef? I saw from your file that you're an architect too. So, why settle for a chef position?" She asked conversationally.
Hunter's smile widened, as if he hadn't expected the question. "Yeah, I studied architecture. But cooking... it was always my thing, you know? It started as a hobby when I saw how much my mom looked cooking. I loved how she just let experint all she'd done in my grandma's kitchen while my dad is away. From then, I discovered that I just loved creating sothing new, and seeing people enjoy what I make. Architecture was more of the 'safe' career path. Cooking's the passion."
Ivy nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. I love cooking too, actually. Though I don't get as much ti for it these days with the restaurant being so busy."
Hunter's eyes brightened. "Really? You never ntioned that before."
"Well, you never asked. Besides, weren't we always on each other's throat before now?" she teased, taking a sip of her wine.
Hunter chuckled. "Fair enough. Actually, I'm working on a new recipe right now. Sothing unique. Want to help test it out soti?"
Ivy tilted her head, curiosity sparking. "Really? You're okay with joining in?"
"Of course. I'd like to show it to you," he said and just like that, the conversation flowed effortlessly.
They talked about everything—food, childhood stories, even embarrassing kitchen disasters. For the first ti in a long while, Ivy felt like she could breathe around him, like she wasn't constantly guarding herself.
But that realization scared her too. Didn't this an she was falling for him?
You're just imagining things. This is nothing.
When their drinks were done, Hunter offered to drive her back ho. The night felt too short, the conversation unfinished, but Ivy kept her emotions in check.
Outside her house, they stood in the soft glow of the porch light. Ivy turned to him with a small smile.
"Thanks for tonight. Really. I—"
Before she could finish, Hunter stepped closer, his gaze dipping to her lips, his expression unreadable.
For a mont, everything slowed. The air felt charged. And then, he leaned in, hesitating, giving her the chance to pull away, but she didn't.
Then he kissed her.
The kiss was soft, tentative—just a brush of lips at first since Hunter had just ant it to be a goodnight kiss.
But then, it went deeper, both of them tasting the remnants of drinks on each other's mouth. Ivy felt her heart race, her fingers curling slightly against his chest.
But reality crashed down too fast. They weren't supposed to be doing this.
She was the first to break away, her breath unsteady, eyes wide with panic.
"I—goodnight," she whispered, retreating toward her door, not daring to look back.
Hunter stood frozen for a mont, watching her disappear inside before exhaling a sharp breath.
What did you just do?
He raked a hand through his hair, cursing under his breath.
I can't do this... He was in love with her. He wanted her but he needed to co clean too.
Without thinking, he headed for her door. He had to tell her the truth about him before things spiraled out of control.
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