𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 |

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

"Because you and your stupid charm always made me nervous," I chuckled, bringing a spoonful to my mouth.

"Oh, and how exactly did I do that?"

"The way you'd look at me certain times," I mumbled, covering my mouth as I chewed. "Don't think I didn't notice how... sultry your voice would get when you looked at me a certain way. You aren't slick Mason Pierce."

"At least my efforts weren't overlooked," he grinned, refilling his glass. "You have your own way of seducing as well. You just don't realize it."

I raised my eyebrow out of curiosity then wiped my mouth with a napkin. "Do tell."

He chuckled then took a sip before placing his glass down. Mason's eyes looked into mine then hummed quietly.

"Those eyes. They're what lured me in the second they turned my way. The sun illuminated them perfectly that day and I just couldn't look away; Which is why I took you out for lunch that same day."

I bit back a smile, feeling warmness rush to my cheeks. Mason then smiled, pushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear then gently caressing my cheek.

"Then... the first time I made you smile. Even though I barely knew what to say, I still managed to make you laugh. That contagious laugh and smile; It could light up a room with no effort."

"Come on, you're just saying that, Mason," I said, sipping from my glass.

"No, I mean every word. Every. Single. Word."

I looked at him again, feeling my heart begin to race.

"Your body language screams independence. You walk with your head held high and you don't let anyone push you around. Yet, you've also let yourself be vulnerable around the people you care about, instead of carrying a hard exterior. If that isn't strength, then I don't know what is," Mason finished off, finishing his plate.

"You get all that from first glance?" I questioned, pushing my empty plate away.

"No. It was from the years of me knowing you and learning the new Lyra that I'm with now."

"New Lyra?"

"People can change over 3 years. Especially after what I did to you... Which I am still so sorry about."

"I know you are, Mason. But I'm still in the process of forgiving you," I said.

"And that is good enough for me. Did you enjoy your dinner?"

"Oh, I loved it. Now, did you?"

"I definitely did."

In a few short minutes, the hostess passed by our table with the bill. Mason gave her his card, after us bickering about who would pay. When she returned with a receipt, Mason pulled out my chair, allowing me to stand then holding my hand as we walked out. He pulled out his keys and unlocked his car doors, followed by opening the passenger side for me. I thanked him and slid inside, getting comfortable before he closed it.

"Thank you for allowing me to take you out tonight," Mason said once he hopped inside.

"You don't have to thank me. Thank you for taking me out; I really appreciated tonight."

"There's still more to come, sweetheart," he smiled, kissing my knuckles then pulling off.

We did so much talking during dinner that it made time fly by. It feels like our first time getting to know each other, when really it was just reminiscing about the past. Mason's still that charmer he's always been, but I can see that he really wants to make things right between us. So, why not give him another chance, right?