An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Los Angeles Evenings

LENA POV

"Thank you for the lovely dinner, Denni. I could have paid you know," I say as I take a bite of my chocolate mousse and she picks up her glass of dessert wine smiling.

Looking around, I'm in love with the place already, and I was really in love with every place Denni had showed me, but this place was my favorite. Honestly, I didn't even know roof top garden restaurants existed, yet here I am, in some kind of fairy tale setting as I hear her soft and elegant voice break through my thoughts.

"It was my pleasure, darling. And no, I wouldn't dare ask you to pay especially since I invited you. That would just be appalling on my part." She smiles at me as I internally laugh for Denni had such a sophisticated way with words and how she spoke.

I rarely if ever heard her curse, and if I was honest the way she carried herself was very much a turn on. Everything about her really was as I can feel my heart racing and I set my spoon down as I bite my lower lip.

"Denni? What...what are we?" I blurt out as I observe her face wondering if I should even be asking this question. I feel silly, yet I want to know because I was tired of going through life questioning relationships in my head without asking. "I mean, are we, um, exclusive or do you...do you want to date other people too?"

She stares at me softly as she reaches for my hand and runs her fingers gently over mine as she looks in my eyes. "What do you want, Lena Adams?"

My heart is on my sleeve now as I feel my face flush big time. This woman was making me feel as if I was on cloud nine regardless of that ridiculous fight Stef and I had had earlier on the phone where she had just been a complete and utter asshole. Part of me could have easily let her ruin the entire damn evening, but I didn't let her. I didn't let her at all, and I had fully enjoyed the art exhibits with Denni and being introduced to different artists felt like a dream, one which I don't want to wake up from.

"I'm sorry I pushed you away for a bit in the beginning. I was not remotely ready to date, Denni, and honestly I was sleeping with my ex to what end goal, I have no idea, but in a way maybe my heart wished we were happy again together?" I say as she listens intensely and moves her chair closer to mine as she links our fingers.

"It was a big, big mistake because it opened old wounds in both of us, and now, I don't think me and her will pan out being friends. I just hope she won't be...difficult in co-parenting with me because, well, I just don't know this side of her. The side where we may just be enemies, and she just ends up hating me. At least, it's not been that way for a long time. But that's...that's another long story for another night," I say as I look back at her, my heart still continuing to race.

"But um, Denni, I need to be open with you which isn't easy for me to do."

"I know it's not easy for you, but I am not running, my dear. Not at all." She squeezes my hand gently.

"Well, I asked her if she'd date me." I admit as my heart is hammering so loudly in my chest I can hear it as I nervously wait for a response.

"When my love?" She plays with my fingers now as I swallow hard continuing to try to be as open as possible.

"The day after we made out in my garage. I felt something with you Denni, and my therapist asked me what was wrong with dating around. I'd have been dating you, both, and," I shake my head and look down. "It was stupid. I hadn't even asked you yet. She laughed at me, and I get it. It was dumb, and..."

"You'll always love her. I get it. But it's shifted," Denni says softly as I look back at her and nod slowly.

"I'm sorry." I whisper as she reaches out now and brushes my cheek. "It was foolish of me Denni."