In Donovan's Arms: A Romance Novel by Courtney Michelle

xii

Tuesday..

3 days seemed to fly by effortlessly. Before she knew it, Xela found herself standing in front of Nicki's full-sized mirror, sliding her hands down her dress. Her hair, straightened and pulled into a sleek high ponytail, a natural beat applied to her face. She kept her jewelry silver and simple, like always.

She turned, checking to make sure she had her ID and small perfume in her clutch when she heard her phone ding along with the sound of multiple footsteps. Of course all of her girls were with her. This is the first time she's liked a guy in years and it's a really big deal to them to finally see her opening up. "Okay boo, he just pulled up. You ready?" Niala asked cheesing along with the rest of them.

"Looking all fine and shit." Alani chimed in and they all laughed, it eased some of Xela's nerves for just a moment, "Oh, oh me?" she said playful as she posed with her clutch. "Girl, let's go!" Nicki said pushing Alani slightly so she could pull Xela out of the room. They all whispered their good lucks and blew her kisses which she caught and returned.

Donovan had sent Xela a message and when she hadn't responded he realized he should probably not be a dick and just wait for her in the car. Especially since he'd decided to get her flowers. He grabbed them from the passenger seat and made his way to the door. He checked his fit; black on black, from his double breasted suit to the button down shirt and some black patent leather Oxfords. He threw a couple of silver rings and a watch on for a bit of flair and paired them with some small studs in his ears.

He approached the door and as soon as he rang the bell, she opened it almost immediately, "Damn.." The muttered in unison, getting a good look at one another. And they definitely liked what they were seeing, a lot. The sight of Xela brought that feeling to Donovan's chest again, but this time it wasn't a quick flick of the heart. No, this time, it wouldn't stop.

He licked his lips and slightly brought his bottom lip into his mouth, "These, uh, these are for you. I hope you like Red Camellias." He said, the pronunciation rolling off his tongue so well as he presented the flowers to her. Xela couldn't deny it any longer, she'd been swooned. And the blush in her cheeks as she accepted the flowers showed it, "And I'm sure you know, but you look amazing." He said with wink.

"Yeah I do, but thank you. You look really great too." She said finally looking into his eyes. Their gaze was interrupted by a bunch of "aww's". Xela playfully rolled her eyes looking back to give them the look. They all scurried except for Nicki, "I'll take those for you and bring them to you tomorrow, hmm?" She said taking the flowers from Xela's hand and walking away before she could even respond.

"Why don't we get out of here?" Donovan said, his eyes still on her and his hand out. She gladly took it and allowed him to lead the way. He opened her door and she thanked him before securing herself and he closed the door. She watched him as he made his way to the driver's side and got in.

"Make sure you put your seatbelt on for me gorgeous." He said before starting the car and Xela obliged, which was very unlike her. He just basically, sort of, told her what to do, but in a nice way? She wasn't sure how to put it, but she kind of liked it?

The ride to the restaurant was filled with conversation and laughter. They talked about their music and movie interests, where they'd like to travel or revisit, and a few rebel stories from their childhood years. Soon enough, they were on an elevator, Xela's arm wrapped around Donovan's and the doors were opening to Mangiamo.

Xela noticed there were only a few tables occupied as they walked in, as if the place were getting ready to close, "Are you sure they're still open Don?" She whispered in his ear. He bent down slightly to whisper back in her ear, "I'm absolutely positive." And Xela felt a shiver go down her back and Donovan just smiled as the host began to walk towards them with menus.