Bridging Hearts

23. Smooth, Mr. Grump.

Her

I stepped out of the house, the cool evening air brushing against my skin, and there he was-leaning casually against a sleek motorcycle, waiting for me. My eyes widened in surprise. Dante had never mentioned owning a motorcycle before. He smiled when he saw me, his eyes darkening with that familiar look that sent a flutter through my stomach.

Taking my hand, Dante pulled me closer, eyeing me up and down as his lips curved into a smirk. "Petardo, you look stunning," he murmured, his voice low and filled with admiration. His eyes lingered, making my cheeks flush under his gaze.

I tried to play it cool, though my heart was racing. "You don't look too bad yourself," I replied, smiling. He looked ridiculously handsome tonight, dressed in his leather jacket, his hair slightly tousled like he hadn't even tried but somehow nailed the perfect look.

I glanced at the motorcycle, raising an eyebrow. "You ride this?" I asked, curiosity piqued. He always struck me as more of a car guy, with his sleek suits and polished demeanor.

Dante grinned, clearly enjoying my surprise. "Felt like today was the perfect day to take it out. I don't use it much, only for special occasions." He paused, stepping closer to me and brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "And what could be more special than introducing my girlfriend to my friends?"

His words sent a thrill through me, and I chuckled, shaking my head. "Smooth, Mr. Grump."

Dante smiled as he handed me a helmet, securing one on his own head before helping me with mine. His hands lingered just a moment longer than necessary, his fingers brushing my skin softly.

Once I was settled behind him, my arms instinctively wrapped around his waist. The engine roared to life beneath us, and with a quick glance back at me, Dante sped off down the street. The wind rushed past us, and I pressed closer to him, feeling a mixture of exhilaration and nervousness as the city lights blurred around us.

As we drove toward his friends' house, the reality of what was happening began to settle in. I was meeting his friends-people who had known him long before I had. Part of me wondered if they would like me. Would they see what Dante saw in me? I hoped so.

I leaned my head against his back, a smile tugging at my lips despite my nerves. I couldn't wait to see what this night had in store.

Him

As soon as we stepped inside Brian and Natty's house, I felt the familiar warmth that always came with being around friends. The place was buzzing with people, laughter filling the air, but amidst all the chaos, my eyes sought out Brian and Natty. I spotted them almost immediately across the room, their faces lighting up as soon as they saw us.

"Well, look who's here!" Natty grinned, making her way over with Brian right behind her. "And who's this stunning lady?" she added, her voice teasing as she looked at Tara.

Tara's cheeks flushed instantly, the red spreading across her face, and I couldn't help but chuckle. Her bashfulness was endearing, and it didn't help that my own face was heating up at their teasing.

"Yeah, Dante, where've you been hiding her?" Brian chimed in, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he gave Tara an appreciative look.

"She's too pretty for you, Dante," Natty added, nudging me playfully.

Tara shot them both a shy smile, clearly embarrassed by the attention. I could tell she was trying her best to handle it gracefully. I wrapped an arm around her waist, leaning in close to whisper, "You're killing me with that blush, Petardo." She nudged me lightly, trying to fight a grin, but it only made me laugh more.