If Only (GxG)

Chapter 17 Never Like This

A/N
🎶 Dreams by The Cranberries🎶

『 °*• ❀ •*°』
Alison's POV

The city hums softly around me as I step off my motorbike, locking it before glancing around at my surroundings.

The park Blake told me to meet her at isn't one I've ever been to before—tucked away in a quieter part of London, removed from the usual tourist-heavy green spaces. It's charming in a way that feels untouched, with winding gravel paths, ancient trees standing like sentinels, and lanterns casting a golden glow as the evening light fades into twilight.

My stomach flutters as I check my phone for the time. I'm five minutes early, but I already know she's here. Blake is always early.

A breeze sweeps through the park, rustling the canopy of leaves above, and for a moment, I just breathe, taking it in. There's a stillness here that's rare in the city—something intimate, something intentional.

Then, as if she's been waiting for the right moment, a familiar voice reaches me.

"You found it."

I turn, and there she is.

Blake stands a few paces away, leaning casually against a lamppost, a knowing smile curving her lips. She looks effortlessly elegant in a tailored coat, deep charcoal against the softness of her ivory blouse. Her dark hair is loose, framing her striking features, and her grey eyes catch the dim light in a way that makes my breath catch.

God, she's unreal.

"Of course I did," I manage, stepping toward her. "You gave me coordinates. Very MI6 of you."

Blake chuckles, her head tilting in quiet amusement. "I wanted to make sure you didn't get lost."

I arch a brow. "Or was it so you could test my navigation skills?"

Her smirk deepens. "Perhaps a little of both."

I roll my eyes fondly, and before I can say anything else, she reaches out, slipping her hand into mine with an easy familiarity that makes warmth bloom in my chest.

"Come on," she says softly, guiding me further into the park. "Our date awaits."

The path winds deeper into the greenery, and I start to notice the subtle details that make this place feel different—more personal. Strings of fairy lights are nestled in the branches overhead, twinkling softly like fallen stars. Wooden lanterns line the pathway, their flickering glow casting long shadows. The scent of something warm—spiced and rich—lingers in the air.

And then, as we turn a corner, I see it.

A picnic.

But not just any picnic.

A beautifully arranged spread is laid out on a thick, woven blanket near the edge of a small pond. Candles flicker in glass holders, nestled between plates of food that look like they belong in some hidden Italian restaurant, not a park in the middle of London. A bottle of red wine sits beside a pair of glasses, and there's even a small, portable heater nearby, keeping the air just warm enough despite the crisp evening chill.

I stare. "You did this?"

Blake hums, pleased by my reaction. "I did."

I blink at her, still caught between awe and disbelief. "When you said date, I was expecting... I don't know. A fancy dinner? A bar? But this—" I gesture vaguely at the sheer thoughtfulness of it all "—this is insanely romantic, Blake."

Her lips twitch, but there's a softness in her eyes as she watches me take it all in. "I thought you might like something quieter. More us."

More us.