The low hum of conversation and the steady thrum of music filled the dimly lit bar, creating the perfect atmosphere for a night that would become unforgettable. The scent of aged whiskey and fresh citrus from the cocktail glasses mixed in the air, and the warmth of bodies pressed close together on the dance floor only added to the intoxicating feel of the night.
Nicholas had come here expecting nothing more than a few drinks with his friends, maybe a bit of casual fun, but he hadn't expected her.
The moment he saw her—you—he knew the night was going to take a turn. You weren't just another pretty face in a sea of strangers. There was something different about you, something electric. From the way you moved, effortlessly captivating, to the way your laughter rang through the room like a melody meant only for him to hear. He was drawn in, completely and utterly, before he even realized it.
He watched from the other side of the bar, his drink forgotten in his hand, as you swayed to the music, lost in the moment. You weren't trying to impress anyone, weren't putting on a show—you were just being you. And damn, was it mesmerizing.
"Dude," his friend nudged him, following his gaze. "You've been staring at her for like five minutes. Either go over there or stop looking like a lovesick puppy."
Nicholas huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "She's different," he murmured, more to himself than to his friend.
And he knew he had to talk to you.
He made his way through the crowd, his confidence steady but his heart pounding just a little faster than usual. He prided himself on being smooth, on knowing what to say, but as he got closer to you, he realized he didn't want to use any of his usual lines. He just wanted to know you.
"Is it just me," he said as he reached you, his voice warm and teasing, "or do you make this entire place look dull in comparison?"
You turned, surprised, but the playful grin that curled your lips told him you liked the approach. Your eyes met his—bright, full of life, with a spark that told him you weren't the type to fall for just anyone's charm.
"Oh?" you tilted your head. "Is that your way of saying I'm stealing the show?"
He chuckled, stepping just a little closer. "I'd say you're doing more than that. You're making it impossible for me to focus on anything else."
Your lips pressed together, as if holding back a smile, but he could see the amusement dancing in your eyes. "And what do you plan to do about it?"
Nicholas smirked. "Dance with me."
The music shifted, something slow and sultry taking over, and Nicholas took that as his moment. He held out a hand, waiting, hoping. And when you slid your fingers into his, something in his chest tightened in the best way possible.
You let him lead you onto the dance floor, bodies shifting to make room, as if the universe itself knew this was something special.
His hands found your waist, pulling you in close, and when your arms wrapped around his neck, his pulse jumped.
The world around him blurred. It was just you now, just the way your body fit perfectly against his, just the way your perfume wrapped around him, making his head spin.
Then you did something that almost knocked him off balance.
You closed your eyes.
It wasn't because you were shy, or because you weren't into the moment. No, it was the opposite. You let yourself feel it. You leaned into him, trusted him, melted into the rhythm of the song with him, and it was one of the most beautiful things he'd ever witnessed.
Love how you close your eyes when I pull you in closer, he thought, completely captivated.
And just like that, he was gone.
The song ended, but neither of you moved. Your hands stayed on his shoulders, his arms still securely around your waist, the energy between you crackling like a fire refusing to die.
"I have to admit," you said softly, voice just loud enough for him to hear, "you're better at this than I expected."
He arched a brow. "You had low expectations?"
You shrugged, the corner of your mouth lifting playfully. "You are an actor. Thought you might be all talk."
He laughed, genuinely enjoying the way you challenged him. "And now?"
You pretended to think for a moment before meeting his gaze again. "I might need more evidence before I decide."
Nicholas grinned. "Lucky for you, I'm a firm believer in proving myself."
What was meant to be just a dance turned into an entire night together.
You sat at the bar, talking, teasing, learning things about each other that neither of you had planned to share with a stranger.
He learned that you had a habit of twirling your straw in your drink when you were deep in thought. That you had a laugh that made people around you smile even if they didn't know what was funny. That you could hold your own in a flirty battle of wits, and that you didn't let people in easily—but something about him was making you reconsider.
And he?
He found himself telling you things he never told people on a first meeting. Things about his life, his passions, his dreams. He let his walls down, let himself get lost in you.
It was effortless.
Hours slipped through his fingers like sand, and he didn't care.
He just wanted more.
At some point, you found yourselves outside, the night air crisp against your skin. The city lights glowed softly around you, but Nicholas only saw you.
You wrapped your arms around yourself, and before you could protest, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over your shoulders.
You looked up at him, something unreadable in your eyes. "You didn't have to do that."
He smirked. "What kind of guy would I be if I let you freeze?"
You rolled your eyes, but he caught the way your fingers curled into the fabric, like you secretly liked the gesture.
Silence settled between you, but it wasn't awkward. It was thick with unspoken things, with possibilities, with the undeniable fact that tonight had been more than just a fleeting moment.
And then he said it, the thought that had been circling his mind from the second he saw you.
"I've never met a girl like you."
Your breath hitched. He saw it. Felt it.
And then you smiled, soft and knowing. "Good."
He took a step closer, slow enough to give you a chance to pull away, but you didn't. Instead, you tilted your chin up, your eyes locking onto his.
He brushed a strand of hair from your face, his fingers lingering against your cheek.
"I want to see you again," he murmured.
You grinned. "Then ask me out, Romeo."
Nicholas chuckled, shaking his head in pure amusement. "Alright," he said, eyes gleaming. "Go on a date with me."
You pretended to consider, drawing it out, making him wait. But then you bit your lip, nodded, and said the one word that made his entire night:
"Yes."
And just like that, Nicholas Chavez knew—this wasn't just another night.
This was the start of something real.
