Beep! Hazel's phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen to see Mariam's name flashing.
Without hesitation, she answered.
"Girl, dress up and meet me at the location," Mariam's voice sang through the phone, filled with excitement.
Before Hazel could even reply, Mariam ended the call.
Letting out a resigned sigh, Hazel knew she had no choice—when Mariam made these spontaneous demands, they always led to unexpected adventures.
Part of her wanted to stay home, but another part was curious to see what awaited.
With a quiet chuckle, Hazel surrendered to her friend's whim, quickly changing into a chic outfit that made her feel confident.
After one last glance in the mirror, she headed to the address Mariam had sent her.
The luxurious restaurant took her by surprise.
Soft candlelight, plush seating, and elegant décor created an ambiance that made
Hazel pause at the entrance, briefly wondering what Mariam was up to this time.
Scanning the room, she spotted Mariam at a table, deep in conversation with a man whose back was turned toward her.
As she approached, curiosity bloomed inside her.
"Hey, Mariam!" Hazel greeted warmly, drawing closer with a smile.
Mariam stood up and kissed Hazel on the cheek, her excitement palpable.
"You made it!" she beamed.
As Hazel's gaze shifted to the man at the table, her heart skipped a beat.
The man turned slightly, and there, with his familiar easy charm and warm smile, was Peter.
"Peter?" she said, her voice revealing her astonishment.
"Yes, it's me," Peter replied with a calm, inviting smile.
"I ran into your friend here during a business meeting, and I convinced her to help me see you again. I hope I'm not intruding."
"No, not at all," Hazel replied almost instantly, her heart fluttering.
A spark lit between them, and she couldn't hide her excitement.
The three of them settled into a relaxed conversation.
Drinks were poured, laughter flowed easily, and soon they found themselves lost in playful banter.
Hazel felt a growing connection with Peter—one that was even stronger than their first encounter.
Sensing the chemistry blooming between them, Mariam excused herself after a while.
"I'll leave you two to get acquainted," she said with a knowing smile, giving them privacy.
Once alone, Peter turned toward Hazel with sincerity in his eyes.
"Can I invite you on a date tomorrow?" he asked softly.
Hazel's cheeks flushed as she smiled brightly. "I would love that."
As the night drew on, they continued talking, the world around them fading away.
Eventually, Peter drove Hazel home, the car ride filled with comfortable silence and quiet anticipation.
When they arrived at her house, Hazel found the courage to extend the evening.
"Would you like to come in for a bit?" she asked, her heart racing.
Peter's eyes brightened as he smiled. "I'd love to."
Inside, Hazel poured two glasses of wine.
They sat on the couch, sharing more stories, opening up little pieces of themselves.
The warmth between them grew with each word, each glance.
When Hazel asked, "What's your favorite way to unwind after work?" Peter gazed into her eyes and replied softly,
"Moments like this—good wine and even better company."
His words sent a thrill through her. Hazel smiled, whispering, "I feel the same way."
As their eyes locked, the pull between them became undeniable.
Peter leaned in, and their lips met in a tender, passionate kiss that sent butterflies through Hazel's chest.
Pulling away, Peter hesitated, apologizing gently.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to"
Hazel cut him off with another kiss, this one deeper, conveying everything she felt.
The connection between them was electric, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.
The Next Morning
Soft sunlight streamed through Hazel's window as she stirred awake, a peaceful smile curling her lips as memories of the night filled her thoughts.
She felt a warm kiss on her forehead and opened her eyes slightly to find Peter gazing at her with affection.
Carefully, he slipped out of bed, not wanting to disturb her.
As he dressed, he glanced back at Hazel, his heart full of gratitude and hope.
There was something undeniably special about this woman.
As the new day dawned, both Hazel and Peter sensed that this was just the beginning of something beautiful.