14

Liliana

"Hey there," a voice greeted me. I turned to find a man standing beside me, good-looking and clearly a few drinks in, judging by his glassy eyes. He leaned in, his shoulder brushing mine.

"I’m just waiting for my boyfriend," I replied, leaning away subtly, hoping he’d take the hint and leave me alone.

He glanced around and leaned in closer. "Sorry to break it to you, sweetheart, but I don’t think he’s going to show. But whoever he is, he’s an idiot for keeping a gorgeous thing like you waiting around."

His comment unnerved me, though I couldn’t help agreeing about Julian being late.

Julian was now over thirty minutes overdue. He texted five minutes ago, saying he was about to leave, so I decided to give him another ten minutes.

“Let me buy you a drink,” the man persisted, his eyes dropping to my cleavage.

I sighed in annoyance. "No, thank you. I’d prefer to be alone."

“Aw, come on. I promise to behave,” he said, sliding his hand up my arm. I recoiled, ready to tell him off.

Just then, a firm hand wrapped around my waist, and a kiss landed on my temple. Surprised and relieved, I realized Julian had finally arrived.

“Hey babe, sorry I’m late,” said a voice that sounded nothing like Julian’s.

I turned to see Alistair, my heart racing with a mix of surprise and gratitude.

“Who’s your friend?” Alistair demanded, glaring at the man who stumbled back.

“Oh, hi,” I said quickly, shooting Alistair a grateful look. “He was just leaving.”

Getting the hint, the man backed away with his hands raised. "No problem, I’m going," he muttered.

As soon as he was gone, I let out a nervous laugh. "Thanks. He just wouldn’t take a hint."

Alistair remained close, his arm still around my waist, and he kept his eyes fixed on the man until he disappeared around the corner.

"He was a creep," Alistair commented, withdrawing his hand.

"Yeah, just looking for a hookup. I guess I seemed like an easy target, sitting at the bar alone for so long," I replied.

Alistair's jaw tensed slightly as he shook his head.

"No sign of Julian yet?" he asked, pulling up the stool next to me.

I checked my phone and sighed. "Nope. But that's Julian, always running late. He said he’d be here in fifteen minutes.”

“Well, I’m happy to play your fake boyfriend until your real one shows,” Alistair offered with a sexy smile.

Those words made my chest ache. How I wished the roles were reversed.

“Thanks,” I replied, laughing softly. “I would take you up on that offer, but I don’t want to keep you from your date.”

“She left when she realized it wasn’t going anywhere,” Alistair said.

Just then my phone buzzed on the bar counter.

It was Julian saying his work friends invited him out and I should join them at the bar they were headed to across town.

Was he serious?

Tonight was supposed to be a celebration for finally completing my last semester and getting my degree.

It was a big night for me. Julian had been so proud of me, excited to take me out to celebrate.

I was not in the mood to be out with his rowdy friends. Especially not after I’ve sat here for over thirty minutes, waiting for him to show.

My eyes stung, tears starting to form, but I blinked them away.

"I'm guessing Julian's not coming." Alistair said quietly.

I shook my head, swallowing down the knot in my throat. "No, he wants me to meet him at another bar.”

I looked down at my drink and tried to suppress the anger that was rising. I could feel Alistair’s eyes watching me.

He could probably see the emotions brewing inside me. He knew I had no intention of meeting Julian there.

I was about to tell Alistair I was heading home when he asked, “Do you like chocolate?”

I frowned in confusion and turned to him. He looked back at me with such an earnest expression, it threw me off even more.

“What?” I asked, blinking rapidly. “Is that a trick question?”

He laughed, shaking his head.

"Come on, I’m taking you out.” Alistair motioned to the bartender for my check.

He meant he felt sorry for the poor girl that got stood up by his brother, so he was throwing her a bone.

“What? Alistair, you don’t have to-," I started saying.

“Hey.” He softly tugged my wrist, stopping my sorry attempt at refusing. He seemed to sense what I was thinking. “I want to. So let me. And you look hot as hell. I’m not letting you waste that outfit."

He winked at me and I thought my face was going to go up in flames. Alistair dropped some cash for my drinks and held out his hand, palm facing up.

“Let’s go,” he said, waiting expectantly as I sat there debating whether I should head home or take Alistair’s hand and salvage the night.

The truth was, I didn’t want to go home. I had come out for a night out with Julian, but the thought of spending time with Alistair was more appealing by the second.

"Just two friends catching up," Alistair said, his hand still held out for me to take. "What do you say? I know a great place for dessert. Or drinks. Or whatever will make you happy tonight.”

How could I say no to that? I deserved a night out with someone that gave a shit about me for once.

“Okay,” I said as I slipped my hand into his, “Alistair?”

“Yeah,” he replied, closing his fingers over mine.

“I love chocolate.”

I hopped off the stool and let Alistair lead me out of the restaurant.
Alistair and I strolled over to a nearby restaurant named Marcella’s, a cozy Italian spot with a relaxed atmosphere.

Over dinner, we chatted and caught up. When the server came to clear our plates, she asked if we wanted dessert.

“Ever had a brookie explosion?” Alistair turned to me with a grin.

I narrowed my eyes playfully. “No, what’s that?”

His expression turned deadpan. “Only the most amazing thing you’ll ever taste. Life-changing.”

I chuckled as Alistair ordered it from our server.

“So, how’s the dating life treating you these days?” I asked, immediately regretting it.

I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear about his dating adventures. His divorce must have been finalized, putting him back in the dating pool.

Alistair chuckled softly. “I wouldn’t know. Not really in the scene. Today was actually my first date.”

I pursed my lips, secretly relieved he wasn’t actively dating.

“What happened with your date tonight?” I prodded. “I thought she was beautiful and smart. You must have charmed her.”

He watched me thoughtfully, his fingers tracing his jawline. I squirmed under his intense gaze.

“She wasn’t my type,” he replied, a hint of amusement in his smile.

I rolled my eyes teasingly. “You don’t like beautiful, smart women?”

He laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Of course I do. In fact, I know one,” he said softly. “She’s perfect. But she’s taken.”

I caught my breath, biting my lower lip as our eyes locked for a moment.

Just then, the server brought out our dessert. I marveled at the brookie explosion—a pan of warm, swirled brownies and chocolate chip cookies topped with a generous scoop of ice cream.

Wide-eyed, I took a bite, savoring the rich flavors.

“Wow,” I murmured, covering my mouth. “This is amazing.”

Alistair raised an eyebrow, a broad grin spreading across his face.

He was right—it was one of the most delicious desserts I’d ever tasted. Rich, decadent, and warm.

I took another bite, closing my eyes in bliss.

“Mmm, so good,” I sighed contentedly.

When I opened my eyes, Alistair was watching me intently, his gaze slightly hooded. He licked his lips slowly.

My cheeks flushed with warmth. I chuckled and dabbed at my lips with the napkin. “Oops, got a bit carried away there.”

He smiled back at me. “No worries. Should I leave you two alone?”

We continued to talk and laugh, and soon I found myself forgetting how down I had felt just an hour ago. Alistair had once again managed to turn things around.

Alistair must have noticed how much I was enjoying the dessert because he let me finish off the rest after taking a few bites himself.

“Oh my goodness, take this away from me,” I laughed, eyeing the last bite on the plate. “You were right. This thing is dangerous.”

“I told you so,” he grinned.

Then, he scooped up the last bite on his fork and held it out to me.

“Oh please, spare me the embarrassment,” I giggled, covering my face while unable to stop smiling. “I practically ate the whole thing by myself.”

“Come on, you didn’t,” he chuckled, gently prying my hand away from my face. “Stop being polite.”

His smile was warm and sincere, his eyes sparkling. Leaning in, he brought the fork closer to my mouth, still holding my hand. “Here.”

How could I refuse a handsome man offering me chocolate? I rolled my eyes playfully and leaned forward. His gaze dropped to my lips as I parted them, taking the last morsel off his fork.

He smirked and then smiled softly as he glanced down at the table. He seemed a bit melancholic, which suddenly tugged at my heart.

“So, what’s next for you?” I asked, breaking the moment of awkwardness.

Alistair shrugged. “Still figuring things out. It’s been a rough year.”

I nodded sympathetically. His divorce had clearly taken its toll, even if he didn’t openly express it. I wanted to comfort him, but I hesitated, unsure how he’d take it.

“But the brewery looks promising. We found a great spot for it—a big warehouse with room for outdoor seating. Benedict and I are checking it out next week.”

“How exciting! When do you think it’ll open?”

Alistair took a deep breath, looking up as he thought. “Probably not for a while. It’ll take nearly a year to get everything set up. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”

“Well, count me in as your top customer,” I grinned. “Or if you need a hand, I can be a bartender too.”

I wasn’t certain if Julian and I would still be together by then, but I intended to show my support regardless.

“I’d love that,” Alistair replied with a laugh. “I’m going to hold you to it.”

Before I could respond, Alistair changed the subject. “So, how’s school going? You mentioned you were wrapping up your last semester.”

“Yeah, just finished this week actually. I got my degree,” I said with a wide smile.

Alistair raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“Liliana, that’s incredible! Congratulations.” He reached across the table and gently squeezed my hand. “I’m really happy for you. How are you celebrating this big milestone?”

“This is it,” I replied softly. “Tonight.”

Alistair’s smile faded as he realized why I had dressed up and waited for Julian. He leaned back in his chair and sighed, releasing my hand.

“I’m so sorry,” he murmured, his gaze filled with regret as he looked at me. “I can’t believe Julian would do that.”

“Alistair, please don’t apologize for Julian,” I said, trying to inject some humor to lighten the mood. “I already feel fortunate to be here with you. Always swooping in out of nowhere like a superhero.”

He didn’t join in my laughter. Instead, he continued to look at me with those same sorrowful eyes.

“We should have gone somewhere fancier. I should have asked you where you wanted to go.”

My chest tightened at his unexpected reaction. I began to regret bringing it up at all.

“Alistair, stop. I love it here,” I reassured him, reaching for his hand and holding it in both of mine. “Really. I do.”

He glanced down, shaking his head.

“Alistair, it’s okay. I’ve accepted Julian for who he is. Now it’s up to me to decide how to respond.”

“I’m going to have a talk with him,” he muttered to himself, letting out a deep sigh.

“Are you okay? After, you know…” He trailed off, alluding to Julian’s proposal.

“Oh, yeah, I’m okay. It just caught me off guard,” I admitted, hugging myself. “Saying no was hard. I feel guilty.”

“Don’t blame yourself. You made the right choice. You deserve to be happy, Liliana.”

I sighed. “He’s taking it really hard. Things have been rough lately. I feel responsible…” I bit my lip.

Alistair’s brow furrowed with concern. “You’re not responsible for how he handles things. We just need to support him.”

Silence hung between us for what felt like ages.

“We should probably head back,” I finally suggested.

We walked back to the bar where my car was parked.

“Liliana…” Alistair began, catching my wrist. I held my breath as I looked up at him.

“I just want you to know, for what it’s worth…” He hesitated, as if carefully choosing his words. “Maybe this isn’t my place to say, but you deserve someone who values you. Someone who sees how amazing you are. Don’t settle for less.”

His words resonated deeply, each one stirring my heart. He had to be referring to himself. It felt like the closest thing to a confession I could hope for.

“Call me anytime you need anything, Liliana. I’ll always be there for you.” He released my wrist, looking away.

Before I could overthink it, I hugged him, wrapping my arms around his waist. Alistair reciprocated, his embrace gentle yet comforting.

“Good night, Alistair,” I whispered, reluctant to let go.

“Good night, Liliana,” he murmured into my hair.

I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek softly. “Thank you for everything tonight.”

He turned his head toward me, his cheek brushing mine. I wondered if he could feel my racing heartbeat. We lingered for a moment, neither of us moving. Finally, he released me.

I took a deep breath, savoring his presence before reluctantly stepping away.