She took gentle steps to the door and opened it, meeting a smiley faced Harry.
“You’re here on time” she stated with a smile, stepping out of the room.
“I could never be late for this.” he replied with an infectious smile. His eyes scanned her dressing, checking her out. She was dressed in a black sleeveless dinner gown that hugged her body tightly with a slit from from her thighs downwards. She had a beautiful gold necklace round her neck with matching earrings and her hair was styled beautifully, letting it fall backwards.
“You look extraordinarily beautiful today.” he complimented breathlessly, still unable to take his eyes away from her.
“Thank you.” came her shy reply. She was already blushing from his intent stare all over her body. He took her hand in his’ and they walked over to his car. Stopping by the passenger door in front, he opened it, guiding her slowly into the seat before closing it back. He did a little victory dance which looked funny before turning to the driver’s side of the car.
“Where are we going?” Ciara asked after they had driven in silence for over ten minutes.
“We’re almost there.” he replied and she groaned.
“You said that some minutes ago.” he laughed heartily at her tone. He knew she was really curious, but he didn’t want to spoil the surprise he had planned for them. They continued driving in silence for over twenty minutes, with the volume of the music player turned up high. He focused on the almost empty road as he drove out of town.
“You’re leaving town?” she couldn’t help but ask in surprise after they had driven past a sign board.
“Uhmm” he hummed a reply, still focused on the road.
It was some minutes to eight when they pulled up in the parking lot of one of the biggest malls in the outskirts of California. She looked at him in surprise while they remained seated in silence in the car.
“Seriously?” she raised an eyebrow at him
“I need to get something from the mall. I’ll be right back.” he answered, stepping out of the car. He returned a few minutes later with two shopping bags and dumped them in the boot of the car. They continued their journey until they got to a beautiful restaurant by the side of the road. They stepped out in silence, and walking hand in hand, they entered and took a seat.
“I researched, and they serve one of the best foods around here” he replied to her curious eyes. They were seated on a beautifully decorated table with fresh flowers in a vase at the center. The entire restaurant was beautifully decorated with flowers and beautiful lighting. A huge chandelier hung at the centre while soft music blasted lowly from the speakers.
A waiter approached their table and they placed their orders. She jotted it down with a smile before returning inside.
“Thank you.” Ciara thanked him after the waiter had left to get their orders. There were other people in the restaurant, most of them being couples on dates.
“No need to thank me.”
The waiter soon returned with their meals and they started eating in silence. Ciara nodded her head severally in appreciation as she chewed on the deep fried chicken in her hand. It was tastefully made, surpassing her expectations.
“This is really good.” she voiced her thoughts.
“I told you. The chef is a retired state award winning chef. He retired early to set up his own restaurant.” Harry replied, taking a sip from his glass. They soon finished eating and Harry paid off, leaving a tip for the waiter. They stepped out of the restaurant, standing under the cold breezy night. The moon was starting to shine brightly as they walked back to the car.
“Are we going home now?” She asked after he pulled out of the restaurant.
“No dear, the night just got started” Harry replied and her heart fluttered. He had totally taken her off guard sith the choice of the restaurant and she was itching to know what else he had planned for the night.
They continued driving until he arrived at the beach. He parked his car on the sand and stepped out, turning to the other side to open the door. Ciara stepped out in surprise, looking around the empty beach. It was already late in the night and it was empty. The moon shone brightly from the horizon over the body of water. The night breeze blew softly, making her feel cold. She wrapped her hands round her body as he took out the bags he got from the mall out of the boot of the car. She followed his steps as he edged closer to the water, dropping the bag on the beach. He took out a blanket from the bag and spread it on the floor. Her lips stretched into a big smile as she realized what he was doing.
He arranged the other items from the bags on the blanket and sat down, patting the space beside him. Ciara took off her heels, getting down to sit on the blanket beside him. They sat in silence, watching the moon come up, shining brightly over them.
“The sight is beautiful.” she complimented, leaning closer to him.
“Not as beautiful as you are.” he replied clichély.
“Ewww, boring line.” she laughed.
He pulled her closer into his arms, her head resting on his hard chest while he stroked her hair softly.
“Do you believe in love?” he asked, his hands still moving on her soft silky hair.
“Yes.” her voice came out softly like a moan. His hand on her hair was therapeutic and was making her lose herself.
“Do you think love at first sight exists?” he asked again and she lifted her head from his chest to stare at him.
“Yes it does, though it’s rare.”
He didn’t speak again. They continued watching the waves of the ocean as the tide increased and reduced. Her head laid on his head comfortably as she closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his hand on her hair.
“I think I’m in love with you,” he confessed. Her heart beat picked up as she heard the words come out of his mouth.
“huh” her mouth was left agape as she raised her head to look at him. He held a serious look as they stared into each other’s eyes.
“I’m in love with you.” he repeated himself for clarity and she gulped, still looking at him. Did she love him too? She wasn’t sure of her feelings yet.