Erica’s POV
“Wow, he’s a persistent man. Does he give you trouble?”
I saw the softness on his face slowly disappear and a grim seriousness crept in.
I could feel him getting defensive and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
“You don’t have to worry about him. I can handle him.”
Javier eased up slightly and took another sip of water.
“If you need help with him, you know that you can tell me.”
I smiled and poked at my food with my spoon.
“You seem eager. You let him carry me away when we were dancing,” I said with a chuckle.
Javier smirked and rolled his eyes.
“I see where this is going. I actually thought that he was your boyfriend. It wasn’t difficult to see the way he claimed you. I just wanted to back off. I’m not one to stir up trouble.”
He smirked and we continued the light banter. I was relaxed. His gaze no longer made me uncomfortable but was soothing and warm.
His pearly teeth seemed to reflect the restaurant’s lights and his hair was perfect. Not a single lock was out of place.
Our plates were empty and when I looked down at the table, I noticed the extra plates. We had ordered second and third helpings and just kept eating and talking.
“Arrgghh,” I said lightly with a smile. “I feel so full.”
He chuckled and reached out to me.
My body went taunt as his fingers brushed against my cheek.
“I’m sorry. You had something on your face.”
He showed me the piece of cabbage that he had removed and I blushed hard. How did that get there?
“I asked the chef to pack extra for the kids. They seem to really like Chinese food.”
I felt my heart swell at his gesture and was unsure of how to turn it down. He didn’t have to go through all that trouble.
I struggled with the words but I finally settled with a light ‘Thank you’. I was certain the kids were going to be happy once I got home.
The waiter brought the take-out and we left.
“We can go to the park. The lanterns are usually on by this time and they cast a magical glow over the park.”
I was excited and I clutched his arm like a little child that was going to the amusement park.
We talked lightly and our conversation was spiced with light laughter. It was perfect. The breeze was cool and gentle, the stars were in the sky and I was with a friend and I could forget about the things that bothered me, even if it was for a little while.
We got to the park and I was blown away by the beauty.
The flowers were in bloom and their lush fragrance tinged the air.
I inhaled deeply and smiled. This was bliss. Where had this kind of peace been my entire life?
The lanterns were lit and under the starry night sky, they made the flowers look like a meadow untouched by man, a meadow where nature was free.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Javier slid his hands in his pocket and we stared at the flowers.
“They are very popular flowers in this pack but watching them bloom is always a sight to behold.”
I could feel tears streaming down my face as I looked at them. I was moved by the beauty. I couldn’t contain myself.
“Erica?”
I looked up and saw Javier looking down at me with concern.
“Are you alright? Do you have a pollen allergy?”
I looked at him and was confused.
“Allergy?”
“You’re crying? Did something get into your eyes?”
I chuckled, pulled out a handkerchief, and cleaned my eyes.
“I’m fine. I…I was just so moved by them. They are beautiful.”
I was still looking at the flowers but I could still feel his eyes on me.
I looked up at him again and I was right.
“Javier?”
“Erica, I’m intrigued by you. You seem to always carry yourself so well but I can’t help but feel that something is bothering you.”
I felt my bubble pop.
Was…was I really that easy to read?
“Javier, it’s…”
He took my hands in his and I felt his warmth bring my chilly hands back to life.
“You can talk to me about it. I’ll listen.”
I felt my heart waver slightly. His golden eyes were soft and full of sympathy.”
“We should sit,” he said. “I don’t want you to stand for so long.”
He didn’t wait for me to agree and took me gently to a bench.
We had a beautiful view of the park and I could see a lovely couple sharing a steamy kiss under a tree.
I turned to look at Javier but the concern in his eyes didn’t waver.
“Jay…”
Jay? I had already given him a nickname? Well, it was too late to take it back now.
“… I’ve just been under a lot of pressure at work, conflicting emotions getting in the way of things and I get home feeling miserable. But I assure you, I’m fine. I can handle it.”
He rubbed my hand softly and stared at me.
“I understand what you’re going through and it’s alright to feel that way. But I think that you’re amazing Erica and no one should be putting you under pressure…”
He cupped my face in his hands and I felt a shiver run down my spine. What was…
“… I think you’re the most amazing person that I’ve met. You are strong and kind. I love the way you look out for your friend’s kids. She is lucky to have a friend like you. I admire your charisma and I think that you can get through anything…”
His words felt so sweet and sincere. No one had ever said those things to me, not even Lorenzo. Maybe he has but I never felt them as sincere as this.
His golden eyes softened even more and I felt them invade my soul, searching around it for wounds to heal.
“Javier…”
“Erica…”
He leaned in closer to me and my eyes looked down at his lips.
Soft, succulent and kissable.
Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t hurt to…