Chapter 54: Dating Like A Normal Couple
Summer’s POV
Brandon’s fingers threaded through mine across the restaurant table the unexpected intimacy making my breath catch. I ducked my head, suddenly finding the elegant tablecloth fascinating. My heart was racing so fast I was sure he could hear it, even over the gentle restaurant ambiance.
What do I say? What do I do? My mind went completely blank under the weight of his Intense gaze. Just when I thought I might spontaneously combust from embarrassment, the walter appeared with our first course,
“Your appetizers,” the waiter’s professional voice broke through the charged moment. I’d never been so grateful for an interruption in my life.
Brandon’s hand reluctantly released mine as the dishes were arranged before us. He began transferring food to my plate movements, that casual authority back in his bearing,
“I can do it myself,” I protested weakly, but he continued as if he hadn’t heard.
with precise
“Brandon…” I reached for my plate, our fingers brushing briefly. The contact sent another jolt through my system, how natural his touch had felt moments ago. “Really, I can handle it
reminding me of
The corner of his mouth lifted in that dangerous half–smile that never failed to make my pulse skip. “Eat.”
The word carried that gentle command that was becoming frustratingly familiar. I found myself studying him as we ate, noting how he barely touched the heavily seasoned dishes, preferring the simpler preparations. He likes his food clean and light, I realized, mentally filing away the observation. Not that I was planning to cool for him or anything. Though his kitchen was really nice…
After dinner, we found ourselves walking through an upscale shopping mall. The weekend crowd had thinned out, but couples still dotted the polished corridors. A young pair ahead of us caught my attention the girl was clearly upset about something.
“You fell asleep!” Her voice carried clearly through the quiet space. “You promised to watch the movie with me!”
Her boyfriend’s defensive tone made me hide a smile. “Come on, it’s got my fault! You girls always want to watch these romantic dramas full of misunderstandings. Real life isn’t like that!”
“But that’s th
the point!” She huffed. “Art is supposed to be elevated from real life! You promised to
in watch it with me!”
I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped once they were out of shot. “Pfft…
Brandon glanced at me, one perfect eyebrow raised, “Something funny?”
I shook my head, still smiling. “Girls aren’t actually that complicated, you know? She just wanted him to spend time with her. The movie itself doesn’t matter it’s about the companionship. As long as he’s not completely checked out…”
Something flickered across Brandon’s face as he checked his watch. “It’s still early. Let’s watch a movie,”
“What?” I stared at him, sure I’d misheard. “You… want to watch a movie?”
His dark eyes held mine. Problem?”
Before I could form a coherent response, he was already on his phone. “James. Get us two tickets.” He scanned the movie posters with casual disinterest, “Hmm. Like You‘ will do.”
“Like You?” I couldn’t keep the disbelief from my voice. The romant drama that’s been all over social media? Are you serious?
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Chapter 54: Dating Like A Normal Couple
Why are you looking at me like that? The amusement in his tone de my cheeks flush.
“You really want to watch this kind of movie?” I twisted my fingers nervously. “You don’t have to humor me
I say!
His hand found mine, fingers intertwining with casual possessiveness Didn’t you need companionship?” That dangerous half–smile played at his lips. “If that applies to dating couples, shouldn’t it apply even more to married ones?”
The warmth of his hand against mine made it hard to think straight we made our way to the ticket counter, where a small crowd had gathered around the self–service machines
“Could you hurry up?” Someone called from behind us, Impatience clear in their voice.
“Sorry!” I apologized quickly, then noticed Brandon’s hesitation with the touch screen. No way… I leaned closer, trying to hide my grin. Don’t tell me you don’t know how to use the self–service kiosk
The look he gave me could have frozen hell itself
“Here,” I bit back a laugh as I took his phone, quickly navigating the interface. His glare promised retribution, but I couldn’t help finding it oddly endearing that the mighty Brandon Stark had been stymied by a movie ticket machine.
He pulled me away from the crowd, his grip on my hand firm but gentle. “June”
“Hmm!” I looked up, caught off guard by the intensity in his expression.
“I know we’re married,” his voice dropped lower, sending shivers down my spine, “but I also know you’re still adjusting to us. To
this.
Guilt twisted in my y stomach. I’m sorry, it’s my fault-
“No.” He cut me off smoothly. “It’s not your fault at all. He bent slightly, bringing himself to my eye level. The move should have felt condescending, but something in his expression made my breath catch instead. “We can start from the beginning,”
“What do you mean?”
His fingers threaded through mine, the gesture somehow both possessive and tender. “Dating. We’ll do what other couples do. Take it step by step.”
“Are you sure?” I searched his face for any sign of mockery, but found only that steady intensity that seemed to be his default state.
His free hand came up to brush my cheek, the touch feather–light. Absolutely sure. No pressure, June. We’ll take it at your pace.” His thumb traced my lower lip, making my pulse race. “Though you should stop looking at me like that, or I might have to kiss you.”
“Stop teasing!” I ducked my head, but couldn’t quite hide my smile.
“As you wish.” He squeezed my hand gently. “Let’s got some snacks before the movie starts.
Despite my protests, Brandon returned with a large popcorn and two drinks. “Shh,” he pressed a finger to his lips as the lights began to dim. “Movie’s starting.”
Finding our seats in the darkness proved interesting. Brandon helped me with my bag, passing me a drink with careful precisio
Thirsty?”
I shook my head but took a sip anyway, hyperaware of his presence beside me. The theater was full of young couples, reminding me of my own college days.
His fingers tightened around mine as the movie began. The romantic plat unfolded on screep
a classic tale of misunderstandings
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Chapter 54: Dating Like A Normal Couple
and eventual reconciliation between a powerful CEO and his employe
“Brandon,” I whispered, trying to pull my hand free. “What are you doing?
“Watching a movie.” His voice carried that velvet soft quality that never failed to make my skin prickle. His thumb continued its maddening path across my palm.
“Let go…” But even to my own ears, the protest sounded weak..
He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Stay still.”
My heart clenched as the movie reached a particularly intimate scene between the leads. Just then, Brandon’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. He guided my hand to rest on his thigh, his fingers still intertwined with mine. Tapping my fingertips gently, he leaned close and murmured, “June, do you all really like these kinds of movies? The domineering CEO type?”
alf as intimidating as the real thing
am
not!” I yelled, but my face felt like it was on fire. Though the CEO in the movie wasn’t half as sitting next to me.
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