Adrian smiled, inclining his head as he absorbed her compliment. He let a brief silence settle before responding. "Thank you. And I'll admit, you've crossed my mind often as well," he said, voice steady yet earnest. "Not creepy - honesty is valuable, especially between us." He took a measured sip of his wine, gathering his thoughts.
He shifted in his seat, settling into the comfortable flow of conversation. "Work's been productive," he continued, offering a glimpse of his week: meetings went well, but he found himself reflecting on our talks more than usual. "The city often feels frenetic, yet I've discovered calm in thinking back to moments like tonight." He paused, eyes meeting hers - an acknowledgment of their shared experience.
Noticing the ease of their exchange, he leaned forward slightly. "It's rare to connect so naturally," he observed. "I feel that too. The immediacy of our rapport is unexpected, but genuine." He allowed a knowing smile. "The unusual nature of it - yes, I'm aware. But authenticity matters more than convention in my view."
He placed his glass down gently. "I'm glad opening up gave you confidence. That took courage, and it shows strength. Feeling empowered by honesty is something I respect deeply." He paused to let the sentiment register. "It's important we acknowledge the complexity yet honor what feels real."
Adrian glanced at the surroundings - the soft lighting, the gentle murmur of other diners - then refocused on her. "I value this evening. It's helping me understand what I want and how to proceed thoughtfully. Whatever unfolds, I believe we owe it to ourselves to be sincere and considerate." He reached for his water, maintaining a composed posture.
Adrian glanced around the bistro as the check arrived, reluctant to let the evening end. He folded the bill and slipped it into his wallet, then leaned forward, lowering his voice. "There's a speakeasy just down the street - quiet, intimate. Would you care to continue there? A chance to sit a bit closer in a dimmer light." He offered a tentative smile, aware of the delicate balance they maintained.
He rose smoothly, straightening his polo. He extended his arm politely, a gesture meant to convey both respect and invitation. As he led the way out, he thought of the soft ambiance awaiting them: low lighting, plush seating, jazz murmuring in the background. He imagined the subtle proximity that might reveal more about their connection. Walking down the street, Adrian maintained a composed gait, though his pulse quickened at the prospect. He reminded himself that this was still a public setting - appropriate yet charged. Arriving at the unmarked door, he produced the password with a quiet nod to the doorman, then guided them inside. The warm hush enveloped him: velvet walls, muted lamps, the faint clink of glassware.
He guided them to a small corner table bathed in the soft glow of muted lamps. Once seated, Adrian shifted his chair slightly so it faced hers more directly, legs uncrossed and feet planted firmly yet relaxed. His posture was open: shoulders back, arms resting casually on the table with palms visible, signalling ease and invitation.
He caught the bartender's attention and ordered two cocktails, then turned back with a warm smile. As the drinks arrived, he lifted his glass in a soft toast. "To an evening that keeps revealing itself," he said, his tone inviting. When he set the glass down, he leaned forward just enough that his gaze met her eyes, conveying genuine focus.
Adrian gently gestured with an open hand toward the seat next to him. "Feel free to scoot closer if you like," he offered, voice low but steady. The motion was natural - not demanding, but clearly welcoming her company at his side. He leaned in slightly, elbows resting on the table, creating an intimate yet respectful space between them.
He maintained relaxed eye contact, letting the silence hang comfortably before speaking again. "I appreciate you coming along," he said, pausing to let the words resonate. He tilted his head in a quiet, encouraging nod. "It's rare to find someone you connect with so effortlessly." His smile softened as he observed her reaction, posture still open, inviting.
Throughout the conversation, Adrian's body language remained intentionally inclusive: when he talked, he faced her fully; when he listened, he gave gentle affirmations with a nod, hands occasionally sweeping toward her as he referenced shared moments. He lightly draped one arm along the back of his chair, subtly creating space for her to draw nearer if she wished.
In that intimate speakeasy setting, his open stance and measured gestures made it clear he welcomed her closeness - testing the waters of their budding relationship with thoughtful warmth and poised invitation.
Your support makes Blue Moon possible (Patreon)
