Don't take it Personal

Dating with purpose

Stephanie POV

I chose to wear a sleek black bandage dress, accentuating my curves, and let my curls cascade freely. Complementing the look with black and gold accessories and elegant gold-strap heels, I finished it off with a dash of my favorite Versace cologne and some carefully applied makeup, along with a touch of lip gloss. I felt undeniably amazing.

A soft knock at the door interrupted my preparations. "Come in," I beckoned, reaching for my black purse. There, standing before me in pristine white, was Trey, exuding an almost sinful level of handsomeness. "Beautiful as always," he complimented, causing an uncontrollable blush to spread across my cheeks and a shiver to run down my spine.

Hand in hand, we ventured out. Within 25 minutes, we arrived at the restaurant, where Trey had thoughtfully made reservations. The decor was captivating, reminiscent of Las Vegas with its vibrant lights yet maintaining a cozy atmosphere.

As we perused the menu, I opted for the Bistecca Ai Ferri, a succulent Ribeye steak with warm red onion compote, while Trey ordered the Costarelle Di Agnello Alla Brace, a grilled lamb rack with a fresh pepperina mint fondue. We both decided on fruit punch juice to accompany our meals.

Our conversation flowed effortlessly, reminiscing about our college experiences. Talking to Trey was always a joy, and at this moment, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his unwavering presence in my life.

"Trey, I have strong feelings for you, and I'm ready to see where this journey takes us. I want to be clear; I'm not interested in playing games," I declared, my emotions laid bare.

"Stephanie, I've loved you since childhood, and despite dating other women, it's never made sense because my heart has always belonged to you. I want to explore a future with you, and frankly, I don't want to beat around the bush-I want to marry you," he confessed, reaching for my hand, which he held tenderly.

Our intimate moment was briefly interrupted by the waiter, who took our dessert order: Affogato, a delightful concoction of vanilla cream gelato with fresh cream quenelle, biscotti, shaved dark chocolate, and a shot of hot espresso. I also ordered a whiskey sour, while Trey opted for water.

Our conversation continued, delving into what a relationship meant to us and how we would navigate the unique dynamic of Trey being my boss.

We arrived back at the apartment complex, reminiscing about the time I impulsively shaved off my eyebrows, and Trey's mom had to come to the rescue, drawing them back on with hilarious results. Laughter filled the air as we walked, creating a warm and cherished memory.

As we reached my front door, an inexplicable connection enveloped us, our eyes locked in a moment of profound intimacy. Unable to resist, we leaned in for a kiss, a kiss that held the promise of something deeper and more extraordinary. When Trey finally broke the kiss, he held my hands gently and whispered, "Get some rest; we have a picnic planned for tomorrow. Tonight was wonderful."

His words lingered in the air as I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. Standing there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of enchantment, a magic that seemed to emanate from Trey himself. That's what he made me feel, a world of wonder and endless possibilities.

Arriving at Trey's balcony for our noon picnic date sent my heart aflutter. The sun hung high in the sky, promising a radiant afternoon. I had chosen to wear a flowing sundress, and my hair was gathered in a casual ponytail, the perfect attire for such a delightful occasion.

Noon had arrived, and the prospect of delectable food and refreshing drinks beckoned. Trey, the culinary maestro, had prepared a feast that was nothing short of extraordinary. The scent of sizzling grilled vegetables and marinated chicken wafted through the air, teasing my senses. The gingham-patterned picnic blanket was spread out before me, a canvas adorned with a mouthwatering masterpiece.

As I stepped onto the balcony, my eyes were greeted by a delightful array of dishes. There were delicate finger sandwiches, vibrant salads, and a cheese platter that could rival any high-end bistro. The jewel of the spread was a meticulously arranged fruit salad, a burst of colors and flavors. And the drinks, glistening in the sunlight, promised both refreshment and indulgence, with glasses of ice-cold lemonade and a bottle of crisp white wine.

However, our picnic was not merely about indulging in culinary delights. Trey had arranged a table with classic board games: Uno and Ludo. A mischievous smile danced on his lips as he gestured towards the games, and I couldn't help but accept the challenge. The cards and colorful game pieces were laid out, ready for a duel of strategy and luck.

Laughter filled the air as we engaged in friendly competition, each game revealing a different facet of our personalities. Trey's jokes flowed effortlessly, infusing each moment with humor and camaraderie. His eyes sparkled with mirth as we recounted tales and shared playful banter.

The afternoon unfolded like a cherished story, a narrative woven with flavors, laughter, and shared experiences. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most enchanting moments could be found in the simplest of settings - a balcony picnic with exceptional food, delightful games, and the company of someone who made my heart sing.

Trey POV

The day spent with Stephanie had been an absolute blast, and it had left me with a sense of anticipation. As the sun began its descent, she surprised me with a morning date night plan - a beach outing. The idea of spending time by the shore with her sent a thrill through me, and I knew I had to get ready for this special occasion.

With enthusiasm, I prepared for our beach date. I chose comfortable beachwear, including swim trunks and a light, sun-protective shirt. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the adventure that awaited us.

Stephanie, always thoughtful, had packed a delightful assortment of fruits and snacks. The scent of jerk chicken sandwich wafted through the air, making my mouth water. It was clear she had put a lot of thought into creating a culinary experience that would be as memorable as our time together.

As we arrived at the beach, the sight of the endless shoreline and the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore welcomed us. Stephanie's smile was infectious, and we wasted no time in immersing ourselves in the experience. We swam in the crystal-clear waters, feeling the refreshing embrace of the sea.

But our date was not just about swimming; Stephanie had another surprise in store. She produced board games from her beach bag, and we set up a game right there in the sand. The sun warmed our skin as we engaged in friendly competition, the sound of laughter mixing with the rhythmic lapping of the waves.

The hours slipped away as we relished the simplicity and beauty of our beach date. It was a day filled with laughter, delicious food, and the joy of being in each other's company. Stephanie had a way of turning every moment into a special memory, and this beach date was no exception.

Author Note

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