The waiter returned to their table, a silver tray held aloft. He deftly placed their plates before them—a steaming plate of fettuccine alfredo for Katherine and a roasted lamb dish for James. They both thanked him, and he gave a polite nod before retreating to serve others in the restaurant.
Katherine took a small, hesitant forkful of pasta. "This is delicious," she said, genuinely pleased.
"Only the best for a lady," James replied, a warm smile on his face. He watched her for a moment before he began to eat. The clinking of their silverware against the china was the only sound for a moment.
"So," James began, setting down his fork. "You've told me your name. Now tell me about the woman behind it. Who is Katherine Vance?"
A shy smile touched Katherine's lips. She felt a surprising ease talking to him, despite his reputation. "Well, there isn't much to tell. I live on my own, though my mother comes to stay now and again. I work as an assistant manager at a publishing house downtown. It's a marvelous job, really. I love books, and I get to help writers bring their stories to life." She paused, feeling the need to be completely honest. "I suppose I should also confess that I'm a bit of an introvert."
James raised an eyebrow, a hint of genuine curiosity in his expression. "An introvert? Then why did you come to that rather boisterous party last night?"
Katherine chuckled, a soft, melodic sound. "It was my best friend Ava's idea. Her boyfriend was celebrating his birthday, and she insisted I come along for support."
"Oh," James said, a look of understanding on his face. "Adrian, wasn't it?"
Katherine's eyes widened. "Yes, Adrian. How did you know?"
James gave her a knowing smile. "It's a small world, Katherine."
Katherine laughed again, shaking her head in amusement. "Well, that's all there is to know about me. What about you, Mr. Anderson? It's only fair I get to hear your story."
"My story?" James said, his smile fading into a look of quiet resolve. "It's not as interesting as yours. My father owns a company—the Anderson Company—and I'm next in line to take over." He gestured with his fork. "But he's not ready to give it up just yet. He's a stubborn old coot, but he's a good businessman. He thinks I'm still too young to run it, but I know I can."
He set his fork down and leaned back, his eyes fixed on Katherine. "I've learned to be very cautious. I hate people who are disloyal, who are two-faced, and who pretend to be your friend to get ahead. They are the worst kind of people."
Katherine listened intently, a mix of surprise and sympathy on her face. She had expected him to talk about his wealth, his parties, and his extravagant lifestyle, but he spoke with a sense of genuine frustration and ambition.
The conversation shifted to other, lighter topics. They talked about their favorite movies, the latest pop songs on the radio, and the silliest things they've ever seen people do in a city park. Katherine found herself laughing more than she had in months. James had a quick wit and a charming way of telling stories. His eyes would soften as he spoke, and he'd stare at her, a silent admiration in his gaze, as if he was mesmerized by her laughter and her beauty.
When they were done, they both agreed that the food was a success. "You know," Katherine said as they left the restaurant, "you have a great taste in buying a girl dinner, Mr. Anderson."
He chuckled. "I'm glad you think so. Now, let me get you home."
The drive to her place was filled with comfortable silence and a friendly, lighthearted conversation that felt like it had been going on for years. They shared jokes and stories, and James's eyes would occasionally flick to her, a genuine smile on his face.
When the car pulled up to her house, Katherine turned to him. "Thank you, James," she said, her voice soft and sincere. "I had a wonderful time."
He smiled, a quiet confidence in his eyes. "The pleasure was all mine, Katherine. I'll have to take you to my home another time. I have a feeling you'll be quite taken with it."
Katherine's smile was genuine as she nodded, her heart feeling full and light. "I'd like that," she said. She gave him a final nod, opened the car door, and stepped out, a new world of possibilities opening up before her.
Katherine closed the front door behind her, leaning against the cool wood for a moment. She let out a soft, excited sigh, the air tasting sweet and hopeful. A wide smile spread across her face as she replayed the evening in her mind. James Anderson. She liked him. She liked his quiet confidence, his surprising wit, and the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the room. But did he feel the same way? She had no way of knowing.
They had only just met, and she was well aware of his reputation. He was the son of a wealthy and powerful family, a man who moved in circles far removed from her own quiet life as a publishing assistant.
She let her handbag drop to the floor and padded into the living room, a dreamy look in her eyes. She wasn't an easy person to get to know, being an introvert, but with James, the conversation had flowed effortlessly. He was a complete mystery to her, and yet, she felt a strong pull toward him.
Feeling a sudden need to be alone with her thoughts, she went to her bedroom. She changed into her pajamas, washed her face, and then crawled into bed. Lying on her back, she stared at the ceiling, picturing his face in the soft light of the restaurant. His dark, hazel eyes, the way his lips would curl into a smirk before he said something clever. He was so handsome, so unlike any man she had ever met.
A wave of anticipation washed over her. She couldn't wait to tell Ava about the date. Her best friend would surely be thrilled and, as usual, full of endless questions. But for now, Katherine just wanted to savor the feeling. A new chapter of her life had just begun, a chapter she had only ever dreamed of. She closed her eyes, the ima
ge of James's smile etched behind her eyelids, and drifted off to sleep with a heart full of hope.