Chapter Five: Dinner with a Side of Danger

Maya had spent way too much time debating her outfit for dinner. She finally settled on a fitted black dress that hit just above her knees, paired with low heels. It was simple, yet it hugged her curves in all the right places.

When Alex knocked on her door, the sight of him left her breathless. He was dressed casually in a crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms. His dark jeans hung low on his hips, and the faint scent of his cologne stirred something deep within her.

"You look… incredible," he said, his voice low as his eyes traveled over her.

"Thanks," she replied, feeling a blush creep up her neck. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

His grin was slow and deliberate. "Ready?"

Maya nodded, locking the door behind her as they walked down to his car.

The restaurant he chose was intimate, tucked away on a quiet street, its warm lighting and soft music creating the perfect atmosphere. Alex pulled out her chair for her, his hand brushing hers in a way that sent a shiver up her spine.

Over dinner, their conversation flowed easily. Alex told her about his love for restoring old buildings, how he'd inherited the apartment complex from his late uncle, and the challenges of managing tenants. Maya shared bits about her life—her recent breakup, her need for a fresh start.

"Sounds like you've had a rough year," Alex said, his tone sympathetic.

"You could say that," she replied, swirling the wine in her glass. "But moving here feels… different. Like a second chance."

Alex's gaze lingered on her, his expression softening. "I'm glad you chose this place. I feel like I would've missed out if you hadn't."

Her heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in his voice. She didn't know what to say, so she looked down, suddenly very interested in her plate.

The moment was interrupted by the waiter arriving with the check. Alex paid without hesitation, then stood, offering her his hand.

"Come on," he said, his voice low and inviting. "There's something I want to show you."

He drove them to a nearby hill that overlooked the city, the skyline twinkling against the night sky. They stood side by side, the cool breeze brushing against their skin.

"This is my favorite spot," Alex said, leaning against the railing. "Whenever things get too hectic, I come here to clear my head."

Maya smiled. "It's beautiful."

"So are you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

She turned to him, her heart pounding. The way he looked at her, like she was the only thing that mattered, made it impossible to think.

Alex stepped closer, his hand brushing her cheek. "Tell me if I'm wrong, Maya. Tell me to stop."

But she didn't. She couldn't.

Instead, she tilted her head, closing the distance between them. His lips were soft but firm, moving against hers with a hunger that made her knees weak. His hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer, and she melted into him, her body igniting under his touch.

When they finally broke apart, her breath came in short gasps, her lips tingling.

"I've been wanting to do that since the moment I saw you," Alex murmured, his forehead resting against hers.

Maya didn't know how to respond, so she pulled him back in for another kiss, letting the night—and her reservations—fade away.

But as they returned to the apartment, the light outside Alex's door caught her attention. There, leaning against his doorframe with a cigarette in hand, was Kara.

"Well, well," she drawled, exhaling smoke. "Look who's back. Have a nice night?"

The tension was immediate. Alex's body stiffened beside her, his jaw tightening as he stared at Kara.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice cold.

Kara smirked, flicking the cigarette to the ground and crushing it under her heel. "You didn't think I'd give up that easily, did you?"

Maya's stomach sank as she looked between them, realizing that whatever history they shared wasn't as resolved as Alex had led her to believe.