Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

Chapter 83

Chapter 83

Kylan really didn't like surprises. He was clearly anxious while he drove her to their destination, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, his right knee bouncing a nearly invisible amount

She wondered if she would have noticed the small tells he was giving off had it not been for Christmas Eve. Now though, she felt familiar with the subtle hints of his anxiety, even when he wouldn't vocalize them.

Katrina casually placed a hand over his dancing knee, striking up a conversation with him about chess while he drove. She didn't honesty care much for the game, but he did. It relaxed him, and that was all she wanted him to be right now, Relaxed Unbothered about the many things she needed to figure out, to talk about.

This would be her best date. Her first real and honest date. She tried not to allow her nerves to overwhelm her, instead throwing herself into the conversation with Rylan

It was quietly exhilarating, watching Kylan virtually melt next to her while he passionately delved into the intricacies of chess. It was clear he had spent a ridiculous amount of time perfecting the art of playing, and he was all too happy to tell her everything about the game as a result. She listened intently, her palm still resting on his leg that was no longer bouncing, glancing out at the setting sun while Kylan took her to the destination that he knew nothing about,

It was comfortable and, at that moment, she felt safe.

-0-0-0-

By the time they reached the small, brown brick building that was nestled amongst others of a similar Eshion, the sun had long since set and a relentless December chill had taken hold of the evening.

When Kylan helped her out of the SUV, she didn't hesitate to take his hand in hers. It was second nature, at this point. And yet, this time it felt undeniably different. It felt real, like there wasn't a line or a boundary she was nervous to cross anymore.

Every possible line, every single barrier had already been erased and she was no longer worried about pretending like she didn't want to hold Kylan's hand while he led her into the establishment of her choosing

It took him only a moment to realize where she was, but not why

"A cafe?" he asked her upon entering, staring up at the low ceiling and the various wrapping greenery that hung from it.

The atmosphere was both relaxing and warm, the smell of the many vines and plants emanating in tendrils to her waiting nose, Soft music played from somewhere she couldn't see, and her eyes took in the well-positioned tables, as well as the low lighting that flickered across patrons faces as they smiled and enjoyed their own memories in the making

his hand once before she guided him over to a counter near the front of

willingly, staring around at the candles flickering atop each table and at the white lace tablecloths

she kindly told the worker situated behind

and nodded, pointing to a table near the center of the large room. "That's your table. Go

of her jacket and watched as Kylan did the same, both of them draping their coats across the back of

of his eyes

Have either of you ever been to a te tasting before?" the gentleman

quite like this, no. Although, this man right here is a kind of expert when it comes to all things tea. He'll likely be your pickiest patron yet," she mused, mostly playing, but absolutely meaning

raised their eyebrows at Kylan for a beat and then they laughed. "Is that so? I'll make sure to bring only the very best, then. I'll be back in a few with your first round of teas, as well as some sandwiches and scones for you to enjoy." With that, they winked

in front

Kylan leaned across the table and narrowed

about something like this, considering just how seriously he took his tea drinking. And yet, she also knew that if he only allowed himself to

to my liking and I wanted to make our first. Well, real date. Special, I suppose. I know how much you enjoy tea when it's made correctly, and this place has really great reviews, the kind of reviews that even

13:04 PM

Chapter 83

a single finger against her lips, effectively cutting her off entirely. "I

all the same. "I'm glad to hear that, Kylan, she admitted, thankful for the low lighting the cafe offered so he wasn't able

tray that housed eight incredibly small teacups, along with the scones and sandwiches they

of sweet, woodsy, and bitter tea scents assaulted her nostrils, and she sat forward eagerly, eyeing the different

are four different teas here. Each of them is labeled accordingly. Try these, and then I'll be back with more." Their server smiled at them and then

watching as he rather incredulously looked at each teacup. He picked up the different labels, quietly reading them to. himself. By the look on his face, she knew was taking this very seriously, and it only filled her with more warmth than

be Kylan. It was endearing, he was endearing, and she was reminded

the infinite reasons that she fell

throat and brushing her hair behind her shoulders, pretending she knew what any in front of

of the teas