New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 354 First Kiss

Adrian and Claire sat across from each other in the cozy, dimly lit restaurant. The warm glow of candles flickered on the table between them, casting soft shadows over their plates of delicious food.

The atmosphere was perfect-just quiet enough to make the space feel intimate but lively enough to make it fun. Claire was smiling more than she had in weeks and Adrian? Well, he was on cloud nine, soaking in every moment. "This is easily the best meal I've had in a long time," Claire said, taking another bite of her dessert. "And I'm not just talking about the food."

Adrian grinned. "It's the company, right? Gotta admit I wasn't sure how this would go, but... I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

Claire nodded, her eyes twinkling. "I am. This whole evening has been... really nice. And that joke earlier?" She let out a small laugh, remembering. "I can't believe you actually told that one."

Adrian chuckled. "Hey, it's a classic! You've got to love a good dad joke."

Claire shook her head, still laughing. "I didn't see it coming, that's for sure."

The two of them continued talking and laughing, enjoying the relaxed vibe between them. The dinner felt easy, natural-like they'd known each other for years. And though there was a little tension, it wasn't uncomfortable. It was more of the kind that made your heart race just a little faster, especially when you caught the other person looking at you a second too long.

When the meal came to an end, Adrian leaned back in his chair, looking completely content. "You ready to head out?"

Claire smiled, wiping her lips with her napkin. "Yeah, let's go."

They both stood and made their way out of the restaurant, the cool evening air hitting them as they stepped onto the street. Adrian stretched his arms and looked over at Claire. "You getting picked up, or...?"

Before he could finish his sentence, Claire grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks. Adrian blinked, clearly confused, and looked down at their joined hands before meeting her gaze.

something?" His voice was soft

This was it-the moment she'd been mulling over for days, the decision she'd lost sleep over. "Adrian, I've made

confused, which made sense-he'd told her to take her time, no pressure at all. "I told you, Claire,

certain now. "I know, but... I've thought about it, and

eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting

that you told me how you felt, or because I feel pressured. I'm saying it because... I

honesty in her voice was enough to make Adrian's heart do a little

actions, your words,

me... It's something I've never really felt before. You make me feel loved,

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his. "And I don't want to avoid this just because it might not

came out. He was floored-he hadn't expected her to say all that, not now, not tonight. He had been ready to give her more time,

he could think too

passion, full of everything he'd been holding back. And Claire? She kissed him right back, her

around

so long since Claire had felt this kind of affection, this kind of passion, and it felt amazing. For Adrian,

pulled apart, both of them breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. A smile tugged at Claire's lips, and she let out a small laugh. "What was that?" she asked, her chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath. Adrian gently

really together now?" Her tone was

lighting up. "Oh, we are

in the air as she squealed in surprise, laughing uncontrollably. "Adrian!" she giggled, clinging to his shoulders as they twirled.

spinning her, his laughter mixing with hers as the world blurred around them. Finally, he set her down, both of them dizzy but grinning like