Paul hibernated in his office for the rest of the day. Just before lunch I received a text from Scott, asking me if I would like to have dinner with him tonight. I smiled, texting my acceptance before even thinking of Paul. All afternoon I repeated his words about relationships to myself. I had to focus on the fact that no matter how much I wanted him, I couldn't have him how I wanted. I had now accepted my want for a proper family life and I sure as hell needed it.

The day went by without a hitch and Paul didn't try and push his luck with me any further, thankfully. Later that evening, as I got myself ready for my date with Scott, I found myself wondering about my future, places I could go, things I might see, people I would meet. And every scenario involved Scott at my side, not Paul.

Just as I slipped my shoes on, Scott knocked on my front door. My heart leapt into a new rhythm, pounding against my ribcage as nerves tingled through my veins. I opened the door, taking great delight in seeing the handsome man smiling back at me. Wearing a baby blue checked shirt that clung to his body, perfectly highlighting his bronzed skin, and black denim jeans, he looked good enough to eat.

"You look beautiful," he said, offering me a bouquet of a dozen red roses.

I blushed and took the flowers from him. "Thank you. You look really good yourself."

"Thank you." He took a step forward and lowered his voice, saying, "I feel a little guilty, seeing how incredible you look, but instead of taking you out to dinner, I wanted to cook for you. Is that ok?"

My jaw dropped. I'd never had a man cook for me, unless you included ringing a takeaway in the loose term of 'cooking'.

"I'm sorry," he said, pulling his lips into a thin line. "I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sure we can still go out somewhere. Let me make some calls."

I snapped out of my dumbfounded state and shook my head. "No, no. It's fine. I'm just gobsmacked to be honest. I've never had anyone offer such a sweet thing."

A broad smile folded over his face, his eyes glowing with warmth. "Don't worry about anything. I trained as a chef in my younger days. It'll be more than beans on toast, I promise."

"Ok. I look forward to it. Let me just put these in some water quickly. I'll be 1 minute."

"Of course," he said.

I ran to the kitchen and threw the flowers in the sink, stuck the plug in, and filled the bottom two centimetres with water. That would do until I returned home later. Rushing back to the door, I opened it and stepped outside, noticing this time he had a bright white Mercedes Coupe.

"New car?" I asked, allowing him to lead me towards the passenger side.

"Yes. Bought it today. I'm planning on sticking around for a while and I didn't want to inconvenience Chris and Molly, so I decided to treat myself."

"It's lovely."

"Thank you."

He opened the door for me and settled me inside, giving me time to make sure I had all the trailing pieces from my soft pink dress inside the car. Once he sat next to me and started the engine, the conversation started flowing again, easing my jumble of nerves.

Assuring me that Molly and Chris had gone out for the evening to give us some privacy, my stomach churned at the thought of being alone with him in a house. The temptation to peek beneath his clothes only heightened every time I saw him.

Once we arrived at the house, he led me through the kitchen and out into the back garden. I gasped, and very nearly choked up at the marvellous sight laid out before me. Molly's huge dark green marquee stood proud in the centre of the grass. The front opening had been draped back to show off the beautiful candle lit table for two inside. Fairy lights hung all around the insides, bathing the scene in a romantic setting.

"Wow, just wow. I really don't know what to say. It's incredible." I lifted a hand to push back a stray piece of hair, only to realise my hand was shaking.

He brushed a hand over my lower back and ushered me inside. He gave me the full gentleman treatment by pulling my chair out for me, pushing me in, and then pouring me some wine. He excused himself as he went to fetch the starters and I couldn't help but grin at this unexpected treat. This was, hands down, the best first date I'd ever had.

He returned after a couple of minutes with two plates. "How adventurous are you feeling?"

"Depends on what sort of adventure you're talking about."

He chuckled as he produced a red silk blindfold with a cheeky grin. "For the food."

I nodded, more than eager to accept his little game. This was such a novel, thoughtful idea, I wanted to play it to its fullest. He scooted around behind me, his hands skimming against my head as he tied the smooth fabric over my eyes.

"Okay. Open wide."

I giggled but did as I was told. Within seconds, a small amount of hot food settled on my tongue. Delicious flavours spread throughout my mouth, my taste buds jumping for joy at the glorious mix of zesty food.

"What do you taste?"

I chewed, definitely tasting meat but I couldn't quite place what. Apple puree was a definite along with some walnuts and something else. I gave him my known answers, asking for more to decide on the rest.

A minute or so later, he pulled the blindfold from me, showing me an empty plate. I blushed as I wondered just how much I'd eaten.

"That was fantastic. What was it?"

"Seared Scottish scallops with apple puree, walnut, and chicory."

"Chicory. Of course it was." I rolled my eyes at myself. "It was absolutely delicious. Thank you."

He nodded before leaving with two empty plates. I presumed he must have eaten his whilst I was busy chewing. Returning with two more plates, he lifted up the blindfold from the table, my grin returning as I nodded. We played the same game, my senses on high alert as I concentrated on the amazing food he served me.

After getting lost at fish and potatoes, he removed the blindfold to allow me to see my food.

"Poached seabass with seaweed and confit new potatoes."

I looked at him, my eyes widened in surprise. "It's fantastic. You should be a chef."

"Thanks, but I would be like a hippo if I was a chef."

I laughed, totally understanding.

After that mouth-watering course, he gifted me with dessert—lemon soufflé topped with a dollop of cream and sliced strawberries. I was floating on cloud nine with this exquisite treatment. What a guy and what a way to impress me for sure. He definitely ticked all the right boxes so far.

We chatted constantly after the meal. He was so easy to get along with and his eyes so easy to become lost in. He left me breathless with his chivalrous manners.

When Chris and Molly finally came home, we realised the time—near midnight.

"I'd best take Cinderella home," he said, taking my hand and leading me through the house.

I laughed, my pink floaty dress definitely suited for Cinderella. He drove me home, the entire time stealing glances at me and flashing me heart stopping smiles. Like a teenage girl, I could do nothing but giggle and blush as my heart raced to new dimensions. My mind wandered off into unknown futures, imagining us together.

As he pulled into my drive, he hopped out of the driver's side, making his way to my door to help me out of his low car. He grasped my hand, helping me out of the car before escorting me to my front door.

"I've had a lovely time tonight," he said, closing the gap between us. "I hope I can see you again?"

My cheeks burned as I nodded, too excited for words.

"Can I call you tomorrow?"

"Definitely."

He settled a hand on my waist and lifted the other to my cheek, stroking my face with the back of his hand. "May I kiss you?" he whispered.

Every cell inside me melted at hearing those words. I smiled and nodded.

He bumped his nose against mine, giving me an eskimo kiss before sweeping his rosy pink lips over mine. He turned his hand around, cupping my cheek as he slid his other hand from my waist, wrapping his arm around my back. Pressed in close against his body, feeling his solid warmth underneath me, I was done for.

When he teased my lips open with his tongue, entwining us together in a slow embrace, I couldn't help the small moan that escaped me. This guy was the epitome of romance. My imagination ran wild with what he might be like between the sheets.

Finally breaking his hold on me, leaving me breathless and wanting more, he wished me a good night.