★Nathan★
The air between us had shifted. By the time we finished the main course, Cassandra had relaxed a little, her posture softer, her tone less guarded. The conversation had slowed, and for the first time all evening, she looked at me without that faint layer of defense behind her eyes. I was proud of myself, not because dinner had gone perfectly, but because I had said what needed to be said. Suggesting that we start dating might have been bold, maybe even reckless, but I meant it. I was tired of pretending that this was just business. After I cleared the plates, I returned to the living room with a fresh bottle of wine. Cassandra was sitting on the couch, one leg tucked under her, her gaze turned toward the city lights outside. The reflection from the window framed her face in soft
