Under the Mistletoe

Evening Warmth

Inside, the atmosphere was inviting, filled with the low hum of conversations and the clinking of fine glassware. As we approached the host stand, Ben was recognized immediately. The host’s face lit up, and he rushed to usher us to the elevator, eager to get us the best seating on the top floor.

When the doors opened, I was greeted with a stunning view of the city skyline, the twinkling lights below creating a magical backdrop. The dining area featured floor-to-ceiling window walls, mood lighting casting a warm glow, and subtle Christmas decorations beginning to appear, adding a festive touch to the elegant setting.

Once we reached our table, Ben pulled my seat out like a true gentleman. I quickly settled into it, glancing around in awe. “This is a bit over the top, Mr. Big Shot,” I teased, scanning the restaurant.

He smiled and shook his head at my jest. “A beautiful woman deserves to eat at the finest.”

I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks at his compliment. Picking up the menu, I began to scan over it. The prices were high, but with my new job, it didn’t seem as stressful. One expensive meal wouldn’t hurt, right? My eyes stopped at the rump steak, and my stomach gave a small, quiet growl.

With my choice in mind, I glanced back at Ben, who was just watching me with an intensity that made my heart race. I smiled tentatively, but when he didn’t respond, I frowned slightly. “Ben, are you okay?” I asked, concern creeping into my voice.

He blinked, his eyes darting slightly before he sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry, May. I got lost in your eyes for a second,” he said, quirking a small, genuine smile.

My face lit up, and despite my embarrassment, I could have sworn I saw a hint of colour on his cheeks as well. But before I could call him out on it, a waiter suddenly appeared.

“Mr. Miles, what can I get for you and your lady tonight?” The waiter was an older gentleman, with neatly gelled grey hair and kind, determined hazel eyes.

“I’ll have the French pork rillets, please. May?” Ben spoke formally, turning his attention to me.

“I’ll have the rump steak, medium well done,” I ordered swiftly, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

Ben raised an eyebrow at my order, and I fidgeted slightly under his inquisitive gaze. “And a bottle of your best red wine,” he added, looking at the waiter with a confident smile.

The waiter took our order before briskly leaving, and Ben turned to me with a playful smirk. “Steak, huh? Go figure.”

I grinned back, a light-ness filling the air between us. “You can never go wrong with a steak,” I laughed, appreciating the ease of our conversation.

As we settled into a comfortable silence, I found myself just gazing at him. Ben was devilishly handsome, and there was a shine in his eyes that captivated me. The brown hues were almost the colour of rich chocolate, deep and inviting. A light stubble formed on his chin, adding to his rugged charm, while his stylish hair framed his face perfectly, falling just above his shoulders.

He was like someone from another world, and yet here he was, wanting to be around me. I felt a twinge of disbelief. I was just a girl trying to find her footing, someone who had faced challenges and uncertainty. He was rich, successful, and could have anyone he wanted. So why was he wasting his time with me?

I couldn’t help but wonder what he saw in me, especially when I felt so out of my depth in this glamorous setting. I was comfortable now with my job, but it paled in comparison to the life he led. The thought made my heart race, and I tried to shake off the insecurity creeping in.

“May?” His voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the moment.

“Yeah?” I replied, meeting his gaze.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?” he asked, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

I felt my cheeks flush, and I stumbled over my words. “I—uh, I was just thinking about how nice this place is.”

He chuckled softly, but there was seriousness behind his eyes. “I was just teasing. I like having your attention.”

A warm smile spread across my face, and I ducked my head, feeling a flutter of shyness. “Okay, tune down the charm,” I laughed. “Tell me about yourself. When we first met, you said you were on a holiday to get away before the Christmas rush. Is that still the story?”

Ben shook his head, grinning. “Okay, you caught me. I was down there because my dad wanted me to look into a fishing company. Complete waste of time, or so I thought. One evening, I decided to head to a beachside bar and café and met a beautiful woman.”

I couldn’t help but laugh as I shook my head. “Oh really? And what happened with this beautiful woman?”

“She was funny, down-to-earth, beautiful,” he said, his smile widening. “But the best part? She didn’t know who I was.”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “Lucky for him! If he had declared he was a billionaire, I would have turned that cocky ass away,” I joked, enjoying the lightness of our banter.

Ben clutched his chest in mock shock, his expression exaggerated. “The nerve! You can’t judge a man by his bank account!”

I couldn’t hold back the belly laugh that erupted from me, the sound filling the air between us. Ben laughed along, and the warmth of his laughter wrapped around me like a comfortable blanket. Each shared moment felt like it was drawing us closer, and I revelled in the chemistry sparking between us.

“Seriously, though,” he said, his tone shifting slightly but still playful. “It’s nice to meet someone who doesn’t care about the status or the money. It makes this much more enjoyable.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “I appreciate that. I’m just here to enjoy the moment—whatever it may bring.”

Ben’s gaze held mine, a mix of sincerity and mischief dancing in his eyes. “Good. I intend to make this moment unforgettable.”

Ben’s gaze held mine, a mix of sincerity and mischief dancing in his eyes. “Good. I intend to make this moment unforgettable.”

Just then, the waiter returned with our meals, and the rich aromas wafted toward us, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. As the plates were set before us, I couldn’t help but admire the presentation. Ben poured us each a glass of wine, and I thanked him before taking a small sip. The velvety red flowed over my palate, adding to the warmth of the evening.

We began eating in a comfortable silence, the food exquisite and the flavours rich. As we savoured our meals, the atmosphere around us felt intimate, almost electric. I glanced up to find Ben watching me, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Everything okay over there?” he asked, smirking as I wiped a bit of sauce from the corner of my mouth.

“Perfectly fine! Just enjoying the food,” I replied, laughing lightly.

As we enjoyed our meal, the atmosphere was suddenly disrupted by a figure entering the restaurant. My stomach dropped as I recognized her: Rebecca. She was dressed to impress in a stunning gold, skin-tight glittery dress that hugged her curves perfectly, complementing her tall stature accentuated by towering heels. Her red hair was elegantly curled, framing her green eyes that sparkled with confidence. It was clear she could have stepped right off a magazine cover.

Rebecca let out a soft, melodious gasp, her hand flying to her red lips. “Benjamin, is that you? It’s so good to see you again! How have you been?” Her innocent voice floated toward us like a siren’s song, and I couldn’t help but feel a sinking sensation in my stomach.

I watched as Ben’s figure tensed at the sound of her voice; it was subtle, but I noticed it since we had been talking so openly moments before. His eyes hardened as he regarded her. “Good evening, Rebecca,” he greeted formally, and it was strange to witness him transform into someone more uptight and professional.

Rebecca approached our table, casting a quick glance in my direction, her expression briefly scowling before she returned her focus to Ben. “You have company? I’m sorry, am I interrupting a date?” she teased, lightly touching his shoulder.

I opened my mouth to decline, but Ben was quicker. “Actually, you are. So if you don’t mind…” He gave a dismissive wave of his hand, his voice like stone, monotone and lacking emotion as he gently moved her hand off his arm.

Rebecca’s face flashed with shock, and I saw her cheeks color slightly. Nothing compared to my full-blown blush at his words, my heart hammering in my chest. “Oh, of course. Enjoy,” she muttered, turning on her heel and walking away.

Once she’d left, I noticed Ben’s posture remained stiff for a moment before he relaxed, rubbing his face as if suddenly tired. “Sorry,” he muttered, looking weary. “That is the one person I had hoped not to run into tonight.”

I frowned slightly at his words. “I don’t think anyone likes running into their ex,” I said softly, trying to inject a bit of humor into the mix.

Ben gave me a half-smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Especially ones like her,” he muttered.

I nodded slowly, unsure how to navigate the subject. At my confused look, Ben grinned and shook his head. “Oh, I forgot someone doesn’t follow me in the news.”

I gasped playfully. “Someone has a big head! Not my fault I didn’t know you were famous.”

He laughed, and the sound was warm and inviting, easing the tension still lingering in the air. But I could feel Rebecca’s burning eyes on me as she retreated, whether real or imagined, I couldn’t tell. I refused to turn around and find out.

“You’re different, May. Refreshing,” he said, his tone sincere. “And this is definitely a date.” He grinned cheekily at me, his smile growing as my blush returned.

“Oh, stop it,” I growled teasingly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and delight.

Ben leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying my reaction. “I’m serious. I like spending time with you.”

The warmth of his gaze made my heart flutter, and in that moment, I pushed aside the earlier interruption.