The evening seemed to wind down. I was thoroughly charmed by Monica and Kati, listening to them laugh and joke together like family should. It made a familiar ache in my chest reappear, but the crushing grief stayed at bay this time. Maybe there was hope that someday I could have a family again. It seemed like madness to have thoughts like that after only one night out with Hale, but it had been an enchanted, magical night that left me hungry for more.
However, when Hale returned to my side and asked if I was ready to go, I knew I wanted to be wherever he was, out of the prying eyes of the public. I nodded eagerly, savoring the feeling of his hand at my waist as we left.
Climbing back into the black SUV, I hoped Hale was still feeling as amorous as he had been earlier. His heated glances
