MARKED BY THE ENEMY

FIRST DATE

Chapter 12 – First Date

Saturday came faster than Ashley expected. She must’ve tried on half her closet before finally settling on a simple but cute outfit—nothing too flashy, but enough to show she cared. Her stomach fluttered as she waited outside her house, checking her phone every few seconds.

Then she heard the low rumble of an engine. A sleek black car pulled up, and Devin stepped out. His usual cool, detached expression softened when he saw her.

“You look… nice,” he said, almost awkwardly.

Ashley smiled shyly. “Thanks. You too.”

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The movie theater was their first stop. They sat side by side in the dark, the glow of the screen reflecting off Devin’s face. At first, Ashley was too nervous to even reach for her popcorn, but as the movie went on, she relaxed. At one point, their hands brushed, and Ashley’s heart nearly stopped.

Devin didn’t move his hand away.

By the time the credits rolled, Ashley was smiling like an i***t, and Devin—well, he looked calmer than she’d ever seen him, almost… happy.

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“Hungry?” he asked as they left.

Ashley nodded, expecting a fast-food stop. Instead, Devin drove her to a glowing, elegant restaurant downtown. Her eyes widened as the valet took the car keys.

“This place looks expensive,” she whispered.

Devin smirked. “Don’t worry about it.”

Inside, the waiters greeted him by name. Ashley blinked in surprise. “Wait… you know them?”

“They work for my family,” Devin said casually, pulling out a chair for her. “This is my family’s restaurant.”

Ashley’s jaw nearly dropped. She’d known Devin was different, but she hadn’t expected this. The polished interior, the respectful nods he got from the staff—it was a whole other world.

As they ate, Ashley stole glances at him. Beneath the cool exterior, he looked… proud, but also strangely vulnerable, like he was letting her see a part of himself he didn’t show anyone else.

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The ride home was quiet, comfortable. When they pulled up in front of her house, Devin walked her to the doorstep. For a moment, neither spoke, the night air buzzing softly around them.

Ashley’s heart pounded. Should she? Shouldn’t she?

Before she could second-guess herself, she leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

Devin froze. His eyes widened slightly, and then—his ears turned a deep shade of red. He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly flustered.

“Uh… g-goodnight,” he muttered, looking anywhere but her.

Ashley smiled, her chest warm. “Goodnight, Devin.”

As she slipped inside, closing the door behind her, she leaned against it, a goofy grin spreading across her face.

Meanwhile, outside, Devin stood rooted to the spot, one hand brushing his cheek. His lips curved into the faintest smile as he walked back to his car, his ears still burning.

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