Me: What is that?
Colton: That you wanted honesty.
I swallow.
Me: Still do.
The typing bubble appears. Disappears. Appears again.
Colton: Then here’s mine. I don’t want to rush this, but I don’t want to stop what’s happening either.
My chest feels full.Steady.
Me: I agree.
A few seconds pass. It sounds like he might be just as worked up as I am. Slow sounds good in theory, but when I’m near him, it’s the last thing I want.
Colton: Friday night. After work. Let me cook for you.
I stare at the screen, warmth spreading through me—not nerves this time. Anticipation.
Me: You cook?
Colton: I try. You can decide if I’m allowed to do it again.
I laugh softly, already imagining him outside the hospital without the walls and rules between us.
Me: Okay. Friday.
His reply comes almost instantly.
Colton: Good. I’ll pick you up. Anything I need to be aware of … allergies? Foods you absolutely cannot tolerate?
Me: Nope. I’m pretty easy.
Colton: Is that so?
Me: Save it for Friday, Colton.
Colton: Now I’m really excited for Friday.
Me: Good night, Colton.
Colton: Good night, Mel.
I set my phone down, heart steady and hopeful. I turn to my side and pull the covers up to my chin as a small smile hits me. I feel like a teenager. I didn’t know I could still be affected by a man like this.
And with all the money this man has, the fact that he’s cooking for us? It’s sweet. The effort he is putting into this is not going unnoticed.
But I need to have clear eyes about what we are doing. He already told me he doesn’t do relationships. This is about stepping back into the dating world. Not about falling in love.
Friday night arrives with a different kind of anticipation than our first date. It’s less frantic, more deliberate.
I don’t rush getting ready. Jeans that fit just right. A soft cream sweater that makes me feel comfortable instead of exposed. I want to feel like myself tonight. Not a version trying too hard. Not a woman trying to prove she still knows how to be wanted.
But I do put on a matching red lace panty and bra set.
My phone buzzes.