Yes. Please

Yes. Please
Eric smiled, shaking his head slightly. “You know I can’t tell you that,” he replied calmly. “That would ruin the whole surprise.”

Susan groaned softly. “Come on.”

“But,” Eric continued, his tone teasing but controlled, “what I can tell you is that you’re going to love it.”

Her heart skipped. “Please,” she pleaded, dragging the word out playfully. “Just a hint. Just one.”

“I’m sorry,” Eric said gently. “I really can’t.”

She sighed dramatically, sinking back into the seat. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“A little,” he admitted with a chuckle. “But trust me—you wouldn’t want me to spoil it. We’ll be there in about five minutes. Just hold on a bit longer.”

Susan rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, lips pushing into a playful pout. “Ugh,” she muttered.

The SUV continued forward, the engine humming smoothly. Then, gradually, Susan felt the car begin to slow. She straightened slightly, her curiosity reigniting. The vehicle turned, the surroundings opening up.

Her eyes widened as a massive structure came into view.

Concrete. Steel. Lights.

A stadium.

Her breath hitched as the SUV veered into the entrance, rolling into an expansive, eerily quiet parking area.

“Is this…?” Susan leaned forward, her excitement bursting through her composure. “Is this our date venue?”

Eric smiled, steering the SUV deeper into the empty lot. “Yes, ma’am.”

Her lips parted in disbelief.

“This is the BMO Stadium,” he continued casually. “Twenty-two thousand seats.”

Susan’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my God…”

“He bought the entire place out tonight,” Eric added. “Just for the two of you.”

The SUV came to a smooth stop.

“Wow,” Susan whispered, the word barely audible. Her eyes scanned the massive structure ahead of her, her chest rising quickly now. She felt small. Overwhelmed. Special.

Eric stepped out of the vehicle and walked around to the back. The door opened, cool evening air brushing against Susan’s skin.

He offered his hand.

Susan took it, her legs unsteady as she stepped out of the SUV, heels touching the pavement. She straightened her dress, her heart pounding wildly.

Eric gently guided her forward, leading her toward where Joseph was waiting.

\---------

The cool evening air carried a trace of freshly cut grass from the field beyond, crisp and clean. Overhead, the towering stadium lights cast a soft, unwavering glow, bathing the scene in a surreal brilliance— like a set waiting for its actors, suspended between reality and performance.

Susan slowed slightly, her heels clicking more carefully now, her eyes lifting as the football pitch came fully into view.

At the exact center of the field, right on the center circle, a dinner table stood waiting.

Her breath caught.

The table was dressed in white linen that fluttered gently with the breeze. Candles burned steadily, their flames dancing, casting warm light over silver cutlery and crystal glasses. A small floral centerpiece sat between the plates, delicate and intentional. Everything about it screamed intimacy in a place built for crowds.

“Oh my God…” Susan whispered, her hand instinctively rising to her chest.

Eric smiled but said nothing, simply gesturing ahead as they continued walking.

Then she saw him.

Joseph was seated already, waiting.

He wore a crisp white shirt tucked neatly into black pants that fit his broad frame perfectly. A black bow tie sat flawlessly at his neck, sharp and classic. He looked composed, powerful, and impossibly calm, like a man who belonged anywhere he stood.

The moment his eyes found Susan, he stood.

The chair slid back softly behind him as a smile spread across his face— slow at first, then wider, genuine, unguarded.

Susan felt her cheeks warm instantly.

When they reached him, Joseph’s gaze traveled over her without shame, without rush. His eyes moved from her face to the way the blue flowery gown hugged her curves, then back to her face again.

“Wow,” he whispered under his breath, almost to himself. “Just… wow.”

Susan laughed nervously, heat flooding her face. “I hope you love it,” she said, her voice soft, shy.

Joseph shook his head slightly, stepping closer. “What do you mean if I love it?” he said calmly, affection woven into every word. “I think I’m in love right now.”

Her breath stuttered.

His hazel eyes never left her as he closed the space between them. His towering six-foot-seven frame folded around her smaller body as he pulled her into a hug—firm, warm, protective.

Susan melted instantly.

Her arms wrapped around his waist without hesitation, her cheek pressing against his chest. His arms tightened just a little, holding her there like he had nowhere else to be.

Seconds passed.

Then more.

The hug lingered, stretching until time felt suspended. Susan’s shoulders relaxed fully, her body sinking into his like she had been waiting for this exact moment without realizing it. She felt safe— completely, deeply safe.

When they finally pulled apart, Joseph’s hands remained lightly on her arms, his thumbs brushing against her skin.

She smiled up at him, breathless. “You smell really, really good,” she said softly.

Joseph chuckled. “Thank you,” he replied, his smile still there. “Likewise— you smell really nice as well..”

“Thank you,” Susan said again, blushing harder now, her face visibly red.

Joseph turned his head then, finally acknowledging Eric, who had stood quietly nearby the entire time, watching with a small smile.

Joseph nodded at him. “Thank you, my man,” he said sincerely. Then he winked. “You can leave us alone now.”

Eric nodded immediately. “Sure thing, sir.”

He turned and walked away, his footsteps fading as he disappeared into the vastness of the stadium, leaving only Joseph and Susan standing at the center of it all.

Joseph turned back to Susan without missing a beat. He moved to her chair and pulled it out smoothly.

“Please,” he said.

Susan smiled and lowered herself into the seat. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely above the flicker of the candle flames.

Joseph walked around the table and took his seat opposite her. He adjusted his posture, took a slow breath, then smiled again— calm, steady, reassuring.

“Let’s eat,” he said, his deep voice smooth and safe.

Susan nodded eagerly. “Yes. Please.”