Chapter 100: Date With Rocco
Chapter 100: Date With Rocco
Turning to a small vanity table, Analina dabbed a hint of perfume onto her wrists and neck. The fragrance reminded her of the garden where they had shared iced tea earlier—a floral aroma mingled with the refreshing sweetness of summer evenings. Next, she applied a touch of lipstick, its muted rose hue complementing the natural blush in her cheeks. She glanced at the clock and realized it was time. A soft knock at the door interrupted her reverie. “Analina are you ready?” came the voice of Diego, always punctual, always looking out for her. “Almost,” she called back, her tone light yet tinged with anticipation.
A final look in the mirror revealed a woman who appeared poised, despite the whirlpool of emotions stirring beneath the surface. She smoothed the fabric of her dress and slipped into her favorite pair of heels—a gift from her sister, who had insisted this pair was made for moments like these. As she exited her room, her heart quickened, not just with the anticipation of seeing Rocco but with the unspoken hope that tonight might offer them both a reprieve—a chance to cherish the present and momentarily forget the challenges looming ahead. Analina was ready, not just for the evening but for the quiet promise it might keep.
When Analina descended the staircase, she found Rocco waiting at the base, his presence magnetic as ever. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt, its sleeves rolled up just enough to hint at a casual elegance, paired with tailored charcoal slacks that accentuated his confident stance. The faint sheen of polished leather shoes reflected his diligence, while a slim navy tie added a deliberate touch of sophistication to his ensemble. Over his shoulders hung a light jacket, its fabric whispering of refinement without appearing ostentatious. His hair was elegantly styled, yet a single strand rebelliously fell onto his forehead, softening the sharpness of his otherwise chiseled features.
A faint trace of cologne lingered in the air around him, evoking cedar, and citrus scent both grounding and invigorating. As their eyes met, Rocco’s easy smile carried warmth that dissolved the tension Analina had not realized she was holding. This was his way, she thought— his effortlessly beckoned posture with charm, and making her feel as though the world itself had paused just for them. “You look gorgeous, Analina.” Rocco said as she stopped in front of him and met his gaze. “Thank you. You look handsome yourself.” She said shyly.
Rocco’s P.O.V.
I offered her my arm as she blushed slightly. “You ready?” “Yes.” She slipped her arm through mine and escorted out the door and to the waiting car. “Where are we going?” “I made reservations at the Long Horn. Is that all right with you?” “Yes, I never been. I always wanted to try their food.” “Good, it would really suck if I messed up this early on our date.” I led Analina to a restaurant tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street, its exterior illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns hanging from wrought iron brackets.
The entrance, framed by trailing ivy and blooming jasmine, exuded understated charm. Inside, the ambiance shifted into something more intimate soft symphony of clinking glasses and low murmurs enveloped the space. The room was bathed in the golden light of chandeliers fashioned to resemble clusters of cascading fireflies, their gentle glow casting intricate patterns onto the walls.
Tables were adorned with crisp white linens, set with polished silverware and flickering votive candles that flickered like tiny beacons of romance. A grand piano occupied a corner of the room, where a skilled musician coaxed melodies that seemed to weave seamlessly into the atmosphere. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the faint aroma of herbs, promising a feast that would linger in memory.
The waiter ushered us to a table by the window, where a view of a serene courtyard unfolded. A fountain murmured softly at its center, surrounded by lush greenery and bursts of colorful flowers, creating a scene that felt almost dreamlike. It was the kind of place that seemed designed to make time slow down, allowing every moment to be savored.
I pulled out a chair for Analina, she sat down, and I then gently pushed her chair in for her. I then took a seat across from her, as we got settled into our seats the waiter handed menus out to us. “Would you like to order some wine?” the waiter asked us. “Yes please, I’d like the best that you have on hand.” “Yes, most certainly sir.” The waiter left to get the wine as Analina, and I looked over the menus. The waiter comes back with a bucket of ice and a bottle of their best red wine. He pours some into our glasses with ease.
“Are you ready to order?” “Analina?” “Oh, I would like the lobster in garlic butter sauce, with a bake potato and Lima beans.” “And you sir?” “I would like a Rib eye stake cooked medium rare, a baked potato and green beans.” “I’ll place your orders.” The waiter said that he walked away. “I noticed that you are wearing the necklace that I gave you when I tried to force you to marry me.” “Hum, yes.” “I didn’t think you would wear it since there are bad memories attached to it.” “I know, but I thought why not, I mean we did talk after that kiss, and I did decide to give you a chance not date you.”
“I really appreciate Analina, you could have held it against me, but you didn’t?” “I figured with everything happening around that life is too short.” Aas our conversation ended our food was placed in front of us. “Can I get you anything else?” “No, that will be all.” We ate our meal in silence as we occasionally stole glances at one another. Even being out on a date, I kept to my surroundings. Diego is at the front door and Enzo is standing closer to us but towards the back door which is how we will be leaving the building. We were too full to get dessert, so I paid for our meal and escorted Analina out through the back door.
Analina’s P.O.V.
After getting into the car Rocco puts his arm around my shoulders. I looked up at him and as I do he crashed his lips onto mine. “They taste better than the last time we kissed.” He spoke. “that’s because my lips taste like lobster.” I told him. “Nah, it’s because I waited to long to kiss your luscious lips.” He said before slamming his lips onto mine again. We didn’t stop even to catch our breath until we pulled into the driveway. We got out of car flacked by Diego and Enzo, just as we got up to the front door We heard a shot, our heads turned in the direction of where it came from, but we were to late trying to find out who was the target. I looked towards Rocco, but he wasn’t next to me anymore, I then looked on the ground and shouted. ROCCO!!!”