“It’s getting chilly. Are you warm enough?”

“Not really.”

“Then get in quickly. It’s warm inside.”

Once they were settled in the car, they headed straight to the restaurant they had reserved earlier.

Though it was early autumn, the dining space was warm and comfortable—almost like spring.

Inside their private room, Eric didn’t waste a second. “Give me your coat,” he said, already reaching for it. “You’ll be more comfortable without it.”

“Okay.” Hadley nodded, letting him help her out of it.

Beneath the coat, she wore a burgundy evening gown that flowed to her ankles. It had thin, delicate straps, leaving her shoulders bare along with the gentle curve of her back.

Under the soft lighting, her skin seemed to glow. The rich red of the dress made her look even more radiant.

Eric froze, his eyes widening as he took her in.

A waiter stepped forward to collect the coat from his hands and hung it neatly in the coat check.

But Eric remained still, his gaze fixed entirely on her.

Hadley tilted her head, puzzled. “What? Why are you staring like that? Do I look weird?”

“Yeah…” he muttered, dazed—but then blinked, laughed softly, and shook his head. “No. Not at all. You look incredible. I just wasn’t ready.”

He took her hand, eyes gleaming. Leaning in, he rested his forehead gently against hers.

In a low voice, he asked, “Did you wear this just for me?”

Hadley’s cheeks warmed. “What do you mean? You invited me to dinner. Of course I wanted to look nice.”

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“You look perfect.” Eric chuckled, delighted. “If I’d known, I would’ve worn a tuxedo just to keep up.”

He guided her to the private room, and they took their seats across from each other.

The lighting in the private room was warm and inviting. Fresh roses framed the silverware, their soft fragrance filling the space. Behind a folding screen, a small band played gentle music that drifted through the room like a breeze.

A quiet knock came at the door before a waiter stepped inside. “Mr. Scott, Miss Pearson, shall we begin serving?”

Eric glanced at Hadley. When she nodded, he turned to the waiter. “Yes, please.”

“Right away.”

The entire menu had been planned in advance—carefully tailored to Hadley’s preferences.

Eric also brought out a bottle of red wine. “How about a little wine tonight?”

“But…” Hadley hesitated, her brows drawing together. “You really shouldn’t be drinking—not with your condition.”

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