The aroma of freshly baked bread filled Amelia's kitchen as she hummed, pulling a batch of muffins from the oven. Tonight was the night! Finally, after weeks of texting and flirting, Michael was coming over for dinner. Butterflies danced in her stomach, a giddy flutter that made her hands shake as she arranged the table with her best china. She’d spent the entire afternoon cleaning, cooking, and carefully picking out her outfit – a new dress that hugged her curves just so. The doorbell rang, and her heart leaped into her throat.
Michael looked even more handsome in person, his eyes crinkling at the corners when he smiled. He brought a bottle of wine, a gesture that sent a fresh wave of warmth through her. As they ate, he told her stories about his work, about his adventurous travels, and his voice was so charming she could have listened to him all night. She laughed at all his jokes, and every time their hands brushed, a spark went through her.
The next day, as she was telling her best friend, Sarah, about the evening, Sarah's eyes widened. "Wait, Michael? You're talking about the Michael with the golden retriever and the tattoo of a compass on his wrist? I've been seeing him too!"