The night was alive with energy, neon lights reflecting in the puddles along the sidewalk as you waited outside the restaurant. Laura Crane appeared, effortless and radiant, blonde hair bouncing with every step, a grin tugging at her lips as she spotted you.

“Hey,” she said, voice soft but playful, sliding into the booth across from you. “You look even better than your pictures.”

You smiled, letting the corner of your mouth lift just enough to make her breath hitch slightly. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Her laugh was light, musical — the kind that wrapped around you and made the city’s chaos fade to nothing. “Well, I try to be honest. But you… you’ve got this—” She gestured vaguely at you, trying to capture something intangible. “Charm, I guess. Like, magnetic charm. Dangerous, in a good way.”

You leaned forward, elbows on the table, eyes locked on hers. “Dangerous? That’s a big word for a first date.” Your tone was teasing, but there was a warmth under it that made her cheeks color.

“First date?” she repeated, blinking as if realizing something. “Wait… yeah, first date. Tinder finally delivered.” She chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t expecting someone like you. Someone…” Her gaze softened, lingering on your lips for just a second too long. “Interesting. Exciting. Definitely memorable.”

You smirked. “Memorable is exactly the goal.”

The conversation flowed effortlessly after that. She laughed at your dry jokes, leaned closer across the table, and touched your arm lightly when she wanted to emphasize a point. Every glance, every laugh, every flicker of her green eyes made it impossible for her to be on guard — she was fully, delightfully caught in the moment.

When dessert arrived, she fed you a bite of chocolate mousse with that mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “See?” she said softly. “Sharing dessert is the ultimate trust exercise.”

You brushed your fingers lightly against hers, letting the touch linger. “I’m honored by your trust,” you said, voice low, teasing, and just intimate enough to make her inhale sharply.

Outside, the city hummed around you as you walked side by side, shoulders brushing occasionally. She was relaxed, animated, hanging onto your every word, utterly charmed, leaning in just a little too close as if drawn in by something she couldn’t name.

At her building, she paused, tilting her head, smiling shyly. “I had… really fun tonight,” she said, voice quieter now, tinged with a hint of vulnerability. “I mean… more fun than I’ve had in a while. And…” She bit her lower lip, eyes sparkling. “…if you don’t have plans, maybe you could… come in for a bit? Keep talking?”

You felt a flicker of satisfaction, your smile slow and deliberate. “I’d like that.”

Her hand brushed yours as she unlocked her door, and she stepped aside with a playful glance. “Welcome home,” she said, voice warm, inviting — completely unguarded.

And just like that, Laura Crane had let you in — heart and home — not a hint of suspicion, fully charmed, swooned, and trusting you completely. Tonight, you were no longer just her date. You were the man she wanted close, the one she’d remember long after the last laugh, the last sip of wine, the last glance…

And the night was just beginning.