I fail to remember the last time I'd been this nervous; I check myself over the length of my mirror once more, palms running across the hem of my dress. I spend too long fixing the beret on my head and wiping my lipstick, that I fail to notice Judah has sent me multiple texts letting me know he was outside and questioning if I was ready.

At his texts, I instantly dart towards my bedroom window. Peering over the ledge, I smile when I spot Judah's tall frame lingering outside the building, bouquet of red roses in hand. I slide open my window and press my thumb and forefinger together, bringing them to my mouth as I blow out a high wolf whistle. The giggle that rips through my lips turns into a full-blown laugh when he snaps his head in my direction, lips twitching up into a small grin until he raises his hand, throwing up both his middle fingers.

Hands settling against the ledge, I lean over a little more and wave. Aren't you cold?I ask, raising my voice slightly.

He shakes his head and points to the silver watch settled on his wrist, No, but could you hurry up? Our reservation is for half-seven!He all but attempts to shout, cupping one hand around his mouth. Though the action causes some of the bystanders to throw a dirty glare in his direction; Judah simply shrugs it off and taps his Oxford-shoe-clad-foot against the cracked slab of concrete.

I wave him off, I'm just putting my heels on. I'll be down in two minutes!

He squints up at me in exasperation and rolls his shoulders; I admire the way his dress shirt clings to his chest, black smart trousers ironed to perfection and stopping just above his ankle. An oversized black coat matches his outfit, though it's folded against his forearm, and his hair is slicked back, a strand of dark hair settling against his forehead to complete his look-in all honesty, Judah looks like he could father my children right about now. He looks incredibly handsome and he doesn't even know it.

He glances up at me once more, gesturing for me to hurry up. I can only release a breathless laugh, the nerves of tonight's date-could I even call it that?-suddenly washed away when I pull myself back, securing the window close. I'm quick to grab my coat and scarf, slipping my feet into my stilettos.

I'm rushing out of my flat, bidding goodbye to my parents, and bustling down the stairs of my flat; before I know it, Judah is standing in front of me. A ghost of a smile plays on his lips as he stares down at me, eyes darting across my face before he steps back and raises his arm.

For you, he says, stretching his arm to hand me the bouquet of red roses; this almost feels like a repeat of two days ago, but this time, the circumstances have changed. This time it's real.

Hands clasping around the stem, I bring them to my chest, fingertips brushing a petal as my smile widens. Thank you, Judah.

My eyes flicker from the flowers to his satisfied expression, lips pulled up into a smile. He resumes his previous position, taking a step forward until the front of his shoe hits the front of my heel.

God, he's so cute.

I breathe in and hold my breath when he lifts his hand, his forefinger brushing back the strand of hair that had fallen across my face, obstructing my vision. You look beautiful, Yana,he breathes out, moving his hand from my hair to settle against the back of my neck. You never fail to leave me in awe.

Now you're getting cheesy; this isn't the Judah I know, I can't help but blurt out.

A half-suppressed laugh falls from his lips, shaking his head at my comment. I'm only stating the truth, sweetheart.

I like my eggs fertilised, my God, I am an embarrassment to women.

He turns his head to laugh, shoulders shaking with humour as he attempts to nod. I know you do.

When we both eventually quieten down, his arm curls around my back with one hand in my hair; I find myself instantly relaxing against him. I stand on the tip of my toes, bringing my body closer to his-chest to chest-and bury my face in the crook of his neck. Judah holds me so tight, I'm afraid he doesn't want to let me go. My feet dangle in the air slightly when I attempt to wrap my arms around his neck.

I hadn't expected this, but it felt nice.

This felt like home.

He squeezes my waist, running his palm from my hair to the back of my neck. I tilt my head back, catching his eyes. They're soft and warm and beautiful; they remind me of familiarity, of rainy days in-and there's nothing more I love than rainy days in-of security and stability. They remind me of home.

You don't know half of what you do to me, Aiyana Sen,he murmurs, interlacing our fingers. My feet hit the ground safely until he's tugging me along towards his car.

There are hundred-and-one questions running through my mind, so many things I want to ask him, but one glance at Judah tells me I shouldn't. I didn't know what today had in store for us, I didn't know what our relationship would look like at the end of tonight, but I did know one thing.

Maybe I could call this love.

enjoy! hopefully the second part will be up tomorrow. i'll probably go on a little break after that too xx