**GABE'S POV**

I couldn't remember the last time I'd asked someone out on a date. And even if I had—and forgotten about it, obviously—I was damn sure I'd never felt this nervous.

I wasn't sure if she was late on purpose, just to torture me, or because... My thoughts cut off the second I saw her walk into the restaurant.

She slipped in like she didn't want to turn heads, but the whole room froze. Even the waiters paused mid-stride. That purple dress whispered pure temptation, but her ...