Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO ASK
Their first official date happened almost by accident.
Leo invited Sadi to dinner.
She accepted.
Then called him back.
"Is this a date?"
He hesitated.
"I was hoping it might be."
"Then you should have asked."
Leo laughed.
"Sadi Bennett, would you go on a date with me?"
She smiled.
"Yes."
They went to a small Italian restaurant.
No private dining room.
No bodyguards.
No expensive wine.
Just pasta, candlelight, and a waiter who accidentally spilled water on Leo's sleeve.
The waiter froze.
"I'm so sorry."
Leo looked at the wet fabric.
Then smiled.
"It's fine."
Sadi watched him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You're smiling."
"Am I not allowed?"
"You used to frighten people just by looking at them."
Leo glanced toward the waiter.
"I know."
They ate dinner.
Talked about childhood.
Family.
Regrets.
Leo told her about his father, a violent man who believed affection was weakness.
Sadi told him about her mother, who had worked two jobs and still found time to make pancakes on Sundays.
They talked until the restaurant began closing.
Outside, Leo walked beside her.
At her car, he stopped.
"I'd like to kiss you."
Sadi looked up.
He waited.
She smiled.
"I'd like that too."
The kiss was gentle.
Unhurried.
And when Sadi stepped backward, Leo let her.
No anger.
No accusation.
No attempt to pull her closer.
She drove home smiling.
May you like
Not because someone powerful wanted her.
But because she had wanted him too.
