Tension

The restaurant was a cozy haven of ambient light and rich, warm colors. The aroma of fresh basil and garlic filled the air as Rene arrived at exactly 6:00, just as promised. He scanned the room for Maria, his heart beating a little faster at the anticipation of their evening together.

The hostess greeted him with a warm smile. “Good evening, sir. Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, under the name Maria Rossi,” Rene replied, scanning the room for her.

“Right this way,” the hostess said, leading him to a table near the window with a view of the city streets lit by the soft glow of streetlights.

As Rene settled into his seat, he glanced at his watch. It wasn’t long before he saw Maria approaching, dressed elegantly in a teal dress that complemented her features perfectly, and her hair was pinned back loosely.

Quickly, he stood from his seat, pulled a seat out for her, and pulled her into a hug.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he whispered in her ear.

Her heart fluttered as she felt the gent