Say Less I Love You Episode 21

Chapter 245 

 ALEXANDER

I check my watch as the carriage rolls to a stop outside Lori's apartment building. Perfect timing. The sky blazes orange and pink as the sun begins its descent behind the Manhattan skyline.

"Your chariot awaits," I call out as she emerges from the building. Her eyes widen at the sight of the white carriage, complete with a matching pair of horses.

"Alexander, what is this?" Lori asks, a smile tugging at her lips despite her obvious attempt to maintain composure.

"You've been working too hard. Time for a proper evening out." I help her up into the carriage, enjoying how her emerald dress catches the fading sunlight.

The horses' hooves clip-clop against the pavement as we wind through the city streets. Strings of twinkling lights dance through the trees in Central Park, casting a magical glow over everything.

"I can't believe I've lived here my whole life and never done this," Lori muses, taking in the scenery.

"Want to know a secret?" I lean in close. "Neither have I. Always thought these things were pretty damn cheesy."

She arches an eyebrow. "And now?"

"Now I'm with you, so it's perfect." I catch her hand in mine, brushing my thumb across her knuckles.

"Smooth talker," she teases, but doesn't pull away.

"Only for you." The carriage rounds another corner as the last rays of sun paint the clouds in brilliant hues. "Besides, I figured we both needed a break from all the hospital drama."

"You're not wrong there." Lori sighs, some of the tension finally leaving her shoulders as she relaxes into the moment.

The lights twinkle above us like stars as we continue our journey through the park, leaving the chaos of recent events behind, if only for one enchanted evening.

I can't help but get pleasure from the look on her face when she first sees the restaurant. The elevator doors open to reveal the glittering expanse of Manhattan spread out below us. I guide Lori to our private table near the window, positioned perfectly to catch the rotating view.

"This is breathtaking," she gasps, taking in the sparkling cityscape.

"Wait until you try the food." I pull out her chair. "I took the liberty of ordering ahead."

Her eyes light up as the first course arrives - butter-poached lobster, her favorite. "How did you know?"

"I pay attention." I pour us each a glass of champagne. "Plus, I may have bribed one of the other nurses for intel."

"Sneaky." She takes a sip, studying me over the rim of her glass. "You're full of surprises tonight."

The violinists approach, their melody weaving through the ambient restaurant noise. Lori's face softens at the familiar tune.

"Is that-"

"'At Last.' You hum it sometimes during your rounds."

She shakes her head, impressed. "You really do pay attention."

The soft glow of candlelight dances across Lori's face as I find myself sharing stories I've kept locked away for years. Something about her quiet attentiveness draws them out of me.

"My father owned this tiny bookshop in Saint Petersburg," I tell her, swirling the wine in my glass. "He'd let me stay up late reading everything from Dostoyevsky to comic books. The smell of old paper and leather bindings... that was home."

"What happened to the shop?" Lori asks, her eyes intent on mine.

"Gone now. Like most things from that time." I clear my throat. "But I've been thinking about opening something similar here. A place for kids to discover stories like I did. Away from screens and all that shit."

"That's... unexpected."

"What, you thought I only dealt in shady business ventures?" I quirk an eyebrow at her.

"The thought had crossed my mind." Her lips curve in a slight smile.

"There's more to me than my reputation suggests." I lean forward. "Speaking of which, you haven't shared anything about yourself all evening."

Lori takes a careful sip of wine. "I prefer listening."

"Come on, give me something. Favorite book as a kid? Most embarrassing moment? Secret talent?"

She shakes her head, though her eyes sparkle with amusement. "A girl has to keep some mysteries."

"Challenge accepted." I signal for dessert, watching how the city lights paint patterns across her skin. "I'll figure you out eventually."

"We'll see about that," she replies, but there's warmth in her voice that wasn't there before.

"Well, it's a good thing the night isn't over yet," I say as we finish the main course. "Care for a moonlit boat ride?"

Her eyes sparkle. "Lead the way."

The harbor breeze carries the scent of salt and flowers as we step onto the yacht. Rose petals create a path to the deck where I've arranged dessert and champagne under the stars.

"Alexander..." she breathes, taking in the romantic setup.

"Too much?" I ask, suddenly uncertain.

She squeezes my hand. "It's perfect."

I point up at the glittering expanse above us. "See that cluster there? That's Cassiopeia. The vain queen who boasted about her beauty."

"You know your mythology," Lori says, drawing her knees up to her chest on the plush deck cushions.

"Had to learn something in those fancy boarding schools." I pour us each another glass of champagne. "Your turn - tell me a constellation."

She shakes her head with a small laugh. "I only know the Big Dipper."

"Everyone knows that one. Come on, give me something real about yourself."

Lori takes a long sip, then sets down her glass with careful precision. "Most men... they say they want to know me, but when I actually open up, they run."

"Try me." I turn to face her fully, giving her my complete attention.

She studies me for a long moment. "I had a patient once, a little girl with terminal cancer. I got too attached, broke all the professional distance rules. When she died..." Her voice catches. "I couldn't work for six months after. Had panic attacks just walking into a hospital. Everyone said I was too emotional, too invested. That I needed to toughen up to survive in healthcare."

I slide closer, taking her hand in mine. "Fuck them. Caring that deeply isn't weakness - it's rare and precious."

"You don't think I'm too much?"

"You're exactly enough." I cup her face in my hands, drinking in the vulnerability in her eyes. When our lips meet, it's soft and sweet, yet electric with possibility. She melts into me as I pull her closer, the stars our only witnesses as the boat rocks gently beneath us.