The blind date was set for 8 PM the day after Mia Foster returned to the country.
She drove to the restaurant where they were to meet, checked the time, and noted that it was still twenty minutes to eight. Being punctual, Mia would neither be late nor arrive too early — after all, showing up too early might make her seem too eager, especially since she is a woman.
On their first meeting, she didn’t want to give the impression that she was overly keen.
Sitting in her car, she listened to soothing music and only got out when it was almost time.
Perhaps it was a habit developed from years in the business world, but even without wearing business attire, her powerful presence still exuded an aura of a strong businesswoman.
Entering the restaurant, she was led by the server towards a booth’s private room.
The booth’s partitions weren’t high, topped with frosted glass that was semi-transparent. Before she even got closer, she could see the man sitting inside, leaning casually on his chair, chatting on the phone, facing in Mia’s direction, seemingly enjoying the conversation, his eyes and brows smiling.
"Sorry, have you been waiting long?" Mia walked into the room and politely smiled as she placed her purse on the table, then sat down straightforwardly opposite the man.
Felix Shaw glanced up, his gaze playful but not hiding his disdain, the phone still pressed to his ear. After hearing something from the other side, he responded with, "I’m busy now, will go there later."
Mia noted his flirty demeanor even in how he put away his rose gold phone, spinning it in his palm twice before placing it on the table and still leaning back carelessly. Felix raised his eyebrows slightly with a half-smile, "Mia Foster?"
The 27-year-old man was thinking about marriage for the first time but was opposed by his parents. They had instead forced him to go on this blind date.
"Yes, hello," Mia repressed her pounding heart, politely curving her lips into a smile.
This man, had to be so handsome, even his mischievous smile was so pleasing. What to do? She just liked this kind of roguishly charming man.
"Just returned to the country?" Felix’s indifferent demeanor didn’t prevent him from sizing up Mia’s figure within his line of sight.
This woman was attractive, generous, and intelligent; suitable either for staying at home or for social engagements outdoors, definitely a catch.
With the old man pressing hard, it seemed he had to find a nominal girlfriend, otherwise, he’d probably be scrutinized even more by his grandfather.
Although only in name, Felix felt he should choose someone he found visually appealing; otherwise, having her constantly in his sight would be irritating.
"Yes," not one to be shy, Mia isn’t like most women who might be timid in the presence of a strange man. She adjusted her long, draped hair, boldly saying, "We can order now."
"OK!" Felix seemed somewhat surprised by Mia’s forthright nature, even a bit cocky, he raised his eyebrows in response, then raised his arm and snapped his fingers, summoning the server to order.
After the server left, Felix didn’t speak, lazily leaning back in his chair, watching Mia and idly twirling his thumbs.
Normally, a woman being stared at so openly and closely by a man would shyly lower her head, but Mia didn’t show any shyness. Instead, she leaned forward intentionally, resting her elbows on the table and smiling at Felix as she asked.
"Is my makeup smeared or did I get something dirty on my face?"
"No, you look beautiful," Felix also leaned forward, mirroring Mia’s posture with his elbows on the table.
The rectangular dining table wasn’t large, just big enough for four people. With both leaning forward, Felix’s sudden proximity kept Mia’s outwardly calm demeanor, but her heart beneath was pounding non-stop.