Amanda, as always, wore a light summer dress that accentuated her shapely legs. The gentle breeze made the fabric sway as we walked to the building's parking lot. I tried to keep the conversation going, but every now and then I got lost in the sight of her beside me. I told her about the tryout for the team. I spoke trying to sound calm, but inside my heart was racing. When I finished, her eyes lit up. "I knew you'd make it," she said, flashing a smile that seemed to light up everything around her. At that moment, I felt like I was in paradise. Seeing her happiness for me made everything even more special. "So that's why you're preparing something special for dinner?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "Yeah…" I replied, trying to sound cheerful. "It's a shame my dad won't be able to have dinner with me tonight." I tried to hide the sadness in my voice, but Amanda knew me too well. She slowed her pace and looked at me affectionately. "Then have dinner at my house. My husband is traveling." It'll just be me and Luke. Luke… the little pinscher who seemed to have come straight from purgatory. He hated me. And the feeling was mutual. Even so, the invitation caught me off guard. I was surprised—and too happy to hide it. —Of course… I'd love to—I replied, without thinking twice. I would never miss the opportunity to spend more time with her. In the elevator she spoke innocently: —Did you like the dress? I froze for a second. I felt my face heat up, she gave a provocative smile. I sighed with relief when we arrived at her car—a new, imposing jeep. —Wow… you changed cars? She smiled sideways, with that provocative air that left me completely defenseless. —I did. I like big things—she said, winking. I was speechless, which only made her laugh more. —Are you going to keep making that silly face or are you going to get in the car? I noticed the amusement in her voice as I opened the door, still trying to regain my composure. I went inside, and we walked to the supermarket together.
