As Jackson emerged from the bedroom, he found Isabella inspecting his living room with an appraising eye. Her gaze lingered on the modern art piece hanging above the fireplace, a splash of vibrant colors that he still wasn't sure he understood. "So, you're into abstract art now?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. "Or did you just throw paint at the canvas and call it a day?" "Hey, it came with the place. It's either worth millions or absolutely nothing. "Sounds about right," Isabella laughed. She turned to face him, her eyes traveling up and down his body. "Well, well, look at you. Even without a shower, you're still rocking that disheveled charm. It's working for you, Jackson." Jackson felt his cheeks warm at her compliment. He ran a hand through his messy hair, suddenly self-conscious. "Thanks, I think. Um, are you heading to work? You look pretty dressed up for a casual visit." She smoothed down her skirt. "Indeed I am. But I couldn't resist stopping by to see how you were settl

Jackson stood in front of the mirror, scrutinizing his reflection. He'd spent the last hour trying different outfits, each making him feel more like a teenager prepping for prom than a grown man getting ready for a date. "Jesus, get it together," he muttered, running a hand through his hair for the umpteenth time. He'd settled on a navy button-down and dark jeans, casual but not sloppy. At least, he hoped not. His phone buzzed on the dresser. A message from Olivia lit up the screen. Olivia: I just got off work. Here's my address: 1423 Paradise Street, Apt 8B. I can't wait to see you! Me: Can't wait either. I'll be there in 20. Hope you're ready for a wild night. He hit send, then immediately regretted it. Too cheesy? Too forward? But it was too late now. He grabbed his keys and headed out, trying to calm his nerves. The drive to Olivia's place was a blur of streetlights and anticipation. Jackson's mind wandered to their steamy encounter at the hospital, his body reacting to the

Jackson took a sip of water, buying time. Their food arrived, momentarily saving Jackson from having to respond. He dove into his chicken parmesan with gusto, hoping eating would give him time to think. As they ate, Jackson's anxiety grew. He could feel Quantum Quill's presence in the back of his mind, urging him to complete the task. The pressure was unbearable. Finally, after an eternity of small talk and awkward silence, He decided to bite the bullet. He set down his fork and took a deep breath. "Olivia," he said, "I have a... weird question for you." She looked up from her plate, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Oh? Do tell." "It's kind of personal. And maybe it's a bit inappropriate for a first date. But..." He trailed off, unsure how to continue. "Jackson," she said, her tone serious, "you've already asked me about my bra and panties, including size, type, and color. I'm not sure it gets much more personal or inappropriate than that." "Right. About that. I'm a unique guy,

Natalia stepped out of the shower at 7 pm, wrapping herself in a plush robe. She padded to her walk-in closet, leaving damp footprints on the floor. "What does one wear to a blind date they don't want to go on?" she muttered, scanning the rows of designer clothes. Her father's voice echoed in her head: "Just give it a chance, sweetie!" She rolled her eyes. "Easy for you to say, Dad. You're not the one about to have dinner with a potential serial killer." Sighing dramatically, she pulled out a matching set of lacy underwear. "Well, at least if I die, I'll have on nice undies," she quipped to her reflection as she slipped them on. Natalia rifled through her dresses, rejecting one after another: "Too formal... too casual... too 'I'm trying way too hard'..." Finally, she settled on a sleek black number that was both sophisticated and sexy. As she zipped herself in, she chuckled. "All this effort for a date I'm already planning my escape from. Maybe I should just show up in sweats and

Jackson opened the car door for Olivia, his mind lingering on the brunette's enigmatic smile. As Olivia slid into the passenger seat, he shook off the thought and focused on the present. "So, where to now?" she asked, her eyes sparkling excitedly. Before he could respond, Quantum Quill's voice chimed in his head. "Well done, Romeo. The task was completed successfully. Your reward will be credited shortly. How about you take your lovely date to the Royal Angel Pub?" He blinked, caught off guard by the sudden instruction. He cleared his throat and turned to Olivia. "How about we go for a drink?" "A drink? I thought dinner was the end of our date. But... I'm game if you are." She paused, then added with a sheepish grin, "Though I should probably mention I don't drink alcohol. Non-alcoholic options for me, if that's okay?" "Absolutely," he nodded. "I know just the place." As he started the car, QQ piped up again. "Smooth move, tiger. The Royal Angel it is. Try not to drool over any