To win the wounded heart (closed)

[stringersburner]

Greeting Lena at his car Steven was happy to see her smiling.

"There is an Italian place downtown I've been dying to try. I hear it's delicious," he said. "We can take my car if you don't mind."

 

[Asa]

Okay... That sound wonderful.

Walking with him to his car enjoying finally feeling relaxed

 

[stringersburner]

The two chatted about their jobs as how Mr. Davis playing matchmaker seemed to work so far. Time flying by Steven got a good spot near the entrance next to a red sedan. Walking into the resteraunt it just screamed romance.

"Two for Steven Jones," he told the host before the two were seated. Clearly a reservation a bottle of wine was already at the table. With the room dark the main light was a candle between the two, the light accentuating Lena's beauty

 

[Asa]

Seems this was a little more planned than the let's try this place.

She laughed a little as they talked and placed their orders.

 

[stringersburner]

"Hope I didn't startle you too much with the set up. I just thought you deserved a more romantic dinner. No karaoke here, I promise," he joked pouring her a glass of red wine. Each taking a sip they continued to get to know each other, the wine helping Lena open up. He learned more about her family and her past, careful to avoid her husband.

"Not sure what your plans are but would you like to walk around downtown?" Steven asked.

 

[Asa]

Okay... Yeah. I'd like that.

She smiled watching his eyes.

 

[stringersburner]

Exiting the resteraunt the couple took to the streets. Passing a series of shops the two would window shop pointing out items they liked and artwork hung up in some of the stores they browsed. Standing next to Lena Steven began to hold his date's hand. Initially hesitant she seemed to grow comfortable with it as they continued to walk.

Noticing the clock hitting 10 the two head back to the car. Approaching Steven's vehicle the sedan next to him speeds out of its spot, nearly hitting a pedestrian. Figuring the driver was drunk Steven pays it no mind. Driving back to work Steven parks next to Lena's car.

"I hope you had a good time," he said with a smile. The lights of the parking lot the only thing illuminating Lena's face through the windows.

 

[Asa]

Yeah... I did. This was fun.

She was still a little nervous about it all not used to the kindness or attention

 

[stringersburner]

"Glad to hear it," Sreven said beaming. Getting out of his car Steven opened the passenger door, extended a hand and helped Lena out of the car. Pulling her out her seat he body was up against his, warmth eminsting between the two.

 

[Asa]

She stared into his eye biting at her lip faintly.

 

[stringersburner]

"I've never met anyone like you and these past few days have been amazing," Steven finally said breathing. His arms now wrapped around his older co-worker. His hands running up and down her back. "I'm sure you're still cautious of me which I get. I just want you to know that I hope whatever is between us never ends," stopping short of kissing her again knowing Lena will when she is ready.

 

[Asa]

Steven... I...

She was confused and perhaps a little scared of anyone being so kind loving and wonderful to her she just curled close against him.

 

[stringersburner]

"Its okay," Steven said. "As I said, we will take things at your pace," he said holding her tight. Wiping away a tear, of joy Steven hoped, the two parted for the night. Back at work the two were as inseparable as they could be. When they weren't together the two would text each other like they were teenagers. Steven even noticed Lena ignore texts from her ex husband while they were together. Lena finally seemed be happy without her past haunting her which made Steven feel great.

Saturday came and it was Steven and Lena's first proper date. No going to a nearby bar or meeting after work. Dressing up as nicely as he could Steven wore black slacks and a white button up shirt. Leaning against his car Steven was waiting outside of the The Lincoln, an upscale resteraunt and wine bar.

 

[Asa]

She arrived in a black dress with roses design. She had gotten a fairly enraged yet almost cryptic text from her ex-husband and almost canceled out of fear but decided to go anyway.

 

[stringersburner]

"Glad you found the place," he said hugging Lena. "You like marvelous." Walking her into the resteraunt it had a sleek and modern look. Bottles of wine along the wall the two took a seat at one of the more secluded booths. The two continued chatting as if they hadn't in years over a bottle of merlot.

*Bzzt*

Lena's phone buzzed. Knowing it was from her ex Steven was afraid to see how she would react. Despite a hint of fear on her face she turned her phone off to Steven's surprise. Taking this as a sign he took her hands on his. "I had one more thing planned for the night. A friend works at a club that does an 80's night and I thought we should go. Let loose and dance somewhere besides a Japanese restraunt."

 

[Asa]

Dancing... Yeah... I would like that.

She smiled to him doing everything she could to hide any fear about the text from her ex that she had ignored knowing it would just be more veiled threats.

 

[stringersburner]

Paying the tab the two took a quick drive a few miles a way to the club. As soon as they got out of the car the two could hear the music. Muffled from the outside the familiar sounds of synth music could be heard. Giving his name at the door the two were immediately transported to the 80's with the neon and old pop music blasting through the speakers. The two were dancing closely as soon as they got to the dance floor. Steven's hands moving up and down the older woman black dress.

Feeling bold Steven let his fingers trace her dress, his fingers against her soft skin.

 

[Asa]

Dancing there close to him she didn't see anyone else but him.

Not exactly my favorite decade for music but this is fun

 

[stringersburner]

"I'm good with any decade if it's with you," Steven said with a big, cheesy grin. After a few more songs the music began to fade away the DJ got on the house mic

"We're going to slow things down a bit for all you lovers out there," he cheekily said before playing Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" Steven put his hands on Lena's hips. Holding her close the two would sway to the music together.

 

[Asa]

After a couple of slow songs and drinks she slipped off to the restroom which was down a short almost hidden empty little hall. She was distracted by how happy she finally was to notice anyone around her.

 

[stringersburner]

Standing at the bar Steven got s couple of beers. Waiting at the bar he noticed a guy across the room staring a hole in him. Clearly drunk he was staring daggers through Steven. Turning around to the pay the bartender the guy was gone. Thinking nothing of it Steven sat at a table waiting for Lena.

 

[Asa]

She was exiting the restroom making her way back down the hall when she felt a hand grab her throat.

 

[stringersburner]

"Who the fuck is that?' Lena's ex husband demanded. "Is this why ya left me? For some kid? Cause I think- I think I need to take you back home," Lena's ex threatened.

 

[Asa]

Suddenly his threats of no divorce or court order would stop him was terrifyingly real as she yelped at the grip on her throat. She tried to struggle shaking her head no clawing at the hand around her throat wanting to scream.

 

[stringersburner]

Looking for his date Steven wanders down a hall when he sees the scene before him. Noticing its the man from earlier Steven drops his drinks he immediately tries to get Lena's ex in a choke hold. With his group loosening around her neck Lena is able to break free and get past the two.

"Go get help!" Steven shouts he holds on for dear life. Not having a good hold Lena's ex he gets loose and punches Steven down. Sitting on top of the younger man his fists connect with Steven's face before Lena comes back with security.