Love at first sight is just your brain telling you what you want to hear, not what you need to know

I can't help but laugh at his cocky charm, and I shake my head. “Oh, I'm definitely a fan. In fact, I've been taking notes on how to look good in a suit since I walked in here. But I have to admit, I think you're cheating with those dimples."

As I study him more closely, I notice that he has a subtle scar above his left eyebrow, but it only adds to his rugged charm. His hair is perfectly styled, and I can't help but wonder how long it takes him to achieve that effortless look. He has a certain charisma that makes it seem like he's been the life of the party since the moment he was born.

He chuckles at my response. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but the dimples are all natural. No cheating involved."

I feign disappointment. "Well, there goes my plan to surgically implant some dimples of my own."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. "I don't think that's quite how it works. But hey, if you want to go for it, I won't stop you."

I shake my head, still smiling. "I think I'll stick to admiring your dimples from afar."

He leans in, his mischievous grin widening. "Why admire from afar when you could get a closer look?"

I laugh. "Are you suggesting I inspect your dimples up close?"

He nods, still grinning. "It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for the sake of your education on the art of looking good in a suit."

I can't help but chuckle at his humor. "Well, who am I to turn down an opportunity for a dimple inspection?"

He chuckles along with me. "Glad we're on the same page. But first, let me buy you a drink."

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. "You're offering after that cheesy line?"

He shrugs, still grinning. "Hey, cheesy lines are my specialty. And besides, I figure a drink is the least I can do for inspiring your suit-wearing aspirations."

I can't help but laugh at his wit. "Alright, you win. One drink, but only if you promise to keep the cheesy lines to a minimum."

He holds up his hands in mock surrender. "No cheesy lines, got it. But can I at least get a compliment on my suit?"

I roll my eyes, still laughing. "You really are shameless."

He just grins, clearly pleased with himself. "I prefer to think of it as charming. And for the record, your dress is stunning."

I can't help but roll my eyes at his compliment. "Oh please, you're just trying to butter me up so I don't notice the fact that you're actually a secret agent on a mission to steal government secrets."

He laughs, clearly enjoying our banter. "You caught me, I must admit. But don't worry, I won't make you an accomplice to my devious plans."

I playfully narrow my eyes. "Good, because I'm not sure I'm cut out for a life of espionage. I prefer a more low-key existence, like being a world-famous dog groomer."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "A dog groomer, huh? That's an interesting profession. What's the craziest dog hairstyle you've ever done?"

I can't help but smile at his interest. "Oh, I once gave a poodle a full-on mohawk. It was a sight to see."

He chuckles. "I bet it was. You know what? I'm going to order you a drink in honor of your canine coiffure talents. Bartender, can you make her a 'Poodle with a Mohawk'?"

I can't help but laugh at the ridiculous drink order. "What's in that?"

He shrugs. "I have no idea, but I'm sure it'll be as wild and unexpected as your poodle's hairdo."

I shake my head in amusement. "Well, I can't wait to find out."

The bartender sets to work, and soon enough, he presents me with my drink. I can't help but burst out laughing.

It's a bright pink concoction, served in a tall glass with an umbrella and a straw that's shaped like a poodle with a mohawk. The foam on top is carefully shaped into a miniature mohawk, just like the one on the straw. The whole thing is so ridiculous that I can't help but grin from ear to ear.

I take a sip of the drink, and surprisingly, it's delicious. The taste is sweet, with a hint of fruitiness and a kick of alcohol.

I turn to him with a smile. "This is amazing!” the handsome stranger watches me closely.

He shrugs, grinning. " I guess Jim took fun and weird to heart." He points to the bartender

I can't help but laugh. "Well, he certainly delivered. I feel like I'm drinking a poodle with a mohawk."

He chuckles. "That's exactly what I was going for. I figured if we're going to be cheesy and ridiculous, we might as well go all out."

I raise my glass in agreement. "Cheers to that."

As he leans in closer, I catch a whiff of his cologne, a mix of spicy and sweet that makes my head spin. I try to focus on his words, but my attention keeps drifting to his perfectly styled hair and chiseled jawline.

He pauses for effect, and I can't help but wonder what kind of cheesy line he's about to deliver.

"My name is Zephaniah," he declares with all the gravitas of a Shakespearean actor, "but you can call me Zeph."

I bite my lip to stifle a giggle. "Zeph, huh? Sounds like a character from a '90s sitcom."

He raises an eyebrow in mock offense. "Hey now, don't knock the classics."

I can't help but laugh at his sense of humor. "Fair enough. I'm Chamuel, but you can call me Cham."

He grins at me, and I can see the twinkle in his eyes. "Cham, huh? That's a pretty cool name. It sounds like something you'd order at Starbucks."

I play along, feigning indignation. "Excuse me, I'll have you know that Cham is a powerful archangel in Jewish mysticism."

He leans in even closer, his breath tickling my ear. "Well, in that case, I better watch my step around you. Don't want to end up on the wrong side of an archangel."

I can feel my face flushing with laughter as I take another sip of my drink, suddenly grateful for Mila's insistence on going out tonight.

Speaking of Mila, I look around .and spot her on the dance floor, her arms flailing around as she dances to the beat of the music. She only had one glass of wine at the restaurant, but she seems to be having the time of her life.

I turn back to Zeph, noticing the way his eyes follow my gaze. "That's my friend Mila," I explain. "She's a bit...energetic."

Zeph chuckles. "I can see that. Hey, let's go join her. I'm feeling adventurous tonight."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Adventurous? What do you have in mind?"

He winks at me. "You'll just have to wait and see." With that, he takes my hand and leads me towards the dance floor, where Mila is still going strong.

As I spot Mila's frizzy hair in the crowd, I drag Zeph towards her, trying not to lose him amidst the sea of gyrating bodies. Mila's eyes bulge out of her head when she sees us approaching.

"Cham, you're back! And who is this?" she asks with a wide grin, giving Zeph a once-over. "Mmm, he's a spicy meatball. I bet he's got some moves."

I can feel my cheeks heating up as I introduce Zeph to her. "This is Zeph. Zeph, my best friend, Mila."

Zeph extends his hand, flashing a megawatt smile. "Nice to meet you, Mila. I heard you're a dance champ. Care to show me your moves?"

Mila rolls her eyes but takes his hand, pulling him towards the dance floor. "Oh, you have no idea what you're getting into, buddy."

I follow behind, laughing at their banter. As we start to dance, I feel the music coursing through my veins, and I'm swept up in the moment. Mila is a force to be reckoned with, and Zeph is surprisingly light on his feet.

As we dance, I catch glimpses of Zeph's eyes on me, and I can't help but feel a thrill run through me. It's as if the music has amplified everything, including our chemistry. But then again, it could just be the fruity sweetness of my cocktail going to my head.

He moves closer to me and I can feel the heat emanating from his body. As the beat intensifies, Zeph's hands find their way to my waist, and we begin to grind to the rhythm. His touch sends electric sparks through my body, and I can't help but feel a growing attraction towards him. I move in sync with him, feeling the pulsating energy of the music and the heat of his body against mine. Mila looks on with a smirk, clearly amused by our chemistry on the dance floor.

I can feel his breath on my neck as he whispers in my ear, "You're a great dancer, Cham. I could do this all night with you."

My heart races as I turn to look at him, our eyes locking in a moment of intense connection. I can't deny the way I feel about him, and I know that this could be the start of something amazing. As the music fades away, I'm left with a sense of excitement and possibility.

I feel a heat rising to my face as Zeph's words hit me like a freight train. "Oh, stop it, you smooth talker," I say, trying to play it cool. "You're going to give me a big head."

Mila, who was eavesdropping on our conversation, lets out a loud snort. "Ha! Too late for that, girl. Your head is already big enough."

I roll my eyes at her teasing and shoot Zeph a quick smile. "She's just jealous of our undeniable chemistry, Zeph. Don't let her get to you."

Zeph chuckles and takes my hand. "Don't worry, Cham. I won't let anything come between us."

Mila interrupts our moment with a loud clap. "Alright, lovebirds, let's get some liquid courage and hit the dance floor before the DJ plays the Chicken Dance again." And with that, we head to the bar, ready to party like it's 1999.

_

_

As the night wears on and the party starts to wind down, Mila suddenly springs up from her chair and declares that she needs to leave. "Oh my god, you guys, I just realized it's almost midnight! I promised my hubby I'd be home by then, or he'll think I'm out cheating on him," she says with a giggle and a wink.

I can't help but laugh at her playfulness, and as we exit the club, the crisp air of the night hits us. Mila shivers and wraps her arms around herself, and I offer her my jacket, which she gratefully accepts. Zeph follows us outside, and Mila turns to him, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So is he the one? Remember at dinner you said you want to meet your soulmate at the bar," she laughs.

I roll my eyes and groan, knowing that Zeph can hear her too. Mila's blonde locks are all over the place, making her look like a crazed wild animal, and I can't help but chuckle at the sight. But then she turns to me and says, "I'll catch you tomorrow for some juicy gossip, Cham. And don't forget, you need some serious D in your life," she whispers the last part with a sly grin, leaving me both embarrassed and amused. As we wait for her Uber to arrive, I feel a twinge of jealousy towards her happy marriage, but I quickly shake it off and remind myself that I'm here to let loose and have a good time.

As Mila's Uber arrives, she throws us a final wave, hops into the back seat, and zooms off into the night, leaving Zeph and me alone on the deserted street. I glance over at him, and he's grinning like a maniac, like he's just won the lottery or discovered a secret stash of chocolate. "Looks like it's just you and me, Chammy," he drawls, twirling his keys around his finger like some kind of smug superhero.