For dessert, Erik decided to order a slice of red velvet cheesecake for both him and Rosaline. He did contemplate ordering a dessert that they both could take pleasure in sharing, but decided against it in case it came across as presumptuous of him. The night was exceeding all of Erik's expectations and so too was how much he was enjoying Rosaline's company. Apart from a few controversial exchanges here and there, he honestly couldn't fault her. His only hope was that by some miracle she would feel the same about him by the end of the night.

"How did you know?" Rosaline exclaimed, just as her dessert place was placed in front of her.

"Know what?" Erik inquired, whilst lifting up his dessert spoon.

"That anything red velvet related is an absolute favourite of mine." She clarified.

"Call it intuition." Erik said with a cheeky wink, clearing in reference to his earlier statement in the evening.

"Is it your favourite dessert?" Rosaline asked after swallowing a small piece of cake.

"No." Erik cryptically answered.

"No?" Rosaline questioned with a puzzled expression.

"Let's just say I can think of a few other things that are a lot sweeter than this cake." Erik flirted.

Given the fact that the night had progressed swimmingly well thus far, Erik couldn't help but show a little bit of his flirtatious side. It was one thing to treat Rosaline with uttermost respect as he had for the duration of the night, but it was an entirely different thing to act and behave like someone he wasn't. So with that thought in mind, Erik waited to see how Rosaline would react.

"Are you referring to your wine?" She naively guessed with a deep blush that coated her cheeks.

Erik wasn't oblivious to that fact that Rosaline was acutely aware that his comment was directed at her. If her rosy cheeks weren't a clear giveaway then her distracted gaze was. Erik found it adorable that Rosaline couldn't manage to meet his eyes, simply because he had flirted with her in a way that she probably wasn't use to. It did plenty for his ego, not that he needed it, but still it went without saying that Erik was endeared by the young woman sitting opposite him.

"I think we both know who I'm referring to." He pointed out with a small smile.

Thankfully, at that moment Rosaline met his gaze and shook her head nervously. Erik noted that it wasn't a negative shake of her head, but rather a gesture that spoke volumes about her lack of understanding when it came to Erik's feelings toward her. Despite only knowing Rosaline for a short amount of time, Erik felt drawn towards her in ways he still didn't understand himself. Apart from the not knowing why, Erik felt the need to act on those feelings at the very least, which was why he felt compelled to flirt with her and maybe help him understand her own feelings toward him.

"Are you always this upfront?" Rosaline finally asked with a shy look on her face.

"Only with people I like." Erik was quick to state.

Rosaline's eyes widened before she slowly sunk her head into her chest. Her head rose seconds later and the look she gave Erik was one of pure embarrassment. Luckily for Erik, he knew it wasn't because of disinterest but instead shock. Erik wasn't sure if he had pushed Rosaline too far with his flirtatious comments, but nevertheless he wasn't regretful because if there was even a small chance Rosaline was attracted to him in the same extent he was with her, he wanted those feelings to be authentic and felt towards the real Erik.

"Are you saying you like me?" Rosaline timidly asked.

"If I haven't been clear enough in my intentions then I'm sorry, but to answer your question yes, I like you very much Rosaline." Smiles Erik.

Erik observes Rosaline as she inhales a quick breath. No doubt he knows that he has surprised Rosaline further by that statement, if that were even possible. At this stage, all Erik wants to do is put his cards out clearly on the table and hopefully have his honestly pay off and maybe even propel Rosaline into sharing her true feelings for him as well.

"I like you too." Rosaline whispers quietly enough for Erik to want to ask her to repeat her words, but not quiet enough for him to embarrass her by asking her to do just that. Instead, Erik beams at her response and ushers the waiter over to take care of the bill.

After paying for their dinner, Erik stands and lightly places his hand on the bottom of Rosaline's back. He guides her outside of the restaurant and insists that he walk her to where her car is parked, despite her weak attempt at warning him off. Given the late time of night, Erik not only wants to make sure Rosaline leaves safety, but he'll also use any excuse to spend even a minute longer in her presence.

"I had a lovely time tonight Erik, thank you." Rosaline says once she and Erik have made it to her car.

"You don't have to thank me, I'm just glad to hear you enjoyed yourself." Erik genuinely tells her.

"I certainly did." Smiles Rosaline, while shifting her gaze to retrieve her car keys from her purse.

Erik opens the driver door, just as Rosaline unlocks her car. She nervously smiles up at him and steps closer, bending over briefly to place her purse inside. Erik leans forward just as Rosaline straightens herself and captures her cheek in a smooth and memorable kiss. He didn't want to push her limits tonight any more than he already had and so decided to play it safe and offer her a respectful, first date kiss.

"I'll speak to you soon." Erik promises, before offering her one final smile as a means of goodbye.

Stepping away from Rosaline, Erik feels a sense of accomplishment at knowing he's made the right decision by leaving things as they are. Despite his desire to have kissed Rosaline right by her car, he knew it would have only pushed her away and likely erased any progress the two of them had made tonight. With this in mind, Erik walks to a nearby bar and orders a drink as a way of rewarding himself for making the right choice. Unfortunately, just as Erik was about to take a sip from his chilled glass, he hears the voice of a person he wish he never met all those years ago.