Page 23 of Nocere

"There's nothing to apologize for. It scared you. Luckily, lattes aren't as hot as other drinks," she said, a soft smile parting her maroon-painted lips. Her thumbs stroked the insides of my wrists, and under the gesture, I nearly melted in my chair. Warm, soothing tingles ran up my arms and over my shoulders, as if she captured me in an embrace.

"I messed this up, too. First the hike, now coffee," I said, surrendering to the notion that I'd bumbled up everything so far.

"Nerves will make things less smooth, I'll admit, but you're at no fault. Okay?"

I nodded and glanced at her. "Thanks. I'm just… I'm not good at this. Talking to women—or anyone really."

She chuckled softly and gave my hands a squeeze. "Who needs to talk when spilled coffee brings me this close to you?"

My cheeks heated to a flush and my gaze shot to hers. "Why do you like me?"

"Because you're beautiful and shy. And you have no idea how cute your smile is. Do I need any other reason right now?" she said, leaning back on her heels while she held my gaze.

"I guess not. We haven't known each other long..."

"Do you like me?"

"You make me really nervous, so probably," I said through a smirk.

She laughed, releasing my hands as she stood to return to her seat. "That's a start."

"Other than those superficial things, why do you care? There are plenty of pretty and shy women out there," I said and finally took a sip of what was left of my drink.

"Because I watched how you were with Luna. The way you played with her and interacted with her. Your quick snaps of humor every now and then. The way you allowed Jordan to cut your hair in the middle of the backyard. To me, you seem like a good person and I really enjoy getting to know good people. It's how I became friends with Stella and Alice. They're good people," she explained, then took a sip of her drink.

"Fair enough."

"So, if I ask you on a real date, what would you say?" Her smile, playful and cautious, broadened at the notion.

I toyed with a napkin on the table while contemplating her question. "At a restaurant or something?"

"Not necessarily. It could be whatever you wanted."

"Anything?" I tied the napkin in a knot then plucked at the fringes.

"Anything you wanted," she said, leaning forward with her elbows on the table. Both of her hands came to wrap around mine to stop the nervous fidgeting. "Tell me what you would want if we went on a date."

She held my gaze, and I searched her expression for any hint of something nefarious. Was she really asking me this? Why was she so interested in me?

"Maybe...just something private. And simple. Like pizza or Tai. Watching a movie. I'm not sure."

"Rose, would you like to come to my place for takeout and drinks tomorrow night?" Samirah tilted her head, her smile soft and unassuming.

I bit my bottom lip and nodded. "Yes."

Her eyes brightened and she brushed her thumb over my knuckles before releasing me. "Great. I'll text you my address. How's that?"

"Good." I watched her as she sipped her coffee, her eyes nearly twinkling with mischief as she gazed back at me. "You look at me funny."

"Because you're cute. Remember?"

I laughed, shaking my head at her. "You're something else, Samirah. Did you know?"

"Yes," she said, chuckling as she stood. "Tomorrow, we'll know each other better."

"Tomorrow it is." I rose with her, both of us lifting our purses and drinks. "Thanks for the coffee."

"Any time." Samirah's hand fell to the small of my back as we walked out together. She turned to me on the sidewalk, her free arm held out to me. "Can I hug you?"

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