Page 8 of Seductive Heat

"I recognize you from yoga, but you always leave too fast. I wanted to approach you."

"You were checking me out?"

"You're kind of hot, Theo."

More blood rushes to my cheeks, and they feel like they're going to burst from the pressure. I don't know what to say to that, so I just keep the soothing motions on her hand with my thumb. Too soon, we're in front of her house, and it's time to say goodbye. I get out of the car with her, and she seems surprised.

"I'm going to walk you to the door like the proper gentleman that I am."

A small giggle leaks out of her, making her sound younger than she is. We walk towards her doorstep, hand in hand. Once there, we turn to each other, and for a moment, I'm speechless. I reach out to push back a strand of hair from her face.

"I'm so glad we finally got to meet. You'd better watch it. I'm going to move to full courtship mode. Be ready to be swept off your feet."

She smiles at me and squeezes my arm lightly as if making sure I'm right there with her, making sure that I'm real.

"I can't wait, Theo. Do your best."

I lean down and kiss her gently on the forehead and wait until she opens the door and goes and slips inside.

"Goodnight, goddess," I whisper into the night.

Chapter 4

Helene

It's five thirty in the freaking morning, and I'm getting ready because Theo insists we set out early for wherever the heck he's taking me. I almost feel like crying because I love sleeping in on Sundays. Thankfully, the principal at my school told me yesterday that I could have the day off tomorrow. Zipping up my backpack, I make a mental checklist of what I need for a surprise date.

He told me not to have breakfast, so I just drink down half of a diet coke that was in my fridge. That will probably sustain me until we eat, hopefully around eight in the morning. I'm still a bit sleepy when the doorbell rings. I look in the peephole and it's Theo with a huge panty-melting smile on his face. I open the door just halfway as if I don't want to let him in.

"May I help you?"

"Good morning, goddess. Your chariot is ready and waiting."

I'm surprised to see a normal SUV parked in my driveway. I'd been sure he drove some fancy car, but this is downright domestic. I like it. He takes my backpack from my hand and closes the door behind me, checking that it is locked. I could get used to the royal treatment.

"So where are we going?" I ask.

"I told you, it's a surprise."

"I need to tell someone where I'm going. I just met you yesterday."

"Fine, put your friend's number in my phone and I'll tell her, but warn her to keep it secret."

I do that and pass him his phone back. He quickly texts something and puts the phone down. I eye him with curiosity, but his poker face is amazing.

"I've told her where we'll be and that it's a surprise. I imagine she must be still sleeping."

Knowing better, I hold my phone close, and sure thing, there's a message from Tammy.

Tammy: A surprise date, how exciting

Me: Will I like this surprise?

Tammy: Oh, yeah. You'll love it

Me: Ok that's all I need to know. Thanks, bestie

Tammy: Have fun!

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