Page 18 of Flame Kissed

She couldn’t do this. The very thought of going on this date filled her with panic. It’s not too late to call it off, she thought to herself.

She could call her up and cancel. Hell, she didn’t even need to call. It was a cowardly move, but she could just text.

She chewed her lip thinking it over. The thought of going out tomorrow was turning her stomach. Diana would be weird about it, all pity and compassion, but maybe she could hide it from her. She could just tell her she went and it was fine, but she probably wouldn’t see her again.

Right, that settled it. Picking up her phone, she paused when she saw a message from Leilani. Maybe Leilani needed to cancel. That would take the pressure off.

She blinked down at the message. There was a picture of Leilani curled up on a sofa with a small black cat curled up asleep on her chest. The pair were wrapped in a cozy crochet blanket. Her thick dark hair was in a long thick braid. Her beautiful smile was shining out of the photo. Adaze was surprised to find she wished she was there with them. Then she read the message.

Jaspurr is disappointed I’m going to be home late tomorrow, but I can’t wait to see you for our date. I just figured I should let you know I didn’t plan anything too complicated, just dinner at a casual sit-down restaurant. I figured I’d keep it simple and low pressure.

Adaze couldn’t help but smile. Maybe she could do this after all. She forced her fingers to type a reply before she backed out.

I look forward to it. See you then.

Taking a deep breath, she headed into her closet to figure out what she should wear. It only took her a few hours to decide.

And so, the next night, she found herself dressed in a pair of dark charcoal gray tapered pants and matching vest. She left the top two buttons on her mauve silk shirt undone. She didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard. She tried not to wince at the loud click of her heels as she paced her kitchen. Every time she passed the bathroom, she poked her head inside to check her hair.

A series of knocks on the door cut off her overthinking.

Taking a deep breath, she put on a confident face and headed over to the door. She took a last breath before she turned the knob and pulled it open.

When she saw Leilani, her breath caught in her throat. She was stunning in a pair of wide-legged trousers in pale taupe fabric. Her dark green shirt had a daring neckline, showing off her surprisingly round breasts. Adaze could see the outline of her nipples again and she liked it. Her skin was glowing like shimmering bronze and her hair was loose for the first time. Adaze couldn’t believe how long it was.

“Hey,” Leilani greeted her with a smile. “You look beautiful. Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Great!” She offered her her hand.

Adaze hesitated for a moment before lacing their fingers together.

Leilani lit up at the contact, leading her outside to her car.

As they drove, Adaze’s heart pounded inside her chest so loudly, she worried Leilani could hear it.

But to her relief, Leilani simply talked about anything and everything.

“I’m really glad you agreed to go out with me tonight,” she said.

“Yeah, well, I’m glad you asked.”

“Yeah, me too. How’ve you been?”

“Fine, it’s only been a few days since we last spoke. Just been working. What about you?”

“Same, working then coming home and spending time with Jaspurr.”

“Is he the cat you sent me pictures of?”

“Yeah, I was pretty lonely when I first moved here, so I headed down to a rescue and picked up a cat. Some people might say he looks a little scraggly, but that doesn’t matter to me. He can be a real sweetie pie when he wants to be.”

“I don’t think he looks scraggly. He’s very handsome.”

That must have been the right thing to say because she lit up. “Isn’t he?! I’m glad you think so. I can’t wait to introduce you two soo—” she cut herself off, clearing her throat. “Sorry, that is very lesbian of me. It’s probably a bit soon to talk about you meeting my cat.”

“Is it?” Adaze frowned. “I wouldn’t mind meeting him.”

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