Page 45 of Flame Kissed

She even liked the bracelet. Adaze hadn’t been sure if she would accept it, and who knows, maybe she just felt like she had to. Maybe she just took it and would shove it in a drawer somewhere, never to wear or look at it again.

When they finally woke up, it was after ten, later than either woman had slept in in some time. But even when they were awake, the couple didn’t get up.

No, instead the pair spent a lazy morning together lounging in bed. For most of it, they were wrapped around each other, bodies entwined, but at some point Jaspurr had hopped up, forcing his way between them where he sat purring loudly, soaking in their shared body heat. After a while, Leilani pulled back with a sigh.

“I wish you could stay here all day,” she said wistfully.

“I don’t see a reason why I can’t,” Adaze frowned, snuggling back in. She’d assumed that was the plan after all.

Leilani winced but made no move to pull away. “Actually, I can’t. I have lunch plans. I’m sorry. I should have told you.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that you had anything going on.” She pulled back, something dark churning in her gut.

“Sorry, I meant to tell you yesterday, but I forgot. There was just so much going on it slipped my mind, and it isn’t much. I’m just slipping out for a quick lunch, that’s all.”

“It's fine.” Adaze tried to ignore the way her heart pounded in her chest.

“Are you sure? I’d understand if you were upset or disappointed.”

“It’s fine really.” Adaze quickly changed the subject. “Who are you going with?” She hoped the jealousy burning inside her didn’t creep into her voice.

Thankfully, if Leilani noticed, she kept it to herself. With a smile she spoke, “That woman from the coffee shop I told you about the other day. You know the one with the dog.”

“I remember.” Of course she did. How could she forget the (probably) beautiful woman her girlfriend had spontaneously befriended at the coffee shop. “I just hadn’t realized you’d kept in touch.”

“Kinda, we mostly just send each other pictures of our special little men. She loves Jaspurr’s little outfits. Sebastian doesn’t tolerate them.” She scratched Jaspurr’s ear for emphasis.

“That’s...nice.” She forced her face into a shape she hoped resembled a smile. She could only hope Leilani didn’t notice.

But still, Adaze couldn’t help the way she flashed back to the night just before their first date. She’d been in a panic. She was ready to call the whole thing off and pretend they’d never met.

Then she opened her phone and saw her message with Jaspurr’s little furry face.

In that moment, her heart melted and she knew she needed to do it.

Now, all she could think about was what if Leilani had, intentionally or unintentionally, melted this other woman’s heart.

She hoped if she did, it would be unintentional.

She wondered if Leilani even knew what she was capable of.

Adaze hoped she didn’t, but she couldn’t say any of that. Instead, she forced a smile. “I hope the two of you have fun.”

“Thanks, I’m sure we will.” Then she lit up. “I know! Next time we meet up, you should come too.”

Adaze’s head shot up. “And you’d want that?”

“Of course, you’re my girlfriend. Why wouldn’t I? I love when I get to show you off to my friends. Only if you want to, of course.”

She didn’t have a good response. For a moment, she just sat there struggling to find the words. She couldn’t help but flush at the thought of Leilani proudly showing her off to her friends, even though it hadn’t gone great the first time.

Leilani was still looking at her expectantly. Finally, Adaze forced out a hesitant, “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s good enough for me! Just let me know what you decide.” She pressed another kiss to Adaze’s lips before glancing at her phone. “Shit, I didn’t realize how late it was already,” she said, pushing herself from the bed. “I need to get dressed, but feel free to stay in bed as long as you want.”

Adaze couldn’t bring herself to move as she watched Leilani root through her closet for something to wear. She admired Leilani’s lovely fit body as she pulled on her sporty underwear.

“Should I wait for you to come back or…?” she trailed off, hands toying with the blanket. She hadn’t spent time alone in Leilani’s apartment before so she wasn’t sure if Leilani would be comfortable with it. It felt strange, the idea of her being there without Leilani. Leilani’s apartment was so homey and regular. So unlike the cold yet luxury extravagance of her own penthouse.

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