Page 2 of Blazing Hearts

Mallory hesitated, her logical mind briefly warring with the impulsive thrill buzzing in her chest. Then she nodded, grabbing her coat and following Kara outside.

* * *

The streetlights cast a golden glow over the quiet sidewalk, the distant hum of the city softened by the late hour. Kara and Mallory walked side by side, their conversation falling into a comfortable rhythm punctuated by easy laughter. But beneath the words was a tension neither could ignore—a magnetic pull that seemed to shrink the space between them with every step.

As they reached a quiet corner, Kara stopped, her hand brushing Mallory’s arm. Mallory turned, her breath catching as their eyes met, the light from a nearby lamp highlighting Kara’s soft smile and the faint blush coloring her cheeks.

For a moment, neither spoke. Then Kara leaned in, slow and deliberate, her movements measured, as if testing the waters. Mallory didn’t pull away; instead, she closed the distance, meeting Kara halfway.

The kiss was warm and tentative at first, like a question asked and answered in an instant. But as it deepened, it became something else entirely—a spark igniting into a flame. When they finally pulled apart, their breaths mingling in the cool night air, Mallory let out a shaky laugh.

“Well,” she said, her voice low, “that wasn’t on my agenda for the night.”

Kara grinned; her confidence tempered by the softness in her eyes. “Good surprises are hard to come by. I’d say we’re on a roll.”

Mallory hesitated, her heart racing. Then, before she could second-guess herself, she nodded toward the building across the street. “My place is just there.”

They walked the short distance to Mallory’s apartment building, a modest but charming brick structure with ivy climbing up one side. Mallory led the way, her heels clicking softly against the tiles as they entered the lobby. The elevator ride was quiet but charged, the air between them buzzing with anticipation.

When they reached her door, Mallory fumbled briefly with her keys before pushing it open. She stepped inside, flipping on the lights and turning to gauge Kara’s reaction.

The apartment was small but thoughtfully arranged, a reflection of Mallory’s practical yet personal taste. The living room opened up in warm, neutral tones—soft grays, muted blues, and touches of white. A sleek gray couch anchored the space, adorned with a few cozy, mismatched throw pillows. A coffee table sat in front of it, its wooden surface stacked with books and a half-finished crossword puzzle.

To the right was a small kitchenette, separated from the living area by a counter lined with two bar stools. The counter tops were spotless, save for a ceramic bowl filled with lemons and a French press sitting by the sink. A print of an abstract landscape hung on the wall above, its rich, swirling colors adding a touch of vibrancy.

Opposite the couch, a set of built-in shelves showcased more books, a scattering of framed photographs, and a couple of small succulents in ceramic pots. One frame displayed a candid shot of Mallory with two older women, their arms around her shoulders and their faces lit with matching smiles. Another held a minimalist black-and-white sketch of a cityscape—clean lines and sharp angles.

Kara stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room with curiosity. “This is nice,” she said, her tone warm and genuine.

Mallory shrugged, a little self-conscious. “It’s a work in progress. I haven’t been here long.”

“It feels like you,” Kara said simply, walking further in and stopping by the bookshelves. She tilted her head, examining the titles. “Let me guess—half of these are serious non-fiction, and the other half are secretly romance novels?”

Mallory laughed, closing the door behind her and slipping off her shoes. “Not quite. Mostly thrillers, actually.”

“Dark,” Kara teased, turning to face her. “But fitting.”

Mallory rolled her eyes but smiled, crossing the room to the kitchenette. “Do you want another drink? I think I have wine, maybe?”

“Wine is good,” Kara said, watching as Mallory filled two glasses.

They sat on the couch, the space between them smaller than it had been when they’d started walking. Kara set her glass on the coffee table and leaned back, her arm draped casually over the back of the couch.

“So,” Kara said, her voice playful, “what made you decide to move here? Phoenix Ridge isn’t somewhere everyone knows about.”

Mallory sipped her wine, her gaze thoughtful. “It was time for a change,” she said after a moment. “I wanted… I don’t know. Something quieter, maybe. Somewhere I could figure out what’s next without too many distractions.”

Kara raised an eyebrow. “And you thought moving to a busy city was the answer to that?”

Mallory laughed softly, setting her glass down. “Okay, maybe I didn’t think it through completely. But it felt right at the time.”

“And now?” Kara asked, her tone gentler.

Mallory met her gaze, the openness in Kara’s eyes making her feel unexpectedly seen. “Now, I think I’m starting to feel like I made the right choice.”

The words hung between them, heavier than she’d intended but entirely true. Kara didn’t look away, her expression softening.

Mallory couldn’t help her gaze travelling over Kara’s beautiful face and down over her body. Kara looked sporty- fit and capable, and it was something Mallory found super attractive.

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