Page 6 of Continuum

I stared at the way my full figure was poured into the dress. I tilted my head, admiring how it brought out my chestnut complexion. My red coated lips widened into a smile as I touched the thick mass of hair piled on top of my head.

I looked good and I knew it.

My twist out came out right. My dress fit my body like a glove. And even though my shoes were pinching my pinky toe a little, they made my legs and ass look irresistible.

“You’re gonna get some dick tonight,” I murmured to myself doing a little body roll in the mirror.

I had a strict three-date rule. The first date was always an ice breaker, a vibe check. The second date was to get to know each other better, to see if we had anything in common. The third date was to see how much effort he was willing to put in. Sex never came before the third date. Going out three times didn’t automatically guarantee my date sex, but if I was feeling him and wanted to take it there, anytime after date three was fair play.

And due to the way I had been spoiled over the last few weeks, I was very interested in getting up close and personal.

The night will definitely end at my place.

Leaving the bathroom of the fancy French restaurant, I strolled down the short hallway. I smoothed my free hand down the side of my little red dress as I cast my gaze over the dimly lit room full of well-dressed couples. There was a Friday night buzz of anticipation in the air. With a smile, I headed to my date.

“I’m back,” I announced, sitting across from him.

“I took the liberty of ordering the dessert you were eyeing,” Jordan informed me with a crooked smile.

Jordan Scott checked all my boxes—successful, sweet, smart, handsome, and stable. He lavished me with gifts, actually planned dates, and knew how to hold a conversation. After the string of men who didn’t make it to date two, it was exciting to be at the tail end of date three.

And so close to being filled up.

I picked up my refreshed glass of water and took a sip. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, Aisha Young.” His eyes rested on my wrist. “I never noticed your tattoo.” He tilted his head. “What’s that?”

I put my glass down and held my wrist up. “It’s an infinity symbol and two small As.”

“Let me guess… Amazing Aisha? Astonishing Aisha? Alluring Aisha?”

A smile played on my lips. “Close, but no.”

“Well, what is it?”

I stared at the small tattoo that was barely noticeable to most people. “It’s for Aisha and Angel.” I looked up at him. “We got these right before graduation.”

“And Angel is…?”

“Angel was my roommate freshman year at Hamilton University. She was the first person I met when I moved to Richland. She was my best friend.”

“Hm. Shewasyour best friend?”

I nodded. “She passed away eight years ago”—I cleared my throat— “tomorrow. Just before her thirtieth birthday.”

His eyes widened sympathetically. “Oh wow! I’m sorry to hear that.”

I nodded. “Thanks.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, how… did it happen?”

“Breast cancer,” I answered softly. “And because it’s so rare when you’re in your twenties, they didn’t catch it until it was late stage.” I shook my head. “She was diagnosed a few months after her twenty-ninth birthday and died just before her thirtieth.”

“Wow.” He reached over the table and touched my hand. “I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.”

His fingers danced over my knuckles. “I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

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