Page 15 of Gingerbread Hearts

“Oh, before I forget!” Bethany’s voice pulls me back. “She wants you to ask your grandmother about the dress code for the party.”

Bethany’s wide toothy grin matches my feelings.

She still wants to go to the party. She can’t be mad at me.

My brain is screaming yes in delight. I thank Bethany again and leave. There may be hope for Violet and I to take the next step from fling to real thing.

***

Violet

I watch Bethany and Jake interact from the little window in the kitchen. I just didn’t want to face him yet. As I watch Bethany turn to face the kitchen after Jake leaves, I duck down.

I’m acting like a teen. Pull it together.

When my shift is over, I check my phone, hoping Jake texted something. With no notifications I decide to call him. It’s only four, he can’t be too busy. As the phone rings I tap my fingers on the metal table. The sound an echo to my heartbeat, pounding in my chest.

“Hello Violet.” His voice is like a decadent honey pouring out. So smooth and sultry.

“Hi Jake,” my voice is nowhere as sexy as his sounds. “I was wondering if you’d be free for another date night. Tomorrow night perhaps?”

“I could manage that. What are you thinking?”

“How does a romantic evening complete with candles, live music, and wine sound?” I trail off, hoping he agrees.

“Sounds as if you’ll be wearing too much clothing on this date.” His voice gruff.

“There is a coat and tie requirement for the bistro, but I suppose.” I briefly look around to make sure I am alone before continuing, “I could show you a little something more afterwards.”

“Deal. I’ll pick you up at your place tomorrow night. Does six work for you?”

“Yes, it’s a date. See you tomorrow night.” I’m giddy as the phone call ends.

The rest of the day passes in a blur. After work I only have a short window of time to get ready. Bethany helps me pick an outfit out over the phone. She has my closet memorized at this point. I want a killer ensemble. If I’m going to talk about a serious relationship, I want to feel confident. However, my go-to confidence outfits all include chef’s jackets and yoga pants. Not exactly sexy clothing. Which is why Bethany is a lifesaver. At her suggestion I’m wearing a knee-length satin black dress with a snug heart shaped bodice, no sweater, and red heels.

Thank goodness we’re not walking.

I’m thankful for Jake driving as I prepare for the short walk. I pull on a wool coat, tuck some gloves into my pockets, and wrap a scarf around my neck. Winter in Maine is now full force. Snow has been lightly falling all day. I’m fully dressed and getting toasty, waiting for Jake to arrive.

I see his car and glance at the clock. Exactly six. He’s extremely punctual and that means something to me. I hurry out the door, afraid that I’ll lose all of my warmth in the short walk to his car. He smiles as I get in the car, his hand on his seatbelt.

“I couldn’t wait,” I say, breaking the ice.

“I can tell,” he chuckles as he buckles his seatbelt.

We drive the short distance to the bistro with flirty banter being thrown back and forth between us. Jake offers me his arm as we walk in together. He’s warm, and I’m hesitant to let go once we’re inside. We both take our coats off to hand over to coat check. Knowing what’s under his royal blue suit, tailored to fit him perfectly, makes the fire in me ignite again.

I try not to drool as we’re seated. The candlelight at the table really highlights his cheekbones and light stubble. I want to reach out and touch his face, but I don’t. I settle for stealing lingering glances at him as we both look at the menus.

***

Jake

Violet really knows how to dress for a date. The satin dress she chose hugs her breasts and hips, accentuating the curves that lie just underneath the fabric. And the way the lighting dances off of her as she walks, her hips swaying slightly, is making me hard. As we’re seated, I have to discreetly adjust myself.

Can’t be thinking about dessert before we even have drinks.

I smile as she looks over the menu. Her face is scrunched up as she’s contemplating the different choices. She looks up, as if she knows I’m thinking about her. I reach out and take her hand. I bring it to my lips, lightly kissing it before resting it back on the table.

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