Page 14 of Doll Face

“I had a really nice time tonight.” I smile.

“I did too. Surprisingly.”

“I’d like to see you again,” I add.

“I-I don’t know.” She hesitates.

I take a step closer and erase the distance between us. I’m about to kiss her on the cheek to say goodnight when she closes her eyes and leans forward. Taking this as a sign, I step toward and press my lips to hers. It’s a quick, chaste kiss that only lasts a few seconds, but it was just long enough to remind me what I’m pushing for. What I’m fighting for with her.

Chapter 6

Barbie

After the surprise Kelly pulled last night, I wasn’t surprised to see Kenzie had texted me this morning. It’s only nine a.m., and she’s already texted me three times.

Kenzie: Thinking about last night … ??

Kenzie: I want to see you again.

Kenzie: We have a date tonight at six. I’ll pick you up.

One part of me wants to say no, but the other part remembers what it felt like to have Kenzie’s lips on mine again. So, I text back a quick reply to let her know I’ll be ready and then get back to my work. It isn’t easy because I’m still thinking about Kenzie’s lips and how she kisses me so effortlessly. I feel like I’m floating. Last night was so unexpected, but it was also one of the best nights out I’ve had in a long ass time. As much as I’m mad at Kelly for setting the whole thing up, it’s also somewhat of a good thing. Not that I would ever admit that to her.

I head home after work and change into shorts and a pink blouse. I’m not sure where Kenzie is taking us but I hope it isn’t anywhere too fancy. I have enough of that during the week with my job. I don’t need to be wined and dined on a date. I enjoy more casual dates, so when Kenzie shows up on my doorstep wearing a jumper and a pair of sneakers, I’m relieved.

“Where are you taking me?” I ask her. She greets me with a kiss on my cheek, and I smile.

“It’s a surprise. I had a photo shoot here earlier this week, and I thought you’d love this spot,” she says as we walk toward the subway station. I’m surprised she knows how to use the subway system, but maybe she’s relying on me to navigate.

“I’m using my app to get us there,” she says, holding up her phone, and we board the subway toward Brooklyn.

“I can help if you tell me where we’re going.” I chuckle.

“Nope. It’s my surprise for us.” She’s holding an oversized bag that is zippered shut so I can’t see what’s inside. The suspense is sort of killing me, but in a good way. I can’t remember the last time someone put this much effort in with me.

We walk off the train and up a few flights of stairs. I’m looking around for clues but the only thing I can tell is that we’re in Dumbo. Is she taking me to some touristy spot to see the Brooklyn Bridge? I frown. Doesn’t she know me better than that?

“Don’t worry. We’re not doing something with lots of tourists, you’d hate that.” She chuckles, reading my face.

“Oh.” I purse my lips. I wish she would just tell me where we’re heading.

“We’re almost there.” She leads me past the iconic spot where tons of people are trying to get photos of themselves with the bridges. Then she leads me past a garden looking thing and toward some rocks. We walk along the grass and she looks at me, puts up one finger gesturing for me to wait, and then starts unzipping her bag. She’s like Mary freaking Poppins as she pulls out a big ass blanket, a picnic basket, and a bottle of champagne.

“Whoa,” I whisper. The blanket is a bright pink, and I know she’s done that for me. She lays the blanket down, sets up some of the food, and then motions for me to sit next to her.

“Here ya go.” She hands me a plastic champagne flute and pops the bottle. She pours it all over us, then in the cup, and takes a hearty sip from the bottle. I’m not exactly sure why, but it turns me on.

“Cheers, to second chances.” She winks at me, and I shake my head with a slight smile.

“I thought we could watch the sunset and just catch up,” Kenzie explains.

I glance at the view ahead of us. There aren’t too many people nearby, and the view is amazing. You can see the water and the Brooklyn Bridge without the brigade of people taking over. The city skyline rests behind it and off to the side, showcasing the pink and purples of the summer sunset.

“So, how was your day?” I ask with a stifled laugh.

“Not asking me about the weather?” she mocks.

“Hey, be happy I’m showing an interest in your job.”

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