I want to kiss him again, but I pull away and open the door to go home. That was just for practice, just like tomorrow will be. Nothing more.
I walk into the apartment and slip out of my heels as I take a deep breath. That kiss was amazing, and I lick my lips slowly as they continue to tingle.
I take the dress off carefully and hang it back up, secured in the garment bag, after taking a long look at it. The dress is so beautiful, and I felt like royalty wearing it tonight. I tuck the shoes with the red bottom into the closet with the few pairs I usually wear and take a long shower to rinse the evening off.
When I wipe down the mirror of the steam, my bathroom provides too much of, I look like myself again. The glamorous makeup is gone, and my hair is damp and likely going to dry in waves, just like a normal day.
I run a comb through my hair and slip into some leggings and a big t-shirt before braiding one plait down my back. It’s late, just past midnight, but I’m not tired yet. I sip some wine and play back the night, thinking about every detail.
I described it perfectly to Kyle. There had been something gross about the amount of wealth in the air at the event, but that is how that shelter made money tonight. I don’t know what the dinner cost but each of the four courses was delicious, especially the grilled salmon and chocolate cake at the end.
The silent auction had been so fun to look at. When I found out that Kyle had tickets, I spent too much time selecting where to put them. It made me feel so happy to know that more money was going to the cause and wondering what may be drawn at the end of the night felt exciting to me.
I realize I left my auction goodies in the car after the incredible kiss. Going to find my purse, I see there’s a text from Kyle that he’ll bring it over tomorrow, and I smile in relief. I did so well tonight with the family passes to the aquarium, the fancy spa package for a self-care day at home, a basket of different scented candles, and a variety of international chocolates to add to my spa day.
It made me think about Kyle’s reaction to taking Kinsley to the aquarium, and I frown. I liked the way her dad described her, and seeing her picture made her look so sweet. She’d love a day at the aquarium like that, but it would be nothing more than that. I had no feelings for her dad or Peter, even though they are both extremely handsome.
Finally, I yawn and know I’m tired again. There’s enough time to get some decent sleep and be ready for lunch and whatever adventures await me tomorrow.
When I wake up, I make some coffee and sit on my couch with my Kindle for a little while. I took my shower last night, and that allows me time to relax before leaving today and I wonder what Kyle has in mind.
Today will be our second date per the world and I think about that for a second. Pictures are probably out there of us already with speculation about who I am. I’d seen the magazines on the way out of the grocery store and hope that Kyle isn’t that famous.
When I pour a second cup of coffee, I look outside and go to get ready for the day. Deciding to just fix my braid, I focus on light makeup as I keep flashing back to what I looked like for the event. The stylist had been kind enough to add the products she used to a goodie bag for future use, but with the cost; it made me feel a little better.
I wasn’t as skilled as they had been, but I can manage some eye shadow and mascara. I took the highlighter from the bag and brush some of that over my face before using the pink on my lips with a smile. It will always be my favorite and I went to get dressed in a pair of thick black leggings and a fitted gray sweater for the day, adding boots and a puffy jacket since it looked windy outside.
Kyle arrives just in time, and I help him carry the stuff into the house from his car.
“I forgot how big these were,” I chuckle as I carry the chocolate in and set it down on the counter. “Thanks again for the tickets.”
“One thing Mom always taught me was that win or lose at the auction, the money always goes to a good place at the end of the night. I use my own deductive reasoning on how to win.” Kyle smiles at the baskets and then scowls at the large envelope with the passes beside them. “How does a burger sound?”
“How it is that there are photos of you on dates at every fine restaurant in town, but you take me to such great places?” I ask as he locks my door for me.
“Mom makes those reservations for me. I like to do my own thing. You don’t mind so far?” he asks, and I follow him down the stairs.
“No, I like them,” I assure him as he opens the car door for me. “That was a compliment.”
He heads into downtown Seattle, and I watch as we passed several buildings with a grin. The burger place is on the water, and we find a great seat by the window after ordering where I watch as he sits beside me in the booth.
“I thought we’d jump right into the date. There’s already pictures out there from last night, so people are talking.” His eyes lock with mine, and I smile as he leans down to peck my lips.
I’d jump anywhere for him right now.
10
All the Buzz
Kyle
Ilookforthepictures as soon as I wake up in the morning and there they are. People are wondering who my new girlfriend is, and the speculation is busy.
We look good together. I take that from what I see.
I think of something to do that suits Laina today after coming up to spend today together at the last minute. That wasn’t planned but I think about the little burger place on the water and the walking path just past it for something in the afternoon and smile.
Laina likes fun and simple and always has. My mom is the one that picks the flashy restaurants or the ones that just opened, using our name to get me in. Her dates appreciate that and it’s clear to see, but I have trouble picturing Laina at one of those places. She already seemed so much different from anyone at the event, and I remember how many people enjoyed talking to her.