Page 13 of Blazing Hearts

Mallory’s gaze lingered on her for just a moment longer than usual, a glint of something unreadable in her dark hypnotic eyes. It made Kara’s pulse race.

Kara gestured to the booth they’d been seated at. “After you.”

Mallory slid into the booth, her movement graceful and effortless in a lovely dark green casual dress that shimmered in the light. Kara followed suit, their bodies just a little too close for comfort, but neither of them seemed to mind.

As the waiter disappeared with their drink orders, Kara leaned back slightly, studying Mallory’s face, the way the light played off her features. There was a quiet elegance about Mallory, a subtle strength that Kara found utterly captivating. Her red hair was loose and falling in neatly brushed waves around her shoulders. Kara was drawn to the way Mallory carried herself—intelligent, poised, but with a spark that hinted at something more.

“So,” Kara began, her voice light and playful, “How’s the hospital been treating you? Any drama yet?”

Mallory chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Oh, plenty. It’s a hospital. Drama is part of the deal, right?”

Kara laughed, nodding. “Fair point. But I’m sure you’re handling it like a pro. You’ve got that calm, collected vibe.”

Mallory smirked. “I’ve learned to keep my cool. Sometimes, that’s the only way to survive.”

The banter flowed easily between them—the natural rhythm of two people who were beginning to feel comfortable with each other. But even as they joked about everything from small-town gossip to Mallory’s seemingly never-ending cases at the hospital, there was an undercurrent to their conversation, something charged beneath the surface. Kara could feel it—the way their eyes met a little longer than necessary, the way their words seemed to hang in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning.

“You know,” Kara said, swirling her drink, “I think I’ve been in Phoenix Ridge long enough to have explored most of the obvious spots. But I’m still trying to find those hidden gems.”

Mallory raised an eyebrow. “Hidden gems, huh? Like secret spots, or are you talking about things I don’t know?”

Kara leaned in slightly, a playful glint in her eye. “Oh, I’m sure there’s a lot you don’t know. I could show you a few, if you’re up for it.”

Mallory tilted her head, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “I’m intrigued. But what kind of hidden gems are we talking about here?”

Kara chuckled softly. “Maybe just a few places that are more… intimate. Where you can be yourself without the whole town watching.”

Mallory’s gaze flickered to Kara’s lips, just for a brief moment, before meeting her eyes again. The shift in the air was palpable now, the playful tension transforming into something more.

As the dinner progressed, Kara could feel herself becoming more aware of every little detail. The way Mallory’s fingers brushed against her hand when reaching for a napkin. The warmth of Mallory’s breath when she leaned in a little too close to make a point. The softness of Mallory’s lips when she smiled just a little too suggestively.

Kara sat back in the booth, watching as Mallory sipped her wine, her lips parting slightly as she savored the taste. The dim lights of The Copper Fork cast a warm glow over the table, reflecting in Mallory’s eyes, making them seem even more captivating. Kara couldn’t help but notice how beautiful Mallory looked tonight, the way she carried herself with effortless elegance and a quiet confidence. The spark between them was undeniable, and it was becoming harder to ignore the tension building between them with every passing second.

As Mallory set her glass down, their eyes met, and for a split second, Kara felt something shift in the air between them. It was as if the room had quieted down, leaving only the space between them—charged, electric, undeniable.

“So,” Kara said, her voice low, teasing. “What’s something about you I wouldn’t guess?”

Mallory raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Oh, you think you’ve got me all figured out, huh?”

“Not even close,” Kara replied with a grin, leaning in slightly. “But I’m willing to bet I could guess one thing.”

Mallory’s expression turned curious, her head tilting slightly as she considered Kara’s challenge. “Okay, what is it? Impress me.”

Kara paused for a moment, taking in the way Mallory’s posture had shifted, how the distance between them had narrowed. It wasn’t just playful banter anymore. There was something more behind Mallory’s eyes, something Kara couldn’t quite read, but it made her pulse quicken all the same.

“I’ll bet you’re the type who’s always in control,” Kara said, her voice almost a whisper now. “You like to keep your cards close to your chest. But you let your guard down for the right person.”

Mallory’s lips curved into a smile, but there was a flicker of something deeper in her gaze. “Is that your guess? I guess we’ll never know until you try to get me to let my guard down.”

The challenge was unmistakable, and Kara’s heart raced. She couldn’t tell if Mallory was flirting with her or genuinely daring her to break through whatever walls she had up, but either way, it pushed Kara forward. She leaned in closer, letting the space between them disappear, and whispered, “Maybe I’m already getting there.”

Mallory’s breath caught, but she kept her cool, offering a small smirk. “You think so, huh?”

Kara could feel the heat rising between them, the playful teasing suddenly morphing into something more intense, more intimate. It wasn’t just their words anymore; it was the way their eyes held each other, the way Mallory’s hand rested on the edge of her glass, just inches from Kara’s. Every time their fingers brushed, it sent a shock of desire through Kara, making it harder to concentrate on anything but the growing pull between them.

“So, tell me,” Kara continued, her voice dropping even lower, “do you like spicy food?”

Mallory’s eyes flickered to Kara’s lips before meeting her gaze again. “Spicy food?” she repeated, amusement dancing in her voice. “I suppose that depends on your definition of spicy.”

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