Page 12 of Christmas Rings

She looked at his earnest, sweet face. Where were the red flags she usually got with men? Nothing but white flags, one after the other.

“Yes, I’ll have dinner with you on Sunday.”

“Rif’s ordered me to send flowers tomorrow, which I will do for the privilege of taking you to dinner.”

“Rif worries too much.”

“I like knowing there’s someone looking out for you there.” He flapped his hands apologetically. “Not that you need a man to do that for you.”

“I don’t, but I get your point.” She smiled to ease his mind.

The car turned. Soon, they’d be at her apartment. She didn’t want the night to end. How was that possible when she’d only just met him?

“What’s your favorite flower?” he asked.

“Tulips.” They’d been her mother’s favorite. One of her fondest memories was going to the tulip festival with herparents. Rows and rows of reds, yellows, purples, as far as the eye could see.

“What color?”

“Any will do, but I love pink,” she said.

“Good to know.”

The sound from the car’s engine changed. They were climbing the hill toward downtown Sammamish.

“What’s your favorite food?” he asked.

“Simple. Bland,” she said. “I eat like my kindergarteners.”

He laughed. “Like fish sticks and French fries?”

“Chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese, if you want to know my absolute favorite.”

“I’ll be sure to take you to a place with a kid’s menu.” His eyes sparkled, teasing her.

The car slowed and then stopped. “We’re here, I guess.” She set her glass over near the bucket of ice.I wish we weren’t, she thought.

Thomas opened the car door and backed away, waiting for her to exit.

“Wait, let me help you out,” Jed said. He set aside his glass, then scooted toward the door, hopping out and then offering his hand.

Once she was out of the car, Thomas disappeared back inside.

“May I walk you to your door?” Jed asked.

Her apartment building was nestled amongst a bevy of businesses, including a bank, pho shop, music store and a few others. On the first floor of her building, the café’s closed sign hung in the doorway. They’d open at six—just a few hours from now—and serve mouthwatering comfort food. The smell of pancakes, maple syrup and coffee would drift up to her apartment. She pointed to the second floor of the apartments. “I’m in 2A. Above the café.”

He nodded and indicated for her to go ahead. “Right behind you.”

She took the stairs slowly, partly because she was exhausted and a little light-headed from the drink but mostly because she never wanted this night to end.

When they reached her apartment, she pulled her keys out of her bag and unlocked the door. She left it open slightly and turned back to say good night. His eyes glittered in the dim light from the lamppost below.

“May I kiss you?” he whispered, so softly she wondered if she’d made it up.

“Yes.”

He brushed her still damp hair from her cheek. She held her breath as he brushed his lips ever so softly, like the wings of a butterfly, against hers. Despite the gentleness of the kiss, a spark of desire rushed through her. She had to hold herself back to not throw herself into his arms and demand more.

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