“Why do I think I’m going to regret this?” she asks.

She’s so close. I lean even closer.

She nods and gives me her final permission. I kiss her, softly to start with, but then her arms slide back around my neck and she opens up to let me in.

There’s no way I want this kiss to end.

She tastes faintly of bourbon and Coke. My body’s against hers, and I let out a moan when she drops her hands and slides them around my waist.

When the kiss ends, I press my forehead to hers.

“You are trouble. I knew it.” She’s breathless.

“Let’s get out of here. It’s too noisy. I’ll grab my jacket and walk you home.”

With her hand still in mine, we make our way to the table.

“Where have you been?” Jessie glares at me.

“I’m going home. Are you okay to get back to your place?”

“I’ll take her.” Clarke smiles at Dee. “Is this your Kiwi goddess?”

Dee laughs. “Is that what you call me?”

“Maybe.” I lift my jacket off the back of the chair.

Her grin lights up her whole face. She’s so freaking gorgeous, and I know she’s scared to start something, but I’ve never felt so comfortable around another human being before..

She gives Clarke and Jessie a little wave, and we turn and head out the door.

We’re halfway down the street when she comes to a stop.

“Wait. Were you with that woman?” she asks.

“Who? Jessie?” I shake my head. “She’s a friend from my acting class, and we sometimes all get together for a night out. Clarke’ll make sure she gets home okay.”

Dee nods. “Alright.”

“We’re just friends. I don’t like her the way I like you.”

She pauses. “I like you, too.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to come home with me?”

She’s torn; I can see it. “I don’t sleep with guys I’m not dating.”

“When are you free to go on a date?”

She laughs. “I’m not working tomorrow. That’s why I came out tonight.”

“I can do tomorrow. I’ll take you to one of my favourite places.”

Dee rests her palm on my cheek. “You’re not making this easy.”

“That’s the plan.”

She sighs. “One date.”

“To start with.”

With a shake of her head, she drops her hand. “I don’t know, Canadian boy. One date could lead to all kinds of trouble.”

“To be honest, I hope it does.”

She holds her hands up in surrender. “I’ve got to give you an A for persistence. And if I wasn’t so close to leaving the country, I wouldn’t hesitate.” Dee licks her lips. “But sure. Show me what you’ve got.”

Her gaze fixes on me, and I lean closer.