Forever Hers Ch. 03

To want something more than anything else in the world is a bold claim to make. It's also easy to make when there are no consequences by obtaining it. It's only when one assesses the risks and still persists in their desires that the claim can be taken more seriously. What is one willing to lose? How far is one willing to go? What means justify the end? Janeli wanted Kate badly enough to go all-in this time. She wouldn't fail with her like she had with Rebecca. She'd ignite their love and keep it going forever. by any means necessary. Tonight.

"How do I look?" Kate spun around for Janeli in a titillating yet tame, red cocktail dress she'd wanted an excuse to wear out for ages.

Janeli sat leaned back on the bed. "For the final time, you look absolutely gorgeous."

"Come on, Janeli. I need you to be critical of me for once. Is my make-up alright? My slip isn't showing in the back, is it?"

"Actually." Janeli stood.

"Yea?"

"I've always preferred it when your hair falls forward like this." Janeli licked her finger and took a few strands of hair out from Kate's otherwise neatly packed bun. Wrapping them around her finger, she gave them a casual curl before letting them hug her cheeks.

Kate huffed. "You mean, when I'm tired from work?"

"Everything else about you is perfect. So let a few strands loose. It shows that you're human, and that's really your best feature."

"Wow. Good advice." Kate looked down and then back at Janeli. "Thanks for understanding about tonight. It's just that he's on call and..."

Janeli interrupted. "Text me when you get there. Text me when you leave. I want you back by 9."

"Janeli, It's a date."

"So? How long does it take to eat?"

"We're going to do more than that, Janeli."

"Oh, that reminds me. I have something for you."

"What?" A shave-and-a-haircut knock at the door made Kate jump and turn to it. "Oh my god, its him."

"Don't worry. I slipped it in your bag." Janeli rushed over to Kate to calm her as she turned back around. She laid a hand on either side of her shoulders. "It's important to carry protection."

Kate's eyes widened. "When I said we'd be doing more than eating, I meant like dancing and...what kind of a girl do you think I am?"

"The kind who can never be too careful. Now go get 'em."

Upon opening the door, both women could see that Thomas has mastered the art of appearing casual yet tastefully formal for a first date like this. Pressed slacks, tidy button up, tasteful watch; even Janeli harrumphed at being unable to criticize his appearance. He aimed to wow his date, but after seeing Kate, how he looked was the last thing on his mind.

"Hey. Wow, you look great." he complimented while taking her all in. But, like a mother vulture, Janeli hovered not too far away. "Don't worry. I'll bring her back safely."

She shot him a patronizing smile. "I'm not the one who needs to worry if you don't. I know where you live, remember?"

Kate intervened. "I'll text you, mom. Bye!"

"Bye."

With the door closed, Kate took a solid breath. She lifted her purse onto her shoulder only for it to slip back down her arm due to its weight.

"To be honest, I thought your roommate would hold you up a bit." Thomas watched as Kate rummaged through her purse and pulled something out. "The fuck?"

"Oh, Janeli..." Kate held up a huge, fuck-off tazer and then looked at Thomas. "I guess it's just In case you're anything but a gentleman."

"Jesus. What kind of a punch does something like that have?"

"Looks like it could take out anything short of a horse."

"Whew, so my cock's safe at least."

She gave him a shocked look.

His did, too, in horror. "I'm sorry. It slipped out before I could catch it." He slapped his forehead. "Too much time spent at the fire house."

She giggled. "Well, that didn't take long."

"Hmm?"

"I'm used to guys being on their best behavior around me during our first time out. It's nice to know that you can't keep up the act past a few minutes." She scooped his arm in hers. "I've only ever really talked to the gentleman who lives across from me. I know that he's handsome and polite, but I want to get to know the real you tonight. Show me you're human, ya know?"

This woman was turning out to be more than just the cute girl next door. He was, unexpectedly, really starting to like her. "Deal."