Page 23 of Set My Soul Ablaze

“Same.” I giggled. “I’ll throw in some crazy colors now and then, but my favorite color to wear is black.”

“Good to know.”

“So, what’s the first question in our game of twenty-one?” I asked as I slid down into the mattress and turned to my side.

“The first question I want to know is what’s your dream vacation?”

“Ooo. Good question.” I rubbed my hand on my cheek as I thought about my answer. “I think my dream vacation is a nature hike in the mountains, settling into a cabin in the clouds with nothing but my person and nature to keep us company.”

“In the country or out of the country?” he followed up.

“I have my passport, so I definitely want to go out of the country.”

He smiled. “I like that.”

“What about you?” I tossed back at him.

“My dream vacation includes a clear-water beach, aquatic animals, and endless sun in the sand.”

“Cute. You’re more of a beach guy than a mountain guy?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I was probably a fish in my last life. I would have been on the swim team in high school if my behavior wasn’t so bad.”

“Good to know.”

“My next question is, where do you see yourself in five years?”

“In five years, I want to be settled down with a fiancé, at the least. I want to be in my forever home, setting the stones for at least two kids. I want to be hands-off in my businesses while pouring into my other hobbies and loved ones.”

“I like that. What are your hobbies?”

“I like to cook. I like to hike. I like to paint. I like to try new things. I really used to love being outside, for real.” I listed off my interests.

“I can definitely see you doing those things.”

“How about you? Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your hobbies?” I asked him.

“In five years, I hope to get a promotion within the fire department. I want to expand my car restoration business. I also can see myself settling down and building something with a woman who catches my attention. I love to swim. I love to eat. I also love to try new things. Maybe we could do that together sometime.”

The butterflies returned. Every time we answered each other’s questions, I felt giddier and more attracted to him. It was the first time I’d made it through a full game of twenty-one questions without getting the ick. It was also the first time in a long time I’d talked until the sun came up.

“Oh my goodness, Flame.”

“What?”

“We literally talked until the birds started chirping. I haven’t done that since high school.”

His laugh filled me with joy. “Do you work today?”

I nodded. “Yes. I’m going to be soooooo tired.”

“What’s the name of your place again?”

“Floral Fur Pet Groomers.”

“Let me know when you get to work. I’ll send you some coffee and a pick me up.”

I smiled big, showing damn near all my teeth. “You don’t have to.”