Page 30 of Set My Soul Ablaze

Because I don’t think I’ll be able to skate anymore because of the way my knees are weak.

The butterflies took up a permanent residence in my gut. My palms coated in a layer of sweat as my heart pounded like a marching band drum within the comfort of my chest.

We returned our skates and went out back to the lounge area, where six food trucks were lined up in the parking lot. There were several rows of tables lined up for us to sit. We went with the burger spot. We placed our orders and stood off to the side.

“Even though I’m cold as fuck in the skates, my body still gon’ need a good soak after coming to your rescue.” Flame nudged my shoulder playfully.

“Oh, you got jokes, huh?”

“You’ll find out really quick. I got jokes for days.”

“I believe it. You always make me laugh. I don’t think in the last ten years I’ve laughed as much as I have since meeting you.”

“Good. Your laugh is contagious and your smile can light up any room.” His tone shifted slightly. The sincerity in his voice sent a shiver down my spine that rested in the seat of my panties.

It had been averylong time since I’d felt an attraction like this.

It had been averylong time since I wanted to throw caution to the wind and let a man into my most delicate place.

When our order was ready, Flame carried it to a table away from everyone else. We sat under the bright lights and prayed over the meal. I had a bacon cheeseburger with seasoned fries. He had a double-meat patty melt with a side of elote.

“How does your food taste?” he asked as he bit into his burger.

There were first times for everything.

Tonight was the first time I wanted to be a double-meat patty melt.

Flame made eating a sandwich look sexy as hell. The way his mouth moved as he chewed turned me on—or maybe I was just touch deprived and needed to get it together. Then the man had the nerve to lick his fingers after he put his burger down.

I almost combusted.

“Mali?” Flame’s voice brought me out of my horny thoughts.

“Hmm?”

“I asked you how your food taste.” His knowing smirk pissed me off. Not because I was angry, but because I knew he knew I was barely keeping my composure.

“It’s good. I love a good, seasoned crinkle-cut fry. How’s your food?”

“Same. You want to try the elote?”

“Sure.”

I expected him to lean the medium-sized cup of Mexican street corn in my direction. Instead, he picked up his spoon and fed me a bite. My whole being screamed with excitement.

“Mmm. It’s delicious.”

“Yeah.” His eyes locked with mine. It might have been my imagination, but I could see fire burning in his dark brown eyes. I looked away and grabbed my napkin to wipe the corners of my mouth.

Even though it had only been a few weeks since we’d met, my feelings for Flame intensified with each moment we spent together.

“I have a confession before the night is over,” I blurted out.

“I’m all ears.”

My lungs expanded as I inhaled. On the exhale, I announced, “You make me happy. Prior to meeting you, I didn’t know peace. I didn’t think a man would ever make me smile or feel special after my ex. Even with me asking to take things slow, you show up for me in a way I’ve never experienced before. Thank you.”

His smile lit up the night sky. “You got me feeling all special and shit. You might be stuck with me.”