Page 36 of Set My Soul Ablaze

I huffed. “Okay. Here I come.”

Dominique left my door open as she turned and headed back to the front of the shop. I took a deep breath and stood. I walked down the hallway and saw Flame in all his tall, deep brown glory.

“Flame!”

“You mind if I steal you for a few minutes?” he asked when his eyes met mine.

“Sure.” I turned my gaze to Dominique. “We’ll talk about you lying to me later.”

She laughed. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be here when you return.”

Flame reached for my hand as we walked outside the front entrance of the shop. We walked over to his SUV, and he opened the trunk.

“I wanted to surprise you with your favorite flowers. I got a bouquet of peonies, orchids, and primrose flowers. I remember us talking about how much you love a theme for gifts, so I made sure it was all color coded. The pink and white flowers coupled with a sparkling wine and your favorite caramel stuffed chocolates.”

Tears pooled in my eyes. “Flame . . . this is . . . I don’t even know what to say other than thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I could tell by the way he kept fidgeting he wanted to say more, so I put the gifts back in the trunk and held his hand. “What’s on your mind?”

“You know me so well. I want you to know I’ve never felt this strongly about a woman, ever. I know you’re not looking for a relationship right now, and that’s cool. I don’t mind waiting for you because I know you’re my person. I don’t want to rush it, and I’ll wait as long as you need me to for you to agree to try things out with me.”

“Aww, Flame.” I rubbed my fingers along the curves of his knuckles.

“I like you a lot, Mali.”

“I like you too. I actually would like to try things with you. All I ask is that you just be patient with me while I navigate these strong new feelings.”

“You know I’m a patient man.”

“You really are the best.”

“Now, do you want me to ask you to be my girl now or later?”

“Now.”

He held both of my hands in his and gazed deep into my orbs. “Mali Flowers, would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

His large hands cupped my face as he leaned down. My eyes closed instinctively as our lips met. This kiss wasn’t an accident. This kiss confirmed what we already knew: Our connection ran deeper than surface level. Our connection was soul deep.

“I’ve got to work the next two days, but this weekend, I want to take you out on an official date as your man. Will that work for you?”

“Yes.”

“Perfect. I’ma let you get back to work, but first . . .”

He lifted me up into the air like I weighed nothing and stood against his vehicle while my legs instinctively wrapped around him. He connected our lips again. He kissed me like my tongue was his source of life, like nothing and no one mattered in the moment but us. The way his hands felt against my body made me crave him more—in a capacity where neither of us had on any clothes.

“Mmm.” A moan slipped from my lips, which made us both pull back.

“Yeah, let me chill.”

“Or what?” I asked as I ran my manicured nails along the length of his neck.

“Mali.” His eyes closed. His grip on my waist tightened.