A Blind Date for the Holidays

"Don't worry," I offered as we left my apartment building and began walking. "Their coffee is also very good. I'm sure they have a fruit cup or something if you don't want to eat fried."

"It's not that," she laughed briefly. "I know the place you're talking about. They have the best gyros in town. I'm just trying to decide if I can handle one now. It's awfully early." I grimaced at the thought of putting something like that in my stomach. We fell silent for a few seconds as we walked.

"I'm surprised their gyros are good. I wasn't crazy about their falafel." I was just making conversation. The silence was bothering me because it gave me too much time to think. I figured that food was a safe topic.

"Yeah, it surprised me too the first time." She paused briefly before adding, "You want to try Ricci's Spa for falafel. I know, the name is terribly, but the food is pretty good." Another brief pause as we turned the corner. "Now for omelets you want to go to Antonia's. Their western omelet is my favorite, but they're all incredible."

I had the feeling that Billie was trying to make me feel more comfortable by continuing to share small talk about food. Unfortunately, it wasn't really working, but I appreciated the effort just the same.

Billie wasn't dressed all that differently from me, but on her the jeans, tee-shirt and leather jacket looked much better. It probably had more to do more with the way she wore them. Billie was one confident woman. I liked that about her. Well, that and her sexy Spanish tinged looks.

'Stop it!' I snapped at myself and forced my eyes away from the woman. "You certainly know your breakfast places around here."

"It's my job," she shrugged. "I can't sell real estate if I don't know the area." She saw my expression and added, "Don't be too impressed. I also used to live a few blocks away from here before I bought my own place." Billie laughed yet again. She was obviously in a good mood and despite myself, I let it affect me. I joined her and a lot of my uncomfortableness disappeared.

We continued talking about nothing special as we finished the walk and entered the diner. The décor was almost as cheesy as the breakfast potatoes I ordered and the holiday decorations only made it worse, but that didn't stop us from sitting and ordering.

Forty minutes later we were done eating and I had to admit, being with Billie was just as enjoyable this morning as it was the night before, even without the wine. Our conversation had a depth and realness to it that made me feel like I'd known her for years instead of less than twenty-four hours.

That's not to say we spent the whole time talking about heavy things. We didn't. In fact, most of the conversation was spent telling stories about our friends and families. Billie had a way of making every antidote she shared somehow funny and entertaining.

"So tell me, how did you and Sam...I mean Samantha, meet?" Billie's offered a slow half smile at my slip up on her friend's name, but didn't comment. Instead, she answered my question.

"I have no idea." I frowned as her half smile blossomed into a full blown one. "She's always been a part of my life. Samantha was my next-door neighbor growing up."

"Oh." I kept my expression as blank as I could, but Billie seemed to guess my thoughts anyway.

"No, not in that way." Her tone let me know she was teasing me, but just a little. I blushed slightly, but once again she thankfully didn't comment. "Samantha is four years older than me. She's actually good friends with my brother Francis."

I smiled as Billie proceeded to share some stories about growing up as the tag along to her brother, Samantha and their friends. We hadn't really talked much about our families last night. I was glad she was opening up to me about hers today.

I shared some stories about Mike, Paul and Sean as well, but mostly stayed away from stories about mom and dad. It just felt too weird talking to her about them considering how unhappy they would be with Billie, her life style and the fact that I was sitting here with her.

We remained at the table far longer than the meal took. I guess we were both enjoying ourselves too much to leave. It was so nice to have someone to sit and talk to about something other than work. All of the friends I'd made since moving were from my new company. I refused to dwell on the fact that I'd known Billie less than twenty-four hours and was already far more comfortable with her than I was with any of them.

It came time to pay and I figured it was my turn. "I've got this."

"No, this is my treat." Billie dropped more than enough money on the table to cover the check, including a nice tip. I was ready to argue with her, but she had already turned and started walking toward the door. I was annoyed as I followed her. I didn't catch up until we were outside.

"Are you going to insist on paying every time we go out?" I didn't bother hiding my irritation.

Instead of retorting in kind Billie flashed one of those smiles she had that made me lose track of things. She really was an attractive woman and when she smiled...well, let just say it didn't do anything to help the confusion I'd been feeling since I set eyes on her the night before.

"I like the sound of that." I wasn't sure what Billie was getting at until she added, "The fact that you said 'every time'. I guess that means you plan on seeing me again."

"Not if you insist on paying!" It was a silly retort and not really the point. I was not going to see Billie again, at least not in the way she meant. I wanted to be her friend, but that was all I could handle. I just wish my body agreed with me because it tingled in places it shouldn't when she laughed at my reaction.

"Fine, you can buy me dinner next Friday night." Billie was doing a terrible job of hiding her grin as she twisted my words into getting her way.

"Hey! That's not what I meant." I was so not going to go out with her on a Friday night. That sounded way too much like a date.

"Okay, then I'll buy. I don't really mind."

"Absolutely not! I'm paying." I felt momentarily triumphant until I realized that somehow, I'd committed to going out with her again, and on a date. Sneaky bitch!

Although, I wasn't really sure if I was talking about Billie or my subconscious. She'd tricked me into agreeing too easily. Clearly, I wanted to see her again despite my misgivings. Misgivings? Now that was a huge understatement!

We fell silent as we walked to where she'd parked her motorcycle. I was lost in thought trying to make sense of what I was feeling. Maybe 'make sense' was the wrong choice of words. I was vacillating between trying to force my feelings into non-existence and enjoying how they made me tingle on the inside.

I know it should have been a simple choice, but you have to understand, this was the first time I'd ever felt this way about another human being. My upbringing kept on insisted it was wrong, but the emotions I was feeling were far too heady to ignore.

"You want to go to a movie after dinner on Friday?" I knew Billie was just trying to get the conversation going again, but the thought of being in a dark theater with her was uncomfortable. We were too old to be caught making out at a movie, but I wasn't sure if Billie would try it anyway so I quickly steered her away from that suggestion.

"Maybe we can go dancing again instead." It seemed harmless enough, but then I remember the sight of Billie moving on the dance floor from the night before. That was bad enough despite her being not really in the mood and dancing with someone else. How would dancing with her for real make me feel? "Or something else. I don't feel like going to a movie."

"We'll figure it out when it gets closer." Billie seemed unfazed by my words as she took out her phone and handed it to me. "Here, put your number in here. I will call you sometime during the week and we can finalize."

I looked at her phone as we walked. It was no big deal to give her my phone number. Friends did that all the time. Hell, people who barely knew each other did it. Still, it felt odd giving Billie mine. I don't mean bad, just odd. It felt almost like I was giving her a part of me which was ridiculous. It was just a phone number.

On the other hand, it meant she would have a direct link to me. That she could call me any time. That I was committing to having her in my life. My heart started beating twice as fast as before.

"I can always just block her number." I mumbled the words so softly that Billie didn't hear them. Either that or she chose not to comment.

I entered my number quickly and handed back the phone. Talk about embarrassing. Of course, her hand brushing mine didn't help. I felt the jolt down to the pit of my stomach, perhaps even a little lower.

'Okay! I get it! You're into her!' I groaned silently to my body, and then frowned as I realized I was treaty my body and mind as if they were two separate people arguing over what was going on. "Okay, that's just crazy."

"What's crazy?" Billie asked, making me realize that I'd said the last part out loud. Great!

"Nothing." Okay, so my answer came a little too quickly and I was clearly full of it, but Billie was kind enough to let it stand.

It wasn't long before we made it to where she'd parked her motorcycle. The first thing I noticed was the two helmets. The sight of them made me smile. She hadn't forgotten. Billie's was black with some sort of purple design on it. It looked cool. It was feminine without being too girly. It fit her personality.

The one I'd was going to be using was all black. Billie helped me put it on and made sure it fit right, adjusting it as necessary. She also helped with my hair while I swallowed once and tried to hide how her touch made me feel. I'm not sure I succeeded, but she didn't comment as we both got on. It was much easier in jeans.

"Hang on." That was the only warning I received before Billie pulled away from the curb, but I was expecting it after last night so I didn't squeak this time.

The thrill of being on her motorcycle again sent a shivered down my spine. I really loved how it made me feel. The only downside was the helmet. I mean it was definitely safer and my hair probably wouldn't be half as bad when we were done, but I missed the wind whipping through my hair. I also missed being able to lay my head against her back, but I didn't dwell on that.

It was light out and the road was more crowded today. It made me more self-conscious at first. It wasn't until we were stopped at a light that I realized there was one other good thing about wearing a helmet. It covered my entire head and the windshield was dark so no one could see me. I wasn't trying to disguise myself, but there was no way anyone would recognize me. That helped me relax despite the odd looks some of the drivers were giving us.

It wasn't long before I tuned out the cars on the road and let myself enjoy the ride. Well, that and the feel of Billie. My arms were once again rapped around her waist. This time she was wearing a jacket so I couldn't feel her flat stomach as clearly, but I felt oddly content pressed against her back.

I didn't pay attention to our route, but it quickly became obvious that Billie was taking the long way to the restaurant where I'd left my car. I didn't mind. Frankly, I was enjoying the ride too much to care. The truth was that it could have gone on for hours and I wouldn't have minded.

It wasn't just being on the motorcycle, not in and of itself anyway. It was the peaceful feeling that came over me while I rode behind Billie.

I'm sure she thought she was being patient with me, but it was obvious in every look we shared what Billie wanted from me. It didn't help that part of me wanted what she was offering in return. The fact that I wasn't yet capably of accepting it all made me feel worse.

Only, none of that mattered when we were riding. We couldn't really talk and Billie was focused on controlling the bike so I could simply enjoy the moment without feeling pressured or overthinking it. The anonymity of the helmet only added to the feeling of contentment.

I did my best to hide my disappointment when we finally arrived at my car. The restaurant was just opening for lunch and the parking lot was still mostly empty. Billie pulled her bike into the spot next to mine. I got off first and she followed, kicking the kickstand into place and propping her motorcycle.

She pulled off her helmet and my breath caught for a second when her dark hair came cascaded down her shoulders. I shook my head at my reaction before pulling off the helmet I was wearing. The sun was brighter than I expected and I had to blink a few times before my eyes go used to it.

"I don't suppose you feel like lunch?" Billie took my helmet and secured both it and her own on her bike.

"You can't be serious?" I knew she was just trying to extend our time together and part of me was tempted, but we literally just finished breakfast less than an hour ago. "I'll be sick if I eat another thing."

"There is that," she laughed in agreement, but then sighed and added, "And I am supposed to be showing a house to a couple in a little bit. I have to go home and change first."

"Thanks for the ride." I took off my borrowed jacket and tried to hand it to her. Billie refused to take it.

"You keep it for now. This way I know you won't try and bail on our date next Friday." She grinned at me and I couldn't help snort in laughter.

"You used that same logic on me last night."

"It worked, didn't it?" I couldn't deny her point. It was a fifty-fifty on whether I would have answered my door this morning if I hadn't had her jacket.

"You can't keep using this jacket like that. Eventually, you're going to have to trust me not to run."

"Eventually," Billie agreed easily, making it obvious that she wasn't willing to do that yet. Smart girl.

"Take the jacket. It's yours." I guess she could tell from my tone that I was ready to be stubborn. I expected Billie to argue, but instead she surprised me by reaching for it.

"Okay," she said easily. "I guess you're right. You never know when I might need to lend it to someone else who I'm giving a ride...Jenna for instance."

"You didn't!" I snapped, truly angry at her for the first time. Again, her reaction surprised me. Billie grinned widely.

"Just checking," she offered in explanation. "You're jealous. I like that."

"I am not jealous!" I snapped, throwing the jacket at her and turning toward my car.

I didn't realize she'd followed me until I reached the driver's side door. I reached for handle, but before I could open Billie had the gall to grab my shoulder and spin me until I was facing her.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my pulse suddenly racing as I backed away from her. I only made it a single step before I bumped into my car. Billie stepped closer, reached past me and placed her the jacket on the roof of my car.

"It's yours for as long as you want it." She was only a few inches away from me and suddenly I was having problems breathing, much less thinking.

I was mad at Billie and I knew I had a right to be. She shouldn't have teased me with Jenna, but I couldn't hold on to my anger as her dark orbs locked with mine. Instead, all I could think about was how Billie's lips felt against mine.

"You wouldn't!" I gasped out. I wasn't even sure if I was afraid that she would or that she wouldn't.

"Sure, I would. I'm going to kiss you," Billie said making her attention clear. "Unless you tell me you don't want me to."

"I...I..." I couldn't get the words out. Billie smiled that sexy smile of hers. She was obviously done waiting. She leaned in and instead of pulling away like I told myself to do, my lips met hers hungrily. I groaned as once again, parts of me lit with desire I only seemed to feel at her touch.

I'm not sure when her hands took hold of my waist. I only remember liking the way it felt as she pulled me against her. I moaned into Billie's mouth and her hands became more aggressive, dropping to my ass. Her knee slipped between my legs and pressed against me. The heat that caused spread quickly. It wasn't something new to me, but the intensity was.

I lost track of time and pretty much everything else once again. I'd like to say I came back to myself eventually, but it was Billie who stopped first. It couldn't have been easy for her, certainly not based on the fire I saw in the depths of her dark chocolate eyes as she forced herself to step back.

"I have to go." Her voice was almost gruff as she fought for control. A part of me wanted to argue, but that's when I started noticing more than just Billie.

We were in a parking lot and there was a car pulling in a couple of spots down. The road was busy and there were plenty of cars passing in front of the restaurant who could see us. It struck me that I no longer had the helmet to hide my identity.

What would I do if someone from my work saw me and began spreading rumors on Monday? The thought horrified me and quickly washed away whatever desire I was feeling.

The intellectual part of me knew that I wasn't doing anything wrong. Okay, so maybe such an extreme case of public affection was a bit over the line, but that would have been true even if Billie was a guy. No, the issue was that Billie was a she. I could argue that there was nothing wrong about that, but emotionally I wasn't ready to accept that. I couldn't get past the biases I'd inherited from my family. I wanted to be better than that, but wanting and being were two different things.

"Maybe you should give the jacket to Jenna." The words slipped out of my mouth, but I couldn't regret them, not even when I saw the hurt in Billie's expression. "I'm afraid I'm simply not wired for what you want."

"Seriously?" Billie snorted, not bothering to hide her disbelief. "No one kisses like that without there being feelings involved. You're 'wired' the same as me. You just need time to come to grips with it and understand that it won't make you less, but more."

"It goes against everything I was brought up to believe!" Billie was surprisingly calm as she looked at me after my outburst.

"Maybe so, but you're not limited by that as much as you think." She paused and waited for me to make eye contact with her. "Trish, you're using your upbringing as an excuse. You're afraid of what being into me means. I get that. You're afraid of how it will affect your future. I get that too, but don't limit yourself by saying it's something you can't accept. If that were true you would never have let me kiss you last night, much less now."

I couldn't find fault in Billie's logic, but this wasn't a logical issue. Still, what she said helped. I shook my head slowly and let out a long breath.

"I'm really not sure why you're putting up with my craziness." I was stepping back from the intensity of the emotions I was feeling. Billie could see that, but instead of forcing it, she let me.

"I can put up with an awful lot for kisses like that." She was grinning, but there was a seriousness in her eyes that touched me in ways I can't explain. "I'll see you on Friday."

I nodded, not trusting my voice. Billie moved to her motorcycle and put back on her helmet. She lifted the kickstand up and started her bike. I thought she was going to pull away without another word, but instead she asked, "Can I call you tonight?" Once again, I nodded, not even hesitating this time. I couldn't see her smile because of her helmet, but I swear I could feel it.

Billie pulled out of the parking lot and I watched her go until she was out of sight. I blinked a few times and turned back to my car. That's when I saw her jacket resting on the roof. I'm not sure why, but it made me smile. I didn't need it for the car ride. That's didn't stop me from putting it on.