Romance

He had flirted at levels unlocked to him previously, and she was appreciative, patient, and exuded a kind of warmth that put her in a class of charm he'd never experienced before. At the end of the evening, post-champagne and post-improv poetry, he asked to walk her home. "Maybe ...," she hesitated, "... next time. I have a rule, and broke it once. I'm reluctant ever to break it again." He pulled in close, and she surprised him with a kiss (low to the cheek, almost on the lips). "I'll come tomorrow night and every night," he whispered, taking her hand. "See you soon, but never soon enough." Her cheeks flushed and her heart raced as she watched him go. She hadn't wanted to lie to him, but she wasn't ready to reveal anything; that one time ... well, it changed her, and she would never lead a stranger home again. She stood and turned and disappeared as the bar lights faded, another evening's haunt complete.