You can't say no.

Every logical thought inside my head screamed at me not to remain. There was no reason for me to stay with her for the night. I could just as easily do my job sleeping in my own bed, under my own roof. But, I knew, no matter how hard logic and wisdom yelled, I was staying. I had to stay. I haven’t even known this woman for the time it took the sun to travel across the sky, but I was captivated by her. I was under the spell of a pair of opal eyes.

I carefully murmured my thanks and I would take her up on her generous offer. I even found myself suggesting that she get her coat and we go visit that Thai restaurant. She offered to pay, but I insisted. After all, she was paying me for my help, it was the least I could to buy her a dinner. Even as I said it, I knew that I didn’t care if I ever saw one cent from her.

She went to get her coat, and I leaned up against the stairs. I couldn’t understand it. I’ve seen lots of pretty faces, why should she get under my skin? But then, she wasn’t just a pretty face, oh no, she was… I still couldn’t put my finger on it. She seemed to have an air of fragility and wistfulness to her that was all wrapped up in an overpowering sensuality.

For a brief moment, I held a notion to tell her I was leaving, but then she stepped out of her door. Any ideas that were in my head flew away at her presence. She wanted my help to find her lost past.

The neighborhood was one of the better ones in town and she didn’t hesitate to suggest we walk to the restaurant.

The cool night air brought a rosy color to her cheeks as we walked. We walked in a comfortable silence the four blocks and because it was a quiet night, immediately got a table.

We soon ordered and were both enjoying a chicken and rice dish.

“Wow,” I said as I grabbed a glass of water, “This is a lot spicier than I thought it would be.”

Victoria laughed, “Sorry, I guess I should have warned you. They chief here really loves his peppers.”

“I don’t mind.” I replied and took another big bite of food.

Victoria motioned at me, “You’ve got some sauce on your face.”

I quickly dabbed my napkin at my face. “Here?” She shook her head. I move the napkin all over trying to find the spot. She laughed heartily, and her opal eyes sparkled. She took her napkin and wiped a spot just to the right of my lips.

I blushed, “Thanks.”

She smiled at me. Her gaze became very soft. “You’re welcome.”

After dinner we started back to her place. As we walked, she pointed at the bridge, lit up in the dark night. “Isn’t it beautiful? I never get tired of looking at it.”

It was beautiful. A span of white and yellow light crossing over an abyss of black water. I looked at her and saw it reflected in her eyes. The words came out of me before I could stop them. “It’s nowhere near as beautiful as you are.”