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Claudia took my hand as I helped her out of the car She wasn’t used to wearing heels, that much I could tell, but the red dress she had on looked like she was born to flaunt it It dipped doeen her full, rounded breasts Hugged every curve of her incredible body But lis — every time she took a full step

“Thanks,” she bearinned back She’d spent time on her hair and makeup too; so much that she looked utterly flawless Not that she didn’t look great without all that, but I was used to seeing her in torn jeans or a paint-splattered sweatshirt — the stuff she orking around the house

I’d never really seen her like this

Dinner had been excellent, filled with talking and flirting and fun We’d had the quiet corner of a cozy restaurant, and had

“Do we have to check in or anything?” she asked, wobbling a little on the way to the door The Dowling Mansion was one of the oldest and rounds In heels, the cobbled as treacherous

“Not that I know of”

It was my first art exhibit I really had no idea what to expect If one of the other art teachers hadn’t talkedup, I wouldn’t even be here in the first place So Claudia with me took away the nervousness

I looked back at eous It made me feel lucky

And tonight? She’s all yours, the little voice in my head reminded me

I could hardly wait

“Ever been here before?” I asked

“Not at night,” Claudia replied, looking up at the entrance “Wow, just look at it, it’s beautiful!”

Covered in ivy and sprawling with outdoor gardens, the front of the old ht now, especially beneath the cold ht We reached the door with Claudia practically leaning on my shoulder

“You could’ve worn flats you know,” I teased

“With this dress? Screw that”