Locked Hearts

Chapter Twenty Two

RAELYNN POV

I kept staring at myself in the mirror, wondering if my outfit was okay. I was nervous and freaking out just thinking about this date. I had planned a romantic rooftop dinner for her, overlooking the city. I hoped she'd like it and that this would be a step in the right direction. I wanted this woman. When the right time came, I could see myself asking her to be mine. I could see us going all the way and before, that had never been a thought with anyone else. I never felt this compelled or drawn to another, and I knew I needed to see this through.

"Don't you look nice." Lena's voice came.

I glanced at her through the mirror before looking at myself again. "The tie is not too much?"

I wore a fitted black jeans, a blue bottoned down that was rolled up to my elbows to show off some of my tattoos, and a black tie. My shoulder length hair down. I hadn't worn a tie in years but I wanted to look decent for her.

"No, you look hot. Grace is gonna drool." She walked closer, going into my closet.

I squinted my eyes at her boldness but didn't object. A few seconds after, she came out with a pair of combat boots.

"Wear this, those dressing shoes are a bit much." She shoved them to my chest.

With a frown, I changed my shoes.

"You're a perfect blend between femme and butch. Did you know that? Like you look intimidating and masculine, yet, feminine and you're features are soft." She tilted her head as she regarded me.

"Thanks?" I stood after putting my shoes on. "Is everything set up?"

"Yup, it's all ready and someone is there to watch over it until you get there."

Grazie, ragazzo." I ruffled her head and laughed when she scowled.

"Don't touch the hair, man."

"Alright, be good and don't leave to go anywhere. If you do, call me and I left you some dinner in the microwave." I told her as I pressed the elevator button.

"Careful Rae, you sound like you care." She grinned.

I rolled my eyes and left.

I pulled up at Grace's building and got out. My hands shook with nerves so I stuck them into my pockets. Being both anxious and impatient, I walked quicker to her. I breathed in and out, repeatedly wiping my hands on my jeans before knocking. I mentally counted how many seconds it took for her to open the door and when she did, I died. I always thought she was beautiful, since the first time I saw her. I never failed to admire her every magnificent feature but tonight, knowing she was dressed for me, was killing me in the best possible way. She didn't go over the top, a simple short, black laced dress that accentuated her curves, minimal amount of make up with her red hair down to her waist.

She's trying to kill me.

"Rae?" Her soft voiced called out.

"Huh?" I asked stupidly.

She giggled, the sound too cute for words. "I kept calling your name. Are you alright?" She tilted her head to the side.

"Y-yeah. You...you look beautiful, il mio tesoro." I told her softly. I smiled in glee when her cheeks turned crimson.

"Thanks, you look amazing." She beckoned me in as she grabbed her needed things.

I watched as she slipped her heels on and grabbed her purse. I held my hand out for her and she took it with a smile. We walked to my car and I opened the door for her to get in.