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18.

As their dinner plates were cleared, Jesci leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips. "How about dessert?" he offered, his tone casual, but there was a spark in his eyes.

Leila shook her head with a polite smile. "Thank you, but I really don't think I could fit another bite."

He chuckled, nodding in understanding. "Alright, if not tonight, then maybe Friday? We'll go out and find something sweet."

Leila blinked in surprise, not expecting him to suggest another outing so soon. A warmth crept into her chest at the thought, and she found herself nodding. "Yeah... Friday sounds good."

Jesci stood, walking over to her side of the table. Leaning down, he placed a soft, lingering kiss on her cheek, his warm breath brushing against her skin. She felt her cheeks flush as he pulled back, his hand reaching to slide her chair back for her. She rose from her seat, still feeling the ghost of his kiss.

He gave a quick wave to Sarah, who instantly came over, holding a small black book and pen. Jesci signed the bill with a few quick strokes before setting the pen down and giving her a polite nod.

As they stepped outside, Jesci reached for Leila's hand, his grip firm but gentle as he led her toward the car. The valet opened the passenger door, handing Jesci his keys and giving a quick nod.

Leila shivered as the cool night air settled around her, and before she could say anything, Jesci opened the back door and pulled out a leather jacket. "Here," he said, draping it over her shoulders. When she tried to protest, he only shook his head. "Don't be silly. It's cold, and I want you to be warm."

With a small, grateful smile, she slid her arms into the sleeves, feeling the heavy warmth of his jacket settle around her shoulders. The scent of his cologne filled her senses, and she had to remind herself to breathe as she felt her cheeks flush. He watched her with a faint glint of excitement in his eyes, clearly pleased to see her wrapped in his jacket.

As she buckled herself in, she remembered something and turned to him. "By the way... I still have your hoodie."

He shrugged, his smirk playful as he started the car. "Keep it. It looks better on you anyway."

******

Jesci pulled into Leila's driveway, and they sat in the quiet car for a moment, the evening settling between them. Leila took a breath, turning to him. "Thank you again for dinner. Really, it was... amazing."

He gave her a small smile. "Glad you enjoyed it."

Leila hesitated, then added, "I can pay for my half if you want. I could transfer you—"

He shook his head, cutting her off with a gentle chuckle. "Don't worry about it, Leila. Tonight was my treat."

She nodded, smiling softly, and leaned down to gather her things from the floor. As she began to take off his jacket, he stopped her. "Keep it. Bring it back tomorrow."

Her hand paused on the jacket, and after a moment's hesitation, she nodded, feeling its warmth settle around her shoulders again. As she opened the car door to step out, her gaze shifted to the house. The lights were on inside, and she frowned, a flicker of unease crossing her face.

"Everything okay?" Jesci asked, noticing her hesitation.

She glanced at him, then back at the house. "I turned all the lights off before I left... and locked up too. It shouldn't be on."

Jesci's expression shifted, turning serious. "Let me walk you in."

Leila nodded, grateful for his presence, and they both stepped out of the car. As they neared the door, she spotted a figure passing by the window, and she stiffened. But then, with a sigh of relief, she recognized the familiar outline—it was her dad.

"It's just my dad," she murmured, exhaling.

Jesci relaxed beside her, nodding. "Good. At least you're not alone."

She turned back to him, a small smile of gratitude on her lips. "Thanks for walking me up. I'll see you tomorrow."

Just as she moved to step away, he reached out and caught her hand, pulling her back gently but firmly. Before she could process what was happening, his lips met hers, crashing softly but deliberately, his arms slipping around her waist. She responded instinctively, her arms winding around his neck, and they both melted into the kiss, lost in the moment, neither wanting to pull away.

Suddenly the front door swung open, and the outside light flicked on. Leila pulled back, her heart racing as she turned to see her dad standing in the doorway, his gaze flickering from her to Jesci with a raised eyebrow.

She quickly brushed past the kiss, trying to hide her flushed cheeks with a bright smile. "Dad! I didn't think you'd be back until the morning."

He looked between her and Jesci, his expression unreadable. "I took an earlier flight to surprise you, but you were already out."

Leila cleared her throat, attempting to steady herself. "Jesci here took me out to dinner."

Jesci stepped forward, extending his hand with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Jesci Krookes."

Her dad shook his hand, studying him carefully. "Nice to meet you too, Jesci." His tone was even, but Leila could sense his unspoken curiosity.

Jesci gave her one last smile. "I should get going. See you tomorrow."

She nodded, watching as he walked back to his car. She gave him a small wave, feeling her heart flutter again as he got in and drove away.

As soon as his taillights disappeared down the street, her dad turned to her with a questioning look. Leila shrugged with a smile, brushing past him. "I'll explain everything tomorrow, I promise. Right now, I need a shower and some sleep."

She walked inside, leaving him standing in the doorway with a faint smile, and she couldn't shake the warm, lingering feeling from the evening.

********
The next morning, Leila stood in front of her full-length mirror, her reflection staring back as she weighed her outfit for what felt like the hundredth time. Normally, she'd throw on whatever was comfortable, but today felt different, and each attempt seemed wrong in some small way. After three outfit changes, she finally settled on black tights paired with a fitted black long-sleeve shirt and her favorite comfy shoes.

Just as she was about to grab her bag and head out, her eyes landed on Jesci's leather jacket, draped over the back of her computer chair. She paused, biting her lip, debating if she should wear it or just carry it. With a small smile, she shrugged, slipping it on and glancing back at herself in the mirror. The jacket felt warm, grounding somehow, and it made her smile as she took in her reflection.

This is it, she thought, satisfied with her look. She grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder before heading to the kitchen, where her dad was seated, coffee in hand, reading the paper.

"Morning, Dad," she greeted, pouring herself a cup.

He looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Morning. New jacket?"

Leila smiled, taking a sip. "It's actually Jesci's. I'm giving it back to him today."

Her dad tilted his head, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Usually, people don't wear what they're giving back."

She rolled her eyes, but a small blush crept up her cheeks. "I guess it just goes with the outfit."

Her dad chuckled, setting down his coffee. "So, tell me about last night. And this Jesci. Where did you meet him?"

"We met at a party," she replied, keeping her tone light. "We've been hanging out here and there. He's in my class."

Her dad gave her a measured look. "And how old is he?"

She shrugged, taking another sip to hide her amusement. "Old enough."

He sighed, clearly not getting the information he wanted. But as she placed her coffee down and made her way to the door, she called out, "Love you, Dad!" before stepping outside.