The Guide Dog

First Date Part 2

Scarlett

We walked towards the entrance of the diner, my hand in his. The air was a little crisp considering the season. It was nearing the end of August and fall was definitely in the air. During the car ride over, it seemed Seth had the heat cranked up as high as it would go. But I didn't mind. The heated seats of the "2016 Audi RS7", what Seth described to me as a "gift from a friend", were a privilege that I greatly appreciated.

But outside of the luxurious car, the air was chilly, I had almost began to regret asking Jenna for the dress when Seth removed his hand from mine and wrapped it around me, rubbing away at my goosebumps.

Seth was warm. Really warm. His body was like some type of heat reservoir, and it felt so good. He slowed our pace to a stop and I turned my face up in his direction, wondering why we stopped.

"Steps, Scar." He said. Answering my mental questions with those two little words.

Steps. Given my luck with them this week, I didn't fight him as he took my hand and guided me up them one at a time. It wasn't embarrassing, in fact it felt pretty natural having him help me. His patience was endless, making sure that my balance was fully intact before leading me up the next step. Finally after guiding me up the six steep steps he pulled open the front door of the diner and the smell of grilled burgers and french fries engulfed me.

"Wow." I whispered, as he wrapped his arm around my waist and lead me inside of the diner.

Seth smoothed a piece of hair that had been blown around in the fall breeze back into place and with what I knew was a beautiful smile in his tone he spoke softly as he said,

"Wow is right. I never got a chance to tell you how beautiful you look in that dress." I dropped my gaze from his voice to my feet. I could feel the heat of my blush filling my face. He cupped my face in his enormous hands and slowly lifted it back to his.

"Your blush is adorable, sweetheart." He said in that same soothing tone. "You don't have to hide it."

At this point, I was certain I looked like a cherry tomato. He chuckled and he placed his lips to my forehead, kissing me ever so tenderly.

"Thank you." I smiled at him, hoping that he could see my affection and appreciation of his words. No one had ever made me feel like this before. Cared for, but not coddled. With Seth, I didn't feel like the blind girl that everyone was on eggshells around. I felt strong, I felt respected. Yet, at the same time, I felt safe.

"Well, look who decided to stop by!" A woman's voice called toward our direction. Seth kissed my temple before turning back around and repositioning himself at my side. He slid his hand into mine and guided me over toward where the voice had come from.

Seth wrapped an arm around my waist as he greeted the woman.

"Hey, Terry!" Seth said in his gorgeous smiling tone.

"Hey, stranger! Who's this pretty lady you've got with you?" The woman, Terry, asked.

My head ducked down automatically as a smile eased its way onto my face. Seth once again reached a hand under my chin and lifted my face.

"This beautiful lady is my Scarlett." Seth said proudly as he stroked his hand up and down my waist.

This man was driving me crazy. First of all, his possessive 'my Scarlett' introduction was making me melt a little more each time. Secondly, his roaming hand certainly didn't help the melting problem. The heat that radiated off of his touch was addictive. It was intoxicating and once again, not helping. I tried to clear my mind of his abnormal effect on me as I introduced myself to Terry.