As we walked out of the restaurant, Carmen's hand found its way to the small of my back, her touch firm and deliberate. She didn't even try to hide the smug grin plastered across her face, clearly reveling in the way she'd flustered me earlier.
The evening air was cool, a welcome contrast to the warmth still radiating from my cheeks. The soft hum of city life surrounded us as we made our way to her car parked a few blocks away.
Carmen opened the passenger door for me with an exaggerated flourish, bowing like a knight in some medieval court.
"Your chariot awaits, milady," she said, her tone dripping with playful mockery.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress the grin that tugged at my lips. "Always the charmer, aren't you?"
She winked. "Only for you."