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You stared at your lipstick collection, completely baffled with the choices. Was the red lip too bold for your lacy black dress? But was the pink lip too simple? Maybe the dress was the problem…
"Stop it," you mumbled to yourself and grabbed the wine red lipstick. You were nearly humored with your brain’s antics. There shouldn’t be anything to overthink given the fact you’ve been countless dates with Carol. Heck, you don’t even remember being this nervous for your very first date, but, perhaps, the fact this was an anniversary date was maybe getting to you a bit.
You two were two years into the relationship but you still wanted to give it your all especially on such an occasion. You both had been so busy with one thing or another for your first anniversary so there was a lingering duty to make it up — and that’s exactly why the glam had to be perfect, no matter how many times Carol insisted you were gorgeous without it.
A knock came from the bathroom door as you were finishing with the lipstick.
"Babe," Carol called out. "Almost ready?"
You gave your hair a quick glance over and exited the bathroom. You were greeted by your stunning girlfriend all dolled up and looking as lovely as ever.
"All good," you smiled, shamelessly eyeing her.
She gave a knowing smirk, "You look so beautiful."
"Maybe we both clean up well," you teased, shrugging.
Your girlfriend just rolled her eyes as your antics and motioned towards the front door. You grabbed your purse and started heading ahead of Carol. But being the cheeky girlfriend she is, she couldn’t let you get far without giving a teasing tap on your behind. Now it was your turn to shoot her the eye roll which she just laughed away, following you out the door.
***
The restaurant was a busy scene tonight and upon noticing the patrons and their seemingly wandering eyes, Carol was on you in full protective mode. This could’ve been expected no matter where you two had gone and you’ve had to come to term with that. Carol was quite the protective type and typically you adored it but honestly, it wasn’t necessary in your eyes. There wasn’t a thing — or person — in the world that could whisk you away from your love.
Choosing to ignore her change in demeanor, you pushed through the crowd to the the hostess table.
"Thank gosh we made reservations," you said as the hostess left to check on the table.
But your girlfriend didn’t quite hear you. She gave a hum in response while fixated on something at the bar in the corner of the restaurant. You tried figuring out what held her attention but couldn’t pick anything out. Maybe she thought she saw someone she knew? But you dismissed it as you saw the hostess motioning you to follow her to your reserved table.
The two of you settled in and started flipping through the menu. Carol seemed to be occupied by the food selection, which gave you some sense of relief. Fingers crossed whatever had her captivated before had vanished. At one point she even grabbed your hand for a bit, running her thumb on the back of it lovingly as you two browsed.
It wasn’t until the waiter came by for the drink order that you realized she had her guards up the entire time.
"What can I get you two to drink?" The waiter asked.
"Glass of Pinot Grigio for me," you said, turning back to the food items.
When you didn’t hear Carol’s lovely voice responding with her drink order, you glanced up to find her still staring behind you.
"Um, could you give us a second?" You asked the waiter. They just gave a polite smile and headed towards the kitchen.
You sighed, slamming your menu on the table. That got your girlfriend’s attention.
"Carol, what is going on? Is there a galactic threat behind me or something?"
"Honey, no," Carol sighed. "It’s just… This guy at the bar keeps looking at you."
Your jaw dropped. "That’s what this is about? You’re gonna be distracted our entire anniversary dinner because you think some guy is looking at me?"
Carol’s once rigid expression quickly turned soft at your tone. She grabbed your hand across the table, trying to soothe your rising anger. Shaking her head, she said, "No, babe, that’s ridiculous of me."
You put your other hand on hers, nodding. "It is ridiculous. There is nothing worth ruining this night over, okay? You’ve got me, baby, I’m not going anywhere."
"Forever?" She smirked.
"Forever," you mumbled as you leaned across the table to give her a kiss which she happily leaned into.
***
The dinner went very well after Carol calmed down. Drinks helping to ease any worry. You two flirted and giggled as if it was the first all over again and, boy, did it feel magical. Pasta was eaten, wine was sipped… and even kisses were stolen like lovestruck school girls. The man at the bar had been completely forgotten by both of you.
After you two finished your dessert (with a side of Carol’s cheeky comments about dessert after the dessert), you had to run to the restroom. Carol nodded and said she’d wait for you at the front of the restaurant.
With a quick kiss, you departed from the table. In the restroom, you did some make-up retouch up. The night was just heating up in your eyes and you still wanted to look like an absolute dream for your woman — not to mention you were quite antsy from the constant teasing.
After a quick powder and recollecting your items, you reemerged from the restroom. You were fumbling for your phone in your purse, making your way to the restaurant exit, when you slammed into something hard.
A bit dazed, you look up expecting a sudden wall or pole, but instead you were met by some handsome, well-dressed man uncomfortably close. He was smirking down at you, making your cheeks burn in embarrassment.
"Sorry, sir. I wasn’t looking where I was going." You said, giving your fakest, most polite smile.
Apparently it worked too well because the man’s smirk turned into a smile with his eyes curiously watching you.
"Trust me, sweetheart, it’s all good."
The pet name made your stomach turn, red flags waving. You let out a breathy laugh and tried stepping around him, but he blocked your attempt.
"Sir, I have someone waiting-,"
"Oh, the girl you were with?" He asked. You gulped realizing this wasn’t any man, this was the man Carol had been nervous about. You really didn’t think there was any man staring at you and that it was just Carol's paranoia kicking in. But no, your girlfriend had been rightfully cautious and you were kicking yourself for being doubtful.
"Sir, really-,"
"I think your friend wouldn’t mind waiting," he said, not only cutting you off but blocking you again with his broad body, his hand coming near your side as if trapping you.
"She’s my girlfriend," you snapped back, blood boiling at his game. "So, I’m not interested."
"Oh, a girlfriend! That could make this a lot more interesting-"
"Hey!" A voice boomed from the dining room entrance. All heads turned towards your clearly pissed off girlfriend, heels hot marching towards you. She was steaming — well, maybe nearly glowing — with anger. "Get away from her."
"Ah, it’s the girlfriend-,"
"You’re damn right it’s the girlfriend," Carol snapped, eyeing him quite intensely. You knew there wasn’t much stopping her from taking him down this second. "And now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to take my girl home."
She didn’t even let him get in another syllable before grabbing your hand and leading you to the exit. Patron eyes were still focused on the rampage occurring but you were way too focused on your girlfriend. You weren’t sure you had ever personally witnessed this side of her. Sure, you two had arguments before, but this was… A lot. She was scared, angry, frustrated… A bottle waiting to explode.
When you two made it back to the car, you went to console Carol but she never gave you a chance. Within seconds you were pressed against the passenger side door, her lips hot and ferocious against yours. She moved with such anger, such passion, you almost let yourself get lost in it but you knew it wouldn’t solve anything like talking would.
"Honey," you gasped for air, pushing Carol gently off of you. You cupped her face with shaking hands. "Hey, I’m sorry."
"No, it’s just…" She pulled away, arms flailing in defeat. "I knew it! I knew that asshole would… God! Why do you have to be so beautiful?"
You sighed, your gaze drifting to your hands, picking at your nude nail polish. "I really didn’t think there was anyone looking at me."
"You innocent, gorgeous woman," Carol chuckled in disbelief. "I feel like I’m always shooing men away from you."
"It shouldn’t matter," you said, grabbing you girlfriend’s nervous hands. "I’m yours, honey. I am yours."
Carol hummed in appreciation and moved closer to you. "Mine?"
You nodded, watching her go from frazzled to lusting. She closed the gap, nearly towering over you as you leaned against the car. Her sweet, strong face was barely illuminated by the streetlights but you saw the love come back to her eyes.
"Really mine?" She asked again as she effortlessly dipped her head and started kissing up your neck.
"Yes, Carol, yes!" You giggled, squirming under her actions.
Her kisses made their way up your face. She whispered so lovingly in your ear, "Maybe, we should get home, then, and you could show me."
"Maybe we should just find somewhere private around here?" you whispered back, motioning towards the backseat door. "I don’t know if I can wait."
"You’re going to kill me one day," your girlfriend laughed, placing a needy kiss on your lips.