Diary on The Shelf!

Chapter 44

AS THE Uber pulled away from the restaurant, Halima felt a rush of nerves and excitement coursing through her veins. She glanced over at Lorna, who was gazing out of the window with a thoughtful expression, and her heart skipped a beat. This was it—the moment she had been waiting for, the chance to make both their nights truly unforgettable.

If you told Halima a year ago that she would be going out with her crush she would have laughed in your face and dismissed you. Holding hands with Lorna still felt surreal and heart throbbing as they did the first time. Halima could feel her heart pounding as they got closer to their home. They had left the restaurant an hour later after almost everyone else left.

The looks Lorna kept throwing her way even when she talked with her friends made her stomach churn with anticipation.

Halima's mind raced with thoughts of the evening ahead, her desire for Lorna burning hot and fierce. She wanted nothing more than to feel Lorna's touch, to lose herself in its intensity. But beneath the surface, a nervous flutter danced in her stomach, uncertainty mingling with anticipation.

Beside her, Lorna sensed the tension in the air, her own desires mirroring Halima's. She stole a glance at Halima, catching the subtle flicker of desire in her eyes, and felt a surge of heat coursing through her veins. She wanted Halima with an intensity that bordered on desperation, her body humming with anticipation.

Halima's thoughts disappear when she hears Lorna talking to her, "What's on your mind, doll? You've been so quiet."

Halima exhaled softly, the beating of her heart only intensified when she looked at Lorna and saw the want in her eyes and the way her bottom lip was caught between her teeth. Lorna smirked raising her brow, she knew Halima wanted her, if the subtle touches to her arms and waist whenever she could weren't enough of a sign then the constant checking her out and grinning sure did.

Halima swallowed a lump in her throat, her heart pounding against her chest with a mixture of nerves and desire. The corner of her lip lifted softly, she briefly glanced at their Uber driver in the rearview mirror, he wasn't looking and didn't look like he was listening in on them. She glanced back at Lorna who watched her with raised eyebrows, with a trembling hand, she reached out, her fingers delicately intertwining with Lorna's.

As their hands connected, a jolt of electricity shot through Halima's body, igniting a firestorm of longing within her. She couldn't resist the urge to touch Lorna, to feel the warmth of her skin against hers. Slowly, she lifted Lorna's hand to her lips, pressing a tender kiss to the back of her hand.

Lorna's breath caught in her throat, her gaze fixed on Halima with wide, questioning eyes. The intensity of Halima's touch sent a shiver down her spine, stirring something primal within her. She felt a rush of heat spreading through her body, pooling low in her belly as desire surged through her veins.

Halima's lips curled into a soft smile as she felt Lorna's fingers tighten around hers, a silent reassurance of their connection. Encouraged by Lorna's response, she leaned in closer, her breath mingling with Lorna's as she brushed her lips against the corner of her mouth.

Lorna's pulse quickened at the sensation, her heart thundering in her chest as she savored the electrifying touch of Halima's lips. Halima stole a glance at the driver one more time, 'It's alright, and anyway, he doesn't know us nor us him,' Halima thought and with that resolve, she leaned towards Lorna and whispered in her ear. "I've been thinking about tonight."

Lorna's heart leaped in her chest at the sound of Halima's voice, her breath catching in her throat. "Me too," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the hum of the car.

Halima's lips brushed against Lorna's ear as she spoke. "I want tonight to be special," she murmured, her breath warm against Lorna's skin. "I want to make you feel appreciated and cherished in every way possible."

Lorna's pulse quickened at the promise in Halima's words, her body responding instinctively to the warmth of Halima's touch. "How?" she breathed, her voice trembling.

Halima pulled back with a grin, her heart hammering but proud of herself for being so forward. She could tell just how turned on Lorna was, "You'll have to wait and see," she said smirking as they pulled to their gate.

Lorna was quick to pay the driver and get out of the car, she had never seen this bold side of Halima, it scared her and turned her on even more. She grabbed Halima's hand gently but desperately and pulled her towards their home, Halima chuckled softly behind her. Knowing what awaited them inside, Lorna would have to wait another excruciatingly long hours before they were alone for anything.

She fumbled with the key to their apartment, her heart racing, her mind consumed with thoughts of being with Halima. With a sense of urgency, she swung the door open, a wide grin spreading across her face as she pulled Halima inside.

Halima's laughter rang out behind her, a joyful sound that only added to Lorna's excitement. With eager hands, Lorna tugged Halima towards their bedroom, her body ablaze with desire.

But before they could go past their living room, the sound of voices filled the air, followed by a chorus of "SURPRISE!" Lorna froze in place, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her.

Their living room was bathed in warm, golden light, twinkling fairy lights casting a soft glow over the room. Streamers and balloons adorned the walls, creating a festive atmosphere that filled the air. Lorna's grin widened as she took in the sight of her friends gathered before her.

"You guys," she chuckled in disbelief. "I thought you all went home!" she glanced at Halima who wiggled her eyebrows playfully. Nothing gave away that they were planning a second surprise, she saw even more of her teammates than from the lunch party.

Lorna laughed, the sound bubbling up from deep within her chest as she wrapped her arms around Halima, pulling her close. "I can't believe you planned all of this," she says, her voice filled with awe and gratitude.

Somi popped a bottle of champagne, sending bubbles cascading into the air. She grinned mischievously and sprinkled a few drops onto Lorna, who squealed with laughter. Lorna glanced at Halima, her chest tightened with more than want. But even amidst the excitement of the second surprise party, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of displeasure at the thought of not being alone until later.

Sensing her hesitation, Halima leaned in close, kissing Lorna's cheek tenderly. "Don't worry, Lo," she whispered. "We'll have plenty of time for just the two of us later."

Lorna grinned in relief and nodded as Catherine pulled Halima away from the small party to the kitchen, she grabbed a bag of Urban Bites from the pantry and filled a bowl. Halima bit into a chip and gave Catherine a pointed look, "What is it?"

"You're really doing this, aren't you?" Catherine grinned.

"I am," Halima chuckled, she couldn't contain her excitement.

Catherine chuckled, taking a sip from her glass, "I want all the details tomorrow." She wiggled her eyebrows.

Halima scrunched her nose, "Kate, I am never telling you about my sex life,"

Catherine poked her bottom lip, "But, I tell you about all my sexcapades."

"I never ask you to." Halima laughed and poked her shoulder.

"It's like an unspoken thing between best friends Harls, you know?"

"Right," she shook her head laughing. "Anyway, so you and Somi, huh?" she teased.

Catherine's eyes widened, shaking her head she muttered. "No, it's nothing like that Halima." she gulped and glanced at Somi who was talking with Ifrah. She felt a flatter in her stomach and looked back at Halima. Narrowing her eyes, she pointed at her, "Distracting me won't work, I need the details tomorrow."

Halima laughed, walking out of the kitchen she said, "Keep dreaming Kate,"