My heart accelerated as I walked over to the treehouse by the lake, mine and Charlie's main hang out spot.

I climbed the ladder and pushed my head through the hole.

"Honey, I'm home!" I said, noticing that Charlie was already sitting criss-crossed on the floor. She giggled and put out a hand to help me in.

"Oh. Em. Gee!" Charlie gushed. "You. Are going on a date. With my half brother!"

"Yeah, I'm aware," I said dryly. "Help me choose what to wear?"

"But of course," Charlie joked.

"Thank you," I said gratefully.

Later

"I don't have lots of really dressy clothes, but he said we're going to the park, so..."

"Just choose something casual, like this," said Charlie, holding up a stripey dress I forgot I had. "It's cute, but casual."

She's right. With its blue and white stripes, ruffled sleeves, and off the shoulder design, it's perfect for a date in the park.

"Okay, we only have like an hour, so let's do makeup first and then you can change and figure out shoes," Charlie decided.

I sat down in a chair by my mirror and turn to Charlie the makeup expert. She did my foundation, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, eyebrows, blush, and lip gloss to perfection. Then, I changed into the dress, put on a golden tassle necklace, and laced up my nude tan strappy sandals. Charlie stood in front of me and added her final touches.

"You look amazing," she complimented me with a smile.

"All thanks to you," I said appreciatively.

"Go get em, girl," she winked.

"Love you, Char!" I called, and shut the door behind me.

There was a feeling of nervousness growing in my stomach as I neared the park. Finally, I was there, and I spotted Ben near the entrance. He grinned when he saw me.

"Hey," he said. "You look gorgeous."

"And you look handsome," I replied.

"So I'm gonna cover your eyes cause this part's a secret. I'll tell you when we're there." One of his hands was on my shoulder and the other one was gently covering my eyes. My wolf practically purred. I internally rolled my eyes.

"We're here," Ben said, pulling his hand away from my eyes. I let out a gasp.

Ben had set up a beautiful picnic in the part of the park where the hill dropped and overlooked the lake. From here, I could see the treehouse, my house, Alpha Oliver's office, and the beginning of a breathtaking sunset.

"Sit," Ben offered.  I did, and he plopped down right beside me. "Want a marshmallow?" he asked.

I giggled. "Sure." He passed one over and I popped it in my mouth.

We ate sliders, marshmallows, chocolate, and strawberries.

I looked over at the sunset, which was now almost over. I glanced at Ben and caught him staring at me.

"What?" I asked self-conciously.

"You're prettier than that sunset," said Ben.

I blushed. "I-What?"

"You heard me," he said. "Can I walk you home?"

"Umm. Yeah?" I said it more like a question.

"Kay." He stood and started to clean up our picnic. I helped him out a bit and he stuffed all our supplies into a bag.

"Let's go," Ben said with a smile. He reached over and took my hand.

The time went by quickly and soon we were standing at my front door. "Thank you so much for tonight, Ben," I told him.

"I'd love to take you out again," he offered.

"That would be permitted," I said shyly. Ben smiled and turned toward me.

"I really like you, Layla," said Ben. He was getting closer and closer. I could smell his cologne, which somehow seemed to be affecting my brain and making me dizzy and unsteady. I grabbed the front of Ben's jacket and his arms snaked around my waist. I looked into his gorgeous eyes, which were still coming steadily closer...closer...

Until we were kissing and I couldn't see because stars were exploding in my vision so I just closed my eyes and let it happen. Ben kissed me senseless, breathless, worriless. He pulled away and rested his forehead on mine.

"I didn't know you were such a good kisser," I blurted. Ben chuckled.

"Well now you know, eh, Princess?"

"Yeah," I responded. "And I really like it." I tilted my head to kiss him again, this time passionately. He whisked me around until my back was pressed against the door.

We kissed until our bodies were begging for air. When he pulled away, I said, "Wanna come in?"

Ben smiled. "Sorry princess, but I have to decline. It's been a long day, and while I'd love to spend the night, I need some reasonable sleep. Wanna meet up sometime tomorrow?"

"Yeah, sure. Want my number?" I questioned. He passed me his phone and I typed in my number and handed it back.

"Text me" were his final words before walking away. I smiled, planning to do just that.