AN: So Sorry For My Long Absence But I Really Didn't Know The Direction I Wanted To Go With This Story! Alas I Have Figured It Out! Please Enjoy! Review! Review! Review!

Chapter 5

Surprisingly, the evening passed pleasantly. Rei listened as Jason explained his work for his family law firm and told several endearing stories of how he and Ryan became such good friends. The ravenette warmed up to her companions enough to mention a little about her family shrine. Mika, ever the good friend had plenty of stories about her and Rei's school days.

Jason felt himself becoming more and more impressed with the little firecracker. Smart, beautiful, and a wonderful friend, he thought. The blonde couldn't help but smile at the way her cheeks flushed slightly every time she laughed.

Eventually Mika & Ryan excused themselves to dance leaving the pair alone.

"Did you see the way he smiled at her?" the brunette asked her fiancé, full of hope for her best friend.

"Yes Miss Matchmaker, he does seem to be smitten with her", Ryan teased spinning her on the dance floor.

"Oh Hush!" Mika snapped, squealing when he dipped her unnecessarily.

…

"They make a fine couple", Jason said to Rei as they watched the dance floor.

Rei nodded quietly glancing at her best friend before turning suspicious eyes back to her date.

"So you've managed to get through the evening without being a jerk", she said frowning.

The blonde laughed loudly and gave her a devilish grin.

"Why firecracker, you've wounded me!" he said placing a hand over his heart.

Rei narrowed her eyes and took a sip of her drink.

"You very well know that my name is Rei, and don't change the subject", she snapped. "I'm not fooled by this act you've put on tonight."

"And what act would that be?" he asked genuinely confused.

The ravenette rolled her eyes with annoyance.

"The good guy act!" she said angrily. "Acting all nice and friendly pretending like Mika didn't beg you to come tonight!"

Jason was shocked by her tone. He thought they had been having a good time.

"I've put on no act tonight Rei", he said genuinely. "Ryan did ask me to come on a blind date tonight but that doesn't change anything. I loved spending time with you tonight, I like the way you smile".

"What?" Rei said as she burst into laughter. "The way I smile Jason, is that really the best you could do?

"It worked didn't it?" the blonde said running his hand through his hair. "Let's dance."

The ravenette nodded and allowed Jason to take her hand. "He really does seem to be a nice guy," she thought as he led her out on the floor. "Maybe I'll let my guard down just for tonight."

The two couples danced to song after song, holding each other closely. Ryan cut in to dance with Rei a time or two but Jason never let it last long. He wanted the dark haired beauty all to himself.

"I'm really glad you turned out to be my date tonight", he whispered in her ear. "I couldn't have had a better time with anyone else."

Rei felt her cheeks flush and could only nod in agreement.

Before they knew it, the hour had grown late and both couples knew it was time to head home. Jason stopped Rei at the bar to introduce her to the beautiful couple she had noticed when she first came into the restaurant. Malcolm's platinum blonde hair seemed odd to her but he and his beautiful blonde seemed to be a perfect match.

After saying goodnight to Mika & Ryan, Rei allowed her date to drive her home. Jason had decided to rent a more modest car as so not to scare off his blind date. When he reached the shrine, the two sat quietly inside the car, neither wanted the night to end.

"I guess this is goodbye", the ravenette said softly finally breaking silence.

Jason reached over and took her hand, Rei looked at him in surprise.

"This isn't goodbye Firecracker, only goodnight", the blonde said sincerely staring into her dark eyes.

Rei gave him a bright smile and started to get out of the car.

"Rei!" he called out.

As she turned to him he quickly leaned over and kissed her square on the lips. She pulled away stunned and felt her face heat up. Jason chuckled and gave her his most cheeky smile.

"See you soon Firecracker", he yelled as Rei took off towards the Shrine.

…

Rei ran all the way up the stairs, and didn't stop until she'd gotten to her room. Hopefully she hadn't woken anyone up! Once she closed the door behind her, her legs gave out and she sank to her knees & she smiled.

Jason pulled into his drive way and headed inside feeling happier than he had in a long time. He chuckled thinking of Rei's expression when he kissed her. Hopefully there would be many more of those! This may have only been their first date but the blonde was sure Rei was special, she might even be the one. As the young lawyer prepared for bed, he realized for the first time in a long time he didn't feel quite so alone.

….

The next morning, the priestess was up bright and early doing her chores. She hummed happily thinking about her date as she swept the steps. She notice the daily newspaper and stopped to it up. She flipped through the pages briefly and suddenly let the broom drop. No, that couldn't be right? But right before her eyes, Rei saw the headline of the society section. "Playboy Jason Edwards Finally Settling Down?" the accompanying pictured showed a sharply dressed Jason hanging onto to the waist of an elegant redhead.

The ravenette felt her heart shatter as she sank down onto the steps.

"That bastard!"