Sunset Strolls and Secret Smiles(Edited)

As they strolled along the sun-drenched streets of Palm Springs, California, Lindsay's smile lingered, captivating Emerald. The warm afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the surrounding landscape, and the sky was painted with hues of pink and orange.They walked side by side, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling downtown area. The sound of laughter and conversation filled the air, and the smell of coffee and baked goods wafted from the nearby cafes.Lindsay's eyes widened with excitement as she spotted a street performer. "Oh, Emerald, look! A musician! Can we listen?" She tugged on Emerald's arm, her enthusiasm infectious.Emerald chuckled, shaking her head. "You're such a tourist." Emerald chuckled, shaking her head. "You're such a tourist.""I'm a tourist, innit?" Lindsay said, rolling her eyes with a playful smirk.Emerald just just put her hand ups as a sign of surrenderAs they walked, they stumbled upon a small park, where a group of people were playing with their pets. Lindsay squealed with delight, spotting a small cat perched on a nearby bench. "Oh, Emerald, look! A cute kitty! Can we pet it?"Emerald raised an eyebrow, surprised by Lindsay's sudden fascination with the cat. "You like cats?"Lindsay nodded enthusiastically, already crouching down to pet the cat. "Oh, I adore them! Aren't they just the sweetest things?" The cat began to purr, rubbing against Lindsay's leg, and Emerald couldn't help but stare.The cat, seeming to sense Emerald's hesitation, sauntered over to her, tail twitching. Emerald instinctively recoiled, but to her surprise, the cat began to nuzzle her hand, purring contentedly.Lindsay looked up, laughing. "See, Emerald? Even the cat thinks you're nice!"''Heh'' Emeralds awkward reaction.Never like animals.''Have you not pet a cat before hold her it won't kill you unless you are allergic.'' Lindsay attempted to hand her the cat .''N-no I am not. I guess so''Emerald's awkward reaction only made Lindsay laugh harder."Heh, you're so adorable when you're awkward!" Lindsay teased, gently taking Emerald's hand and placing it on the cat's soft fur. "Come on, give her a proper cuddle! She won't bite... unless you're hiding some catnip in your pocket, that is." That made Emerald off guard being touch is a bit big deal for her but surprisingly she didn't mind at this moment.Emerald's eyes widened in mock alarm. "Hey, watch it! I'm not that allergic... I don't think."Lindsay grinned mischievously. "Oh, well, in that case, let's get you fully initiated into the cat lady club! Hold her, Emerald! She's not going to break, I promise."Emerald hesitated for a moment before gingerly scooping up the cat, who promptly began to purr and snuggle into her arms. Lindsay cheered, clapping her hands together in excitement. "Yes! You're a natural, Emerald! Who knew you had a hidden talent for cat whispering?"Emerald defeated by Lindsay's overwhelming excitement just give her a poker face when the cat accidentally scratch Emerald's ''Oh blimey, you are bleeding .'' Lindsay said worried when saw the cat scratch Emerald neck .''Here,'' Lindsay wiped the blood using her hanky without hesitation, and that's when she saw Emerald's burned scar at the back part of Emerald's neck. It seems to go all the way down to her back and Emerald is actually than her especially now that she take her shoes off. She's not sure how to react; it's not so visible as she's always wearing a shirt.Emerald quickly pulled away, hiding the scar with her hair as she thanked Lindsay for her concern. Lindsay's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't press the issue, sensing Emerald's discomfort.The cat then jumped off from Emerald's arms as if nothing had happened. Lindsay decided to change the subject, asking Emerald about her plans for the weekend to lighten the mood. "You're...different," Emerald said, her voice barely above a whisper not actually listening what Lindsay was saying. Lindsay's eyes sparkled. "Different?" Emerald was off guard realizing she said that out loud.Emerald nodded. "You're not like the others."Lindsay smiled, which made Emerald's heart skip a beat. "I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, Emerald."Emerald's cheeks flushed. "Shut up." Only words that come out of Emerald's mouth.''What makes you say that?''Lindsay asked out of curiosity.Emerald stared at Lindsay's eyes and down to her lips."Because, honestly, your smile totally throws me off game.""Because one smile from you and I'm completely undone." "Because when you smile, everything else fades away, and all I can think about is you." What the devil are you thinking, Emerald? You just met her you don't know the devil woman in front of you she might actually kill you in your sleep and here you are thinking cringe things,Urgh.Emerald scolded herself in her thought.Emerald stared at Lindsay's eyes and were drawn to her lips. "I knew it; you have a crush o9n me..." Lindsay teased, her British accent playful. Emerald blurted out, her California accent defensive, "Cause you're the ugliest person I ever met."Lindsay's smile faltered, and she looked at Emerald with a pretend-offended expression. "Blimey, Emerald! No need to be so bloody rude! If you can't say something nice, just keep it zipped, love!" Emerald couldn't help but laugh at Lindsay's reaction, feeling a spark of satisfaction. But beneath the surface, Emerald's instincts screamed warning. Jameson's impending visit and the Texas connection loomed, threatening to upend her carefully constructed facade.Lindsay's smile faltered, and she looked away, her gaze drifting out to the ocean. Something about Emerald's words had left her feeling...off-kilter. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but her usual confidence seemed to have taken a slight hit.She admit she's not offended with what Emerald's comment it's actually sound cute for her.As she risked a sideways glance at Emerald, Lindsay's heart did a tiny flip. It was a fleeting sensation, but it left her feeling...curious. Why did Emerald's scowl make her feel all warm inside? And why couldn't she stop noticing the way Emerald's eyes sparkled in the sunlight? Lindsay's mind began to wander, her thoughts tangling together in a confusing jumble. She pushed them aside, focusing on the sound of the waves and the feel of the sun on her skin. But her gaze kept drifting back to Emerald, her eyes drawn to the other woman's sharp features and piercing gaze.It was just a passing fascination, Lindsay told herself. Nothing more. A/N: A big apology for changes for I switched and confused for PALM SPRINGS for West Palm which is in florida not cali., another city big apologies :(I hadn't realize this till this day.