The best dates are those you don't go on.

Grace opened the small jewelry box and picked out a pair of star-shaped dangle earrings. Would they work better with her hair up or down? Dang, this whole getting-ready-for-a-date thing was harder than it looked in movies. She glanced over her shoulder at her pale pink chiffon dress. Was it too short?

She sighed and focused on putting the earrings in. How she wished she could wear strong colors: blood red, midnight blue, even black. In her first weeks, she'd bought herself a nice black leather jacket and dark blue jeans - an outfit she saw fit for a future Demon hunter. But those colors were unfit for an Angel. She could almost see the disapproving glares she would gather. She'd never gotten to wear the outfit. It still lay hidden in the depths of her closet.

Her eyes drifted to her right hand. Though it had somewhat subsided, the rash persisted. Maybe if she covered it with makeup... Would that classify as lying? Nah, best not think about it. Because if it turned out to be lying, a new wave of red dots could pop on her forehead next. And Nate would definitely notice that.

The door swung open and her roommate, Faith, bustled in like an overexcited tornado. "Grace, wait till I tell you the news!" She jumped on her bed. "It was the most amazing night of my life."

Grace surveyed her friend in the mirror while combing her hair. Long and straight. Could it get any more boring than that? "All right, what is it this time?"

Faith dropped to her back and waved her arms as if making a snow angel. "Azriel almost kissed me! We went out to this really nice place and he held my hand and everything. Then, he leaned over the table, and kissed me right here." She pressed her finger to the corner of her mouth. "It was like my skin caught fire, like-" She frowned as though searching for a word to describe the feeling.

Well, apparently Azriel had decided to wash down all the Demon slaying with a date, too. "That sounds great. And it was about time." Grace pulled her hair into a high ponytail. Nah, she didn't like it. "He's been courting you since forever. I'm surprised the two of you haven't left on the Journey yet."

"I sometimes wonder, too." Faith sat up. "Maybe he wants to be really sure. It's an eternal commitment after all." She wrung her hands.

"You seem pretty sure." Grace struggled to pull the mascara open. Oh, wait, this one unscrews. Pull at lipstick.

Feeling like an idiot, she unscrewed it with ease. In her defense, this was maybe the second time she'd used mascara. Angels didn't need make up. Physical perfection was in their nature, but she hated looking like everyone else. Even as she watched Faith in the mirror, she realized what little difference there was between them. Her friend had the same silvery hair, same icy gray eyes. Sure, there were differences, like bone structure and other subtle features, but they seemed so unimportant when everyone had the same color. Dark lashes would make her stand out.

"I am sure. You know I've loved him for decades. Eternity isn't long enough." Faith smiled, then her eyes widened. She seemed to finally notice Grace. "Where are you going, dressed so fancy?"

"Nate sorta asked me out." Grace couldn't help but grin.

Faith squealed. "Really? I'm so happy for you."

"He didn't mention it was a date, but told me to get all prepped up. Which is what I'm doing." She lifted her hair again.

"No, leave it down. It looks much better. And, to quote you, 'it was about time'. I told you he liked you."

Yes, Faith had mentioned it many times, but Grace had refused to think about it. She bit her lip. Nate was her mentor, her partner. Developing a passion for him was inappropriate. Besides, it took Angels ages to decide on a mate. But when they did, it was till death did them apart.

Could Nate consider her a potential mate when she was such a newbie, less than thirty years old? Even Faith, who acted like a teenage girl when it came to love, was fifty years older than Grace. Nate was probably close to the age of Stonehenge. Why would he even look at her when there were so many other better Angels out there? Angels who didn't sprout red spots every other day. She looked at her reddish hand - further proof that Nate was way too good for her.

"Where's he taking you?" Faith asked, bouncing on the bed.

"I have no idea." Grace dismissed her insecure thoughts. "But I'm a little nervous."

"You should be! Nate's never had a mate. It's a huge deal that he asked you out."

Was it? Great, more pressure. Grace pressed her lips together, trying to shoo the butterflies out of her stomach. She could handle it. It was just a friendly dinner with Nate. A dinner which could, if the fates allowed, result in the first kiss of her life. The simple thought sent goosebumps flying up her arms.

A knock on the door made her jump. Before Grace could tell her to wait, Faith hopped to her feet and lunged into the living room. Grace followed, her knees shaky.

Faith opened the door and let out a short whistle. "Wow, Nathaniel, you look great."

Nate stepped in the room, a crooked smile on his face. He wore tan pants and a white shirt with its sleeves rolled up. The first few buttons were undone. Faith was right. He looked relaxed, confident and so hot.

Grace closed her mouth before she started drooling on the floor. "Hey."

"Hey." He scanned her and his gray eyes widened. "You look nice, Grace." The wonder in his voice sounded like he never thought she could look this well-groomed. True, she mostly wore jeans, jackets and boots, but did she usually look that terrible?

"Thanks," she mumbled.

Awkward silence followed. Faith hovered in the space between them as though waiting to cast a spell that would cause them to kiss.

Nate shook his head. "I'm sorry. I just can't get my mind around this. I've never seen you so... feminine. It suits you."

Heat rose to Grace's cheeks and she looked away. God, please don't giggle like an idiot. "Thanks."

"We can..." He motioned towards the door.

Grace took a deep breath and walked to the door, her heels clicking on the floorboards. Faith gave her the thumbs up as she passed. She could do this.

⚔

"No way!" Grace stared at the two-story building in front of her. The white walls seemed to glow in the moonlight. The second story was all glass walls, and plants were visible inside. Orange light flowed into the street. Two large sign plates at the entry, one on each side of the door, read Purgatory. Two Angels stood at the right of the entrance, arms crossed over their chests. On the left, two Demons exchanged dirty jokes.

She'd spent the entire way from the Sleeping Quarters in the Garden, past the Gate, down to Earth, wondering where Nate might take her. As they walked amongst humans, she'd managed to reduce the list to three places. But she'd never imagined Purgatory was possible.

She turned to Nate, a grin plastered on her face. "I can't believe you brought me here."

He smiled and shrugged. "Why not? You deserve it." He put his hand on the small of her back and led her toward the entrance.

Grace's mind buzzed. It was a big deal. Purgatory was one of the only places on Earth where Angels didn't have to mingle with humans, hide their nature. It was also one of the few Sanctuaries in town - a place where Angels and Demons met without spreading limbs and wings across the ground. She knew of another - the bar in which she usually hung out if she wanted to spend time on Earth off work.

But Purgatory was a lot classier. Each faction had its own side of the building for one thing. Angels only came here when they wanted to have a great time or to impress or to... she swallowed. This was one of the places engagements were made and weddings celebrated. Don't be an idiot. This is your first date with the man. She didn't even know if she wanted to marry him.

"Nervous, honey?" He stopped in front of the door and grinned at her.

Why does he keep calling me honey? Was he joking or did he mean it? She smiled and nodded anyway. The two Angels at the door watched them fondly. A weight settled on her shoulders. It felt like everyone expected perfect behavior just because she was with Nate. Eek, more pressure.

The double doors burst open. Robert Blackwing bustled out, a girl under each arm. Human girls. Both wore short, tight skirts, halter tops and dazed grins.

Grace bent her knees and raised her fists. What was he doing, bringing humans here? What if they noticed the Demons and Angels? Then it came to mind that Blackwing could easily have planted any illusion inside their heads.

"Whoa, look. Old friends. Hey there, Nate." Blackwing laughed and tightened his hold on the whores-girls, almost strangling them.

Nate nodded stiffly. "Blackwing." He threw a short glance toward the Demon's escorts. "In good company, I see."

"Ah, why the stick up your ass, Nate?" Blackwing grinned. "Do I sense jealousy? You wish you could hit this, no?" He planted a wet, drunken kiss on each girl's cheek. "I don't think you're getting lucky tonight. Not with..." His gaze moved to Grace and his eyes widened. The grin vanished from his face.

Grace cocked her head. Blackwing's stare bored into her. Heat rose to her face. She straightened out of her combat position and looked away. Why was he gawking at her like that?

"Well." The Demon scrunched his nose in disgust. "I didn't expect you to hit on the juniors, Blanc." His tone was much colder. "Have a good time, Grace. But don't expect too much. This guy isn't exactly an expert at pleasing women. Or keeping them for that matter."

If Grace was blushing before, it was nothing compared to the heat rushing through her now. Her entire body had probably turned red. "It's none of your damn business who I have a good time with." She'd meant to sound disdainful, but her voice came out apologetic instead. What the hell?

"Get lost, Blackwing," Nate said.

"Oh, you wish you could tell me to go to hell, don't you? But you'd ruin your pretty skin."

"You know what, Blackwing?" Grace stepped forward, her fists clenched. "I don't like my skin that much. So, go to hell." Surprisingly, she didn't erupt in boils. For a moment, the anger was replaced by the urge to do a happy dance.

"Grace." Nate grabbed her elbow and pulled her back. "Don't let this piece of slime get to you. He's just leaving."

"Yes, he is." Blackwing moved his hands around the girls' waists. "He has a very enjoyable night ahead of him. Have fun, Angels." The girls giggled some more and the three of them walked away.

"Oooh, that annoying prick." Grace stomped inside the foyer.

"Ignore him. He's a Demon. He lives for havoc." Nate seemed so calm, it was irritating. "You should be enjoying your night out."

She drew in a deep breath. He was right. This was her first time in Purgatory. She shouldn't let that moron ruin it for her. She glanced at the high ceiling, painted to look like a summer sky. To her right, stairs descended to the basement level. Reddish light and loud rock music came from the Demon side of the place. To the left, a delicate forged iron circular staircase led to their side.

Nate took her hand and started up the stairs. Classical, soothing music came from behind tall wooden doors engraved with gold. Ugh, she suddenly had the urge to run to the Demon side. She hated classical music - it put her to sleep.

Nate held the door open for her. Grace stepped inside and her jaw dropped. The ceiling and walls were painted light blue, and all the furniture was white - couches, tables and chairs. The place really looked like a child's rendition of heaven - clouds above the clear summer sky. A few Angels sat on the couches, their wings out, enjoying coffee and soft drinks, while some awaited food at the tables.

"It's beautiful," she whispered. It was, in a chaste, peaceful sort of way. She wondered what the Demon side might look like. Bad thought. Her right hand itched again and she tried to scratch it without drawing attention. Fortunately, no new spots appeared.

"I'm glad you like it." Nate wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "This way. I made special reservations."

He led the way to a small table with two chairs. Midnight blue velvet curtains kept them away from prying eyes. Three candles placed in the middle of the table provided the only light. A lone red rose stood in a small vase. Grace's breath became shallow. It was the most romantic thing she'd ever seen. Just like in the movies. Her heart picked up the pace.

"Do you like it?" Nate whispered in her ear. His warm breath sent a shiver though her body.

Sure her voice would tremble if she spoke, she nodded. Nate pulled the chair out for her, then sat on the other side of the round table.

A waiter appeared in an instant, awaiting their order. Grace glanced at the menu and frowned. Holy crap, she couldn't recognize half the stuff on there. She was too nervous to eat anything, anyway, but she chose a bowl of pasta and ice cream. Those seemed safe. As soon as the waiter left, Nate put his elbows on the table and leaned toward her.

"You're the first person I've brought here." He closed his eyes, a smile stretching across his lips. "Let's get comfortable." His wings came out, beautiful with their silver-tipped feathers.

Grace let her wings out, too. It felt weird, spreading them without the itch or burn in her shoulder blades. It wasn't as relieving and spectacular, but she still enjoyed the sensation of freedom.

"So, you said we have a lot to talk about." She tried to sound cheery, but her voice shook a little. Her stomach twisted into a knot. Calm down already, woman!

"Yes, we do. You're a smart girl. You can probably already guess why I brought you here."

I have a few ideas. But she didn't dare mention them in case she was wrong. "Maybe I'm a bit thick when it comes to this stuff. So, why don't you tell me?" She batted her mascara-coated eyelashes.

Nate's eyes narrowed. "Are you wearing make up?"

Her face caught fire. "A little."

"You don't need that stuff, Grace. You look perfect. You're an Angel."

That could've been a compliment if it hadn't sounded so much like criticism. "Yes, I know, but so is everyone else. I just want to stand out a little."

Nate sighed. "We'll get to that. But let's start with the good stuff." He reached out and took her hand in his. "You must know by now that you're very special to me. We've been together ever since you were created. I taught you everything you know. And I like the job I did with you. You're a very smart, brave, caring, sweet woman. Not to mention mysterious, alluring and physically perfect."

Grace smiled, trying not to think how she looked so much like every other female Angel out there. He obviously found her special.

"My feelings for you have evolved beyond simple friendship, you must have noticed that." He looked at her, hope filling his eyes.

"Not really, but go on." She liked where this was going. It wasn't often that she felt in charge when it came to her relationship with Nate. He was the leader, the bossy one.

"I gave you more freedom, listened to you, did things your way... because I feel that, in time, you could be my equal."

Her mouth fell open. "In time?"

"Yes, Grace. In time." He let go of her hand and leaned against the back of his chair. "And here comes the second part of our conversation. Keep an open mind. I'm not criticizing. I'm just speaking as your mentor now. For an Angel, you're an infant. You can hardly be perfect."

"Perfect sounds boring." The words were out before she could stop them.

"And it's that attitude that keeps you from achieving it," Nate said. He picked up her wrist and nodded at her reddish skin. "What did you do this time? Offend, curse, not mind your own business?"

Grace pulled her hand back. "It slipped. A minor curse. I wish I wasn't so sensitive to this stuff." She rubbed her skin as though trying to wipe the rash off.

"You're sensitive to wrongs so that you'll stop doing them." He balanced on the chair's hind legs, his hands folded behind his head. "I don't blame you. All Angels make mistakes at the beginning. We learn and we grow. But you have an obvious problem with control."

"Problem?" She clenched her fists under the table, fighting the impulse to turn it over. This wasn't fair. It was supposed to be her dream-date, the most beautiful night of her existence, and he had to go into mentor mode and turn it into a lecture on her defects.

"Yes. Right now, you are angry, you think it's unfair that I'm pointing this out. You feel it's offensive rather than honest advice. Earlier, you flew off the handle with Blackwing when you know that all Demons do is try to annoy us. You don't have balance yet. And it's my fault."

Her fists unclenched and she cocked her head. His fault?

"I've let you spend too much time near humans. You read their books, watch their films, you think that their habits are normal, suitable for the existence of an Angel. You long for their lifestyle. You long for sin."

Long for... She couldn't even finish the thought. She stood so fast, her chair fell back. "Maybe what I long for is a bit of encouragement as opposed to constant criticism."

Nate shook his head. "You're confusing constructive advice with criticism." His calm tone infuriated her more.

"Fine. Then give your constructive advice to my empty chair." She wheeled around.

She didn't get to make a step before Nate wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back. His wings encased the two of them.

"You don't get it, Grace. I don't expect you to be perfect. You're too young. I'm centuries - no, millennia - old, and I've never felt like this for any other Angel." His voice dropped to a low, raspy whisper. His fresh, clean smell enveloped her.

No! What does he think? That a few sweet words can make up for...? With the heat coming from him, entering her veins, it was kind of hard to remember what had gotten her so upset in the first place.

"After all this time alone, you came like a blessing. You are special. All you need to do is to try. And here I'm speaking as man who has the deepest feelings for you. I'm here to help." He turned her around and rested his forehead against hers. "Promise me you will try."

Grace's pulse raced and it became hard to breathe, but none of that compared to the comforting warmth coating her. This was it. She was staring into the gorgeous eyes of a man who had waited thousands of years for her creation. Their battle of egos was of little importance. "I promise," she whispered.

Nate smiled. "That's my girl." He bent lower and brushed his lips over hers.

Grace let out a whimper as the electric shock made its way down her spine. She wanted more, much more from him. Her knees shook and her fingers tightened and loosened on his biceps. He rubbed his nose against hers then dove for her lips again. And Heaven was love.