Flames of Desire

James stepped back and held the door open for her.    She shouldn't have been surprised, but his flat had changed very little in the last few months. A large, open plan space made the tiny flat appear roomier than many others of its kind. A small kitchenette took up one corner, with a large window that let the sun shine in and was home to a number of small pots of various herbs. Cleaned dishes had dried in their rack overnight and, while not spotless, the main living area was clean.    James silently led her over to the long couch, pushing the low coffee table far against the wall to give them both more leg space.
Framed prints hung on the walls and gave color to the atmosphere.    "You haven't changed a lot in here, " El said as she removed her jacket, folded it and placed it out of the way on the table.