36
The jumble sale hadn’t even started yet, but people were already queuing up, waiting for the clubhouse to open. Stuffed to the brim with all kinds of things from clothes, shoes, accessories and furniture to paintings and trinkets, volunteers were rushing to create a nice display. Zoe knocked on the door and smiled when Marcy came out to meet her.
“Hey. You’re here.”
“I told you I’d come, didn’t I? I swapped shifts with my head chef, so I won’t have to rush back either.” Zoe pointed to the pile of freezer boxes outside the building. “I’ve brought a table, a little portable stove, steamer baskets and lots of food to sell.”
“That’s so incredibly nice of you.” Marcy gave her a hug, and Zoe’s breath hitched. She sincerely hoped Marcy couldn’t feel her racing heart as she squeezed her back. The woman smelled so good, and her embrace did all kinds of amazing things to her body. Marvelling in the closeness, she realised it was a very, very long welcome, and that neither of them really wanted to let go. They had put rules in place, but those rules did not include hugs and right now, she didn’t mind that one bit. Marcy finally pulled away, her eyes burning into Zoe. “And you look great.”
Zoe smiled at the compliment. As much as she hated to admit it, she’d put a lot of effort into her appearance this morning and she’d even blow-dried her hair. Dressed in tiny white cotton shorts, a slinky, loose fitting low-cut grey T-shirt and white sandals, she looked perfect for the occasion. “Thank you. So do you.”
Marcy let out a roaring laugh. “I’m not even dressed yet. We were running behind last night, so I had to be here at seven am to finish setting up. I’m afraid I slept in these tracksuit bottoms.”
“Well, you still look great.” Zoe couldn’t take her eyes off Marcy’s midriff. Between the joggers hanging low on her hips, and the vest top that had crept up, was a beautiful gap of tanned and toned belly.
When Marcy caught her looking, she shot her a mischievous smile and leaned in. “Are you checking out my body?” she asked in a whisper.
“No,” Zoe said, but she knew she was busted.
“Shame. Because I was checking out yours.” Marcy winked, then turned as if her remark was nothing out of the ordinary. “Come on, I’ll find you a nice, shady spot to set up.”
“Hey, you just broke rule number one. I’m not letting you get away with that,” Zoe protested, but Marcy didn’t answer. Whatever rules they’d set out a few nights ago had clearly gone out of the window already. She saw Marcy’s shoulders shake with laughter as she followed her to a tree next to the enclosed area where dogs were playing and sleeping on the lawn. Marcy had been subtle in her flirtations before, but now she was laying it on thick and that was exactly what they’d agreed to avoid. But after sleepless nights and endlessly fantasising about that kiss, Zoe’s own resolve had started to crumble. She’d thought of it night and day; at work, at home, in bed, in the morning when she first woke up… The memory kept flashing before her and being here with Marcy only made it worse. Attraction was a powerful emotion, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to resist if Marcy made a move on her again. “This looks perfect,” she said, eyeing the flat surface under the maple tree. “And I’ll be right next to the dogs, so I’ll have something to look at in case no one’s interested in my food.”
“You know that’s not going to happen. What are you serving?”
“Chinese dumplings. My mum’s recipe.”
Marcy licked her lips, sending a jolt of arousal through Zoe’s core. “Yum. I’ll come and try some later.”
“As long as you don’t flirt with me.”
“I won’t. That first one just slipped off my tongue in my excitement at seeing you again.” Marcy shot her an innocent look. “I’ve been thinking about you.”
Zoe rolled her eyes and laughed. “You’re doing it again.”
“No, that wasn’t flirting. That was me telling you a fact. Isn’t that what you said friends do? Tell each other things?”
Zoe sighed and crossed her arms in front of her chest. She wasn’t going to win this one. “How’s Tank?” she asked instead. “Have you seen him?”
“Tank is great, although still vanishing into thin air every time the rangers arrive. I’ve stopped feeding him, but he’s still coming around every night and he genuinely likes to be stroked. It’s crazy. He’s looking good and he comes when I call him,” Marcy said, her enthusiasm about her new furry friend apparent in the way her face lit up. “I haven’t slept at the house yet, I’ve just been organizing my stuff. There are still some things to clean and sort out in the caravan but tomorrow I’ll be testing out that new bed for the first time.”
“So, you’ve just been going there to see Tank? That’s so sweet.” Zoe noticed several people walking past, waving at Marcy. “And have you told your neighbours that you’re leaving yet?”
“Maevis guessed when they saw me coming out with boxes. She’s quite a gossip so by now, I suppose the whole park will know.” Marcy greeted one of the passers-by and yelled something about a Jack Russell being up for adoption. “I’ll organise drinks at the clubhouse at a later date to tell everyone; I haven’t had time yet between the move, work and Tank.”
“Of course.” Zoe lingered on the spot and waited for Marcy to leave. “Well, I’d better get myself set up,” she said, hoping she’d get the hint. Marcy’s nearness was a sweet torture, and she was getting aroused just by talking to her. “I didn’t expect people would be here so early.”
“Me neither. I’ll help you. We’re almost done inside anyway.”
“No need, I’m used to heavy lifting.” Zoe flexed her biceps at Marcy, making her laugh. “I’m serious. I may be skinny but being a chef is not for lightweights.”
Marcy reached out to squeeze her upper arm. “Hmm… not bad.” She held onto it for long moments before she let go. “Not bad, my friend.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Zoe shot back at her.Friends, my arse.“If you really want to help, you can set up the portable stove while I unpack the food.”
37
“Hey, Abby. Can I help you with anything?” Marcy felt a little nervous as she walked up to Abby’s table, where she was separating the change into glass jars. They hadn’t been alone since their talk at Abby’s house, and Marcy had no idea how she currently felt. Abby had been nothing but friendly all morning but there had been other people around and perhaps deep down she was uncomfortable around her.
