“Yes. Then I want lunch.” Addie didn’t wait for Toni, though. She stretched up on her toes, kissing Toni and leaning into her until Toni took a stumbling step backward, and they ended up leaning against a file cabinet. There was a loud thunk, but Addie didn’t stop kissing her. And thankfully, Toni didn’t seem to care about the noise, the knock on her door, or the ringing of the phone.
She did pause when Addie reached toward Toni’s trousers’ button. Her hand caught Addie’s wrist. “No sex in the office, love. I’d never be able to concentrate in here afterward.”
Addie pouted exaggeratedly. “Fine. Then I need lunch, Professor. And I’ll go home and take care of—”
“I have the afternoon off. Kaelee is covering my class,” Toni said. “I was thinking we could go out, but if you’d rather—”
“I like going out,” Addie said quickly. A flush of warmth that wasn’t sexual washed over Addie. “You canceled your work because you wanted to spend time with me!”
Toni didn’t admit or deny anything about the very obvious date-like plan she’d already arranged. All she said was, “There are a lot of great museums in the city. Obvious ones like the big three: American History, Natural History, and Air and Space. There’s also the Library of Congress, African Art, the Portrait Gallery, the American Indian—they’re also a great spot for lunch. So is the National Gallery.”
Addie brushed a kiss over Toni’s lips. “Sounds like museums and museum café for lunch?”
“If you want.” Toni shrugged, but she was smiling and added sort of sheepishly, “Did I mention that my degrees are in history?”
“I happen to like history enough that I could be convinced to visit a few times to see everything with the right tour guide,” Addie said lightly. “Interested? The position has no pay and only the slightest of benefits.”
Toni gave her an appraising look. “Can I sample the benefits later?”
“Depends on how good the tour is…” Addie shrugged. “Tips are earned.”
“Well, let’s get going then.” Toni gestured toward the door. “I apparently need to prove my worth.”
“Thank you,” Addie said, putting her hand on Toni’s wrist. “I saw the note you sent—well, a summary. I guess the original was ‘expletive-laden.’”
“Not right for your reputation to take a hit,” Toni said, looking away.
“I appreciate you coming to my rescue again.”
Toni met her gaze. “That’s what I should’ve done from the start. I’m sorry. I’m not a fan of my private life being public. I reacted poorly.”
Addie kissed her lightly and then said, “I’m honored that you’ll admit we’re casually dating.”
“I didn’t know what else to call it.” Toni heaved a sigh. “Can’t get her out of my mind, would chew glass for the chance to touch her again, think she’s fucking amazing… that seemed too wordy.”
Addie giggled. “Just so you know, I like you, too.”
“Thank goodness.” Toni pulled her closer. “Come on. We have museums to see.”
Chapter 36Toni
After lunch, museums, dinner, and an impromptu show at the Kennedy Center thanks to an impulsive ticket purchase, Toni felt like she’d been on a marathon date—and she liked it. They were walking back to the Jeep, just another couple in the post-theater crush, when Toni admitted to herself that she could get used to everything about this, get used to having someone at her side. Not forever, of course, but maybe for a while.
Only if that someone is her.
They reached the row where the Jeep was parked, and Addie let go of Toni’s arm. “That was wonderful.” She spun out into a sort of pirouette. “Excellent tour guiding.”
Toni stared at her for a moment before she pulled Addie closer, turning them so that Addie was against the Jeep, and slanted her mouth over Addie’s. They’d spent one day and one night without sex, and then barely touched today—so far—and that felt like an eternity.
Addie made another little noise, and Toni pulled back.
“If we don’t leave, I’m going to have my hands on you here in the parking lot.” Toni took a steadying step away from her.
“Exhibition is on my to-try list,” Addie said in a quiet voice.
Toni shook her head. “Not in the theater parking garage, Addie.I promised Em we weren’t going to do anything newsworthy this week, and it’s too cold out here for any part of you to be exposed.”
Addie pouted, jutting out her bottom lip. “So next trip then. I’ll wear more skirts. I bet that would make it eas—”
