Charlotte’s eyes went wide.
“Yes, from the moment we met,” Marin told her. “I was so distracted by you ... and the horoscope you read me. When I was crossing the street, I looked back at the bus, hoping for one last glance.”
“I saw you look back. I was watching you too.God.” Charlotte’s eyes filled with tears.
“I spent two years thinking about you,” Marin admitted quietly. “When we reconnected here in Vermont, I thought you were straight, and I was thrilled for the chance at friendship. I thought I could move past my attraction, and I probably would have. I’m very good at keeping my feelings to myself.” She shrugged. “But then you kissed me ...”
Charlotte grinned, and then she was doing it again ... kissing Marin. They leaned toward each other on their kitchen stools. Their lips met with just as much urgency as before, and Marin’s body awakened all over again, aching and yearning, a reminder thatthiswas what she craved and that it was worth waiting for because this kind of magic ... who knew if she’d ever find it again?
“Statistically, our chemistry is off the charts,” she murmured against Charlotte’s lips, “and I can’t guarantee I’ll find this anywhere else.”
“I can’t disagree with that,” Charlotte responded breathlessly.
“So yes, I’m willing to go as slow as you need,” Marin told her. “If you just want to kiss and fool around until you’ve figured things out, I’ll wait for you.”
Charlotte rested a hand on Marin’s waist. “I don’t think I deserve you, but if you’re willing to wait for me, I promise I’ll work as hard as I can to figure my shit out sooner than later so we can be together for real.”
Marin nodded. She was certain Charlotte would be worth the risk ... and the wait. “Then it sounds like we have a plan.”
“God, that’s good,” Marin practically moaned, andphewthat sound did things to Charlotte. Marin was on the couch in a T-shirt andleggings while Charlotte gave her that massage she’d promised earlier, and the whole thing was sexier than Charlotte had anticipated.
She kneaded Marin’s right thigh through her leggings, trying not to become distracted by how close she was to other parts of Marin’s anatomy. It was awkward giving her a massage over her clothes, but they’d both thought undressing—even for a massage—was too much too soon.
“When did you first suspect?” Marin asked, making a little sound of pleasure as Charlotte’s fingers worked the tension from her muscles.
Charlotte looked up to find Marin watching her with surprising intensity. “That I’m not straight?”
“Yes. I want to know everything about your journey, or everything you feel comfortable sharing, at least.”
“After your snowshoeing date with Laura.” Charlotte shifted her focus to Marin’s calves, smiling as she felt the puppy curl up on her own lower legs. “You came home and told me she kissed you, and it felt like a gut punch.”
“Wow,” Marin murmured. “That’s so recent. You must still be reeling, trying to figure it all out.”
“I am,” Charlotte admitted. “I’m so confused and unsure, and ... nothing makes sense, except it does because I love every moment I’m with you, and there’s no denying how much I love kissing you. I still don’t know if that’s enough, but ...”
“It’s enough.” Marin reached down and squeezed her hand. “We have time. You need to get comfortable with your sexuality before we move forward.”
Charlotte sighed, sliding her hands over Marin’s calves, which were surprisingly well defined. “Your legs are sexy as fuck, by the way. You’re way more toned than I am.”
Marin chuckled. “That’s a nice bonus from all the PT.”
“Very nice indeed.” Charlotte scooted forward, disturbing the puppy in the process, so she could kiss Marin’s lips. “Remember howyou told me once that you could look back and see early signs that you liked women, things you missed at the time?”
“Yes. I think a lot of people find that to be the case. You too?”
Charlotte nodded, suddenly desperate to get this off her chest, to share it with the one person she knew would understand. “I realized ... I mean, I’m pretty sure I had feelings for Elena back in high school. I had no idea at the time, but now ...”
Marin looked thoughtful. “You know, that makes total sense, actually. It’s probably why you got so upset when she took her boyfriend to the prom instead of you.”
“I think so, yeah.” Charlotte was nodding almost desperately, but it felt so good to finally discuss this with Marin. Not being able to share it with her before had been one of the hardest parts about questioning her sexuality.
“I bet you’ll find more early signs now that you know what you’re looking for,” Marin said. “A celebrity crush? A teacher?”
Charlotte laughed somewhat awkwardly. Had there been others? She hadn’t prepared herself for that. “You mean Eden Sands might be more than just my favorite singer?”
Marin’s eyebrows rose, and her lips quirked. “I don’t know, is she?”
“I’m a pretty big fan, and Idothink she’s beautiful.” Charlotte’s cheeks flushed hot. “I had her poster on the wall of my dorm room in college. Shit. Ididget really invested when she came out a few years ago. I read every article about it because I was just so happy for her and Anna ...”
