“O-of course,” Hope answered.
“Good.” Angelica moved in quickly, planting their lips together. The kiss was quick, meant for connection rather than pleasure.
When she pulled away, Hope was stunned. Never before had Angelica been so open with physical affection. And as much as Hope loved it, it also felt strangely out of place. And she hated that Rex had to witness it. She’d always wanted to protect him from having to witness any part of their relationship. It was the simplest thing that she could do to honor how much she loved him. Because she did still love him.
And it was just respectful.
Yet, kissing Angelica now seemed to seal a deal that they had long been aiming for.
“Hope?” Angelica asked, as if Hope had missed something.
“Sorry.” Hope shook the cobwebs from her head. “Research this afternoon, and we can do a planning session this evening.”
“In the morning,” Angelica corrected.
“Right, morning.” Hope rolled her shoulders, squeezed Angelica’s fingers, and then stepped back. She needed to put some space between them. “I need to get back to cooking. I’ll talk to Jenesis about potential menu ideas going forward.”
“Perfect.” Angelica tossed her a brilliant smile. And then she walked away.
Sy followed her, but Rex stayed quietly behind. Hope moved to stand next to him, shoulder to shoulder, as they watched them go.
“I’m so sorry,” Hope murmured.
“Don’t be,” Rex said, but his voice was gruff with emotion. She’d recognize that move any day. “You’re together. You can’t hold back because of me.”
As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I’m good, Hope. I promise.” He bumped her shoulder lightly. “I think you should worry about what you’re going to say to Daph and Timothy instead.”
“Shit.” Hope stilled herself. “I need to go remind Ange that we have to have that conversation.”
“Yeah, you do.” Rex chuckled. “So glad it’s not me. Doing it now?”
“Ugh, yeah, probably.”
“I’ve got you covered.”
Hope tossed him an annoyed look before walking away to find Angelica. It was time to scold the horny couple.
Chapter
Thirty-Eight
“Well, don’t you look delicious.”
Angelica stopped short as she stepped out into the hallway from the makeup and dressing area that Ansel worked in. Hope stared back at her with a definite smirk on her lips and twinkle in her eye. She took Angelica’s hand and lifted it above her head, spinning her in a circle.
“You look good yourself,” Angelica answered, eyeing Hope’s outfit up and down.
They were both in traditional Bavarian garb, a white underdress with a corseted top and overskirt that flared out at their waists. Hope’s was a deep forest green that brought out all the golden hues in her skin and hair, which was still short against her head. Angelica was glad Ansel had decided against trying to braid it in some way, because she loved the way Hope wore her hair now.
Angelica, however, hadn’t been given that grace. Ansel had spent the last hour braiding her hair and twisting it on top of her head like a crown. She wasn’t entirely sure how he’d managed it, but he had, and it looked rather good if she did say so herself.And unlike Hope’s green dress, hers was a deep royal blue that brought out her eyes.
“We’re quite a pair,” Hope murmured, moving in and kissing Angelica quickly.
Ansel stepped out and clucked his tongue at them. “I chose the same lip color for that very reason.”
“Did you really?” Angelica turned sharply.
