“Another secret?” Penelope asked.
Lucia shrugged. “We can handle it.”
“You’re something,” Penelope said, rising to her feet. “To enlighten your philistine sensibilities, the Barolo is a full-bodied, bone-dry red wine.”
“Ah, I see. Yeah. That’s fine. I have something sweet in mind for later, if you’re up for it.”
Penelope gave a short laugh. “Nowthat’sa terrible line. Does it usually work for you?”
“I don’t know. It’s my first time using it.” Lucia’s gaze roamed over Penelope. “I’m hoping I’ll find out tonight.”
“I’m sure you are.” She cleared her throat. “Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get the wine.”
Resisting the impulse to pour cold water on her face, Penelope filled two glasses with deep red liquid and brought them to the living room.
She toed off her sandals, digging her feet into the soft plush of the carpet before settling right next to Lucia, handing her a glass.
“Thank you.”
Penelope watched Lucia drink the first sip, how she held the wine in her mouth for a beat before swallowing. Her gaze lingered at Lucia’s throat. She bit her cheek, willing herself to stay grounded.
“It’s delicious,” Lucia rasped.
Shifting in her seat, Penelope took a sip from her glass to steady herself. “Mmhmm.”
“All flirtation aside.” Lucia grasped Penelope’s free hand. “I feel like… So, I’d like to know where we stand. That is, I’m not into second-guessing or making assumptions.”
“OK.”
“This thing between us, what is it to you?”
Holding Lucia’s gaze, Penelope placed her glass on the coffee table. “You really like asking the hard questions, but since you’ve had the courage to bring it up… I like you.” Pathetic. Next she’d be passing Lucia a note with checkboxes foryes,no, ormaybe.
“I like you, too.” Lucia looked at her with a sober, serious expression. She wasn’t making fun of her or teasing Penelope about her awkwardness.
“I guess that’s good, that we like each other.”
Lucia smiled. “Yes, I’d say. It’s been a while since I’ve…connected with someone.”
“Is that a euphemism for sex?”
Laughing, Lucia put her glass down as well. “No. It’s not been a while for that, well, in comparison.”
“Noted.”
“I just… Do you want this to be more than just sex?”
“We’ve only had sex once.”
“Yes, but this tension. I’m not imagining it, am I?”
Penelope huffed. “No.”
“But?”
“I’m just not good at this.”
“At sex?”
