Debra melted into a kiss that spoke of hope for the future. A kiss that reminded her that Billie was human, and flawed, but deserving of a life she loved. If Debra could feature in that, then she was going to do everything in her power to be what Billie needed. God only knew how long she’d been miserable for herself.
She drew back slowly when Billie’s hands started to wander. “Not now. No way. You have to leave for work, and Icannotbear the thought of stopping anything you’re about to start.”
Billie smirked as she took her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Oh, don’t you look at me like that.”
“I can’t help it. You’re the hottest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Billie dipped her head towards Debra’s ear and nipped at her earlobe. “Can I have you tonight? All to myself?”
Sweet Jesus. Billie could have anything she wanted tonight. “Y-yes.”
“Perfect. I’ll control myself just for you until then.”
The walkto Savile Row felt entirely different today. It wasn’t the city—London was still London, busy and indifferent. Nothing had changed out here, but Debra had. Perhaps even Billie, too.Oh, you know she has. Debra smiled to herself as she looked down between them.
Billie hadn’t let go of her hand once.
From the moment they’d stepped out of Debra’s building, Billie had taken it. Getting into Debra’s car, it had remained in place. And now, as they crossed the road to Brown & Co., the warmth of it lit Debra up inside. Billie’s soft, gentle hand…in hers. Belongingexactlythere.
Debra kept glancing sideways at her, but she couldn’t help it. This morning, she felt as though she was trying to memorise every small detail that proved the last twelve hours or so had been real. Billie in her kitchen, wearing Debra’s T-shirt, her messy hair, Billie’s hands on her waist as she’d whisperedourslike it was a promise and not simply a meaningless word.
Debra sighed contentedly when Billie squeezed her hand, her thumb brushing the side of her knuckle in a soft, absent motion that made Debra’s entire being ache. When she’d finalised her divorce, she hadn’t been looking for love. Most days, she was merely plodding through, hoping she would feel marginally happy as she slipped into bed each night. But now? Now, she couldn’t imagine not having Billie in her life. She’d tried it, hated it, and now that was part of the past. It could stay there, along with Billie’s own dreadful memories.
“You’re staring,” Billie murmured without looking over. “You have been since we left the car park.”
Debra huffed out a laugh. “Am I?”
Billie turned her head, those eyes dark and steady. “Yes.”
“And what exactly are you going to do about it?”
Billie’s mouth twitched into a smirk, sending Debra’s blood south. “Nothing.”
Debra arched a brow when Billie dipped her gaze briefly to her mouth, then to her eyes again, the restraint in her expression so obvious that Debra nearly stopped walking just to test it.
“I’m going to behave,” Billie said, her jaw set. “I promised.”
“Oh, youpromised, did you?”
“Well, I promised myself in my head…and I intend to keep that promise.”
Debra wanted to say something witty. She wanted to say something that proved she wasn’t completely undone by Billie Brown merely existing beside her, but she was, so she squeezed Billie’s hand instead, and said, “Good.”
She caught Billie rolling her head on her shoulders, her nostrils flaring. God, it was deeply satisfying to see her like this. Not distant or untouchable, but human. Someone struggling to contain her want. Someone trying to stick to her word.
They reached the shop in what felt like no time at all. Brown & Co. stood exactly as it always had, timeless and immaculate—the sort of place where no one wouldeverassume something as tender and messy as love could be happening behind the dark glass windows.
Billie paused outside the door, and Debra felt it instantly. That subtle shift and how Billie’s shoulders straightened a fraction.
Debra expected Billie to let go of her hand, but she didn’t. If anything, she tightened her grip. As Debra stood watching her, Billie frowned.
“What?”
“Nothing.” Debra smiled and stepped a little closer. “I’m just enjoying watching you become her.”
Billie’s eyes softened. “She’s still me.”
“I know.”
