Debra reached up and slid her fingers into Billie’s hair. Billie leaned into the touch instantly, her eyes closing. All it did was make Debra’s heart ache. She couldn’t begin to imagine the thoughts and fears still running through Billie’s mind. She couldn’t imagine spending so long being a different version of herself, only to one day crave something more. Well, she did understand being a different version of herself, but her reasons were entirely different from Billie’s. They were certainly less harrowing.
“You’re going to have to let me get dressed.” Debra lifted her hand and stroked a thumb against Billie’s jaw.
“Do I, though?” Billie narrowed her eyes. “Really?”
Debra laughed. “Yes.”
Billie’s hands slid up Debra’s sides slowly, then back down again to settle on her hips. “I don’t want you to leave.”
Debra regarded her with a warm, affectionate smile. “You’re looking at me like I’m about to run off into the sunset.” Billie didn’t laugh. She just stared through Debra. That subtle, honest fear presented itself, and Debra’s expression relaxed immediately. She stepped closer and guided Billie into a gentle kiss. “I’m not goinganywhere. Not like that.”
Billie sighed. “You’re leaving my place, though.”
“Yes. I’m leaving your place.”
“And that’s as good as this morning.” Billie dipped her head and kissed Debra again. “How do I know you won’t get back home and decide that I’m not good enough for you?”
“Good enough for me?” Debra drew back a little and studied Billie. She’d genuinely meant to ask that question. “Trust me, you’re more than good enough.”
Debra shifted closer until the backs of Billie’s knees nudged against the edge of the bed behind her. She cupped Billie’s face in her hands and held her there, steadying her,remindingher of what they shared now. “You know why I’m leaving. You have to work.”
“I know.”
“And I have…things to do.” Debra groaned. “Annoying, adult things.”
Billie broke out into a filthy smile. “You’reverysexy when you say annoying adult things.”
Debra burst out laughing. She wasn’t sure anyone had ever called her sexy before. And if they had, it wasn’t because of some meaningless comment. “Am I?”
“Oh, yeah. But really…all of you is sexy.”
Debra kissed her again. This time slower and teasingly. A reward for being so honest and ridiculously good for Debra’s ego. Billie whimpered against her lips, sending a rush of heat straight down Debra’s spine. When she pulled back, Billie chased more, her eyes half-lidded. Debra leaned back just enough to look at her. “You’re feeling a little needy this morning, aren’t you?”
“I’m sorry.” Billie swallowed. “I’m not used to wanting someone like this.”
Debra’s throat constricted. For all of Billie’s power and control, for all of her deliciousness and those steady, expert hands…deep down, she was learning to liveandlove all over again. “Then want it. I can handle it.”
Billie nodded slowly. “Can I see you tonight when I leave work?”
“My place or here?”
“I don’t care so long as I’m with you.”
“Come to mine. Just let me know when you’re heading over, and I’ll make sure some form of dinner is being prepared.” The relief that flickered across Billie’s face was so quick that Debra almost missed it. God, it made her want to pull Billie into bed again and ruin both of their days. “Let me get dressed,” Debra said. “And then we’ll have coffee together before I leave.”
Billie didn’t move. Instead, her grip tightened again.
Debra lifted a brow. “Billie.”
Billie huffed as she stepped back. “You’re being very cruel to me this morning, you know.”
Debra smirked. “I’m beingresponsible.”
“Fine. I’ll make the coffee.”
Billie left her bedroom, but Debra could only stand there and watch her go. Life, to Debra, had always been a case of swings and roundabouts. It had always been what she allowed it to be.But here, with Billie, she felt a sense of peace holding firm in her chest. She felt as though whatever path she was about to take would be the one to lead her to her happily ever after.
She quickly finished getting dressed, dragged her hair up into a ponytail, and left the bedroom. She found Billie sitting at the kitchen island, looking sullen, her long legs dangling over the edge of the stool.
