Vanessa took a deep breath and leaned in. Somehow, despite the crowd around them, the darkness and the anonymity made it feel like they were alone. No one cared what they were doing.
Joey’s lips were soft and warm and welcoming. And the moment Vanessa’s touched them she felt the reality of the connection between them. She kissed Joey gently, then pulled away, seeking permission to continue. But Joey leaned back in and captured her mouth with her own.
Vanessa heard a low moan from Joey, a sound that did things to her that she didn’t expect. She pressed closer to Joey, pulling their bodies together. She could feel the lightest touch of Joey’s tongue against hers, and it made her want more. They were pressed together, but she wanted to be even closer. Vanessa pulled the shirt Joey was wearing out of the light material of her trousers and placed her hand on the bare skin at the small of Joey’s back. This time, it was Vanessa that moaned.
Joey’s phone vibrated in her pocket. They were close enough that Vanessa could feel it. The spell was broken and they abruptly moved apart. “Sorry, you might need to get that,” said Vanessa, not sure why she had suddenly become so formal.
“Yes, um, it’s Dani,” said Joey, her face red, unable to make eye contact with Vanessa. She pressed the button to answer, and took a few steps away from Vanessa.
The square was emptying now. Vanessa found a benchto sit on. She could hear Joey’s low tones, asking Dani how things were with her uncle. From her seat, she tried to give Joey a supportive smile, but the woman on the phone, whose skin Vanessa had had her hands on mere moments ago, seemed too engrossed in her conversation to notice.
Vanessa’s heart rate wasn’t slowing, but she could feel a warmth inside that reminded her of the heat that had risen while they had kissed.
After a few minutes, Joey walked over to where Vanessa sat. “Dani’s asked if I can take some stuff over to her at the hospital. She wants to stay over.”
“Of course,” said Vanessa, jumping up. “I’ll come, too.”
“Er, no, it’s ok. I’ll see you in the bakery tomorrow,” said Joey, and Vanessa felt her stomach drop.
Was Joey regretting this already?
Chapter Twenty-Seven
JOEY
Joey watched Vanessa’s retreating figure as the other woman headed back to her apartment. She put her fingers to her lips, which still felt as though they were on fire.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want Vanessa around, it was just that she didn’t know how to act around her now they’d kissed. She hadn’t planned it, but somehow between the art, the restaurant, the fountains, she felt like that kiss was inevitable.
That kiss.
She sighed audibly. That had been some kiss. Perhaps the best she’d ever had? But then, it had been a very long time since she’d kissed anyone. And even longer since she’d kissed anyone who meant something to her. And, for reasons Joey couldn’t identify, Vanessa definitely meant something.
She tucked her shirt back in, remembering the sensation of Vanessa’s fingers on her back. She could have cursed the phone call. But then again, maybe she’d been saved by it. Where could this possibly go? Vanessa would be headingback to the UK eventually. And she herself had said she didn’t have a great track record with relationships.
No, now wasn’t the time for this. She put her swirling thoughts in a box in her brain, and shut the lid tight. That could wait for later. She started walking in the direction of Dani’s place – she had the spare key with her.
A couple of hours had passed by the time she got to the hospital. Dani looked strained. “Thanks for coming.”
“No worries,” said Joey. “I got your clothes and stuff, and I also brought you some food. I bet you haven’t eaten.”
“Oh, you’re my hero.” Dani fell upon the bag of goodies Joey offered up with a broad smile.
“How are things?” Joey followed Dani to the seats in the waiting area. “Have you been here all this time?”
“Yeah,” said Dani. “But they’ve been updating me regularly. He’s doing better than he was, but I haven’t seen him yet. Hopefully I’ll be able to soon.”
“He’s very lucky to have you.” Joey propped one foot on her knee.
“I’m all he’s got.” Dani shrugged. Her face was pale.
“You’re not going to stay here tonight, are you?” Joey looked around the basic waiting area.
“No, don’t worry. The staff say there’s a room with a bed I can use. They’re just getting it ready for me.” Dani opened the food package and pulled out a panini filled with roasted vegetables. “Nice. This is just what I need.” She took a bite, and then another, and they sat side by side in silence for a few minutes while she took in some much-needed calories.
“So, I took Vanessa to see the magic fountains.” Joey was trying to sound casual, but she could hear the weight of it in her voice.
“You make that sound like it was a whole thing,” saidDani, “and I must hear more. I’ve spent most of this afternoon and evening waiting, worrying and getting bored. I need something juicy.”
