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“I’d never tempt an artist with such an enticing offer and not deliver,” Charlotte cleared her throat as her spine grew rigid. “It’s alright if you don’t want to. I thought it might be nice to do something fun together. Yesterday wasn’t exactly stress-free. I understand if⁠—”

“I want to!” Ali rushed to say, standing aside and motioning Charlotte into her apartment with her head. “I had a dance class this morning. I usually go later, but Wren has a gig tonight and I want to go support her. You should come! If you don’t have plans or… I’ll just throw some clothes on and we can head out.”

“Sounds good⁠—”

A soft cry sounded from below where Willow rubbed against Charlotte’s legs.

“Good morning, Willow.”

Ali gawked, dumbstruck as Willow chirped back and wound herself in a confusion against Charlotte’s legs.

“Aren’t you cute,” Charlotte cooed, stooping down and holding out her hand.

Willow rubbed her face against it, letting Charlotte scratch behind her ears and under her chin. Charlotte set her things on the floor by the door and scooped Willow up, holding her like a baby and running her fingers through her thick fur to scratch under her chin. Willow emitted her loudest purr.

Everything ground to a halt in Ali’s head as she struggled to process the scene. Her body went still, air freezing in her lungs as her world narrowed to what was taking place before her.

“I’ve never seen her take to anyone so quickly.”

Her voice came out thick and strained. Then her body began to hum, little hairs floated off her arm.

“Wren has been bribing her with treats for months and she just got a cheek rub. She’ll be so offended when I tell her about this.”

Charlotte smiled at the ball of fluff in her arms. Willow reached up a paw, resting it against Charlotte’s cheek. Warmth erupted, spilling through her chest as Charlotte dropped her head, rubbing her nose against Willow’s.

Ali thought her heart might burst as it thundered in her chest, the roar of it clear in her ears.

So much for fake dating. So much for not catching feelings.

Dammit, Willow!

Her own smile grew soft across her mouth at the look of adoration in Willow’s gaze, as delicate as a fresh spring bud waiting to bloom.

Leaving the two to get further acquainted, she fled into the sanctity of her bedroom. But the butterflies in her stomach coupled with her racing pulse told her what she should have already deduced after their life-altering kiss… She was going to fall in love with Charlotte Davenport.

Their morning featured delicious food, easy conversation, and a patient Charlotte who allowed Ali to drag her around the museum, listening to her ramblings about different artists, art periods, and techniques. Ali trailed off once, mistaking Charlotte’s quiet demeanor for lack of interest, remembering not everyone enjoyed art. But Charlotte told her to keep going before she could change the subject.

“I love how passionate you are about it,” Charlotte assured her, doing nothing to ease Ali’s mounting crush.

Charlotte intertwined their fingers as a weightless feeling spread wide in her chest, the touch kept her grounded, feet firmly planted on the museum floor.

After, Charlotte walked her to the front door and when Ali asked if she wanted to come in and see her studio she nodded. No sooner had Charlotte stepped over the threshold than Willow came running, meowing at the sight of Charlotte. Again, she allowed herself to be cradled like a baby, her purring louder than ever.

“What am I? Chopped liver?”

With eyes for only one person, Willow paid Ali no mind.

“I think she might just like me a little bit,” Charlotte teased, following Ali further into the apartment.

“Understatement of the year. At least she has good taste.”

“You think so?”

Ali looked over her shoulder, letting one corner of her perfect mouth tilt upward.

“The best.”

Ali’s studio felt much more cramped with two people standing in the epicenter, surrounded by canvases and other supplies crawling out of the small closet or stacked one after another against the wall.