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The light turned back on in Avery’s eyes at Stella’s statement. Stella leaned in for a hug, lifting from her knees to reach Avery’s neck.
“How about that massage?” Avery’s tone turned husky.
“Yes, please.” Stella switched places with Avery, sprawled out face down on the couch. Avery stood at the side, frozen. “Sit on my butt and put your knees on each side of my hips,” Stella said, chuckling.
Taking direction exceptionally well, Avery lifted a leg and gently lowered herself onto Stella. She felt Avery wiggle before a pillow popped up near her face.
“Here, put this under your arms,” Avery said, adjusting to get comfortable.
The pressure was perfect on her aching shoulders. Avery started humming a tune she couldn’t place. The rhythmic compression moving from her shoulders to back and lower put her to sleep.
“Welcome back.” Avery’s face was near hers.
Disoriented, Stella rolled to her side and pushed up on an elbow. “I fell asleep on you.” She took in Avery’s relaxed form. She was sitting on the floor, putting a puzzle together on the coffee table. “Where did you find that?” She wasn’t upset, just curious about how a puzzle had mysteriously appeared in the house.
“It was in one of the bags you brought in today. I didn’t want to peek around too much, but I thought you wouldn’t mind if I found some entertainment.”
“I’m truly the world's worst host.” Stella buried her head back in the pillow.
“Hey, I’m used to entertaining myself. I’ve gotten good at it over the years.” Avery reached over to squeeze her shoulder. “You were tired. Give yourself a break. Would you have been upset with me if the roles were reversed?”
“Stop with your facts, logic, and reason.” Stella threw the pillow but missed, hitting the puzzle and scattering pieces all over the floor.
“That’s it.” Avery launched herself from the floor, tickling her sides.
“I yield, I yield!” Stella howled through gasps of air.
Avery kept her hands on Stella but stopped the onslaught. Instead, her fingers softened and started caressing her sides. She leaned in while Stella raised her head to meet her midway.
Their lips connected in a soft reacquaintance. Reaching for Avery, Stella’ dug her fingers into her hair, bringing her closer. She couldn’t get enough, and it was cathartic to reconnect without worrying about cameras or people. Their lips molded together.
When the kiss ended, they stayed near each other's orbit, breathing each other’s air. They didn’t say anything, just connected through touch and nearness.
“I should go,” Avery whispered, although it sounded like a scream.
“Really?” Stella was close to dragging her to the bedroom.
“I want to do this right, Stella. We’ve done this so backward. I want to get to know you slowly. Develop a solid foundation.” Avery looked like she was regretting the words as she said them.
“You’re right. I do like that idea. Well, my head does. Not sure if the rest of me agrees.” Stella adjusted her hips, trying to find a comfortable position.
Avery leaned in for another kiss, this time keeping it chaste, although it did leave Stella wanting more. “I’ll call you,” she said in her ear.
“You better,” Stella said to Avery’s retreating form. She wanted to jump up and lock the door, keeping Avery here.
The door opening then closing was a nail to her heart. She was such a goner.
Chapter 18
First…Episode
“What was your favorite movie as a kid?” Avery asked, propping the phone on a pillow so she could still see Stella on the FaceTime call. Her wrist needed a break from holding the phone for so long. She tucked her arm under her head, the bedsprings groaning in protest at her movement.
She watched as Stella moved around her kitchen, making a sandwich. Even with something so mundane, Avery was captivated. Stella propped the phone on her kitchen counter before squeezing mustard onto the bread. The food in the tiny screen was making Avery’s mouth water, but she didn’t want to miss any of the masterclass in sandwich making.
“Finding Nemo when I was little. I still will pop in that movie when I’m sick. A little older, I enjoyed…” She trailed off, her eyes rolling to the left. “It’s embarrassing, but I liked Pitch Perfect.” Avery wanted to screen capture the charming blush that crept up her neck.
It had been three days since they’d started getting to know each other better, and the more Avery found out, the more she liked. Stella was the perfect balance of fun and reliability. The day before, Avery visited her condo and worked on the puzzle while Stella paid the bills. There was a domesticity to the day that planted ideas of the future into Avery’s brain, something she couldn’t do six months ago when she was floating through life just trying to get by.
