“It’s okay. I’m awake. You can say it,” India said, barely opening her eyes.
“It’s timed,” Maisie said.
“I know. You’ve practiced so many times, babe. You’ve got this. Also, good morning.” India leaned over and kissed Maisie good morning. “I’m going to take a shower now. Or, do you need an orgasm for good luck this morning?” India winked at her.
“I could use one to relieve the tension, yes,” she replied. “But I know you need to get to work.”
“Yes, but I will leave early.” India climbed on top of her. “I’ll pick you up at the shop, and we’ll head there together, okay?”
“Yeah. I’m just nervous,” she said. “It feels like my last shot. I know that’s not exactly true because I can get on the agenda again, but there’s something that feels so importantabout tonight.”
“It matters,” India said. “And you’re going to do great. If I have to kick my brother in the balls after the meeting, that’s really just an added bonus for me.”
Maisie laughed and said, “Thank you for helping me. I know it’s kind of a weird way to start a relationship. I never want to leave this bed, but–”
“I know,” India interjected and kissed her again. “Hop in the shower with me. I’ll relieve some of that tension for you, and we’ll celebrate later at my place. I’ll even have my housekeeper pick up that beer you like so that the fridge is properly stocked.”
“She shops for you, too?” Maisie asked.
“Yes. She cooks for me, Maisie. She buys all the ingredients.”
“I bet if she asked you to pick something out, you’d get it wrong,” she teased.
“Probably,” India said.
“Can I take you to a grocery store tomorrow? I’ll tell you to find something and watch you try to search for it. It’ll be a lot of fun for me.”
“I know how a grocery store works, Maisie. Now, do you want that orgasm or not?”
“I want. But can we be serious for a second?”
India kissed her forehead and said, “Yes.”
“Um… Well, Christmas is coming up. Since Grams died, I usually go to Lainey’s thing, whatever that is, but I was wondering if maybe you’d want to spend it together. We didn’t really do anything for Thanksgiving.”
“I guess we didn’t,” India said. “But I’ve never been a big fan of that holiday. What did you have in mind?”
“Lainey is going to propose to Paige. Initially, she said she wanted to do it after Christmas, but she’s not anymore. She can’t wait. She’ll ask her that day, and they’re going on a little trip, so I’m not going to join them and third-wheel their proposal.”
“Do you like to ski?” India asked.
“I’ve never been skiing. I’m from New Orleans.”
India laughed and said, “So am I.”
“But you’re rich and went to college in New England. I’ve always wanted to give it a try, though.”
She ran her hands through India’s hair.
“Your ass would look really cute in some–”
“Are you trying to ask me to go skiing with you?”
“If you want,” India replied. “I was planning on going alone because I thought you’d be busy.”
“You’re not spending the day with your family?”
“With Colter, the asshole? My mother, his enabler? His father, who applies the pressure for Colter to be perfect? My own father, who’s on a yacht somewhere? No. I’ve done the family thing for years, and I’m not interested in it this time. I would’ve considered my sister’s place, but she’s taking the kids and the husband and going to Cabo.”
