Was she? Maybe it was a mistake, but with Ricki here, Abby felt hopeful for the first time in a week.
“I am,” Abby said in a low voice.
They sat on Abby’s porch watching the storm as it moved off to the east, while another storm rolled in from the west. When they’d arrived at Abby’s house, they’d not broached the reason for Ricki’s visit. Instead, Abby busied herself finding Ricki dry clothes, putting together a snack, and pouring them a glass of tea. With nothing else to do, Abby rubbed her hand over the arm of the chair, knowing they couldn’t stall much longer.
Abby glanced at Ricki and grinned. She wore one of Abby’s oversized T-shirts and a pair of yoga pants. “Do you do yoga?”
“Not in these.” Ricki grabbed the material covering her thigh and pulled on it. “I look ridiculous.”
“I think you look kinda cute.”
Ricki smiled. “Then maybe I should buy a pair.”
Abby shook her head. “Or maybe you shouldn’t.”
“I thought you said I looked cute.”
“Kinda. I said kinda.” Abby wasn’t sure what they were doing. No, she was pretty sure they were flirting, but it wasn’t a wise idea. “Are you going to tell me why you’re here?”
“Oh. I thought maybe you’d forgotten that we needed to talk.” Ricki gave her a crooked grin.
Abby wanted to forget and throw herself at Ricki, but her heart couldn’t take any more pain. She had to know for certain why Ricki was here instead of letting her hormones rule her. It had gotten her into trouble once.
“I didn’t forget,” Abby said.
“You’ve got beautiful eyes.” Ricki bit her lip. “But I hate seeing the sadness…the fear in them.”
“I’m sorry, but the last few weeks have been rough.”
“No.” Ricki slid to the edge of her chair and turned to face Abby. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” Ricki put her hand against her own chest. “I’m the one who’s sorry.”
“How about we stop apologizing and get to the point?” Abby surprised herself at her own boldness, but she couldn’t take any more of Ricki beating around the bush.
Ricki gave Abby an appraising look before she said, “Got it. I’ll get to the point.”
Ricki moved her chair closer to Abby’s and took Abby’s hand in hers. A shiver ran up Abby’s spine at Ricki’s touch. She wanted to close her eyes and bask in the warmth of Ricki’s hand, but she forced herself to keep them open.
Abby squeezed Ricki’s hand. “I’m listening.”
“Abby, I’m crazy in love with you, and I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Abby stared, trying to process Ricki’s words.
“Was that to the point enough for you?” Ricki asked.
Tears rolled down Abby’s face, and she laughed before she threw her arms around Ricki’s neck.
Several hours later, Abby lay with her head on Ricki’s chest. After Ricki’s declaration of love, they’d devoured each other’s lips and torn at each other’s clothes. Their first orgasm was on the porch. Thank god for the thunderstorm that drowned out their sounds of passion. Then they’d stumbled into the house. Unable to resist touching each other, they’d stopped in the living room before they’d made it to the bedroom.
“Do you think we should talk now?” Abby asked.
Ricki chuckled. “Didn’t I say enough the last few hours?”
“Oh, you said plenty.” Abby pressed her hand against Ricki’s chest, wanting to feel her heartbeat. She craned her neck to see Ricki’s face. “But I want to know what this means.”
Ricki narrowed her eyes. “Wasn’t I clear enough? I’m madly and passionately in love with you.”
“And I’m madly and passionately in love with you, too. But there are complications.”
