Abby leaned forward and put her hand on Ricki’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. We should be more conscientious.”
“I’m just giving Blythe shit.” Ricki patted Abby’s hand. “I’m used to listening to her ramble on. Besides, why do you think I threw you two in the backseat?”
“So you can drown the conversation out?” Abby said.
Ricki made eye contact with Blythe in the mirror. “She’s a smart one. You’d better keep her around.”
CHAPTER 25
Abby stared up atthe ceiling, while Blythe snored lightly beside her. Once they’d returned to the house, Blythe had been wired about the prospects of doing a series of videos with Winnie. She’d been so restless she’d paced the bedroom for over an hour, reading comments from their most recent posts and crafting witty responses. They’d even shot a couple of videos. One was for a loyal fan, while the other targeted a hater’s comment.
Abby hated shooting videos directed at the haters. In her mind, it only fueled more negativity, but Blythe’s words rattled in her mind.No engagement is bad engagement.While Abby didn’t agree, she’d noticed controversy and drama went a long way in garnering interest.
Abby shook her head. What a messed-up world they lived in. She cringed, thinking about what her eighty-year-old grandparents would think of how people interacted on social media. Her mom’s parents had Facebook accounts but rarelyused them, while her dad’s had refused to use any social media. She was happy about that. The last thing she needed was for her grandparents to see the content on TikTok. Even some she’d posted with Blythe. The bedroom ones would not sit well with them.
Not that Blythe pushed her content to the unacceptable level. Still, followers could make their own assumptions, which Abby didn’t want her grandparents doing.
She glanced over at Blythe. The peaceful expression on her face made Abby smile. It was the peace that only sleep brought, or more accurately, the bliss of a post-orgasmic slumber.
Just like last weekend, the sex had been hot, heavy, and fast. Tonight, after Blythe finally set aside her phone, they’d fallen into bed. Their hands and mouths devoured each other’s bodies. Fifteen minutes later, Blythe was fast asleep.
Abby sighed. She’d read too many sapphic romance novels. They were supposed to stay in bed, pleasuring each other for hours. Only extracting themselves to grab a snack before they were on to their tenth orgasm.
Yeah.That would be hard with Ricki upstairs. It wasn’t like they could spend the entire evening in bed without it getting weird. Besides, they needed to get sleep tonight, or tomorrow would be a long day. Plus, her body was satiated. Abby sighed again. Still, sleep eluded her since her mind wouldn’t shut off.
Maybe a cup of bedtime tea would help. She pulled back the covers and slipped from the bed. She stood watching Blythe for a few beats, making sure she didn’t stir before Abby moved.
At the door, Abby was careful to open it soundlessly. She slipped out and pulled it shut behind her. She padded to the kitchen, regretting she hadn’t put her socks on since the hardwood floors were cold on her feet. Surprising how well the air conditioner in this old house worked. The thought sent goose bumps up her arm.
Shit.She should have thrown on a T-shirt, but she didn’t want to risk waking Blythe. She’d be quick about making her tea and take it back to bed to drink.
A light burned in the kitchen. Ricki must have left the light over the sink on. Abby realized her mistake when she stepped into the kitchen.
“Oh, god, you scared me,” Abby said.
Ricki looked up from the table. A bowl of popcorn and a beer sat in front of her, and she held a copy ofThe Cider House Rules.
“Hi,” Ricki said. Her gaze traveled over Abby’s outfit, but then she looked away. “Uh, sorry. I mean…I didn’t know. Uh, sorry.”
Abby laughed and crossed her arm over her chest and held her opposite elbow. “I wasn’t expecting you to be up.”
“I couldn’t sleep.” Ricki held up the beer, but she still didn’t look at Abby. “I thought a beverage and snack might help me.” Ricki pushed the popcorn across the table. “Want some?”
“You know, I would.” Abby shivered. “But it’s chilly in here.”
Ricki leaped from the table. “Hold on.” She disappeared down the hallway.
Abby stared after her. How embarrassing and rude. Blythe didn’t live alone, so Abby should know better than to run around the house half-dressed. She gazed down at her negligee. Sure, it covered everything, but still it wasn’t appropriate. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself.
Ricki returned and held out a terrycloth bathrobe. “Here you are.” As soon as Abby took it, Ricki turned away. “Would you like a beer, too?”
“Sure.” Abby slid into the robe. It warmed her and made her feel less exposed. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking anyone would be up.”
“Nothing to be sorry about.” Ricki handed her the open beer, finally meeting her gaze. “You wouldn’t expect me to be hanging out in the kitchen at one a.m.”
“True.” Abby smiled.
Ricki motioned toward the table. “Have a seat.” She pushed the popcorn across the table. “I can make another bag.”
