TWELVE
I hadn't beenin Faye's flat since our sleepover but a lot had changed since.Her seating area had been moved around, a TV was hanging on the wall, and most importantly, the spare bedroom now came with a door.
"Thanks for helping me with this," I said, grabbing the bow tie from my handbag.
Faye smiled as she closed the front door behind me, her hip briefly bumping against mine."Of course, it'll be a piece of cake."
"Don't mention cake to me," I grumbled, having lost count of how many times I had to stop Balthazar from trying to take a bite out of a customer's slice.While I appreciated that he kept me company during the day, I might not miss him next time he went on his own adventure.
"What's wrong with cake?"
"Just Balthazar being a tiny pain in the ass," I said while shrugging off my coat.“I never thought I would say this but I think Betty has been keeping him in line.”
Faye laughed.“Really?Lazy Betty?”
“I know.It's hard to imagine but yeah, I think so."
"What's it been like with them gone on their cruise?"she asked while hanging my coat up on a hanger, no doubt making her grandma proud."How long are they gone for again?"
"Two weeks total.And it's been...alright.A bit quiet in the flat but I don't mind the silence.It's been nice but I could use some company later in the week.Perhaps I could convince you to come over for a movie date or dinner?"
"Consider me convinced," she said, this time brushing her hand over my arm."That sounds fun."
Excitement bubbled up in me.“Great.Friday?”
“Friday.”
I followed her into her flat."Nice door, by the way.”
She shot me an amused look and stroked the new door seductively."She's gorgeous, isn't she?Such a beautiful door.I was so glad when the workmen came to install it.I named her Jacinthe."
"You've got another woman besides me?"I let out a dramatic fake gasp."Faye Li, I did not peg you as a cheater."
"Did you mean for that to sound so dirty?"she countered, already giggling childishly.
"Oh, grow up!"
"Never!"She poked my arm before pulling me closer."And I know you're joking but just in case you weren't aware of this, there's nobody else in my life but you."
Her words sent a flood of warmth through me and I basked in it.It was glorious to hear those words even if I hadn't eventhoughtabout Faye being interested in someone other than me.She just wasn't like that.
I moved closer to her, pressing into her."There's nobody else but you either."
"Good."She draped her arms over my shoulders, her hands tangling in my hair."I don't want to share you.Except with grumpy cats, I suppose."
I stepped forward until our bodies were flush and she was leaning against the door."Then it's settled.You and I are now a we."
She chuckled against my lips."That wassmooth, Cassie.Did you rehearse that?"
"No, it just came to me."I kissed her, enjoying the way she melted into me.Her body was so warm and lithe, and it felt so good to be so wrapped up in her.To have her arms tangled around me, to feel her arch into me.
Faye's breathing hitched when I kissed her neck and she sighed into my hair."That feels nice."
"You smell good," I murmured, nipping at the soft skin underneath her ear where she smelled of peaches and something else that was just Faye.
She made a little sound that I'd never heard from her before.It sounded so breathy and wanting, it was waking up a primal part of me.What other noises would she make if we went further?What kind of sounds would she make if I kissed her other places, if I put my mouth on her?
I pushed more into her and the door creaked suspiciously, putting a stop to our kiss.I didn't want to move back but I also didn't want to tumble onto the floor and get hurt.
