“We’re two mature women who work together”—Tess let her volume drop so her next words were just for Bree—“and who like each other.”
“Well. I’m glad you’re here,” Bree replied.
Flo stuck her head out the door. “I’ve got a seating plan, and you two are over there at that small table in the shade. If you want to come in and start dishing your plates, Fred is just pulling the burgers off the grill.”
“No fair.” Hank had opened a beer, and he was observing the art of burger flipping. “Their own table, and they get first dibs on the burgers.”
“Hey, someone has to be the taste tester,” Bree told her brother.
“Go start to dish up in the kitchen, but leave room on yourplate for the best burger you’re going to be offered today.” Fred pointed his metal spatula at Bree and Tess.
Gabby rolled her eyes. “Theonlyburger.”
Tess had to smile at the back and forth between everyone—nothing like her family or her personal life. Just like the night of the dinner and play, watching Bree interact with family only deepened what she was feeling for Bree. She looked over at the table Flo had assigned to the two of them. A little table with a large ulterior motive. She knew Flo too well.
Did she really want to be alone over there with Bree? The answer was immediate. Hell, yes. She wanted to spend time with Bree. And fate—or more likely Flo—was giving her just that. Tess shook her head. Okay, she’d been trying to convince herself that distance was the only antidote to their chemistry, but she wasn’t going to get that distance this afternoon, so she’d embrace fate and enjoy this time with Bree.
Tess headed toward the kitchen where Bree was chatting with Rachelle. They filled their plates before returning to the patio and their little reserved table for some time together.
Bree took a bite of her burger and emitted a throaty, drawn-out sound of pleasure as she smacked her lips.
Tess chuckled. “Good burger, huh?” That moan tickled her lower regions and Bree’s full pink lips were way to enticing. She looked away for a moment and pulled herself back from the thoughts she was entertaining.
“Excellent.” Bree locked her gaze on Tess. “I love the way you’re handling your new presiding judge role, the small changes you’re introducing. I’d say long overdue judging by the follow-up comments of everyone except maybe Huffington.”
The compliment warmed Tess’s heart. In the past, she’d have stoically managed on her own, but now she really appreciated Bree’s opinion. Bree’s support. There were so many ways that Bree was good for her.
“Are you happy handling criminal cases?” Tess asked.
“I am. I think it’s a good fit for now. I’m enjoying the move from lawyer to judge.” Bree didn’t take her gaze off Tess. “For a number of reasons.”
“Me too.” Tess swallowed hard and then took another bite of her burger before she set it down on her plate and changed the subject. “I’m planning on asking Helene for more information related to the courthouse and my new responsibilities. The budget initially, and then a look at the generation of the court calendar. Just for a bit better understanding, something my orientation prompted.”
“I caught that when I overheard you talking to Helene,” Bree replied as TP sauntered out onto the patio. They both stopped and watched him wander over toward the grill. “How are Thelma and Louise doing?”
“They’re doing fine. Right there beside me while I work at home and snoring next to me at night. I suspect once I start looking at budget numbers, they’ll become experts too.” They both chuckled, then Tess set her salad fork down and looked at Bree. “Can I ask something about you? Not work related.” When Bree nodded, she proceeded. “I’ve told you a bit about my parents’ plans for me at birth. I can see you and Hank had a different upbringing. What was your parents’ marriage like?”
“My parents are gone now, but they were in love to the end. They always claimed it was love at first sight, and they were devoted to each other. The kind of marriage I wanted…maybe why I took what happened in my marriage so hard.”
Tess touched Bree’s arm. “The pain we both carry from our pasts sure has a way of haunting us, doesn’t it?”
Bree nodded and took Tess’s hand. “But in spite of how hard it is to try to give Cupid the boot, that little arrow slinger is persistent. I don’t know what else to say right now, but don’t give up on me, Tess.”
Gabby headed over toward their table, and they fell silent. “I just want to make sure you’ve got that raffle prize nailed down. I think it has a limited time for you to collect.”
“Cupid in the flesh,” Bree muttered as she shook her head and winked at Tess.
“If you tell me that you have a day picked, I’ll go get you each a piece of Tess’s chocolate cake. I’ve had two slices, just to make sure it’s safe to eat.”
“Did it meet with your approval?” Tess couldn’t help but like Gabby. Bree was lucky to have close family.
“Since I’m not under oath, I’ll say…” Gabby waggled her hand in a so-so fashion. “You better send it home with me and save yourselves the calories.”
“That bad, huh? What do you think?” Bree looked at Tess. “Shall we save Gabby from cake calorie consumption and at least share a piece?”
Tess savored the easy banter. She’d never had it with a romantic interest before and it made her happy. It came so naturally when she was with Bree.
“You drive a hard bargain, Gabby. But if you go collect dessert, Bree and I’ll discuss when to schedule the trip.” Tess looked at Bree as she contemplated planning more time together. Today’s adventure was courtesy of Flo, and Tess was loving it. She silenced the little voice urging caution.
