Page 335 of Every Almost

"Well, she knew how I felt about you before I even let myself think about it."

Charlie turned around to face Reyna, her face just a few inches away.

"Right, I forgot about that," Charlie murmured before leaning forward and kissing Reyna gently. "I stand corrected," she said against Reyna's mouth.

"Mmm, I'll tell her when I see her next that I got you to concede."

Charlie smiled, then turned back to the paper and pen before her.

Reyna’s hand slid along Charlie’s shoulder and down her arm until it reached the bracelet at her wrist. Her thumb passed over Helen’s knot.

Blue. Green. Gold. Red.

Charlie turned her hand beneath Reyna’s and caught her fingers.

“Do you want me to sit with you while you do it?” Reyna asked.

“Yes.”

The answer came out before Charlie could make it sound less immediate.

Reyna’s fingers tightened around hers.

“But only if you work on something too,” Charlie added.

“Why?”

“Because I don't want to come off astooneedy.” Reyna laughed softly. "Not to mention, it would feel weird to have you watching me."

“I wouldn’t watch.”

“You’re the captain of a starship. Watching people while pretending not to is at least half the job.”

“It is not.”

“Forty percent?”

“Charlie.”

“Fine. Thirty-five, but I won’t go any lower.”

Reyna leaned over the back of the chair and kissed her. Slow and soft and entirely captivating.

When Reyna began to pull away, Charlie followed. Reyna smiled while her hand came up and held Charlie’s cheek, kissing her once more. Shorter this time, but somehow no less complete.

“I have reports,” Reyna murmured against her mouth.

“Perfect.”

“They’re extremely dull.”

“Even better.”

“You will complain if I begin sighing.”

“I will not. I happen to like your sighing. It's some of the best on the ship. You sigh like the Coalition has personally offended you.”

“The Coalition usually has.”