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“No, I’m not angry,” JK said truthfully. “I’m just coming to realize that this job may be a little more difficult than I originally bargained for, but that’s for me to deal with. It’s not really your problem. You’re the client, after all.”
“I don’t want to be a nightmare client who makes your job more difficult. I didn’t know he was up to no good, I swear.”
“I know, Tab—I know you weren’t doing it on purpose. Let’s just move past it.”
“Agreed.”
Tabitha took JK’s hand again, and JK couldn’t bring herself to take it back. What was a little hand-holding in the grand scheme of things? It’s not like Tabitha was making a marriage proposal. She just needed to keep her head and stay professional.
She only needed to hold out a few weeks. After that, Tabitha would be back in the UK, and the delicious temptation she provided would be removed from JK’s sight.
For some reason, the thought provided JK with little comfort.
“It’s late. We should go to bed.” JK made no move to get up. She was so enjoying talking to Tabitha that she didn’t want to leave, and Tabitha didn’t seem at all inclined to kick her out.
“Not yet, JK. I’m on holiday, remember. No boring functions to go tomorrow, no one demanding my time.”
“I’m not on holiday.”
“Yeah, but you’re guarding me, which means you need to be awake at the same hours I am. It’s in your best interests to go to bed at the same time as me and wake when I do, so that you can follow me around as long as I’m awake.”
She had a point there. Even though it was horrendously late, JK felt no desire to go to bed.
When she met Tabitha two weeks ago, she would have said that they would have nothing to talk about, but she would now be eating her words.
She and Tabitha had long conversations about everything from philosophy to politics to books. Tabitha had a fascinating brain and JK just loved to pick it.
“Tell me again about your coming out.”
It was something they had discussed before, but JK understood why Tabitha kept coming back to the subject. “Well, most of my friends and family were accepting. One aunt and two friends, not so much. They didn’t so much object in principle as they didn’t take it seriously. They told me it was a phase and I would get over it, and that I just needed to find the right guy.”
“What changed their minds?”
“Time, I guess—that and a stern talking-to once or twice. People can accept a lot when it’s someone they love. I mean, you’ll always get irredeemable bigots, but they’re becoming fewer and fewer nowadays, I think.”
“I hope you’re right,” Tabitha murmured.
JK wondered if Tabitha would finally say what was on her mind. She waited patiently, giving her time to think. So far, when this moment had come in the past, Tabitha had always changed the subject, but not this time.
“JK… I’m a lesbian too, you know.” Her big green eyes were earnest as she said it.
JK had figured out as much herself, given the scene she had witnessed on her first day guarding Tabitha, and Tabitha’s persistent attempts to charm her but she didn’t want to interrupt, so she kept silent.
“I’ve known since I was twelve, but I’ve been too scared to come out because of who I am. Everyone expects me to marry a man and produce heirs, to continue the royal line, but I can’t do that. The thought of being with a man makes me sick. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to avoid being matched up with a suitable guy without coming out, but I’m not sure if I even want to come out.
“I know coming out isn’t easy for anyone, but for me… the whole world will be watching. Every bigot who wants a say will aim their vitriol at me. I’m not sure if I can handle that.”
JK reached over and took Tabitha’s hand. “I wish I could say something to make it better, but you’re probably right. It is harder for you than for everyone else. I can only encourage you to be yourself. You’re so bright and beautiful, Tab, just as you are. Others will see that, even if it does take them a bit of time to adjust. You’re strong, too, more than you think—strong enough to handle whatever the world throws at you.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
“Thanks, JK. You’re… I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” Tabitha leaned in close and JK didn’t stop her. Her heart was full of affection, and she didn’t want Tabitha to stop.
Tabitha was back in her skimpy PJs and as much as their conversation was intense, JK couldn’t stop her gaze straying to Tabitha’s breasts again.
“It’s been my pleasure.”
