Page 49

“I’ll let you know what time and I’ll pick you up.”

After Elena left, Cat rinsed out their glasses and put them in the dishwasher. She went back to her bathroom and felt the still damp shirt then took it to the laundry room. There wouldn’t be a stain and Cat laid it on top of the washer to continue to dry. Elena hadn’t hesitated to unbutton her shirt and Cat hadn’t felt awkward standing next to her in just her bra.

It was kind of a thrill if she was being honest with herself. She’d purchased the lingerie for herself and never showed it to anyone else. The expression on Elena’s face was curious but there was also something else.

“Elena is your friend,” Cat said, walking back into her bedroom.

But why did the idea of Elena touching her in the bra waft through her head?

“Too many sapphic romances,” she muttered.

She got ready for bed and wondered what kind of dream she’d have tonight. It didn’t matter because they’d both said they weren’t ready for anything like romance. They had each other; that was enough for now.

13

“Iwent by to say hi to Cory, but she wasn’t there,” Elena said, joining Cat at the register of the bookstore.

“She has a big plan today,” Cat said.

“Oh?”

“She has come up with something for Vi to sell liquor in another area. That way they won’t be competing for the same accounts.”

“And they can be friends,” Elena said, nodding.

Cat chuckled. “They are already friends, but this way they can be more.”

“Hmm, is love in the air?”

Cat raised her brows and grinned.

Elena looked around and could see no one was near them. She leaned in closer. “What color are you wearing today?”

Cat giggled. “You have asked me that every day since I told you about my…drawer.”

It was Elena’s turn to giggle. “Drawer?”

“Well, yeah.”

Elena’s giggle turned into laughter. “I’ve been in your drawers.”

“Oh my God! Have you turned into a teenage boy?”

Elena shook her head and controlled her laughter. “Nicolas has been by for a visit. He can be so funny and sophomoric at times.”

Cat chuckled. “That’s why we love him.”

“We do.” Elena eyed Cat and wasn’t letting her off the hook. “So, what color?”

Cat smirked. “Let’s go to our favorite little hideout.”

“The reading nook isn’t exactly a hideout,” Elena said, following Cat through the bookstore. “The Bottom Shelf is more of a hideout.”

“Someone is in there,” Cat said, standing behind a set of bookshelves. She took a quick look around and saw Jessica with a customer. There wasn’t anyone else in the store. “Psst,” she whispered quietly.

Elena walked over and Cat unbuttoned the top two buttons on her shirt. She held it open discreetly so Elena could get a peek.

“Ohhh,” Elena softly said. “It’s the red one! I love that one.” Elena suddenly imagined them in the toy room surrounded by all those vibrators as she looked down Cat’s shirt. Warmth spread through her body and when she looked up into Cat’s eyes she saw amusement.