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Vi laughed as Cory poured the drink into Vi’s glass and once again it looked like a sunset.

“It’s just as beautiful as the first one.”

“It’s your turn to toast,” Cory said.

Vi held up her glass and gave Cory a smirk. “To your birthday wish coming true.”

Cory’s face brightened. “I’ll drink to that!”

Vi chuckled and clinked her glass to Cory’s. She didn’t think Cory could be any cuter, but that look, with bright eyes and a big smile, did something to Vi’s heart. She took a sip of her drink and her eyes widened. “Is that grapefruit?”

Cory nodded. “Very good. Yes, it is.”

“Mmm, I love it. You’re right, it gives it a kick.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Cory came around and sat on the stool next to Vi. She spun around to face Vi and said, ‘Now, what do my friggin’ blue eyes have to do with all this?”

Vi faced Cory and sighed. “It’s hard not to like you, Cory. And in my head, I needed to keep you as a rival, an adversary, so I can do my job.”

Cory nodded. “Look, Violet. We both want the same thing. You want to add accounts so you get your promotion and I want to expand my wholesale business at my new store. That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.”

“Doesn’t it? We both have to use tactics to outdo the other.” Vi felt Cory's legs brush against hers and her heart skipped a beat.

“We did that in the volleyball game today and look where we are.”

Vi tilted her head. “That was much different than this. This is my career and your new store. I know you want to start strong so it can be successful.”

“Hey, Cory,” Taylor said, walking up to them. “It’s closing time. I’ll lock the front door as I leave.”

“Thanks, Taylor. Have a nice night.”

“You, too. It was nice to meet you, Vi.”

Vi smiled as Taylor walked away. Once the door locked, she turned to Cory. “You were right. It’s hard to undercut your friends.”

Cory smiled. “It’s okay. You do what you have to do. We’ll be okay.”

“We will?” Vi couldn't understand how Cory could even like her.

“Oh, Violet,” Cory said softly.

“Fuck!” Vi said, exasperated. “Now you have me swearing. Don’t call me Violet.”

“Why?” Cory furrowed her brow. “It's a beautiful name, just like you.”

“Because…” Vi sighed. “It’s the way you say it.”

Cory smiled and moved closer. “Violet,” she said again softly.

Violet could feel her heart soften along with everything else in her body, except for one certain area that began to ache. “I never had a chance,” Vi said.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re too nice, too pretty, too adorable. How am I supposed to resist you?” Vi grabbed Cory and kissed her with all the pent up frustration she’d been holding back. Once she realized their lips were pressed together and she held Cory’s face in her hands, she was fearful Cory didn’t feel the same way. Then she felt the softest moan vibrate through Cory’s lips and she felt Cory’s arms pull her closer.

Vi softened her lips against Cory’s and let the kiss bloom. Her heart was pounding and she could feel it in her chest and hear it in her ears. Cory’s lips were so soft and luscious. Vi had stopped herself from imagining this several times, but here they were and Vi wanted more.

Cory must have known this because she parted her lips and ran her tongue over Vi’s bottom lip. It was a good thing they were holding on to each other because Vi almost slipped off her stool. When their tongues touched, Vi moaned and wrapped her arms around Cory. Their tongues battled then settled into a sensual dance that had Vi feeling warmth spread through her body.