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“I love you, too,” Cory replied.

Vi gently touched her lips to Cory’s and her entire body relaxed. She was home. In Cory’s arms was her new favorite place. She pulled away and smiled into those blue eyes. “This was supposed to be a romantic evening and when we got back to my place I was going to tell you I’ve fallen in love with you.”

“It is a romantic evening and you can tell me you love me all night and every day from now on,” Cory said. “Just so you know, I had the same idea. I couldn’t wait to tell you that I love you.”

Vi shook her head and laughed. “We are romantic bulldozers that blurt out I love yous.”

Cory laughed as well. “But we get each other, Vi. We’re not afraid to admit our feelings.”

“Once we got on the same team,” Vi added.

“It would’ve happened either way. I know that now,” Cory said.

Vi nodded. “You’re right.” She smiled. “I’m glad our hearts figured this out.”

“Me too.”

Vi pressed her lips to Cory’s again and this time the kiss sizzled to match their outfits.

“Mmm,” Vi moaned when she pulled away. She reached up and rubbed a smudge of lipstick from just below Cory’s bottom lip. “You are a gorgeous woman, but we’d better get going.”

* * *

Cory slid her hand into Vi’s and interlaced their fingers as they walked up to the gallery. Vi glanced over at her and grinned.

The gallery door swung open and they walked inside. There were several people strolling around the room, but it wasn’t too crowded.

“There’s Gia,” Vi said, holding up her hand and waving discreetly.

“Vi,” Gia Gallaher said, walking towards them. “It’s so good to see you. And…Cory! I had no idea you two were dating.”

Cory and Vi exchanged a look but before they could respond, Gia’s wife, Ella, joined them.

“Cory!” Ella exclaimed with a big smile on her face.

Cory chuckled. “I’m getting the feeling you’re surprised to see me at such a nice place.”

“Not at all,” Gia said. “You are always welcome and besides, you’ve been here before.”

Cory smiled and nodded. “But not with such a beautiful woman.”

The look Vi gave Cory made her heart beat faster.

“You both look amazing,” Gia said. “I wish I could still fit in such beautiful outfits,” she added, rubbing her pregnant belly.

“Thank you,” Vi said. “You are glowing.”

“I’m so glad you could come. Let’s get you both a drink,” Gia said, leading them to the bar.

“How are you feeling?” Vi asked.

“I get tired, but Ella makes sure to pick up the slack when I need to rest,” Gia said.

“Lucia will be here before we know it,” Ella said, patting Gia’s belly.

“What a beautiful name,” Cory said.

“She’s named after Gia’s grandmother. What a role model for us all. You’ll have to meet her the next time she comes to visit,” Ella said.