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“Why?”

Andi lifted her brow.

“What? Oh! Oh! Andi, what about the kids?”

“Becky went to visit Marge,” Andi said.

“We don’t know when Dave will be back.”

“All the more reason to follow menow,” Andi said, walking toward the stairs. “Are you coming?” she called back. Billie’s grin made her laugh.And here I thought I’d finished raising teenage boys.“Clock is ticking, Ms. Steele.”

Billie always loved how Andi’s pulse leaped beneath her thumb or tongue—the heartbeat of someone who didn’t expect to be loved this way, wholly and without expectations. A cool breeze slipped through the open windows, making Andi shiver. Billie’s fingers fumbled more than usual when she reached for the buttons on Andi’s blouse.

“Hang on, hang on,” Billie muttered. She dipped her head and squinted at the third buttonhole.

Andi laughed. “Having a problem?”

“I swear, whoever makes these things is part of a conspiracy. These damn things always…”

Andi covered Billie’s hands and took charge of the task. “Weren’t you a nurse?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Didn’t you ever help someone get undressed?” Andi asked. She deftly slipped each button free.

“Only once. Mrs. Munson. I think she was 101.”

Andi chuckled. “Lucky, Mrs. Munson. Let’s not go to the retirement home just yet,” Andi said as the last button gave way. She guided Billie’s hands to her now-open blouse, encouraging Billie to explore the warmth of her skin.

Billie inhaled sharply. “You’re beautiful,” she said as she pushed the fabric from Andi’s shoulders.

“You’re biased,” Andi countered. Her eyes softened in a way that made Billie’s chest ache.

“Just honest.” Billie leaned in, letting her lips find the hollow of Andi’s throat. She trailed kisses along Andi’s collarbone and sighed when Andi pulled her closer.

The breeze raised goosebumps across Andi’s exposed skin, and Billie traced them with her fingertips.

“Cold?” Billie murmured against Andi’s skin.

“Not anymore,” Andi breathed. She arched into Billie as Billie’s hands moved lower across the curve of her ribs. “Though we could get under the covers.”

“So thoughtful,” Billie teased. “I don’t want you to be cold.”

Andi laughed. “Mm. I seem to recall you telling everyone how hot I was in bed.”

“Well, it’s true!” Billie defended herself.

“I’ll bet Mrs. Munson would understand my hot flashes.” Andi’s fingers worked at Billie’s shirt, tugging it free from her waistband.

“Oh God. Please. No talk about Mrs. Munson. Or missus anyone.” Billie buried her face against Andi’s neck.

Andi’s laughter vibrated against Billie’s lips. “I thought you liked me naked in bed.”

“I like you naked anywhere.”

“Really? Anywhere?” Andi asked, undoing Billie’s fly, her hand slipping inside Billie’s jeans.

Billie’s lips claimed Andi’s.