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She set Sadie down so the gorgeous redhead could unlock her door. She was wearing the green-striped scoop-neck shirt and electric blue pants she’d had on earlier. The top emphasized her phenomenal chest, while the pants did wonders for her ass.

Joan pushed Sadie’s hair to the side and nuzzled her neck. “You’re so beautiful,” she murmured, sliding her hands across Sadie’s stomach.

“Joanie Maloney,” Sadie breathed, leaning into the embrace. “How do you expect me to get this door open?”

She chuckled and kissed the pulse point throbbing on Sadie’s neck. Then she snagged the key and fit it into the lock.

They waddled inside together. Sadie flicked the bright kitchen lights on. She turned and wrapped her arms around Joan’s neck. “How about we close that door?”

Joan kicked the door closed, tossed Sadie’s keys, and then kissed her.

“My goodness,” Sadie teased with a big grin. “What is this thing you have to tell me?”

“First of all, hi.” They shared a kiss. “It’s nice to see you.”

Sadie nipped her bottom lip. “Nice to see you, too.”

She pulled Joan farther into the living space. Joan kissed her and slid her hands up and down Sadie’s back. Sadie dug her fingers into Joan’s loose hair. Her thigh popped against Joan and pressed against the low areaveryinterested in having Sadie’s thigh there.

A groan rumbled in Joan’s throat, and she had to pull back. “Let me get this out before I can’t form words.”

Sadie smoothed her hands down Joan’s sides. “Talk fast. I’ve been thinking about this all day.”

Heat surged through her bloodstream. “That’s not helping,” Joan moaned.

Sadie laughed and took a tiny step back, keeping her hands on Joan’s hips. “What is it?”

Joan held her by the hips as well. After another kiss, she said, “I want to help you open Sadie’s Café.”

Sadie’s thin eyebrows scrunched in slight confusion. “You what?”

“I want to give you the money to start it up. Not a loan. I have plenty of savings.”

“I can’t take your money.”

“You could consider it a loan if you really want to.” Joan grinned and added, “One you never have to pay back.”

Sadie took a full step back, letting go of Joan. “That is so thoughtful, but I can’t accept that kind of money from you.”

“Then consider me an investor. I want to invest in it.”

Her smile grew less disbelieving, more enthusiastic. “Are you serious?”

“Completely serious.” Joan grasped her hands and kissed them. “Let me help you achieve your dream. I’ll help with the insurance costs, too. Whatever you need.”

“I mean…” Sadie blinked several times. “We could talk about you investing or loaning mesomestart-up funds.”

“Sure. Whatever you feel comfortable with. Just know that I have the money and want to do this for you.”

“Joan, I…” She started to speak several times, then paused. Then laughed. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes,” Joan said, rubbing her thumbs over Sadie’s knuckles.

“Okay. Yes.”

They laughed and hugged tightly. “But wait,” Joan said, breaking the embrace. “There’s more.”

“What more?”