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“Are you now?”

“Yeah.”

Grace secretly enjoyed Olivia's taking the initiative and the way Olivia cradled her jaw as she leaned in. The kiss was warm and surprisingly intimate—easy and comfortable. When Olivia pulled back, too soon for her own taste, Grace grabbed hold of her by the collar of her sweater. She kept her close and took her mouth for a longer and deeper kiss.

“Right back atcha,” she murmured.

“Yeah.” Olivia chuckled. “Hi.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. Had to deal with urgent business stuff, family drama… I haven’t had a minute to breathe since we got back from Ottawa.”

“That’s okay, I understand.” Yet Olivia held her gaze, and obviously waited her out.

Grace did not hold back.

“You have to know… I don’t do relationships.”

“Like you warned me you don’t bottom very well.” Olivia’s smile widened. “Gotcha.”

“Are you laughing at me?”

“No.” These gorgeous eyes grew earnest. “Just using humor to protect myself against how devastated I’m going to feel if you tell me the other night was a mistake. And that we’re done, you and me.”

She was right. It was exactly what Grace had been planningto tell her. But now…

“Are you always so open and honest?” she asked.

“Yes.” Olivia shrugged. “What would be the point of faking it through life?”

“You should talk to my brother.”

“Oh? Well—”

“Look.” Grace raised a hand to stop her from getting sidetracked. “I’ll be honest with you as well. I don’t think the other night was a mistake. Number one.”

“Okay.” Olivia held her breath.

“Two, I like you.” Heart starting to race a bit at the blatant admission.

“Oh, gosh!” Olivia exhaled sharply in relief. “I like you too, Grace. A hell of a lot!” She grinned. “I wouldn’t have slept with you otherwise.”

“Yeah. And I can’t make any promises. I won’t.”

Olivia nodded. Several seconds of silence followed, during which she just stared, before asking. “Is that all?”

“That’s all, yes.”

Olivia had said it herself: no point in faking it. Or forcing things, Grace might add. It was all she could realistically give at the moment. Her anxiety simmered just admitting to the fact that she did like her.A hell of a lot.The other night, far from being a mistake, had been some kind of a miracle for her. No need for play, no dominant games... No ‘Call me Mistress’ and ‘On your knees’. Grace had only yearned for genuine connection. She had wanted to make love to the woman. Jesus…Make love! And it was amazing. Since then, she had spent time rationalizing, minimizing, and putting everything into perspective. Getting cold, and ready to let go, according to her standard MO. Now she just sat as hammers pounded on her skull and waited forOlivia’s reaction to her stern assessment. Would the woman understand? What would she say? As it turned out, not a lot. But her reaction spoke volumes. Olivia leaned close for another soft brush of the lips. She smiled. Nodded toward the house.

“Charlie’s going to wonder what we’re doing. Ready to go in and get warm?”

“Yes.”

“You should take something for that headache.”

“How do you know I—” Grace started before catching the look in Olivia’s eyes. A mix of warmth, compassion, and pure affection, all rolled into one. Something else, too? She noticed it for sure, but could not go there. “Guess it must be obvious,” she muttered instead.

“No, you hide it very well.” Another smile, a patient look. “But I can see.”