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‘Not bad. They’re letting me know. Felt good, though.’

Ari leaned in and kissed Nancy’s neck. The groan was even bigger. ‘You nailed it,’ Ari whispered into her ear.

‘You weren’t there,’ Nancy pointed out.

‘I know what I know,’ Ari said.

‘I guess I can’t argue with that,’ Nancy purred as Ari moved to her ear.

Later, in bed, the conversation resumed.

‘God, I hope we get that contract. It would really ease things. Might even be able to take a proper day off soon,’ Nancy said, snuggled into Ari.

Ari smirked. ‘You? Take a day off? I’ll believe it when I see it.’

Nancy rolled her eyes. ‘If I could be here every minute of the day, believe me, Iwouldbe.’

Ari pulled her closer, and they snuggled in the late, dimming afternoon.

‘What do you fancy for dinner?’ Nancy asked sleepily.

‘I’ll cook,’ Ari offered, squeezing Nancy’s hand. ‘You’ve done enough today.’

Nancy raised an eyebrow. ‘You? Cooking?’

‘Shocking, I know. But I do have some talents beyond answering phones and charming clients.’

‘Charming, eh?’ Nancy murmured, tilting her head playfully.

Ari grinned. ‘You tell me.’

Nancy laughed. ‘Don’t think I need to. Alright, you cook. But if it’s a disaster, I’m ordering pizza.’

‘Deal.’

Ari slid out of bed and grabbed a robe, heading out to the small kitchenette. After a moment, she realised Nancy was standing in the doorway, watching her faffing about with pots and pans.

‘Hey, mad question… Was that your mum I saw leaving earlier, or was it a hysterical fantasy?’

Ari paused, glancing over her shoulder. ‘Your eyes did not lie.’

‘And?’

‘And nothing. She just wanted to ream me once last time. I let her for old times’ sake and then kicked her out.’

‘Did she mention the necklace?’

‘Of course she did. Not that she was grateful. Not that I expected her to be.’ Ari shook her head. ‘Doesn’t matter. It’s with the person it should be. And so am I.’

Nancy smiled at that, but her smile dropped a bit. ‘You alright?’

Ari considered it. Then she smiled. ‘Yeah. I think I am.’

Nancy crossed the room, pulling her into a loose embrace and pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. ‘Good. Now whip me up a feast.’

Ari rolled her eyes but leaned into the hug. ‘Bossy. You’re lucky I love you.’

‘I know that much,’ Nancy murmured. ‘Even if you can’t boil an egg.’

‘Icanboil an egg,’ Ari said defensively.

‘Technically. If eggs were meant to be boiled for twenty minutes.’

‘Details,’ Ari dismissed with a dry smile, holding on to the love of her life just that little bit tighter.

It felt good to know, that for the first time in Ari’s life, she was exactly where she was meant to be. And she was right on time.