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“Not at all,” Tori mumbled into Miranda’s collar bone. “But you didn’t need life-coach Tori anymore. You needed your girlfriend.”

Miranda’s arms tightened around Tori, and she breathed into the embrace.

“So what do I do?”

“I think you should talk to them, all of them.”

“They don’t listen when we are all together. The minute anything gets too close to home, they change topics and use Rebel as the excuse. Is she hungry? What is she playing with? Does she need a nap?”

Tori sighed and kissed Miranda’s neck before pulling back slightly. “Then perhaps you need to see them without Rebel.”

“I don’t have a lot of time without Rebel. Tierney hasn’t been up to having her home, and Mom and Dad don’t seem to be pushing for that either.”

“You’re no longer an island, Miranda Hart. Did you tell me that?” Tori brushed Miranda’s hair over her shoulder, looking directly into her eyes. She saw the moment it clicked for Miranda. Her lips parted, her gaze casting down to Tori’s mouth before flicking back up.

“Would you mind looking after her for me?”

“Of course not. But make sure you let your parents and Tierney know that Rebel won’t be with you, and where she’ll be before you go over there.” Tori tangled her fingers in the ends of Miranda’s hair, tugging lightly.

Miranda groaned in pleasure, her cheeks flushing with arousal. “Why?”

“Because communication is key, and I hate to tell you, but you will probably have to be the one to start that.”

Miranda nodded and stepped back, pulled her jacket down a little, straightening out the evidence of her mid-day meeting.

“Thank you,” Tori said before Miranda turned to head back out of the kitchen.

“Aren’t I the one who is supposed to thank you?” Miranda’s brow crinkled in that cute way.

Tori shrugged but, as an afterthought, shook her head in the negative. “No. Thank you for trusting in what I do. For believing that what I offer this world is worthwhile.”

Miranda smiled and nodded.

Tori understood how many words Miranda had already used today, how many emotions were wrapped up in every single one of them, and understood her need for silence.

“Can I drop Rebel off after daycare?” Miranda asked, wringing her hands together.

“Or you can call Aili and give me permission to pick her up. Whatever is easier for you. Just let me know.”

Miranda leaned down and kissed Tori on the lips. It started as a gentle caress. Miranda leaned in, her hands wrapping around the back of Tori’s head to cradle her. Humming, Tori fluttered her eyelids closed. She spread her legs and pulled Miranda by the hips to right between them. This was the comfort they had both needed minutes ago, the connection that would restore everything between them and deepen their love for each other.

Nipping Miranda’s lip, Tori grinned as she dug her fingers tightly into Miranda’s long locks and tugged sharply. If only they both didn’t have to work today, she would drag Miranda to her bed right now and have her dirty way with her. Tori skimmed her hand under Miranda’s blazer and against her blouse, then up higher, cupping her breast. She rolled Miranda’s nipple under her thumb.

Miranda pulled back with a gasp. “You devious woman.”

“Always.” Tori grinned at her.

“I’ll bring up the car seat.”

Laughing, Tori moved her hands away. She knew Miranda wasn’t going to push this. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Tori watched Miranda walk back to her car after bringing the seat in. She leaned on the door frame and waited until the vehicle was no longer visible before pushing herself off and closing the door.

She hoped they could work it out. There were so many years of hurt and pain, but maybe now was the perfect time for all of them to begin the healing process. Maybe all they really needed was a rebel.

thirty-six