Page 70 of Balancing Act

“Is that nervousness I’m sensing, Ms. Lyons?” Beth teased as they walked to Jamie’s van.

“Possibly,” Jamie said, with a small, self-deprecating laugh. “I’ve never really done this before. You know, taken someone on a real date. It’s always been for, uh, one reason. But this is different.”

Beth’s chest warmed at the honesty, and she squeezed Jamie’s hand. “It’s okay,” she reassured her. “I’m a little nervous, too.”

Jamie let out a breath, nodding as her fingers intertwined with Beth’s. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Jamie grinned back, a little more at ease as they held hands and started moving toward the van. Something in Beth’s mind told her there was one more thing she wanted to do before their date officially got underway.

On instinct, she tugged Jamie back toward her, so their bodies were only inches apart. Jamie blinked, brown eyes widening with realization as Beth leaned in. The world seemed to quiet—the rustling pines and chill in the air fading. But all Beth saw was Jamie, adorably flustered.

Her eyes traced the contours of Jamie’s cheekbones before landing on her lips. She had dreamed about this moment—about kissing her again. She had almost forgotten what Jamie tasted like. How soon was too soon, considering Jamie had already left her breathless months ago?

“You’re thinking too hard,” Jamie teased, and Beth was instantly pulled back to their first kiss in her messy office where Jamie had said those exact words to her.

“Not today,” she replied, and without second-guessing herself, Beth leaned in, catching Jamie’s lips with her own, reveling in the feeling of Jamie’s delighted inhale before she let out a small, satisfied moan.

The kiss was soft at first—like releasing the first bit of steam from a simmering pot. Jamie’s hands found Beth’s waist as she returned the kiss gently.

Beth pulled back, concerned she had jumped the gun, but Jamie’s wide-eyed, dazed smile said it all.

“Wow.” Jamie blinked.

“Too soon?” Beth bit her lip.

Jamie shook her head. “No. It was perfect.”

“Good,” she said, her thumb brushing lightly over Jamie’s knuckles. “Because I’ve wanted to do that every day for months.”

With a playful tug, Jamie walked Beth the remaining way to her van.

“So, will you tell me what we’re doing today? I’ve been dying to know.”

“You’ll see,” Jamie teased, a glint of playfulness returning to her eyes. “Let’s say we’re both going to get a little hot today, and hopefully make something cool.”

After a short drive, they pulled up to what appeared to be an art studio in a quiet corner of town. Beth’s curiosity deepened. The windows glowed warmly in the low light of the day, and a small wooden sign out front read “Kiss My Glass.”

“Glassblowing? Really?” Her heart flipped as Jamie grinned, exposing those dimples she loved so much.

“I arranged for us to take a private lesson. Figured it’d be better not to have an audience.”

Stepping into the building, they were greeted by Marcie, the local artist and owner of the studio. The space smelled faintly of smoke and heat, and the warmth from the furnaces felt cozy as they walked deeper into the studio. Beth felt a sense of awe as she looked around at the shelves lined with vibrant, delicate glass pieces—each a testament to the craft and skill behind the art.

Marcie showed them to a set of hooks where they could put their coats, and advised them that things were about to get hot.

“I guess I won’t be needing this,” Jamie said, sliding off the oversized wool shacket she had been wearing before hanging it on one of the hooks on the wall.

Beth watched, pulse quickening as she took in the way Jamie’s ribbed white tank top hugged her broad shoulders—effortlessly captivating. She took a deep breath, tucking her hair behind her ear. Things were about to get hot indeed.

Marcie showed them around the equipment and explained the basics of glassblowing. Beth listened intently but couldn’t help but register that Jamie’s energy had shifted the moment they entered the studio. She was quiet, clearly out of her element, and Beth could tell she was trying to stay focused on the instructions being provided.

As the lesson continued, Jamie kept sneaking glances at her, their hands brushing as they reached for the same tools.

“You’re a natural,” Jamie teased, as Beth carefully shaped her glass.

“I’m just following the instructions,” Beth teased back, though she couldn’t ignore how Jamie’s compliment sent a rush of warmth through her. She caught Jamie’s eye, their gazes locking in the heat of the studio.