Page 19 of Fixing Hearts

Eleven

L eaning against the cushions, Jo stretched her arm along the back of the couch as she swirled the last of the wine in her glass.

Near her, Evelyn, with her feet tucked beneath her, had her own glass cradled between her fingers.

The pizza box sat open on the coffee table, a few slices left forgotten in favor of the easier indulgence of good conversation and good wine.

“You know,” Jo said, tilting her head as she studied Evelyn.

“For someone who claims not to be a car person, you sure seemed to enjoy yourself at that show.”

Evelyn scoffed but smiled. “I don’t think so,” she said. “Maybe I was only being polite.”

“Oh, sure,” Jo said with a smile. “And that wasn’t you geeking out over the Mustang?”

“I did not geek out,” Evelyn replied with a laugh.

Letting out a low chuckle, Jo’s fingers absentmindedly twisted her wine glass. “You totally did,” she said. “You even asked me about the engine. Or don’t you remember?”

Sighing, Evelyn shook her head. “Okay, I remember,” she answered. “Part of it was a little geeking, but also I was trying to impress you.”

Jo leaned closer. “Well, it worked,” she whispered.

Evelyn’s cheeks flushed slightly, and moving back a little, Jo took a slow sip of wine.

She enjoyed the way Evelyn was starting to relax.

The earlier nerves she clearly felt when Jo arrived had faded, replaced by something softer.

More open , Jo thought. Like she enjoys having me in her private space.

“You know what’s funny?” Evelyn said, shifting slightly so she was more angled toward Jo. “I don’t think I’ve ever dated someone who works with their hands like you do.”

Intrigued, Jo raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What kind of people do you usually go for?”

Evelyn hesitated, and then her shoulders slumped. “You really want to know?” she asked, and Jo nodded.

“Absolutely.”

“Honestly, I never really date,” Evelyn answered. “And never a woman.”

Pausing, Jo took in what Evelyn said. “I see,” she said slowly. “And is there a reason why?”

Swirling the wine in her glass, as if to buy some time, Evelyn finally shrugged. “I think I always took the safe route,” she answered. “Predictable.”

Narrowing her eyes, Jo hummed. “And I’m not predictable?” she said, keeping a playful tone in her voice.

Meeting her gaze, Evelyn’s lips curved slightly. “Not even a little,” she replied. “I would never have expected to be here right now with you.”

Jo grinned. “Good. The last thing I ever want is to be predictable.”

“I walked right into that, didn’t I?” Evelyn said with a smile.

“Evelyn,” Jo said, her voice dropping slightly before she finished her wine and set it on the coffee table.

“You’ve been walking into new territory with me since the moment we met.

” Evelyn’s breath hitched, and Jo saw it.

The moment Evelyn let the chemistry between them grow into something stronger.

Something charged. Evelyn set her wine glass down on the coffee table as if she needed her hands free for whatever was about to happen next.

Jo watched as Evelyn’s gaze dropped to her mouth, then back to her eyes. “You keep looking at me like that,” Jo murmured. “And I’ll think you have something on your mind.”

Not answering right away, Evelyn reached out, her fingers trailing lightly over Jo’s forearm on the back of the couch, a slow, deliberate touch that sent heat curling low in Jo’s stomach. “Maybe I do,” Evelyn finally said, her voice softer but more certain.

Feeling heat roll through her, Jo knew her control was slipping a little. “Yeah?” she asked, her voice rougher than she intended.

Evelyn didn’t respond with words. Instead, she moved.

Slow and deliberate, she pulled her skirt higher, lifting herself onto her knees before swinging a leg over Jo’s lap, straddling her with a confidence that made Jo’s breath catch.

Her hands instinctively found Evelyn’s waist, steadying her, but she didn’t tighten her grip yet.

Not until she knew exactly where Evelyn wanted to take this.

The woman settled against her, her body hot, her hands sliding up Jo’s chest before resting lightly on her shoulders.

Her lips were parted slightly, and her eyes were half closed. “Still think I go for the predictable route?” Evelyn whispered.

Swallowing hard, Jo’s pulse pounded as she looked at Evelyn, her grip on her waist tightening just enough to keep her there. “Not anymore,” she murmured. “Definitely not anymore.”

Her heart hammering as she straddled Jo’s lap, Evelyn’s hands trembled slightly as they rested on Jo’s shoulders.

She felt the heat of Jo’s body through her clothes, the firmness of her muscles, and the way Jo’s hands gripped her waist with a sense of possession that sent shivers down her spine.

She was in uncharted territory, but she was determined to explore it.

Jo’s eyes were dark with desire, and it gave Evelyn confidence.

She leaned in, her lips brushing against Jo’s in a soft, teasing kiss that quickly deepened into something more urgent.

Jo’s mouth was hot and demanding, her tongue sliding against Evelyn’s in a way that made her entire body ache with need.

Evelyn’s hands slid down Jo’s chest, feeling the hard planes of muscle beneath her shirt.

She fumbled with the buttons, her fingers shaking with anticipation and nerves.

Jo chuckled softly against her lips, a low, husky sound that sent a jolt of electricity straight to Evelyn’s core.

“You don’t need to be nervous,” Jo murmured, her voice rough with desire.

She helped Evelyn with the buttons, her own hands steady and confident.

Evelyn held her breath as Jo’s shirt fell open, revealing nothing but hot skin and small, naked breasts.

Tentatively, Evelyn reached and let her fingers trace the line of Jo’s collarbone before sliding down to touch her breast. Jo’s nipple hardened against her fingers, and Evelyn gasped at the sensation.

She had never touched a woman like this, had never felt the softness of another woman’s skin, the firmness of her breasts.

It was intoxicating. Jo groaned, her head falling back against the couch as Evelyn’s fingers explored her.

She arched into Evelyn’s touch, her own hands gripping Evelyn’s hips tightly.

“God,” Jo whispered, her voice ragged. “That feels so good.”

Excited, Evelyn pressed the nipple harder. “I want to taste it,” she murmured. “Is that okay?” Jo nodded, and Evelyn slid down her lap until her lips found the tight nipple. She hesitated for a moment, unsure, but the way Jo’s body responded to her touch gave her the courage she needed.

She flicked her tongue against the hardness, drawing out a low moan from Jo.

“Oh yeah,” she growled. “Like that.” Evelyn felt wetness between her own thighs, the ache in her core that begged for release, and she sucked harder.

In response, Jo’s hands moved to Evelyn’s breasts, her fingers finding her hardened nipples through the blouse.

Evelyn gasped as Jo’s fingers pinched and teased, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.

There wasn’t a time she remembered ever being more turned on, and all with only a few touches. It was crazy, but she was on fire.

Pulling back, she looked into Jo’s hungry eyes and saw everything she felt reflected in them. “Jo,” she whispered, her voice barely more than a gasp. “Take me to the bed—”

But before she could finish her sentence, a sharp knock at the front door shattered the moment. Evelyn froze, her heart pounding in her ears as reality came crashing back in and Jo’s hands stilled on her body.

“Evelyn?” a distraught-sounding voice called from the other side of the door. “Are you in there? Please be home.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened as she recognized the voice. Sophie, one of her very best friends. She scrambled off Jo’s lap, her hands shaking as she tried to straighten her blouse. Jo sat up and quickly buttoned her shirt.

“I’m so sorry,” Evelyn whispered, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and frustration.

Jo offered her a small smile. “It’s okay,” she said, her voice still rough. “Go see to your friend. We can pick this up later.”

Evelyn nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself before walking to the door. She still felt the lingering heat of Jo’s touch, the ache of unfulfilled desire in her core. But for now, she had to put that aside. She had to be there for her friend.

Jo sat on the couch, still catching her breath, her body humming with need as Evelyn scrambled to straighten her skirt.

She groaned, resting her head back against the cushions, staring at the ceiling as she tried to collect herself.

An unexpected visitor was not how she hoped the night would end.

The sharp knock at the door had killed the moment like a cold bucket of water, and now Evelyn rushed to answer it while Jo sat there, painfully aware of how close they had been to something incredible.

Evelyn glanced over her shoulder, mouthing, “I’m so sorry. ”

Exhaling a slow breath, Jo shook her head, but she couldn’t help but feel a bit amused. She nodded and mouthed back, “You owe me.” Evelyn’s face flushed as she turned to the door, hesitating for a beat before pulling it open.

The second she did, a blur of motion pushed inside. “Oh my God, Evelyn!” Jo blinked as a woman she vaguely remembered practically collapsed into Evelyn’s arms, her shoulders shaking with sobs.

Evelyn stiffened for half a second before wrapping her arms around her, concern on her face. “Sophie? What happened?”

“He broke up with me,” Sophie wailed, gripping Evelyn tightly. “I’ve been texting you for the last hour. Why weren’t you answering?”

Letting out a slow breath, Jo ran a hand down her face.

Well, I can answer that one , she thought.

Evelyn shot Jo a guilty look over Sophie’s shoulder, and Jo saw the apology in her eyes.

And gratitude is there, too . Because I’m not making this harder than it already is .

Jo sighed, pushing off the couch. Time to go .

She stood, stretching her arms over her head, and caught Evelyn’s gaze as she did.

She made sure to smile sexy enough to remind Evelyn exactly what they had been doing before the interruption.

Evelyn blushed, but desire still lingered in her eyes.

Strolling toward the door, Jo stopped behind Evelyn.

She leaned in, dropping her voice to a low murmur, only for her.

“Guess we’ll have to finish this another time,” she whispered.

Evelyn inhaled sharply, but didn’t respond.

Satisfied, Jo straightened, plastering on a polite smile as she turned to Sophie, who stood sniffling.

“Hope you feel better,” Jo said smoothly. “She’s a good listener.”

Sophie blinked at Jo in confusion, then glanced between her and Evelyn, before realization dawned in her tear-streaked eyes. “Oh,” she sniffled. “Ohhh.”

“Sophie—” Evelyn started, but Jo was already stepping back.

“See you later,” Jo said with a smile and one last look at Evelyn that promised she wasn’t done with her yet.

Then she walked out the door and jogged down the stairs.

Stepping outside, the night air held a hint of rain coming.

I hope that holds off for fifteen minutes, she thought as she swung her leg over her motorcycle, tugging her helmet on with a huff.

She exhaled slowly, gripping the handlebars, trying to shake off the frustration still thrumming through her.

“Blocked by a best friend,” she muttered to herself. “Classic.”

The engine roared to life beneath her, and she took off, weaving through the quiet Portland streets.

Normally, a late-night ride would clear her head, but tonight, all it did was remind her of how close she had been to something she wasn’t quite sure what to do with.

Evelyn , Jo thought, clenching her jaw, and shaking her head.

What the hell is she doing to me? She had passionate nights like that before.

Moments of heat, of tension, of bodies pressed close.

But this? It wasn’t only about the physical.

It was something deeper. She should be annoyed.

In fact, she should be frustrated out of her mind, and she was a little.

But mostly . I just want to see Evelyn again . And that was the part that scared her.

By the time Jo pulled into her garage, she knew sleep wasn’t happening anytime soon.

She was far too restless, so she did the only thing that ever really helped and headed straight for the kitchen.

Pulling out flour, sugar, and chocolate chips, she let muscle memory take over, measuring ingredients with practiced ease.

There was something calming about the process.

The way the dough came together, the light scent of vanilla, the sound of the mixer.

It’s ridiculous, really , she thought as her mind returned to Evelyn.

She’s barely been in my life for a week, and yet here I am baking at midnight because I don’t know what else to do with the way I feel .

Scoffing at herself, she shook her head.

“I think I’m in trouble,” she muttered. “Big trouble.”

By the time the cookies were out of the oven, golden and perfect, Jo had almost convinced herself to simply go to bed.

Give herself a rest from Evelyn, but then she grabbed her phone, snapped a picture of the cookies, and sent it to Evelyn with a message.

“Couldn’t sleep. This is your fault. Hope your friend is okay. ”

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed with a text from Evelyn. “I feel terrible. You were very patient. I owe you.”

Jo grinned and typed back. “Oh, I know. And I plan on collecting.” A pause. Then, Evelyn sent back a single emoji. An orange flame. Jo chuckled, shaking her head as she took a bite of a still-warm cookie. “Yeah,” she murmured to herself, licking chocolate off her thumb. “Definitely in trouble.”