Page 16 of Rookie Days

“Oh, yeah, for sure. My dream job on a platter.”

“Then…? I don’t understand why you’d say no.”

“Don’t you?” Lia went around the table to sit on her lap. It was hard being so close and not touching. Quinn immediately wrapped her arms around her waist, perhaps a little tighter than she normally would. “It was a dream I used to have. In another time that feels like a different life now.”

“Yes, but I know how much it meant to you, Lia.”

“Once upon a time, it was everything.” Lia chuckled, then kissed her softly on the lips. “Past tense. Now my life, here with you, means a lot more.”

“You could commute.”

“Not really. To be successful in this career, you have to live and breathe every second. I’ve done it before; I know it leaves no room for anything else. Or anyone. Quinn...” Lia framed her face in her hands, noting the reluctant expression in those liquid blue eyes, and wanting it gone. “I love you, babe. And I’ll say it again, I love my life here too.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Totally.”

“Because my job is full-on too, and yet we make it work. I wouldn’t want you to regret this, Lia.”

“Thanks. I adore you even more for insisting, but I’m sure of it. This is the best decision for us, and for me as well.”

“Okay.” A slow smile crept back over Quinn’s lips. “Then can I tell you the truth of how I feel?”

“Sure you can. Though I can guess.”

“I don’t want you to take the goddamn job.”

Lia chuckled and brushed the back of her knuckles over her cheek.

“That’s nice to hear it confirmed. Tell me why.”

“I think you already know that as well.”

“Yes, but I always enjoy a reminder.”

“Alright. I want you to stay put because I love waking up next to you in the morning. Making love to you in the shower. Seeing you smile, and your grumpy face before you’ve had your first cup of coffee. And receiving all the hugs.” Quinn smirked, blushing just a tiny bit again. “It’s selfish, I know. But there you go, and that’s the truth.”

“I’ll forgive you.”

“Thank you.”

“But I don’t have a grumpy face.”

“Oh yes, you do. It’s very cute. I love your grumpy side.”

“Shut up, Lieutenant.” Lia caught her smile in another hot kiss, enjoying the way that Quinn instantly melted into it and in her arms. “Mmm… I love it that you’re so needy.”

“What? Needy, I am not!”

“Yes, you are and you know it. Grumpy and needy, that’s us. I like it.”

“You’re delirious. But I like it too. Let’s get naked.”

“Okay!”

Lia stood up, took her wife by the hand, and led the way to the bedroom.

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