Page 95 of September

Gwen smiled at her and moved out of the way when Carly ran out of the apartment and jumped on Juliet’s legs.

“We’re both very happy to see you,” Gwen said as she reached for Juliet’s roller bag and pulled it inside, closing the door behind them once Juliet and Carly were in the apartment. “Hi, baby,” she added and leaned in to kiss Juliet sweetly. “It’s late. You ready for bed?”

“Yes. You have no idea.”

“Did you eat?” Gwen asked.

“Sort of,” she replied.

“So, no,” Gwen stated with a smile. “Want me to make you a grilled cheese or something while you take a shower?”

“Oh, my God. Yes! How did you know that’s exactly what I needed?”

“Good guess?” Gwen said, wrapping her arms around Juliet’s waist. “Take your stuff to the bedroom and take your shower. I’ll start cooking, and it’ll be done by the time you’re out.”

Juliet pulled her in for a hug and asked, “Carly?”

“I just took her out. She should be good for the night.”

“You’re the best,” Juliet replied.

She pulled her bag into the bedroom, started the water, and then pulled her toiletries and something to sleep in out of her suitcase. She noticed Gwen’s laptop open on the bed with what looked like a logo on the screen, indicating that her girlfriend was planning that business of hers after all. Smiling, Juliet went into the bathroom and took a shower, letting the hot water runover her skin for a few minutes before she cleaned up and got out.

“Uh…” Gwen looked up at her when Juliet entered the kitchen.

“I haven’t put my clothes on yet,” she said. “It smelled good out here.”

She had walked into the kitchen wearing only a towel around her body.

“Babe, you need to put clothes on, or I’m going to tear that towel off of you and–”

“I am so tired,” she interrupted. “Not that I don’t want to, because I do, but can I have a rain check?”

“Of course. Can’t help it, though. You’re hot.” Gwen winked at her. “Go. Get dressed. I’ll bring this into the bedroom. You can eat in bed and tell me about your day.”

Juliet smiled at her and went to the bedroom, where she removed the towel and changed before Carly jumped onto the bed and excitedly bounced around.

“Carly, chill,” she said as she laughed. “Bedtime, baby.”

“I thoughtIwas your baby,” Gwen said as she walked in carrying a plate and a glass of water in her other hand.

“You are,” she replied and took the plate.

“Kiss me before you taste like cheese,” Gwen told her.

Juliet kissed her, and Gwen moved over to the other side of the bed and closed her computer.

“You were working, and I interrupted.”

“Nah, I was just looking at the old logo, which I think is pretty bad, so I’ve done nothing with it.”

“I looked at it. It’s cute,” Juliet noted before she took a bite of her grilled cheese.

“Cute isn’t exactly professional.”

Gwen lay down, and Carly moved between them, staring at Juliet, or rather, her food.

“Off the bed,” Juliet told her.