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Chapter Thirty-Six

FALLON

The bookstore wasn’t busy at all by the time I made it in a few days later, so Penelope stopped by to hang out and talk about our weekend plans.

We had been trying to find a time when we were all free to get together, and this weekend was turning out to be the perfect opportunity.

“Okay, ladies, where are we going this weekend?” Penelope asked. “I really need a night out. Greg has been keeping me so busy. I need a break!” We all laughed.

She’d finally forgiven Gregory for missing their anniversary, and he’d been making up for it ever since.

“Well, you know I love Queer Quarters . Rylee makes the best drinks.” I smiled, thinking it had been far too long since we had all been out together.

Drea nodded. “I definitely agree. Pen, what do you think?”

“Sounds good to me!” she said, propping her feet on a coffee table, before Drea gave her a look that had her swiftly removing her outstretched legs.

Drea looked over at me and sat up. “Oh, why don’t you invite Mackenzie, love? I know she likes it there, too, and we haven’t all been out together.”

I turned to her, furrowing my brows in confusion and shock. “Wait, you want me to invite Kenzie?” I asked nervously. I felt like it was some sort of trap.

“Yes, love.” She sighed. “I’ve had time to process everything after she came in to talk to me, and you seem fond of her. If she’s good enough for you, then she’s good enough for me. But if she hurts you again, you’ll be filing a missing persons report.” Her expression softened, and she smiled. “In all seriousness, though, invite her, love.”

“If you’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. She’s come in a few times, and we are okay.”

I smiled and told her I’d ask her tonight. But if I was being honest, I didn’t think she would want to go. She told me what happened when she went to talk to Drea, and if the roles were reversed, I would’ve been a little terrified, too.

Several hours later, I knocked on Mackenzie’s door and she opened it with a sexy smile and a sports bra. “If you let the neighbor’s see you looking like that, we’re going to have a big problem!” I said.

“Then you better get in here and do something about it.” She winked.

I rolled my eyes but walked in anyway, losing my breath when she spun me around and pulled me close to her. “Jesus, Wildcat, you can’t even make it down the hall?”

She played with a loose hair and tucked it behind my ear. “Have you no shame?” I teased.

“Not when it comes to you.” She leaned in and kissed the air from my lungs. “The weather is nice tonight. What do you say to wine on the patio?”

I smiled, leaning into her touch. That sounded heavenly. “You spoil me. That sounds perfect.”

We stepped out onto the patio, and as soon as Mackenzie sat down in a chair, I claimed my usual spot in her lap. If I didn’t, she’d just move me there anyway.

“So,” I said, wrapping my arms around her. “I’m going out with the girls this weekend, and I want you to come.”

She paused her gentle massage of my sides and nuzzled into my chest. “I don’t know, Sunshine. A whole night with Drea? That sounds a little risky, don’t you think?”

I laughed. “You’ll survive, Wildcat… probably.” She didn’t find it funny at all, which only made me laugh harder. “It was her idea to invite you. Obviously, I want you there and would’ve asked, but I thought it might be awkward. She said you two were okay, though.”

She sighed. “I mean, I guess so. If you want me there, I’ll be there. I would risk my life for you.” She smiled, grabbing my face and kissing me, leaving me a mess. It was amazing how she could make me forget everything with just one kiss.

“Maybe we should take this insi… okay,” I breathlessly protested when she slid her hand between my legs.

“I think you’re right, sweetheart. Any longer and the neighbors might file a noise complaint,” she whispered in my ear.

“You and your inflated self-opinion,” I teased, letting out a squeal when she smacked me on the ass as I walked inside. She followed close behind, and the seductive look in her eyes left no question about what was coming next.

It was finally the weekend, and I was beyond ready for a girls night. I had just stepped into Queer Quarters when Mackenzie texted, saying she was finishing up a work call, and would be meeting me shortly after.

“Hey, Fallon!” Rylee called from behind the bar when I arrived. I was surprised to see her. I was hoping I would, but I rarely saw her outside the coffee shop.

“Hey, Rylee. I didn’t know you worked tonight.”

She smiled while she was pouring someone a drink. She looked at her the whole time she worked. Maybe they knew each other?

She had long, wavy brown hair that framed her face, and her dark brown eyes held Rylee’s stare just as fiercely. A beauty mark rested above the left side of her lips. She wore a dark blue blouse with the sleeves casually rolled up, paired with white skinny jeans that completed her look. She was gorgeous.

“I picked up an extra shift.” She smiled.

I grinned and sat down next to the stranger. “That’s good for me then. I know the drinks will be great!”

She waved off the compliment. “Are you here alone tonight?”

I shook my head, glancing around the bar. “No, I’m meeting Kenzie. She should be here soon.”

“Oh, awesome. Well, Fallon, this is my wife, Lana. And Lana, this is my friend Fallon—Kenzie’s girlfriend.”

I gave a small wave to Lana, noticing that Rylee introduced me as her friend and not just “Kenzie’s girlfriend.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Lana.” I reached out my hand with a smile.

She returned the smile and swatted my hand away, going in for a hug. “It’s so good to finally meet you! I’ve heard Rylee and Mackenzie talking about you nonstop!” Her words caused a blush to creep its way onto my pale face. I finally knew how Mackenzie felt about me, but it was still nice to hear it from someone else.

“Okay, honey, don’t embarrass Mackenzie when she isn’t here to defend herself. And let her go, you’ll suffocate her!”

She laughed and released me. “It’s okay, I’m pretty fond of her best friend,” I replied.

“Speak of the devil. Hey, Kenz.” Rylee grinned.

“Hey, Ryles.” Mackenzie put her arm around my waist and kissed the top of my head. “Hey there, beautiful.”

Turning to face her, I smiled and pressed a kiss to her delicious-looking lips. “Hi.”

“You look amazing,” she said. I blushed at her compliment and felt warmth as she caressed the sides of my body gently.

I cleared my throat, hoping the feeling I got when we were together would never go away. “Thanks, baby, you look hot.” She leaned in for another kiss.

“Okay, you two, this is a public place. Keep it in your pants.” Rylee laughed. She handed us two shots and went to tend to the customers at the far end of the bar.

“Thanks, Rylee,” I called, and she waved us off. We clinked our glasses together and threw back the shots.

“Let’s go find a table, sweetheart,” Mackenzie said.

“Okay, babe. Lana, it was so nice to meet you.”

“It was so good to meet you, Fallon. Don’t be a stranger. You guys have fun and stay out of trouble.” She winked, and I chuckled softly. With Mackenzie, that was easier said than done, if the book signing was anything to go by.

I hopped off the barstool, and she placed her hand gently on the small of my back, guiding us to a table.

Turning to her, I couldn’t stop the smile that was trying to break free. Every time I looked at her, it felt like I was replaying all of our happy moments, and I couldn’t believe where life had brought us.

When we got to our table we ordered another drink. She was sitting there, nervously playing with a straw wrapper, and kept looking up to the door every few minutes.

“Don’t be nervous.” I grabbed her thigh under the table and her shoulders dropped slightly. “It will be fine, I promise.” At least I hoped it would be. After talking more with Drea on my way to the bar, she assured me everything was okay, but I still had my doubts.

“I know, we just haven’t really been in the same room for a long period of time. I mean she’s been nice to me anytime I go to the bookstore, but that’s her place of business, so she has to be.”

“You forgot what happened when you apologized already?” I laughed as she threw her head onto my shoulder and groaned. “She doesn’t have to be nice at all—she’s choosing to be. Besides, I’m here as a buffer, and Penelope will be here, too, so you’re not alone. Everything will be fine.”

“I know, you’re right. You know her better than I do. I’m sure it will be fine.”

“I’m always right, haven’t you learned by now?” I winked.

She took my hand and kissed the top of my knuckles sweetly. “I’m learning so many new things with you, darling, and I hope to never stop.”

Drea and Penelope approached our table, giving me an excuse to shift my attention away from the woman who was currently making me blush. “Hey guys,” I said as they came to sit down.

“Hey, Fal. Hey, Mackenzie, it’s nice to finally put a face to all the stories we’ve heard about you.” Penelope smiled.

“Oh my God, Pen,” I covered my face, feeling embarrassed. I blushed as Mackenzie put her hand on my leg, squeezing gently.

“Hey, Mackenzie, glad you could make it,” Drea said with a smile. Whether she was being nice for my sake or not, I appreciated it.

“Yeah, me too. Thanks for inviting me.” Under the table, her fingers brushed against my thigh, and I had to resist the urge to let my eyes flutter closed. I’d only had one shot, but the heat from her touch was already spreading to places it shouldn’t have been.

“Of course. Everything’s cool, Mackenzie, really,” Drea smiled, and I could feel Mackenzie’s shoulders relax, just a little.

“Well, would you look at this gorgeous group of ladies?” Rylee had just walked over to our table and was smiling brightly. I looked over to the bar, seeing her wife wear the same smile.

“Hey, kiss ass,” Mackenzie laughed.

I swatted her arm, and she kissed me on the cheek. “Be nice!” I demanded.

“Only for you, darling.” She sent me a wink, and I playfully rolled my eyes.

“God, you two are too adorable. Alright, what can I get you guys?”

Penelope ordered the first round, and I told Rylee I had the next.

“Um, excuse me? I don’t think so.” Mackenzie handed her card to Rylee. “I have the next one, Rylee. Don’t take any of her money!”

I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. “Wildcat, I don’t deserve you.”

Rylee walked away shaking her head, and Mackenzie turned to me and smiled. “You’re right, you don’t. You deserve so much more.”

“Mackenzie Isabella…” I grabbed her face, pouting dramatically. “How dare you say such a thing about my sweet, very sexy girlfriend? You have no idea just how much you mean to me.” I smiled and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her lips.

How did I get so lucky to find someone who cared for me as she did? I wanted my friends to see why she was so special to me, and why she meant the world to me.

It made my heart happy to see my friends include Mackenzie in the conversations, and it seemed like they genuinely wanted to get to know her. They were all talking and having a good time, and I saw an opportunity.

I shot Penelope a look and nodded toward the bathrooms. “Well, I’m going to go to the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Mackenzie asked, her eyes filled with concern.

“No, I’ll be okay.” I glanced at Penelope again, raising my eyebrows.

After a moment, she finally got the hint and stood up. “I have to go too, actually, so I’ll go with you. I’ll look out for her.”

I smiled at Mackenzie, who stared at me with wide eyes. Leaning in close, I brushed my hand over the top of her thigh. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you later.”

I went to kiss her cheek, but she turned at the last second and I caught her lips instead. She cupped the side of my face, and I deepened the kiss. For a moment, I wanted to forget everything else, and just lose myself in her.

But then I felt the weight of everyone’s stare on us, and reluctantly broke the kiss.

“Oh, I know you will,” she whispered breathlessly.

I grinned and walked with Penelope toward the bathroom, trying to shake the heat still simmering between us.

“What was that about?” Penelope asked when we got to the restroom.

“I wanted them to have time to talk alone. She’s nervous about being here with Drea. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to leave them alone,” I said, laughing, even though I was pretty sure Mackenzie wouldn’t find it funny.

“Oh, she’ll be fine. She really shouldn’t be nervous at all. Drea and I talked about it on the way here. She said she’s fine with her, as long as she makes you happy. We really like Mackenzie, sweetie, aside from what happened with Cara. We haven’t seen you this happy in a long time, and it’s been good to see.”

“Thanks, Pen. I’m really happy. It’s crazy to think about how this all started, but I couldn’t be more grateful for where we ended up. It feels different than how it was with my ex. I know it’s only been such a short amount of time, but I feel safe with her.”

We went back to the table, where Mackenzie and Drea were grinning like idiots.

“Oh God, what?” I asked, looking between the two troublemakers. I was glad they weren’t fighting, but I wasn’t sure if this was any better.

Drea laughed. “Nothing, love. We’re just happy to see you.”

I scowled at her but sat down anyway, trying to ignore them. “You guys are so weird.” I snuggled closer to Mackenzie.

“How did it go?” I whispered when Drea and Penelope were in their own conversation.

“Not as bad as I thought. I think everything is really okay, at least for now.”

I smiled, feeling her reassuring words settle something inside me.

The ride home felt like the longest thirty minutes of my life. I think she could tell I was getting anxious, because she kept asking me if I was okay, but I brushed her off every time. I was nervous, but I knew we had something to talk about.

“Baby, are you sure you’re okay?” Mackenzie stopped me as soon as we got inside her apartment. “Please talk to me. I can tell something is bothering you.”

I sighed and walked to the couch, hating, in that moment, how well she knew me already. “I’m going home for Thanksgiving, and I would really like it if you’d go with me.” I anxiously played with a loose strand of the blanket draped over the back of the couch.

She came down and sat next to me. “You want me to meet your parents? That’s a big step, are you sure?”

I frowned. “Do you not want to? You don’t have to if you’re not comfortable, I?—”

She pulled me in for a kiss, effectively stopping any future anxious ramblings and calming my nerves.

“Fallon, of course I want to meet your family. They’re important to you, so they’re important to me. I just wanted to make sure this is something you’re sure about. It’s a big step, but it’s one I am ready to take if you are.”

I smiled, warmth spreading through me, and snuggled up to her. “Yes, baby. I would really love for you to be there. I know you always go to Harper’s, so I understand if you can’t.”

“Shit. Harper. Let me talk to her. I’m sure she’ll understand. Come on, let’s get to bed. It’s getting late, and there are a few loose ends I’ve been dying to tie up before then.” She winked, and I swore my body temperature rose thirty degrees. My clit throbbed, anticipation building for what was surely going to be a long night.