Page 29 of The Ampersand Effect

“It took me at least three more days to fantasize about stripping you,” Grier said, her voice steady and certain.

And with that, Grier utterly destroyed the composure Tobin had struggled to maintain.

Tobin misstepped but quickly recovered. “Fuck.”

Was Griersmirking? This woman—and this conversation— were dizzying. Tobin could no longer tell who had control; it was unraveling her. She was tensing from the efforts to restrain her libido. Her body was urging her to pursue this woman. Her mouth, however, seemed hell-bent on betrayal—encouraging a depth of intimacy that her mind was starting to balk at. Was she really ready for this?

She swallowed the lump in her throat—and a bit of her pride. “You’re forward.”

Without hesitation, Grier met her gaze. “I’m not trying to embarrass you. I’m just trying to show you can’t embarrass me. I won’t be cuckolded into inauthenticity. I am who I am. I’m a proud lesbian, and I’m not ashamed of my body or my physical desires. And I’m definitely not ashamed of the very specific, very X-rated fantasies you’ve starred in since the moment I met you. Life’s too short—too fragile—to not ask for what you want.”

Tobin stared at her, mouth agape—much like Grier’s had been moments earlier. She coughed, trying to clear her throat and reorganize her brain, which had derailed at the understanding that this tiny, proud woman had just confessed tomultiple fantasiesinvolving undressing her.

Her clit throbbed. She had no idea what those fantasies entailed, butdamn, she wanted to volunteer as tribute to act out every single one of them.

“Tobin,” she finally managed, her voice dry and heavy.

Grier stood before her, very obviously aware of the effect she was having on her—andrelishingit. “For the record, any effect you have on me, I return evenly. Consider yourself warned.”

“Noted.” Tobin still struggled to speak. She should go. She needed to release her mind and libido from the mental gymnastics Grier had just performed. Gold medal awarded, no contest.

“Auntie?” a small voice called from behind them.

Grier turned and reached for Delta, sweeping a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. “Hi, honey. What’s up? Are you having fun?”

“I’m tired. Can we go home?” Delta’s eyes fluttered, heavy with fatigue. Grier checked her phone for the time, and Tobin caught a glimpse of the screen. 11:11 p.m. Saved by the niece. The kid was growing on her.

When Grier looked back at Tobin, the fatigue on her face was unmistakable. The day had probably taken everything out of her— anticipating the awards ceremony, managing her nerves, and their conversation leaving little room for emotional reprieve.

How had almost two hours passed while they danced and talked?

Tobin suspected she could lose a lot more than time to Grier. And it wasn’t as terrifying a thought as it had been at the start of the night. She was beginning to think that this might be worth it. ThatGrierwould be worth it.

“I should find my brother and get her home.” She looked at Tobin—more reserved now that Delta had joined them, but no less intoxicating.

“Yes, of course. I should probably extract Eddie from her adoring fans and get us home, too.” Tobin smiled. She couldn’t seem to wipe it off her face. “You should call me sometime.”

Grier laughed, “That’s rich!”

Tobin braced for it—the remark she’d willingly invited.

“You mean like I invitedyouto do last week?” “Exactly.”

Tobin leaned forward—intentionally, letting her blouse fall open just enough for Grier to notice—then reached out, brushing her fingertips over Grier’s hand before bringing the back of it to her lips. She kissed it softly, eyes never leaving Grier’s.

She winked. She smiled. Then righted herself and backed away.

Three steps later, she turned and walked forward, searching for Eddie. Her heart raced, her mind reeled, and still—she couldn’t wipe the grin from her lips.

Tobin found Eddie nursing a club soda at a bar table by herself.

Eddie grinned as she approached.

“Dibs on officiating the wedding,” Eddie drawled.

“Right. She didn’t even know my name until ten minutes ago, and you’re already hearing wedding bells. Don’t start dusting off your arch just yet.” Tobin rolled her eyes.

Flirting with Grier had flowed so easily, so natural, that she’d warmed to the idea of exploring something more with her. Hell, she wanted to explore her options—to exploreGrier—with reckless abandon.