Page 80 of The Ampersand Effect

“Noted,” she replied, her voice low and sultry, meeting Grier’s

vibe with an equal measure of steely flirtation.

Grier smiled at her parry but cooled their banter. “So how long do I get to keep you for today?”

Forever. That invasive thought pounded to the forefront of her brain once more.Caution, she chased it back.

“Unfortunately, not very long. I should probably finish eating and head out. But I’m glad I stopped by.” She paused, finding Grier’s eyes already watching her. “I, uh… wanted to see you again.” A smoldering warmth spread through her chest, and sheguessed it must have shown on her face—judging by the spark that ignited in Grier’s eyes at her confession.

Grier cocked an eyebrow and leaned in just enough to shrink the space between them, forcing Tobin’s body to clench in unrequited wanting. There was too much space between them, but she knew they were in public, and now was not the time to close their distance.

As if reading her mind, Grier responded softly, “Wanting is a very good state to be in, Tobin.”

At the sound of her name on Grier’s lips, Tobin felt her groin clench. This woman was driving her positively wild with her words and glances—it was maddening. Tobin couldn’t prevent her eyes from drifting to Grier’s lips, and she clenched in anticipation as Grier caught her. A slight twitch of Grier’s lips indicated she knew exactly what Tobin was thinking—what she waswanting. Grier shifted forward.

“Y-yeah?” Tobin swallowed.

Grier’s amber eyes darkened as Tobin watched her move. Her heartbeat pounded in her head, her vision tunneling until there was nothing left in the world but the woman before her. Intent simmered in the sultry swirls of Grier’s irises, the air between them thick and expectant.

“Is there something specific you’re wanting, Tobin?”

She couldn’t bear it—she couldn’t hide the hunger twisting through her voice, or the ache written all over her body. Grier had read her before, back when they first kissed, every micro-movement and breath betraying what she wanted. The same signs were there. But now—there were no barriers.

“Ki—” She cleared her throat, her voice suddenly laden with gravel. “Kiss me. Please.”

Tobin eyes fluttered shut, fear and desire colliding. Then— warmth. The faintest brush of Grier’s lips ghosted the corner of her mouth, sending a shiver up her spine. The scent ofher wrapped around Tobin like smoke. She shuddered as Grier pressed an equally tender kiss on the other side of her lips.

“Like this?” Grier crooned.

Tobin couldn’t suppress the restrained, lusty whine that escaped her throat. She needed more than these featherlight touches. She needed contact. As if Grier could read her mind, she obliged, gently bringing their lips together. The kiss was soft, and sweet, unfolding in an unhurried rhythm. Tobin was content—sated by these slow, subdued kisses—until Grier parted her lips, inviting Tobin in to taste the lingering sweetness of vanilla and cinnamon from her lunch.

Grier shifted into her arms, their forgotten meals tilting on their laps. Tobin bent her head to meet her, the smaller woman settling comfortably against her chest. She felt Grier fist the lapels of her flight suit, trembling with the effort to keep her hands from wandering. Their kisses deepened, but remained unobtrusive, quieting Tobin’s earlier fears, soothing something raw inside her.

She cradled Grier in her arms—then, reluctantly, pulled back. She had to go, and knew if they continued much longer, the evidence might be a visible blemish Grier wouldn’t want displayed at work.

They could—would—continue this on Saturday.

“I have to go,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of Grier’s head. She felt a sigh of acceptance deflate Grier’s body against hers.

“Knock, knock! Why’s your door closed? Are you ready to do—” The tall, dark-haired, lean figure in scrubs who’d just burst through Grier’s office door froze mid-step, eyes wide like a deer in headlights at their chastened moment of intimacy. “—me?” they finished, words trailing off in confusion.

Tobin felt Grier slowly push away, leaving her chest cold and empty. Grier looked up at her, contrite annoyance flickeringin her eyes, before starting to close the lids on their food containers.

“Tobin, this mannerless individual is Alix,” she said flatly. “They’re one of the PTs on staff and—often against my better judgement—one of my best friends.” She glowered at Alix. “Yes, I’m ready toadjustyou, Alix.”

Tobin masked disconcertment at the interruption. The only thing Alix had witness was a lingering hug—they’d stopped kissing moments earlier. She forced and easy smile. “Hey, Alix. Nice to meet you.”

Grier had mentioned she was supposed to be adjusting a friend over her lunch break, she’d just incorrectly assumed that had taken place prior to her arrival.

Alix shoved their hands in their pockets, barely suppressing a smirk. “Nice to meet you,Tobin.”

The emphasis grated, but Tobin dismissed it as mischievous toying at Grier’s expense. She let it slide. Grier likely wouldn’t appreciate her starting off on the defensive with one of her best friends. Instead, she took the containers from Grier and started toward the door.

Grier walked her the few paces to the now-open doorway. “I’ll see you Saturday?” she asked, her tone edged with hope.

Grier’s answering nod was vigorous.

Tobin refused to meet Alix’s eyes, who was visibly vibrating with poorly contained excitement at this exchange. She guessed Grier hadn’t yet shared the recent developments of their relationship with her friends. She tried not to let that sting, reasoning that maybe Grier simply hadn’t had time—notthat she was hiding her. Because nothing about what Tobin felt for Grier seemed worth hiding.