Page 38 of That Secret Something

I tried to squash my expression and keep my emotions under wraps. Whatever we want it to be. What does that even mean?

“We’ve always had a connection, Jess. You can’t deny that. So why not make the most of it? Especially now. It’s perfect timing.”

“How is it perfect timing?”

She held up her fingers. “One: we’re both single. Two: it’s perfect stress relief from my sister and all her crazy wedding plans. Three: location. We’re living in the same neighbourhood, and that’s pretty handy.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Right. And what about Lily?”

“She’s got so much on her plate, she’s not going to notice anything.” Though Rebecca tried to be assuring, I caught the little chink in her armour when she glanced away. She was worried about it too. I could tell.

I considered her points. My stress levels had been through the roof recently; the reminders on my watch to ‘take a break’ were off the charts. Plus, I was young, single, able to explore…so why did this feel so much more than that? I had needs, and boy, could Rebecca tend to them. Could casual be such a bad thing?

How would I know if I’d never tried it?

“I don’t know,” I said honestly. “I don’t know…how.”

“You’re so cute.” Rebecca caressed my cheek. “It’s easy. You’ll learn fast. And I’m a pretty great teacher.”

“And exceptionally humble too.”

She chuckled, and the kettle clicked, puffing steam everywhere. Rebecca went to pour the hot water, eyeing me over her shoulder with a dimpled smile. “For future reference, it’s you who should be offering to make the tea, you know, seeing as this is your place. That’s the first rule.”

I laughed. “That’s fair. Noted. Any more rules I should be aware of?”

“I’m not sure yet. We can talk about it.”

“’Cos we’ve been so fantastic at that so far.”

Rebecca whistled. “Ooh, alright, little miss sarcasm. What rules would you like?”

Having the tables suddenly turned on me made me nervous. I didn’t know what I could ask for. I assumed asking her to dote on me unwaveringly, day and night, was out of the question. That and us moving in together and adopting hundreds of animals and living happily ever after.

I thought about Lily, and the scales slowly tipped, making me question everything.

“I suggest we don’t tell anyone,” Rebecca said, stirring the tea. “Not because I want to keep you a secret, but for Lily’s sake.”

I tried not to read too much into that. I wasn’t sure how it made me feel. I supposed it made sense. “Okay. Noted.”

She handed me my mug. “One sugar, right?”

“How’d you know that?”

“I remember.” She smiled, and all the tightness in my chest melted away.

I motioned for us to sit on my sofa, and Rebecca followed, clutching her steaming mug. I settled back against the soft cushion, careful not to spill any tea, and eyed her carefully, soaking in all her gorgeous, toned muscles. “Is another one of those rules to be continuously naked?”

She shrugged. “I mean, it’s not the worst rule I’ve ever heard.”

“I suppose not. Not very practical though.” I sipped at my tea, but it was much too hot. “So what happens now?”

“We’ve got all day to figure it out.” She ran her free hand up my thigh, her fingers brushing ever so softly against my clit.

I bit back a moan. “I’ll spill this scalding tea on you,” I warned.

“That’s not very nice. Worst rule ever.”

We placed our teas on the coffee table, and then fell back into our previous position, but now with my leg drooped over hers. She moved her fingers in delicate circles over me, stirring a powerful ache in my lower half.

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