Page 46 of A Little Light

Sally seemed to accept that, turning and walking back inside the house. Andi remained under the gazebo, humming lightly as she shifted closer again to the patio heater. She pulled out a seat and gave herself a moment to relax. Only this time, it wasn’t her needing a moment to clear her mind. No, she was just enjoying the fresh air while she listened to Hillary’s hugely popular Christmas playlist.

She closed her eyes and crossed her legs, holding her empty wine glass against her thigh. Andi had to prepare herself for Hillary’s speech later on this evening. Sally had already warned her that Andi would be getting a mention. While she appreciated her friends thinking of her, she hated the attention.

“Hey.” That soft voice had the hairs on Andi’s arms standing to attention.

She opened her eyes, smiling at Rachel. She wore a pair of leather pants and a lacey blue crop top. Andi briefly glanced at Rachel’s taut stomach, and then she focused on those pretty blue eyes. “Hi. Enjoying yourself?”

“I am. Gina is a little full-on, I think she kind of asked me out for a drink, but other than that…it’s been great.”

“Gina is nice. She just knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to say it.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone could be more like Gina? Andi wished she had her confidence.

Rachel laughed. “Maybe I should take a leaf out of her book.”

“Oh.” Andi sat forward, weirdly interested in where this conversation was going. She didn’t particularly want to know if Rachel had met someone, but the smile on her face hinted at exactly that. “Who is she?”

“Pardon?”

“You clearly have your eye on someone. So, come on, who is she?” Andi pulled out another seat, motioning for Rachel to join her.

“Andi, I—”

“Look, I’m happy that you may be interested in someone. You don’t need to pretend that it’s not happening for the sake of me. So, who is she?”

“Nobody. It’s nobody. Really.” Rachel cleared her throat and crossed her legs. “Why are you sitting out here alone?”

Andi lifted a shoulder. “I was just getting some air. When there’s a million people inside Hillary’s house, it gets a little stuffy.”

“Right. If you’re sure?”

Andi cocked her head. Why did Rachel seem concerned? “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I’m sorry. Tell me to mind my own business. It was just…I know this is the first time here on your own.”

“I’m not on my own. I came here with you.” And what a fine choice you made in choosing your plus one.

Rachel regarded Andi with a slight smile. “You know what I mean.”

“Did you know that I agreed to come to this party about two minutes before you turned up at my table and apologised about the hot chocolate hut thing?” Andi sunk back in her seat, a brow quirked. “To me, that means something.”

“Yeah?”

“Granted, I would have liked to have been here with you…under different circumstances, but I’m not sure I would have gone through with it if we hadn’t met. Having you in my life lately has been exciting for me. The Christmas markets, the mulled wine, the time we’ve spent together.” Andi ran a hand through her hair, smiling. “Things may only be platonic between us, Rachel, but I believe we met that night for a reason. Whatever you see in your future, whoever may come into your life, I would like to remain in it, too. In whatever capacity I can.”

Rachel stroked a hand up and down Andi’s forearm. “I’d like that, too.”

“Life is too short to appease people. To care what others think of you. I know the real Rachel, and she’s wonderful. Beautiful, too.” Andi studied Rachel’s face for a moment or two, knowing this woman was way out of her league. But hey, God loved a trier. “I may well end up being very jealous of the woman you call your partner one day in the future, but I’m excited for you. Kiss the people you want to kiss, and enjoy every last second while doing so.” Andi got to her feet, needing a large glass of wine. “Come on. Let’s go back inside and have some fun.”

Rachel held out a hand. “Any chance you can pull me up? Leather pants are not the best option when it comes to moving around freely.”

Andi grinned, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. “You look great. Really great.”

“Thanks.” Rachel blushed. Andi had to admit that she enjoyed seeing someone as sexy as Rachel blushing in front of her. Perhaps she still had it, after all.

Andi walked back towards the house, stopped by a hand on the wrist.

“Andi, wait.”

She turned, her brows drawn together. Rachel was looking at her with a fire in her eyes. Wow, that was one hell of an intense look.

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