Page 3 of The Next Chapters

At this moment, she could do something she had never done back then.

She tugged Riley to a stop, simultaneously bringing her free hand up to cup Riley’s jaw as she ducked down and pressed her lips to Riley’s. Her eyes fluttered closed of their own accord as she felt the softness of Riley’s lips on hers.

But she only lingered for a few moments, not giving in to the urge for more or longer. Not on a sidewalk after dark in freezing temperatures.

Because this was still her first date with Riley, she reminded herself forcefully.

It was easy to get lost in their easy relationship and forget that fact. That important fact.

She pulled back, already grinning softly down at Riley as Riley blinked open her eyes.

Tonight was all about giving Riley the best first-date experience in her fucking life. So far, Gianna thought it was going off without a hitch. Somehow, even though she’d confessed to Riley that she wanted to have her babies.

As they started walking again, Gianna ran through all of the topics that Riley had mentioned to her over the years as important notes to hit on the first date.

“Wait. How was work today?” She asked, feeling like a fucking idiot for not having asked earlier.

Gianna, honestly, felt stricken with how ridiculously stupid and guilty she felt, and she squeezed Riley’s hand in hers. “I can’t believe I didn’t ask until now. I – it’s the biggest thing going on in your life, and I… I’m so sorry. Please tell me. You were having a follow-up meeting with the execs, right?”

So much for giving Riley the best first date of her life; Gianna hadn’t even lived up to her reputation of being an amazing friend.

But Riley squeezed her hand back hard enough to get Gianna’s attention.

“First of all, for the first time in forever, work was the furthest thing from my mind tonight. You are, by far, the biggest thing in my life, especially at present,” Riley’s voice was so firm that it left no place for Gianna to even try to disagree, and it soothed over all the potential doubts she could have.

And the smile that played over Riley’s lips compounded that feeling as she nodded. “I did have the exec meeting today.”

That meeting had been on the books since they’d decided on a date for the launch. Review how it had gone, the number of views, the engagement numbers, and decide where to go from there.

“I’m not fired,” Riley declared, chuckling a self-deprecating, relieved laugh that echoed through Gianna.

“I knew it! You were amazing!”

Gianna used her hold on Riley’s hand to tug them to a pause again, this time to haul Riley against her. She wrapped her arms tightly around Riley’s waist, holding her snug against her own body as she rocked back and forth in sheer excitement.

“You did so, so incredibly well on that broadcast, babe. I know you were nervous, but it didn’t matter. You were so passionate, and it showed. You were captivating,” Gianna murmured against Riley’s ear, meaning every word with everything she had inside her.

And not just because she was in love with her, not simply because Riley was her best friend. It was true that Gianna couldn’t be entirely objective when it came to Riley, but it was also true that Gianna knew content. She knew what appealed to audiences enough for them to keep the video playing. Riley had nailed it.

As they drew back, there was an adorable flush on Riley’s cheeks that had nothing to do with the cold. “Thank you. And… yes, they were very pleased with the intro to BostonNow Digital.” Riley pursed her lips, that blush on her cheeks getting darker. “They also, actually, thought it was brilliant to broadcast a live-feelings confession.”

Gianna’s own mouth fell open with a delighted gasp, “No!”

Riley groaned, using the hand that wasn’t holding steadily to Gianna’s to drop her face into. “Yes.”

“I was pretty partial to that part, myself,” Gianna couldn’t help but add, giggling with it.

She knew she'd never forget it even as she made light to the moment. She was certain that she could be in a hospice bed, taking her last breath, and she’d be able to recall with crystal clarity Riley’s words on the mistaken broadcast the night before.

When Riley spoke to Joel, clearly unaware that she was live, she’d said that being with Gianna felt as natural as breathing. That blurring the lines between their friendship and something more had given Riley perfect clarity.

It had felt like living in a dream. A dream Gianna hadn’t dared to have in a very, very long time.

“Marika Hendrick thought it was brilliant. I think she really believes it might have been some sort of ratings-grab, but… she liked it. A modern age of news, she’d said,” Riley spoke with a tinge of wonderment in her voice, shaking her head.

Gianna couldn’t contain her glee. “Your boss – an executive of your fucking network – thinks that you are a next-level genius and actor who staged a love confession to me for a streaming launch.” Hearing the words aloud gave her pause as she tilted her head… “Huh. You know, it’s actually not a bad idea.” She held up her free hand before Riley could say anything, already having predicted the indignant expression on her best friend’s face. “Not that you would do that; you, my love, have far too much integrity.”

She only realized what she'd said after the words left her mouth. What she’d called Riley. My love.

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