Page 19 of Passionate Hearts

“So why was the date with Tiff a big failure?” Brianna asked.

“She just kept getting distracted from texts on her phone. And she admitted that staying in makes her feel unproductive. So having a girlfriend that needs to take a break from the night life isn’t high on her list.”

“Did she say that?” Brianna’s tone was indignant, and River had to appreciate how quick she was to stand up for her.

“Not in so many words. I’m definitely editorializing. But her meaning was pretty clear.”

“I’m sorry. You deserve better than that,” Brianna stated.

“The night ended when she said she needed to go entertain a client who was going out on the town.”

“I’m sorry your date didn’t go as planned.” Brianna leaned her head against River’s shoulder.

“Me, too. What happened with your date?”

“Well, she was younger than I realized. Which is fine, though in general we didn’t seem well suited. We tried the first half of the night. But she was more drawn to her friends than she was to me.”

Brianna shrugged her shoulders and gave a good-hearted chuckle.

“Whatever is meant to be will happen,” Brianna sighed.

“That still sucks,” River acknowledged.

At least they still had one another. River smiled at the thought. She could be surrounded by twenty-one-year-olds, listening to loud music. Or she could be listening to Tiff drone on about her latest business deal. Instead, she was home on her comfy couch sitting beside her good friend. She couldn’t help thinking she’d come out ahead of the game.

“You want another beer?” Brianna asked.

River glanced down at her now empty bottle. She was usually a one and done type of girl. Tonight, she was enjoying her time sitting on the couch watching TV with Brianna.

“You know what? Sure, I’d love one.”

Brianna rubbed her hands across her thighs before standing. River’s eyes travelled up Brianna’s body then back down before resting on Brianna’s ass. She forced herself to lookaway and breathed in a deep sigh. When Brianna handed her another beer, River took a sizable gulp.

“Take it easy, buddy. We have all night,” Brianna laughed. River’s face grew hot, and she knew she was blushing.

“Do you ever feel like we’re wasting our time?” River asked.

“Doing what?”

“I don’t know, dating? Does going out with people ever just seem like such a waste of time?”

“Sometimes. But how else would we meet anyone?” Brianna laughed.

“I don’t know,” River admitted.

“There has to be a better way than what we’re doing,” River added with a laugh. She turned her face and found Brianna staring at her. She had forgotten how intense Brianna’s gaze could be. Her deep eyes pulled her into them. Brianna’s lips were curved and full. They begged for River to kiss them. She could feel the magnetic pull towards Brianna. River pulled in a quick breath before diving in, headfirst.

“I have a problem,” River said, her words barely above a whisper.

Brianna leaned in closer. River had known she would. Brianna always leaned in close when she was listening.

“What’s your problem, friend?”

Brianna’s question was so filled with genuineness. River knew that whatever she said to Brianna, the woman would stay and listen to her talk.

“I really want to kiss you.”

The surprise that registered on Brianna’s face was apparent. River forced herself to to keep going.

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