Page 20 of Passionate Hearts

“I’ve been thinking about you a lot since the accident. I always assumed if the worst happened, it would be my partner who stepped up for me. But Tiff has been a no-show, and here you are.”

“Here I am,” Brianna reaffirmed.

“It has been so confusing. Because I love Tiff. When things between us are good, they’re amazing. I’m not ready to let her go. But I can’t deny the feelings I’m beginning to have for you.”

River sighed. She forced herself to break eye contact with Brianna. Instead, she leaned her head against the couch and stared at the ceiling. When she glanced back Brianna was staring at her quizzically. Her face was unreadable.

“I feel the same way. But if you still want to see where things go with Tiff, it doesn’t leave me much room.”

Brianna’s words hit River in the gut. In her mind her feelings towards Brianna had always been unreciprocated. It was clear that she hadn’t given enough thought to what she would do if Brianna had developed feelings for her as well. River’s mind went blank. She tried desperately to find the words she wanted to say, but there was no connection between her head and her mouth. Brianna rubbed her face in her hands.

“I should get to bed,” Brianna said apologetically. She rose before River could speak.

“Good night,” Brianna said behind her as walked towards the bedrooms.

“Good night.” River called after her, but Brianna was gone. The room to her door closed behind her.Shit.River muttered to herself in disappointment. What the fuck had she just done? Had she made Brianna feel uncomfortable? She was sure that Brianna had meant what she said. Brianna liked her back. One thing was certain, this was going to change everything. There was no way to forget about the words they had spoken to one another.

Chapter 8

Brianna walked into the Lez Getaway office and sighed. She missed the ease of working from home. These days she was staying at home as little as possible. Ever since she and River had confessed to wanting to kiss eachother two weeks ago. Now everything was different. There had always been an ease to her friendship with River. Now they actively avoided one another.

“Hey, B,” Allison called from her office.

Allison was one of five other employees at Lez Getaway. She was also one of Jordan’s best friends. Over the last couple weeks Brianna had been to more Krav Maga classes than she’d ever thought possible. Jordan was excited to have a regular training partner. And Brianna was nothing if not durable.

“Hey, Allison,” Brianna called back. She set her papers down on her desk then poked her head into Allison’s office. Allison wasn’t busy so Brianna slid into her empty chair. Allison glanced up and smiled at her.

Brianna had always liked Allison. She was one of the first people she’d met when she’d been hired to keep up with Lez Getaway’s paperwork. Their system had quite frankly been a mess before Brianna started working there. She’d come in and set up automated systems for what she could. Everything elseshe worked diligently to maintain. There was no reason for being in the office every day, she could do her work from home. But River was at home.

“I can’t help but notice you’ve been coming into the office a lot. Is something going on with our system that we should know about?”

“Oh, not at all. The systems are all in place and doing exactly what they should be doing,” Brianna smiled. Allison cocked her head to the smile. She was obviously trying to figure out the change in Brianna’s routine.

“Okay, there is something going on. But not with our systems. Or the company. Work is fine. But I do have something going on at home. And I could use the advice of an older and wiser lesbian if you have a minute.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m old or wise. But yes, grab a coffee and let’s hear it.”

Brianna didn’t have to be asked twice, she loved their coffee machine. She grabbed herself a cup then poured in way too much creamer. Allison had propped her legs up on the desk when she came back.

“Okay. Let’s hear it,” Allison smiled.

“My roommate River and I have always gotten along. Honestly, she’s one of my best friends.”

“Sounds great.”

“It is. Recently, she was in an accident.”

Brianna realized she was going to have to give a sizable portion of backstory.

“Oh no. I’m so sorry. What happened?”

“She was hit by a car.”

“Holy shit. Is she okay?”

“She was very lucky considering. She’s recovering really well.”

“Wait. Did Jordan tell me about this? River is connected to Mel from Mallie’s Cafe, right?”

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