Page 96 of February

“I’ll go with you. We can take the car and go to the office after,” she said. “You can shower here first.”

“Shower? Here? I saw that shower – I wouldn’t even know how to use that thing. How many showerheads were in there again?”

“Now, you’re exaggerating,” Monica said as she pulled Bridgette into a hug. “There’s one, and it’s got one handle, so you’ll be fine. Just hug me.”

“No problem,” Bridgette replied, wrapped her arms around Monica’s waist, and pulled Monica in against her.

They stood there for a few minutes, and Monica had no idea why she’d gone in for a hug. She’d just needed one. No, she’d needed a hug fromBridgette. Bridgette gave the best hugs. Monica wasn’t sure she’d ever considered someone’s hug before, but she loved how good Bridgette’s arms felt wrapped around her, how Bridgette’s face felt as she tucked it into Monica’s neck, and how good Bridgette smelled when Monica breathed her in. It was New Orleans, but in a good way. Salt and sweetness took over Monica’s senses, and she knew she could sleep with Bridgette tonight. She knew somehow that they’d be good together. But she also knew that she missed being held, and she’d loved being held by her the previous night. She could do with more of that tonight while they watched a movie.

“Do you want to change into something comfy out here, and I’ll change in the bathroom?” Bridgette asked softly against Monica’s skin.

“Yes. I’m also going to order us some snacks because we’ll get hungry later, and I don’t have anything here.”

“Do they have Zapp’s?”

“What?” Monica asked as she pulled back.

“Chips. Do they have Zapp’s chips? Voodoo or Evil Eye.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about right now. Are you even speaking English?” she asked with a chuckle.

“Zapp’s potato chips, Monica. The flavors I like most are Voodoo and Evil Eye.”

“Why do you insist on naming things like that around here? Why can’t it just be sour cream and onion or cheese or something?”

“I’mnot in charge,” Bridgette said with a shrug.

“You go and change.” Monica laughed again. “I’ll ask them if they have your weird chips.”

Bridgette kissed her quickly and grabbed the clothes. All day it had felt as if they’d been dating for years. The way Bridgette just seamlessly fit into her life made no sense, given the short time they’d known one another. Of course, Bridgette fit into her life down here, not in her life in New York. Monica decided not to think about that right now because it might ruin their perfect day and night. She reached for the room phone, hit the number for room service, and waited.

“Miss Arnette, how may we help you tonight?”

“Good evening, I was wondering if I could order some snacks.”

“Of course. What would you like?”

“Honestly, I have no idea. A little of everything?” she said hoping they’d help her out.

“We have a sampler we can send up.”

“Do you have Zapp’s chips?”

“On the menu, no, but the restaurant down the street has them.”

“Would you mind if–”

“Of course. We can get you some. Any particular flavors?”

“I guess one of each? Voodoo and Evil Eye, at least, if they have them.”

“I can also recommend some other snack items for you.”

“Yes, please,” she said. “Just send up whatever.”

A few minutes later, she was changed into her sweats and shirt again, and Bridgette had emerged from the bathroom, looking all adorable in her clothes.

“You were on the phone for a while,” Bridgette said, climbing onto the bed over the comforter.

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