Page 24 of Hearts Like Hers

Kate shook her head, turning to Autumnfinally. “What you do matters, Autumn. Don’t go selling yourself short.”

The comment took root and spread comfortably.Kate seeing value in her job somehow counted for more than she would havepredicted, and since when did she care so much about what people thought ofher? Kate felt different, a fact that Autumn didn’t seem to mind at all. “Thankyou for saying that, but I’m not sure it really compares to saving lives. Imean, let’s be forthright.”

“It does compare. Don’t say that. You makepeople’s day better. I’ve experienced it.”

Autumn studied Kate, who had that farawaylook in her eye again. “So, this particular fire was a doozy, I’m guessing.”

Kate nodded solemnly and swallowed. “Have youever wished more than anything for a do-over? A day or an afternoon or even aninstant that you could go back and handle differently?”

“I have a smart mouth, so yes, mostdefinitely. Is that what you wish for with that fire?”

She nodded but said nothing. The haunted lookof regret that slashed across Kate’s features was entirely new, and itgut-punched Autumn. She wanted more than anything to pull Kate close and takeaway that look forever. It didn’t quite seem appropriate, though. They barelyknew each other, which was odd, because somehow it felt like they did.

“Hey,” she said quietly and took a step in.“While I don’t know the details, I’m confident that you did everything in yourpower that day. We can’t control the awful things that happen in the world,Kate. We can try, but we’ll never succeed. You’re a hero for what you do.”

Kate’s gaze hardened, flicked to the wall,and held. “No. Don’t say that. I’m not. I know you mean well, but you’re goingto have to trust me on this.” Something rigid and unforgiving had overtakenKate at the mention of the word “hero.” Autumn took a metaphorical step back.This was sacred ground and she wasn’t about to trudge her way across it, notwhen Kate was this raw.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“No, I am,” Kate said. “We were having agreat time and I got all serious on you.”

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m all ears if you everwant to talk about it. Doesn’t have to be tonight.”

Kate nodded and stared at the wall of stars.When she looked back again, the warmth had returned to her features. “Thankyou. I’ll remember that. For now, I think we should head to the planetarium.”

“Oh, yeah? And why is that?”

Kate pointed at a rectangular sign on thewall. “Because there’s a show starting in five minutes.”

“Take me there,” Autumn said, withouthesitation.

Ten minutes later, nestled in theirultra-soft recliners, Autumn found herself quite literally starstruck as shegazed up at the darkened ceiling of the planetarium as stars and celestialbodies sparkled brightly, all underscored by a soothing female voice thathelped them ponder their place in the vast, unseen universe. The storytransported them from the Big Bang, to the Library of Alexandria, to Galileo’sCourtyard, and beyond. The journey was bold, educational, and thoughtinspiring. Centering around humanity’s place in the larger world, thepresentation brought into sharp focus for Autumn that everything had its placeand reason for being.

Even her.

She thought about her year, her sense thatlife was leaving her behind, and her impending plans to take control at last.She thought of the new little being she could potentially bring into the world,and her heart stuttered and filled. The two of them would be part of all ofthis, of the vast and mysterious universe. The understanding gave her goosebumps as she snuggled deeper into the recliner.

She turned her face against the leather andwatched Kate, who stared up at the domed ceiling, captivated. Her eyelashes,Autumn noted, were exceptionally long and full. You didn’t see eyelashes likethose too often. Her mouth naturally turned down ever so slightly, almost as ifit were upside down. Then there were her large, luminous hazel eyes that camewith the power to undo a person when they focused on you for very long. Autumnwas learning she very much enjoyed being undone by Kate.

They’d left the armrest between them in theupright position, which allowed the sides of their thighs to touch. Autumnblinked against the feeling of Kate’s jeans pressed against the fabric of herdress. As she returned her attention to the stars, she caught Kate turning inher peripheral vision. Moments later, she still felt the stare as it caressedthe side of her face. So, she wasn’t the only one preoccupied by theirproximity. She glanced down in time to see Kate’s hand slide into hers where itrested on her leg. The purposeful gesture stirred something low in her stomachand she gave Kate’s hand a squeeze, reassured by its grip. As the journey throughspace continued, the tips of Kate’s fingertips inched inward, lightly brushingthe inside of Autumn’s thigh. The touch was so minor, it was hard to saywhether Kate intended the potent effect it had on Autumn. But, oh, potent itcertainly was. Her eyes fluttered. Her breathing shifted to shallow and herstomach knotted. Autumn ached for just a little bit more from that touch, andalmost as if Kate could read her mind, she gave it to her, sliding her hand outof Autumn’s altogether and resting it fully on the inside of her thigh, justbeneath the hem of her dress. Autumn turned her head and met Kate’s gaze, andsaw her own desire mirrored right there in the dark depths.

“We should go soon,” Autumn whisperedpurposefully, shifting into the touch.

Kate nodded, a small smile playing on herlips.

It was a fun dance, whatever was happeningbetween them, and Autumn was determined to drink in every minute of it. She’dsat on the sidelines for far too long. To be in the thick of it now, makingeyes at someone like Kate under a galaxy of stars, was perhaps the mostexcitement she’d had in years.

The drive down from Griffith Park wasgorgeous. She took the winding path slowly so they could enjoy the night aroundthem. The skies were clear and the temperature perfect—not too cold and not toowarm. California had delivered big. They’d rolled the windows down and the softbreeze licked through the car as they drove. Autumn had never been more awareof the stars in her entire life than she was tonight. They seemed like friendsnow, and she smiled up at them with affection, anticipating just what mighthappen next.

Chapter Six

The night was young, and they both knew it.

Expectation hung in the air around them,though what exactly that meant, Autumn wasn’t sure. Kate was exciting, and new,and kind, and sexy as hell—but she hadn’t really thought past all that. Infact, that was half the fun, living by the seat of her pants, in the now.

Kate studied her as they approached the SevenShores courtyard—empty, due to the late hour on a weekday. “We could head to myplace, have a drink to close out the night.” God, that was a good suggestion.

Autumn hesitated. “I will be happy to takeyou up on that offer, but do you mind if we make a quick stop at the coffeeshop?”

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