Page 67 of Last First Kiss
“I’ll shout it from the rooftops right now,” she says, reaching out to gently squeeze my hand across the table.
I glance down at our intertwined fingers and can’t help the warmth blooming in my chest.
I’m the luckiest woman alive.
The next few days are nothing short of amazing. I didn’t think Clara and I could get any closer, but our closeness has only intensified.
We’ve been spending almost every night wrapped up in each other, doing the same things we always do, such as our nightly movie nights, our random at-home spa days, but now every night we end up in Clara’s room and spend the majority of our time talking, cuddling, kissing and having sex—because when sex is this good, how do you stop?
I really didn’t expect to feel this way right before leaving. The whole reason I even considered going was because of Mia. I’d convinced myself I’d never be able to get over her in a town where every street, every cafe, every single corner held some memory of us—leaving felt like the only way to let her go finally.
But now ... with Clara, everything is different. I’ve barely thought about Mia, our memories, or the weight of this place. And leaving doesn’t seem as necessary anymore. What once felt like an escape now hits like a loss. And I don’t want to lose this.
I stare at the email on my laptop.
Subject: Offer of Employment – Senior Photographer Position at Limon Creative Studio.
Dear Alejandra,
We are pleased to offer you the position of Senior Photographer at Limon Creative Studio, based in our New York City office. After reviewing your portfolio and speaking with you during the interview process, we are confident that your creative perspective and technical skills will make a strong addition to our team.
Position Details:
• Start Date: Within one month of signed offer acceptance.
Please find the attached offer letter outlining all terms and conditions of employment. If you choose to accept, kindly sign and return the letter within 3–5 business days.
We’re excited about the possibility of your joining Limon and contributing to some of the most exciting brand campaigns in the industry. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Best regards,
Danielle Kim
Senior Talent Manager
Limon Creative Studio
I should be jumping up and down, calling someone, planning the move. But instead, I’m sitting here, frozen—because my heart doesn’t want to go. Not anymore.
Clara still doesn’t know, and it’s been killing me not to tell her. I just ... don’t know how. I stir my drink absentmindedly, trying to steady my thoughts.
With all this swirling in my head all week, I’m honestly relieved it’s finally Saturday. Tonight is Diana’s bachelorette party, and I’msoready for a night out with everyone. A little dancing, a few too many drinks, and maybe—even if it’s only for a few hours—I can get out of my own head and justbe.
We’re going to a lesbian bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill area called The Wildrose. It’s Seattle’s only lesbian bar and one of the longest-running in the country. Honestly, I can’t think of a better place to celebrate Diana’s bacheloretteparty. A night surrounded by music, dancing, queer joy, and the people I love? Yeah, I need this.
“Are you almost ready?” Clara calls out as I secure the last purple butterfly hair clip to the front of my hair, making sure it’s parallel to the one on the other side.
Diana is having a Y2K-themed bachelorette party, and I’ve gone all out with a pink cropped Bebe shirt, low-waist baggy pants, purple plastic sunglasses, and green, purple, pink, and blue butterfly clips clipped on the side of my hair.
I take one last look at myself before opening the door. Clara is on the other side, absolutely stunning in her all-denim shirt and pants. She’s even thrown on a denim hat and thick yellow glasses, but even through them, I see Clara give me a once-over, and immediately, my cheeks go as pink as my glasses. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the intensity of her gaze.
“Wow,” I say breathlessly.
“Wow, yourself,” Clara says, reaching for my waist. Rubbing at the exposed skin, a sea of butterflies stirs to life. She pulls me in closer, and the moment her lips land on mine, everything else ceases to exist behind my closed eyes. All I can feel is her warmth, her breath, her hands holding me tightly like she’s afraid I’ll slip away, and I wish so badly we didn’t have to go anywhere, so I could take her back to my bed.
Clara bites down on my bottom lip, and I let out a whine against her mouth as she draws my lip between her teeth.
“We should probably head out,” she says breathlessly, resting her forehead against mine.
