Page 2 of Emma
That was true. Seeing Lauren whirl around after Daisy exhausted Emma just from watching. And Lauren didn’t get the same break they did. Rob travelled so often these days that Emma wondered how Lauren didn’t just keel over mid-morning.“We try to help,” Emma said as she lifted a shoulder. “I just hope it’s enough.”
Vanessa reached out and laid her hand over Emma’s. “Lauren appreciates what we do for her.”
That satisfied Emma. She glanced up and caught the look in Vanessa’s eyes. Soft, certain, and filled with endless amounts of love. God, she adored that look. She felt herself smile in a way she only ever did when it was just the two of them. “So, this week is all about us then, babe?”
“I couldn’t think of anything better.” Vanessa smiled as the server collected their empty plates. When she leaned forward, her face lit up with the pride she had for Emma. “So, how was your first term as head of department?”
Emma puffed out a breath and ran a hand through her hair. “I’m easing myself into it. Nothing much has changed, not yet, but I’m sure it will.” She didn’t say how sometimes the weight of it all pressed down on her when she lay in bed at night. Or how the to-do lists at the office kept multiplying like rabbits. But she’d asked for this. She wanted it, and she could handle it. She always did. “I bumped into Dani earlier,” Emma added, hoping to shift the conversation. “She was glued to her phone. Grinning at it like the Cheshire Cat.”
Vanessa raised a curious eyebrow. “Oh?”
“I mean, it’s probably nothing, but she’s usually walking around with a face like thunder.” Emma sat forward and lowered her voice, wondering if her wife could give her an insight into Dani’s recent behaviour. “Any idea why she was all smiles?”
“Shedidmention a date she was going on last weekend, but I haven’t really had the chance to catch up with her. Work was hectic this week, as you already know.”
“Parents’ evening,” Emma groaned. “I hate that time of year. I know I love gushing about the kids to their parents, but it’s just one hell of a long day by the time it’s over.”
Vanessa nodded in agreement, her wine glass now nearly empty. The light played against the red stain on the inside rim, and Emma watched her for a second, noting how good she looked when she was just…at ease. She quickly brought herself out of wherever her mind was almost spiralling to. It would only get her into trouble, and they had cocktails to enjoy before they got naked. “Anyway, let’s grill Dani when we’re back after next week. Let her have her mysterious romantic glow-up for now.”
“Mm.” Vanessa tipped the last of her wine back with a satiated sigh. “I’m using the bathroom while you get the bill. Thenweare going dancing.”
Emma smiled as Vanessa rose gracefully from her chair. Her royal blue dress hugged her curves just right, dipping and clinging in ways that turned more than a few heads as she walked away. But Vanessa didn’t seem to notice. She’d never been the kind of woman to think highly of herself.
Gone were the days when she’d tug self-consciously at her clothes, checking her reflection with a worried look whenever she could. That hesitancy had burnt out over the last year, and it had been replaced by a radiant glow. And Emma? Emma couldn’t take her eyes off her wife. She watched until Vanessa disappeared around the corner, then let her gaze linger on the space she’d just occupied. “Oh, you’re one lucky fucker.”
Vanessa watchedEmma from across the room, her gaze sweeping up the back of her wife as she took her bottom lip between her teeth. God, theyneededthis week off together. At least, Vanessa believed so. It wasn’t often she counted down the days until the end of term, but lately, it was all she thought about. Perhaps she was just getting too comfortable at home.Whatever the reason, Vanessa preferred to be alone with Emma at any given opportunity.
She wanted to celebrate…
But it was a celebration of more than just this evening. It was more than celebrating the quiet joy of having time away from responsibilities and the daily grind. Emma wanted to celebrateherand the recovery Vanessa had made, while Vanessa wanted to celebrate them and the beautiful life they’d built.
Vanessa’s hand found its way beneath her chin as she rested her elbow on the table, her eyes fixed on Emma, where she stood at the bar. The way she made these little moments feel so precious…it was as though Emma was forever doing something sweet, without even trying. And yet, Vanessa hadn’t expected anything special this evening. She had planned to come home from work, slip into her favourite worn-out yoga pants, and dive into the book she’d been reading. Still, as she sat here watching Emma, this wasexactlywhere she wanted to be. Dancing with her, loving her, and savouring these small, fleeting moments together.
A whole year without them. Vanessa looked down, the faintest smile tugging at her lips as she traced the lines of her chest, the subtle curve of her body that no longer mirrored what it had once been. The loss had been initially devastating. But now, those thoughts didn’t linger long. She couldn’t change the past, and she couldn’t rewind time to make different choices. So, why hold on to regret when she had so much beauty right in front of her?
“Cocktail for the most gorgeous woman in the world.”
Emma’s voice broke through Vanessa’s thoughts as she set down two cocktails, her eyes narrowed playfully as she stared at Vanessa. God, she was beautiful. Not in a flashy, look-at-me type of way, though. No, Emma had a beauty far beyond anything Vanessa could comprehend. It was a beauty that lived in the wayEmma made people feel seen and the way she paid attention. The way she made Vanessa feel loved every single day, even when Vanessa found it hard to love herself.
“Did…I just catch you checking yourself out, babe?”
Vanessa laughed softly. “God, no. You do that enough for the both of us.”
Emma slid in beside her and laid a hand gently on Vanessa’s thigh. The touch sent a jolt through Vanessa, a quiet reminder of the intimacy they shared. “Reminiscing?” Emma asked, her voice holding a small hint of concern. “I’m sorry if I brought it all back by suggesting this tonight.”
Vanessa curled a finger and urged Emma to come even closer. The moment their lips met, Emma’s hand tightened around her thigh. Those simple touches would always keep Vanessa anchored, even if Emma was doing it for other reasons.Oh, she’ll never forget what gets you going. She drew back reluctantly and cupped Emma’s cheek. “You haven’t brought it all back. You’ve just reminded me that I should celebrate my accomplishments more often.”
“I’d spend the rest of my life celebrating you if I could,” Emma whispered as her lips brushed against Vanessa’s. “I hope you know that.”
“Just once a year is enough, baby.” Vanessa kissed Emma’s cheek, a smile tugging at her lips when she chose to linger for a moment. “You smell so good tonight.”
Emma regarded her with a playful grin. “Excuse me, but I smell good all the time.”
Vanessa raised an eyebrow, a knowing look exchanged between them. “And why is that exactly?”
Emma sighed dramatically. “Fine. Because I keep stealing your perfume.” She shifted in the booth, sitting side-on to Vanessa, her arm draping casually along the back. She brought her fingers to the nape of Vanessa’s neck, sending a shiverof pleasure down her spine as Emma’s nails grazed the skin beneath her hairline. “But what’s yours is mine and all that.”
“What’s mine willalwaysbe yours, Emma.” Vanessa meant that more now than ever.
