neither of us can really afford for it to go. We have to
remember that this was an agreement.”
“I know that,” Emily said softly, but even as she did, she felt
like a liar. She didn’t want it to be an agreement. She felt as
though she was betraying Dani because that’s what it was
supposed to be, and betraying both of them because they were
so much more than that.
Dani didn’t turn. Her hands grasped counter so hard that it
creaked. Her hair spilled down her back in long black waves.
She was wearing the red scarf she loved tied at the nape of her
neck like a headband, with the ends trickling down between
the strands of her hair. Her flowing black dress, red sweater,
and black ankle boots were exactly her style. Emily tried hard
not to look at the way the clothing flowed over Dani’s graceful
curves like water. She tried hard not to think about how she’d
like so much more time to explore Dani’s body. To make
things happen between them.
Was it just physical for Dani? Had she been serious when
she said that was all it was?
“It’s only been a few days,” Dani reiterated, emphasizing
each word, like she could read Emily’s thoughts. “But I feel
like you’re getting too attached. You’re wanting this to be
something that it can’t be.”
“Why can’t it be?”
Dani wouldn’t turn around and Emily thought that was
significant. Dani didn’t want her to see her face. Was it
because it was so much harder to say what she was saying to
someone’s face, or did she not want Emily to see her
expressions, to realize that maybe she wasn’t being completely
honest? Was Dani running? Was she scared? Was this too