“I don’t know. Most of the activities on the website are for summer stays. Since we’re heading straight into winter…”
“I guess we can find something.”
“There’s a fireplace.”
“That’ll be nice.” Lila dropped a kiss onto Ann’s head. “We can have s’mores.”
“Sure.” Ann traced lazy patterns on Lila’s thigh. “Maybe with wine.”
“Definitely with wine.” Lifting Ann’s chin, Lila kissed her gently. “I’d love to spend more than a couple hours with you.”
“Then let’s do it. I’ll plan it, you just tell me which weekend.”
“Any of them. All my weekends are free right now.”
“Perfect.” Ann moved in and kissed Lila fully, lingering but not deepening the kiss.
This must have been what Ann was after the entire time—comfort and someone who wouldn’t push. At least not yet. Lila didn’t want Ann’s relationship to end simply because one or the both of them were stubborn. She didn’t know much about Ann’s partner, since they kept those worlds so completely separate from the other, but what she did know was any type of miscommunication in a relationship, especially one that continued, could easily be the death of it.
“How late can you stay tonight?”
“Not too much longer,” Ann whispered. “Maybe for dessert.”
“Then let’s eat. I think I’ve got some ice cream left over.”
“That sounds perfect.”
Together they got up and headed for the kitchen. Lila would give Ann everything she could. Ann gave her just as much, whether she knew it or not. In fact, Lila should tell her what that was much more often than she did. When they got their weekend away, Lila would make sure Ann knew exactly how she felt.
CHAPTER7
It tookAnn two days to be able to sit down at a computer and make a plan. Lila had agreed, and while she wanted to book their two days away, she needed to talk to Heidi first. She had another five minutes before Heidi should be home and they could talk. It was the first time she’d asked for a weekend away, and she wasn’t really sure how Heidi would take it.
When they had decided to open their relationship, neither had any idea how it would work out, and a lot of what had resulted was lack of communication about exactly what was happening. They talked for ages about opening their relationship and then there had been no talk about anything shortly after that. Not ideal, but it was what it was. It was also something they both needed to work on.
Leaning back in the chair at the desk, Ann crossed her arms over her belly as it roiled with its disapproval. Yeah. They did need to work on communication. Everything she’d shared with Lila had been true. She and Heidi needed to talk, way more than they currently did, and there might be something to Lila’s comment—Ann needed to learn to listen. She hadn’t wanted to hear it then, and even two days later it was hard to admit. She was so used to paying attention to details because of her job, but with Heidi it was often like there were no details to be seen.
Her head hurt just trying to think about it.How could she listen better?It was absolutely something they both needed to work on. The front door snicked open, Heidi coming in after her long day at work while Ann had the entire day off. Ann twisted her office chair toward the door. It was now or never.
Standing, she walked out toward the living room, her toes squishing into the carpet with each step as she went. She’d spent the day relaxing as best as she could, needing the time after all the extra hours she’d been putting in lately. She should probably say no to so much overtime, or at least do less, but work was also a welcome distraction some days. And it gave her an excuse to get into town to see Lila.
“How was work?”
Heidi shrugged as she pulled off her jacket, her face neutral. This was what made it so damn hard to read her just about every moment of every day. Ann clenched her jaw, eyeing Heidi suspiciously.
“I thought we could do dinner and a movie tonight,” Heidi said, not looking at Ann.
“Sure. What are we watching?”
“You pick something.” Heidi shoved her shoes and jacket in the closet before facing Ann and kissing her lightly on the lips. “Hi.”
“Hi. So how was work?”
“It was work.”
“Rough day?” Ann put her hands on her hips.
“Not really.” Heidi moved toward the kitchen. “You didn’t cook?”