Dinner had been everything Faye wanted. Talia’s company was perfect for her. She rarely spoke a negative word when she talked about her life or her future. So long as she didn’t think about her ex, Talia was a shining star sitting across the table from Faye.
She rested against the railing, smiling out at the still water. The storm had left as quickly as it had arrived, now just the gentle lap of waves as they reached the dock wall. Faye could stand here all night; the peacefulness of the city after dark had led her to walk around aimlessly some evenings. Of course, it wasn’t as quiet as it could be. It was Thursday night, which meant the students descended on the city for cheap drink offers, but it was still pleasant. Vibrant, even.
“You doing okay?” Talia asked as she stepped up beside Faye, a gentle hand placed on the small of her back.
“I’m fine. I just love being out here. Isn’t it lovely?”
“I really love this city. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got here, but it’s been good for me.”
Faye stood up straight, turning to face Talia. “I’m glad you moved here.”
“Any particular reason why?” Talia grinned as she cocked her head.
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly say.”
Faye’s legs turned to jelly when Talia stepped forward and pressed her body to hers. Her warmth, the strong but gentle body against her…Faye could barely contain herself.
“So, is that offer to come back to your place still on?”
“Of course.” They laced their fingers together, a shiver working its way down Faye’s spine as Talia leaned in and kissed her. Faye pulled back reluctantly. She wanted to be alone with Talia, not standing on the dock. “Come on. It’s getting cold.”
“Oh, I’m warm. Really warm.”
Faye smirked as she turned away from Talia. “Then you can keep me warm once we get back to mine.”
They took the short walk to Faye’s apartment in silence, both digesting the last couple of days. Faye had so many questions to ask, things she wished to know about Talia, but she didn’t want to come across as overbearing. She was a writer; naturally, other people intrigued her.
“Those awards you have,” Faye started, deciding now was the time to discuss Talia’s career. She hadn’t wanted to potentially rock the boat during dinner. “Do you compete often?”
“I used to. While I was in London.”
Faye side glanced at Talia. “It’s not something you do anymore?”
“Once I’m settled here and the club is steady, I’ll probably compete again. I just haven’t had the time to go through the training, the whole process, you know?”
“Three-time European Champion, huh?”
Talia smiled, her eyes shining with pride. “It’s not just dirty dancing like some people think. I worked my arse off to get those titles.”
“I don’t doubt that.”
“But that’s not what people want to see or hear about. They don’t care if you work out every morning and push your body to the limit; they only hear what they want to hear. The sleazy side of it. But that’s not whatmycareer is about. It’s not howIsee it.”
“I admire you for what you do. I don’t think there would ever be a scenario where I’m out of bed before dawn so I could run around the streets.”
“You don’t need to.” Talia smiled, leaning in and kissing Faye’s cheek. “My job requires it. I can assure you, if I didn’thaveto do it, I probably wouldn’t.”
“Does this mean I may get one morning in the future where you don’t disappear on me?”
Talia laughed. God, it was music to Faye’s ears. “I’m sure I can make an exception for you.”
Faye loved that.
They held conversation freely with one another, neither afraid of getting ahead of themselves. Considering Faye hadn’t done this in a long time, it surprised her that she felt comfortable enough to have a little banter with Talia.
They reached Faye’s apartment block, shivering as they slipped inside. When the lift opened and Talia guided Faye into it, the light caught Talia’s eyes. This was the first woman in a long time to leave Faye winded with a mere look. She was theonlywoman to have ever put every ounce of attention on her. Even Amy hadn’t been so open with her. But Talia… This night had been so beautiful that she dreaded the moment it came to an end.
“You’re staring,” Talia said, her voice low.