The Australasian Legends of Publishing Ball was one of those essential work events that Felicity was expected to attend, even though it involved traveling half a world away to Sydney. It didn’t help her mood that it separated her from Cooper for far too long. Although in this case, too long only meant a few hours because Cooper was back at their hotel enjoying the minibar and cable movies and waiting for her return.
Cooper had taken news of Felicity’s trip to Sydney with delight, deciding it should be used as a joint vacation. She’d never been to Australia and had already informed Felicity of the list of animals she intended to visit, starting with and not confined to koalas, kangaroos, emus, platypuses… or was that platypi? She’d have to ask Cooper later.
“Are you even listening to me?” Perry Marks, Style International’s global art director, looked extra dashing tonight in his black tux and white shirt that contrasted with his dark skin and gleaming bald pate.
“Not really, no,” Felicity admitted. “Were you saying something gossipy or informative? Or just informatively gossipy?”
“I’m wounded!” he announced in his most dramatic tone. “But right on the money. I was telling you about a new designer who’s rumored to have knocked up one of the hottest models in the world… And they’ve decided she’ll just model his outfits, expanding belly and all, as if nothing’s changed.”
“How”—Felicity sought the right word—“fashion-y of them. Making a splash with the ridiculous.” She looked around. “Elena here yet?”
“Not that I’ve seen. I did get to dress them both, though, so it’ll be grand entrance when they arrive.”
“Them both?” Felicity frowned and looked at him. “Who are you talking about? Don’t tell me Elena’s dating someone new. Is there another gentleman we’re all supposed to smile at and pretend he isn’t beneath her in so many ways?”
They headed into a corridor within the heritage-listed hotel.
“For a smart woman,” Perry said, “you can be exceptionally dense at times.”
“What on earth do you mean? Are you saying I know this man she’s with?”
“I’m saying that even with the clues rammed close together, you can’t seem to see the bigger picture. Shall I recount for you? Elena suddenly taking a massive interest in the weather and travel hot spots around Vietnam at the exact time Maddie Grey was there.”
“Maddie? That old chestnut? You can’t be serious. I know that woman has been lucky at everything lately, what with all those career scoops. She’s probably got the longest winning streak on record,” Felicity said, still a bit annoyed that one woman could live such a charmed life. “But I can assure you she’s not getting lucky with Elena. Besides, Elena’s straight as an arrow.”
“She’s about as straight as I pretended to be at school. You’re like one of those historians who dig up passionate love letters between a same-sex couple and argue that was just the florid language of the day between two very good friends.”
“Oh please. Elena’s never dated any women! You might think you know her because you’re her best friend. But I’m the one who actually knows her best. I organized her work diaries. I knew her schedules. And I organized her secret little getaways with her husband. You have no proof except a sudden interest in her friend’s well-being when off the beaten track in Vietnam.”
“The photo on her desk,” Perry continued, ticking off his fingers as though Felicity had never spoken. “The fact that, while you were doing your hand-over month with Elena, the whole time—all of it—Maddie was staying with her.”
She was? “Well, friends do that.” Not that Felicity had a deep well of understanding on the topic.
“A month? I bet you couldn’t spend a week with a friend before wanting her gone.”
True. Except Cooper, but that was different. Felicity couldn’t get enough of her girlfriend these days, and it had been a whole lot longer than a month. Not to mention her mother had, as predicted, loved her; her sister kept making wedding jokes; and Felicity’s nieces and nephews had tried to sneak into the car to come home with them when they were leaving.
And then there’d been Nana Cooper. Felicity adored Cooper’s grandmother. The woman kept exclaiming that Felicity was a refined young woman Cooper could learn a lot from. Frankly, it was hilarious and surprising that Cooper hadn’t sprained her eyeballs from rolling them so hard. So really— Wait. What were they discussing?
“You’re doing it again,” Perry said. “Drifting off into the haze of new love. Is it a he or a she this time? Don’t think I didn’t work out that you and Larissa Andino had a fling. She wasn’t exactly subtle the way she was sniffing around you at that LA white ball.”
Felicity stared. How on earth had he noticed that? Even Felicity hadn’t noticed that!
“Never mind. Surprise me later with your mystery paramour,” Perry barreled on. “In the meantime, look: love’s absolutely everywhere.”
She followed his gaze.
Elena was at the end of the corridor, head bent, talking to Maddie softly. The media mogul suddenly stepped right inside Maddie’s personal space and reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers.
Oh. My. God.
Maddie turned at Felicity and Perry’s approach, a smile washing across her face. “Hey! How are…” she began before fading out at Felicity’s doubtlessly startled expression.
Perry gave them a smug snort and a friendly wave.
Speechless, Felicity couldn’t tear her eyes away from those interlocked fingers, even after Perry nudged her in the ribs.
Elena and Maddie?
After a few murmured words and a tiny smile, Elena tugged Maddie into her arms and kissed her thoroughly. Extremely thoroughly.
So endeth any merry delusion they were just good friends.
Perry clasped his hands to his chest and looked about to weep with delight.
Felicity slumped against a nearby pillar. “Oh! Of bloody course! Longest winning streak ever!”
Cooper would be impossible after this. Perry, too. She pushed that out of her mind and regarded the couple with fresh eyes.
So much love. That’s definitely what it was. It was clear to anyone looking that Elena only had eyes for one person in the universe—and it was mutual.
“Come on,” Felicity said to Perry. “Let’s go get some booze into me so I can review how blind I’ve been under the forgiving haze of alcohol.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say no to that.” Perry chuckled and left with her.
* * *
By the end of the evening, Felicity was tired. She’d done some imbibing with Perry, sat through a sweet, self-deprecating speech from Maddie as the youngest winner of the Coleman Prize for Journalism that had earned enthusiastic applause, and decided it was now or never. Time to hunt down her boss.
She found Elena leaning into Maddie, whispering in her ear in a quiet corner, a small smile playing around her lips. It could have been about any topic, but now that Felicity knew the truth, it looked that much more intimate.
Approaching loudly—lest she interrupted anything that would traumatize her—she caught Elena’s eye first.
“You could have told me.” Felicity said, folding her arms.
“What, and ruin the moment you figured it out? Oh, I’d never deprive you,” Elena said, eyes bright with amusement.
“And you!” Felicity turned on Maddie. “Well, of course you won the queen.”
Maddie’s cheeks reddened, but she didn’t deny it. “Yeah. I did.”
“Hmm.” Felicity eyed them both and then relented. Maybe falling for Cooper had melted her defenses because she found herself saying seriously, “I’m really very happy for you both. I mean it.”
Maddie grinned and flung herself into a hug, which Felicity sighed and endured while Elena leaned back and just laughed.
Once they parted, Felicity gave Elena an aggrieved look. “All right, I’m going to borrow your—” She stopped and wondered what the right word was for their relationship. Girlfriend? Lover? She almost shuddered at the mental images. “—Australian for a few minutes.”
Maddie chuckled. “Sure.”
Elena gave a soft huff. “I’m quite certain you could come up with a better term than that.”
“Ex-assistant then?” Felicity asked mischievously. Then she paused and eyeballed Elena worriedly. “Oh God, please tell me you two weren’t going at it when you were Maddie’s boss? Were you defiling the desk whenever my back was turned?”
“Don’t be absurd, Felicity. Besides, desks are for work only.” Elena straightened. “I’ll leave you two to catch up. I have to talk to Perry about the fall lineups. Make sure he doesn’t get his head turned by fuchsia again. Once was enough.” She drifted away.
“So…” Felicity eyed Maddie. “Vietnam, then? You two were on then? That’s why she was tracking you all over the country, emailing and calling every time I turned around?”
Maddie’s eyes became distant at some fond memory. “Yep. But it started a bit before that, around Australian Fashion Week, back when I started freelancing.”
“How on earth did I miss that?”
“I have no idea. Elena’s changed so much that I think it should be obvious to everyone. I mean, she’s still cool and controlled, of course. But she’s so much lighter.”
She was. Felicity nodded slowly. “Well. Yes. I’m glad she is. After the horrors that evil ex Richard put her through, she deserves to be happy.”
“So do you,” Maddie said kindly. She leaned in and added in a low voice, “Elena tells me you’ve fallen for a veterinarian. She didn’t say who, but I’m guessing since you met some vets at Living Ruff, that narrows it down a whole lot. And if it had been studly flirt-boy Gabe Mendoza, she’d have just told me. Which means”—she grinned—“you and Cooper, huh?”
Felicity’s cheeks burned red hot almost instantly, and she rued the day she’d inherited such pale skin. She briefly considered denying it, then couldn’t bring herself to. Finally, she just huffed and said, “Yes.”
“Oh, mate, I’m so, so pleased for you.” Maddie flung herself into another hug, this one even more affectionate than the last. “She’s funny and friendly. I liked her a lot. She’s bloody terrific. You snagged a good one.”
With a weary sigh of defeat, Felicity went along with the whole body-mashing thing and hugged her back. They broke apart. “She is. And you should talk.”
Maddie chuckled. “I know. Elena’s a goddess, and I’m the luckiest woman alive. Well, this calls for shots! Let’s get smashed like a bobtail lizard on the M1.”
“Ew. Does Elena know you think roadkill’s hilarious?” Felicity arched an amused eyebrow.
“Oh, she knows. She likes me anyway.” Maddie’s happiness was addictive. She linked her arm through Felicity’s and hauled her toward the bar. “Isn’t that the best thing about being in love? When our partners know all our worst shit and super weird baggage but think it’s endearing?” She laughed.
“That is a definite bonus,” Felicity agreed, “especially when one has as much weird baggage as me.” She muttered the last part half to herself, then waved the bartender over and ordered them both drinks.
“You know, you’re not that weird, Felicity,” Maddie said after the man had left. “Actually, I always thought you were hilarious. So full of bullshit and fake dramatics. You were the funniest part about working at Hudson Metro News. I think you’re an acquired taste. And good on Cooper for seeing that.”
Warmth filled Felicity at the words. Okay, fine, she really did like Maddie Grey. Felicity drew in a breath and admitted something that was doubtlessly fueled by a considerable amount of alcohol. “If Elena had to fall in love with anyone, I’m glad it was you. She’s brilliant, and you’re kind.”
She hoped Maddie wouldn’t be offended by that distinction, but Elena was brilliant in a way few people were. And Maddie was kind in a way few people were as well. Women with icy fronts needed kind partners, Felicity had recently concluded. That’s all there was to it.
Maddie shot her a surprised look, then elbowed her. “Heh. I knew you liked me. And before you deny it, it’s mutual. Not that surprising, though, since I’m fond of all my friends.”
The bartender returned with their drinks and retreated.
Felicity was still focused on one important word. Friends?
“Well.” Felicity couldn’t think of anything else to say. She smiled. “Okay, then.”
Maddie laughed and raised a glass, clinking it against Felicity’s. “To the goddesses who chose to love us…for some mystifying reason.”
Felicity’s smile was wide. “To the goddesses who chose us.”
* * *
Cooper was enjoying the delights of the penthouse suite’s impressive jacuzzi when Felicity returned.
The woman looked utterly delicious. Naked, slippery, smooth, muscled, and curvy all at once. Cooper’s eyes were sparkling and beautiful.
Wow. I love her.
Felicity’s tension fell away, and she slumped against the wall. “I’d have rushed here sooner if I’d known this brazen scene awaited.”
Cooper merely leaned back farther, pushing her bare breasts above the water’s surface.
“Vixen.” Felicity kicked off her heels and slowly peeled off her hose, realizing she had her lover’s rapt attention.
Although that was good for her ego, it wasn’t a striptease; Felicity was dead tired. All these meet-and-greet networking things were exhausting. Not to mention Elena’s amusement every time she met Felicity’s eye. That had been a bit much.
“If you take any longer,” Cooper called out, “the water will be cold.”
“Sorry,” Felicity said, shaking herself. “I was just thinking about tonight. Certain things came to light.” She shed her dress and then hung it in the closet. “I’m still processing. And I’d have been back sooner, but Amir’s driving is just so…ugh…sedate. He’s always so careful, plodding all through Sydney’s back streets. I miss my own driver back home. He’d have lapped Amir.”
“It was nice of you to hire Mitch. I know how much he loves driving flashy cars. He’s in heaven.”
“Niceness had nothing to do with it,” Felicity said. “Mitch knows New York like the back of his hand, every shortcut, and understands when I say ‘step on it.’ I mean it. It’s like being in a turbocharged rocket.”
“Seriously?”
Felicity grinned, then pulled off her bra and panties and headed for the tub. She slipped herself between Cooper’s powerful thighs and pressed her back against those tempting, pillowy breasts. She sighed. This felt like home.
“You’re such a softie,” Cooper murmured in her ear. “And I’m going to have words with Mitch about keeping you alive.”
“He’s not that bad. And you should talk, the speed you drive,” Felicity murmured, closing her eyes. “Anyway, don’t you think he looks sharp in that uniform? He’s so proud of it.”
“He is. You pretend you’re not being kind, but I heard from Mrs. Brooks about your other new hire. A certain receptionist?”
“Ah.”
“I know Bartell Corp said it would pay the new receptionist’s wages as part of its charitable contributions to Living Ruff, but it was wrong not to consult Mrs. B first on who you chose. She was ready to give you one of her old-fashioned paint-peeling dressing-downs before I explained why you did it.”
“My hire has excellent credentials. In fact, she’s overqualified.”
“Felicity,” Cooper said with a tut, “Kristie is a prescription-pill abuser who has been homeless for three years and doesn’t play well with others. Her insistence she has to have her dog with her at all times is the only thing Mrs. B approves of because Mrs. B completely adores Ruby. And Ruby adores her as well. But we both know Kristie was not the first choice or even the hundredth choice for that position.”
“I know that. But her job has conditions. Staying clean. Attending her support group.”
“Why did you do it, though?”
“What happened to Kristie could happen to anyone. I couldn’t forget her. She could have been me. Hell, she already sounds like me.”
“Oh, I’ve noticed. We all have. When you call Living Ruff now, Kristie answers with exactly your brand of disdainful, bored tone. It’s a miracle we still get any donations after they’ve been through her.”
Felicity couldn’t contain her laugh. “I know, I know. Sorry. Okay, I’ll talk to Mrs. Brooks and apologize for meddling in her domain. I have plans for Kristie in one of our marketing divisions that desperately needs an injection of originality. But first she has to feel comfortable in a workplace again. I talked to her about it, and starting small is the key. Don’t worry. I’ll explain to your boss that it’s only temporary.”
“Mrs. B will be most relieved to hear that,” Cooper said. “She was going to call you anyway and tell you our good news. Daniel’s our first successful candidate for the vet-tech course.”
“That skinny scared kid with the weed dog?” Felicity’s eyebrows shot up.
“It’s not a weed dog!” Cooper sputtered and splashed her. “But yes. Daniel passed all our initial assessments, got high marks on the academic side, and we’re moving him to the next stage. He’s very excited. Mrs. B’s momma-bear instincts are in overdrive too. She’s talking about letting him stay with her for a little bit till he finds his own place.”
“Well, good.” Felicity smiled. “And it’s a great scheme. I hope it pans out for him.”
“Me, too.” Cooper’s arms drifted around her, sending tingles through Felicity’s body. “By the way, you came in tonight talking about certain things coming to light and then got side-tracked. What things?”
“Ah. That.” Felicity opened her eyes. “Turns out Elena is in love with Maddie after all. I saw them kissing.”
“Oh, the shock,” Cooper drawled. “However will I cope? Fuck, Felicity, her photo was on her desk. You said they watched movies together! She was with Elena every time you turned around. She was helping Elena pack to move to Maddie’s hometown!”
“Yes, well, it turns out I missed it all. Or rather I’d based my conclusions on out-of-date research.” Felicity closed her eyes briefly again and sighed. “There was a time I’d have been so jealous. A long time ago, I hasten to add.”
“I know.” Cooper began lathering up Felicity’s arms with soapy bubbles. “It was pretty obvious, your crush.”
“Really?”
“Mm. The admiring way you talked about your boss.”
“Do you think Elena knew?” Felicity shot her a worried look.
“Yes.” Cooper’s voice contained amusement. “And that’s why I never worried. If she’d wanted you, my love, she’d have plucked you from under her nose years ago and had her fun.” She teased Felicity’s arm. “The fact that she didn’t meant she wasn’t interested. Probably because her type runs to sweet, laid-back reporter-type Australians, not kick-ass, powerful women in executive suits. Fortunately, my type is kick-ass, powerful women in executive suits.”
“Good to know,” Felicity said languidly, “although I appear to be out of my executive suit right now. Would you like me to get out and put it on?” She pretended to rise.
Cooper’s powerful arm tightened around her. God, Felicity loved feeling how strong she was. Cooper’s arm relaxed. “Don’t go getting any crazy ideas. I love you right where you are.” She leaned in and nuzzled Felicity’s ear. “Matter of fact, I love you.”
Warmth filled Felicity’s chest. “It’s so weird.”
“God, don’t call my first ever declaration of love weird,” Cooper groaned.
Felicity playfully slapped her arm. “It’s so weird because when I came in tonight and saw you looking gorgeous and pleased with yourself, I thought, ‘I love her.’ I hadn’t even gotten one heel off, and that was all I could think. You’re mighty alluring.”
“Ah. Well, that’s good to know. To think you worried we’d have nothing in common. And there’s the fact we both love each other.” The smile in her voice was clear.
“Actually, it was you who worried that. Don’t forget we both love Brittany, too.”
“Who has probably forgotten us, given Mrs. B’s looking after her. She spoils my girl so.”
Felicity snuggled back deeper against Cooper’s wet, bare skin. “Know what other girl needs spoiling? I’ll give you a hint. She loves you more than legal loopholes, winning deals, and Bartell Corp.” She turned in the tub to face Cooper, careful to avoid a mini tsunami.
“Any more hints?” Cooper asked, her voice low and husky.
“Just one.” Felicity leaned in and kissed her, savoring the slippery, wet sensation.
Cooper grinned. “Hey, I think I know.” She kissed her back, lingering and affectionate. “It’s my uptown girl.”
“Hmm,” Felicity murmured into her skin. “Uptown girl? Yes and no.” She dropped briefly into her native accent. “I confess there’s also a lot more Midwest girl in me than I let on.”
Cooper’s eyebrows lifted in surprise at the admission.
“But as to being yours?” Felicity met her lover’s eyes and gave her a fond look. “Oh yes. Most definitely. Yours.” She smiled, her fingers tracing Cooper’s strong jaw. “You know, I believe I may have made a mistake earlier this evening.”
“You did?”
“Mm.” Felicity locked eyes with the most beautiful woman she’d ever known. Someone kind. Someone she loved and who loved her back. “It’s so obvious, now that I think about it. I think maybe I’m the lucky one. And right now?” She leaned in and whispered sincerely into her lover’s ear as her fingers slid down to fondle a delicious breast: “Longest. Winning streak. Ever.”
# # #