Gina leaned in to the mirror and nearly poked her eye out on her toothbrush. She took a step backwards, moved her toothbrush from the shelf, opened her eyelid and applied her dark eyeliner, followed by some lipstick. Her sister would be proud. A light knock on her door made her turn her head. She wasn’t quite ready. She opened it, and then ran back to the bathroom. “Make yourself at home, I won’t be a sec!”
India’s gorgeous, musky perfume sailed around her nose. It always announced India way before she actually appeared.
“Okay!” India shouted back.
Gina would lay bets India hadn’t changed her outfit three times today. Or scrubbed her eye shadow off once and redone it, deeming it too sparkly. Gina was going to dinner with another woman, something that hadn’t happened in over a year. While it wasn’t strictly a date — this was business, of sorts — they were going out to eat in a public place. That was reason enough to make Gina nervous. Plus, India was famous. What if someone snapped a photo and it got back to Gina’s family? She’d have a lot of explaining to do.
Five minutes later, she strolled out to the room. India’s sleek silhouette was visible through the glass doors to the balcony. India hadn’t stinted on accommodation. She’d got them both deluxe rooms side by side with spacious balconies. The sun was setting over Birmingham, and Gina was grateful it wasn’t raining or grey. For some reason, making India like her hometown was important. This was where she’d been born. Birmingham was a part of her.
It was only when she got out to the balcony that she saw her mistake. She’d left her birthday card from her sister on the table. Neeta had put it in her bag as a surprise when she stopped by her flat the night before. Now India was holding it in her hand.
“When were you going to tell me it’s your birthday?” India’s face wore a glittering smile.
Gina’s stomach flipped. “It’s not until tomorrow.”
India’s mouth opened, then closed. “Which makes it all the more important to celebrate. It’s your birthday weekend and we’re at a hotel! We’re going all out tonight with dinner and drinks.” She paused. “Was that why you didn’t want to tell your family?”
Gina glanced over the view, then back to India. “Not really. It’ll just be awkward, whatever. It’ll be nice to see them on my birthday. Or it won’t be. I don’t know until it happens. It’s the first time I’ve seen them in their space on my own since I came out. What I do know is that I don’t want to build it up into something big.” She shook her head. “Can we add my family to the list of things we’re not talking about tonight?”
“Of course we can.” India put the card down. “Seriously, though. Is dinner tonight what you want to do? Would you rather go birthday clubbing in Birmingham’s gay quarter? I hear it’s quite the scene.” India was dressed in black trousers and a silver top, cut low to expose her smooth, tanned skin.
Gina’s eye was immediately drawn to her strong collarbone, which she could already imagine touching, licking. She blinked, then dragged her gaze upwards.
When she did, she met India’s interested, rich stare.
She’d been caught.
She styled it out the best she could and refocused on India’s question. Spend the night in Birmingham’s gay quarter? She knew the answer to that one right away. “No thank you. Been there, done that. Dinner here would be great. Maybe we could have a cocktail in the rooftop bar, too? I think you’re partial to a rooftop, if memory serves?”
A smile played around India’s lips. “Okay. But dinner’s on me. No arguments. As a thank you for coming and a birthday present. Okay?”
The rooftop bar was elegant and stylish, just like India. Encased in glass, it had fairy lights all around, an abundance of greenery and plush velvet upholstery everywhere Gina looked. A pianist played cocktail bar classics in the corner, his soothing tones currently crooning Barry Manilow. It smelled of success and money, although smells, like looks, could be deceiving. Gina knew that. The one thing Gina was certain of was that she was the only Asian in the room. Birmingham had its fair share of first- and second-generation migrants, but not many were staying at The Formula Hotel.
Beside her, India swept to the bar like she was on a magic carpet. That’s what growing up rich did for you. Gina would never have that particular superpower. India ordered a gin martini with a twist, then turned to Gina. “What can I get you?”
“I’ll have the same.”
India’s eyes widened. “You sure? It’s not for the faint-hearted.”
“It’s my birthday and I’ve never had one. Now’s as good a time as any.”
India placed the order, and they found a table. Beyond them, the city spread out through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a patchwork of light and dark.
“I’ve never really been to this city, only the outskirts where our factory is. Should I come back?” India’s gaze settled on Gina.
Gina’s insides glowed amber. “I was happy growing up here.” She glanced to her left, then back. “But the view’s stunning from where I’m sitting.” Gina gulped. She’d got through dinner without embarrassing herself, but now she’d drunk some wine, was that all about to change?
The drinks arrived just in time, and Gina took a sip, then froze. The alcohol slithered through her veins. “Wow, that’s strong and cold.”
India gave her a grin. “The perfect gin martini, some might say.” She narrowed her eyes. “You’ve never even tasted one before?”
Gina shook her head. “I don’t drink much, but when I do, gin is what I like. Although normally with tonic, not neat. The word ‘gin’ is in my name, so I feel obliged to do so.”
“I like that.” India made a face. “We should come back here in June or July, when the rooftop patio is more doable. You might even be able to bring your parents by then.” She raised an eyebrow. “It might happen, you need to give them a chance. Plus, now I know you drink gin, I’ll make you a gin and tonic on my rooftop when I move in.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” A fire long forgotten roared inside Gina. She stared at India. Something had shifted between them this trip. Was it coming away, being out of their usual environment? Even though this was Gina’s hometown, it didn’t feel like it tonight. When she visited, she saw family, and that was it. She didn’t stay in hotels. She definitely didn’t stay in hotels with hot women. Gina was breaking new ground.
Up in this bar, with this gorgeous woman opposite her, she was above everything. She was invincible. Anything felt possible. Even, perhaps, her family taking her seriously tomorrow. Gina almost laughed at that thought. She certainly didn’t want to get her hopes up. Her parents still didn’t get why she’d walked away from a steady job to start her own business.
Gina gulped, her breathing scattered. Her eyes dropped to India’s collarbone and below. She blinked, searching for a topic that didn’t involve leaning over the table and kissing India Contelli.
None immediately sprang to mind.
Think, Gina. Think.
“Is everything on track for tomorrow with Eunice?” If in doubt, fall back on the reason they were there. Eunice. Not the two of them working out what was happening between them right now.
Do not focus on that.
India gave a nod of the head. Even that sent a shiver down Gina’s spine.
Not helpful.
“I spoke to her granddaughter. She gave me her address and told me she’d be there, too, which is fair enough. I could be anyone.”
“But you’ve been on telly.”
“Precisely. Never trust anyone who’s been on the telly.” India gave her a rueful smile.
“I wonder how Eunice is feeling tonight?” Gina took another sip of her martini. She tried hard not to make a face. “She’s got to talk about such a personal thing to a stranger tomorrow. After that, have the spotlight shone on her. It’s no small thing.”
“I imagine she’s nervous. But I’m going to make her feel as much at ease as I possibly can.” India snagged Gina’s gaze. “It’s been lovely sharing tonight with you, so thanks for coming with me. I know we’ve only recently met, but it’s been a real highlight of my year. I was nervous about asking you along, but you’ve made me feel at ease.”
Longing slid down Gina’s skin. India had been nervous about asking her? She took a steadying breath. Their eye contact over dinner, the pregnant pauses, the ache that kept catching in her chest…
Maybe Gina could believe that India was feeling something for her, too. Perhaps she’d been pushing it away because she wasn’t sure what to do with it.
She still wasn’t.
India looked at her, lips parted, waiting for a reply.
All Gina could do was stare at her lips.
Say something.
“You’re very welcome. Plus, you’re not the only one who was nervous tonight. It’s been a while since I went out for dinner with a beautiful woman.” She said the words with as much intent as she could muster. Her words came out strong and true, even though she was feeling anything but. Fake it til you make it. It was a motto she lived by in the business world. There was no reason it couldn’t work in romance, too. Even if her heart was about to explode through her chest, and her lips longed to press themselves to India’s.
Maybe. Just maybe…
India sat up straighter, a glimmer of a smile gracing her lips. “I was just thinking the same. You look gorgeous tonight. I almost dropped your birthday card when you walked onto the terrace earlier. You were radiating something magical. You might not like your hometown, but I think it likes you.”
Gina put her gaze anywhere but India. Anywhere but on the face of this woman, with compliments about Gina dropping from her divine lips. What the hell was happening here? She’d come on a trip to find love for someone else. She hadn’t been expecting a side order for herself.
“I know you haven’t had much luck in love, but do you believe in it?” India’s eyes were brimming with emotion.
Gina gave a slow nod. “There’s not much else worth believing in, is there?”
India’s smile was dazzling. The most dazzling Gina had ever seen it. She breathed deep, hoping to frame this moment in her mind, just in case it slipped away.
“It’s what I’m hoping Eunice says tomorrow. That she’d like to find this woman. That she’d like to give love one more try. It’s got to be worth it, right?”
“I’d say so. But I’m not 79, with a life behind me.”
“How old are you tomorrow? Did you say 41 when we spoke on the roof?”
Gina nodded. “Yep, I’ll be 41. I came out when I was 33. I’m still young, in gay terms.”
“We’re all still young in gay terms, still trying to unlearn the lies we’re told growing up. That we’re not worthy, not good enough. Look at Eunice. You’re way ahead of her.”
“Am I?” Gina stared at India. “I don’t know. My sister’s married. My brother is too, and he’s got three kids. I always thought by the time I was 41 I’d be more settled. Not necessarily married or with kids, but at least with someone I connected with. Someone who got me. It hasn’t happened yet.”
India gave her a mesmerising smile once more. “You said yet. I like your hope. Remember this year’s Pride slogan: ‘It’s Never Too Late’. Maybe it’s not for you, either.” India paused, staring into Gina’s eyes, then back to her drink. “Shall we take this back to the room?” She checked her watch. “We could have it on your terrace. It’s almost a rooftop. We could toast your almost birthday.”
Gina’s heart thudded in her chest. “I’d love to.”
If Gina had thought their exchanges were charged on the balcony earlier, it was nothing compared to what was happening now. The earlier chat had flavoured the air with something daring and exciting. Now, a magnetic forcefield had settled on them, meaning they couldn’t be more than a few feet apart. Even walking back from the bar, their elbows and hands kept touching.
India followed Gina into her room and put their martinis on the balcony table. Before them, the inky Birmingham night spread out like a lit canvas.
India breathed it in, as she always did on rooftops. Gina hadn’t known her long, but she already knew this. It was as if rooftops helped India to breathe, like she needed the space. Balconies served the same purpose. When India turned back from the view and their gazes met, Gina stilled. India had a way of looking at her, as if she saw the whole way through, right to Gina’s core. It was unsettling, but impossible to ignore. It made Gina want to open up, share what made her tick. They’d done a fair bit of that already.
India sat opposite, pulling her black plastic chair a little closer. She raised her martini, never taking her eyes from Gina. “Happy birthday to you, my new friend. Here’s to a successful weekend for both of us. Me with Eunice, and you with your parents. They’re going to be surprised when you show up on their doorstep on your birthday.”
Gina put a finger to her lips. “No parent talk, let’s not kill the mood.”
The corners of India’s mouth turned upwards.
That smile.
“Sorry,” she whispered. She moved her chair a little closer still. “Am I allowed to ask what you’re hoping this year brings? I mean, apart from a gorgeous new friend, but that’s already happened.” India gave Gina a small bow before continuing. “Any big plans for the next 12 months of your life?”
Gina smiled. “One thing I’ve learned in my 41 years on this planet is that you can plan all you like, but those plans might never happen. For this coming year, I’ll just say if I can buy my business back and be happy, that’ll do. I don’t want to stress out the universe, or it might kick me in the arse when I’m not looking.”
“What about love? We were talking about it in the bar.” India’s gaze was scorching.
Gina stared at her. “Wasn’t that the martinis talking?” When she pressed her thumb to her palm, it was hot.
“Maybe. But sometimes you need martinis for a little courage.” India pushed her drink away. “I won’t finish this one, I want to be fresh for the morning. Eunice deserves the best of me.” She paused. “Luckily, you’re here, and you bring out the best in me.” India frowned, then shook her head. “Maybe one martini and a glass of wine have muddled my thinking. I keep saying things that sound a little corny.” She raised her eyes to meet Gina’s. “Maybe a lot corny. I’m sorry.”
“There’s no need to apologise.” Gina’s skin prickled as she stared at her. India thought she was saying too much? Quite the opposite. It had been some time since any woman had given Gina so many compliments in one go. She had no intention of turning off the tap.
She cleared her throat. “Plus, you know what I think about love. That I hope to experience it with a woman who truly gets me.” The words were hot in Gina’s throat. But she’d started down this path now, so she was determined to finish. “With a woman who listens and really wants to know me.” She paused. “And if that someone dresses with such style they make my knees weak, so be it.”
A surprised smile crossed India’s face. She went to say something, but the words seemed to catch in her throat.
The moment pulsed in the air, so much so, Gina got up and leaned on the balcony wall.
Deep breaths. Fresh air. That’s what she needed.
Behind her, the scrape of chair legs pierced the air, and in moments, India was beside her, their elbows touching.
Gina drew in her deepest breath yet.
“The rooftops in Birmingham seem smaller than in London.” India’s voice was low, gravelly. It reached into Gina’s soul.
She smiled. “That’s because we’re on the 35th floor.”
India nudged Gina’s hip with her own.
Gina turned, and when their eyes met, the world stopped. Suddenly, what they’d been dancing around all evening seemed inevitable.
Gina straightened up, turning her body towards India.
India did the same. Her gaze dropped to Gina’s lips, then skated back up to her eyes. It didn’t stay long.
As if driven by some invisible emboldened force, Gina reached out a hand and snaked it around India’s waist.
India stilled at her touch. “You’re not who I expected to meet this year, Gina Gupta. Not by a long shot.” India licked her lips. “But you’ve walked into my life and changed it. Now, I want you to change it some more.”
Gina felt the words in every part of her body. They boomed in her heart, they made her eyelids flutter, her toes tingle.
“That’s a big ask. But the last 41 years has also taught me it’s best not to think about the past or the future. It’s best to live in the moment. If you do that, the future normally takes care of itself.”
Right at that moment, somewhere in the city, a bell tolled. India pulled Gina closer, until their mouths were inches away from each other.
India’s lips were full and inviting. The kind of lips Gina could get lost in for days. The kind she wanted to get lost in for days.
“Happy birthday, Gina,” India said.
The low drag of her voice vibrated through Gina with some effect.
India cupped her face. She brushed the pads of her thumbs across Gina’s lips.
An insistent pulse began between Gina’s legs as she leaned closer still. Her hands tightened around India’s hips.
Finally, India closed the gap between them and pressed her lips to Gina’s. When Gina tasted her, she floated away.
Whatever fantasies or daydreams she’d had about what India’s mouth might feel like paled in comparison to the real thing. Her lips were soft, yet firm. Her musky scent was even stronger close up, and Gina breathed her in. Her kisses were unhurried, as if she were easing into Gina.
Gina had no complaints.
A few moments later, India ran her tongue along the front of Gina’s teeth, before sliding it into her mouth.
Gina swooned. In response, she moved her hand to India’s pert backside and squeezed. Damn, that felt good.
India dropped kisses on her jawline and up to her ear.
Gina closed her eyes, all her concentration going towards staying upright and in the moment.
Then India brought her mouth back to Gina’s lips and stared into her eyes. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you all night long.” Her tone was a growl. Then her lips were back on Gina’s, sliding across them, showing Gina just how much she wanted her.
The feeling was mutual. Gina’s body told her so.
Eventually, they pulled apart.
Gina’s vision returned, her breath scattered, her thoughts, too. However, she knew with some certainty they couldn’t go any further. Tomorrow was too important. India had to meet Eunice. She had to meet her parents. The last thing Gina wanted to do was turn up having had no sleep, looking sex-ravaged.
Even if that is exactly what she wanted to do.
She took a deep breath, then pulled India back close and kissed her lips.
Damn, she was delicious. Gina never wanted to let India go.
When she opened her eyes again, their noses were still touching, as were their foreheads.
“You know, we can’t do this tonight.” She hated herself for saying those words, but it was the truth.
India let out a despairing sigh. “I know. I really hate it, but I know. I was just battling with myself, thinking the same thing.” She kissed her again.
Gina’s thought process dissolved into a puddle of goop. Damn it, she had to keep her thoughts straight. Or at least, as straight as they possibly could be.
“I don’t want you to go, though.” Gina paused, running a hand inside India’s top and up her bare back.
India closed her eyes and shivered.
“You think if we slept in the same bed, we’d get any sleeping done?”
India’s mouth curled into a smile as she opened her eyes. “The honest answer? No.”
Gina covered her face with her hand. “You’re right, I know.” She removed her hand. “Can we put a pause on this? Until after tomorrow? But just so we’re clear, this is very much to be continued.”
“Very much so. It’s dot dot dot, not full stop. Even though I am away next week with work. But still, dot dot dot.” India kissed her, hard. If she wanted to show she meant it, she’d done exactly the right thing.
When they parted, Gina took India’s hand and they walked through her room and to her door. Gina’s body was alive. She really didn’t want India to go. She couldn’t ever recall feeling what she was feeling in this moment.
Gina turned to India, composing her face. She wasn’t going to pout.
“Only one problem,” India said as she opened Gina’s door to leave. “I don’t have a birthday present to give you in the morning. Poor form.”
Gina gave her a slow, sure smile. “Just come to the door, knock, then wrap your lips around mine. That will be the perfect gift.”
India gave her a smile that made her clit stand to attention. “That,” she said, kissing Gina’s hand, then her lips, “I can definitely do. Sweet dreams.”
“I think you guaranteed they will be.”