The next morning, India woke up, her mouth dry. She turned in the bed and rolled straight into Gina. She could do nothing but smile. India kissed her smooth shoulder, drawing a mumble of recognition, but nothing more. India rolled onto her back, not wanting to wake Gina too quickly.
Her mind wandered forward to the next weekend, when she was meeting Eunice and Joan at The Savoy. Eden had sent her a text to tell her everything had been arranged. How was that meeting going to go? India wanted to be there when they arrived, to sit down with them, to learn everything about why they hadn’t worked out. But it was their story, their lives, not hers. She just had to ask them the surface questions, to get some good sound bites and film their reunion, before leaving them to it. Pride had supplied the pair with a suite at The Savoy for the weekend. Would they spend it in bed, making up for years of lost time? Would Eunice wake up the following morning kissing Joan’s shoulder, just like Gina and her today? The thought made India smile.
Life could go off course very easily. If India hadn’t met Gina, she might not be moving into her flat in a few weeks, living her rooftop dream. Last night had been incredible, like nothing India had ever experienced before. Where did they go from here? She didn’t want to leave anything to chance, but she also didn’t want to push too soon. However, one thing she was certain of: Gina was going to know how she felt. She wasn’t going to leave it to someone else finding some love letters down the back of a drinks cabinet to reach her destiny.
Gina stirred and rolled over. Her face was marked with sleep, red lines running down her cheeks. She was adorable, and India told her so.
“I bet I look a sight.”
“A gorgeous sight,” India replied, kissing her lips. “How did you sleep?”
Gina blinked a few times, before raising a single eyebrow. “Once someone stopped having sex with me and let me sleep, it was pretty good.” Gina wriggled. “But damn, I’m aching this morning.”
India grinned. “It was worth it, though, right?”
“Every last second.” Gina smiled at her through sleepy eyes.
“I was just thinking about Eunice and Joan. Eden’s set up a meeting for next Sunday. Eden’s bringing her friend, Lib. Are you still good to come along and meet her? I’ll give you the company credit card and stump up for a coffee for you both.”
“How can a girl refuse an offer like that?” Gina yawned. “I’ve interviewed a couple of people for the job, but haven’t found anyone suitable yet. It’d be good to meet someone who’s already known. She seemed nice when I messaged her.”
“Eden vouches for her, and that’s good enough for me.” India ran a hand down the side of Gina’s cheek. “I was wondering if Eunice and Joan were going to end up like us next weekend, after a night of hot sex.”
Gina smiled again. “Lucky them if they do.”
“Imagine, though. Sixty years since you were naked with the love of your life.”
“They might never have been naked. It might have all been stolen kisses and sex against a door.”
“Stop it, you’re turning me on.” India rolled into Gina and kissed her lips, this time with more intention. When she eventually pulled back, her brain was scrambled, her thoughts shredded. She blinked again. “What was I saying?”
“About Eunice and Joan fucking against a door.” Gina laughed. “I hope they find what they’re looking for.” She held India’s gaze with her own. “It can happen when you least expect it.”
India drew in a fractured breath. “It certainly can.” She kissed Gina once more, before pulling back. “You know, I haven’t had many nights like last night. You’ve raised the bar.”
Gina shook her head, then rolled onto her back, blowing out a breath.
India backtracked down her conversational cul-de-sac. Cold dread gripped her. “Did I say something wrong?”
Gina turned back, giving her a slow, sure smile. “I don’t think telling a woman she’s raised the bar could ever be seen as saying the wrong thing.” Gina propped herself up on one elbow, her cheek cradled by her palm. “You’re doing all that and more for me. You brought me new business via your flat. You’ve helped me with Bernie — did I tell you she emailed and did a U-turn? Just like that. Frankie has magical powers.”
India smiled. “It helps to have friends in powerful places.”
“It certainly does.” Gina snagged India’s gaze with her own. “Plus, you’re the first woman my family have met, and they all seem as smitten as me. On top of all that, you gave me multiple orgasms that almost made my body explode.” She pressed a finger into India’s bare chest. “And you’ve got great tits.”
“You say the sweetest things,” India replied.
Gina touched her cheek, a loving look in her eye. “You’ve emboldened me. Made me a little more fearless. So, thank you. You turn an ordinary day into something special.”
India gulped. She was so close to saying those three little words but she was pretty sure it was too soon to reveal her feelings. So she held back. But the rush of emotion filling up every inch of her body could easily be mistaken for love. However, she’d been burned before. She wasn’t going to fall so easily again. Gina was so different to Andi, but India still needed to have some sort of armour covering her heart. At least, for a little while longer.
“One thing, though. I still haven’t told my family back home about us being more than friends. Until I do that — which I will, soon — can we keep this to ourselves? No social media, that sort of thing.”
India nodded. “Of course. But for now, not forever, right? I don’t want to keep you under wraps for too long.”
Gina kissed her lips. “I know. I just need to work up the courage. Soon, I promise.”