Chapter 33 #2
“Lovely to meet you,” Vanessa said warmly, and Emma echoed it with her own bright enthusiasm. “Whatever you’ve heard, feel free to keep it to yourself.”
Jessie waved her hand between them. “All good things, don’t worry.”
“Right, in that case, let’s order cocktails.” Dani plucked a menu from the holder and scanned the choices on offer. “And then, we’re going dancing later. I hope you don’t have any other plans.”
Oh, only plans to ruin my wife the moment we get home, Vanessa thought, quickly clearing her throat as she side-glanced at Emma. “Nothing that I’m aware of.”
“Y-yeah.”
From there, the evening flowed easily. Dani was her usual animated self, telling stories with wild hand gestures and no shortage of swearing, while Jessie balanced her out with dry, understated quips that had Vanessa laughing more than once.
Emma had relaxed beside her, and no sooner had she taken the first sip of her drink, her laughter was bright and unrestrained for the first time in what felt like forever.
At one time, none of this would have been possible.
Emma’s friendship with Dani had been so strained that Vanessa wouldn’t have dreamed of accepting an invitation like this.
But during this evening, as they’d all leaned over half-finished cocktails and shared platters, Emma had laughed at something Dani had said, her head thrown back as she did so, and Vanessa had felt an overwhelming relief.
Because nights like this were possible now.
Emma could sit across from Dani, smiling and secure, never once second-guessing her.
“You’re quiet,” Emma said as she dipped her head towards Vanessa’s ear.
“Just enjoying the view,” Vanessa teased, brushing her hand against Emma’s knee under the table. “I enjoy seeing you like this.”
Emma gave her a little side-eye. “Sappy.”
“True.”
Dinner rolled into dessert, and dessert rolled into another round of drinks. By the time the bill came, Vanessa’s cheeks ached from smiling. She had insisted she would cover the bill, mostly out of guilt but also simply because she wanted to, and Dani hadn’t protested.
“This night has been just what we needed.” Vanessa squeezed Emma’s knee, trailing her hand a little higher instead of letting go. “Right, baby?”
“Absolutely. Thanks for inviting us.”
Dani leaned in. “You both know where I am if you ever need to talk or vent. That offer will always stand.”
Emma cleared her throat. “Thanks, Dani. I appreciate that.”
“And obviously, I want updates too. You’re about to gain something beautiful, and I, for one, am very happy for you.”
On the short walk out into the cool night air, Jessie looped her arm through Dani’s and gave Vanessa a smile. “She’s been dying for this all week. You two are very loved, in case she hasn’t told you.”
Warmth settled deep in Vanessa’s chest.
“Next time,” Dani said as she lit a cigarette. “My place. I’ll cook. Jessie makes a mean potato salad.”
“Deal.” Emma leaned in and hugged Dani and Jessie, then stepped back and took Vanessa’s hand. “And the time after that…our place.”
Once they were safely inside a taxi and heading home, Emma tucked herself against Vanessa on the back seat, stifling yawn after yawn. Vanessa ran her fingers through Emma’s hair, watching the city blur past.
“I enjoyed tonight,” Emma said quietly, her hand resting on Vanessa’s knee.
“I thought you would. I’m glad we decided to go.”
As Vanessa took Emma’s hand, settling in for the journey home, she lay her head back and smiled. The relief of life beginning to settle, coupled with the sheer love she had for this woman, was stark tonight. But really, it always had been.
Emma squeezed her hand and sighed. “Best hand holder in the business.”
Though her words were playful, Vanessa felt them settle deep inside of her. This was what she’d been waiting for. Her wife was unburdened, laughing, and secure enough to let go of the fears that had held her so tight recently.
Vanessa leaned down and kissed her gently, tasting the faint sweetness of the cocktails she’d consumed on her lips. And as Emma sighed against her mouth, Vanessa promised herself she’d hold onto this joy every chance she got.
When she pulled back, Emma’s eyes glinted with something sharper.
Her hand slipped beneath Vanessa’s dress, warm against her thigh, her fingers tracing idle circles that had nothing idle about them.
Vanessa inhaled softly when her pulse quickened.
Emma knew exactly what she was doing; the mischief in her gaze gave her away.
“Careful,” Vanessa murmured, her voice low as she took her bottom lip between her teeth.
Emma pressed a little firmer, the heat of her touch sending sparks through Vanessa. “Where’s the fun in being careful?”
Vanessa laughed as she shook her head, her body already betraying her. Madam stirred inside her, a coiled presence that always rose when Emma pushed like this. “You really want her tonight, don’t you?” Vanessa whispered, her breath brushing Emma’s ear.
Emma shivered, but her hand lingered a moment longer before she pulled back. “Desperately.”
Vanessa sat back, her heart pounding as her lips tugged into the kind of smile that came only when Madam was already prowling near the surface.
Emma had lit the fuse, and she knew exactly what that meant.
“Then you’d better behave until we get inside,” Vanessa said smoothly, her tone carrying the very edge Emma craved.
“Because Madam doesn’t take kindly to impatience. ”
Emma’s breath hitched, and Vanessa, fully aware she was the one holding all the cards now, felt the thrill of anticipation settle like fire in her veins.
Tonight, they both knew precisely where this was headed.