109
The buzz of conversation quieted when the doorbell chimed again. Amanda set her glass down just as the private concierge wheeled in the evening's order. Silver trays were lifted onto the dining table, steam curling into the air as the lids were removed one by one.
The rich aroma of roasted duck filled the space, mingling with the buttery scent of truffle mashed potatoes and garlic asparagus. A crisp arugula salad glistened with just the right touch of vinaigrette, and in the center of the cart sat two elegant glasses of tiramisu, layered perfectly.
Amanda's eyes widened a little as she laughed. "You went all out, didn't you?"
Ericka simply arched a brow, as though that wasn't even worth questioning. "Of course." She gestured smoothly toward the table. "Sit. Both of you."
Samantha slid into a chair across from Amanda, still glancing around the penthouse with subtle curiosity. "I've got to admit, Amanda, you weren't exaggerating. Things really are different for you now."
Amanda gave a small smile, pouring herself a glass of water before answering. "Yeah. Very different."
Ericka sat at the head of the table, posture perfect, her presence filling the space without effort. She poured white wine for Samantha, water for Amanda, then finally poured herself sparkling water with a slice of lime.
Samantha's brow rose slightly. "Not joining us?"
Ericka's lips curved faintly. "Not tonight," she said simply, lifting the glass. Amanda caught the look in her eyes—the quiet reminder of the secret between them.
"To old connections... and new beginnings," Ericka offered smoothly.
Amanda clinked her water glass against hers, then glanced at Samantha. "And to surprises."
Samantha smirked as she joined the toast. "I'll drink to that."
They ate, the silence broken by the occasional clink of silverware. The richness of the duck, the buttery mash, the crisp tang of vinaigrette—all of it was decadent, though Amanda's attention wasn't entirely on the food.
Every so often, beneath the table, Ericka's hand brushed against Amanda's leg. At first it was a light touch, fingertips grazing her knee. Then, as the conversation rolled on, Ericka's palm settled softly on Amanda's thigh, her thumb stroking in quiet circles that only Amanda could feel.
Amanda hid her smile behind her glass, but the warmth in her chest betrayed her.
Finally, Samantha set her fork down lightly. "You know," she said, her tone playful but edged with curiosity, "this is definitely the nicest dinner I've had in a long time. I almost feel underdressed."
Amanda chuckled, shaking her head. "You're fine. If Ericka wanted you dressed for a black-tie dinner, she would've sent you a memo."
Ericka's lips curved at that, her eyes flicking between the two women. "True." She cut into her duck delicately, her voice smooth. "But you wear confidence well, Samantha. That's what matters."
Amanda caught the faintest flush on Samantha's face before she quickly looked back at her plate.
"Confidence, huh?" Samantha teased lightly, recovering her composure. "That's one way to spin it. I feel like I've walked into another world. Duck and truffle potatoes in a penthouse with a skyline view? Amanda, you used to get excited over half-price nachos on Thursdays."
Amanda laughed, shaking her head. "And they were good nachos, don't act like they weren't."
"They were messy," Samantha countered, smirking. "You'd get cheese on your shirt every time."
Amanda rolled her eyes. "Okay, maybe once or twice."
"More like five times," Samantha corrected, grinning.
Ericka leaned back slightly in her chair, her hand never leaving Amanda's thigh under the table. She lifted her sparkling water, the bubbles catching the light. "Cheese or no cheese, I'd wager Amanda can make anything look good."
Amanda nearly choked on her sip of water, warmth creeping into her cheeks. Ericka leaned in just slightly and brushed a soft kiss against Amanda's cheek, so quick Samantha could mistake it for casual, though Amanda knew better.
"Careful," Samantha teased. "You keep talking like that, and she'll never let me live down the glow-up."
Amanda smirked, her voice steady even as her pulse quickened. "What can I say? I'm adaptable."
"You've always been adaptable," Samantha said softly, her tone carrying something layered. Then, leaning back in her chair, she added, "But this... this is new. You seem... settled. Like you're exactly where you're supposed to be."
Amanda met her gaze, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. Her eyes flicked to Ericka, who tipped her chin slightly and pressed another fleeting kiss to Amanda's lips—soft, quiet, but enough to make Amanda's heart race.
"Yeah," Amanda said finally, her voice steadier than she felt. "I think I am."
The weight of that truth lingered in the air, threading between the three of them as dinner continued, the intimacy between Amanda and Ericka impossible to ignore.
By the time the plates from the main course were cleared away, the air at the table felt warmer, more intimate. Conversation had grown easier, laughter slipping in between bites and sips, though underneath it all Ericka's quiet touches never stopped.
Her hand rested on Amanda's thigh beneath the table, fingers drawing slow, lazy circles that sent shivers up Amanda's spine. Every now and then she'd lean over, brushing the corner of Amanda's lips with a kiss, as though she couldn't quite resist.
The concierge returned briefly to uncover the dessert—two elegant glasses of tiramisu, dusted with cocoa powder and layered so perfectly they looked like artwork.
Amanda's eyes lit up. "Oh, now this I've been waiting for."
Samantha grinned, picking up her spoon. "This looks too pretty to eat."
"You'll survive," Amanda teased, already diving in.
Ericka didn't rush. She spooned into hers gracefully, but her attention wasn't on the dessert. It was on Amanda. Watching the way her lips curved as she took her first bite. Watching the way her eyes closed just briefly in delight. Watching her with a hunger that had nothing to do with food.
Amanda caught it, heat rising in her cheeks. "Don't look at me like that," she muttered softly, though a smile tugged at her lips.
Ericka leaned closer, brushing her nose against Amanda's temple as though she were whispering something casual. But her voice dropped low, meant only for her. "I can't help it... I'm in the mood tonight."
Amanda's heart skipped. The words threaded heat through her veins instantly. She swallowed, trying to keep her expression neutral in front of Samantha, but the way Ericka's fingers pressed a little firmer into her thigh under the table made it nearly impossible to ignore.
Samantha glanced up, oblivious, licking cocoa from her spoon. "This is honestly the best tiramisu I've ever had. You're spoiled, Amanda."
Amanda forced a laugh, her pulse racing. "Yeah... I know."
Ericka's lips brushed her cheek again, softer this time, her whisper a ghost against Amanda's skin. "When she leaves... you're mine."
Amanda's breath caught. She set her spoon down, pretending to dab at her lips with her napkin, just to hide the way her body reacted.
Ericka's hand slid higher under the table, squeezing gently, teasing. Her lips grazed Amanda's ear as she whispered again, low and deliberate:
"How about we don't wait... we could go to the bathroom now."
Amanda froze, heat rushing through her so fast it left her dizzy. She turned her head slightly, their eyes locking, Ericka's gaze daring, full of mischief.
Samantha was still eating dessert, completely unaware, humming happily at the taste.
Amanda's heart pounded at Ericka's whisper, the thrill of it hitting her harder than the wine ever could. She turned her head, meeting Ericka's eyes, the smirk there equal parts wicked and irresistible.
"You're insane," Amanda whispered back, her lips twitching into a smile she couldn't hide.
Ericka's hand pressed a little firmer against her thigh, her voice low and deliberate. "Then be insane with me."
Amanda hesitated only for a heartbeat. Then she slid her napkin onto the table and pushed back her chair, her voice steady as she looked at Samantha. "Excuse me a sec, I'll be right back."
Samantha glanced up from her dessert, completely at ease. "Yeah, no problem. I might just finish yours too if you're not back fast."
Amanda grinned, shooting her a playful look before stepping away. Ericka rose smoothly right after, offering no explanation, just following Amanda with quiet confidence. Their footsteps faded down the hallway, soft against the hardwood.
The moment they were out of sight, Amanda felt herself pinned gently against the cool wall just outside the bathroom door. Ericka's lips were on hers before she could breathe, slow but hungry, one hand cupping her jaw while the other anchored at her hip.
Amanda melted into it instantly, her hands sliding up Ericka's arms, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened, lingering, as if they were stealing time itself.
"You're crazy," Amanda whispered between kisses, her forehead resting against Ericka's.
"And you love every second of it," Ericka murmured back, brushing a soft kiss against the corner of her lips, then another at her jawline.
Amanda bit her lip, her pulse racing. "We can't stay gone long she'll notice."
Ericka smirked, pressing one last kiss, this one softer, teasing. "Then let's make her wait a little."
Amanda laughed quietly, breathless, before finally tugging Ericka toward the bathroom door. They slipped inside together, the sound of their muffled laughter trailing behind them.