Chapter 29 #2
“Well, I promised myself in my head…and I intend to keep that promise.”
Debra wanted to say something witty. She wanted to say something that proved she wasn’t completely undone by Billie Brown merely existing beside her, but she was, so she squeezed Billie’s hand instead, and said, “Good.”
She caught Billie rolling her head on her shoulders, her nostrils flaring. God, it was deeply satisfying to see her like this. Not distant or untouchable, but human. Someone struggling to contain her want. Someone trying to stick to her word.
They reached the shop in what felt like no time at all. Brown & Co. stood exactly as it always had, timeless and immaculate—the sort of place where no one would ever assume something as tender and messy as love could be happening behind the dark glass windows.
Billie paused outside the door, and Debra felt it instantly. That subtle shift and how Billie’s shoulders straightened a fraction.
Debra expected Billie to let go of her hand, but she didn’t. If anything, she tightened her grip. As Debra stood watching her, Billie frowned.
“What?”
“Nothing.” Debra smiled and stepped a little closer. “I’m just enjoying watching you become her.”
Billie’s eyes softened. “She’s still me.”
“I know.”
Billie visibly swallowed, then leaned in, her breath brushing Debra’s cheek. “Tonight, you’ll have me.”
Debra’s stomach swooped. Then Billie stepped back as though she hadn’t just said something that made Debra feel like she would never recover, opened the door, and led her inside.
The air changed immediately when Nina looked up from behind the counter, and Debra braced instinctively.
She hadn’t meant to, but her mind remembered too clearly what it had walked in on before.
The desk, the shadows, Billie’s voice…rough and commanding in a way that had broken Debra open at the seams.
Nina’s gaze met hers, and she regarded Debra with a warm smile. “Morning, Debra.”
Completely thrown, Debra blinked repeatedly. “M-morning.”
Billie stepped forward, still holding Debra’s hand, and greeted her assistant with a nod. “Nina.”
Nina’s eyes flicked to their clasped hands, but there was no bitterness in her expression. If anything, it seemed more like a quiet acceptance. Perhaps even relief.
“The two fittings this morning went well,” Nina said smoothly. “Both have confirmed their follow-up appointment. You have about an hour or so before the afternoon clients arrive.”
Billie smiled. “Thank you for holding things down here.”
“That’s no problem.” Nina cleared her throat and switched her gaze between Debra and Billie. “Are you feeling okay today?”
It would be considered an odd question to anyone else, but Debra understood exactly what Nina meant.
Billie didn’t even flinch as she simply said, “Yes. I am.”
“I’m glad.” Debra watched Nina’s shoulders ease at that. Then she straightened out into a professional all over again. “There’s fresh coffee in the back.”
“Oh, great. Thanks.”
Billie turned to Debra, and Debra had a sudden, irrational urge to wrap her arms around her in the middle of the shop and keep her there…keep her safe in broad daylight where nobody could hurt her. She chose to squeeze Billie’s hand instead.
“Would you like coffee before I have to be a normal working human being?”
“No, thank you. I should head off. I need to do some shopping, and you need to enjoy your coffee in peace before the London elite demand your time and attention.” Debra watched Nina walk away, leaving them alone on the shop floor. “But I’ll see you tonight?”
Billie’s gaze shifted to something deeper, as though she’d just been taken back to this morning, where Debra sat on the kitchen island with her legs around her waist.
“Yes. You will.”
“Call me if anything changes.” Debra started to step away, but Billie didn’t let go. “Billie…”
“Last night meant everything to me, Debra.” She leaned in and kissed Debra’s cheek, the grip on her hand loosening a little, but not much. “Thank you for being there. For listening.”
“Hey, you don’t ever have to thank me.” Debra moved closer and pressed a gentle hand to Billie’s chest. “But you are going to be late if I don’t leave now.”
“I don’t care.” Billie touched her forehead to Debra’s. “Stay.”
“You have clients to see to.”
Billie sighed and nodded as she took a step back. “I want you tonight.”
Debra stared at her, her lips parted. Christ. Billie held her gaze as though she wasn’t ashamed of wanting anymore. As though she’d decided that if she was going to be brave, she was going to be brave fully.
“You can have anything you want.”
Billie’s breath hitched, as though her confirmation had hit something deep. And then she did something Debra hadn’t expected. She looked…shy. “I-if you’re free, I mean.”
Debra smiled. “I’m free.”
“Can I…cook for you tonight?”
A rush of blood pulsed through Debra so quickly that she felt unsteady on her feet. Billie Brown—the woman who didn’t let anyone into her home, who didn’t offer softness unless it had a purpose, and who’d survived by being untouchable—was asking her that. “Yes. I’d love that.”
“Good.” Billie’s eyes landed on Debra’s mouth again. “I’ve been thinking about feeding you all morning.”
Debra let out a startled laugh as heat rushed to her cheeks. “Billie!”
Billie’s lips curved. “Too much?”
“Not enough.” Debra, still flustered, suddenly felt very hot under the collar. “Or too much. I don’t know.”
Billie’s eyes darkened, and Debra noted it immediately. The hunger and the intensity…the need she used to hide behind control. Only now it wasn’t frightening or intimidating. No, it was all-consuming.
Billie blinked as she forced herself back into work mode. “Come over for seven?”
Debra nodded and took a few steps towards the door. “Seven it is.”
“And Debra?”
She looked back over her shoulder. “Yes?”
“Wear something comfortable.” Billie’s voice dipped. “And don’t expect me to behave either.”
Debra’s stomach flipped when Billie turned away and walked towards the corridor. She watched her go, heat scorching low in the pit of her stomach. God, she had no idea what she was in for tonight, but wasn’t that a part of the thrill? Damn right it was.