Chapter 32
Court had been so right. Ji Ellis’s leftovers were amazing in the middle of the night, eaten in bed cold. She regretted that she had to share them. But Court had pouted when she had said she wasn’t going to. And Court’s pout, well she couldn’t deny her anything with that pout.
How had going out for coffee turned into spending the night at Court’s place?
Well, that was easy. She couldn’t leave the woman.
The magic of their first meeting had engulfed them again, and by the time they had found a table at the cafe, Stephanie couldn’t stop touching the other woman.
Court, it seemed, felt the same, as they barely stopped touching the entire afternoon they were together.
Each had ordered a coffee, and neither had drunk it, though they had been in the cafe for hours.
They talked like never before. Only to find out how much alike they were.
They were both driven and willing to put in the hours needed to become successful in their field.
Stephanie at her gym and Court had finally admitted that she and Rebel owned their own company.
Though Court had a leg up on her since hers had been open for close to five years now.
That Rebel was a successful businesswoman had been a surprise. In the bar and at her mom’s house, she had acted ditzy and spacey. Court had informed her that she usually hid her brains behind the persona she thought those around her wanted to see. But she was shrewd when it was called for.
Stephanie had admitted that the gym wasn’t gaining the footing she wanted it to, that she and Jordan were putting in more and more hours and not seeing a return on it.
That they weren’t attracting many new customers.
Those they had were loyal and great, but word had gotten out that they were more focused on the LGBTQ+ community, which meant that they were narrowing their clientele.
Maybe too much for the location of the gym.
Court had just listened, observed, but hadn’t judged her or questioned how she had let it happen.
Nor had she pushed for an explanation of what her plans were for change.
Just listened. Exactly what she needed. She and Jordan worked day and night on how to improve the gym.
She didn’t need to hear it from others who barely knew anything about the process.
They had also talked about the Ellis’s, because Stephanie had a lot of questions.
Court told her how she had met Ellis in college and the rest over time.
But it hadn’t taken long for Ji and James to make her a part of the family.
That they were the accepting and loving parents she needed and still loved.
Nobody could take their place in her life.
When the cafe got quiet and they were the only patrons still there, Court suggested going to her place, which was only blocks away.
Stephanie couldn’t say no. They drove the car, because Court couldn’t leave it on the street.
Once parked, Court carried the leftovers inside as Stephanie tried to remember why this was a bad idea. But those thoughts were long gone.
After they finished eating, they snuggled and talked until Stephanie fell asleep. She was comfortable and content and never wanted to leave Court’s arms. When she opened her eyes, it was barely five in the morning and her alarm hadn’t gone off yet, but the bed was empty and cold.
Sitting up, she saw that Court’s clothes were no longer on the floor by the door, which meant she was gone again.
How she had let herself believe that the woman had changed, she didn’t know.
She was drawn to Court like no other and couldn’t stop herself from being with her.
From wanting to be with her again, again, even if every time she got hurt in the process.
Groaning, she glared at the ceiling and was wondering if she’d ever see her again when it dawned on her that she was in Court’s bed, in Court’s apartment. Had she ghosted her from her own bedroom?
Rubbing her face, she tried to control her thoughts. What now? Did she just get dressed and leave? Did she snoop to find out more about the woman? Was she an idiot for wondering any of this?
“Are you going to get up, or hide in bed all day?” Court’s voice came from the doorway.
Sitting up, she hugged the sheets to her bare chest, as if Court hadn’t seen every inch of her the night before.
The woman was smirking in the doorway, today instead of jeans or a suit she was in dark gray sweatpants that hung low on her hips and a black t-shirt that had seen better days, but looked soft as butter and Stephanie longed to touch it.
“Just letting my imagination get away from me.” She admitted and fell back into the pillows.
Walking into the room, Court sat down on the side of the bed and pulled the sheet away from Stephanie’s breast, then grinned when her eyes locked on her breasts, ogling. “Do you want an omelet or waffles for breakfast?”
“What do you usually serve your overnight guests?” She regretted the answer instantly. Neither wanted to be reminded of the past conquest. It isn’t that Stephanie didn’t have exes. She did, and didn’t want them brought up all the time.
Court didn’t seem put off by her words. “I don’t have overnight guests, my M.O. is going to their place. It’s easier to leave before they woke up that way. Which makes you special.”
“I enjoy being special, Court.” She admitted, feeling her heart skip at the words. “Omelet, if you're still offering.”
“I am.” She got up. “Did you want something to wear?”
“Whatever,” she could easily put back on what she had been wearing yesterday, even if it was probably wrinkled from its night on the floor.
“Naked is fine with me, in fact, I prefer it.” Pulling her shirt over her own head, she tossed it to the floor.
Laughing at her, all Stephanie’s nerves vanished. Maybe it was Court’s way of disarming her and doing something so unexpected. Or maybe it was Court’s breasts at eye level. But either way, she let out a sigh and felt she was exactly where she wanted to be today. Did she even want to get up and eat?
If she didn’t have to work in less than an hour, she’d have gladly spent the entire day in bed with that woman. She hoped Court was okay with her schedule, because it was erratic and wasn’t going to change anytime soon. It had been the reason for the end of many of her relationships in the past.
“I wish I had time to enjoy you more, but I have to work this morning. In exchange for the weekend off, I promised Jordan I would take her morning classes this week.” She said, then held her breath, waiting for the annoyance or anger.
Court grabbed her hand and helped her off the bed. “No worries, take a shower and I’ll make you breakfast to go.”
“Are you sure?” She asked, not wanting to push, but liking this side of Court.
Shrugging the shirt back on, she took her arm and led her to the bathroom off the bedroom, turning on the lights and finding her a towel.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be? I wouldn’t expect you to stop your life because of me.
I work long hours, you work long hours. Yes, those hours might not overlap, but that will straighten itself out in time. ”
“You’re sure?” She hugged the towel to her as she dug in a drawer in the vanity.
“I have to work in a few hours, too.” Handing her a toothbrush, Court kissed her lightly. “And I make an amazing breakfast burrito when you're all clean.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank me tonight.”
“Are you asking me out?”
“I am. Wasn’t that clear enough? Do I have to spell it out? Stephanie Bexley, will you go out with me tonight?”
“I would love to.”
“I get off around six. Send me a text when you are available. I know a great place that’s open twenty-four hours.” Court said.
Stephanie’s heart skipped. Had she just said she’d work around her schedule? Recently, the men she had dated wanted her to change her hours to match theirs as soon as possible and when she was busy. They’d get upset and ask her to skip work. But here was Court doing just that on their first date.
“I don’t actually have your number.” She admitted, because even with all their talking yesterday, they hadn’t exchanged that information.
“I’ll give it to you over breakfast. Get showered or you’ll be late for work.” Court tapped her lightly on her butt before leaving the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Stephanie worried that she’d never tire of Court, she just hoped she wouldn’t tire of Stephanie. Because she was worried, she was losing her heart to the woman.