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  I reach for a bottle of wine and offer Ali a drink. We down a few glasses while we make our pizzas. That settles me down. She updates me on a few things happening back in Massachusetts, and I update her on my edits.

  “We should celebrate. I don’t think we ever did,” she says.

  “Celebrate what?” So many things are going on it’s hard to keep up.

  “Finishing your books! I can’t wait to read them,” Ali says.

  She pulls me closer and kisses my temple. We kiss tenderly, at first. Within seconds, our lips are hard against one another. Ali tugs me toward the bed and I stumble with her, excited she wants this as much as I do. We stop when we hear the timer announce that our pizza’s done.

  “How hungry are you?” she whispers against my mouth.

  “The pizza can be reheated.” I prefer sex with her over food any day. Reluctantly, I untangle myself from her embrace and head for the kitchen. I’m back in seconds and slide right back into place. We continue kissing until we hit the bed.

  “Can the world see us or should we lower the blinds? I want to be the only one who sees you,” Ali asks. She starts unbuttoning my shirt.

  I stop for a moment and make myself concentrate. I have a habit of forgetting things around her. I tear myself away from her again and find the remote, hitting the button that will hide us from the rest of the world. I turn back to Ali and gasp. She’s already removed her shirt and slacks and stands in front of me wearing a lacy black-and-cream bra with matching panties.

  “You take my breath away, Ali,” I say. I stop and look at her. Her long, smooth legs, her tight, flat stomach, the rise of her creamy breasts are perfect. Her hair’s down, the long waves cascading all around her shoulders and down her back. I’m itching to bury my face and my hands in it. She’s so beautiful it almost hurts to look at her. “You look incredible.”

  Ali grabs my shirt and pulls me close to her. She’s kind of rough and I kind of like it. It doesn’t take long for me to get out of my clothes and strip Ali completely down. It’s all a wonderful blur. I run my fingers down her sides, loving the feel of her curves in my hands. She arches into me.

  I can feel her trembling, and even though I’m enjoying kissing her, I want more of her. I need to taste her again. I need to feel her come against my mouth and pull my hair and push my face into her. There’s a sense of urgency today, probably because we haven’t seen each other in over a week.

  I trail kisses down her breasts, down her stomach until I’m nestled between her white thighs. She’s so pale and soft and I just want to stay here forever. This is my heaven. I run my tongue up and down her slick heat and capture her clit in my mouth. I’m pressed hard against her. I’m holding her hips down because she’s bucking them hard against me, and I don’t want either one of us to get hurt. Her hands are pressing me into her and I feel her shake. The harder I hold her, the more she moans. I want to be inside her. I slow down and she growls. It turns into an ecstatic moan as I slide two fingers inside her, as far as I can go. She feels tight and tastes warm and tangy. I want to be like this forever, but it’s not fair to her so I release her and she comes hard and loud.

  “Wow,” she says. I smile and place a tiny kiss on her stomach and rest my head right below her breasts. I smile against her sweaty body, happy that she’s here with me. She’s tangled in my sheets still making little moaning noises at the aftershocks.

  “I’d be content just to stay in your condo the entire week, both of us totally naked and doing this every chance we get,” Ali says.

  “Definitely. Then you’ll just have to come back so we can do all the things on my top-ten list of touristy things in Chicago.” I turn my head to look up at her. Her eyes are closed and her lips are slightly parted. I can still feel little vibrations running through her body as the orgasm finally settles. She opens her eyes and stares at me.

  “I’ll do whatever you want,” she says. “If you want to go to the zoo, we can, as long as we’re together and can find a private spot so I can steal a kiss or two.” I smile up at her. She smiles back.

  “Now are you hungry for pizza?” I ask. Ali gives me a quick squeeze.

  “You know what? I am. Let’s go get some plates and have a picnic in bed.” She starts to get up, but I gently push her back down on the pillow.

  “No, no, no. You’re my guest and I’ll take care of you and your needs all week.” I wink. She laughs.

  “What have I done to deserve you?” she asks. I smile as I slide out of bed. “And put some clothes on. I don’t want your neighbors to get a free peek.” I roll my eyes and pick up Ali’s shirt. It falls to mid-thigh and I do a quick twirl.

  “Is this all right?” I ask. I bat my eyelashes at her.

  “You look delicious.”

  I head for the kitchen and return with two small pizzas, two empty wineglasses, and a bottle of wine tucked under my arm. We dive in.

  “This is the best meal I’ve had in months,” Ali says.

  “Oh, just you wait. This is simple. Tomorrow night I have something incredibly yummy planned.”

  “Well, this is pretty damn good. I’ll probably gain five pounds this week.”

  “I’m sure whatever weight you gain, we will find a way for you to lose it.”

  We clean up both pizzas and finish off the bottle of wine. I’m still wearing Ali’s shirt, but she’s completely naked, the sheet draped carelessly across her waist. I could stay like this forever.

  *

  We spend the rest of the weekend in bed getting reacquainted. As much as I want her to deepen it with different words, I’m still having a wonderful time. One day she’ll understand what words mean to me, but I can’t fault her for being careful.

  Monday and Tuesday we hit a few touristy places on my list. The good thing about Chicago is that when two women walk down the street holding hands, the world keeps right on spinning and nobody pays attention. It feels good to be out and open with her. I don’t want the week to end. Our second chance is proving to be the best decision for both of us. Ali’s completely relaxed and dotes on me, and I can feel trust pushing its way back into my heart. I’m surprised it’s happening this soon. I thought for sure it would take a while.

  Ali’s scheduled to leave Thursday night. She has an interview on a morning talk show Friday. She asks me to join her, but I have to be available to Tom until the first round of edits is done, which should be any day now. Technically, I can handle it from New York, but I need to take a step back from us. I love every minute, perhaps too much. I have no idea where Ali is in this relationship. She obviously cares for me and we have incredible sex, but I don’t know if it’s more. At times I want to tell Ali I’m falling in love with her, but I’m freaked out at the possible consequences of my confession. Ali always speaks her mind, and the fact that she hasn’t said anything really meaningful about us makes me uneasy and hesitant to say anything to her.

  When Thursday rolls around, we’re both very quiet. I sneak out for donuts and coffee and am surprised to find Ali awake, sitting on the couch, watching the news, and waiting for me.

  “Bummer. I was going to surprise you with breakfast in bed and here you are up and ready to start the day,” I say. She smiles at me.

  “Not really dressed to start the day. I just needed to get up and stretch for a bit,” she says. She’s wearing capri sweats and a tank top. Her hair’s pulled back, exposing her very kissable neck. I take a few precious seconds to stare at her. She looks so young and refreshed, and I know it’ll be heart wrenching to let her go. I place a delicate kiss on her lips on my way to the kitchen. Fresh fruit sounds good and so does yogurt. I bustle around and stop. I’m doing stupid busy work to keep my mind off Ali leaving in a few hours. I did this at the cabin, too. I force myself to stop and march back over to Ali. We eat in silence, Ali occasionally touching my arm or my hair.

  “I think I’m going to take a shower, if you’re done,” I say. She nods at me and I clear the plates and make my way to the bathroom. I tes
t the water, strip off my clothes, and slip into the wet heat. A wave of utter sadness hits me and I brace myself against the tiled wall. Ali will be gone in a few hours and I won’t see her again until the end of the month. It hurts. God, does it hurt. A few tears escape even though I’m trying not to cry. I stick my head under the water when I hear Ali enter the stall. I hope the water erases my tears.

  “This shower thing seems to be a theme with us,” Ali says. I give her a soft smile. She senses my sadness because she turns me and holds me tight. “Don’t worry. We won’t be apart for long. I really want you to come and see me and my family soon. By the end of the month, okay?” she says.

  She kisses me reassuringly. I can feel the slow burn inside me building up as Ali starts stroking me. I’m slow to orgasm but quick to fall apart afterward.

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Tonight, I meet her parents. Her entire family, actually. They’re throwing a dinner party for me, and I’m so nervous I’m pacing the hotel room. Ali will be here any minute to collect me and I need her strength right now. I’ve never spent more time getting ready for anything before. I want to look my best. Ali reassures me that it’s casual and they’re all very relaxed. Her father is a doctor and her mother is an antiques dealer. I pray I don’t say or do anything stupid.

  The second I hear Ali’s knock, I jump and race for the door.

  “You look fantastic, Beth,” Ali says. Her eyes roam my body. I’m wearing a taupe-colored dress that rests right below my knee, shows off my curves, but is still modest. I’m worried that I’m overdressed, but Ali’s wearing very nice slacks and a blouse with a jacket so I sigh in relief. Ali likes how I look, so that boosts my confidence quite a bit. She pulls me to her in a loose hug. “I don’t want to wrinkle you, but I need to feel you.”

  “I’m so nervous, Ali,” I say. She smiles and gently kisses me.

  “I promise you’ll do fine and they’ll love you. Let’s go or we’ll be late.” She kisses my nose and slides her hands down my arms. I shiver. How can she turn me from a pile of nerves to a puddle of mush with a simple touch?

  The drive is only about ten minutes. Right now, I’m looking out the window, but I’m not seeing the traffic or the houses or trees. I’m deep in conversation with Emily. I need her to give me strength. She needs to push me back into the dinner conversation if she sees me slipping tonight. Ali’s parents will probably think I’m crazy otherwise, and I need to make a great first impression.

  “It’s okay, Beth. I promise you’ll have a great time.” I don’t realize I’m bouncing my leg until Ali reaches over and gently squeezes it. “My family’s great. Avery will treat you like she’s known you forever. My mom is the sweetest woman on earth, and my dad is charming. And you already know Hannah.” She knows that will melt me a little bit. I manage to smile.

  “I just want them to like me.” I need reassurance even though she’s given me enough. I’m surprised that I’m worried. I haven’t been worried in a long time.

  “Well, you’ll have me and Hannah, your best friends, there.” She winks. No doubt about that. Just a few days ago, Ali and Hannah had Skyped with me. It was precious. Hannah didn’t want to stop talking to me, and Ali tried several times to get the phone away from her. Ali’s so good with her, and it’s obvious that Hannah adores her. I don’t think Hannah knows that her aunt is a famous singer. Of course, your world at four is pretty small, and you worry more about juice, cartoons, and naps than you do about what people do for a living.

  “This is true,” I say. I try to drum up some confidence.

  “Here we are,” Ali says. We pull into a very long, curved driveway that is already full of cars. I turn and stare at her openmouthed.

  “Are you kidding me? How many people are here?” My voice is getting louder, but I’m on the verge of freaking out.

  “Relax. Okay, hang on a minute, let me count.” She points at all the cars, counting people in her head, and I stare at her hoping for a low number but knowing it’s double digits for sure. “Twenty or so.” Her voice drops off as she adds the or so part. I roll my eyes and reach for the passenger-side mirror. My cheeks are starting to turn red. Crap. In about thirty seconds I’ll become blotchy. I sigh. Ali reaches down and raises my hand to her lips. “I’ll be beside you the entire time, I promise.”

  I relax a little, but I’m still nervous. She helps me out of the car and I straighten my dress. When I look back up at her, she kisses me softly at first, then with a little more force. For a few seconds I forget where I am. She slows down and breaks away from me. “Ready?” I smile and nod. With just a kiss, she’s reminded me why I’m here. A very passionate one, but just a kiss.

  “Aunt Ali!” I hear a child squeal. We finally see Hannah worm her way through the parked cars. She crashes into Ali’s long legs, wrapping her arms around her thighs. I stand there smiling, watching them. Hannah looks up at me and squeals, “Beth!” and I’m immediately grabbed in the same fashion. I lean down and squeeze her tiny, thin shoulders. She looks up at me with big, brown eyes and I’m under her spell. “You’re here! You’re here!”

  “Hannah, let Ali and Bethany get inside.” I look up and see a woman standing in the doorway. She’s about my age and looks like Ali, but her hair is shorter and she isn’t as tall. Beautiful, but Ali still has her beat. I know she’s Ali’s sister and Hannah’s mom, Jennifer. She smiles and reaches out to hug me.

  “It’s so good to finally meet you,” she says. She sounds so genuine. I smile back at her and thank her for the warm welcome. She grabs my arm and whisks me away from Ali. “Ali and Bethany are here!” Jennifer says. Within a matter of moments, I’m being grabbed and hugged and twirled from family member to family member. This isn’t at all what I expected. It’s better. When I finally reach her parents, Lucy and Bill, I’m genuinely smiling and not nearly as nervous.

  “Bethany, Ali has told us so much about you.” Lucy takes my hand and stares at me, squeezing my fingers.

  “Yes, she won’t shut up,” I hear from behind Lucy. Another tall Hart woman appears, putting her arm around Lucy’s shoulders. She’s obviously Ali’s youngest sister, Avery. Adorable, energetic, and still innocent-looking. I understand why Ali’s so protective of her. “I’m Avery. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  Avery looks the most like Ali. She has the same long, wavy hair, but her eyes are more solid brown and she has dimples, the only sibling who does. I can tell right away she’s the devilish one in the family. She has a twinkle in her eye, and I can’t help but automatically smile at her.

  “You’re absolutely gorgeous,” she says. “Ali wasn’t kidding when she said you were beautiful.” I’m completely embarrassed so my smile falters. I hate compliments. I thank her and try to move the conversation onto something else. It seems as if suddenly everybody’s around me and I’m starting to get a little claustrophobic.

  “Give her some room, guys.” Ali rescues me. “There’s plenty of time to get to know Bethany. We’ll be here for a few hours.” She hands me a glass of wine and I’m so thankful for something to hold on to, since I doubt Ali will be available the entire time. Half the family scatters, but I can still feel their eyes on me from across the room. “Well, that was the worst of it,” she whispers before placing a tiny kiss on my ear. I have to refrain from shivering. She amazes me.

  “Come sit down, Bethany.” Avery plunks herself on a couch, leaving me plenty of space to sit down. “Let’s talk until dinner’s ready.” I give Ali a small shrug and head that way. As soon as I sit down, Hannah bounces over and lands half on my lap and half on the couch. She’s vibrating with energy. “Hey, Hannah Banana. Give Bethany some space,” Avery says. I tell her I don’t mind, but Hannah scoots over until our legs are still touching, but she’s no longer technically on my lap. “So how long are you in town for?” she asks.

  “I’ll head back on Wednesday. I have a meeting Thursday that I can’t miss, or else I’d stay through next weekend,” I say. Today’s Friday. That gives me f
ive days to get to know Ali’s family. So far, so good.

  “I started reading one of your books.” Avery seems very excited and I can’t help but feel her excitement, too. It’s always nice to hear that somebody’s reading your work. “As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure a few of us are,” she says. She waves her hand around the room. Emily pops up to gloat with me, and we mentally high-five when Avery tells me it’s hard to put my book down because it’s mysterious and exciting.

  Ali’s only brother, Mark, takes that moment to come over and introduce himself. I know he graduated college a few years ago and is an engineer at a firm in downtown Boston. He’s shy around me but completely comfortable around his sisters. He, too, has wavy brown hair and brown eyes. They’re a beautiful family and I’m happy that I finally agreed to meet them.

  Bill announces that dinner’s ready and Ali escorts me to the table. There are actually two long tables, and Ali takes the chair to Bill’s right. She’s across from her mother and I’m across from Hannah. This could be trouble. I’ll have to refrain from making funny faces at her because I don’t think Jennifer would be pleased. I’m still under the first-impression rule where I have to behave. There’s a playful fight over who gets to sit next to me, but Avery wins out.

  “Trust me, you don’t want to sit next to anybody else,” she says. “They’ll either bore you or ask you a ton of questions you don’t want to answer.”

  “But you aren’t going to ask me a ton of questions I don’t want to answer, right?”

  She laughs. “You got me there. I promise to go easy on you.” I don’t think I believe her. As lively and spirited as she is, I’m sure she’s just as protective of Ali as Ali is of her. Her questions don’t disappoint me. Unnerve me, yes, but don’t disappoint. “So, I know the story of how you and Ali met. Tell me how you, successful writer, beautiful woman, are single?”