by Jae
“She doesn’t live at home anymore. But even if she did, I don’t think they’d do that.” Denny wrapped one arm around her. It was so telling that the worst thing Bella could think of was parents kicking their child out. The wound her grandparents had left, even without ever having met her, was deep.
“I bet Polly and Piper wouldn’t care whether she’s with a guy or a girl. Their parents probably won’t either. I mean, they gave their kids an iPhone, so they’re cool, right?”
Denny chuckled. “Very subtle, Bella.”
An impish grin flashed over Bella’s face. “Just saying.” She flicked through her journal as if the blank pages held something of interest. “So Eliza likes both girls and guys?”
Good question. Denny wished she had a definitive answer. “She liked guys in the past. Now she likes me.” Once she had said it, she realized she’d had an answer after all—one that was simple and beautiful. It brought a smile to her lips.
Bella nodded thoughtfully. “I think I do too. Like boys and girls.” She closed her journal and got up. “Or maybe just girls. I haven’t decided yet. Boys can be kind of gross.”
Mouth gaping open, Denny stared after her.
“Don’t worry,” Bella said over her shoulder. “I meant for later. I’m too busy for a girlfriend or a boyfriend now.”
Denny’s vocal cords still weren’t working by the time the door to Bella’s room closed with a bang.
She had no idea how long she’d been sitting there, staring toward the stairs, when a key rattled in the door and Salem swept into the house with her happy I’ve-spent-time-with-Matt smile and a big, white box. “Hey, sis. I brought cheesecake.” She kicked the door closed with her heel and walked over. “You okay?”
Denny hesitated. Bella hadn’t said it was okay to tell Salem, and she had a right to her privacy. Besides, she was only eleven, so throwing a coming-out party for her might be a bit premature. For now, it was good to know her niece wouldn’t agonize over coming out as a lesbian or bisexual at some point in the future.
“I’m fine,” Denny said. “Just suffering from a lack of—”
“Kisses?” Salem threw in with a grin.
“Cheesecake,” Denny said. “But yeah, I would have liked some more kisses too.”
Salem got them forks and plates. “If you need the house to yourself for a few hours—or an entire night, let me know, okay? Bella and I can make ourselves scarce.”
If Salem continued like this, Denny’s cheeks would be stained a permanent red. “Thanks, but we’re not…” She took her journal and used it as a fan. “We’re, um, taking things slow.”
“Ah.” Salem opened the cake box. “Well, in that case, you’re getting the biggest piece.” She plopped it onto Denny’s plate, then pointed the cake server at the journal. “Is that a dragonfly? It looks like—”
Denny groaned. “Shut up and eat your cheesecake.”
Chapter 23
Eliza’s doorbell rang at a quarter to six the next evening. She jumped up and rushed to the bathroom to check herself in the mirror one last time. “Oh my God, she’s early!”
Heather got up from where she’d been lounging on the couch. “Good thing you’ve been ready to go for half an hour.” She didn’t try to hide her amusement. “You know, I’ve never seen you like this when you went out with guys.”
Eliza paused in her dash from the bathroom to the door. “That’s because I’ve never felt like this with anyone.” This overwhelming mix of nerves and excitement was new.
“Which is?” Heather gave her an inquisitive look.
Eliza’s gaze darted to the door. “Can we talk later? I don’t want to make Denny wait.”
“Sure. Knowing Denny, she’s down there, pacing, sweating through her suit, and adjusting her tie for the millionth time while she’s waiting for you.” Heather made a shooing motion. “Go. I’ll lock up for you.”
“Thanks.” Eliza blew her a kiss, grabbed her purse, and hurried out the door. She didn’t wait for the elevator but jogged down the stairs.
Denny was indeed pacing in front of the building, but she wasn’t wearing the suit and tie Heather had predicted. The pair of dark blue jeans she had picked for tonight’s date was quickly becoming Eliza’s favorite item of clothing because Denny looked so at ease in them—well, and because they clung to her strong thighs. Her khaki short-sleeved Henley shirt brought out the olive color in her eyes.
When Denny saw her, she stopped pacing and smiled. “Hi.” Her gaze traveled over the skinny jeans, the formfitting Keep Portland Weird T-shirt, and the yellow sneakers Eliza was wearing.
Eliza hoped the sneakers were finally working their magic and would help them have a wonderful date. But maybe they didn’t need the lucky sneakers for that. She tugged on her shirt. “Is this okay? You said comfy clothes, right?”
Denny averted her gaze from the tight T-shirt. “Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare.” The cutest blush ever rose up her neck. “It’s just… You look beautiful.”
With everyone else, Eliza might have thought they were just trying to be polite or to flatter her since she wasn’t wearing anything special, but the honest, raw expression in Denny’s eyes left no doubt about her sincere admiration. “Thank you. You look beautiful too.”
Denny’s lashes fluttered. “Uh, thanks.”
Eliza studied her. Did that compliment surprise her? Or had it made her uncomfortable? “Should I have said handsome?” It hadn’t occurred to her that dating a woman—especially a butch woman like Denny—might come with its own terms, but she wanted to use whatever words made her most comfortable.
“Either works, I guess.” Denny’s blush deepened. “As long as I look good to you.”
Now Eliza was the one to blink. Did Denny still doubt that? She took a step toward her and reached for her hand. “Of course you do.” The flicker of insecurity in Denny’s eyes made her heart constrict. “I’m still not used to it, much less talking about it, but…” She forced herself to hold Denny’s gaze. “I’m really attracted to you. I could look at you for the rest of the day, and that still wouldn’t be long enough.”
“Thank you,” Denny said, her voice husky. “But that might be a problem. I’ve booked us a spot at a bar for tonight.”
“A bar? I thought you didn’t like bars?”
“Not just any bar. You’ll see.” Denny led her to her car, which she’d parked a block away. She nodded at their hands while they walked. “Is this okay?”
Denny’s hand cradled hers with tenderness, as if she were holding a fragile piece of art. Her warm skin and gentle grip felt wonderful, but at the same time, Eliza was very aware she was holding a woman’s hand in the middle of downtown Portland. Not that anyone paid them much attention. Still, it would take some getting used to. “Yes.” She held on more tightly, determined not to care what anyone else might think. “More than okay.”
After unlocking the car, Denny opened the passenger-side door for her, then closed it once Eliza had gotten in.
Eliza loved the way Denny always made her feel treasured.
Denny circled the car and slid behind the wheel. Instead of starting the engine, she looked at Eliza.
Being in an enclosed space with her felt unexpectedly intimate. Something tugged at Eliza’s belly—a pull that made her lean across the middle console.
Denny seemed to feel the same pull, because she reached over and tenderly cupped Eliza’s face in one hand. Her gaze dipped to Eliza’s lips. “Can I…kiss you?”
God, yes! Instead of a verbal reply, Eliza closed the remaining distance between them and kissed her. Her eyes fluttered closed. She opened her mouth under Denny’s, inviting her to deepen the kiss.
The tip of Denny’s tongue tentatively caressed hers.
That careful first touch sent little jolts down to Eliza’s belly. A moan escaped her. She clutched Denny’s shoulder as the kiss deepened. The sensuous slide of Denny’s warm tongue against her own made her head spin. Mmm. More. The damn middle console
dug into her knee as she tried to get closer, and for a second, she seriously considered climbing it and crawling into Denny’s lap.
Finally, Denny eased her mouth away with one final nibble of Eliza’s bottom lip, then sank against the back of her seat. She kept staring at Eliza through kiss-hazed eyes.
Knowing Denny was just as affected by their kiss sent a new wave of excitement through Eliza.
“I… You… That was…” Denny cleared her throat. “Was that okay?”
A husky chuckle escaped Eliza. “God, yes. I mean, of course it was.”
“Are you sure?” Denny tilted her head and studied her. “I didn’t overwhelm you, did I? You look a little…I don’t know…stunned.”
Was it that obvious, or had Denny learned to read her so well? Eliza decided to be honest, even though it might be embarrassing. “To tell you the truth, I’m a bit surprised.”
Denny’s eyes widened. “You didn’t think you’d like it?”
“No! I knew I would.” Eliza brushed the corner of Denny’s mouth with her thumb. The silky feel of her bottom lip made Eliza want to kiss her again and again. “You’re a wonderful kisser.”
Denny lowered her gaze for a moment. When she looked back up again, desire smoldered in her eyes. “You’re a great kisser too,” she rasped out.
Eliza’s breathing hitched. She forced herself to keep her gaze on Denny’s eyes. If she glanced at her tempting mouth, they wouldn’t get any talking done.
“So, what was it that surprised you?” Denny asked.
Eliza tapped her own chest. “Me. My, um, reaction. I knew I would enjoy kissing you again, but I didn’t expect to find it so…” She squirmed in the passenger seat, not ready to say it.
“So…what?” Denny prompted.
Arousing, Eliza’s brain supplied. She had never known a mere kiss could have such an intense effect on her. “So, um, hot.”
Now Denny was the one who looked stunned.
“Sorry,” Eliza whispered. She peeked at Denny. “Was that inappropriate?”
“No! God, no!” Denny grasped her hand. “That’s good! That’s great! That’s really, really great. To be honest, I was a little worried about that.”
Eliza entwined their fingers in a clasp so perfect it still amazed her. She squeezed Denny’s hand, urging her to go on.
“I wasn’t sure I’d be able to…” A flush rose from Denny’s neckline. “I mean, I could kinda tell you enjoyed our kisses, but I thought maybe you just enjoyed them the way you’d enjoy a professional massage or something.”
“Trust me,” Eliza said, her voice hoarse, “if a massage from a therapist made me feel like that, I’d start to worry.”
They stared at each other. Electricity seemed to crackle in the air between them.
Then Denny shook her head as if to clear it. “Date,” she said firmly. “Bar. God, you’re so distracting.”
“Me? You’re the one who kissed me senseless!”
Denny pulled Eliza’s hand over to her side of the car, gently turned it, and pressed a kiss to the inside of her wrist before letting go.
Goose bumps trailed up the sensitive skin of Eliza’s forearm, then down the rest of her body. Oh yeah. No massage therapist had ever made her feel like this.
After a deep breath, Denny started the engine.
They talked about Eliza’s work and Bella’s latest attempts to talk her mother and Denny into getting her an iPhone. By the time Denny parked the car ten minutes later, Eliza’s body temperature was back to normal.
They had to walk a few blocks to get to the bar, and Denny again reached over and took her hand.
Soon, Denny led her across the street and pointed. “This is it.”
It sure wasn’t the kind of bar Eliza had expected. The floor-to-ceiling windows revealed big worktables and bright lights hanging from a high ceiling with exposed pipes. Instead of rows of bottles, a shelf of paints, brushes, and colorful yarn lined one wall. DIY BAR, a sign above the door said, and another one announced, Craft and drink.
Denny paused in front of the building. “Is this okay? I thought this might be something we could both enjoy since we like to do things with our hands. Um, I mean…”
Eliza laughed. “It’s perfect.” A glass of red wine, crafts, and spending time with Denny… If a better combination existed, she hadn’t discovered it yet. “I’ve done a paint-and-sip session with Heather once, but never this. Let’s try it.”
Denny beamed and held the door for Eliza to enter ahead of her.
A bearded guy smiled at them from behind the counter.
Denny gave him her name and said she’d reserved a spot for them—which had been a good idea. Several people were already hammering, painting, and cutting leather pieces on two of the worktables.
“Welcome,” the man said. “Have you ever been here before?”
They shook their heads.
“Okay, here’s how it works. First, you pick a project.” He pointed at the items on the counter: coasters, a macramé plant hanger, nail-and-string artworks, bracelets, and various leather items. “Then you grab your tool bag, an apron, and a drink from the bar—and go have fun. The instructions are in the bag, but our craft tenders are around if you run into any problems.”
Eliza looked at the choice of projects, then at Denny. “How about I make something for you and you make something for me?”
Denny grinned. “Sure. That’s a great deal for me. I’ll end up with something beautiful, while you will take home something that looks like a three-year-old made it.”
Eliza gave her a gentle hip bump. “You’re great at sewing. I’m sure you’ll do fine with whatever project you choose.” She decided on a leather wallet, while Denny picked a beaded wrap bracelet. They each got a bag full of tools and supplies, which they took to their spot at a big, butcher-paper-covered worktable.
Denny slipped the apron over her neck.
“Wait, I’ll tie it for you.” Eliza put her bag of tools down. When Denny turned, she tied the apron strings into a neat bow. Denny’s back was warm and solid, and she fought the urge to let her hands linger.
Then they switched positions, and Denny helped with her apron. Her fingers brushed the small of Eliza’s back as she tied the strings, and since Eliza had pulled her hair into a ponytail when they had entered, Denny’s warm breath fanned over her bare neck.
A shiver ran through her.
“There,” Denny said, her voice lower than usual.
“Thanks.” Eliza craned her neck to see the blackboard above the small bar in the back. A cold drink was definitely in order.
“Tell me what you want,” Denny said. “I’ll get it for you. Yelp says their draft beer is great. The stout too, if you prefer something dark.”
Eliza leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “Don’t tell anyone, but I don’t actually like beer.”
Denny stared at her with comically wide eyes. “Wait! You don’t like beer or coffee? How’s that possible? Don’t they take away your Portland Citizenship Card for those two offenses?”
Wow. Denny remembered she didn’t like coffee? It had been at least two months since she had mentioned that. She was constantly amazed at how attentive Denny was. “Nah. Only for transplants like you. I was born and bred here, so they waived the requirement.”
“Oh, is that how it works?” Denny’s hazel eyes twinkled.
“Yep.” Eliza tapped her Keep Portland Weird T-shirt. “My citizenship card is safe. It doesn’t even matter that I don’t like kombucha.”
Denny let out a playful gasp. “How un-Portlandian! Good thing I didn’t know that before our first date, or I might not have asked you out.”
“Um, to set the record straight, so to say, I asked you out.”
A young woman at the other end of their table looked up from hammering nails into a painted board.
Eliza stiffened, preparing for a frown or a derogatory comment.
Instead, the woman smiled and lifted her glass. “Their peach blossom kombuch
a is actually quite good.”
Okay, relax and stop expecting everyone to disapprove of you dating a woman. Most people don’t care, and those who do are assholes not worth wasting a single thought on. Eliza smiled back. “Good to know, thanks.”
“Do you want to try it?” Denny asked.
“Maybe later. For now, could I have a glass of sangria?”
“Coming right up.” Denny strode toward the bar.
Eliza’s gaze followed her. She would never get sick of watching the way Denny walked.
It didn’t take long for Denny to return with a glass of sangria and some kind of fizzy drink for herself. At Eliza’s questioning look, she said, “Grapefruit seltzer.”
“If you want a beer, I can drive,” Eliza said.
“No, that’s fine.” A cute pinkness dusted Denny’s cheeks.
Why did talking about beer make her blush? Oh! Denny avoided drinking beer so Eliza wouldn’t mind kissing her good night at the end of their date! Eliza grinned to herself. Not that a little beer would have stopped her, but she appreciated how considerate Denny was.
They each settled at the table and took their tools and supplies out of their bags. Laminated sheets of instructions fell out.
With low music playing in the background, Eliza started to follow the steps. She cut out a piece of leather with an X-Acto knife and trimmed the edges. The color of the leather was perfect—it was the same chocolate brown as Denny’s favorite jacket.
Since she had worked with leather in one of the workshops she had taken with Heather before, she knew she wouldn’t need the entire three hours scheduled for her project. She could chat with Denny and pause to watch her all she wanted.
Denny cut off a piece of beading silk and threaded a needle. It was easy to see she had done that a thousand times before. Her sturdy fingers were amazingly nimble as she threaded beads and ran the needle over and under the leather cord in a steady pattern.
“You’re so good at that,” Eliza said, still watching Denny’s hands. “I really would love to watch you make a pair of pants for me sometime.”