by Jade Winters
Zara laughed. ‘Come on, I was just flirting a little—’
‘A little?’
‘Okay a lot. I can’t help it. She’s really not the little retiring librarian-type you painted her as either. Seriously, how could you keep someone that hot from me?’
‘Zara, every time I told you about her you said she sounded like a miserable cow,’ Lily pointed out.
Zara paused for a moment. That was true. The way Lily had described Emma wasn’t very appealing. But as her friend she should have focused on her positive attributes, not the negative ones. ‘Right, but you knew she wasn’t Debbie Downer.’
Lily gave a cynical snort. ‘You could have found out for yourself. If I recall I did try, on many occasions, to get you two to meet. It’s not my fault.’
They stood without talking for a moment, while Zara mulled things over in her mind. Finally, she said, ‘Yeah, well tell me what you’ve got on her. Is she single?’
‘As far as I know. But take it from me, she might be flattered by your attention but she isn’t into one night stands. Emma has morals.’
‘And I don’t?’
‘When I think of you and morals, an alley cat springs to mind.’
Zara gave her a playful nudge. ‘If you weren’t my sister—’
‘What? You’d totally agree with me? You know you would.’
Zara shook her head grinning. ‘I think the comparison to a cat’s pushing it a wee bit.’
‘So is undressing the poor woman with your eyes,’ Lily quickly retorted.
A wave of desire came over Zara. Just the thought of her made Zara breathless.
‘Oh my God, look,’ Zara said in disbelief as she held her hand in the air. ‘I’m shaking.’
Lily laughed. ‘So I take it we won’t be leaving any time soon then?’
‘Are you crazy. I’m leaving when Emma’s leaving. Hopefully it’ll be together.’
Chapter Five
‘Heidi, why the hell did you drag me away? I was—’
‘I know exactly what you were doing, that’s why I stepped in.’ Heidi shuddered. ‘That woman looked like she wanted to maul you.’
‘And? What’s the problem?’
‘The problem? The problem is that you’re pissed—’
‘I am not, look,’ Emma said standing perfectly balanced on one foot.
‘Okay, maybe just tipsy,’ Heidi conceded. ‘But you’re not your usual self either. Let’s be honest, you aren’t exactly a nympho sex kitten, despite looking like one in that dress.’
‘Maybe this is who I’m meant to be,’ Emma said watching Zara covertly as she brought her perfectly shaped lips to her glass and took a sip. ‘I’m sick of being safe and boring. I’ll be an old spinster before I know it. And then what? Look back at my life full of regret? No thanks.’
‘That’s the alcohol talking, Emma.’ Heidi followed Emma’s gaze and tutted. ‘Bloody hell, I think I need to turn the hose on her. She looks on heat.’
Emma’s heart lurched as she felt an adrenaline rush zoom throughout her body. ‘No she doesn’t. She looks just … perfect.’
Emma would be the first to admit that Zara wasn’t the type of woman she was normally attracted to. She had never gone for the all ‘beautiful and perfect’ type. She didn’t think she could cope with the stress of her partner being constantly looked at—whether in admiration or jealousy. She’d always been attracted to women with strong personalities and high self-esteem—maybe in the faint hope their attributes would rub off on her somehow.
But now, looking at Zara, all of Emma’s apprehension flew out of the window. Suddenly, she pictured herself loosening Zara’s long pony tail from the restraint of its hairband and running her fingers through Zara’s hair. Emma giggled at the very thought. Maybe she was drunk after all. But she didn’t care.
‘Look, I’m going back over. You’re in charge here tonight, so unless the building’s about to burn down, pretend I’m not here.’
‘Like that’s going to be easy,’ Heidi muttered.
‘I thought you’d be happy to see me flirting with someone.’
‘I’m ecstatic if you must know. But I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing. I don’t want you to have buyer’s regret.’
‘That’s one thing I won’t have, believe me,’ Emma said giving Heidi a quick peck on the cheek. ‘Now, I just need me some of these.’
Emma took three glasses from a passing waiter and walked back over to Zara and Lily who were now standing outside on the patio at the back of the building.
‘Here we go. I noticed your glasses were empty,’ Emma said handing them each a champagne flute.
‘Thanks,’ Zara and Lily said in unison.
‘Listen, I need to use the ladies,’ Lily said, glancing over her shoulder.
‘It’s by the entrance,’ Emma informed her.
‘Thanks, won’t be a moment.’
Seconds later, they were alone. The women stared at one another in silence.
‘I’m not normally speechless,’ Zara admitted, dropping her gaze briefly.
Emma hesitated only an instant. ‘Me neither.’ What’s the point of talking when all I want to do is drag you home and rip your clothes off?
‘I’m glad to know it’s not just me then.’
Silence.
‘So what do you think we should talk about?’ Emma asked, lost in Zara’s gaze.
‘We could talk about the weather, art … or …’
Emma drew a breath and tried to keep her voice steady. ‘Or?’
‘We could talk about us.’
When Zara took a step towards her, Emma braced herself. She didn’t know what to expect. Was she going to kiss her? Say they should exchange numbers to arrange a date? Whatever it was, Emma was up for it.
Zara’s face was barely inches away which caused a deep stirring in Emma’s body. ‘Us?’ Emma said.
‘Yes us. You can tell me if I’m being too forward—’
‘You’re not, not at all,’ Emma suddenly blurted out, shocked by the sudden hoarseness in her voice. Her hand flew to cover her mouth and she felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She glanced around, grateful they were alone.
A smile tugged on Zara’s lips as she leant forward and gently pulled Emma’s hand away from her mouth. Zara’s eyes were suddenly dark and sensuous. ‘Don’t hide such a beautiful part of you,’ she whispered.
‘Ahem.’ The sound of footsteps near the entrance of the patio caught their attention and their heads snapped towards the door.
‘Heidi,’ Emma said in a trance like state. ‘Is everything okay?’
Heidi stepped over the threshold and held out some mistletoe. ‘Not really, I had to take this down. A couple were seriously getting off with each other under it. They were attracting a lot of attention.’ She grimaced. ‘And not in a good way I can tell you. Anyway, I thought maybe you two could make better use of it.’
‘Heidi!’ Emma said, shocked by her brazenness.
‘Oh please. Here take it.’ Heidi held up her hand to silence Emma and stepped forward to give Zara the mistletoe.
Zara threw Heidi an incredulous look as she took it. ‘Um, thanks …’
‘As you were then.’ Heidi backed away, winking at Emma before closing the patio doors behind her.
Zara turned back to Emma, her eyes full of anticipation. ‘You know what this means don’t you?’
‘No.’ Emma’s eyes lingered on Zara’s mouth as she thought how pleasurable it would be to feel it against her own. Tell me.’
‘Well,’ Zara’s voice was low and seductive. ‘It’s bad luck if mistletoe is not put to proper use.’
‘So what do you suggest we do?’
‘There’s only one thing I can think of,’ Zara said holding the mistletoe above their heads.
‘Go on …’ Emma was euphoric with anticipation.
‘To wish you a merry Christmas.’ Zara smiled as her free arm snaked its way around Emma’s waist.
Emma’s head
tilted and she parted her lips. ‘Merry Christmas to you too.’
At Zara’s first touch, Emma felt delirious. Her breath quickened as Zara’s mouth pressed against hers. Followed shortly by the tip of her tongue probing between her lips.
Then Zara kissed her deeply. Their tongues entwined in a dance of their own. The intimacy of the moment was excruciatingly pleasurable.
As Emma slid further into Zara’s world her heart thumped louder than the chatter in the background, the clinking of glasses, the laughter—anything that wasn’t connected to her and Zara failed to exist.
The kiss stopped as suddenly as it started. Dazed, Emma’s eyes flew open. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Nothing. I was just thinking anyone could walk out here and see us. Do you want to go somewhere a little more private?’
Emma straightened up as she struggled to regain control. The thought of a one night stand didn’t bother her. It was what would happen afterwards. What if the woman of my dreams walks out of my life? Maybe it was better not to take this any further. Be sensible and leave it at a kiss. Then forever more she could look back at this Christmas Eve and remember it for what it was. A fantasy that would lead to nowhere.
‘I don’t think that’s a good idea,’ she found herself saying.
‘Okay, no problem. If you don’t want to take things further I totally understand.’
Emma felt a stab of disappointment that Zara didn’t put up more of a fight. ‘No it’s not that—’
Zara laughed. ‘Seriously you don’t have to explain. I’m not the slightest bit offended.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Positive. A little gutted, but not offended.’
‘It’s just—’
‘Emma. No means no. I get it. And I respect your wishes. Look, why don’t we get ourselves a couple of drinks and you can show me around the gallery. You can try and turn me into an art lover.’
‘I love a challenge, you’re on. I’ll introduce you to the artist first. She can explain a little behind her work.’
‘All right,’ Zara said half-heartedly. ‘I hope it’s worth it.’
Emma’s gaze rested on Zara’s toned physique as she strode back into the crowded room. I can think of lots of more exciting things to do. And none of them have anything to do with art.
Chapter Six
To Zara’s surprise she found the talk given by Asia quite fascinating. The artist was in the midst of explaining her reasoning behind choosing love as a concept.
‘Love is such a diverse subject that encompasses a wide range of emotions,’ she enthused, running her hand over her short spiky hair. ‘That’s why I use colours to depict certain feelings. I love the use of yellow for new beginnings. And this blending of orange and red to show the anticipation of a budding new love. Can you see how it’s interpreted?’
Zara nodded as Asia caught her eye. She was being totally genuine. Now when Zara looked at the paintings she saw them in a completely different light.
‘So tell me, Zara, if you were to use a colour right now, what would it be?’
Thanks for putting me on the spot. She turned to her right side and saw Emma look at her expectantly. She turned to her left and saw Lily stifling a laugh behind her hand.
Oh shit. It reminded her of one of those moments where you got singled out in school and all you wanted to do was disappear into a large gaping hole. Okay come on think. What colour would it be? She thought for several moments. Ah ha. There was only one colour for her own mood right now.
‘Molten red,’ she blurted out.
‘Would you like to explain why you chose that colour,’ Asia asked.
Zara wasn’t about to tell her that ever since her encounter with Emma on the patio she’d felt like a volcano ready to erupt. Especially after their kiss had been cut short.
‘I think it’s best to leave that to your imagination,’ she said with humour.
Zara was still kicking herself for trying to get Emma into bed. As always, she had moved too fast. She had momentarily forgotten where they were. They weren’t in a night club where most women were out on the pull and their intentions were to go home with someone. They were in an art gallery. Emma’s place of work. She should thank her lucky stars she even got a kiss.
As the small group broke up Zara cornered Asia. ‘I’d like to buy the Anticipation painting.’
Asia smiled. ‘Ah I was right. You’re feeling the heat for a certain someone.’
‘You could say that,’ Zara replied.
‘It’s nice isn’t it,’ Asia said unhooking the painting from the wall. ‘New love. Fresh beginnings. A new start that will lead who knows where. And that’s the beauty of it. The unknown. Taking a step into a void with nothing but faith and hope.’
‘If she’s the right person it’s worth it,’ Zara heard herself saying as she paid for the painting.
‘It’s hope that makes the world go ’round. Not money, or material things. It’s the hope that today will be better than yesterday that keeps us going.’
Asia handed Zara the painting. ‘I wish you well in your endeavour. Leave your address with my assistant and I’ll have the painting sent to you.’
‘Thanks,’ Zara said trying to make sense of what the older woman had said. It was hard to understand if she was being cynical about love or optimistic. She pondered this while she made her way to the ladies’ toilet.
To Zara’s surprise, Emma was standing at the sink washing her hands as she entered the room.
Emma turned and looked at her with a smile. ‘Ah, there you are. If I’m not mistaken, you actually looked like you enjoyed Asia’s little speech.’
‘I did.’
‘So are you a converted art lover now?’ Emma leant in towards the mirror and reapplied her lipstick. ‘Lily told me about your aversion to art.’
‘Let’s just say I’m a little more open to it.’ Her eyes were drawn to Emma’s cleavage in the mirror and she felt a flush of excitement as the growing ache between her legs intensified.
I need to get away from her before I explode. ‘I’d better go and find Lily. She’ll be wondering where I am.’
Before Emma could turn around to respond, Zara hurried from the room.
It was a little after midnight when the exhibition drew to a close. There was a hub of activity as people made last minute purchases of Asia’s paintings. Zara and Lily were slipping into their coats when Emma appeared at her side.
‘Zara, can I have a quick word?’
Zara looked at Lily who smiled and nodded. ‘I’ve got an Uber outside. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.’ She gave Zara a tight squeeze then moved onto Emma.
‘It was great seeing you,’ Lily said, before glancing over at Zara. ‘I’ve got a feeling I’m going to be seeing a lot more of you in the future.’
‘I hope so.’
‘So what do you want to talk about?’ Zara asked Emma when Lily left.
‘I feel really bad about earlier. I don’t want you to leave thinking I was leading you on.’
‘Emma, I’m a grown woman, not a spoilt child who thinks the world revolves around them. I have been turned down before you know.’
‘Somehow I doubt that.’
‘Okay I haven’t,’ Zara said sheepishly. ‘But that’s not the point.’
‘It isn’t?’
‘No.’ Zara inhaled and threw caution to the wind. ‘Look do you want to grab a coffee—’
‘I’d love to. But just coffee.’
Zara raised a brow. ‘Really? No kissing?’
‘No kissing.’
Emma was close enough to touch. But that wasn’t what Zara wanted. She wanted to feel her, to make a connection. For the first time in her life, Zara’s restraint was going to be put to the test. Her eyes swept over Emma’s face and she knew it was going to be a tough feat to keep her hands off her.
‘Okay, I’ll be on my best behaviour.’
Emma flashed her a smile that translated to ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’.
‘Let me just have a quick word with Heidi and I’m set to go.’
The atmosphere in the taxi back to Emma’s was fraught with electricity. In order to keep her mind off all the things she wanted to do to Emma, Zara spent the ten-minute drive talking about Lily and what a great sister she was. Emma readily agreed.
Before long the taxi pulled up outside a large Victorian house and the women alighted.
‘Do you own the whole house?’ Zara asked as Emma led her up the path towards the imposing building.
‘Yes. It was my inheritance,’ she said in a dead pan voice as she opened the front door.
‘Make yourself at home, I’ll put the kettle on,’ Emma said slipping out of her jacket and hanging it up on the rack by the door.
Zara walked into the first room she came to and switched on the light. Her eyes widened as she took in rows of shelves that reached the ceiling, each lined with books. Thin ones, thick ones, new and old. There had to be at least two hundred books in total. She crossed the room to browse a section that ranged from Voltaire’s work to erotica.
‘Here we go,’ Emma said entering the room holding two hot mugs.
Zara turned and took one of the cups Emma held out to her. ‘Thanks. Don’t tell me you’ve read all these books.’
‘Most of them,’ she said, sitting on the sofa. ‘I started young.’
Zara chose to sit on the single arm chair. She didn’t want to invade Emma’s space. ‘You must be great at multi-tasking. Reading, running your own gallery, not to mention how great this place looks.’
‘Thanks, but I can’t take credit for the house. My mum gutted it and refurbished it from scratch.’
‘It’s a job well done in that case. So do you live here alone?’
Emma nodded.
‘It’s a big place for one person,’ Zara said thinking about her own snug mews house she lived in. The two-bedroom place was just big enough to not feel overwhelmed by too much empty space. She didn’t think she could live alone in a house this size. It screamed loneliness.
‘It does feel like that sometimes, but I’m at the gallery most of the day. I tend to come back here and crash out.’
‘That’s a shame,’ Zara said softly. ‘A house like this should be lived in.’