“I’m good. You?”
“Fabulous, as usual. Listen, I’ve got to ask you something—do you think you’re ready for another placement?”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. Could she read my mind from across town? “I’m…not sure.”
“Now, I know you’ve been working through some things, but I just want you to think about it,” Connie said. “You did a great job last time.”
“Thanks.”
“So you’ll let me know?”
“Yeah, I will,” Val said.
“Thanks, honey. By the way, Paige is smiling around the office a lot more these days—wonder why?”
“Connie!” Val heard her friend’s laughter before the call disconnected.
Val fanned her face—judging from the heat, she must be red as a tomato. Her embarrassment turned to pleasure as she imagined Paige’s amazing smile.
* * *
Paige was giddy with excitement as she pulled into Val’s driveway. She’d arranged for Emma to have a sleepover at a friend’s, so she could be free to pull off her surprise. If everything went according to plan, tonight would be very special, and Paige hoped Val would enjoy it. She parked and checked herself in the mirror, then went to get Val.
When the door opened, Paige felt the flutter of intense attraction she always experienced when she saw Val. Tonight, she was wearing low-slung black pants and a high-necked, sleeveless white top, cropped to show a glimpse of her smooth flat belly. She wore a chunky black and silver belt and black boots, and silver bangles and earrings joined her eagle necklace to round out the ensemble. Val had the sides of her hair pulled back in a clip while the rest hung over her shoulders in dark waves.
Paige only realized she had been staring, transfixed, when Val touched a finger beneath her chin and closed her mouth for her. Val’s smile was amused, but her dark eyes flashed with desire.
“Hi,” Paige said. “You look…criminally sexy.”
Val laughed, then looked her slowly up and down. “And you are gorgeous.”
Paige had worn a short-sleeved sapphire-blue minidress and heels that brought her even with Val’s height. She’d put her hair up in a loose French twist and accessorized with silver jewelry. She hadn’t dressed up purposely to impress someone in a long time, but it seemed to be working. “Thank you,” she said, smiling.
“So are you going to tell me where we’re going?” Val asked.
“Nope. You’ll have to wait and see. Let’s go.”
Paige drove downtown, laughing at Val’s attempts to figure out the plan. “You’re relentless, you know that? Do you not like surprises?”
“Well,” Val said, “I guess surprises kind of stress me out. Must be another one of those leftover issues from my childhood, right?” She smiled, letting Paige know she wasn’t upset.
“Okay, I’ll tell you this much—we’re going to dinner.”
“Judging from your outfit, we can rule out McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, Wendy’s…”
“Stop.” Paige laughed, whacking Val on the knee. Val captured her hand and held it to her thigh, stroking lightly. The contact immediately sent a shiver of pleasure down Paige’s spine.
They spent the drive chatting and laughing, but when Paige pulled into the parking lot of Paolo’s, Val’s eyes went wide.
“No way,” she said, looking at Paige in shock. “Paolo’s? As in the best restaurant in the city?”
“Hey, you only turn thirty once, right?” Paige replied, pleased. “Gotta make it special.”
Val squeezed Paige’s hand. “Just being with you makes it my best birthday ever.” She leaned over and kissed Paige lightly on the lips, then touched their foreheads together. “If I forget to say it later, thank you.”
Paige’s eyes moistened as a powerful surge of happiness coursed through her. “You’re welcome. Ready?”
“Absolutely,” Val replied, her beautiful face alight with a smile.
“By the way,” Paige said, as they walked to the restaurant’s entrance, “if you limit your order to a side salad or something, I’ll smack you.”
“Warning noted. Besides, it would be a crime to order a salad in a place like this.”
They approached the hostess station, and Paige gave her name. “We have reservations for seven o’clock.”
“Ah, yes. Right this way, please,” the woman said. The restaurant was busy, and it wasn’t until they got right to their table that Val realized the next phase of her surprise.
“Happy birthday, chica!” Seated at the table, all smiles, were Sasha, Jen, and Connie.
“Oh my God, you guys,” Val said, her hand on her chest in surprise. “I can’t believe you’re all here.” She turned to Paige. “How did you get ahold of them?”
“I am very resourceful,” Paige replied.
“She just called up to the base and asked for me by name,” Sasha said, standing to give Val a hug. “I traded shifts with someone so we could be here—didn’t want to miss your big three-oh.”
“That’s so awesome. Thank you. Hey, Jen,” Val said, giving her a hug, then she turned to Connie. “And you, too? I seriously can’t believe it.”
“When Paige has a plan, you don’t mess it up,” Connie said with a wink. “Besides, I didn’t want to miss out on a steak at Paolo’s.” Her words were teasing, but the warm hug she gave Val conveyed her affection.
“Wow.” Val gave Paige a hug filled with gratitude and emotion. “You’re something else.”
“Just enjoy,” Paige whispered in her ear.
The food was phenomenal, and they had a wonderful time. Val and Sasha entertained the table with crazy stories of their teen years, and Jen and Paige threw in a few of their own. Connie kept them all laughing with her dry wit, and the time flew by. Throughout the meal, Val kept smiling at Paige, her dark eyes shining. So far, the evening was perfect.
As they finished their after-dinner coffee, Paige turned to Val. “So now that you’re fed, we need to discuss the remainder of the evening’s activities.”
Val arched an eyebrow at her. “There’s more?” The look that passed between them gave little doubt as to what Val was hoping for.
“You have three options to choose from. An LGBTQ film festival is going on at the university, and there’s a ten o’clock showing. Or we could go over to the Pavilion for live jazz. Or tonight is Latin Dance Party Night at Pony’s.”
Val pretended to consider, but Paige was pretty sure she knew what Val would choose. She was right.
“I want to teach you how to salsa,” Val said. “Let’s go to Pony’s.”
“Well, I’ll leave you kids to your twerking or whatever it is people do these days,” Connie said, laying down some money for her part of the bill.
“Connie, you’re crazy,” Val said, shaking her head and laughing.
“So I’ve been told.” Connie got up and gave Val a kiss on the cheek. “Happy birthday, kiddo. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“What options does that leave me, exactly?” Val teased.
Connie winked as she gave Sasha’s shoulder a squeeze. “Jen, it was great to meet you. And Paige, thanks for inviting me along tonight. I’ll see you Monday.”
“G’night, Connie,” they all said, smiling as she took her leave.
“You were right, Sasha,” Jen said with a grin. “She’s a riot.”
“She’s a very special woman, right, Val?”
“Yep, she really is. So, who’s ready to dance?” Val flashed a smile at Paige.
“Can’t wait,” Paige replied.
* * *
By ten o’clock, Pony’s was already packed. Latin Night was a favorite, and people came from all over the area. Holding Paige’s hand, Val led the way in and found them a spot to stand near the dance floor.
“Want a drink?” she asked.
“No, I’m fine for now. Look at those people. They’re really good dancers,” Paige replied, sounding a little anxious.
Val looked out at the dance floor. Several couple were dancing sals
a and bachata to an upbeat Shakira song. The energy was electric.
“I don’t think I can do that,” Paige said, gripping Val’s hand tightly.
“Sure you can. We’ll wait for a slower song, and I’ll teach you.” Paige was biting her lip, and she looked sexy as hell. “I’m having an amazing time tonight. I still can’t believe you did all this for me.”
“Why is that so hard to believe? You deserve it,” Paige replied, gazing into Val’s eyes.
Their connection was undeniable. “You make me feel so much,” Val said, pulling Paige close. She nuzzled her neck, breathing in her warm scent, and placed both hands on Paige’s lower back. Paige draped her arms over Val’s shoulders, burying her hands in the hair at the nape of her neck. Holding Paige’s gaze, Val began to move her hips to the music, leading Paige in a sensual dance that was intoxicating and incredibly hot. She saw her own desire mirrored in Paige’s eyes, and she suddenly wanted to take her right there.
Paige moaned, and though the lights were dim, Val saw the flush spread from her face to her throat. Someone nudged Val’s shoulder, and she looked up to see Sasha’s amused grin.
Sasha leaned in to speak low in her ear. “You two can stand there and continue with the fireworks show, or you can come dance with us.”
Val felt herself flush hot, then noticed that the music’s tempo had changed. She smiled at Paige. “Ready to salsa?”
Paige nodded, and Val led her onto the dance floor. Paige stood, unsure, and Val took her hands. “Let me lead,” she said, placing Paige’s hands on her body in the correct positions. “Just feel the rhythm.”
Val began to move, whispering instructions and encouragement to Paige. She was a fast learner, and soon they were moving almost as one. Val felt the music flowing through her as she moved, and she let herself go as if no one was watching. She twirled Paige around and dipped her backward, placing a kiss on her throat before bringing their bodies back together.
Nearby, people were clapping and catcalling, and other dancers were giving them a wide berth. Val realized that they were putting on a show, and she felt a rush of pride as she looked at Paige. She was beautiful, her dress hugging her curves and showing off her long shapely legs. A couple of strands of golden hair had escaped their confines and gracefully framed her face. Paige’s blue eyes had darkened to indigo, and her lips were parted in a breathless smile.
Val pulled Paige close. “They’re watching us,” she whispered. “You’re incredible.”
Paige shook her head in disbelief, glancing around. Her blush deepened, but Val cupped her cheek and gently made Paige look her in the eye. “So beautiful. Let’s finish this…follow me.” She took Paige’s hand and spun her out before her, then pulled her in close, insinuating her thigh between Paige’s legs as they moved their hips. As the song ended, Val dipped Paige once more, this time kissing her lips. They came together again without breaking contact, and Paige took Val’s face in her hands, deepening the kiss with her tongue.
A moment later Paige broke away breathlessly, clutching Val’s shoulders. “Oh my God,” Paige murmured.
“Yeah,” Val replied, smiling.
“Damn, you two,” Sasha said, as she and Jen came up alongside them.
“Yeah, you about set the place on fire,” Jen added. “You guys can really dance.”
“I’ve never done that before in my life,” Paige said, eyes wide.
“Then you’re a natural, and a perfect partner for J.Lo here,” Sasha replied.
“Would you stop?” Val said, rolling her eyes. “I am so not like J.Lo.”
“Actually, you’re hotter,” Paige said with a sexy smile, “and I need a drink.” She turned and headed toward the bar.
Sasha clapped Val on the back. “Girl, you’ve got to hang on to that one.”
“I plan on it,” Val replied. She took a couple of moments to catch her breath, then followed after Paige.
* * *
Finding a few inches of space to claim, Paige eased up to the bar. She managed to wave down one of the busy bartenders and ordered a White Russian. As she waited, she looked at the slightly distorted reflections of people in the mirror that covered the entire back of the bar area. She felt her before she saw her, as Val placed her hands on her hips and pressed up against her back.
“Hey,” Val said, putting her chin on Paige’s shoulder.
“Hey, yourself. What would you like for your birthday drink?”
“I don’t know—how about a hard cider?”
“You got it.” When the bartender returned with Paige’s drink, she placed Val’s order, then turned to place her back against the bar rail.
“Thanks for teaching me how to dance. That was so much fun.”
“I hate to tell you this, but your secret is out. There’s no way you haven’t danced like that before,” Val said.
“I swear I haven’t. I mean, I used to go clubbing once in a while in college, but all my dancing was in front of the mirror in my room when I was in high school.” Paige giggled. “How’s that for embarrassing stories?”
“That was one lucky-ass mirror. Whatever. You are a perfect dance partner, so I’m the lucky one tonight.”
Paige smiled. “Thank you.” She gave Val a hug, and behind her, Paige suddenly saw a familiar face glaring back. Paige had a vision of glowing red eyes shooting out daggers at Val’s head.
“Don’t turn around,” Paige whispered, “but Lisa the Lawyer is here.”
“Oh, fabulous.”
Paige laughed. “Exactly. At least she’s staying over there.” Paige felt a flash of possessive pride. “I don’t think she’s very happy that you’re mine.”
“I’m yours, huh?” Val nuzzled her throat. “That sounds really good to me.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” Paige put her hand into Val’s hair, drawing the silky strands through her fingers. Their attraction was off the charts, but something deeper passed between them in that moment. “Let’s go hang out with Sasha and Jen for a while longer and get out of Lisa’s firing range.”
For the next two hours, they had a blast dancing and laughing with their friends, but in the back of Paige’s mind were thoughts of what would happen when they left the bar. She wanted Val, wanted to bring her home and make love for days. All signs pointed to Val feeling the same way, but were they ready to go there? Would their relationship withstand a move to the next level?
“You looked really serious there for a minute,” Val said, interrupting her thoughts. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” Paige lied, “it’s just that my feet are killing me in these heels.”
“It’s crazy crowded in here. I’m ready to go if you are,” Val said, gently rubbing her hand up Paige’s arm.
Paige looked away. “Tonight’s been incredible. I’m just not sure where to go from here.” There, she’d said it. Now it was up to Val.
Val ducked her head to meet Paige’s eyes. “I’m not ready for our night to end, if that’s what you mean.”
“Are you sure? I mean, Sasha and Jen…”
“Are going to crash at my house and head home in the morning.”
“Do you want to come back to my place?” Paige held her breath, waiting for the answer.
“More than anything, if that’s okay.” Val’s expression was open and honest, and Paige could see the desire simmering in her eyes.
“Then let’s go home.”
Val gave Sasha her house key, and the four women hugged good-bye.
“Thanks again, you guys. This has been the best night I’ve had in forever,” Val said.
“Glad we could be a part of it,” Sasha replied, clasping Val’s hand. “Love you, chica. Happy birthday.”
“Love you, too,” Val said, her eyes glistening.
“Ready?” Paige said. They linked fingers and headed to the parking lot.
On the ride home, Val rested her head on the seat back and sighed. “Thank you, Paige. I can’t believe you planned all this tonight. No one’s ever done a
nything like that for me before.”
Paige heard the break in Val’s voice, and her heart swelled. “I’m so happy you had a good time.”
“And I’m so happy I shared it with you. You are very special to me, Paige. I hope you know that.” Val’s fingers gently stroked the back of Paige’s neck.
Paige blinked back tears. “I feel exactly the same way.”
Minutes later, she pulled into her driveway, her stomach trembling with nerves and anticipation. They walked to the door, her hand shaking as she fit the key into the lock. Once inside, she flicked on the light and turned directly into Val’s arms.
Val caressed Paige’s cheeks with featherlight strokes of her thumbs. “I’ve needed to do this properly all night.” She touched her lips to Paige’s forehead, her eyes, her jaw, then claimed her mouth, hard.
A dam broke inside Paige. Powerful feelings swirled through her as Val ignited her with kisses. “God, I want you,” she gasped. “Come to bed with me.”
They kissed and touched as they hurried to Paige’s bedroom. She switched on the bedside lamp and stood, weak with need. She held out her hand, and Val closed the distance between them in one long stride.
They kissed deeply with a passion Paige had never felt before. Val thrust her hands into Paige’s hair and removed the pins, then ran her hands through it until it fell loosely to her shoulders. Moaning, she nipped at Paige’s neck then soothed it with her tongue, before once again kissing Paige breathless.
Val ran her hands down Paige’s sides as she fell to her knees before her. Pushing gently at her hips, she made Paige sit on the edge of the bed. Running her hands down her calves, she removed Paige’s shoes.
She cradled one foot in her hands, massaging with her thumbs, then rubbed the other. That was a first for Paige, and she groaned in pleasure. Val then trailed her fingers up the backs of Paige’s legs until she reached the hem of her dress. Standing, Val took Paige’s hands and pulled her up again. Reaching around to her back, she touched the zipper of Paige’s dress, her eyes asking for permission. Paige nodded, and Val slowly pulled it down.
Thank God I had a halfway decent set of matching lingerie, Paige thought, before Val’s mouth on her made further thinking impossible. Val slowly slid the dress from Paige’s shoulders, kissing each new expanse of skin as it was revealed. Soon the dress was in a puddle at her feet, and she stepped out of it, kicking it away.
Taking Chances Page 19