“Except a puppy. We need a puppy, Isabella. Or two. Maybe three if they’re a small breed.”
Isabella rolled her eyes. “Fine. We’ll get one, just one, when Alberto’s bigger.”
“Score. Then I can’t ask for more.”
“Actually, there is one more thing you’ll need.” Isabella reached over the side of the sofa carefully, so as not to disturb Alberto. She picked up a packet and handed it to Erin to inspect.
There was a look of recognition in Erin’s face at the brand, but the lighter color of the package and the extra word underneath, Azucar Negra, seemed to take her by surprise. Erin wasted no time in questioning that extra word.
“Um, Isabella? Does that say decaf?”
“Yes, it does. Let’s finally get some proper sleep.”
Erin stared at her openmouthed.
“You’re a mother now, preciosa. Therapy and time to settle might have gotten you ninety percent there, but the next step is to cut down on the caffeine after 9 p.m. You’re a parent. That means being responsible and a good role model.”
“Hmm, I’ll give it a go. But if it tastes weaker, I’m back to caffeine 24/7,” Erin growled and lay back in Isabella’s arms, her head resting on a cashmere-covered shoulder.
Isabella smiled and kissed her hair again. She had initially hated the smell of Erin’s strawberry conditioner. From the second they moved in together, she had begged Erin to change to something that smelled more adult and less like candy. Now, she realized that the scent added to the safety of their little home, guarding against the winds outside.
On her chest, Alberto snored a snuffling sound, as his little hand squeezed a fistful of her sweater. Erin caressed the back of his head and snuggled in closer, as if to go to sleep.
Isabella was about to say that they needed to get ready for bed. Alberto needed his crib and his pacifier. Besides, the two of them couldn’t stay here and sleep with their makeup on and in positions that would give them both aches and cramps. But she was tired, and everyone was sleeping so sweetly on her. She decided she could close her eyes and enjoy it for a few minutes. She rested her head back against the sofa and closed her eyes, too.
Calm descended on the little family, and they slept long beyond the stroke of midnight, unfazed by the storm outside. And untroubled by any insomnia.
About Emma Sterner-Radley
Having spent far too much time hopping from subject to subject at university back in her native country of Sweden, Emma finally emerged with a degree in Library and Information Science.
Now she lives with her wife and two cats in England, there is no point in saying which city as they move about once a year. She spends her free time writing, reading, daydreaming, working out, and watching whichever television show has the most lesbian subtext at the time.
Her tastes in most things usually leans towards the quirky and she loves genres like urban fantasy, magic realism, and steampunk.
Emma Sterner-Radley is also a hopeless sap for any small chubby creature with tiny legs and can often be found making heart-eyes at things like guinea pigs, Dachshunds, wombats, marmots, and human toddlers.
CONNECT WITH EMMA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorEmmaSternerRadley
Twitter: @EmmaSterner
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One sleepless night on social media, they strike up a conversation that changes their lives and makes them question everything. Over midnight cups of coffee, they try to resist the powerful chemistry that builds between them. They soon discover their connection could be the key to unlocking their personal issues.
Questions remain though. Are they more than friends? Could they be right for each other? And if they are, how will they handle a relationship a thousand miles apart?
A lesbian romance about closing the distance.
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Survival Instincts
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Coffee and
Conclusions
© 2018 by Emma-Sterner-Radley
ISBN (epub): 978-3-95533-932-6
ISBN (mobi): 978-3-95533-931-9
Also available as paperback.
Published by Ylva Publishing, legal entity of Ylva Verlag, e.Kfr.
Ylva Verlag, e.Kfr.
Owner: Astrid Ohletz
Am Kirschgarten 2
65830 Kriftel
Germany
www.ylva-publishing.com
First edition: 2018
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.
Credits
Edited by Andrea Bramhall, Michelle Aguilar, and CK King
Cover Design and Print Layout by Streetlight Graphics
Coffee and Conclusions Page 31