6. Emma

"And she let me see the company accounts! They have so much money, Mom! Vivian said that it's usual for a good business to run in those numbers. Is that true?"

"It is for some, but Vivian is being modest. Her business is so much more successful than most."

"She's so nice," Lily gushed. "And her cat is so cute! Please can I go meet him, please, Mom?"

Emma stared at Lily in bemusement. For the last three days, she hadn't been able to talk about anything except Vivian. Vivian had clearly made quite an impression—and from the sounds of it, she had been a lot warmer with Lily than she had been with any of the adults in the office, even Emma.

It gave Emma hope to know that there was a small chink in Vivian's armor. Perhaps there would still be a way to get through to her. Emma wondered if Vivian would like to take Lily out for ice cream together. Lily had asked for that at least six times now.

"We'll see. Not everyone is comfortable with people they don't know that well in their homes."

"So maybe we can get to know her better… with an ice cream trip?" Lily asked hopefully.

Emma laughed. "You're too smart for me, and you don't give up, do you?"

"Never give up. It's what you taught me."

"I'm beginning to regret it," Emma muttered, but she couldn't help grinning. "Now come on, you've got homework to do."

To her great surprise, Lily squealed in excitement—a first when it came to homework. "Mom, I've got a project! We have to do a business report, and my teacher said we could shadow someone if we liked. Can I shadow Vivian, please, Mom? Please?"

It took all of Emma's restraint not to roll her eyes. How did the subject keep coming back to Vivian?

"I don't know if she'd want that," Emma hedged. She hated to disappoint Lily, but she also didn't want Vivian to have to spend an entire day with her daughter when she was supposed to be working.

"But you can ask, right?"

She really didn't give up. Emma supposed there was no harm in asking. Vivian was assertive enough to say no if it wasn't something she wanted. "I'll ask. When is the project due?"

"Not until next quarter."

That at least left Emma some time to find the right moment to ask Vivian. "I've got that business trip I told you about coming up this weekend—when you'll be staying over at Miriam's place. I'll see if I can ask Vivian when we're back from that."

"But why can't you ask her now?"

"Because she's busy and stressed right now. If you really want something, sometimes you have to wait for the right moment to ask for it, the moment when people are more likely to say yes."

Lily nodded seriously, and Emma had a feeling she was going to regret teaching this to her. Sometimes, Lily was too smart for her own good.

"What?"

"I'm so sorry, ma'am. I see now looking at your email that you reserved two rooms. I think it must have gotten lost in translation somewhere. I'm afraid the room you booked is the only one we have available. This is our busy season."

"That's entirely unacceptable! I know that this is your busy season, which is why I booked three months in advance. We're not going to be able to find rooms anywhere else!"

Vivian looked ready to bite the unfortunate receptionist's head off. Emma knew that in a few minutes, Vivian would calm down and act more rationally, but her anger was understandable. Emma was pissed too, but she had an easier time containing it. Raising a child taught you tolerance or killed you.

"Vivian, it's fine," Emma murmured, seeking to hasten the calming down process. "I don't mind sharing."

Vivian closed her eyes for a moment before nodding. "Alright. And you—I expect a discount."

"You'll have it, ma'am."

Vivian gave the receptionist one last glowering look before grabbing her suitcase from the porter and wheeling it through the sparking lobby, muttering under her breath about incompetence.

When they got to the room, Emma gulped. Of course, the room had only one bed. She'd only ever been in hotel rooms with two beds, but that was because she booked family rooms for herself and Lily. Vivian had no reason to book a room with two beds when she was booking two rooms.

Vivian narrowed her eyes at the bed, as though it had personally offended her. "I'll take the floor."

"That's not necessary, Vivian. The bed is big enough; I'm sure we can both keep to our sides."

Vivian flushed. "I'm not sure if that's the best idea."

"Do you realize how uncomfortable it is to sleep on the floor?"

"I suppose you have a point. But you don't need to do this just because I'm your boss. I wouldn't mind—"

"I know, Vivian. This isn't to impress you as my boss. This is because I don't want my friend having to sleep on a hard, wooden floor and then be distracted by a sore neck the whole day tomorrow when she's meant to be concentrating."

Vivian stared at her for a few moments, as though lost in thought. "Okay, then. Do you want the shower first?"

It was late and they were both tired from the flight. "That's okay, you take it. I've got some emails to respond to."

"You work too hard, Emma."

"Well, that's the pot calling the kettle black."

"Touché."

Emma tried her best not to look when Vivian came out of the bathroom, wrapped only in a towel. She really did try, but she failed spectacularly. Vivian looked so beautiful, fresh and flushed from her shower. Emma's gaze ran over her collarbone and down… She looked so kissable that Emma had to turn her eyes away before she lost control completely and gave in to the urge.

She fled into the bathroom before she could do something she'd regret. Emma got changed into her pajamas in the bathroom before going back to the main room, where Vivian was already in bed. She tried her best to ignore her nerves as she slipped under the covers, lying as close to the edge as possible.

"Goodnight, Vivian."

"Goodnight, Emma."

Vivian turned off the lights and went quiet. It had been a tiring day, and it wasn't long before Emma fell into a deep sleep. Her last reassuring thought was that the bed really was huge. She was sure she and Vivian were able to stick to their sides.

Emma and Vivian could not, in fact, stick to their sides.

Emma woke up warmer and more comfortable than she could remember being in a long time. Her warm pillow gently rose and fell to the pleasant thumping sound from beneath it.

Wait.

Emma's eyes flew open and she stiffened in horror. She was sleeping with her head on Vivian's chest. Not only that, but Vivian's arms were wrapped around her.

Shit.

This was a bad idea. She should have let Vivian sleep on the floor or volunteered to do so herself. This was going to make things awkward as fuck.

Her best shot was to try to extract herself before Vivian woke up. If she could manage that, Vivian would never need to know that this had happened. It would all be fine.

Emma started trying to wiggle out of the compromising position they were in, but it was difficult given how closely together they were entwined. She realized that their legs were entangled as well and trying to get out was like trying to solve a complicated puzzle where the pieces might wake up and have start having a meltdown at any moment.

She was sure that Vivian would freak out if she woke up in this position. She was so strict about her boundaries…

Vivian's arms tightened in her sleep as Emma tried to ease out of them. Well, that was just great. Couldn't Vivian work with her here, just a little? Clearly, she was much less reserved asleep than she was when awake.

Emma tried to duck under the circle of Vivian's arms, but it was one movement too many.

Vivian yawned and opened her eyes.

She looked straight at Emma for several moments before Emma saw it click in her eyes.

Vivian quickly pulled back, her face going bright red. "I'm so sorry, Emma! I—"

"It's not just on you, Vivian. I also promised to keep to my side of the bed, and I clearly failed at it too. Let's not make a big deal of this?"

"I'll sleep on the floor tonight," Vivian promised.

"We can take turns," Emma offered. "You do tonight. I'll do tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan."

Emma was sure that she was quite as red as Vivian as the two of them got dressed, bumping awkwardly against each other in the bathroom as they moved past each other to get to the basin.

Emma got changed in the bathroom while Vivian dressed in the main room. It was easier like that, especially given how they had woken up. No need to make things any weirder than they already were right now.

Neither of them spoke for a few minutes as they made their way to the elevator. Vivian eventually brought up their upcoming meeting, and Emma seized on the subject gladly. They were meeting with a big potential investor, who was somewhat reclusive, thus the need to go and meet him in his home.

Vivian didn't generally do house calls, but if she could get Dr. Bradson as a client, it would be worth all the hassle.

The subject of work carried them all throughout the taxi ride to Dr. Bradson's house, and Emma could almost forget the awkwardness from earlier.

Dr. Bradson's butler welcomed them into his mansion, escorting them to an elaborate lounge decorated with orange and purple satin drapes that clashed spectacularly.

"Ah, welcome." Dr. Bradson bowed to them but didn't shake either of their hands. "I have some tea for you—my own blend. You will like it, I think."

"Thank you, Doctor Bradson."

"Please, call me Elijah. Now, sit, sit!"

Vivian and Emma sat down and took their tea. Vivian took a sip, and it was only the self-control learned in meetings such as this that prevented her from spitting it right back out. Vivian could see Emma struggling not to gag out of the corner of her eye. Vivian cast an eye down at the tea. It looked inoffensive—slightly brownish water, steaming a little. It tasted like a mixture between sour milk and rotten eggs.

"Delicious, hm? My own blend. It'll take the toxins right out of your body."

"Delicious," Vivian agreed weakly.

Emma set her tea down, looking like she was about to throw up. "I'm actually not a tea person, but I was grateful to be able to try your own recipe."

"Aha, aha, your wife is smarter than you, I think.

Vivian choked on her sip of tea, but Elijah wasn't done talking.

"You think I don't see you don't like my tea? Smart woman. Honest. I like that."

"Emma… Emma's not my wife," she gasped as soon as she had her breath back.

"Not yet, hm? Do you have a date? I can bring flowers for you—my own breed, from my garden."

Vivian spluttered incoherent denials, but Emma cut smoothly across her.

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I'm Vivian's assistant. The two of us aren't together."

Elijah surveyed her from under his eyebrows for a few moments. "Oh," he looked surprised, "Hmmmm."

Vivian didn't want to offend him, but she did not like the direction this conversation was heading. She'd been prepared to deal with business questions, not assumptions about her personal life. He certainly was eccentric, more so than she had realized.

"Elijah, I'd like to go over some graphs with you, if that's okay with you, to show you what we could do with your money in a year, five, and even ten years if you choose to invest in us."

Elijah waved a hand. "No, no, graphs aren't necessary. I did not ask you here to show me what I can already find online. I know you are good at your job—that much was easy to see from very little research. More important is who I'm investing in. The character and drive of those running the company. So, tell me, Vivian, who are you?"

Vivian was flummoxed. She'd never had an interview like this. What could she really say? That she lived alone and avoided all personal connections? That was hardly going to sway Elijah into investing with them, but she wasn't going to lie to get his money, either.

There were several moments of silence before Emma's voice cut in.

"Ever since I have known Vivian, she has been one of the most compassionate employers I've ever worked for. She goes above and beyond to help the people who work for her grow and develop. Everyone in the office knows that if they have a problem—and not just work-related problems—they can go to Vivian, and she will move heaven and earth to help them."

"She holds us all to high standards, making sure we work to our fullest potential, but she also knows that no one is capable of giving their full effort one hundred percent of the time. She values honesty, loyalty and hard work, and she leads those values by example. She is calm under pressure and doesn't let emotion get in the way of leading a good company."

"She could perhaps have furthered her business more by resorting to underhanded tactics, like many in the corporate world do, but Vivian would never do that. She is someone I am proud to work for, and if the time comes when I am looking for somewhere to invest my money, I wouldn't hesitate in choosing Vivian and Sterling Enterprises."

To her intense mortification, Vivian found herself fighting back tears. To know that Emma thought so highly of her… Well, it meant more to her than she could explain in words.

"Ha! Yes, good, very good! Such a glowing recommendation from an employee! Yes, excellent. And she is truthful, too. I can see it in her eyes. The eyes always give away a lie."

Vivian held her breath, wondering if Emma's speech could do what the carefully prepared graphs and business plans she'd brought with her couldn't.

"Very well. I will invest with you—the full amount we discussed."

Vivian felt an incredulous smile unfolding on her face. "You won't regret it, Elijah, I can promise you that."

"Yes, yes, I know. Now, I will let Annika finalize the details with you—she takes care of my books. Now shoo, off with you. It's time for me to check on my mushrooms."

Vivian and Emma graciously allowed themselves to be shooed off the property.

As soon as they were in the car, Emma started giggling. "That was the strangest meeting I've ever been to."

Vivian couldn't help but laugh as well. "Me too. That was some speech—you're certainly getting one hell of a bonus when that money comes through."

"I meant every word."

Vivian's face went pink in the most adorable blush. "Thanks, Emma. You should know that I appreciate you every bit as much as you appreciate me. You're an incredible assistant. You bring light and joy to the whole office. Everyone is always happier with you around."

Emma wondered if Vivian was including herself in that assessment but didn't ask. "We still have three more days at the hotel," she pointed out. They had both expected the negotiations with Elijah to take longer. "Do you have any other business here, or would you like me to change our flights and send us home early?"

"Well, I was actually thinking that after such a successful deal, we both deserve a bit of a break. What do you think about staying here for those few days, maybe seeing what the city has to offer? Of course, if you'd rather get home to Lily earlier, that'll be fine, too. It's up to you."

Emma thought about this briefly. She missed Lily, of course, but she knew that her daughter would not be happy to be pulled away from her multi-day sleepover with Miriam early. And if she was being honest with herself, she really wanted to spend more time with Vivian.

The thought of getting to know her outside of a work setting was enticing. Emma was surprised Vivian had even offered it—this wasn't her usual style. She was probably riding a high after their meeting, just like Emma was. Once Vivian settled back into her normal mindset, this opportunity would probably never come again.

"Let's stay. It's been ages since I've had a real holiday. The hotel has a hot tub." She didn't know how well this idea would go down, but to her surprise, Vivian smiled.

"I love hot tubs, though it's been ages since I was in one. Let's check it out when we get back?"

"Perfect."

They arrived at the hotel shortly and took turns changing into their swimsuits in the bathroom. They both wrapped themselves in fluffy white towels before making their way down to the pool level.

Emma was surprised but pleased to see that the hot tub was empty. She sneaked yet another peek at Vivian's body. Emma pretended to look out of the window at the view for a moment so that Vivian would get in first, giving Emma a perfect look at lean body and surprisingly shapely ass. Vivian's bright red swimsuit complemented her skin tone perfectly, and the V neck gave Emma a good view of her cleavage.

Emma slid into the hot tub on the other side of Vivian, trying her best not to ogle too obviously at her. It was difficult given that Vivian was clearly fighting the same battle. Her eyes flicked constantly down to Emma's cleavage and thighs before going back to the window. Emma's heartrate was abnormally fast given that all she was doing was sitting in a tub.

She wondered how Vivian would react if Emma kissed her right now. As much as she wanted to, Vivian had made herself clear. She didn't want Emma, and Emma wasn't going to force herself on someone who didn't want her.

As obvious as it was that Vivian was attracted to her too, attraction wasn't enough. You needed willingness from both parties, and they didn't have that.

"Tell me more about Lily."

Emma was glad to have conversation to distract her from her racing thoughts. "Well, she's quite taken with you. You must have made quite an impression."

Vivian raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah. I didn't know you were so good with kids."

"I didn't either."

This seemed as good a time as any to ask. "Actually, speaking of Lily, I wanted to ask you a favor. She's doing a school project and needs to shadow someone in business. She's been begging me to ask you if she can shadow you."

"Oh! I would have thought she'd want to shadow someone in accounting."

"I did ask her about that, but she was adamant that she wants you. I don't think she quite understands that it's more about getting to know how the job works than watching someone you admire work. I tried to explain it to her, but she's got her heart set on shadowing you."

"If that's what she wants, then I'm sure I can accommodate her. We'll have to plan which day she comes in—nothing too busy, as I'd want to be able to pay attention to her. We can take a look at the company calendar together and brainstorm dates."

If Emma had wanted to kiss Vivian before, it was nothing compared to how she felt now. She contemplated lunging across the tub and capturing Vivian's lips with hers. Emma closed her eyes for a moment, shutting the temptation out of sight.

"Thank you." She opened her eyes, forcing herself to meet Vivian's gaze and not deviate to her body. "I really appreciate that, and I know Lily will as well."

"It's a pleasure. I really like Lily. How is she doing at school?"

"Really great! She's fully integrated into Miriam's friend group now. They were having a pool party at Savannah's house just last week. She's enjoying the schoolwork as well. She's top in her class for math."

Emma was practically glowing with pride at the teacher's last report. While Lily had initially had trouble, she was settling in beautifully now.

"What about you? Did you ever consider kids?"

Something in Vivian's face shut down. "No, I never considered it. Did you always know you wanted children?"

"Yeah, ever since I was a child myself. Alison and I were on the same page about it from the start…"

She trailed off, wondering what Alison would think if she could see Emma now. Emma knew that Alison would want her to be happy, but it was still hard. Emma felt guilt, but it had been a long time of grieving now. Maybe it was time to move on. If only she had found someone she wanted to move on with who wanted her too.

Vivian soon brought her out of her thoughts with another question about Lily. Emma loved talking about her daughter, and the time in the hot tub flew by quickly. Vivian offered very little personal information, at first, but as they time stretched on and their fingertips started to wrinkle, she began to open up a bit more.

"My whole family is in business. There were a lot of expectations to live up to growing up. I wasn't pressured to go into the field, but I was always expected to be excellent at whatever I did."

"Well, you certainly lived up to that expectation."

"Thanks, Emma. I'm not really close with my family anymore, but I still love them, of course."

"Why aren't you close?"

Vivian hesitated for a moment. "I distanced myself from… well, from everyone… when I was starting up my business. I didn't want anything to interfere with building my dream."

"And yet now that you've built it, you're still distanced."

Vivian shrugged. "It's better this way."

"Why?"

Vivian hesitated again, but it seemed she had opened up enough. "We should get out of this hot tub before we turn into prunes."

Emma laughed, glancing at her fingers. "Yeah, I guess so."

They spent the rest of the day planning what they wanted to do for the next few days. Vivian wanted to go bowling, and there was a local painting class that Emma wanted to try out.

She was so busy planning fun activities with Vivian that she even forgot to be nervous about what would happen at bedtime.

However, those nerves returned in full force when Victoria suggested they get ready for bed. Emma wondered if Vivian had been serious about sleeping on the floor. What if she hadn't?

It seemed Vivian had been serious, because she pulled one of the blankets from the bed and wrapped herself up in it, so that she was lying on one side with the other side curled around her like a sleeping bag.

"Wake me up if it's too uncomfortable. We can always switch."

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Goodnight, Emma."

"Goodnight."

Emma was tired from a long day, but she couldn't fall asleep. She was too busy listening to Vivian toss and turn on the floor. Vivian was obviously uncomfortable. Emma didn't like it. The more she listened, the more antsy she got, until she had absolutely no chance of falling asleep.

She could tell Vivian that they should switch places, but she doubted Vivian would accept that. She wasn't one to push her suffering onto others.

"Come here, Vivian."

"No, I'm fine, Emma. I volunteered to take the first turn on the floor. I'll get used to it."

"Really, there's no need for one of us to sleep on the floor. Come on, get into bed. I'm sure we'll keep to our own sides this time."

Vivian hesitated for a moment before sighing. "This floor feels like it's made of concrete," she grumbled as she got up with a groan. She climbed into bed as far away from Emma was possible. "Goodnight. Again."

"Goodnight, Vivian."

Emma's body probably knew better than to get itself into such an embarrassing entanglement two nights in a row. Surely, her body wouldn't betray her in that way.

As it turned out, Emma's body did not know better, and was perfectly wiling to betray her.

She woke up the next morning, once more intertwined with Vivian. This time, Vivian's head was resting on Emma's shoulder and her arm was thrown across Emma's torso. Their legs were slotted like puzzle pieces, one on top of the other.

Fuck. Again.

Why couldn't it have been Vivian to wake up first? Emma clearly sucked at wriggling out of these situations, but she had to try. She didn't even manage to free one leg before Vivian stirred.

"Emma—oh! Shit, again. I'm so sorry, Emma."

"Not your fault," Emma sighed. "I was the one who said we could handle sleeping in the same bed together. Obviously, we can't."

Vivian laughed. "No, I guess not."

Emma laughed too, and then both of them were chuckling heartily, shaking the bed slightly with their mirth.

Vivian looked so beautiful when she laughed. Their laughter died out as they simply stared into each other's eyes. Emma got lost in the intensity of it. She saw the decision in Vivian's rich dark brown eyes and let her own eyes flutter shut.

Vivian's lips met Emma's in a soft kiss. Emma kissed her back, exploring Vivian's lips, aware that at any moment, Vivian could panic and pull back.

However, she didn't. Vivian put a hand behind Emma's neck and tilted her head up to deepen the kiss.

Emma moaned and made good use of their tangled legs by simply rolling them over, ending with her on top, straddling Vivian's hips.

They didn't stop kissing throughout the movement and continued with increased fervor as Emma ground herself enthusiastically onto Vivian, spreading her legs so that her clit was getting perfect pressure against Vivian's stomach.

She reached her own hand behind her and snuck it inside Vivian's panties that were already wet, inching her way to the spot she wanted. She could tell that she had it right when Vivian moaned loudly, breaking away from their kiss to gasp for air.

Emma sat up and began to rub Vivian's clitoris as she ground her own clit against Vivian's body. Emma rocked back and forth with increasing urgency.

She was already thinking of what she wanted to do to Vivian next when Vivian suddenly stiffened and cried out, her hands grabbing Emma's hips and moving her at a harder and faster pace.

Emma let Vivian move her however she wanted as she rode out her orgasm. Vivian looked so beautiful when she came, covered in a light sheen of sweat with all her muscles flexing under her skin.

She finally went limp, looking up at Emma with red cheeks. "I'm sorry. I don't know what happened. I had meant to last longer…"

Emma leaned forward to kiss her. "No need to apologize. That was so hot. I love to see you lose control like that."

"Let me fuck you now."

Oh fuck, Emma hadn't been expecting the shiver of desire Vivian's commanding voice sent through her.

"Yes, please."

She pulled her pyjamas off and lay back and spread her legs, hoping Vivian wouldn't make her wait long. Vivian stripped off her own nightshirt and immediately moved between Emma's legs.

Fuck, she looks so sexy.

Emma's eyes ran over Vivian's small pert breasts and her toned body. Mostly it was the look of hunger in Vivian's dark eyes that was driving Emma crazy.

Vivian dove right in without hesitation, sliding first one, then two fingers inside Emma's waiting pussy.

Emma felt her walls clenching around Vivian's fingers as Vivian quickly started thrusting in and out.

Mmmm. This is what I needed.

"Faster," Emma panted. Nothing had felt this divine since… well, since the last time Vivian's fingers were inside her.

Vivian went faster. There was no teasing, no hesitation. She had come hard and fast and seemed determined to give Emma the same high.

That wouldn't be difficult. She could feel her G spot coming alive with the exquisite pleasure inside of her. Emma was already hurtling toward the edge as Vivian added another finger inside of her and then all it took was Vivian's thumb to press on her clit and she was gone. She arched into Vivian's fingers as the world whited out with pleasure.

She could feel Vivian's fingers acutely on and in her, seeming to reach all through her body, sending waves of pleasure with them.

Emma lost track of time. When the orgasm finally faded, she was vaguely aware of Vivian removing her fingers and sitting back.

Emma knew that she needed to act quickly before Vivian's mind caught up with her body.

"Vivian, listen to me." She took Vivian's hand in hers, squeezing it and waiting for their eyes to meet.

"This isn't a mistake. We have something special here—I know you can feel it too."

Vivian didn't deny it. "That doesn't change anything."

"Why not?" Emma decided to put all her cards on the table. "Come out with me. Let's go on a date. I can't promise it'll work out, but if we don't try, we'll never know. We should give this a real shot. If we don't, it'll just be another regret at a lost opportunity."

Vivian's expression was torn as she cut her gaze away from Emma. "I can't."

"Do you mind telling me why not?"

"I told you; I distanced myself from people when I started my business. Even though I'm established now and no longer a startup, that just means it's even more important. It's more than just my dreams on the line now. People depend on me—everyone from clients, to employees, to charities we donate to, to other businesses we have agreements with. I can't fuck this up."

"And you think having personal relationships—even friendships—would do that?"

"I think I can't take the risk."

"I don't understand," Emma admitted. "Did you learn this from your parents? Does the rest of your family take the same view?"

"No. They're actually rather concerned about how I've isolated myself, but I'm fine. They don't need to worry about anything."

"Neither do you. You must know that of all the successful businesses in the world, almost all of them have CEOs with personal relationships—romantic relationships as well as friendships."

"I know… but I still think it's too risky."

"Is that thought really based on fact? Or is it just an irrational fear? You think it's risky, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of examples of businesses doing well without their leaders holding themselves back in this way."

Vivian pursed her lips. "I see your point… but there's still a chance it could ruin everything, especially if I was with an employee."

"There's a chance the stock market could crash tomorrow. There's a chance that some maniac could decide to fire nukes tomorrow and the business falls apart amidst the resulting war. There is always a chance that things will go wrong, but there is also always a chance they will go right. Is your happiness really not worth taking that chance?"

"Who said I'm unhappy?"

"Well, are you?"

Vivian bit her lip. "I'm not… unhappy, exactly."

"But you're lonely?" Emma guessed.

Vivian nodded. "I… Well, you make a good argument, Emma. Let's… Let's try, then. But don't be upset if I decide it's actually not something I can do. I'm still very unsure about this…"

Emma squeezed Vivian's hand again. "I understand. We can navigate this together. Both of us have insecurities and fears, but everyone does. Like you say, you might change your mind—or I might—but the least we can do is try."

Emma doubted she'd change her mind, nor that the lingering insecurities about moving on after Alison would stop her from pursuing Vivian, but she didn't say that now. She was scared to say the wrong thing lest Vivian change her mind.

"You're right. Let's try, then. Though… you'll have to guide me. I've never dated before."

"It's easy, really. Honestly, the activities we'll be doing probably won't change much. We'll do fun things together—get to know each other a bit better. And of course, if you're willing, more of this."

Emma ran her hand down Vivian's thigh, smiling to herself.

"That sounds easy enough—not to mention pleasant. So, we're still on for that painting class?"

"Yep. Our first date." Emma resisted the urge to leap to her feet and whoop in delight at the thought.

"I should warn you, the last time I tried to paint, a woman on the street saw me carrying my attempt back to the car. I don't understand everything that she said, but I got the impression she was trying to ward off demons."

Emma snorted. "You can't be that bad."

"Trust me, I can."

"We'll see."