Page 13 of Life After

I can be available to spend the evening with you whenever you want x

She hoped she didn’t come across as desperate, but Suzanne doubted Jen would think that of her. They’d both gone further than expected last night, so Jen was clearly eager to get this show on the road just as much as Suzanne was.

While she stared down at her phone, waiting for a response, her garden gate creaked open. When Suzanne looked up, her breath caught in her throat. “Hi.”

Jen stared back at her from the edge of the garden path, holding an arrangement of flowers. “Hey. I just wanted to drop by with these for you.”

Suzanne got to her feet and approached Jen. My goodness. It was one hell of a bouquet. “These are for me?” Jen nodded. “But why?”

“A thank you for being the perfect date. But mostly because you seem like the kind of woman who deserves flowers on a whim.”

“That’s incredibly sweet. Thank you.” Suzanne took them from Jen’s arm and kissed her on the cheek. “I wasn’t expecting this at all.”

Jen shrugged. “I can be romantic when I want to be.”

Suzanne sighed. “God, it’s been so long since I had any romance in my life.”

“Me too.” Jen nudged her shoulder as she smiled back at Suzanne. “You feeling okay today?”

“Me? Of course. Why?”

“Just checking in. I think last night was unexpected…in more ways than one. So, I wanted to ask.”

How in the name of God had Suzanne found the courage to flirt with this woman…and come away with a date? Jen was adorable. “I’m feeling very good. Today feels…different.Ifeel different.”

“Different, how?”

“I don’t quite know how to explain it, but when I find the right words, I’ll be sure to let you know.” Suzanne hiked a thumb over her shoulder. “Did you want to come in?”

Jen held up her hands. “No, that’s okay. I’m not here to gate-crash your day. I just wanted to drop the flowers off and say hi.”

Suzanne really wished Jen would have agreed to come inside. It was refreshing to find someone who took an interest in her and how she was feeling. It was even more refreshing that it was someone twenty years younger than her. So far, things were looking good with Jen. “I don’t have any plans. I decided to work in the garden while the weather was cooperating. If you wanted to stay for lunch, we could move things to the back garden…”

Jen hesitated, but only briefly. And then she smiled as she nodded. “Okay. That would be lovely.”

“Come on in.” Suzanne stepped through the door, closing it once Jen was safely inside. “Let me put these gorgeous flowers in water, and then I’ll make lunch.”

Jen followed Suzanne through to the kitchen. Suzanne felt Jen’s eyes on her, a tingle working its way up her spine. These were the things she had missed. Someone who watched her every move. Someone who wanted her. Judging by last night, Jen definitely wanted her.

“No plans for your day off?” Suzanne glanced over her shoulder and smiled in Jen’s direction. “Or do you just prefer to rest since you’ve been driving around all week?”

“I’m not very good at sitting still. I prefer to keep busy. I’m thinking of getting back into the gym. It’s good for my mental health.”

Oh, my. Suzanne could only imagine how ripped Jen was going to be. She already had an impressive physique, and that was with clothes on. “I enjoy running. Some yoga too.”

“You know, I’ve never really given yoga a go. Ruby was obsessed with it, but I’ve never felt as though it was for me. Maybe I should give it a try.”

“You’re welcome to join me whenever you like.” Suzanne meant that, but it was mostly the idea of seeing Jen in some interesting positions that had her extending the invitation. “No pressure, obviously.”

Jen wrapped a hand around the back of her neck and smirked as she dipped her head. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Not yet.”

Suzanne frowned as she turned to face Jen fully. “No?”

“It was a struggle keeping my hands to myself last night. The thought of seeing you in your yoga pants is not something I could contend with. I’d cave within seconds.”

A thrill rushed through Suzanne at that. Jen really was interested, huh? “Maybe that’s my plan.” Suzanne stalked towards Jen, noting the look in her eyes as she did so. Jen was already conjuring up the image in her mind. “But I don’t know. I think you have good self-control. You seem like that kind of person.”

Jen’s cheeks reddened, but she still reached forward and took Suzanne by the hand. “Ididhave an amazing night with you last night. I hope you know that.” She pulled Suzanne in, their bodies pressed together, and drew her into a kiss. One hand settled on Suzanne’s waist, the other gently gripping her jaw. Fuck, she hadn’t been kissed like this in what felt like forever. Jen pulled back a little and licked her lips. “I don’t really know what’s happening here, I just know that I want to see more of you whenever I can.”

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