Page 36 of Life After

She knew she had to, it wasn’t an option to keep it to herself for much longer, but tonight couldn’t be that night. Jen didn’t have the heart to ruin everything while the very woman she was wholly attached to rested against her, stroking her knee. Whilst withholding parts of her past didn’t sit well with Jen, it didn’t seem fair to unleash the truth right now. Suzanne had been an anxious mess when Jen arrived; she didn’t need to upset her on the very same night.

“Tonight has been lovely.”

Suzanne tilted her head up and smiled. “It has.”

“I can’t believe you thought I wouldn’t feel the same way as you.” Jen laughed and squeezed Suzanne against her.

“Yes, I’m…sorry about that.”

“Do you think John would approve?” Jen asked, shifting to a more comfortable position. She propped herself up with an extra couple of cushions, the warmth of the fire reminding her just how good this life could be. Winters with Suzanne would be blissful, judging by how Jen felt so far. Maybe she could even look forward to Christmas for the first time in many years. “Ruby would absolutely approve of you, I know she would.”

“John would want me to be happy. He wouldn’t care who it was with so long as I was taken care of.”

“Looks like you came to the right person then.” Jen winked when Suzanne eyed her. “Because I will, you know. I’ll take care of you.”

Suzanne splayed a hand across Jen’s chest as she leaned up and drew her into a kiss. “I don’t doubt that, baby. You’ve already shown me the kind of relationship we’ll have. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

I hope you still believe that when I ultimately shatter your image of me.

Jen swallowed, fighting back the urge to blurt everything out right here, right now. She lay her head back, stared up at the ceiling, and sighed inwardly. She didn’t know what else to say, so she would say the first thing that came to mind anddirectlyfrom her heart. “You mean the world to me. I need you toalwaysremember that.”

Suzanne sighed and rested her head back on Jen’s chest. “Right back at you.”

Chapter 14

Suzanne moanedwhen Jen pressed her up against the wall in the hallway, only mildly disappointed that they didn’t have time for a little fun. Jen had called in during her lunch, but with the weather playing havoc with her delivery route today, she had decided she would head back on the road earlier than usual. That way, she could be back here to have dinner with Suzanne.

“You should go. I don’t want you rushing around to get finished on time.” Suzanne cupped Jen’s face, stealing a kiss and then another. “Stay over tonight.”

Jen drew back with a smile plastered on her face. “Consider it done. I’ll shoot home first for some clothes, and then I’ll be back.”

“Perfect.” Suzanne didn’t want to let Jen go. She didn’t want to open the door and watch her leave. She wanted to snuggle on the couch while the rain pelted the windows. To gaze at the fire while Jen held her on the couch with meaningless TV playing low in the background. “Text me when you get a moment to yourself.”

“Okay. I’ll see you in a few hours.” Jen opened the front door and stepped out, taking her scanner from the side pocket of her cargo pants. She turned back briefly, those divine eyes melting Suzanne. “If anything changes, let me know.”

“Nothing will change. I’ll be here waiting for you, and that’s that.” Suzanne rested against the doorframe, her brows lifting when she saw Tracy pull up outside. “Bye, gorgeous. Drive carefully.”

Jen froze when Tracy got out of her car. They acknowledged one another, and then Tracy turned and watched Jen get into her van and drive off suddenly.

“Stop looking! She’s mine!”

Tracy eyed Suzanne as she came up the drive, her work bag hanging at her side. “You’re…dating her?That’sJen?”

“Mmhmm. Gorgeous, isn’t she?” Suzanne cocked her head towards the hallway, inviting Tracy inside. She followed, but she didn’t respond. She just stared at Suzanne as though she’d grown a second head. “Is everything okay?”

“Is that who you’re dating? Seriously?”

Suzanne frowned. Tracy had never been judgemental in all the years they’d known one another, but tonight, that seemed to be exactly what she was doing. Judging. “Why the face? Jen is lovely. Is it because she’s butch?”

“You think I care that she’s butch?” Tracy laughed and shook her head. “I thought you knew me better than that.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Perhaps they should sit down so Tracy could explain what was going on in her head. There seemed to be an issue, but as far as Suzanne was concerned, therewasno issue. Jen was perfection personified. “Come through. I’ll put the kettle on.”

Tracy followed, but that silence remained. Suzanne hated silence. She glanced back over her shoulder and eyed Tracy, but she just rested against the edge of the dining table, chewing on her lip.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Suzanne folded her arms across her chest, choosing to bypass the kettle right now. She wanted answers. “Trace?”

“What do you know about her?” Tracy looked back at Suzanne with what could only be described as fear in her eyes.

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