Page 94 of Sparks Like Ours

“What does that mean?” But underneath, she knew. God, she knew.

“I love you,” Elle said quietly.

Gia blinked, not quite believing what was happening. That Elle hadjust said the words before she’d even had a chance to lay out her case forthem. The doors to the elevator slid open, revealing Gia’s hallway, but neitherone of them moved. The gravity of the moment outweighed all else. The doorsclosed again, and the elevator continued climbing to who knew where.

Elle shifted nervously. “Do you have anything to say to that? Tellme I’m crazy or that that ship has already sailed? I can take it. I just needto hear where your head is so I can breathe again.”

“I love you so much,” Gia said, her heart racing, her emotionsbubbling to the surface. “That’s what I have to say to that. I couldn’t stoploving you if I tried, and I did try.”

Elle closed her eyes as if to savor the words. “That’s all Ineeded to hear.”

The elevator opened and a group of teenagers stepped forward. Elleheld up a hand. “I’m so very sorry, but this elevator’s going in for service.We’ll send another.” She pressed the button and closed the doors again.

“Maybe we should table this discussion. You’ve gotta keep yourhead clear,” Gia said. “What about the finals?”

“They don’t mean as much to me as you do.” Elle closed thedistance between them, pressed her entire body up against Gia’s, and wrappedher arms around her neck. Everything in Gia’s being cried out, her body nolonger hers in the midst of their contact. She sucked in a breath as Ellecontinued. “Win or lose, the most important thing is that you’re waiting therewhen it’s all over. I’m sorry I didn’t realize that sooner.”

“That’s all I want, too.” Gia’s arms slid around Elle’s waist,holding her in place. “So maybe instead of calling me Two, you’ll call me Six.”

“Six has a nice ring. Maybe I’ll be Four.”

Gia closed one eye. “I don’t know about that. Four is rankedhigher than six, so…”

Elle stared for a long moment into Gia’s eyes, then kissed herthoroughly, expertly, her hands sliding into Gia’s hair and angling her mouthfor better access. Their tongues danced, and Gia’s body thrummed pleasantly.The door to the elevators opened yet again, this time to the lobby, Giarealized distantly. Moments later, a flashbulb went off. They laughed in themidst of the kiss but didn’t stop. Wouldn’t. Even with guests now piling intothe elevator.

“Can someone hit eighteen?” Gia murmured against Elle’s mouth. Shecouldn’t be bothered to. She was too busy kissing the woman she loved.

* * *

It had to be close to midnight, Elle thought, as she traced theline of Gia’s collarbone, placing soft kisses along the way. She never gottired of touching her, looking at her. They lay facing each other, cheeks onpillows, spent from their long-overdue reunion. She closed her eyes and smiled,because what a satisfying reunion it had been. In every delectable way. Herbody still sensitive to every wonderful thing Gia had done to it.

“We should get some sleep,” Gia said, tickling Elle’s bareshoulder with one finger. “You have a big afternoon tomorrow.”

“Weshouldget some sleep. That part’s true. But I’m afraid if I close my eyes, you’ll begone. All of this will have just been a wonderful dream.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” Gia kissed her. “Excited fortomorrow?”

“Damn straight.” She sighed. “I really want this one. I’ll go outthere and do my best, and whatever is meant to happen will happen. And thenwe’ll go back to California together. That last part’s decided, by the way. I’mswitching my flight to yours.”

“Or I can switch mine.”

“Or that.” Elle slipped a hand between Gia’s legs. “Maybe just onemore time? I’ll work fast.”

Gia gasped at the touch she instinctually moved into. “Yournever-ending appetite still amazes me. Oh, wow.” Her eyes fluttered closed andshe sucked in a breath. “Yes. Right there.”

“Get used to it. I think you’re stuck with me.”

“Can I quote you on that?” Gia asked as she grabbed a fistful ofthe bedsheet.

Elle slid down the bed. “I’ll send out a whole damn pressrelease.”

* * *

Gia surveyed the finals crowd as she took her seat. All thoseeager faces waiting for the same thing, to find out who would be this year’sworld champion. Some wore sunglasses and bikini tops, others carried giantsigns that cheered on their competitor of choice. They all had one thing incommon, a deep and abiding love of the sport. In the midst of competition, Giasometimes forgot that pure-hearted enthusiasm. She felt it in full force todayand made a vow to never forget again.

After a few standard announcements, the clock started, and theheat was under way. Gia rolled her shoulders, more nervous than if she were theone surfing.

Elle drew first blood with long walls stretching out ahead of her,the perfect canvas for her turn out. Her back foot drove way off the tractionpad, allowing her to pick up speed and power. She leapt off her board, missingthe exit, but overall, it had been a decent enough ride It would pull a solidnumber from the judges. Gia allowed herself to take a fortifying breath. Thiswas good. This was a step in the right direction.

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