Page 48 of Love Like This

“Well, listen,” Hadley said, inching closer. “You were pretty freejust a few minutes ago. I have nothing but compliments for that kind of freedomand think you should embrace it any time you feel compelled.”

Spencer closed one eye and admitted something to herself and toHadley. “You coax it out of me. Lately, I’m appreciating details more, and Ithink it’s your influence.”

Hadley didn’t say anything. Instead she grinned a beautiful,luminous smile that made Spencer long for a camera to capture it forever.

“Why are you smiling? Not that I mind a bit.” She brushed a strandof hair back from Hadley’s face. “Tell me.”

“Because you just paid me the highest form of compliment. If Imake the world seem more beautiful to you, then I’ve done a good thing.”

“A very good thing,” Spencer said, with a nod. “I’ve never metanyone like you, Hadley.”

“Well, there can’t be two of us! I’d have to look her up, have itout.” She raised a finger. “With words, of course. I’m strictly anti-violence.Another thing to know about me.”

“Naked and passive. Got it.” Spencer chuckled. “Now I’m imaginingtwo Hadleys battling it out for the sweetest person award. Hurling complimentsand cupcakes at the other.”

Hadley looked so wistful. “I’d work so hard to win if that werereal.”

Spencer pulled Hadley on top of her. “You wouldn’t have to.”

“Ohhh,” Hadley said, as they came together, skin on skin. Hadleyrolled her hips against Spencer, almost as if testing the waters of herinterest. Spencer reached between them and touched her intimately, watching asHadley’s eyes darkened. A ripple of excitement shimmered through her. “Spencer,I’m not feeling exactly tired. You tired? Because I seem to have energy.”

“Do you know what I say to that?” Spencer asked. “Who needs sleep?Not me.”

Hadley laughed. The night was young and full of so muchopportunity.

Spencer smiled just as her mouth took Hadley’s.

Chapter Nine

Spencer arrived at the hospital cafeteria and immediately spottedKendra wearing her pink scrubs with the kittens on them at a booth in the back.She dodged the traditional scene of doctors and nurses and hospital staff allcrisscrossing the space with their varied lunch trays. “Excuse me. Excuse me,sir. Oops, sorry about that. Excuse me.” Kendra only had forty-five minutes forlunch, so Spencer had no problem coming to her for their occasional lunch dateto capitalize on their one-on-one time. Plus, for cafeteria food, this placehad it together. She slid into the booth and didn’t even wait for a hello,accepting the cheeseburger and fries that Kendra slid her way.

She tossed her bag into the seat next to her and leveled Kendrawith a desperate stare. “Thank God you were free today.”

Kendra slowly bit into a fry and studied her. “You’re moving at adifferent pace today, Adair. There’s a buzzing to your energy. What’s withthat? I’m unsettled.”

“You noticed that, too?” Spencer nodded, realizing she wasvibrating as she sat there. “You aren’t wrong. I’m feeling…” She didn’t havethe word. Instead, with her palms she made large circles around the sides ofher head, hoping that the chaotic gesture would communicate it all.

“Mm-hmm,” Kendra said, squinting. “I see we’re going the charadesroute. Princess Leia!” she said pointing, as if a lightbulb had shot to lifeabove her head.

“No.”

“Princess Leia got lucky last night,” she said, with a wider smileand danced to a groove in her head.

“Yes. Yes, she did.” Spencer sighed, and took the bun off hercheeseburger for proper ketchup application.

“Spence, time’s ticking. The babies upstairs need me, and I needthem. We had two born just this morning. Spill your guts and stop being aweird-ass.”

Spencer nodded, and found her footing. “Fine. I’m sounding analert. That’s what’s up. She’s not who she claims to be, Ken.”

“Who? Hadley? She’s not an assistant manager white lady who workson Rodeo Drive?”

“No, that part is true. But she’s sweet and nice and unassuming.You thinkthat’swho you’re dealing with and you can handle it. But then,then, you find outshe’s a total tiger in the bedroom. It’s mind blowing.”

“Well, well, well,” Kendra said and laughed, stealing back theketchup. She lowered her voice. “Sounds like you might have stumbled onto thejackpot with this one. A lot of people would kill for that combo, Spence. Stopthe stressin’.”

“I can’t even wrap my mind around it,” Spencer said, slapping herpalm across half her face and holding it there. “She’s so many things. And Ihave everyone figured out. You know this about me. It’s my gift.” She shook herfinger. “But I didn’t see her coming. I still don’t and now I’m in my headabout it. My concentration is at fifty percent, and I’m falling behind on mywork.”

“Oh, my effing stars.” Kendra fanned herself in amusement.“Spencer Adair is on her heels at long last. She’s met her match, ladies andgentleman.” The tables around them nodded in amusement and went back to theirmeals. “Lord Jesus. Oh, yes. I’m loving every second of this. For once, I’m notthe lovestruck idiot in this duo.” She did another shoulder dance to celebrate.

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