Page 52 of The Last Lavender Sister

Chapter Twelve

“I want to show you Boston.”

Brynn blinked. Her hotel room. It was Saturday morning. Aster. They’d made love the night before. Finally.

She smiled and gazed up at the one and only Aster Lavender, who was propped up on one arm and tracing the underside of Brynn’s breasts with a thoughtful look on her face. Ah, that’s why every part of her body tingled. That, and the lingering effects of what they’d done to each other the night before.

“It’s a great city,” Aster said, continuing, “and I’ve found some really cool spots. Maybe we could have lunch at one of them? I’m sorry that everything I’m excited about has to do with food, but there’s this little Italian place. It has a chicken scallopini you won’t forget. Do you like scallopini? I can’t believe I don’t know this about you.”

Brynn smiled. So, this was Aster in the morning. Talkative and ready to get going. “Good morning.”

“Oh. Yes.” A pause. A blush. “Good morning. I didn’t mean to forget that part. That’s something most people say.”

“That’s okay,” Brynn said, reaching up and touching Aster’s cheek with affection. She was still naked, and that made the morning so much better. “And I would love to be taken to lunch and shown around this city you’ve grown to love.”

Aster lay down next to Brynn, staying close. “Is that how you feel about Homer’s Bluff? Has it become a city you love?”

Brynn didn’t have to think. “I never in a million years would have predicted it, but yes. I’m a sucker for the meandering speed ofdaily life there. I didn’t realize it until it was almost time to leave and I didn’t want to.” She adjusted the sheet across her waist. “I know you hate it.”

“There’s a big part of me that misses it, though. I wouldn’t have ever predictedthat.”

“No, me neither. You were so anti–small town.”

“I’m not even sure it was the town’s fault. I felt stuck and like something was missing.” Aster linked their hands. “Everything got better once you showed up. I just wasn’t expecting you to stay.”

Brynn slid down her pillow, so they were face-to-face on their sides. “Is Boston where you want to end up?”

“I want to end up where you end up.”

She hadn’t been expecting that. Not so soon. But it made her entire body go still, and she was forced to crawl on top of Aster, who grinned in surprise. “Do you mean that?” Brynn asked excitedly, nestling her hips between Aster’s legs. “Even if it was Homer’s Bluff? Not that it has to be.”

“My family lives there. Lots of reasons to go home someday. Maybe even soon. Where would we live?”

“Oh, okay. We’re playing house right now, huh?”

“I love this game.” Aster’s eyes flashed the way they did when she talked about one of her books. “I’d make the breakfast and coffee each day after watching you get dressed out of the corner of my eye as I brushed my teeth.”

“Oh, early morning objectification. I can always leave my robe open.”

“See? Best game ever. Then you’d go to the clinic for work. I’d commute to a really cool restaurant with amazing butter cake.”

“Your own, maybe.”

“A whole restaurant?” Aster grinned wider. “I’m fancy in this daydream.”

“I’m serious. The place would be packed. You’re not only an amazing chef, but you bring so much personality to an establishment. I still can’t get past how cool Hole in One is. And Tori has changed very little because it was turnkey awesome.”

Aster’s smile faded, and Brynn could tell her words resonated. She pulled Brynn’s face down and kissed her with precision.

“I should say I’m serious a little more often. Do you have anywhere to be?” Brynn asked, already a little breathless.

“Not anymore. I’m free all weekend. I made the arrangements.”

After a leisurely morning of exploration in bed, they headed out into the world. Aster took Brynn for lunch at Nico’s Trattoria where they luxuriated in that amazing scallopini and even allowed the chef to send over a complimentary wine pairing after recognizing Aster from the cooking school.

“Do all chefs know each other? Is that a thing?”

“Yes,” Aster said seriously. “Because the more chefs you know, the more food you get to eat.”

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