Page 59 of High Note

“You know I do.”

“Good.” She got a worried little glance, but the expression disappeared almost immediately. “I’m glad.”

“Hey. I called the manager. She’ll be here tomorrow at the latest. Until then, I am holding the high ground and hanging with you.”

“Hanging, huh?” Kirsten pushed right up into her, one still-damp hand landing on her butt. “I like that. I was worried you’d scamper away, and I’d be missing you for the rest of my life.”

She firmed her lips and stared Kirsten down. “No, I meant what I said. I want to see where this goes. I want you.”

“I’m right here, baby.” Kirsten wiggled for her, then headed for the pile of clothes that was waiting.

Skyla followed because they ought to get dressed. God knew she needed to walk Reba, and the damn band would probably show up soon. And she couldn’t just hide. But man, she wanted to. So bad.

She moved her hands around Kirsten’s body, sliding them up the flat belly, hugging them tight together. “Oh, you’re cold.”

“That was why I was going to put on clothes,” Kirsten teased.

“Well, how about you put me on?”

Reba barked.

“Well, I would, but your dog wants a walk.”

“Oh…” She staggered back, hand over her heart. “I’m wounded.”

“I know. But not as wounded as we’ll both be if Reba pees on the floor.”

“Mmmm. Can we walk to get a coffee?”

“Does your Texas dog have booties?”

“Yes.” Skyla laughed at the shocked expression she got. “Nadia at Waggin’ Butts got them for her.”

“Ooh… Excellent. Let’s get all bundled up and share pastries.” Kirsten kissed her quickly. “I love to watch you eat. Is that weird?”

“What? No. I’m sexy as hell.” She winked. “Tell me I can do ponytail and sunglasses.”

“Of course you can.”

They dressed, bundling up because it was clear but viciously cold out there. Skyla stomped into her new snow boots, and she’d never appreciated an ugly piece of clothing more. Then she got Reba into her booties while Kirsten held a spoon of peanut butter for her.

That was Reba’s new favorite game.

“All right, babe. You ready to see if there’s anyone lurking out there waiting to take pics?”

She squared her shoulders. “Damn straight.”

“Don’t worry. I’m butch. I will pop anyone right in the face that bothers you, honey.”

Skyla didn’t doubt it.

“Just be aware that a move like that would make it to People magazine.”

“Yeah?” Kirsten grinned as she put on her sunglasses, looking all Top Gun all of a sudden. “Think how much we could sell the song for then.”

“Oh ho!” She laughed, dancing Kirsten in a circle. “Now you’re talking!”

Reba bounced with them, barking, so they leashed her up to head out to the Caffeine Ivy, because damn, it was a fine day.

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