Page 96 of Closer than Ever

“Because we live in different countries, and I don’t want to lose your friendship again. What if a relationship doesn’t work out?”

“We embody the lesbian stereotype and stay friends for life either way. Nothing will ever change how I feel about you, Anna. I’m here for you. You and I are forever, either way.”

Anna smiled, feeling instantly calmer.

“What else is worrying you?”

“Was this just a holiday romance for you? Some fantasy or something.”

Hayley considered Anna’s question while still massaging her foot. She squeezed each of her toes absent mindedly. It was so soothing. “At times it did feel like a fantasy coming true, I’m not going to lie, but no, this isn’t just a holiday romance for me. If it was anyone else but you, then yes, maybe I might be feeling differently. But you’re you. We’re us.” Hayley tilted her head. “Did you really doubt that?”

“I’m sorry. It’s just I know who you are, and I know what you want out of life, and it isn’t me. Here.”

“Anna, please don’t tell me what I do or do not want.”

“You’re leaving soon. Where does that leave us?”

“I don’t know. Part of me doesn’t want to go any more.”

“You don’t? You’re having second thoughts?”

“How could I not be?”

“But this trip is your dream.”

Hayley’s hands stopped moving on Anna’s foot. “It is. But so is being with you.”

Anna’s whole body froze.

Hayley continued. “What was it to you? Was it just a bit of fun before I headed off on my merry way?”

That Hayley didn’t know the answer to that question threw her. She steadied herself on the armrest of the sofa. Perhaps she’d done too good a job at hiding her feelings over the years and the past few months. It wasn’t right that Hayley didn’t know, even if it was scary to admit. It just wasn’t right.

“Hayley, it was everything to me.” Anna’s cheeks burned hot. “It still is.”

A smile spread across Hayley’s face. “It’s everything to me, too.”

Anna couldn’t look at her. They were broaching relationship territory. Doing that with a friend, even though it was Hayley, was a different feeling. She felt way more vulnerable and exposed.

“Let me stay here for a bit longer. I can delay my trip. We can spend more time together and hopefully figure some things out.”

Her heart was screaming yes but something at the back of her head remained wary. She ignored it. “Yes.” She smiled. “Please stay. I would love that.”

“Yay!” Hayley crawled across the sofa and up Anna’s body to give her a massive hug. “This is amazing!”

Anna wrapped her arms around her as Hayley rested her head over her shoulder. It was deeply comforting to hold Hayley like this. Anna could finally relax for the evening.

Hayley kissed her on the cheek then went back to Anna’s feet. She picked up Anna’s other foot and began kneading Anna’s arch.

Anna moaned unselfconsciously. “That feels so good.”

“I have the magic touch on you.”

“Hayley?”

“Yes?”

“I’m really happy you’re staying. And not just for the free foot rubs.”

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