Breaking Routine

by Melissa Tereze

  “I couldn’t eat or drink another thing. Really.” Cait eyed the waiter, getting to her feet and crossing the restaurant.

  She felt Liz’s eyes on her, burning through her back. When Cait glanced over her shoulder, Liz sat with her hands clasped under her chin, taking in Cait’s entire form. Maybe dating wouldn’t be so hard after all. If she suddenly had two women interested in her, she was surely doing something right.

  She looked down at her phone. Harper hadn’t responded to her message. That could only mean one of two things. Harper really was busy with Autumn…or Harper didn’t care to assist Cait in getting out of her date. Cait really hoped it wasn’t the latter, but something in the pit of her stomach told her that Harper closed her door this evening quite upset.

  Cait could only apologise. What for, she didn’t quite know, but she would still call to see Harper tomorrow if she had the time. But for the time being, Cait would make her way back up the hill to her home where she could chastise herself for playing unintentional games with Liz.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Harper stood staring at her empty fridge, blowing out a frustrated breath when she realised she had absolutely nothing in for a Sunday dinner. She knew she’d need a few bits and bobs from the shop, but not an entire fridge of food. Right now, she didn’t have the patience for a supermarket on a Sunday. With reduced hours, it was every person for themselves.

  She took the notepad attached to the side of her fridge and flopped down onto a kitchen stool. The sooner she got a shopping list together, the sooner Harper could feed her and Autumn.

  Her best friend had been a godsend last night after Harper had bumped into Cait. She hadn’t expected it, but the idea that Cait was going to dinner with another woman was overwhelming. Just a few hours before, Harper had been fully prepared to invite Cait over today, but how could she do that now when she had an ulterior motive? How could she possibly ask Cait to join her for dinner when she was trying to get a feel for the woman she was more than interested in? She would be no better than Callie or Ruby if Harper knowingly got closer to Cait when she was potentially involved with another woman.

  Autumn had warned her that it could happen, but Harper hadn’t expected it to happen quite so soon. No less than 24 hours after Cait had shown up here. Honestly, it didn’t feel great. And though Harper thought sleeping on it would alleviate the turmoil she was experiencing, it hadn’t made a difference. She was still angry with herself for not taking Cait up on her offer immediately. If she asked again, Harper wouldn’t hesitate for one second.

  “Good morning, my little country bumpkin.” Autumn yawned, stretching her long body. “Whatcha doin?”

  “Making a list.”

  “And checking it twice?”

  Harper wasn’t in the mood this morning. “Christmas has been and gone, kiddo.”

  “Ah. Still feeling the effects of last night?” Autumn approached Harper, settling a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I did warn you.”

  “I know you did. But just one day later? Really? She can’t have been that interested in me. Maybe we just got caught up in one another and it never would have worked anyway…”

  “Is that what you really believe?” Autumn wrapped her arms around Harper’s neck from behind, almost squeezing the life out of her. “You seem really miserable.”

  “Can you get your huge tits out of my back please, friend?”

  “Call yourself a lesbian!” Autumn unravelled herself from Harper, scoffing. “Aren’t you supposed to be into tits and stuff?”

  “I am. Just not my best friends when they’re crushing my lungs from behind.” Harper spun around. “But they’re great. I’ve lost count of the amount of times you’ve shoved them in my face on nights out.”

  “They’re a good pair.”

  “I prefer a decent arse, anyway.” Harper shrugged. “Cait has a great arse. I know I shouldn’t look, but it’s just there, being all round and wholesome and inviting.”

  “Have you invited her over yet?”

  Harper shook her head, that feeling of self-anger rolling through her again. “No. What’s the point?”

  “Well, because you wanted to test the water.”

  “She went on a date last night in case you forgot?”

  “I didn’t forget. But if I’m not mistaken, Cait doesn’t belong to this other woman. So, go in there and claim her for yourself.”

  Harper quirked an eyebrow. “Claim her?”

  “Absolutely. Maybe she went on that date knowing you would be jealous. Maybe that was the plan. To help you shift your arse and make up your mind.”

  “Cait wouldn’t date someone to do that to me.”

  “You’re sure about that? Because a little jealousy never hurt anybody. And if anything, it makes the sex hotter.”

  “There is no way that was her intention. She’s not that kind of woman.”

  Autumn sighed, pulling herself up onto the counter. She studied Harper’s eyes, offering a slight smile. “You really think you’ve missed your chance?”

  Harper’s heart sunk a little. The way Autumn was looking at her only brought her emotions to the forefront. Deep down, Harper believed she had missed her chance. “I mean, we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, so maybe it was for the best that Cait found someone else.”

  “That’s not what I asked you.”

  “But it’s what I feel. I knew this would just end up seeming like a rebound. Perhaps Cait noticed that on Friday night when she went home. Maybe she’s doing what’s best for her.”

  “Did she give you that impression on Friday night?” Autumn asked, sending Harper’s thoughts wild.

  “Actually, no. She was so great and so cosy as I kinda snuggled a little closer to her. God, I almost kissed her, Autumn. I was so close to just kissing her and saying fuck it to all of my own worries.”

  Autumn lifted Harper’s phone from the counter, handing it over. “Text her. Invite her over. The worst she can say is no.”

  Harper looked at the dark screen, chewing her lip. Cait would be busy, surely. And even if she wasn’t, she wouldn’t want to hear from Harper. “No. I’ll leave it.”

  “If you don’t text her, I’ll call her.”

  Harper gripped her phone against her chest. She didn’t want Autumn to meddle. That wasn’t the type of relationship she wanted with Cait, if a relationship was at all possible. “Please. Just leave it.”

  “Harper,” Autumn warned, her usual motherly tone grating on Harper. “Just do it. Jump in headfirst. What’s the worst that can happen?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I’ll be heartbroken twice within the month?”

  “You really like her, don’t you?”

  “Too much, I worry.” Harper tapped her screen, surprised to find a message waiting from Cait. But as she checked the time to the side of the message, she discovered it had been sent last night. “Shit. She texted me last night.”

  “Well, that’s something.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not.” Harper, with a shaky hand, opened her phone. As she pressed the message app, Cait’s name and message sat waiting at the top of her previous messages. “Bollocks!”

  “What?”

  “She was asking me to save her from the date she was on.”

  “And you didn’t respond.” Autumn ruffled her bed head. “Well, that’s probably gone down like a lead balloon.”

  “Don’t say that.” Harper considered responding, but really, she wanted to see Cait. To apologise to her beautiful face. “Fuck! I really should have kept my phone on me last night. That’s your fault, wanting a girly sleepover.”

  “Excuse me. I’m the guest here.”

  “So?” Harper frowned. “We’ve been best friends since nursery. There’s nothing guest about you anymore. Damn it!”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I have to go see her. Can you give this place a bit of a clean?”

  “You want me to clean?” Autumn cackled, shaking her head. “It’s Sunday. I�
�m not cleaning.”

  “I just mean put the recycling out and maybe fill the dishwasher.”

  “Fair enough. I can do that.”

  Harper shot from her stool, pulling on her Vans and grabbing her keys, followed by her wallet. As she shrugged her thick winter coat on, Harper turned back to face her best friend. “Wish me luck.”

  “Good luck, sugar puff.”

  Harper narrowed her eyes. “Was that a slur?”

  “Piss off! As if! You’re just stalling now. Get out!”

  Autumn was right; Harper was one hundred percent stalling. When she came face to face with Cait, Harper would be an absolute nervous wreck. She felt it building as she stepped out of the house, the wind chill once again assaulting her skin. She really had to get used to the weather; she wouldn’t make it here otherwise.

  Harper took the short walk to Cait. The incline went on forever as she put one foot in front of the other, but then Harper found herself standing on the street outside the B&B, staring up at the sign before she was prepared. Cait’s Rest.

  Just the thought of Cait in her little dress and heels last night had Harper’s heart rate soaring. Her body burning, her cheeks reddening. She hadn’t expected to see such an incredible woman standing before her while Harper walked into the garden in her socks and sliders, but Cait was…wow.

  She cleared her throat and walked through the open door to the B&B. She dinged the small bell next to the rack of flyers, blowing out a breath while she waited for someone to greet her.

  Unfortunately, it was Jude who approached her from down the hallway. “Morning, Harper.”

  “Hey. How are you?”

  Jude shrugged. “Fair to middling.”

  “That’s good…I think.” Harper tugged at her cuff, lowering her eyes. Jude always made her feel uncomfortable, but she wasn’t about to turn around and walk out without seeing Cait first. “Is Cait around?”

  “She’s up in the office finishing off for the morning.”

  Disappointment settled in Harper. “Oh. Well, I won’t bother her. Could you tell her I came by, please?”

  “Go up to her. Second floor, first door on the left,” Jude said, stepping aside. “I’m sure she’d be happy to see you. She’s been working all morning while I took care of the checkouts.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Completely. Go on up.”

  Harper nodded, taking the stairs two at a time. She really just wanted to apologise and then she would let Cait get on with her work. She’d never disturb her if she was busy. As she took the second flight of stairs, fingers on the keyboard could be heard.

  The office door was open, so Harper quietly approached and tapped her knuckles against the doorframe. “Hi.”

  When Cait turned, thick rimmed glasses framing her eyes, Harper lost her breath. She was a total sucker for a woman in glasses, and Cait was no exception. “Hi, Harper.”

  “I didn’t want to disturb you, but Jude said you wouldn’t mind.”

  Cait swivelled her chair away from the screen. “No, it’s fine. I’m pretty much done for the day. Is everything okay?”

  “I’ve only just got your message from last night. Autumn wanted to have a girl’s night, whatever that means, so I left my phone in the kitchen.”

  Cait’s smile was gentle. “You don’t have to explain. You had plans, and I shouldn’t have contacted you. I’m sorry.”

  “No. You should have. I mean, I want you to contact me.”

  “O…kay.” Cait frowned, her soft brown eyes behind her glasses confused. “So?”

  “I’m headed to the supermarket for some things. I’m planning to make a Sunday dinner, and I’d really love it if you could join us.”

  Cait chewed on the end of her pen. “Oh, I don’t know. You have your friend over, and I’m sure after last night I’m the furthest thing from your mind.”

  “Last night?”

  Cait cleared her throat. “The date.”

  Harper leaned against the doorframe, smiling fully. “Hey, if you’ve found the woman you want, that’s great. It doesn’t mean we can’t hang out anymore. At least, not unless she’s the clingy insecure type who doesn’t like you being around other women.”

  “It wasn’t like that,” Cait explained. “It was a date I didn’t want to go on but felt bad for not showing up at.”

  Cait was far too sweet. “You went to a lot of effort considering you didn’t want to be there.”

  “I never get to dress up anymore. Forgive me for wanting to let my hair down a little.”

  “Oh, I’m not complaining. You looked remarkable.”

  Harper noted the blush as it crept across Cait’s neck. “Thanks.”

  “So…dinner?”

  “Okay.” Cait smiled. “What time do you want me there?”

  “Whenever you like but dinner will be ready around 3.”

  “I love to.” Cait got to her feet, her office chair wheeling itself backwards as the weight lifted from it. Cait held out her arms. “Hug?”

  Harper would never turn down a hug from Cait Taylor. To do so would be ludicrous. She nodded, taking Cait in her arms and holding her close. She felt Cait breathing in deeply, and Harper quickly followed suit. There was no denying that something was coming soon for the pair of them, Harper just had to let her own walls down long enough to let this woman in. But Cait shouldn’t have to break through them. She deserved more. They both did.

  “I wanted to be with you last night…”

  Harper turned her face into Cait’s neck, trying desperately not to kiss the skin so close to her lips. “I wanted to be with you, too.”

  And then Cait slowly pulled back, holding Harper’s gaze, the electricity between them charged. “What’s going on here?”

  Harper lowered her eyes but Cait immediately lifted her head, her hands holding Harper’s face. “I don’t know. I just know it feels good when I’m with you.”

  “In case I haven’t made myself clear,” Cait said, tilting her head ever so slightly. “I want you.”

  Harper’s pulse quickened. It boomed in her ears. “Y-yeah?”

  Cait exhaled a steady breath, a gorgeous smile playing on her lips. “Oh, yeah.”

  “Then I should make dinner extra special this afternoon. I wouldn’t want to disappoint with my cooking.”

  “Honestly?” Cait quirked an eyebrow. “I’m not sure anything else matters. You grabbed my attention the moment you stepped into this town.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Cait wrung her hands as she stood to the side of Harper’s house, out of view for the time being. She wanted to go inside, wanted to spend the afternoon with Harper, but an unease settled in her stomach. She couldn’t fathom why. Perhaps it was the exchange they’d had in Cait’s office earlier. She wanted to hold onto that feeling. Harper’s breath against her neck, her arms wrapped around Cait and holding her like nobody had held her before.

  God, she wanted so much more of that.

  The sheer difference between her date and how she felt around Harper was stark. So stark that Cait had repeatedly kicked herself from the moment she woke up. How stupid she had been to go to that restaurant last night. And how awful it must have been for Harper to see her walking a path to another woman.

  Okay, Harper didn’t wear her heart on her sleeve a lot of the time, but Cait had the opportunity last night to stay a while with Harper. To talk to her and discuss what they were doing. Instead, she allowed herself to placate another woman. One who she didn’t really care for in terms of the dating scene.

  Cait didn’t want to be wined and dined followed by cocktails and any other alcoholic beverage that came to mind. No, she wanted to cuddle on the couch with a trashy film. She wanted to lie with Harper in her arms while she read a soppy romance novel, Harper sleeping soundly against her. Mandy could suggest that Cait needed to get out more until she was blue in the face, but Cait knew exactly what she wanted, and right now, she was done waiting.

  But then she remembered tha
t Autumn was at Harper’s. So the plan to go in there and kiss Harper was out of the question. But she could make her intentions known once more. Get an idea for how Harper was feeling today. It wouldn’t surprise her if Harper had an opinion on the fact that she went on a date just 24 hours after Cait had asked Harper on a date. She probably thinks I‘ve been around the block. No. Cait knew Harper would never think that.

  Instead of allowing her thoughts to take over her entire day, Cait stepped through the garden gate and knocked on the door.

  It swung open, an unfamiliar face greeting her. “Hi. You must be Cait.”

  “And you must be Autumn.”

  “Correct. Come on in. We’ve been waiting for you.”

  Cait frowned. “Am I late? I’m so sorry.”

  “No, no. You’re not late,” Autumn said, lowering her voice. “But Harper has been waiting for you. Trust me.”

  Cait smiled weakly. What the hell did Autumn already know? Had Harper divulged everything they’d discussed so far? “Well, if she needs a hand in the kitchen, I’m happy to help out.”

  “She needs a hand.” Autumn grinned. “Definitely. I’m hopeless when it comes to cooking.”

  Cait removed her coat, hanging it on a peg in the hallway. As she kicked her boots off, Harper cursed and yelled.

  “Is everything okay?” Cait poked her head around the door, concern overtaking her initial worries momentarily. “Harper?”

  Harper turned, sucking her fingertip as she grimaced. “Think I lost a finger.”

  Autumn snorted. “Well, that’s no good for you lesbians, is it?”

  Cait held back the urge to laugh. Harper looked as though she was in some pain. “Can I give you a hand?”

  “You might need to give her a finger,” Autumn interjected, every pair of eyes in the house widening as Autumn laughed, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Or two.”

  Cait was certain she was blushing harder than she ever had before, but Autumn was beginning to look just as mortified. At least they were on an even footing for the time being. It certainly helped with Cait’s nerves when it came to meeting the best friend of Harper.