Ten
“Foster!”
Luciana turned to find her captain standing behind her, his moustache twitching as he smiled at her.
“Boss.” She dropped the rope in her hand and approached him. “Did you need something?”
“Good job today.” Dave Harper has been the man around the station since long before Luciana joined, but he was very much a father figure to the brigade. When he complimented someone, he meant it. “Is everything okay?”
“Of course, why?”
“You seemed a little…distant.” Dave ushered Luciana towards his office. “On your game, but distant.”
“I’m sorry, boss. I wasn’t aware of that.”
“It’s not a criticism. I just wanted to check in with you.” He stepped inside his office, closing the door behind Luciana. “I know you’ve been taking extra shifts and helping Craig out when he’s had to take June to the hospital…but if it’s too much…?”
“It’s not. I’m here to help out wherever I can.”
“You’re not due back here until when? Tuesday?”
“Yes, Tuesday.” The thought of two days off seemed like the perfect end to a hectic week for Luciana. “Tuesday, late shift.”
“Then I don’t expect to see you until then.”
“Sounds good enough to me.” She smiled. “How is Craig’s wife?”
“Stage four.” Dave sat down. “He’s keeping it together, but I don’t expect him to be here full time until he has more information.”
“That’s awful.” Luciana dropped her head on her shoulders, saddened by her colleague’s news. “If there’s anything I can do around here to help out, just let me know.”
“Tuesday, Foster. Not a moment before.” Dave looked at her pointedly. “You need to rest. Take a couple of days to relax.”
Luciana sighed. “Tuesday. Got it.”
“Now, get out of here. You’re already over on your hours.”
“Goodnight, boss.” Luciana smiled as she left his office.
Distant? I’ve been distant?
Perhaps it was knowing she could have been doing other things this evening. Perhaps it was Sam on her mind. Whatever the reason, Luciana wouldn’t think about it too much tonight. She was already thirty minutes late for dinner with Sam, but she knew she would understand. Today had been a whirlwind for the both of them. The last thing Luciana had expected from Sam was a response to her text message in the night. While she had gone home with every intention of letting Sam go, Luciana’s mind had other plans. Yes, she may never be the love of Sam’s life and yes, this would likely end sooner rather than later, but Luciana was prepared for that. Who said she couldn’t have a little fun with a gorgeous older woman?
Don't fall in love with her, Luce.
She removed her phone from her back pocket as she made her way towards her locker.
L: Finished late. Should I go home?
As much as she wanted Sam to respond with the perfect answer, she had been left to think about their morning. Luciana hadn’t been given that opportunity with work the only thing on her mind, but whatever Sam’s response, she would respect it.
S: Dinner is ready if you are…
L: Okay, that’s amazing!
Luciana’s smile beamed as she grabbed her belongings, shoving her rucksack up on her shoulder. As the day wore on, she wondered if Sam regretted any of their morning together. No money had been exchanged, only glances at one another, the heat rising between them.
S: What time should I expect you?
L: Give me fifteen and I’ll be there. X
S: Perfect. X
“Drinks tonight, Foster?”
“Oh.” Luciana turned around. “Not tonight. I’ve got plans.”
“You? Plans?” her colleague, Jack Bridges, said. “That’s not like you.”
“Yeah, well.” She shrugged. “Found someone who holds my interest.”
“Christ, they must be special.” He patted her on the shoulder and winked. “Enjoy your night off, Foster. See you next week.”
“Thanks, Jack.”
Luciana had never divulged her escort job to any of the brigade—it wasn't their business—but Jack was right. Luciana never had plans, none that were worth mentioning anyway. This, telling her colleagues at work, was huge. For her and the team.
***
Sam busied herself in the kitchen, waiting for the moment when Luciana would arrive. As her day progressed, she decided that it wouldn’t be necessary to head into the office, her mind currently on other aspects of her life. The differences she felt just having Luciana here had come as a shock to Sam, but she was trying to embrace the changes she was anticipating. She never imagined anything would run smoothly, not all the time, but the ease she felt this morning when her guest arrived at the door had given her a sense of contentment. Whether it took a week or a year to fully open up to Luciana, she wasn't worried. Nothing seemed forced, and Sam knew that this newfound relationship with a younger woman could truly bring herself back out again. There was no pressure. No expectation. Just two women, enjoying one another’s company.
God, I want to do so much more than enjoy her company.
Sam sighed, a smile playing at the corner of her lips. Luciana looked at her as though she was the only woman in the universe. That meant more to Sam than anything else. Her featherlight touches, those soft blue eyes, it turned Sam into a woman she didn’t recognise anymore. A woman she believed was dead and buried, along with her wife. Although Sam never imagined she would be happy again, not in a relationship, she was prepared to take it one day at a time. Nothing would happen overnight, she knew that.
Her phone buzzed on the counter, her stomach fluttering.
L: I’m outside. X
S: Buzzing you up now. X
L: Perfect. X
Sam went through her usual routine of checking everything within her apartment was where it should be, while fixing her own clothes better on her body, hoping she looked good enough to Luciana. She’d always taken pride in her appearance, but over the last two years, that was merely for herself. Now that someone was here, with an attraction for her, she wanted to give the best impression she possibly could. While she was a businesswoman, she was also a human being. So tonight, Sam opted for a comfortable pair of jeans and a white tank top. Barefoot, she opened the front door as she buzzed Luciana into the building.
Returning to the kitchen, soft music playing throughout the sound system, Sam relaxed her shoulders and finished preparing a salad.
“Hello?”
The door creaked open.
“Sam?”
“Come in,” Sam called out, glancing over her shoulder. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” Sam noted the tiredness in Luciana’s eyes, her shoulders sagging as she turned her back and closed the door. “How was your day?”
“Actually, it was quite enjoyable.”
“Good, that’s good.” Luciana stifled a yawn but Sam caught her in the act.
“You look like you could sleep for a week.” Sam stepped away from the salad bowl she was filling, taking Luciana’s hand. “I won't be offended if you want to go home.”
“I really don't.”
“You’re sure?” Sam arched an eyebrow. “We can have dinner another time.”
“I’ve been wanting dinner with you like this since the moment I met you, Sam.” Luciana’s lips curled. “There is no way I'm about to miss that opportunity.”
“Sit down.” Sam guided her to the couch, removing Luciana’s rucksack from her shoulder. “I’ll leave this in the kitchen, okay?”
“Thanks.” Luciana sat awkwardly on the couch, staring up at Sam.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“No. What is it?” Sam asked, dropping the rucksack and sitting beside Luciana. “If something is on your mind, I'd rather you told me than kept it in.”
“You look gorgeous.”
&n
bsp; “Oh.” The tips of Sam’s ears heated, her eyes smiling. “Thank you.”
“Really gorgeous.” Luciana reached out, running her thumb across Sam’s cheek. “You asked me to leave last night…but I'm sitting here, Sam.” Sam’s breath caught as a soft thumb slipped to her bottom lip. “This is real, right?”
“Y-Yes,” Sam whimpered. “This is real.”
Luciana leant in, her breath tickling Sam’s lips. Without a second thought, her lips pressed gently against Sam’s, stealing every ounce of oxygen her body held. As their lips parted slightly, Luciana slid her tongue against Sam’s, moaning in delight.
Luciana tasted delicious. Her soft lips captivating Sam’s every sense. Nothing in this moment mattered. Not her worries or her apprehension. Their ages…non-existent. Luciana was breathing life back into Sam, at a rate faster than she anticipated.
“O-Oh.” Sam’s eyes remained closed as Luciana’s lips disappeared from her own. “Shit.”
“God, I’ve wanted to do that for too long.” Heat pooled between Luciana’s thighs, the very thought of this woman against her body ignited every nerve ending.
“Yeah…”
“I’m not worried, Sam.” The distance between them minimal, Luciana’s eyes bored into Sam’s soul. She felt it returned. That piercing gaze. The heat. The intensity. “I’m not worried about any of this.”
“This. Us. I need to adjust.” Sam pressed her fingertips to her own lips, her eyes closing momentarily. “I need to take it slow.”
“I’ve got all the time in the world.” Luciana beamed a full, wide smile. “Please, trust me when I tell you that.”
“I do.” Sam nodded, Luciana’s taste lingering on her lips. “Slowly, okay…”
Luciana gently gripped Sam’s jaw, taking her own bottom lip between her teeth. She nodded, her eyes flickering a lighter shade of blue. “Slowly.”
Eleven
Sunday flashed by like a blur. For the first time in a while, Sam took the day off completely, only showering and changing into comfortable clothes once it reached midday. It wouldn’t become a common occurrence, not by any stretch, but she had enjoyed lounging around, doing nothing. Her only issue had been the lack of contact with Luciana. With plans already in place for her to leave the city and visit her parents, Sam was left wandering around her apartment with no idea as to what she should do. She could shop, she could visit Lindsay, but her sister hadn’t contacted her in two days, and Sam was beginning to wonder if her outburst at her parent’s house had caused a rift between them. It may be true, but Sam would always be concerned about her younger sister. After all, she was the one who had to pick her up out of the gutter when she hit rock bottom, a hefty drug bill attached to her name. Sam wouldn’t allow her to spiral again, not when life was good for them both.
S: Call me. I miss you.
L: You? Miss me? On what planet?
S: Are you mad at me?
L: Why would I be mad at you?
She’s right, why would she be mad at me? We've been out together since Mum’s.
S: Never mind. Are you busy?
L: I’m not. Are you at the office?
S: Just like I am every Monday.
L: Nothing from Luciana?
S: Actually, yes.
Sam’s phone buzzed in her hand, Lindsay’s name flashing on the screen.
“Might have known you’d call instead.” Sam laughed.
“I can't believe you didn’t call to tell me you’ve contacted her.”
“She spent the evening with me on Saturday.”
“Sam! It’s Monday.” Lindsay scoffed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I thought you’d be sick of hearing about it by now.” Sam wasn't sure why she hadn’t called her sister to update her on her personal life, but she couldn’t change it now. “I’m sorry.”
“So you should be.” Lindsay sighed. “I’ve spent all my time trying to make you understand that you need to move on, and then this happens and you don't even send me a text?”
“Linds, I'm really sorry.” Sam sat back in her office chair, staring out at the vast river in front of her. “What can I do to make it up to you?”
“Just promise to never do it again…”
“Okay.” Sam tugged her bottom lip. “I, uh…”
“You what?”
“Nothing.”
“Sam,” Lindsay said, her tone tinged with worry. “What’s going on?”
“I just… I miss her.”
“You do?” Lindsay’s voice softened. “Oh, sis.”
“That’s stupid, right?” Sam asked. “How can I miss her? Just a couple of days ago I told her I couldn’t let it go any further.”
“You did? When… I mean, why?”
“Friday, after you left…” Sam cleared her throat as she crossed her legs. “She came back. I told her it was a bad idea, that I couldn’t spend my life worrying about her. About us.”
“And?”
“And she left.”
“God, you're an idiot sometimes.” Lindsay groaned. “You really are.”
“I woke up to a text from her, Linds. To say that she was thinking about me.”
“That’s cute.” Sam knew her sister was smiling; she could feel it.
“The next thing I knew, I was texting her back and telling her I'd have dinner ready for her once her shift finished. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, but it feels good.”
“So let it, Sam. Just let it feel good.”
“Yeah, I'm trying.” Sam closed her eyes, her head resting back against her leather office chair. “I hoped I'd spend the day with her yesterday but she had plans.”
“Have you called her today?”
“No. I don't know what to say to her…”
“Ask her to come over.”
“I’m going to be at the office late,” Sam said. “Maybe she could come here…what do you think?”
“I think there is no harm in asking. She seems like an honest person. If she wants to come to the office, I'm sure she will agree.”
“Yeah, right.” Sam sat forward. “I’ll call her.”
“Let me know if you have plans this evening. If not, I’ll be over to hear all about this.”
“Love you.” Sam smiled.
“Love you, too.”
Ending the call, Sam brought up Luciana’s contact details and waited for her call to connect. If she chose not to spend time with Sam today, she wouldn’t be too upset, but she would be miserable. How could one person change how you feel so suddenly? How could anyone break down the walls Sam had tried so hard to maintain?
“Hey.” Luciana’s voice filtered through the earpiece of Sam’s phone.
“H-Hi.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, of course. I just… I wondered if you were busy?”
“When? Now?” Luciana asked. “If you consider binge-watching TV busy, then yes… I’m up to my eyeballs.”
An image flashed through Sam’s mind of Luciana spread out on the couch, relaxing.
“I thought maybe you could come by the office and have lunch with me?”
“I’d like that.” Luciana sighed. “You're sure it’s okay?”
“Okay with who?” Sam laughed. “I own the place. I say what goes.”
“That’s hot.”
Sam blushed, her lips curling at the corners.
“What time do you want me there?” Luciana asked, her tone raspy.
“An hour ago would have been ideal, but whenever you're ready will suffice.”
“Babe, I'm on my way.”
Luciana cut the call as Sam’s heart fluttered in her chest. A term of endearment had been missing from Sam’s life for a long time, but hearing it…wow. Giving herself a moment to process what was happening, Sam climbed to her feet and approached the window. She leant against the frame, wrapping her arms around herself, and smiled. This undeniable feeling of enjoyment sho
uld be a lot for her to take in, but in this moment, everything was perfect. If nothing came of the relationship she could feel approaching, Sam would be saddened, but the potential of what it could bring drowned out that worry. She gripped the sapphire necklace sitting on her chest and brought it up to her lips.
You know I’ll always love you, but it’s time to move on.
***
Luciana glanced down at her phone in her hand and checked the address Sam had given her for the office. Impressed by what stood in front of her, her eyes trailed the tall, glass building, the sun bouncing off the windows. Why are you standing out here looking at this when you could be in there looking at her? She fixed the open blue shirt hanging from her shoulders, checking her shoes were still the pristine white they’d been when she left her flat twenty minutes ago. Satisfied that she looked good enough, Luciana stepped towards the glass doors, a whooshing sound signalling the opening of them. Inside, the area seemed quiet, and as she spied a woman sitting at a desk, Luciana made a beeline in her direction.
“Hi, excuse me…” She stopped at the desk. “I’m here to see Sam.”
“Do you have an appointment?” The woman didn’t look up from the paperwork on her desk. “Mrs Phillips doesn’t do walk-ins.”
“She, uh…she asked me come by.” Luciana shifted uncomfortably, shoving her hands in the pockets of her jeans. “I spoke to her before.”
The woman looked up, and Luciana’s eyes widened. “C-Cheryl, hi.”
“Alexis.” Cheryl’s eyebrows rose. “What are you doing here?”
“Sam asked me to join her at the office.” She shrugged, aware that the woman in front of her had used her escort name. It didn’t bother Luciana, she often kept her name private from anyone she’d done business with in the past. “Call her and check…”
“Are you sure? Mrs Phillips wouldn’t just arrange anything without making me aware. I handle all of her day-to-day business.”
“Well, I guess I'm not her day-to-day business.”
Luciana chose not to think about the fact that Sam was still referred to as Mrs; it wasn't her business.
The Arrangement Page 11
