Page 66 of She’ll Steal Your Heart
“It just hit me that Craig won’t be here to see my book release.” She swiped at the dampness under her eyes. “I’ve got a new apartment, a new girlfriend, my book’s about to be published…all these amazing things, and he’s not here.”
“Oh, Lauren.” Mia wrapped her arms around her. “I’m so sorry. You’re right. It’s not fair.”
“I miss him so much.” She pressed her face against Mia’s jacket and hugged her back.
“Of course you do. I’ve heard you talk to his urn. Does that help?”
“Sometimes.” Lauren exhaled into Mia’s jacket, closing her eyes. “I’m not religious, so I don’t really know where I think he is now, but talking to him does seem to help me feel closer to him.”
“I have pretty complicated views on religion,” Mia said, stroking her fingers through Lauren’s hair. “I was raised Catholic, but then Catholicism cost me my relationship with my mother. I do like to think Craig hears you, though, wherever he is, and that he knows about these positive things going on in your life.”
“It’s a nice thought,” Lauren whispered.
“It is.” Mia’s fingers kept stroking her hair, and it was so soothing.
“Sorry for ruining the mood on our first date.”
Mia’s arms tightened around her. “You haven’t ruined anything. Are you kidding me? There’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here with you, tears and all. This is what real life looks like, and I’m glad to share it with you.”
Warmth filled Lauren’s chest, and she lifted her head, peering at Mia through damp eyes. “You always know just what to say.”
“I’m not feeding you a line,” Mia said, her gaze unflinchingly direct and sincere.
“I know. I feel the same way about you.” Deep thoughts for a first date, but everything about her relationship with Mia just felt likemore.
“Come on. Let’s go home.” Mia tucked her arm around Lauren’s waist as they started walking again. “What do you want to do this evening? I feel like we need plans before we just make out on the couch all night…not that I don’t enjoy making out with you.”
“But it gets frustrating after a while.”
“Exactly,” Mia said with a laugh that was almost a groan. “Remember when you offered to clear out of the apartment so I could bring women home with me, and I told you I wasn’t ready for that? I wasn’t kidding. My body is very,veryready to have you in my bed, but my head’s not.”
“Honestly, we only kissed for the first time yesterday,” Lauren said. “Sleeping together tonight would be moving super fast. Not to mention, you were on a date with someone else yesterday. We need time to adjust to this, I think.”
“Yes,” Mia agreed.
“I’ve had casual hookups before, but that’s not what I want with you.”
“I’m not a hookup kind of woman, sorry to say,” Mia said.
“And this isn’t a hookup kind of relationship.” She gave Mia’s fingers a squeeze.
They turned the corner onto Mia’s street, walking quietly for the last few minutes of their journey. Upstairs, they took turns in the bathroom, washing up and changing into more comfortable clothes.
“Have you seen Piper Sheridan’s new movie?” Lauren asked when Mia joined her on the couch, face damp and wearing her favorite lounge pants. “Tempted. It’s a romcom with Landon Wilkes.”
“Nope.” Mia leaned in to give her a kiss. “Is it good?”
“So good,” Lauren confirmed. “And she looks super hot in it. Want to watch it tonight?”
“I’d love to.” Mia gestured for Lauren to move closer, so they were snuggled against each other on the couch. Then she picked up the remote control and tabbed through screens until she’d rented the movie.
Lauren turned sideways, her head resting against Mia’s chest. Lola hopped up to join them, curling herself into the bend of Lauren’s legs. She sighed in contentment, smiling as Piper appeared on the screen with all those glossy red curls.
“Should I be jealous of the way you’re looking at Piper Sheridan right now?” Mia asked as she wrapped an arm around Lauren, drawing her closer.
“Nope. My celebrity crushes are more of a fantasy, if that makes sense. I think she’s beautiful and talented, and I have a lot of respect for her as a person, but I don’t really know her. You’re the person I want to kiss and be with.”
“I’ve always wondered about that,” Mia said. “The way some of you guys talk about Piper in our chat, I feel like you’d fling yourselves at her if you ever had the chance.”
