“I’m memorizing,” Kathleen said seriously. “I want to do it right.”
“Youare.”
Kathleen drew her hand back slowly, like she was afraid of ruining something. “You can touch me too,” she said then, eyes shining. “If you want.”
Marise leaned in, one hand brushing over the hem of Kathleen’s shirt. She paused, seeking permission in her eyes.
Kathleen nodded.
Marise slipped her fingers beneath the fabric, far enough to feel the bare skin of her ribs. The touch made Kathleen shiver, but she didn’t flinch.
They kissed again, slower now, deeper, Kathleen’s mouth opening to her with growing confidence. Marise could feel the tension in her easing, replaced by something warmer, more electric.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing harder, Kathleen let out a nervous laugh and rested her forehead against Marise’s shoulder.
“I have no idea what I’m doing,” she murmured.
“You’re doing fine. We won’t rush anything. We’ll cuddle on the couch.”
They stayed curled together, fingers linked, until the knock at the door broke the quiet spell.
“I’ll get it,” Marise said softly, brushing her thumb once more over Kathleen’s knuckles before standing. She pulled her shirt straight, walked to the door, and paid cash for the two pizzas.
Marise set the boxes down on the low coffee table, then opened them. The smell of garlic and melted cheese filled the room.
“I didn’t know what toppings you liked, so I guessed,” Marise said. “One’s a veggie with goat cheese. The other’s spicy sausage and mushroom.”
“Both sound good,” Kathleen murmured.
They tucked in side by side, cross-legged on the couch. Kathleen took a bite, then let out a surprised hum. “That’s incredible.”
By the time the last slice was gone, the wine was down to the dregs, and Kathleen was curled into Marise’s side, barefoot, her head resting on Marise’s shoulder.
“I should go,” she said at last, though she didn’t move. “I’ll book you next week, if that’s alright.”
“I’ve been thinking it over, Kathleen. I’ll take ten days off and we can meet every second night for your lessons. You won’t have to pay that way.”
Kathleen blinked. “You’d do that for me?”
Marise squeezed her hand. “I’m ready for a break. Would you be happy with that?”
“I’d love it, Veronica.”
“Good, then we’ll start Monday night. Only you and me here. I’ll order in a meal. Now, I’ll walk you to your car.”
Marise took her down the lift to the lobby, careful to give her space. Outside, the street was quiet, washed in the glow of the streetlights. Kathleen’s car was parked beneath a tree, leaves shadowing the windscreen.
They paused beside the driver’s side.
Kathleen looked up at her, the streetlight catching in her eyes. “Thank you. For tonight, and not only for the pizza.”
Marise touched her cheek, letting her thumb trace the edge of her jaw. “Anytime.”
She leaned in and kissed her gently. Kathleen didn’t freeze or flinch. She slid into the warmth of it, into her.
“I’ll see you Monday at six-thirty.” Kathleen said, then got into the car and started the engine.
Marise stepped back onto the sidewalk, watching as the taillights blinked red and disappeared around the corner. For a long moment, she stood still. Then she turned, walked back into the lobby, and leaned against the wall of the elevator, arms folded tight across her chest. She hoped she knew what she was doing. She hadn’t expected to feel so much.
