Two to Tangle (A Tangle Valley Romance #2) - Melissa Brayden Page 0,58
you for me.”
“Because of what she’s heard about me.”
Gabriella nodded.
“Well, I guess that makes her a good friend.” She rested her cheek against the back of the couch, deflated. “But if I could tackle that?”
“Please,” Gabriella said, giving her the floor.
“If I’ve been carefree when it comes to having a good time, it was only because it was something mutually agreed upon between parties. I’ve never led anyone on, or made promises I couldn’t keep.”
Gabriella mulled this over. “You’re saying you were a player but very open and honest about that.”
Ryan quirked her lips, considering the statement. “Yes, but it sounds better when I say the two consenting adults thing.”
Gabriella laughed. Ryan was immeasurably cute, which just complicated things infinitely. She was irresistible when she showcased the cute side. “Are you trying to say that this is different?”
“As a belly dancer and a federal judge.”
Gabriella tilted her head. “That makes no sense.”
“I know. Weird stuff comes out of my mouth around you because you’re smart and pretty, and I can’t help it.”
Cute again. She stole a soft kiss, careful not to let it progress farther. This felt like an important conversation, and Gabriella didn’t want to derail it. She gave Ryan the space to continue.
“I’m not into hookups,” Gabriella said. “So tell me why we’re the judge and not the belly dancer.”
“Because it’s early between us, and I already feel terrifying things.”
“You do?”
Ryan nodded, and Gabriella glimpsed the fear. Interesting. “Do you?”
Gabriella wasn’t sure she wanted to show her cards. Yet here they were having an open, honest conversation. How could she withhold when Ryan was offering such transparency? She nodded, letting her barriers down. “Yeah, I think it’s safe to say there are feelings involved. Feelings I’ve tried to push to the side. Tonight shows how successful that little practice has been.”
“I can stop holding my breath now,” Ryan said with a shaky grin. “That could have been really awkward.”
She took Ryan’s hand. “You’re not alone. Promise.”
“The thing about us? We’re not two consenting adults with no strings. I could do strings.” Ryan swallowed. “I want strings.”
Gabriella passed her a skeptical look. “Really?”
“Yeah. I don’t think I could do this any other way.” She touched a strand of Gabriella’s hair that framed the side of her face. “I also want to know so much more about you. What you do first thing in the morning. What your least favorite dish might be, given you’ve been exposed to so many.”
Gabriella met her gaze sweetly. “Have you ever tried monkfish?”
“I can’t say I have.”
“Then you are very lucky indeed.” She sighed. “My turn?”
Ryan nodded and waited patiently.
“One step at a time, okay? No one is asking for a myriad of strings, but—”
“I’m not gonna see other women, Gabriella. I’m just not. I only want to see you. That simple.”
Gabriella looked away, her heart aching at the push-pull with her brain. “I keep wanting to shove you away, and dammit, I’ve tried.” She paused. “But what if you’re Natalie and I’m Warren?”
“I’m Natalie now?” Ryan squinted. “How much wine have you had?” She laughed. “Would you like more?”
Gabriella shook her head and tried to refocus. “No. Listen to me. I came to Tangle Valley to simplify my life. Lose the fast pace, the drama.”
“I hear you.”
She realized that somewhere along the way, she’d grabbed hold of a fistful of fabric from the bottom of Ryan’s soft blue shirt. “But I don’t want simplicity at the cost of something that could be amazing.”
She watched Ryan’s face transform and soften. In fact, everything about her did. “You think we might be amazing?” Ryan asked quietly, and the most sincere, perfect, and defenseless smile took shape on her lips.
“I’m saying that I don’t know why we met just yet, but we did for a reason.”
“I think so, too,” Ryan said, pressing her forehead to Gabriella’s. She kissed her softly, and Gabriella let out a happy sigh.
“See? Now that felt like everything.”
“Because it was.” Ryan took a steadying breath. “For now? Even though I don’t want to, I’m going to go. But I can guarantee that I’ll be back, and we will put that amazing hypothesis of yours to the test.” She stood. “Even if you are a Muskrat.”
Gabriella, on cue, did the face, and Ryan laughed, hauling her in by her elbows for a final toe-curling kiss to cap off their evening. The way their mouths fit together so effortlessly astounded. They had yet to have a single moment of awkward contact that required adjustment