A piece of paper, seemingly out of nowhere, appeared in Lucy’s hand. “Here, this is my private number.”

Cursing herself for not bringing her phone outside with her, Kelly took the folded piece of paper and tucked it safely in her bra.

Lucy cracked a smile. “Don’t forget to take that out before you shower.”

“I won’t. I’ll add you to my contacts and send you a text as soon as I get inside.”

A flicker of uncertainty flashed in Lucy’s eyes. “As long as it’s not to cancel.”

In the blink of an eye, Lucy snapped back to the confident business woman who had marched into the café, two days ago, and turned Kelly’s world upside down.

Kelly wondered if Lucy was as nervous as she was about getting together, or if it was nothing more than business to Lucy.

A pang of sadness hit Kelly when she concluded it was probably the latter.

Chapter 15

Finally deciding to wear her black dress, Kelly sized herself up in the mirror. The snug fit showed off her curves without overtly flaunting her body. Not that she had much to flaunt in the chest department.

She turned sideways, and had to admit, what she lacked up top she made up for in the rear. Kelly had a great arse, if she did say so herself.

Firm and round, perfect for spanking. Shame that wasn’t her thing. Well it was, if she was doing the spanking.

Her blood pounded when an image of Lucy on her hands and knees sprung to mind.

In the next heartbeat, Kelly reminded herself tonight was about two women getting together for a drink. Of course, in the back of her mind, Kelly hoped it would lead to more.

Nicole had been spending more and more time at Steve’s, and if Kelly made a new friend she’d be happy.

Focusing on the night ahead, Kelly pulled her long brown hair back and tied it in a loose ponytail, leaving a few strands curling around her face.

For the first time in weeks, she didn’t cringe when she gazed into her own eyes. The blue irises reflected how she felt. Vibrant.

In the reflection of her mirror, Kelly’s gaze landed on Nicole leaning against the doorframe.

“Damn, girl, if I swung your way, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.” Nicole looked thoughtful. “Perhaps I should tag along and play chaperone.”

Grateful for the confidence boost, Kelly played along. “That won’t be necessary, Mum. But I’ll take any advice you have to give.”

The protective fire in Nicole’s eyes made Kelly’s throat thick with emotion. She sent up a prayer to her dad. If not for him she quite possibly never would have met this wonderful woman.