Anja’s defenses went up so fast that she could almost hear the metallic clank as the parts of her steel armor snapped into place. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean I was just experimenting or confused or taking the easy way out because my two other relationships were with men.”

“Woah!” Susanne held up both hands, palms out. “I never said—or thought—any of that. Do you really think my sister would let me get away with such a stupid biphobic attitude?”

Anja’s cheeks flamed hot. “Sorry.” She averted her gaze and stared into her almost empty mug instead. “I’ve been faced with some pretty ridiculous assumptions when I told people about my relationship history. The last woman I was interested in didn’t want to date me after finding out I’m bi because she was convinced it wouldn’t be long until I’d cheat on her with a man.”

“Christ. She definitely deserves being reported to the LGBT police for that.” Susanne’s voice sounded rough, as if she’d love to help dole out any kind of punishment they would decide on. “I haven’t known you very long, but I’m pretty sure you’d never cheat on anyone.”

The invisible armor Anja had surrounded herself with shattered into a million little pieces. Susanne’s instinctive trust in her felt incredibly good. “Never.”

Susanne nodded. “So you’ve only ever had three relationships?”

“Yes, unless you count Miri. Is that so out of the ordinary?”

“No, but—wait! You and Miriam were a couple?”

Anja laughed at her wide-eyed look. She always found it satisfying to see the controlled woman lose her cool. “No. We tried, but there just wasn’t any…” She gestured, searching for the right word.

“Spark,” Susanne finished for her.

Their gazes met and held until Anja forced herself to look away. “Yes.” Unlike the two of us. She pushed the thought away, as deeply into the recesses of her mind as it would go. “How about you?”

“No spark between Miriam and me either,” Susanne answered with a straight face. “I think my sister would kill me if there was. Did you know Miriam is in Berlin, visiting her, this weekend?”

“Yes, Miri told me.”

Susanne shook her head. “They’ve known each other for all of a week. I’ll never understand how some women get involved so fast!”

“Don’t worry. Miri isn’t the U-Haul type, and Franzi seems to be more into fun than commitment too. But don’t think I didn’t notice that you’re trying to distract me from my question.” Anja poked Susanne’s shoulder, then let her hand linger there as she sensed the warm skin beneath her sweater. God, get a grip. She snatched her hand away. “If you want to be friends, I can’t be the only one confessing embarrassing relationship stories.”