Susanne shrugged. “That’s the thing. I don’t really have any relationship stories, embarrassing or otherwise. Compared to the long-term relationships you must have had, mine really don’t deserve that name.”

“So you’ve just had one-night stands or short flings?” A hollow feeling settled in the pit of her stomach at the thought, even though she told herself it didn’t matter whether Susanne was the relationship type or not.

“I’m not a womanizer by any means. I’ve had flings, but I’ve also had just as many long-term relationships.”

“Then why do you say they don’t deserve that name?”

Again that one-shouldered shrug from Susanne. It was kind of cute how awkward or maybe embarrassed the confident woman suddenly appeared.

“I don’t know,” Susanne said. “Even those relationships that lasted longer stayed kind of superficial. More like casual dating than let’s-bare-our-souls-and-move-in-together relationships.”

Anja tried to imagine what that must be like. Probably dinner and sex but very little talking about things that really mattered. But she drew the line at asking her that. It was bad enough that she kept having flashbacks to that near kiss; she didn’t need to start fantasizing about what Susanne would be like in bed.

“I guess I was…am too caught up with work to invest much time or energy into a relationship,” Susanne added.

Anja studied her, trying to figure out if Susanne was happy with that kind of love life. But before she could make sense of the complex emotions darting across her face, Susanne tapped the laptop. “You know what? Let’s just leave the gift ideas blog post the way it is. It’s one of many, so it’s not worth wasting that much time on it. Want to do the next one?” She held out the list of blog topics they had brainstormed.

For a moment, Anja considered tackling the Beginner’s Guide to Traveler’s Notebooks or Eco-Friendly Pens and Paper. But at the thought of having to write yet another blog post, her brain threatened to go on strike. “No. I need a break from all the blog prep.” She took the list from Susanne and closed the laptop. “Let’s do something fun instead.”

“Fun?” Susanne repeated with a dubious expression, as if she’d forgotten the meaning of the word.

Anja smiled. “Yeah. Something fun…with our hands,” she couldn’t resist adding. She told herself she wasn’t flirting, just teasing a new friend a little.

Susanne’s gaze went to Anja’s hands, and a sensual smile played around the corners of her mouth. “Were you thinking of anything in particular?” Her voice was a seductive purr.