Tanya stared at her. “All week? You never take vacation.”

Cassidy stared back at her. “Problem?”

Tanya put her hands on her hips. “You’re acting weird.”

Cassidy smiled. “I just need some time off, that’s all.”

Tanya studied her. “What’s going on? Is it Laura?”

Cassidy shrugged. “What makes you think it’s got anything to do with Laura?”

“Because you didn’t come to work yesterday, for one. And two…now that I’m looking at you, you’re all glowing and stuff.” She grinned. “So I guess this means you didn’t screw it up, huh?”

“I’m in love with her,” Cassidy said simply.

Tanya rolled her eyes. “I could have told you that a month ago. So I take it you’ve been…getting to know her better,” she teased with a wink.

Cassidy actually felt a blush on her face. “Must you?”

“Oh my God…you’re so cute when you blush! I can’t wait to tell Derrick.” Tanya walked around her desk and bent down to hug her. “Seriously, I’m so happy for you. Laura is perfect.”

“Yeah…she’s pretty awesome. So…can I have a week?”

“You can have a week off, yes.”

“Gee, thanks, boss.”

Tanya surprised her by leaning down again and kissing her cheek. “You did good.”

“Thank you. Oh…and I’m leaving early on Thursday. And I may start working from home a few days a week too.”

“Good. Then I can really be the boss here in the office.” She laughed as she walked out. “Don’t stay in bed the whole week. You’re getting old. You need to pace yourself.”

Chapter Fifty-Two

“Pace yourself?” Laura smiled contentedly as she pulled Cassidy into her arms. “She’s so funny,” she murmured, kissing Cassidy lazily, still coming down from the high she’d been on only seconds ago. “You have a very talented tongue.” Cassidy laughed quietly and Laura nuzzled her face into Cassidy’s neck. “I could get used to this.”

“This what?”

“Making love on Thursday afternoons.” She bit playfully on Cassidy’s chin. “It sure beats yard work.”

Cassidy rolled to her side, her hand still rubbing lightly across Laura’s hip. “I could get used to it too.”

Laura rolled her head to look at Cassidy. “You want to talk?” Laura wasn’t sure why, but Cassidy seemed a bit insecure, as if she wasn’t certain of Laura’s intentions. “We’ve been talking without words. Do you want to talk with words?”

“There’s not much to say. You already know I’m crazy about you. You already know I’m…I’m in love with you.”

Laura met her gaze. “Yet you’re afraid?” Laura touched just above Cassidy’s breast. “Afraid of a broken heart?”