Intensely doubtful, but still – Hannah’s scrutinizing gaze has the ability to make her feel seen inside and out that is both wonderful and scary. “Caroline. Abbie takes everything you say and do as the gospel truth. When you aren’t with us in the evenings, I spend at least half of the time hearing about you. You have to know that.”

It does nothing to deter the pleased warmth from blossoming in her stomach. “I didn’t realize that, actually.” She ducks her head as she turns to lean against the counter, facing Hannah.

It’s a weird feeling but a good one. Sort of like what she’s always imagined being a mother would be like – wholly loved by one of the kids she loves. But it also makes her feel a little guilty. Hannah should be the recipient of that feeling from Abbie, if anything.

“Well, it’s true. If you ask Abbie, the sun rises and sets on Caroline Parker,” Hannah teases as she takes a step closer, reaching for her glass of wine behind Caroline.

Everything inside of her goes into high alert, as it does when Hannah is so close. Tonight has been particularly something, because the kitchen in Hannah and Abbie’s apartment is the opposite of spacious. Off of the small space with their kitchen table is a nook that’s lined on both sides with counters and cabinets. The stove is on one side, the sink on the other, and between the counters is about two feet of width.

Basically, she’s been in a tiny enclosed space with Hannah for hours, that smells like cupcakes and Hannah’s underlying peach scent that either comes from body spray or lotion. It’s just this side of comfortably warm, so they’re both flushed from the heat and barefoot.

It was easier when Abbie was awake; she rarely allows herself to get this distracted by Hannah, no matter how overwhelmingly hot she is, when she can concentrate on Abbie instead.

But the last couple of hours have gone to her head a bit, so when Hannah’s hand brushes against her side as she places her glass back down, she swears she can feel it all over.

Caroline forces herself to take in a deep breath. What were they talking about? “Must get annoying, hearing about me all of the time. Caroline’s so amazing, Caroline needs a superhero cape, Caroline is just so good at everything…” She trails off, teasing to stop this feeling in her stomach from taking her over.

“Caroline can’t even bake without making a mess of herself,” Hannah cuts in playfully. She takes another step closer, reaching out to skim her fingers over the lace of Caroline’s camisole, just under her breasts.