Chapter Three: Girl Crush

Tessa's POV

It only took a few days for our friendship to get back on track. Each morning, Mariah would come in a little before eight and get her large coffee and bagel. Sometimes, she'd also come at lunch or after work. It was nice seeing the redhead so much but I could feel myself getting more attached. I held back on flirting when others were around but when it was us, Mariah's face would be stained crimson.

"One cinnamon latte for the overworked redhead." I smiled waiting to get Mariah's attention. When she didn't notice me, I smirked. "Or should I say, sexy redhead?" Still nothing. "I'm dating Noah."

"What?!" Noticing my amused grin, Mariah grumbled. "That's not funny."

Glancing around the shop, I made sure no one was close enough to hear. "We already had this conversation." Taking a seat, I continued. "Besides, there's only one person in your family I want to have in my bed." Leaning forward, I purred. "Luckily for me, she's already been there." Mariah stared. Her expression was somewhere between confused and upset. "It's a joke." My head tilted. "Are you okay?"

"I just," rubbing her face, Mariah sighed. "So much work. Since Noah's place is being fumigated, he's staying in the guest room."

"Oooh…" I cringed. He's not having sex in the next room, is he? That's just rude. "Be right back. Last rush of the day."

"Okay. Thank you for the latte." Mariah smiled as I walked away.

Seven came and I wiped down the counters and started to close shop. Locking the main door, I went back onto the patio. Mariah was nose deep in her laptop with paperwork scattered all around her. Noticing the crinkle between dark brows, I had to figure out how to ease her tension. Humming gained Mariah's attention. I could feel her eyes on me as my hips swayed to the beat I had been humming. "I want her magic touch. Yeah, 'cause maybe then you'd want me just as much. I got a girl crush." Hearing typing stop, I smiled. Back still towards her, I continued. "I don't get no sleep. I don't get no peace. Thinking about her under your bed sheets." Mariah's pencil snapped as she coughed. "The way that she's whispering, the way that she's pulling you in. Lord knows I've tried, I can't get her off my mind." Turning, I pulled a pen from my apron and placed it in Mariah's hand. "I want to taste her lips. Yeah, 'cause they taste like you." Leaning down, I whispered. "That's why you should always use a pen." A squeak-like noise escaped the redhead's throat. "How much longer do you need to stay?"

"Uh…I…"

Her gay panic is adorable. Not that I'm making it easy on her. After hearing the conversation she had with Kevin, I want to see how far I can push the envelope. "I ask because I'm about to lock up."

"Oh, it is seven. I didn't realize." Mariah started loading her paperwork and laptop back into her bag. "What are you up to tonight?"

"I saw Devon at The Underground last night so I'll probably stay in and write music. He's been lurking at open mic night lately."

"I think once everything is more settled, he's going to sign you."

"You don't have to," I paused seeing how serious Mariah was. "Oh, you're not kidding."

"No, I'm really not. You are super talented and sound amazing. Even if it's singing random stuff behind the counter, your voice draws whoever's around in. You captivate anyone around you and force them to listen without forcing them."

"Thank you, Mariah." Pulling the shorter woman into a strong embrace, I squeezed. The action stunned her for a second but quickly, she reciprocated. She smells so nice. Ugh. Whyyyy? Leaning back, I smiled. "I'll walk you out."

"Thanks." Her cheeks were pink. She knows I caught her nuzzle my neck.

After fixing something to eat, I pulled out my notebook and guitar. As I played, my mind wandered towards the frazzled redhead and the conversation I overheard the day before.

Mariah jumped hearing a familiar ringtone. "Hey, I gotta take this."

"Okay, I'll bring it to you if you're still on the phone."

"Thanks." Answering the call, Mariah turned to walk towards the patio. "Hey, hold on."

While I made Mariah's coffee, I kept an eye on the frazzled woman. She was pacing back and forth having a very animated conversation. When her coffee was done, I eased my way towards the patio.

"You can't judge me for this question okay?" Her back faced me so I hid behind the wall. "What's it like to be kissed by a woman?" She's curious about kissing women? "No! I can't just go up to her and kiss her." Yes, you can. If it's me anyway. "Kevin, I don't want to get her hopes up. I will not use her as an experiment. She deserves better than that. I'm just not sure what it's like. And no, I'm not going to go kiss another woman just to find out. I don't think I'd feel anything that way." Grumbling, Mariah ran a hand through curly hair. "I know, I'm a mess." Tapping lightly on the glass caused the shorter woman to jump. Spinning on her heels, the blood drained from her face. "Gotta go…"

Picking at the strings, I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to kiss Mariah. Sadly, there's no way to have her kiss me out of chance. Have it not be one of us initiate it. I bet her lips are soft. And her skin… I shivered thinking of pressing my lips on the redhead's neck and hearing whatever glorious noise that would bubble up her throat. My body started to buzz imagining Mariah pressed against me. Kissing me with equal passion and need. Hands tangled in each other's hair. I jumped hearing a rapid knock on my door. "H-hello?" I cleared my throat hoping to calm myself.

"Please, let me in."

Oh, God. She can't be here. Not now. Opening the door, I hid behind it. "M-Mariah?" Brushing past me, the shorter woman went to plop down on my couch. Locking the door, I tried keeping my distance. "Are you okay?" Grabbing a pillow, she covered her face before letting out a frustrated groan. "Mariah?"

Sighing, the redhead clutched the pillow against her. "Now I'm okay."

"What's going on?" I kept my distance. Folding my arms over my chest to hide the fact that I wasn't wearing a bra.

"Too many people are having sex in the house."

I choked on my own saliva. I feel guilty considering what I was just thinking. In the exact place you're sitting now. "Sharon and Scott?"

"Also, Noah and his new girlfriend." Mariah shrugged. "Everyone is having sex around me and I can't handle it anymore." Leaning her head back, Mariah whined. "It's just too much."

So, you come here? What if I had someone staying the night? Scoffing at myself, I groaned internally. Yeah, right. The only person I'd have over is here. Just not in the way I currently want. Seeing Mariah's head thrown back, neck fully exposed, brought forth very inappropriate thoughts. Biting back need, I cleared my throat again. "That can be tough to deal with."

"Yeah." Mariah paused, seeing what was probably the very flustered look in my eyes. "Wait, do you have someone here?" Starting to panic, she stood. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt-"

"You didn't interrupt anything. No one else is here." Why does she look so hurt? "So please, take a seat."

"I…I shouldn't have assumed you'd be free tonight." Falling back on the couch, Mariah laid her face in her hands. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Mariah." There's no one else I'd rather have here. Taking a seat beside the redhead, I spoke softly. "You seem pretty upset. Besides all of…what's happening at the cottage. What's going on?"

"I don't wanna talk about it." Her words were muffled.

"Does it have to deal with what you've been trying to figure out?" Mariah's breath stopped a moment. Leaning back, she kept her gaze forward. "I'll take that as a yes." I know where this is going to end but I still want it to happen. "Are there any questions I can answer?"

Pale cheeks turned pink. "What's it like?"

"To…?" I tried to coax the redhead without pushing too much.

"Kiss another woman." Mariah's voice wavered.

"It depends on the type of kiss. They can be soft, more intimate because it's another woman, gentle. But then you can also have the more passionate ones that are rough and sexy. It all depends on the type of woman and what part of a relationship you're in. Or if it's a long-term relationship or just a fling."

"Like a rebound verses an actual relationship?"

"Or a one-time thing and a relationship. There're a lot of things that go into it. You just have to figure out what the other woman wants and if that matches with what you want." My heart is pounding. I shouldn't have her this close, or here at all, while I'm worked up. Not that I'd ever do anything she didn't want but it's clouding my judgement. Silence filled the apartment. "What brought all this on?"

Leaning forward, Mariah covered her head. "You already know."

"I know nothing…"

Snapping back up, the shorter woman turned to face me. "Yes, you do. You're smart. You hear more than you let on." I played innocent. Rubbing her temples, she finally came out with it. "I don't want to hurt you but, damn it, I want to know what it's like to kiss you and only you. So, please, don't insult me by saying go explore with someone else because it's not going to happen. I'm not that type of girl. I barely let anyone in. I've never let someone in this quickly before and it's terrifying me. I don't want to mess up our…" Motioning between us, Mariah flailed. "Friendship." Sorrow was laced in the redhead's voice.

"If we were to kiss, it could change everything." I kept my voice tender but stern. I didn't want to frighten her.

"I know." Pulling a pillow against her, she murmured. "That's what I'm afraid of."

"But then it could change for the better…" Turning towards the frazzled woman, I placed a hand on her knee. "It's up to you, Mariah. If you want to know what it's like to kiss me, then tell me."

Gazing down at my hand, she muttered. "But if I don't like it…and you do…that'll hurt."

"I know. I'm willing to take that chance. That's what caring for people does. It opens you up to possible pain. You just have to trust that the other person won't." She's so worried about hurting me. It'll be a new experience but I don't think she'll hate it. I've never seen a woman react to me like she does. Getting so jealous of the idea of someone dating me or being with me. It's flattering and adorable. Scooting closer, I let my hand move gently up Mariah's thigh. Her breath became shallow the closer I got. "You okay?"

"Yes." Mariah's voice was almost inaudible.

"If you want me to stop, just tell me and I will." I'm actually touching her. Even over her skin-tight jeans I can feel heat radiating off of her.

"Okay…" Mariah's voice trailed off. Letting my eyes trace her curves, my hand stopped on her hip. A breathy sigh escaped pale lips as my thumb caressed the skin that lay just under her shirt. "Tessa…"

Meeting Mariah's gaze, I gave her my full attention. "Do you want me to stop?"

"No." Something's changed. I can see it. "I want you to kiss me."

She enjoys my touch. "Okay." Slowly, I leaned forward. To be safe, I brushed my lips against hers. When I received no resistance, I pressed my lips firmly against Mariah's. There was no hesitation from the redhead when I kissed her again. The kiss was slow but steady. I was right. Her lips are soft. God, I want to feel them on my neck and shoulders. Getting lost, I didn't feel Mariah's hand move until I felt a firm grip on the back of my neck. Holding me in place. If she tangles those fingers in my hair, I'm doomed. Feeling her hand shift, I leaned back but kept a vice grip on her hip. "Mariah."

"I'm sorry…" Pulling her hand away, the redhead retreated back into herself.

"Please, do not apologize for kissing me." Taking her hand, I smiled. "How do you feel?"

Xxx

Mariah's POV

Like everything in my life finally makes sense. Like I'm on fire. "I…I don't have words." Entwining our fingers, I brought Tessa's knuckles to my lips hoping my actions would speak for themselves. "I work in television but you make me speechless."

"A good speechless?"

She's just as terrified. That would have been a perfect time to make a smart-ass comment. "A very good speechless." Biting my lip, I fidgeted with Tessa's long fingers. "I want to see where this could go." I paused, using a little more strength. "With you."

"Are you certain that's what you want? You're not saying that to make me happy?" Fear tugged at the musician's voice.

She's been hurt so many times before. Meeting her gaze with equal intensity, I spoke. "I'm doing this because it's what I want. What I believe will make me happy."

"Okay." A breathtaking smile made its way to the younger woman's face.

"What happens next exactly? Obviously, I'm new to this." Feeling my cheeks burn, I twitched under Tessa's dumbfounded stare.

"Oh, you're being serious?" She paused. "A date would be a good place to start. I would cook you dinner, but I only have one plate."

Laughing, I remembered my Amazon shopping cart. "About that…"

Tessa's face fell. "What?"

"Uhm…so tomorrow your home warming gift should be arriving downstairs…" I grinned. "Surprise…"

"When did the mail start running on Sundays?"

"I have no clue. That's what the app says. It's never been wrong before. Maybe because it's a business?"

"I guess…" Her voice trailed off. "You got me dishes?" An amused grin played at the musician's lips.

"I got you an entire dining set. Plates, bowels, saucers, glasses, mugs, and silverware…"

"Mariah!" Dumbfounded, Tessa tried to string any sort of sentence together. "That's…way too much. I mean, thank you but…I don't know what to say."

"You already said "thank you" so that's enough." She can't know the whole reason behind the gift. Half was to help her but the other was my way of hopefully keeping her in town. It's harder to move with a bunch of glassware.

"Wait, what was that look?" She paused, "Mariah Copeland, what are you up to?"

"Nothing." I smiled.

"If a new bed shows up downstairs, I'm going to be a little irritated." Tessa tried not to laugh.

"Why would I get you a new bed? We've not broken yours yet." Cupping my mouth, I looked away. My cheeks getting redder by the second.

"Oooooohhhh." A wholesome laugh escaped the musician. "Maybe I need to kiss you more often."

"I'm not opposed to that…" I tried shooting Tessa a half smile but failed.

"Is that so?" Taking my chin between her fingers, Tessa tilted my head, pressing a soft kiss against my lips once more. Feeling my heart race, I reviled in the feeling. I've never felt like this before. Every part of me is buzzing. "Only I can do the half smile. But don't fret. You've got plenty of weapons that have the same effect."

xxx

The next morning, I woke to the slow rise and fall of my head. What the hell? What's that sound? The more I came to, the quicker reality set in. Oh, God! Did I…?

"Morning." Tessa's voice was groggy.

"Did I…"

"Mmhmm. You snuggled up to me around two. When I turned on my back, you made me your human pillow by three."

"I'm sorry…" I should probably move but I don't want to.

"I'm not." Gentle fingertips drew lazy shapes on my hip. An amused chuckle vibrated Tessa's chest when I shivered. "I need to get ready for work."

Grumbling, I shifted back to my side of the bed. "I do too. Hilary called me, and only me, in for a meeting last night."

"Does she ever give you a day off? I mean, you have a life that doesn't revolve around her."

"No. Hilary thinks the world revolves around her. Honestly, I'd rather just bite the bullet and give her another half day. A pissed off Hilary is not worth it."

"At least you only work until noon." Yawning, Tessa made her way towards the kitchen. "Coffee?"

"Yes, please." Leaning against the bar, I watched as the musician poured us each a cup. "Since I gave the other shirt back, can I borrow another one?"

"Only if I get to do the same. There are a few shirts of yours that I've wanted to steal." She paused. "Borrow." Grinning, Tessa offered me a mug.

"Is that one of the highlights of dating another woman? A second wardrobe?"

"Only when we share some of the same style preferences." Sipping her coffee, Tessa hummed. "Ahhh, coffee."

Scrolling through my phone, I saw the notification from Amazon. "Your dishes should be here around two."

"Fantastic."

What's that look? "Hey, what's wrong?" Turning the corner, I entered the kitchen. "Tessa?"

"How do you want to proceed outside my apartment?" Finishing her coffee, the musician eyed me.

"I'm not going to hide the fact that I like you, a lot. But I don't want to tell Sharon until we're actually dating. I mean, if she asks before we tell her, then I'll be honest. I'm not ashamed of you. I'm actually really excited about us possibly being a couple."

Placing her cup down, Tessa wrapped her arms around my waist. "Keep this up and we'll actually be a couple." Dipping her head, the taller woman kissed me softly. "There will be people who are going to hate you for being with a woman. Noah isn't one of them, thankfully, but I don't know about others in town."

"I have plenty of people in my corner. You, Noah, Kevin, Nick, and Sharon all care about me. That's more than I've ever had." Biting my lip, I started getting lost in Tessa's green eyes. "We can get though all the hate, together."

Noon came and I was finally free from Hilary's clutches for the day. Before going to Crimson Lights, I picked up a few sandwiches from the local deli. Walking in, I waved at Tessa and took a seat at my regular indoor table.

Taking her lunch break, Tessa joined me. "Looks delicious." She paused, sitting. "And the sandwich looks good too."

Feeling my cheeks flush, I tried not to smile too big. "There's one for you in the bag."

"Oh, thank you. I'm starving." Unwrapping her sandwich, Tessa started inhaling it.

"It's not going anywhere and you've got twenty-seven minutes." Taking a long sip of Coke, I continued eating. Rolling in a large box, the USPS guy, scanned the room. "That's mine. Probably." Standing, I made my way towards the man.

"Delivery for Tessa Porter."

"Her apartment is upstairs. Would you mind helping me take that up, please?"

"Of course."

Making my way back to the table, I smiled. "Can I get your keys so you can finish eating?" Nodding, Tessa fished around in her apron pocket. "Thanks."

Carefully, Chad and I navigated the dolly and box up the narrow staircase. Pushing open the door, he wheeled the box inside the apartment. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Ma'am. Please, sign here."

Pulling out a ten, I placed it on the clipboard. "Here you go."

"Thank you, Mrs. Porter." Chad's words left me in my tracks. I know it's a simple mistake since the box was addressed to Tessa and I said her apartment is upstairs but… Shaking my head, I made my way back downstairs.

"That sandwich was great. Thanks for lunch."

"You're welcome. Dishes are in the living room. I can help you put them away later, if you'd like." Handing back the keys, I took my seat.

"I'd like that. But maybe I could cook you dinner tonight instead?"

"As a date or a thank you?" Not that it matters to me either way as long as I spend time with you.

"Hmm." Tessa thought. "Why can't it be both?"

"It's a date." I smiled feeling giddy. "What time should I be upstairs?"

"I get done at seven, I'll need to freshen up and hit the store so…. eight thirty or nine? I know it's late. We can always do it another night."

"Eight forty-five?" I offered.

"Perfect." Tessa's attention was drawn towards the main door. Turning, I saw my mother.

"Hey, girls." Sharon smiled. "Mariah, you look well rested. I didn't see you this morning. Did you leave early?"

"She got a new pillow." Tessa grinned. "Back to work." She winked when my mother wasn't looking.

Damn it, woman! "I did, yeah. Leave early, I mean." Last night early.

"I didn't know you needed a new pillow. We have plenty in the closet." Taking a seat, the older woman studied me.

"It's fine." I tried waving the issue away. "How was date night?" Not that I really need anymore details. Hiding my disgust from last night's noises, I listened to Mom gush about her and Scott. "Sounds like the two of you are doing well."

"We are, yeah." Sharon's attention was drawn to Tessa humming behind the counter. "She seems pretty happy. I'm glad you two are friends again." Turning back to me, she continued. "What happened that week? Was it about Noah?"

"No. Nothing about Noah. They're just friends." It's more about me and Tessa. "We had a misunderstanding but everything is good now."

"Good to hear. You need at least one girlfriend in town." If only you knew. If only you knew. "I need to get back to the station. Just wanted to drop by and check-in."

"Okay, see you later." Hugging Sharon, I watched her slide into her jacket.

"Oh, will you be home tonight? Faith and I were going to have a movie night."

"I have plans for later so probably not." Don't fidget like a schoolgirl. Don't fidget like a schoolgirl.

My Mom's brows furrowed. "What kind of plans?"

"Dinner plans."

A slow smile made its way to the older woman's face. "You have a date?" Tessa's head shot up, panic on her face.

"Yes, I have a date. No, I'm not telling you with who just yet. And don't go to Noah. He knows nothing anyway."

"I'm just glad you've not given up." Wrapping me in another hug, Sharon squeezed. "I can't wait to meet him!"

Xxx

Out of sheer nervousness, I started getting ready two hours before I needed to be at Tessa's. After a shower, I paced my room trying to think of the perfect outfit. Okay, I know it should be a choker neck cut on top. That helps narrow a little. I only have two dresses that have that neckline. But should it be a dress or a shirt and pants? Even if I wear heels, Tessa's still taller than me. Which I like. Sitting at the foot of my bed, I sighed. I've never been this nervous about a date before. I've never been this excited either. I jumped hearing a knock on my door. "Uh, yeah?"

"Can I come in?"

"One sec." Making sure my robe was tied, I opened the door. "Hey, what's up?"

"Can we talk?"

"Sure…" Stepping to the side, I allowed Sharon entrance. "Everything okay?"

"Who's your date with tonight?"

Leaning against my dresser, I shoved my hands in my robe pockets. "Why?" Don't get defensive, Mariah. Don't do it.

"I'm just curious. I've not seen you show interest in any guys lately. It's also a mother thing. In case something happens and you need help or something…"

"I'll be safe. It's with someone we both trust." I could see Mom going through the mental list of men that we both knew. "It's not with a man." Sharon's brow creased. "It's with…a woman."

"A woman?" She paused, "Tessa?" I nodded slowly, feeling my defenses skyrocket. A slow smile made its way to Sharon's face. "You're dating Tessa?"

She's okay with this? "Tonight's our first date…"

"Have the two of you…" Sharon's voice tailed off.

"MOM! NO!" Feeling my face burn, I covered it with my hands. "Oh, my gah…"

"I mean…you're both in your twenties…and…."

I can't handle this. "All we've done is kiss. Now, can you, please, stop?"

Laughing, Sharon agreed. "So, nothing else has happened between the two of you?"

"We've slept, only slept nothing else, in the same bed. We were both fully clothed."

"Is that where you've been the past few date nights?"

"Yes. Between you and Scott and then Noah and Grace, I couldn't handle it."

"So, that week the two of you weren't really talking…"

"It's…complicated. She didn't want to get involved with me but was starting to have feelings. Trying to keep herself safe, she pulled away. Tessa didn't know that I was starting to get feelings too. Then the Friday Hilary ambushed me with all that work, we had a long talk about everything."

"That explains the 180."

"Then last night when I disappeared from the cottage, I went to Tessa's. We talked more and I was honest with her about how I was feeling. We kissed and I really enjoyed it." Not wanting to overwhelm my mother, I paused letting the information sink in. "No Katy Perry jokes please."

"I wasn't going to." She chuckled. "Now you want to see where it could go between the two of you?"

"Yes." I studied Sharon carefully. "I'm a little surprised at how well you're taking this."

"It's not that much of a shock, Mariah." She smiled. "Looking back, there was always something between the two of you. The looks, the smiles, and no non-morning person gets up half an hour early just to see a friend before work."

"You noticed that, huh?" Grinning like an idiot, I laughed. "I was hoping you wouldn't…"

"I did, yeah." Standing, Sharon clapped her hands. "Now, what are you going to wear for your first date with your girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend yet." Smirking, Sharon gave me the "mother" look. "Okay, fine." Moving towards my closet, I started filling her in.

A/N: Song used: Girl Crush by Little Big Town