3.15 PM, 3 months later
It was freezing outside but Bernie valiantly clasped the coffee cup in both hands and rode out the wind. Serena joined her and they shivered together.
'I forgot my gloves today.'
Serena sighed. 'I've seen you wear gloves once. Ever.'
'Ok I don't know where they are. Regretting it now.'
Serena smiled mischievously. 'There's a more reliable way to warm your hands than that coffee cup.'
Bernie was intrigued.
'So?'
Serena's expression verged on somewhat naughty when she took hold of her colleague's hands and slid them in between Bernie's thighs. Instantly Bernie felt the warmth rush through her body. She sighed at the simplicity of body heat. She'd forgotten about it. She couldn't entirely relax with Serena's hands clasping hers. In-between her legs. Dangerously close to…she tried to focus.
'Better?'
Bernie nodded. She couldn't help but glance sideways at her provocateur, couldn't help returning the grin. Without letting go of their hands, she transferred them over to Serena. She dared to go one step further and leaned across; resting her head on Serena's shoulder. Hearing no objection, she relaxed into her, hands still plunged in-between her thighs. Serena let her. Bernie was so blissed out, she only opened her eyes when Serena turned her head and laid a gentle kiss on her temple. She cricked her neck and tilted her head up to look at Serena with beseeching eyes, wondering if that had really happened. Serena had never looked so affectionately at her that way before. She felt hopeful. A nose nuzzle was on the cards.
'Do you mind?'
Serena's laugh warmed her heart and made her tingle.
'I have fallen in love before. I do recognise the symptoms.'
Bernie's look of hope was so beguiling that Serena couldn't stop smiling at her.
'I think I can live with that' was all Bernie could say. She turned back to nestle in Serena's shoulder, cold nose pressed against her neck. Serena rested her cheek on her head. They sat in the midst of the big freeze in silent contentment, wrapped around each other, observed by everyone with a camera. The secret was out.