The exhibition hall's dim lighting faded as Tara and Selena stepped outside, and the midday sunlight made Tara squint slightly.
Selena raised her hand to shield Tara's eyes, positioning her arm just right. Wearing heels today, she stood nearly eye-level with Tara. "It's a bit blinding coming out like this. Blocking the light helps," she said softly. Her hand cast a gentle shadow over Tara's face, and Tara lowered her gaze with a small smile. "Thank you, Ms. Selena."
"What's next on the agenda, Ms. Tara?" Selena asked, casually linking her arm through Tara's, tilting her head with a charming smile. Today, her lips were glossy and pink, catching the sunlight in a mesmerizing shimmer. Tara couldn't help but focus on them, her mind wandering.
Soft, full, and far too tempting to look away from.
She caught herself and blinked in surprise at her own thoughts, feeling slightly flustered.
The intensity in Selena's gaze was warmer than the autumn sunlight filtering through the red maple trees behind her. Tara's eyes flicked away, focusing on the trees instead. She felt like she could drown in Selena's eyes if she lingered too long.
"Ms. Tara?" Selena playfully shook Tara's arm, snapping her back to reality. Tara blinked, stammering at first, then regained her composure. "Would you join me for lunch, Ms. Selena?"
Tara led Selena into the private room she'd reserved earlier, and they sat across from each other. As Tara tucked into her meal, Selena idly swirled her glass of red wine, occasionally sipping but mostly watching Tara with quiet amusement. Having eaten a bit of breakfast for once, Selena wasn't hungry and just enjoyed her wine, observing Tara as she focused on her meal.
Tara, however, was preoccupied, sneaking glances at her phone while she waited for an important message. Finally, the phone buzzed, and she read the screen eagerly:
"The item's ready and packed per your instructions. It's on its way to you now."
She let out a small, relieved sigh and glanced up to see Selena watching her, intrigued.
"What's going on?" Selena asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.
Tara's smile turned mischievous, soft and endearing. "Oh, nothing really," she replied innocently.
Selena was briefly taken aback, setting her glass down. She had apparently downed quite a bit of wine without realizing it and was starting to feel pleasantly hazy. "Are we heading home?" she asked with a slight slur, picking up her coat as if to stand.
Tara quickly stopped her. "Not yet! I have something I need to get first."
Selena sat back down, somewhat puzzled. In a few minutes, a knock came at the door, and Tara answered, accepting a package. She dismissed the server, holding the box carefully as she walked over to Selena.
"Here," she said, her eyes bright with excitement. "This is for you."
Selena blinked, a bit stunned. It was clear that whatever Tara had been waiting for was a gift for her. As she took the box, a hint of uncertainty softened her usual bold demeanor. "For me?" she asked, as if double-checking.
"Yes! Go ahead, open it and see if you like it."
Selena gingerly undid the intricate ribbon, opening the lid to reveal a stunning Blue Morpho butterfly framed with moonstones that glimmered softly in the light. It was even more beautiful than the one she kept on her office desk.
"Ms. Selena, happy birthday," Tara whispered softly, leaning close. The proximity gave Tara an unusual rush of boldness, emboldened by the wine. She took in Selena's profile with an admiring gaze, letting her voice drop to a murmur.
"Thank you… I really love it." Selena's voice was filled with quiet emotion.
Encouraged, Tara dared to ask, "Could I have a small reward, then?"
She took a small breath and finally voiced the request she'd long been holding back. "Could I… could I hug you?"
Selena's answer was to pull Tara into a warm embrace.
Selena's slender arms wrapped around her shoulders, and Tara tentatively hugged back, her hands brushing over Selena's shoulder blades. She felt Selena's soft breaths at her neck, laced faintly with the scent of wine, and the gentle warmth was intoxicating.
A whisper rose in Tara's mind: I wish I could hold her even tighter.
But she quickly pulled back, maintaining her sense of propriety. Looking at Selena, she murmured, "Come on, let's go home. You've had a bit to drink."
But Selena was in no rush to leave. She coaxed Tara into another drink or two until she was decidedly tipsy, and Tara eventually had to call a driver to take them home.
Their rented apartment was across town in an older neighborhood, and the ride took about forty minutes. Selena had already dozed off on Tara's shoulder, the loose strands of her hair tickling Tara's neck. Tara savored the quiet ride, almost wishing they'd never arrive.
When they finally pulled up to the building, the road was a little bumpy, making Selena stir, murmuring slightly. In her half-asleep state, she instinctively gripped Tara's hand tightly, nuzzling further into her shoulder.
Tara's heart pounded at the unexpected intimacy. She lifted her chin slightly, gently resting it against the top of Selena's head, treasuring the moment.
Once they reached the apartment, Tara gingerly carried Selena up the stairs as she'd done once before when Selena had sleepwalked. She laid her on her bed, pulling the covers up when suddenly Selena's phone rang, startling her awake.
Tara's brow furrowed. The name "Ken" flashed on the screen. She retrieved the phone from Selena's coat pocket and showed her.
"It's Ken. Do you want to answer it?"
Selena, half-asleep, mumbled that Tara could take the call. Quietly closing the door, Tara answered in a cold, steady voice, one that mimicked Selena's own detached professionalism.
"Hello?"
On the other end, an icy male voice sneered with menace, failing to realize it wasn't Selena who had picked up.
"Come downstairs. I'm waiting for you."