A Little Less Alone

Beth woke up to warmth—Viv’s body pressed against hers, the steady rhythm of her breathing soft against Beth’s skin. The room was still dim, the curtains drawn just enough to let in the soft glow of the early morning.

She didn’t move right away. She just laid there, letting herself exist in the quiet, soaking in the feeling of Viv tucked so perfectly against her. Their legs were tangled under the sheets, Viv’s arm draped lazily over Beth’s waist, her face nestled against Beth’s shoulder.

Beth smiled, her fingers tracing small, absentminded circles on Viv’s back.

She dipped her head slightly, pressing a slow, warm kiss to Viv’s hair. Then another—this time on her forehead, lingering just a little longer.

Viv stirred slightly, humming softly but still clearly half-asleep.

Beth chuckled under her breath, shifting just enough to tilt Viv’s chin up and kiss her cheek, her jaw, her temple—soft, lazy kisses, meant to wake her gently.

"Happy Valentine’s Day, baby," she murmured between kisses, her lips grazing against Viv’s skin with every word.

Viv groaned lightly, snuggling impossibly closer, pressing her face into Beth’s neck. "Mmm, too early," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

Beth grinned, her arms tightening around Viv as she continued her slow, deliberate kisses.

"Not too early to tell you I love waking up next to you."

Viv just sighed, her grip on Beth’s waist firm as she buried herself deeper into her warmth, clearly not planning to move anytime soon.

Beth laughed softly, running her fingers through Viv’s messy hair.

"Come on, baby, open those pretty eyes for me," she teased, kissing the corner of Viv’s mouth.

Viv just mumbled something incoherent, holding Beth even tighter.

Beth couldn’t stop smiling. "So you’re just gonna hold me hostage here?"

Viv hummed in agreement, her voice still sleepy but laced with amusement. "Mhm. You’re not going anywhere.

Beth sighed dramatically but made no effort to move, pulling the covers up slightly and pressing another kiss to Viv’s temple.

Beth didn’t know how long they had stayed wrapped up in each other, tangled in the sheets, wrapped in warmth and lazy kisses. Time felt slow, like the morning was stretching just for them, giving them a moment to stay close, unhurried and soft.

But eventually, they had to get up.

She sighed, running her fingers through Viv’s hair before pressing one last kiss to her temple.

"Baby, we really need to get up."

Viv groaned dramatically, burying her face deeper into the pillow before rolling onto her back, stretching her arms above her head.

Beth propped herself up on one elbow, ready to pull the blankets off them when her eyes caught on Viv.

Her robe had loosened as she stretched, the fabric slipping just enough to tease, to show smooth skin, toned lines, the curve of her waist. She was still warm and relaxed from sleep, hair a little messy, eyes half-lidded with lingering drowsiness.

Beth let herself stare, her fingers ghosting over Viv’s stomach, trailing lightly, teasing. She wasn’t even sure when she started, just that it felt impossible not to touch.

Viv let out a small hum, her breath hitching slightly at the feeling. Beth saw the way her body reacted, how she instinctively shifted closer, like she needed more.

Beth’s fingers drifted lower, slowly, deliberately, until she found warmth, wetness, already there waiting for her.

Viv gasped softly, her hips pushing into Beth’s touch before she even realized she was doing it.

Beth grinned, watching her with lazy amusement, completely in love with how easy it was to make Viv fall apart.

"Still so sleepy, baby?" Beth murmured against Viv’s skin, kissing along her jaw, down her neck.

Viv swallowed, her fingers curling into the sheets. "Not anymore."

Beth let out a soft chuckle, her fingers moving in slow, lazy strokes that had Viv’s breathing turning heavier by the second.

Viv’s grip tightened slightly, her head falling back into the pillow as her lips parted, a quiet moan slipping out.

Beth bit her lip, watching her, enjoying every little reaction.

Viv’s hand came up, gripping Beth’s wrist—not to stop her, but to keep her there, to make sure she didn’t dare pull away.

"Don’t stop," Viv whispered, her voice already sounding wrecked.

Beth felt something deep inside her tighten at the way Viv asked, at how much she clearly wanted this.

But still—she grinned, teasing, her fingers slowing, just barely moving, making Viv whimper in frustration.

Viv’s eyes flickered open, glazed over, desperate. "Beth."

Beth leaned in, brushing her lips against Viv’s ear.

"I want to save this for later."

Viv groaned in frustration, letting her head fall back against the pillows. "You are the worst."

Beth grinned, placing one last slow, open-mouthed kiss along Viv’s neck before finally pulling away.

Viv sighed, her fingers digging into the sheets as she tried to compose herself.

Beth, completely unbothered, reached for her robe, tying it loosely around her waist before flashing Viv a smirk.

"Come on, baby," she said, her tone dripping with amusement. "We’ve got a whole day ahead of us. And trust me, you’re gonna want to be well-rested for later."

Viv exhaled, tilting her head to the side to look at Beth, eyes still hazy with frustration.

"You know you’re gonna pay for this, right?"

Beth laughed, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her lips before stepping back. "I’m counting on it."

Just as they were about to head out for the day, Beth reached for a small bag she had tucked away in her suitcase. Her fingers tightened around the handles for a second, a flicker of nerves passing through her, but then she turned to Viv with a small smirk.

"Before we go, I have something for you."

Viv, who had just been slipping on her coat, paused mid-motion, her eyes flickering to the bag in Beth’s hand. "You do?"

Beth nodded, stepping closer as she held it out. "Yeah, I saw it a little while ago and thought of you."

A hint of curiosity crossed Viv’s face as she took the bag from Beth, her fingers brushing lightly against Beth’s in the exchange. She hesitated for just a moment before finally pulling out the contents.

The first thing her hands found was a top—sleek, elegant, but undeniably sexy. The material was soft beneath her fingers, the design effortlessly sophisticated yet just daring enough.

Beth watched as Viv’s eyes flicked over it, taking in the details, before she finally spoke.

"This is… really nice."

Something in Viv’s voice made Beth laugh softly, her fingers brushing down Viv’s arm. "It’s for tonight. If you want to wear it."

Viv glanced up at her, amusement playing in her expression. "You bought me a Valentine's Day outfit?"

Beth grinned. "Guilty."

Viv shook her head, amusement flickering in her expression as she traced her fingers over the fabric once more. "You really didn’t have to do this."

Beth shrugged, leaning against the dresser with a knowing smirk. "I wanted to. I saw it and thought about how good you'd look in it… and I’m selfish, so of course, I want to be the one to see you in it first."

Viv let out a soft laugh, shaking her head, but there was something tender in her eyes. She carefully placed the top back into the bag, her fingers lingering over it for just a second longer before glancing back at Beth. "Thank you."

Beth reached into the bag again, this time pulling out an envelope.

"And this," she said, handing it to Viv.

Viv’s brow furrowed slightly as she carefully opened it, her eyes scanning over the ticket inside. A moment passed before realization hit.

"Wait… this is—?"

Beth nodded, watching her reaction closely. "It’s for when we go back to London. I know you’ve mentioned a couple of times how you always wanted to see a Broadway show, so I figured… why not?"

Viv blinked, her fingers tightening around the ticket. "Beth, this is—" She let out a soft breath, looking back up at her. "I don’t even know what to say."

Beth laughed lightly, shrugging as she reached for Viv’s hand. "Just say you’re excited, baby."

Viv scoffed, shaking her head, but the small smile tugging at her lips gave her away. "Of course, I’m excited. I love this."

Beth exhaled softly, her grin growing wider. "Good. That’s all I wanted."

For a moment, Viv just stared at her, something soft and unreadable in her expression. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she reached into her own bag, fingers brushing against something small before she pulled it out.

A neatly wrapped box, a simple ribbon tied at the top.

Beth’s brows lifted slightly, her heart doing something ridiculous in her chest as Viv handed it to her.

"Okay, so… I kind of got you something too," Viv admitted, shifting slightly as Beth took it from her hands.

Beth looked between Viv and the box, a slow smile spreading across her lips. "You did?"

Viv gave a small shrug, though Beth could see her watching closely for her reaction.

Carefully, Beth undid the ribbon, peeling back the wrapping. The moment she opened it, a laugh escaped her.

Lego flowers.

She hadn’t expected this—hadn’t even thought about it, really—but now, holding it, she couldn’t imagine a more thoughtful gift from Viv.

Viv let out a soft chuckle, watching her reaction closely. "Well… at least these won’t ever die."

Beth looked up, smiling softly before shaking her head. "You’re actually the sweetest, you know that?"

Viv shrugged, like it wasn’t a big deal, but Beth could see the hint of something shy in the way she shifted her weight.

Beth turned her gaze back to the flowers for a second, exhaling before setting them down gently on the dresser. "I love them. Like, actually love them."

Viv’s smile grew just a little, her eyes softening. "Good."

Beth let the moment sit between them for a second before stepping closer, wrapping her arms around Viv’s waist and resting her head against her chest.

Viv exhaled, like she hadn’t expected it, but her hands instinctively came up, holding Beth against her, fingers smoothing over the fabric of her shirt.

"I don’t think you even realize how much I adore you," Beth murmured, her voice quieter now, more serious.

Viv’s breath hitched slightly, her fingers tightening at Beth’s back, holding her just a little closer. "Beth…"

But before she could say anything else, Beth leaned back just enough, tilting her chin up to press a slow, lingering kiss to Viv’s lips.

Viv melted into it immediately, one hand sliding up into Beth’s hair, the other still gripping her waist, as if she didn’t want the moment to end.

Beth pulled back slightly, her forehead resting just below Viv’s collarbone, her fingers tracing light patterns against Viv’s back.

"Thank you, baby," she whispered, voice warm and full of something neither of them had quite said out loud yet.

Viv hummed, her grip still firm, her lips ghosting over Beth’s hair in response. "You’re welcome."

For a few moments, neither of them moved, just standing there, breathing the same air, wrapped in the quiet kind of intimacy that felt effortless between them.

Eventually, Beth let out a soft laugh, pressing one last kiss to Viv’s shoulder before stepping back slightly.

"Alright," she murmured, "let’s go."

The afternoon sun hung lazily in the sky, warmer than either of them had expected, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills.

They had walked a lot—farther than planned, really—but the view from the top made it all worth it. A stunning stretch of green and blue, the town below looking small from where they sat, the river cutting through it like something out of a postcard.

Beth had spread out their jackets on the grass, turning them into an impromptu picnic spot, and now Viv was half-laying against her, basking in the warmth, looking utterly at peace.

They had picked up sandwiches and snacks earlier, and between bites, Viv was scrolling through the pictures they had taken along the way. Beth had caught her smiling at her phone more than once.

After a while, Viv sighed, tapping at her screen before holding it up. "These are really nice," she murmured, her voice slow and easy. "I wish I could post them."

Beth, lazily dragging her fingers through the grass, hummed. "Why can’t you?"

Viv hesitated, her thumb brushing over the screen before locking her phone and setting it down beside her.

"I still haven’t talked to Lisa about… you know, us."

Beth felt the shift almost immediately, a small tension creeping in as she shifted her position slightly, propping herself up on her elbow. She hadn’t really thought about that.

She stayed quiet for a moment before finally asking, "Are you planning on talking to her?"

Viv nodded, reaching for her water bottle and taking a sip before answering. "Yeah. I just… I don’t want her to feel like I betrayed her or anything."

Beth exhaled, plucking at a stray thread on her sleeve. "You think she will?"

Viv shrugged, adjusting the way she was laying against Beth, her fingers idly picking at the blades of grass beside her. "I don’t know. Probably not. But we were together for a long time, and I guess I just… want to be respectful about it."

Beth let that sit for a second before shifting, tilting her head slightly. "I should probably talk to Daan too."

Viv turned her head to glance at her, brow raising slightly. "Yeah?"

Beth let out a small breath, nodding. "Yeah. I mean, we’ve been done for ages, and she’s moved on, I know that. But it still feels like something I should mention."

Viv watched her for a moment, expression unreadable. "Are you going to call her?"

Beth scoffed, shaking her head. "God, no. I’ll probably just text her or something."

Viv chuckled softly, sitting up slightly now, the golden light catching in her eyes as she took another sip of water.

Beth looked at her for a moment, something settling in her chest before she smirked. "And what are you planning on telling Lisa?"

Viv exhaled, stretching her legs out before pulling herself upright, sitting next to Beth now. "The truth."

Beth arched an eyebrow, amused. "And that is?"

Viv hesitated, rolling her shoulders slightly, like she was trying to shake off whatever nerves had crept in. "That we grew close. That even though we aren’t… dating yet, it’s going to happen because I love—"

She stopped herself so quickly that Beth almost missed it.

Viv swallowed, eyes flickering toward the horizon like she was looking for an escape. "Because I… because I care about you a lot," she corrected quickly, her voice quieter now.

Beth let the moment sit between them, her gaze still fixed on Viv. She could see the way her fingers clenched around her water bottle just a little tighter, the way her breath was uneven.

Beth didn’t push.

Instead, she reached out, her fingers gently tucking a strand of hair behind Viv’s ear before letting her hand rest against her cheek, thumb brushing lightly over her skin.

"Me too."

Viv blinked at her, startled for a second, but Beth just smiled, leaning in to press a soft, lingering kiss against her temple.

The afternoon had been perfect. A long walk, beautiful scenery, quiet moments between them that felt so natural, so effortless. Now, they were back at the hotel, the golden hues of sunset filtering through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room.

Beth stretched her arms, still feeling the warmth of the day in her skin, and turned to Viv with a smirk. "Alright, baby. We’re having dinner at the hotel, so we need to get ready."

Viv, already rummaging through her bag, nodded. "I’ll get ready in the bathroom."

Beth hummed in acknowledgment, watching as Viv disappeared behind the door before she turned back to pick out her own outfit. She opted for fitted trousers and a sleek button-up, something clean, simple, but still undeniably attractive. She liked dressing up for Viv, liked the way Viv’s eyes always softened when she looked at her.

Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Viv took a deep breath.

She had picked the lingerie up from her bag without thinking, but now, holding it in her hands, she hesitated. This was the moment. If she was going to wear it at all, tonight was the night.

Her moment of courage solidified, and she stripped down, stepping into the delicate lace set.

The black fabric hugged her in a way that was both intimidating and thrilling. She turned slightly, checking her reflection, adjusting the straps. It looked good. But was it too much? Would Beth actually like it?

She swallowed, shaking off the nerves, and continued getting ready. After drying her hair, she let it fall naturally down her shoulders. It framed her face well, making the little makeup she applied—just some mascara and gloss—feel enough. It was Valentine’s Day, after all.

For the rest of her outfit, she slipped into the black trousers Beth had told her to bring and finally put on the top Beth had gifted her. It was bolder than what she usually wore—a little more form-fitting, a little lower cut—but when she looked in the mirror, she didn’t hate it. She actually kind of liked it.

Taking one last breath, she stepped out of the bathroom.

Beth, already dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed, froze the second she saw her.

She let her eyes trail over Viv slowly, taking her in completely.

"Wow."

Viv felt warmth creep up her neck. "What?"

Beth stood up, closing the space between them. "You. Look. Insane." Her hands ran lightly down Viv’s arms, her eyes flickering over every little detail. "The makeup, the hair, the top—Jesus, baby."

Viv bit her lip slightly, still unsure. "It’s not too much?"

Beth shook her head immediately, gripping Viv’s waist. "No. It’s perfect. You're perfect."

Viv looked away for a second, still flustered, but Beth wasn’t having it. She tilted Viv’s chin gently, pressing a slow, warm kiss to her lips.

She pulled back just slightly, smirking. "You taste good."

Viv blinked. "Oh. It’s… watermelon gloss."

Beth grinned, leaning in again. "I love it." Another kiss, just as teasing, just as lingering.

Viv felt herself relaxing, melting a little into the warmth of Beth’s touch. But when she turned to grab her shoes, Beth let out a dramatic groan.

"Baby, please don’t wear heels."

Viv turned to her, raising a brow. "Why not?"

Beth sighed, pointing at the obvious height difference between them. "You’re already way taller than me. If you wear heels, I’ll look like a child next to you."

Viv laughed, shaking her head. "That’s not true."

Beth just gave her a look, her arms crossing.

With an amused smile, Viv sighed, setting the heels aside and picking up the other pair instead. "Fine. Just because it’s Valentine’s Day."

Beth smirked triumphantly, wrapping her arms around Viv’s waist again. "Smart choice."

As she kissed her again, her hands wandered under Viv’s top, fingertips brushing over her skin. But the second she felt the lace of the bra underneath, she froze.

Beth pulled back just slightly, her breath catching. "Is this new?"

Viv hesitated before finally admitting, "Yeah."

Beth’s brows lifted. "Wait… is this the lingerie I bought you?"

She felt Viv stiffen slightly before finally nodding, her voice quieter now. "Yeah."

Beth let out an actual moan, pressing her forehead against Viv’s shoulder.

"Oh my God, baby."

Viv laughed, trying to play it off, but she could already feel Beth’s hands gripping her waist tighter, her breathing getting heavier.

Beth tilted her head up, her lips brushing just under Viv’s jaw as she spoke. "You’re actually trying to kill me."

Viv swallowed, already feeling Beth’s fingers teasing along the hem of her top.

Beth whispered, her lips barely an inch from Viv’s ear, "Can I see?"

Viv’s breath hitched, her fingers instinctively gripping the fabric of Beth’s shirt. She hesitated for a moment, knowing full well how much power she held in that second.

Beth was already unraveling, her fingers tightening around Viv’s waist, her breathing heavier, her pupils blown wide with want. She looked up at Viv like she was seconds away from losing all patience.

Viv smirked, just a little. "Don’t you want to save it for after dinner?"

Beth let out a quiet, frustrated groan, her forehead dropping against Viv’s shoulder.

Viv laughed softly, clearly enjoying herself, but Beth wasn’t having it.

She tilted her head up, kissing Viv's jaw, then lower, lips trailing down the side of her neck. Her voice was hushed, low and full of want.

"Baby, please."

Her hands slipped further under Viv’s top, fingers teasing over the lace, pressing into her warm skin.

"I need to see you."

Viv felt her entire body react, heat pooling deep in her stomach, Beth’s voice alone making her dizzy.

Beth didn’t even wait for a full answer—she lifted the top slightly, her breath hitching the second she got a glimpse of the lace.

She exhaled sharply, like she had been physically knocked back, her hands hovering over Viv’s ribs as she took her in.

"Jesus Christ."

Viv bit her lip, watching Beth soak in the sight of her, her fingers barely moving, just resting, pressing against her.

Beth swallowed hard, her jaw tensing as she shook her head slightly, like she was trying to gather some control.

Her hands traveled lower, gripping Viv’s hips firmly. Her fingers dug in slightly, her restraint barely holding.

"You’re trying to kill me."

Viv chuckled, still feeling the power shift between them, her own nerves fading slightly as she basked in the effect she had on Beth.

Beth exhaled slowly, still staring at her, still looking like she was trying to ground herself.

Then, she murmured, almost too low for Viv to catch—"Good girl."

Viv felt her entire body react, her breath catching, her thighs pressing together slightly, warmth flooding through her at the way Beth said it—low, full of meaning, full of something deeper.

Beth didn’t even realize what she had done at first—not until she felt how Viv tensed slightly, how her breath turned uneven.

Beth let out a shaky laugh, shaking her head against Viv’s skin. "Shit. I need to calm down."

Viv chuckled breathlessly, feeling just as affected now.

Beth pulled back slightly, running her hands down Viv’s sides once more before forcing herself to step back.

She let out a slow exhale, trying to cool herself down, muttering to herself. "Okay. Okay. Dinner. We’re going to dinner."

Viv smirked. "Are you sure?"

Beth pointed at her, still flustered, "You’re going to pay for this later."

Viv smiled, leaning in for one last quick kiss. "Looking forward to it."

Beth groaned, dragging a hand over her face before shaking her head and grabbing Viv’s hand, leading her toward the door.

She had no idea how she was supposed to sit through dinner after that.

The restaurant was warm, intimate, the kind of place that felt special the second you walked in. The soft hum of conversation mixed with the clinking of wine glasses and the quiet notes of a piano playing somewhere in the background.

Beth should have been focused on the food, on the atmosphere, on the fact that she had actually managed to pull off a romantic getaway without screwing anything up.

But instead, she was focused on Viv.

And more specifically, on how completely and utterly stunning she looked.

She had barely managed to survive getting ready, seeing her in that top, knowing exactly what was underneath it. It had been an actual test of strength to make it out of the hotel room without ripping Viv’s clothes off.

The restaurant was perfectly intimate—the kind of place meant for soft conversations, slow sips of wine, and romance lingering in the air. And Beth was trying to soak it all in, to enjoy the moment.

Except she couldn’t.

Because Viv was sitting across from her looking like that.

Beth had barely survived watching her get dressed, seeing her in that top, knowing exactly what she was wearing underneath it. And now, across the table, with candlelight flickering against her skin and her lips —Beth was actually suffering.

She needed a distraction.

Beth leaned forward, tapping her fingers against the table. "Do you want some wine?"

Viv tilted her head slightly, considering. Then, after a moment, she nodded. "Yeah, why not?"

Beth grinned immediately, flagging the waiter over. “A bottle of red, please. Something good.”

Viv raised an eyebrow, amused. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

Beth smirked, her gaze dragging down Viv’s frame before flicking back up. “I don’t need you drunk for what I want.”

Viv’s breath hitched slightly, but she covered it well, shaking her head. "Behave."

Beth sighed dramatically, propping her chin on her hand. "I’m trying. It’s just difficult when you look like that."

Viv rolled her eyes, but her cheeks turned just the slightest shade darker. "Like what?"

Beth let her eyes drop slowly, deliberately—dragging from Viv’s lips, down her throat, across the neckline of her top, before flicking back up to meet her gaze.

Then, with a grin, she leaned forward just slightly. "Like I should be taking you apart in our hotel room right now instead of sitting here drinking wine."

Viv’s fingers tightened around her napkin.

Beth noticed.

Viv exhaled slowly, picking up her drink and giving Beth a look over the rim. "You really have no self-control, do you?"

Beth just grinned, completely unapologetic. “Not when it comes to you.”

Viv lifted her own wine glass, taking a slow sip before setting it down. "So," she said, her tone still perfectly composed, "you’re just going to sit here, looking at me like that all night?"

Beth tilted her head, smirk deepening. “That depends. Are you enjoying it?”

Viv smirked back, but Beth caught it—the way she shifted in her seat, pressing her thighs together ever so slightly.

Beth’s grin widened. "You are."

Viv exhaled, giving Beth a warning look that did absolutely nothing to deter her.

Beth lifted her wine glass, taking a slow sip, watching Viv over the rim. "You know, I could make this so much worse for you."

Viv raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference, but her fingers tightened around the stem of her glass. "Oh yeah? And how’s that?"

Beth leaned in, voice smooth as silk. "By telling you exactly what I was thinking about while you were getting dressed earlier."

Viv tensed ever so slightly, but she played it off well. She took another sip of wine before setting the glass down. "You think you’re so smooth, don’t you?"

Beth grinned. "Baby, I know I am."

Viv scoffed, but Beth saw it—the slight hitch in her breath, the way she was definitely feeling the effect of Beth’s words.

Viv scoffed, but Beth saw it—the slight hitch in her breath, the way her fingers tightened around the stem of her wine glass. She was definitely feeling the effect of Beth’s words.

Still, Viv held her composure as she exhaled and, far too casually, asked, “And what exactly were you thinking while I was getting dressed?”

Beth smirked, tilting her head slightly, fingers tracing the rim of her glass. She let the silence stretch, watching the anticipation in Viv’s face, how she was trying so hard to stay still, to act unaffected.

She decided to push.

“I was thinking,” Beth started, voice smooth, “about how much I wanted to pull you back onto the bed the second you that top on—because you looked so good, but also because I really, really wanted to take it off again.”

Viv visibly swallowed, her eyes flickering down for just a second before looking back up.

Beth leaned in just a little, her voice quieter but somehow even worse. “And when you put on that gloss, all I could think about was what it’d feel like if you used that mouth on me.”

Viv exhaled sharply, fingers gripping the napkin in her lap now. She shifted slightly, thighs pressing together under the table.

Beth grinned, victorious. "You asked, baby."

Viv didn’t even try to play it off anymore. Her body was giving her away. She picked up her wine, took a long sip, then set the glass down carefully, like she was grounding herself.

"I don’t know why I agreed to dinner first," Viv admitted, voice quieter now, almost breathless.

Beth grinned, pleased with herself. “Because you’re classy.”

Viv exhaled through her nose, shaking her head as she took another sip, still trying to gather herself. She stared at Beth for a second, eyes darker now, more focused, like she was deciding something.

Then, with a flicker of boldness, she leaned forward slightly and, without breaking eye contact, said, “I won’t be tonight if you want.”

Beth froze.

For the first time all night, Viv had completely turned the tables on her.

Beth felt the heat rush through her entire body, her fingers flexing slightly against her thigh.

She stared at Viv, then let out a low, breathy laugh.

"Fuck."

Viv smirked now, eyes shining with satisfaction. “Something wrong?”

Beth shook her head, taking a deep sip of wine, like she needed it. "No, no. Just—" she set her glass down and exhaled slowly, "—I really hope this food gets here soon because I don’t know how much longer I can sit here like this."

Viv bit her lip slightly, amused, but Beth could tell— she was just as affected.

Beth smirked, leaning back in her chair, pressing their legs together under the table. “You’re gonna regret teasing me, baby.”

Viv hummed, running her fingers along the base of her wine glass, tilting her head slightly. “I hope so.”

Viv leaned back in her chair, swirling the last bit of wine in her glass. "I should’ve let you plan something sooner. You actually did well with this place."

Beth smirked, cutting into the last bite of her food. "Wow. A compliment? Are you feeling alright?"

Viv rolled her eyes. "I just meant, this whole thing—it’s nice. The hotel, the town, the restaurant. You did good."

Beth grinned, sipping her wine. "I always do good."

Viv scoffed but didn’t argue, just shaking her head as she reached for her glass.

Beth was about to say something else when Viv, almost casually, said, "My mom and brother are coming to visit soon."

Beth looked up at her, brows lifting slightly. "Oh yeah?"

Viv nodded, resting her elbow on the table, fingers playing with the stem of her glass. "Yeah. My mom has been saying she wanted to come for months, but now my brother actually has time, so she figured she’d come with him."

Beth smiled. "That’s nice. Are you excited?"

Viv hummed, tilting her head slightly. "Yeah. I haven’t seen them in a while. It’ll be good to have them around."

Beth watched her for a moment, then leaned in slightly. "Am I gonna meet them?"

Viv’s eyes flicked to hers, a flicker of something in them before she looked away.

She was quiet for a second, then shrugged. "I mean, yeah. I think so. I want you to."

Beth felt something settle warm in her chest at that.

She smirked, resting her chin on her hand. "You think so? Or you want to?"

Viv sighed, shaking her head with a small laugh. "I want to."

Beth smiled, pleased with that answer. "Good. Because I wouldn’t mind meeting them properly either."

Viv glanced at her, a little smile playing at her lips. "Just warning you now—my mom will definitely ask a lot of questions."

Beth chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "I can handle it. It’s only fair after my mom grilled you."

Viv smirked, taking a sip of wine. "True. But I feel like my mom’s questions will be worse."

Beth smirked, taking a slow sip of wine before setting her glass down. "Worse, huh? Should I be worried?"

Viv exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "Not worried. Just...prepared."

Beth leaned back in her chair, sipping the last of her wine as she watched Viv, the warm glow of the restaurant’s candlelight flickering in her eyes.

"You want anything else? Dessert, maybe?"

Viv shook her head, resting her elbow on the table, looking more relaxed than before. "No, I’m good. You?"

Beth tilted her head, a slow smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, I want something. But I don’t think they serve it here."

Viv’s brows furrowed for half a second before realization hit her, and immediately, she let out a deep breath, tilting her head back slightly. "Beth."

Beth bit her lip, watching the way Viv’s shoulders tensed. "What? I’m just answering your question."

Viv scoffed, giving her a pointed look, but Beth could see the way she subtly pressed her thighs together.

The waiter returned with the check, setting it neatly in the middle of the table before stepping away.

Beth didn’t hesitate. Before Viv could even think about reaching for it, she had already snatched the little leather booklet off the table, slipping her card inside and setting it aside like it was a done deal.

Viv blinked, then narrowed her eyes slightly. "Beth."

Beth barely glanced at her, casually taking another sip of her wine. "Viv."

Viv sighed, shifting in her seat, clearly not letting this go easily. "Come on, I can pay for my part."

Beth finally looked at her, eyebrows raising like the suggestion was ridiculous. "I know you can. But I wanted to do this."

Viv's lips pressed together, still hesitant.

Beth smirked, leaning in slightly. "You do realize if you complain too much, I’ll take it as an excuse to spoil you even more, right?"

Viv exhaled, watching the smooth way Beth handled it, but instead of fighting it outright, she sighed and muttered softly,

"I feel bad. I haven’t paid for anything yet."

Beth barely lifted her gaze, a slow, knowing smirk curling on her lips.

"You can pay your part for the room tonight."

Viv stilled for half a second, her wine glass hovering near her lips. Then, she placed it down, a spark of amusement flickering in her eyes.

"Oh?"

Beth leaned in slightly, voice low and smooth. "Mhm." She tilted her head, letting the implication settle. "I’m sure we can figure something out."

Viv hummed, pretending to think about it, but her lips twitched like she was fighting back a grin.

"That sounds like an… interesting payment method."

Beth dragged a slow finger along the rim of her own wine glass, watching Viv with quiet amusement. "I think it’s pretty fair."

Viv chuckled, shaking her head. "I bet you do."

Beth had barely pressed the button for their floor when Viv grabbed her by the waist, backing her into the mirrored wall with a force that sent Beth’s pulse skyrocketing.

Beth gasped softly, her breath stolen as Viv crashed their lips together, kissing her with a hunger that sent heat surging through her veins.

Viv's fingers dug into Beth’s waist, gripping tight, like she was trying to anchor herself but failing miserably. Her body was pressed against Beth’s, every inch of her radiating urgency.

Beth could barely think, her hands instinctively slipping under Viv’s coat, clutching at her like she needed something to hold onto.

Viv groaned against her lips, her hips pressing forward slightly, making Beth’s knees weaken just a bit.

Beth barely managed to pull away, breathless, dazed. "Baby—"

Viv exhaled sharply, her hands sliding up Beth’s body, restless, desperate.

"The wine," she admitted, voice husky, words slipping out between shallow breaths. "The way you talk. How fucking good this whole trip has been. It's driving me insane."

Beth’s stomach tightened at Viv’s words, at the sheer want in her voice.

She let her fingers trail up Viv’s arms, grounding her, calming her just enough.

"You're really losing it, huh?" Beth whispered against her jaw, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss there.

Viv let out a frustrated sigh, gripping Beth’s coat like she was barely holding herself together.

"You have no idea."

Beth smiled against her skin, completely loving the way Viv was coming undone like this.

She pulled back slightly, cupping Viv’s face, running her thumb over her cheek. "Almost there, baby. Just a little longer."

Viv swallowed hard, her pupils still dark, her breath shaky.

Beth had no doubt she was holding on by a thread.

The elevator dinged, and Beth grabbed Viv’s hand, pulling her out swiftly.

"Come on. Let’s get inside before you completely lose it."