First date
Beth had always loved spending time with Viv. Over the past few months, they’d grown closer in ways she hadn’t expected. It wasn’t just the shared laughter during team dinners or the quiet moments in the locker room when Viv would tease her about her messy locker. It was the way Viv made her feel—like she could be completely herself, without pretense or fear. Beth loved that. She loved her.
As they finished practice that evening, Beth lingered near the edge of the pitch, her cleats scuffing against the grass as she waited for Viv. She watched as Viv spoke to one of the coaching staff, her hands gesturing animatedly as she explained something tactical. Beth couldn’t help but smile. Viv was always so focused, so in her head when it came to football. It was one of the things Beth admired most about her.
When Viv finally turned and started walking toward the locker room, her eyes met Beth’s, and she smiled—a small, private smile that made Beth’s cheeks flush. Viv’s smile had always had that effect on her, but lately, it felt different. Like it meant something more.
“Hey,” Viv said as she approached, her voice warm but slightly distracted. “Did you need something?”
Beth shook her head, falling into step beside her. “No, no. I just wanted to chat a bit. We haven’t really talked today. Or much yesterday, even.”
Viv nodded, her expression softening. “Yeah, I guess we haven’t. Sorry about that. I’ve been a bit in my head lately.”
Beth glanced at her, curiosity flickering in her chest. “What were you talking to the coaching staff about? Tactical stuff?”
“Yeah,” Viv said, shrugging. “Just the usual. Nothing major.”
Beth nodded, but she could tell Viv was holding something back. There was a tension in her shoulders, a hesitance in her voice that Beth couldn’t quite place. She wanted to ask, to push a little, but she didn’t want to overstep. Instead, she stayed quiet, letting the comfortable silence between them stretch as they walked.
As they reached the entrance to the building, Viv suddenly stopped, her hand hovering on the door handle. She turned to Beth, her expression unreadable but her eyes searching. “Do you want to go out tonight?” she asked, her voice low, almost hesitant. “To a restaurant. Me and you.”
Beth blinked, caught off guard. They’d been to restaurants together plenty of times—team celebrations, casual dinners, post-match meals. But something about the way Viv asked felt different. “Did you see something new you want to try?” Beth asked, trying to keep her tone light.
Viv sighed, a deeper breath than usual, like she was gathering courage. “No,” she said, her voice steady but soft. “I meant more like… you know. A date.”
For a moment, Beth just stared at her, her mind racing. It wasn’t that she didn’t want it—she did, more than she could put into words. But she hadn’t expected Viv to be the one to ask. Viv, who was always so composed, so focused, so careful. Viv, who had somehow become the person Beth felt most at ease with, the person she couldn’t imagine not having in her life.
When Viv started to backtrack, her words tumbling out in a rush—“Forget I said anything, it’s fine, we don’t have to—”—Beth reached out, her hand closing around Viv’s arm to stop her.
“Viv,” Beth said, her voice firm but gentle. “I really want to. Sorry if it seemed like I didn’t. I really, really do.”
Viv’s eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked almost vulnerable, like she hadn’t expected Beth to say yes. But then she smiled—a real, genuine smile that made Beth’s heart skip a beat. “Okay,” Viv said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Okay, good.”
Beth grinned, her hand sliding down to intertwine with Viv’s. “So, where are you taking me?” she asked, her tone teasing but her eyes soft.
Beth raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms playfully. “So, what restaurant are we going to?”
Viv smiled, something knowing in her expression. “It’s a surprise.”
Beth let out an exaggerated gasp, pressing a hand to her chest. “A surprise? You know how much I love surprises.”
Viv chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I know.”
For a moment, they just stood there, looking at each other.
Beth could swear Viv’s gaze flickered between her eyes and her lips, lingering just a second too long. Her stomach tightened, her breath catching slightly at the weight of the silence between them.
Then, as if snapping out of it, Viv coughed and looked away. “Uh—we should go. Get to the locker room, head home.”
Beth nodded quickly. “Yeah. Yeah, of course.”
The air between them felt different now—charged with something unspoken. They walked into the locker room, their movements careful, stealing glances at each other when they thought the other wasn’t looking. But Viv didn’t linger. As soon as she’d grabbed her things, she mumbled a quick “See you later” and disappeared, leaving Beth standing there, still trying to piece herself together.
Beth sighed, running a hand through her hair as she sat down on the bench. She needed to pull herself together, shake off the way her heart was racing just because Viv Miedema had asked her out.
Her phone buzzed.
She looked down. A text.
Viv: Hey, I forgot to say—I’ll pick you up around 8 at your place. Sorry, didn’t want to tell you there :)
Beth smiled at the screen, rereading the message more times than she’d admit.
“Okay,” she murmured to herself, thumbs tapping against the keyboard.
Beth: Alright, see you at 8 then :)
She barely had time to lock her phone before she felt eyes on her. Slowly, she turned her head to see Steph and Jen both staring.
Steph smirked, stepping closer, dropping her voice to a whisper. “Sooo… who’s making you blush like that?”
Beth’s face went even warmer. “I’m not—”
“Mate,” Jen cut in, grinning. “You absolutely are.”
Beth groaned, grabbing her bag and standing up. “I need to go.”
Steph and Jen exchanged knowing looks, but neither stopped her as she practically bolted from the locker room, a stupid, uncontrollable smile still lingering on her lips.
As she walked out of the Arsenal training ground and headed home, one thought settled in her chest—
Beth spent the entire afternoon procrastinating on the couch, flipping through channels on the TV without really watching anything. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the conversation with Viv over and over again. A date. An actual date. With Viv. The thought made her stomach flutter in a way that was equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
She wanted tonight to go perfectly. She wanted it to be the start of something real, something serious. But as soon as that thought crossed her mind, she shook her head, as if to physically dislodge it. Slow down, Beth, she told herself. One step at a time.
By the time she finally dragged herself off the couch, the sun was already setting, and she realized she needed to start getting ready. She headed to the bathroom, turning the shower on as hot as she could stand it. This wasn’t just any shower—this was an everything shower. She scrubbed, exfoliated, and conditioned like her life depended on it, wanting to feel as clean and polished as possible. When she stepped out, her skin was pink and glowing, and she felt a little more in control.
She dried her hair carefully, letting it fall in soft waves around her shoulders. Makeup was next, but she kept it light—just a touch of mascara, a hint of blush, and, okay, maybe a little lip gloss. Just a little. She told herself it wasn’t a big deal, but the way her heart raced when she looked in the mirror said otherwise.
Then came the hard part: choosing an outfit. She stared at her closet, her stomach twisting with anxiety. She really should have asked Viv what the dress code was. Did Viv mean a fancy restaurant? Or something more casual? Beth didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard, but she also didn’t want to look like she didn’t care. She groaned, running a hand through her hair. She needed help.
Grabbing her phone, she opened FaceTime and called Steph and Jen. They picked up almost immediately, their faces filling the screen. “Hey!” Steph said, her tone cheerful. “What’s up?”
“Hi,” Beth said, taking a deep breath. “I need to tell you something, but it has to be a complete secret. Like, swear-on-your-life secret.”
Jen raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Okay… what’s going on?”
Beth hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, “I’m going on a date tonight. And it’s… it’s a big deal. Like, a really big deal.”
Steph’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? With who?”
Beth bit her lip, trying to figure out how to say it without actually saying it. But Jen, ever perceptive, narrowed her eyes. “Beth, we know her, don’t we?”
Beth nodded, her cheeks flushing. “Yeah.”
“Who is it?” Steph demanded, leaning closer to the screen. “Tell us!”
Beth took another deep breath. “It’s… Viv.”
Another beat of silence.
And then—
“OH MY GOD.”
Steph nearly dropped her phone. “ARE YOU SERIOUS?”
Jen gasped. “VIV?! You’re going on a date with Viv Miedema?!”
Beth groaned. “Shhh! Yes, okay? But you can’t tell anyone.”
They both started rapid-firing questions at her.
Jen: “Who asked who? Did she text you? How long has this been a thing?!”
Steph: “Where are you going?! Does this mean you guys are finally making it official?”
Jen: “Oh my god, did she call it a date or was it one of those awkward ‘let’s hang out but we both know what this is’ kind of things?”
Steph: “Wait, wait—was she nervous? Was it cute? Tell me it was cute.”
Beth laughed, shaking her head. “Can you two breathe for a second?!”
Steph smirked. “No.”
Beth sighed dramatically. “Viv asked me. Called it a date. And yes, she was nervous.”
Jen let out a delighted squeal. “Oh, that’s adorable.”
Steph nodded. “I approve. Okay, so—what are you wearing?”
Beth gestured to her closet. “That’s why I called. I have no idea what to wear.”
“Okay, first things first,” Steph said, clapping her hands together. “Show us your closet. We’ll help you pick something.”
Beth flipped the camera and walked over to her closet, holding up a few options. There was a black dress—short, fitted, and undeniably sexy—and a more casual outfit of high-waisted pants and a sleek top. “I’m leaning toward the pants,” Beth said. “I’d feel more comfortable.”
“No way,” Steph said immediately. “The dress. Definitely the dress.”
Beth frowned. “Are you sure? It’s kind of… a lot.”
“It’s perfect,” Jen said, her tone decisive. “Viv will love it.”
Beth’s cheeks flushed at the thought, and Jen smirked. “See? You’re blushing. Definitely the dress.”
Beth groaned, holding the dress up to herself and looking in the mirror. “What about shoes? Heels?”
“Yes,” Steph said, her voice firm. “Absolutely heels. Viv’s, like, a foot taller than you. You need the height.”
Beth laughed, shaking her head. “You’re terrible.”
“I’m right,” Steph shot back. “Trust me. You’re going to look amazing.”
As they continued to hype her up, Beth felt some of her nerves ease. Steph and Jen’s excitement was contagious, and by the time they hung up, she was almost looking forward to the evening. Almost.
“Okay,” she said to herself, taking a deep breath. “You’ve got this.”
She slipped into the dress, the fabric hugging her curves in all the right places, and stepped into her heels. One last glance in the mirror, and she was ready. Or as ready as she was going to be.
Beth sat on the couch, her phone clutched in her hands as she checked the time for what felt like the hundredth time. 7:55. Viv would be here any minute. Her stomach was a knot of nerves, and she couldn’t stop fidgeting—adjusting the hem of her dress, smoothing her hair, reapplying her lip gloss. Steph and Jen had assured her she looked amazing, but now, sitting alone in her quiet apartment, she wasn’t so sure.
When the doorbell rang, Beth’s heart leapt into her throat. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and stood up, smoothing her dress one last time before walking to the door. She paused for a moment, her hand hovering over the handle, and then she opened it.
Viv stood on the other side, and Beth’s breath caught in her chest. She looked incredible. She was wearing tailored suit pants and a crisp polo, her hair pulled back into a low bun that accentuated her sharp cheekbones and the curve of her jaw. Beth had always thought Viv was attractive, but tonight, she looked like something out of a dream.
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air between them crackling with tension. Then Viv’s mouth opened slightly, and she mumbled, “Fuck.”
Beth couldn’t help but laugh, the sound soft and breathless. “Hi,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Viv blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, and cleared her throat. “Hi,” she said, her voice deeper than usual. “You look… stunning. Like, really stunning.”
Beth felt her cheeks heat up, but she smiled, her confidence bolstered by the way Viv was looking at her—like she was the only thing in the world that mattered. “Thank you,” she said, her tone playful. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
Viv chuckled, a low, warm sound that sent a shiver down Beth’s spine. Then, as if remembering something, she reached behind her back and pulled out a small bouquet of flowers. “These are for you,” she said, holding them out almost shyly.
Beth’s eyes widened, and for a moment, she was too surprised to speak. Viv had always been sweet, thoughtful in her own way, but this—this was something else. The flowers were beautiful, a mix of soft pinks and whites, and the gesture was so unexpectedly romantic that it made Beth’s heart ache.
“Viv,” she said, her voice soft with wonder. “These are… thank you. They’re beautiful.”
Viv shrugged, her cheeks tinged with pink. “I just thought… you know. It’s a date. I wanted to do it right.”
Beth smiled, her chest swelling with affection. “Come in,” she said, stepping aside to let Viv in. “I’ll just put these in water.”
As Beth busied herself in the kitchen, finding a vase and arranging the flowers, she could feel Viv’s eyes on her. When she turned around, she saw Viv standing in the middle of the living room, her hands in her pockets, looking almost nervous. Viv was fidgeting like she didn’t know what to do with herself.
Beth walked over to her, her heels clicking softly against the floor. When she was close enough, she reached up and gently cupped Viv’s cheek, her thumb brushing against her skin. Viv’s breath hitched, and her eyes locked onto Beth’s, dark and intense.
“You okay?” Beth asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “You were just staring at nothing.”
Viv nodded, her lips curving into a small, almost shy smile. “Yeah,” she said, her voice low. “I’m okay. Just… distracted.”
Beth’s smile widened, and she let her hand drop from Viv’s cheek, though she didn’t step back. They were close—so close that Beth could feel the warmth of Viv’s body, could see the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. For a moment, neither of them moved, the air between them thick with unspoken words.
Then Viv glanced at her watch and cleared her throat. “We should probably go,” she said, her voice a little hoarse. “Don’t want to be late.”
Beth nodded, stepping back reluctantly. “Right,” she said, smoothing her dress again. “Let’s go.”
As they walked out the door, Beth couldn’t help but smile to herself. Steph had been right about the dress—and about a lot of other things, too.
Beth fastened her seatbelt as Viv started the car, the quiet hum of the engine filling the space.
It wasn’t awkward, but there was definitely something different about tonight. They’d been in a car together a million times before, but this time? It actually felt like a date.
Viv tapped her fingers against the steering wheel as she pulled onto the road, glancing at Beth.
“You’re quiet.”
Beth scoffed. “I was letting you focus on driving.”
Viv raised an eyebrow. “Oh? So now you care about my driving?”
Beth gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? What is that supposed to mean?”
Viv smirked. “It means I’ve seen you scrolling through your phone, playing DJ, eating snacks, and somehow managing to text at the same time while we’re on the road.”
Beth shrugged, grinning. “Multi-tasking.”
Viv chuckled, shaking her head. “Reckless.”
Beth nudged her playfully. “Anyway, where are we going?”
Viv’s eyes flicked toward her before returning to the road. “Told you. It’s a surprise.”
Beth sighed, rolling her eyes. “You and your surprises. Is it, like, fancy fancy? Should I have worn a ball gown?”
Viv snorted. “No ball gown necessary. But…” She gave her a once-over, a small smile playing on her lips. “You do look really, really good.”
Beth felt her cheeks heat up again. Damn it, Viv.
“Thanks,” she muttered, trying to sound casual. “You’re not too bad yourself.”
Viv grinned. “Not too bad?”
Beth smirked. “Yeah, I mean—I’ve seen better.”
Viv gasped in mock offense. “Beth Mead, are you telling me I went through all this effort, wore my best trousers, tied my hair back perfectly, knocked on your actual door instead of texting from the car—”
“Oh my god, okay! You look very good, happy?”
Viv smirked. “Very.”
Beth rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop herself from smiling.
For the rest of the drive, they fell into easy conversation, like they always did.
They talked about training—how Steph kept messing around so much Jonas threatened to make her run extra laps, how Jen tried to convince the staff to get a coffee machine installed near the bench, how Beth almost tripped over a cone during drills but somehow played it off like she meant to do it (Viv did not buy that story).
At some point, Beth asked, “So, why this place? What made you pick it?”
Viv’s fingers tapped against the wheel again. “Dunno. Just wanted to take you somewhere nice.”
Beth turned toward her, studying her expression. Viv wasn’t looking at her, but there was a softness there, something intentional.
Beth’s chest felt warm.
“Thanks, Viv,” she said, quieter this time.
Viv glanced at her briefly, and there it was again—the way her gaze lingered, just for a second longer than necessary.
Beth felt her pulse quicken.
A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of a small, cozy-looking restaurant tucked away on a quiet street. It wasn’t over-the-top fancy, but it had that intimate, warm atmosphere that made it feel special.
Beth raised an eyebrow. “Okay, this is actually a really nice place.”
Viv smirked, stepping out of the car. “You doubted me?”
Beth grinned. “Always.”
Viv laughed, shaking her head as they walked inside.
The inside was just as charming as the outside—warm lighting, small tables, soft background music playing. Beth had no idea how Viv even found this place, but she kind of loved it.
The hostess led them to a table near the window, and Viv, being disgustingly sweet, pulled out Beth’s chair before sitting down herself.
Beth raised an eyebrow. “Look at you. A real gentlewoman.”
Viv smirked. “Only the best for you.”
Oh.
Beth felt that one.
She quickly picked up the menu before Viv could see how flustered she was.
They scanned their options for a minute before Beth glanced up. “Okay, be honest—are we actually looking at the menu or are we both just pretending while we decide if we’re getting wine?”
Viv grinned. “I’m definitely pretending.”
Beth laughed. “Thought so. Wine?”
Viv nodded. “Wine.”
A few minutes later, after ordering a bottle, Beth leaned forward slightly, resting her arms on the table.
“So. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”
Viv tilted her head, thinking. “Something you don’t know?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. Something random.”
Viv tapped a finger against the table. “Okay. I can play the piano.”
Beth’s mouth dropped open. “Shut up. You can not.”
Viv grinned. “I can. Used to take lessons when I was younger.”
Beth looked genuinely impressed. “Wait, so if I randomly got a piano right now, you could just play something?”
Viv shrugged. “Yeah, probably.”
Beth gasped. “Okay, that’s actually amazing. How did I not know this?”
Viv smirked. “You never asked.”
Beth shook her head. “I feel betrayed that you kept this from me.”
Viv laughed. “Alright, your turn. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”
Beth thought for a second. “Okay… I used to have a massive crush on David Beckham when I was younger.”
Viv snorted. “Obviously.”
Beth gasped. “Excuse me?”
Viv grinned. “Beth, every football-loving kid in England had a crush on Beckham at some point.”
Beth crossed her arms. “It was serious. I had posters and everything.”
Viv laughed, eyes crinkling at the corners. “I believe you.”
Their wine arrived, and the conversation flowed just as easily as it always did.
They talked about childhood memories, embarrassing stories (Viv definitely laughed too hard when Beth told her about accidentally kicking a ball through a neighbor’s window when she was 12), and their dream vacations.
Beth didn’t know if it was the wine or just the fact that she was so comfortable with Viv, but at one point, she found herself just watching her.
The way her hands moved as she spoke.
The way she smiled when Beth made a dumb joke.
The way her eyes softened when she looked at her.
Beth had been nervous about tonight. She wanted it to go well. She wanted it to mean something.
And as she sat there, drinking wine and laughing with Viv, she realized—
It already did.
Beth leaned back in her chair, stretching slightly. “Okay, I won’t lie—that was really good.”
Viv smirked, taking the last sip of her wine. “Told you I picked a good place.”
Beth rolled her eyes but smiled. “Alright, alright. I’ll give you credit for this one.”
As she reached for her bag to grab her card, she noticed Viv was already handing her own to the waiter.
Beth’s eyes narrowed. “Oh no, you don’t.”
Viv just raised an eyebrow, completely unfazed. “Oh yes, I do.”
Beth shook her head. “Viv, c’mon, let me at least split it—”
“Nope.” Viv leaned back, looking way too pleased with herself. “I asked you out. I pay.”
Beth huffed. “That’s not how it works.”
Viv tilted her head. “Pretty sure that’s exactly how it works.”
Beth sighed, watching as the waiter returned with Viv’s card. “Fine. But next time, I’m paying.”
Viv didn’t even argue. Just smiled. Next time.
Beth’s stomach flipped.
As they stepped out of the restaurant, the night air was cool but not too cold, the streets quiet aside from the occasional car passing by. Viv shoved her hands into her pockets, glancing over at Beth.
“Want to walk for a bit?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. That’d be nice.”
They strolled down toward the river, their footsteps slow, unhurried.
The Thames stretched out beside them, the city lights reflecting against the water. It was peaceful—the kind of night that felt like it should mean something.
Beth took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I didn’t know you could play the piano.”
Viv chuckled. “You’re still stuck on that?”
Beth nudged her lightly. “Obviously. It’s a major betrayal.”
Viv smirked. “Well, now you know. Maybe one day I’ll prove it.”
Beth raised an eyebrow. “That sounds dangerously close to a promise.”
Viv shrugged, looking at her out of the corner of her eye. “Guess you’ll have to stick around to find out.”
Oh.
Beth’s stomach flipped again.
For a few moments, they walked in comfortable silence, the cool breeze brushing against their skin.
Then Viv spoke, quieter this time.
“I was nervous tonight.”
Beth turned her head slightly, surprised. “You? Nervous?”
Viv let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “Yeah. It’s been… a while since I’ve done this. A proper date, I mean.”
Beth studied her. “Well… for what it’s worth, I think you did pretty well.”
Viv smiled at that. “Yeah?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. I had a really good time.”
“Have you… been on any other dates since—” She hesitated, not sure if she should say it. But it was there, unspoken. Since Lisa.
Viv didn’t flinch, didn’t tense up. She just exhaled through her nose, shaking her head.
“No.”
Beth felt something shift inside her. She hadn’t expected that.
Viv glanced over, eyes flickering between Beth’s face and the pavement as she continued.
“I don’t really—” She paused, searching for the words. “I don’t go out with someone unless it feels like it matters.”
Beth’s breath caught slightly.
Like it matters.
She swallowed, suddenly very aware of the space between them. Or rather, the lack of space.
Viv must have noticed the way Beth had gone quiet because she let out a soft chuckle, running a hand over her face.
“Guess that makes me sound a little intense, huh?”
Beth shook her head, voice quieter than she meant it to be. “No. It doesn’t.”
Viv studied her for a second before looking away, a small, almost shy smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
“I just… I don’t really see the point in casual things. Not anymore.”
Beth felt her pulse quicken. “And this?” she asked, almost hesitant. “Tonight?”
Viv stopped walking again, turning to her fully.
“This matters.”
Beth felt those words. Deep in her chest, in the spaces she hadn’t even realized were waiting for something real.
The way Viv was looking at her now—steady, sure—it made Beth’s stomach flip in a way she wasn’t used to.
She licked her lips, trying to ignore the way Viv’s eyes flickered to them for just a second.
“Good,” Beth murmured, a small smile playing at her lips. “Because it matters to me too.”
Viv exhaled, something relieved in her expression, something that told Beth this was different for her too.
They stood there for a moment longer, neither of them moving, as if stretching out the night just a little bit more.
Viv glanced down at the pavement, like she was thinking about something. Then she stopped walking, turning slightly toward Beth.
Beth stopped too, suddenly hyper-aware of how quiet it had gotten, how close they were.
She could feel the warmth of Viv’s body next to hers, could see the way the city lights reflected in her eyes.
For a second, Viv looked like she might say something.
Instead, she just looked at Beth.
Beth felt her breath hitch, her heart pounding against her ribs.
And then—
Viv leaned in.
Beth’s heart jumped.
But instead of a kiss, Viv’s lips landed gently on Beth’s forehead.
Beth blinked, caught completely off guard.
It was so soft. So unexpectedly sweet.
Viv pulled back slightly, her hand brushing against Beth’s arm, lingering for just a moment longer than necessary.
Beth let out a small breath, a quiet laugh, trying to steady herself.
“Okay,” she murmured, teasing but affectionate, “I see how it is. Going for the forehead first.”
Viv chuckled, stepping back slightly but not too far. “Gotta keep you on your toes.”
Beth shook her head, smiling so much it hurt.
They started walking again, this time a little slower.
Beth let the moment settle in her chest, warmth spreading through her like a quiet kind of happiness.
Yeah.
She wanted more of this.
The night air was crisp as they walked back toward Viv’s car, the easy silence between them feeling different now. Heavier. Like they were both feeling something they weren’t ready to put into words yet.
Beth slid into the passenger seat, her body still warm from the way Viv had looked at her back by the river.
As Viv started the engine, Beth glanced down, her eyes catching Viv’s hand resting on the gearshift.
Strong, steady fingers.
Beth let out a quiet breath, watching as Viv shifted slightly, like she was debating something.
Then—her hand twitched, as if she was about to move it toward Beth’s leg—but she stopped herself.
Beth smirked to herself.
She reached over, taking Viv’s hand and placing it on her thigh like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Viv froze, her knuckles brushing against the fabric of Beth’s dress, fingers curling slightly like she wasn’t sure if she should move.
Beth hummed, glancing at her. “That’s better, isn’t it?”
Viv let out a slow breath, shaking her head with an amused smile. “You’re unbelievable.”
Beth grinned. “Yeah? And yet you like me anyway.”
Viv squeezed her thigh gently, her lips twitching. “Unfortunately.”
Beth laughed, the sound warm and light, and Viv’s hand didn’t move away.
As they drove, they kept talking, voices quieter now, like the night had settled into something heavier, something that neither of them really wanted to disturb.
Viv stole a glance at Beth.
Beth noticed.
She raised an eyebrow, smirking. “See something you like?”
Viv huffed a small laugh, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”
Beth leaned her head back against the seat, watching Viv as the streetlights passed over her face, highlighting her sharp jawline, the way her lips pressed together like she was holding something back.
Beth licked her lips. “You can look, you know. I don’t mind.”
Viv gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Behave.”
Beth grinned, leaning slightly toward her. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Viv shook her head again, but Beth caught the way her fingers tightened on her thigh for just a second.
When they finally pulled up outside Beth’s place, neither of them moved.
Viv rested her elbow on the steering wheel, turning slightly toward Beth, who was already looking at her.
Beth smiled, slow and easy. “You’re thinking about something.”
Viv tilted her head. “Am I?”
Beth nodded. “Yeah. And I’m thinking…” She tapped a finger against her chin, dramatic. “That maybe you don’t want to leave yet.”
Viv huffed a quiet laugh, her eyes flickering to Beth’s lips before quickly looking away. “Beth.”
Beth loved how flustered Viv got.
She leaned a little closer, teasing. “What? Am I wrong?”
Viv swallowed, her fingers twitching against Beth’s thigh again.
Beth smirked. “That’s what I thought.”
Viv exhaled through her nose, eyes flicking between Beth’s and the door. Like she was debating something.
And Beth?
Beth was done waiting.
She leaned in.
Viv barely had a second to react before Beth’s lips brushed against hers, slow at first, teasing, testing.
And then—
Viv made a sound in the back of her throat, something deep and desperate, and just like that, the last bit of self-control she had snapped.
She grabbed Beth’s waist, pulling her in, kissing her back with everything she had.
Beth let out a small gasp, her hands immediately tangling into Viv’s hair, tugging her closer.
Viv groaned softly, her fingers digging into Beth’s hips, like she needed to feel all of her at once.
Beth shifted, climbing onto Viv’s lap, her dress sliding up slightly as she straddled her, pressing herself against her completely.
Viv let out a shaky breath, her hands running up Beth’s thighs, fingertips brushing bare skin as they moved up to grip her hips.
Beth moaned softly into the kiss as she reached for the buttons of Viv’s polo, fingers fumbling slightly as she started undoing them.
Viv’s hands tightened on her waist, pulling her closer, her mouth moving slow, deep, deliberate against Beth’s.
The heat between them grew fast, uncontrolled, lips parting, tongues meeting, breathing heavy.
Beth felt lightheaded, felt completely wrapped up in Viv, like she never wanted to pull away.
But eventually, they had to.
They broke apart, foreheads touching, breathing hard.
Beth let out a breathless laugh, her hands still resting on Viv’s now half-unbuttoned polo.
Viv’s grip on her hadn’t loosened.
“Jesus,” Beth murmured, a grin tugging at her swollen lips.
Viv chuckled, voice rough, breathless. “Yeah.”
Beth smirked, brushing her nose against Viv’s. “You’re not very good at taking things slow, are you?”
Viv let out a short, breathy laugh, her fingers squeezing Beth’s hips. “Not when you look at me like that.”
Beth smiled, trailing her fingers down Viv’s collarbone, deliberately slow. “Like what?”
Viv tilted her head back slightly, exhaling. “Like you know exactly what you’re doing to me.”
Beth grinned. “Maybe I do.”
Viv shook her head, still breathless. “Impossible.”
Beth laughed, leaning in to press one last, soft kiss against Viv’s lips before pulling back.
She sighed dramatically. “I suppose I should actually go inside now, huh?”
Viv exhaled, squeezing her thigh one last time. “Yeah. Before we make bad decisions.”
Beth smirked, leaning close to brush her lips just barely against Viv’s jaw.
“Too late for that,” she murmured, then climbed off Viv’s lap with a wink.
Viv groaned, tilting her head back against the seat. “You’re gonna kill me.”
Beth laughed, opening the car door. “Goodnight, Viv.”
Viv let out a slow breath, watching her go.
“Goodnight, Beth.”
Beth walked toward her door, grinning the entire way, she stumbled into her apartment, closing the door behind her and leaning against it, breath still uneven.
She ran a hand through her hair, heart pounding, her lips still tingling from the way Viv had kissed her—the way Viv had lost control.
She let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. Holy shit.
She had kissed Viv.
And Viv had fully made out with her in the car.
Beth Mead had expected a cute first kiss, maybe a bit of hesitation, a lingering moment of tension—but no. Viv had lost all patience. Had pulled her into her lap. Had gripped her hips like she never wanted to let go.
Beth covered her face with her hands, groaning. That was not the Viv she had expected tonight.
And she definitely wasn’t complaining.
She pulled out her phone, the screen lighting up instantly.
Steph & Jen.
Both had been blowing up her messages.
Group Chat
Steph: BETH WHERE ARE YOU
Jen: HELLO??? DATE UPDATE NOW
Steph: I’m actually dying please tell me she kissed you.
Jen: I need every detail or I’m blocking you.
Beth snorted, shaking her head as she quickly typed back.
Beth: Relax, I literally just got home.
Beth: Also… she did more than kiss me.
Steph: ????????????
Jen: ??????
Steph: EXCUSE ME? EXPLAIN NOW.
Beth bit her lip, grinning as she typed.
Beth: So we were in the car, right? Just talking, whatever, flirting a bit. And then I got tired of waiting, so I leaned in to kiss her.
Beth: And tell me why this woman completely LOST CONTROL and pulled me onto her lap??!
Steph: SHUT UP
Jen: SHUT UP RIGHT NOW
Beth: NO I’M SERIOUS. She fully grabbed my hips and everything. Hands up my thighs, unbuttoning her polo, full-on make out. I swear she almost lost all self-control.
Steph: OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
Jen: I DID NOT EXPECT VIV MIEDEMA TO HAVE GAME LIKE THAT.
Steph: WHY ARE YOU STILL TEXTING US AND NOT STILL IN THE CAR WITH HER???
Beth rolled her eyes, laughing.
Beth: Because I am a woman of class, Steph.
Beth: Also, if we kept going, I’m like 80% sure we’d have actually done something in the car.
Jen: ????? BETH
Steph: YOU HAVE TO GO ON ANOTHER DATE. IMMEDIATELY.
Jen: Not me expecting a cute little peck and instead getting an entire novella about Viv manhandling you.
Beth grinned so hard her face hurt.
Beth: I am actually in shock. I did not know she had that in her.
Steph: WE DIDN’T EITHER. SHE WAS HIDING HER POWER LEVEL.
Jen: When’s the next date??
Beth was about to type back when her screen lit up with a new notification.
Viv.
Her stomach flipped.
Text from Viv
Viv: Made it home.
Viv: I think I forgot how to drive at one point because I was too busy thinking about you on my lap. So thanks for that.
Beth let out a short laugh, throwing herself onto her bed.
She immediately typed back.
Beth: Wow, so you admit you lost control?
Viv: Absolutely. No shame. Would do it again.
Beth stared at her screen, heart racing.
Beth: I’d let you.
The three dots appeared almost immediately. Then disappeared. Then came back.
Finally—
Viv: Beth.
Viv: You’re going to kill me.
Beth grinned, biting her lip.
Beth: Goodnight, Viv.
Viv: Goodnight, Beth.
Beth set her phone down, staring at the ceiling.
She had no idea where this was going next.
But she couldn’t wait to find out.