DESPERATE & DIVINE

19. The Art of Being Undercover

Tonight, while some of the girls head out to explore, a few of us have opted for a cosy movie night in Beth's room—luckily, she's sharing it with Steph, which means they've landed the spacious family suite. By the time I arrive, both double beds are already packed: Beth, Viv, and Vic are squeezed onto one, while Kyra, Steph, and Kim are comfortably sprawled out on the other. Wally and Leah have managed to snag the sofa, a blanket draped over their laps, and as Beth waves me in, my eyes immediately lock with Leah's. For a split second, it feels like an intense round of musical chairs as I try to figure out where to sit.

"Sit with me, bae," Kyra says, patting the tiny spot next to her with a mischievous grin. "I'll be the big spoon," she adds teasingly. I roll my eyes, laughing at her antics, as Steph gives her a light-hearted scolding.

Then, Wally scoots over, patting the space between her and Leah on the sofa. Leah's gaze is locked on mine, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes as if this had been orchestrated all along. I hesitate, feeling a bit flustered as I slot myself in between them. Maybe it's because we've already been so intimate that the proximity feels charged, almost like everyone else could somehow sense what's between us. Leah pulls the blanket over us, and the warmth of her closeness makes every nerve ending buzz.

Beth cues up the movie, and I make an effort to chat with Wally, hoping to steady my nerves. Leah's hands rest innocently atop the blanket as she talks with us, but her thigh pressed against mine is impossible to ignore, the pressure steady but makes my thoughts spiral. All I can think about is how later tonight, we'll be able to slip away, alone, and finally give in to all this pent-up sexual tension that's been building all day.

"Right, don't chatter all the way through the film, you three," Beth calls out, wagging the remote like a schoolteacher, before hopping back on her bed.

I shoot Leah a smirk, leaning in close enough that only she can hear. "I don't have the heart to tell her I'm not actually here for movie night," I whisper, and the warmth of her closeness makes me giddy.

Leah's foot taps mine lightly, her voice dropping low and teasing. "Me neither, but if we keep talking, I reckon she'll kick us out."

The opening credits start to roll, and the flickering light of the TV catches in Leah's eyes, reflecting that familiar sparkle. "Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing," I murmur back, the words practically vibrating with the suggestion of sneaking off somewhere just the two of us.

Her lips quirk into a smile, the corners lifting into a grin that's all mischief and heat, and for a moment, I'm lost in her—until my attention shifts to the screen, and I realise what film Beth has put on.

"Oh my god, I fucking love this film!" I exclaim as the unmistakable green ogre makes his grand entrance. "Great choice, Beth!" I add, leaning closer into Leah, the combination of trying to get a better view and the excuse to be near her proving irresistible.

"Your girlfriend chose it," Kyra pipes up with a teasing grin, nodding at Leah. "She practically demanded we watch it."

"Shh!" Beth scolds, trying to maintain order, and I can't help but stick my tongue out at Kyra. She winks back, looking far too pleased with herself about Leah and me sitting so close, like she's shipping us more than we are.

Feeling daring, I slide my hand under the blanket, finding Leah's. When I give her fingers a gentle squeeze, she intertwines them with mine, rubbing her thumb in soothing, lazy circles over the back of my hand. She pulls the blanket up a bit higher, hiding our joined hands from view, and I have to work hard to hold back the ridiculous smile fighting to take over my face.

Not because of Shrek—though that helps. It's all her.

~

Secret handholds are quickly abandoned halfway through the film as everyone shifts around to get comfier. I glance over at the bed and stifle a laugh—Viv, Vic, and Beth all look like a pile of contented lionesses sprawled across the pillows, limbs tangled in a cosy, haphazard heap.