Maid For Each Other: Swap Service Part 2

Alison Rey paused beside the cleaning cart while Nina Elle worked her way through Marie McCray's living room. Nina had already spilled coffee that morning on her own kitchen table—Lilys parent mess—and now the girl was unloading about hers. "Marie never shows up when it matters," Alison said, eyes fixed on the floor. "She treats me like an afterthought. You show up for Lily every single time." Nina wrung out her cloth. "I show up and I still screw up. Ask her." She set the cloth aside and touched Alison's wrist. Soft skin. Warm pulse. Alison answered by leaning in, pressing quick lips to Nina's mouth. The kiss tasted of cherry gum and hesitation. Nina pulled back half an inch. "They're both still here, somewhere," she whispered. Alison's hand slid to the small of her back anyway, pulled her closer. Sheets rustled in a far bedroom; footsteps echoed down the upstairs hall. Nina felt the heat sink lower, felt the knot in her stomach loosen. Marie could wait. Lily could wait. Right now, right here, she tasted like relief, and she wasn't about to let it slip past.