The Social Experiment

by Star_m00n

Summary:

When Carla invades Lisa's privacy and sets her up on a dating app, Lisa flies off the handle, but soon turns the tables and plays Carla at her own game - suggesting she allow her, to set her up too. Being each others wing women, they navigate up to a first date, but Lisa needs to bail and who else but Carla to rely upon?

Then, The Social Experiment comes into play where Carla makes another suggestion. Surely it can't be worse than setting Lisa up on a dating app, can it?

AU with Canon Divergence.

Fake Dating Fic—Slow build up to take a different spin.

Chapter 1: “Feel free to interfere in my life whenever you want.”

Notes:

I’ve been working on this for a while and have quite a backlog of chapters.

Some chapters are shorter or longer than others and certainly some shorter than what I’ve written in my other fics, but I’m struggling at the moment with my own demand of writing longer chapters and so this has been both a relief and a joy to entertain.

I hope you enjoy.

Carla Connor is a strong, independent businesswoman. A force of nature to be precise. The proud owner of a lingerie factory, Underworld, on Coronation Street that specialises in only the best quality underwear Manchester has to offer.

Carla is single, and with the ink barely dry on her divorce papers, having just signed the them following her split from her husband, Peter Barlow, a year ago, she now finally feels free.

It was a strange yet liberating feeling, and yet she knew she would spiral after signing them. That's why she'd invited Lisa to The Rovers this evening to wallow over a shared bottle of red wine. 

Once upon a time, behind Carla’s incredible success, she had thought that her and Peter were meant for each other, as if no matter what life threw at them, they were always thrown back together. Just as the stars belonged to the sky; like the whispers belonged to the wind; their beating hearts, belonged to each other. 

They had married. Twice. Consequently, they are now divorced. Twice. It was a heartbreaking yet pivotal moment in their life. Peter had pleaded Carla not to do this. But knowing that this wasn’t a declaration of ‘I don’t love you anymore’, but an ‘I love you so much, I have to let you go.’ Carla had. She’d turned and walked away, leaving Peter at the station. Willing herself to keep going. Willing herself not to turn around. His heart broke when she didn’t. Until she did. 

Yet, he was gone. 

---

Lisa Swain is a strong, independent Detective Sergeant who transferred to Weatherfield Police Station after moving out of her family home and away from the area, with her teenage daughter, Betsy Swain.

Lisa’s life is woven with guilt and grief, widowed after the death of her wife, PC Rebecca Swain, who was killed in the line of duty three years ago.

Lisa and Betsy's relationship could be described as ‘rocky,’ to say the least. Especially after Betsy's way of dealing with her own grief was to punish the one thing in her life that remained a constant—Lisa. 

Dealing with being a single mum, whilst navigating a tricky teenager around the complexities and demanding nature that her job required of her was sometimes a lot to handle, and so an evening in The Rovers with Carla was quite often just what she needed.

---

Lisa and Carla have been friends for six months, although they haven’t always seen eye to eye, especially after Carla felt that DS Swain spent most of her time wrongfully arresting those closest to Carla, while investigating the disappearance of Lauren Bolton.

Carla perceived Lisa’s extreme dedication to her job an unwelcome intrusion on her life when the hardest blow came: arresting the man who Carla deemed more than a father: Roy Cropper.

He was arrested in conjunction with Lauren’s disappearance, and Carla fought and fought to prove his innocence, even to the extent of having Bobby Crawford—her nephew—arrested for making a false statement in a bid to try and free Roy.

Carla’s fight for Roy’s innocence was relentless. Sparking tension between her and Lisa, who was simply doing her duty. 

For anyone on the outside looking in, it was rather a mess. But for Carla, she was doing everything she could to free Roy, and for DS Swain, Carla was doing everything she could to make the investigation harder and essentially waste police time.

However, eventually, Roy was freed, much to Carla’s delight, although he wasn’t pleased to see her.

Roy essentially wrote Carla off, out of his life, for good. But with a few wise words from DS Swain—or perhaps it was Lisa this time—they were back on track, and Carla was ever so grateful to Lisa. Maybe that's when Carla caught feelings, but truthfully even she herself didn't know and filed that one away. 

Then came a flicker of understanding between them both. It truly marked the beginning of their strong bond, strong connection, and strong friendship, but no one could have guessed what was to come.

---

Lisa and Carla were spending one of their evenings together in The Rovers, sharing a bottle of red wine after each had a long, hard, stressful day at work.

The atmosphere between them shifted as the comfortable silence enveloped them both, each deep in thought. Comfortable in one another’s company.

Lisa’s mind drifted to the chaos of events that had unfolded during her day, relieved to be drinking away the stress that she carried with the job.

Carla, on the other hand, was grateful to be in good company with a decent bottle of red after having dealt with a particularly challenging client at Underworld, who seemed determined to push every button they possibly could.

The stress of navigating the negotiation had almost made Carla send the client packing, and she was now relieved to have found solace in the presence of Lisa—and the wine. 

Carla looked up from her glass, catching Lisa’s eye, and offered a small knowing smile.

They exchanged general chit-chat about their days and their differences. The uptight scumbags that Carla dealt with made Lisa chuckle—almost nothing in comparison to the scumbags that Lisa dealt with on a daily basis. But neither would argue about who had it easier, as if they mutually understood and respected each other in a way that they could never compare.

“Do you mind if we talk about something deeper?” Carla suggested, daring to make eye contact with Lisa as she risked suggesting what had been troubling her. “Like, about being single and all?”

Lisa saw a little pain etched on Carla’s face. Something she didn’t quite recognise. “Yeah, of course we can. Carla, you can talk to me about anything you’re thinking about. Surely you know that by now?” Lisa let out a soft chuckle, her expression warm toward her friend.

It was true; they should be able to talk about anything by now. They’d certainly surpassed any moment in which deemed to be professional or unprofessional.

It wasn’t just the fact that they lived in the same area anymore, or that they were occasionally brought together with Betsy working at the factory now. No—their lives were entwined more than they knew.

Carla took a sip of her wine. “I’ve just been thinking about how much I miss that connection with someone, you know? Like, even just the little things.”

“I get it.” Lisa looked down at her wine glass as she played with the stem with her fingers. “I just don’t miss all the hurt that comes with losing someone you love,” she admitted deeply. 

“God, why am I always such a mess?” Lisa tried to hold back her tears, her eyes glossy.

“You’re not a mess, Lisa. At least not to me anyway.” Carla reached out to grab Lisa’s hand.

“I think you have a lot to offer.” Carla smiled warmly before retracting her own hand and taking a sip of her wine.

Lisa blushed, finding it hard to believe.

She couldn’t help it. Carla was being kind to her, and Lisa was emotionally vulnerable. Yes, Carla was an attractive woman, but she was also straight, as she kept reminding herself and countless times had been reminded by the temperamental mood on her teenage daughter too.

“I’ve got a proposition for you,” Carla suggested, her eyes sparkling and a playful smile meeting her lips.

“Oh God, this can’t be good,” Lisa chuckled, raising an eyebrow at Carla.

“Give me your phone.” Carla held out her hand, more of a playful demand than a question.

Lisa raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What for?”

“Do you trust me?” Carla asked gently, still holding her hand out, leaning in a little toward the blonde, locking eyes.

Lisa didn’t respond but rather skeptically handed her phone over after unlocking it for her.

She kept her eyes on Carla the whole time, watching her fingers dance over the screen with practiced ease.

She was intrigued, to say the least, and a little frightened. Lisa was sure that whatever Carla was up to, she’d hate, as she began to feel uneasy, edgy, and a little frustrated at not being in control. 

“Carla, seriously, what are you up to?” Lisa inquired, her tone a mix of confusion and intrigue. But Carla only waved her off, absorbed in her mission as her fingers continued to do all the work, her brain racing as she was determined to finish whatever she had started before Lisa dared to snatch the phone back from her.

Moments later, she leaned back, an air of satisfaction surrounding her as she looked up smugly at Lisa. “There, all done.” Carla offered Lisa her phone back.

Lisa grabbed her phone, her initial surprise quickly morphing into irritation and anger. “What did you just do?” Lisa asked, her frustration evident in her tone.

She was being less than friendly.

She was fuming.

With a lighthearted chuckle, Carla replied, “I just signed you up on a dating app.” Carla shrugged innocently. “Just a bit of fun, you know?”

Lisa felt a wave of mixed emotions—the anger bubbling at the surface—but the playful challenge in Carla’s eyes made it hard to remain upset.

She trusted Carla with her feelings and her life, and this was the last thing she expected. Carla had crossed a line and Lisa needed to make sure she knew about it. 

“You did what? You can’t just take charge of my life like that!” Lisa’s voice rose as a few stares began to head in their direction. Lisa became increasingly angered by the fact that Carla couldn’t see how this was totally out of order.

With an unconcerned shrug, Carla grinned. “Why not? You literally said to me a few days ago, ‘feel free to interfere in my life whenever you want.’ That’s exactly what I’m doing,” Carla replied, a little frustrated now at how Lisa couldn’t see the playful side.

Lisa’s expression remained unimpressed as she grabbed her coat, sliding out of the booth to leave.

“Lisa, where are you going?” Carla asked as gently as she could, reaching out to the blonde, who turned to avoid Carla’s grasp, intent on leaving the situation as quickly as possible.

“Just overworked and overtired, that’s what I am. So I’m gonna go—”

“What?” Carla questioned, interrupting her.

“Yeah. I’ll see you later,” Lisa replied.

Just like that their evening shifted. The weight of unspoken works and unresolved tension pressed down onto Carla as she felt herself sinking.  

Chapter 2: “You’re such a good mate.”

Carla wasn’t having any of it, though, as she too got up and followed Lisa outside The Rovers and onto the cobbled street. 

“Lisa, wait. You said it yourself when I got you and Betsy those festival tickets… that I’m such a good mate. Do you really think I’d do anything to hurt you? Because I promise you, that was never my intention,” Carla offered as she scanned the blonde’s face to find even a flicker of guilt for walking out and leaving her like that.

Lisa’s expression softened as she rolled her eyes. She knew Carla was right; this strong, incredible, kind, and caring woman had done nothing but be there for her since she’d arrived in Weatherfield. And even though at times Lisa had thought Carla must hate her—there she always was, with that unwavering smile, that big heart, and that awfully big mouth that she just couldn’t seem to get enough of.

Lisa crossed her arms defensively, but her eyebrows arched in playful reproach.

“If you’re so eager to set me up, then it’s only fair that I get to do the same for you. Hand over your phone!” She resented the way she couldn’t stay mad at Carla for long; she liked her too much for that.

Part of the reason Lisa didn’t want to date was that she didn’t do casual; the other part was that since this woman stood right here, since this beautiful, formidable woman had that incident with the kid on the bike and the brush with the law, Lisa had developed her own feelings for Carla.

Straight Carla.

And truthfully, Lisa didn’t want anyone else. Not that she’d ever tell anyone. Admitting it to herself had been enough, but it was true. Lisa had feelings for Carla, and that made this situation a whole lot more difficult.

Carla faltered, her playful demeanour dimming for a moment. But the determined look on Lisa’s face was enough to sway her. The way she stood there defensively, but how her expression differed. How she saw that playful sparkle in Lisa’s eye that she’d grown oh so fond of.

With a reluctant sigh, she surrendered her phone, fully aware of Lisa’s determination. It was hard to say no to her, whether as Lisa or as DS Swain.

Carla too had her own feelings for Lisa; God knows whenever they started. It was all pretty much a blur to Carla, but ever since it felt like Lisa had leaned in slightly to kiss her and they’d had their almost moment—almost—Carla couldn’t imagine kissing anyone else.

But she knew Lisa didn’t feel the same; Lisa had made that quite clear. The words “you’re such a good mate” reverberated in her mind on repeat, and so she knew she had to get past these feelings for Lisa somehow. Especially since they’d worked so hard to get back on track. Lisa’s friendship meant too much to Carla to lose.

“Just so you know,” Carla cautioned, “I’m only allowing this so you can find someone special, not for my own benefit.”

“Oh, you’re in for a delightful surprise,” Lisa retorted with a smirk, diving into the task of crafting Carla’s profile to attract both men and women.

If it was a game Carla wanted to play, then a game she would get.

Once she was satisfied with her work, Lisa stood back, pride radiating from her. “Now we’re officially in this together. From the initial swipes to the awkward first dates, we’ll navigate this journey together.”

“Together, huh?” Carla mused, her playful spirit rekindling. “I suppose that means we’ll be each other’s wing-women through this whole terrible idea.” Carla smirked.

“Absolutely,” Lisa agreed, her earlier annoyance disappearing in the warmth of Carla. “We’ll lean on one another through all the awkward moments. Together, we’ll face the… uncharted waters.”

Uncharted waters, alright, Carla mumbled under her breath.

And just like that, what had begun as a lighthearted intrusion transformed into a shared adventure for both of them.

Their friendship blossomed further as they embraced the excitement of stepping into new territory side by side.

Perhaps it would be their silent way of both moving on from their feelings for each other, despite neither one knowing how the other felt.

It too was something dangerous. They were both playing with fire. It was only a matter of time before they'd get burned.

Chapter 3: “What on earth am I doing?”

Notes:

Here’s the weekly update for this one 🙂

Having some trouble updating and posting on AO3 tonight, but there is two more of my stories being updated tonight 🥰

Once Lisa arrived home, she settled on the sofa with a glass of red in hand and couldn’t help but want to glance at the profile Carla had created for her.

As she opened the dating app and scrolled through her profile, she first came across the photos that Carla had picked out for her.

The images captured Lisa in her moments of genuine joy. She remembered when and where all the photos had been taken and who was the reason for her smile on the other side of the camera, that no one else could see—some had been Bex, some Betsy, and some even Carla had captured.

A wave of emotion washed over Lisa as she realised the person Carla had put on display: the confident and warm Lisa; the vibrant and approachable Lisa; the strong and independent Lisa.

Lisa felt a sense of gratitude as she admired how Carla had managed to highlight her best features and moments.

How this woman, whom she’d known for well over a year, but had only really gotten to know properly in the last six months, was able to capture the real Lisa was playing on Lisa’s mind. Was she making a huge mistake? Only Bex had ever known the real Lisa.

What on earth am I doing? Lisa whispered to herself.

Moving swiftly on, trying to shake the mix of emotions and confusing feelings swirling around in her head, her fingers drifted to the “About Me” section.

“My friends would say I’m strong, confident, and independent. I believe in living life to the fullest. I’m passionate about what I do, and I care about the people closest to me. I’m a good listener who wears her heart on her sleeve. I’m loyal, trustworthy, and enjoy a glass of red wine and good company.”

Lisa’s eyes became glossy and started to tear up at what Carla had written about her.

It filled Lisa with a sense of pride and validation. Was this really how Carla saw her? She thought to herself.

Lisa always knew she was strong and independent, but reading it from someone else gave her a sense of empowerment she hadn’t felt before.

It was as if Carla was reminding her of her worth and encouraging her to embrace her qualities unapologetically.

She thought back to earlier in the pub; did Carla really say what she thought she’d heard?

“You’re not a mess, Lisa. At least not to me, anyway.” Then Carla had reached out to touch her hand, going on to say, “I think you have a lot to offer.”

Did Carla really say that? Really feel that? What if this was more than just—

Lisa knew she needed to stop and then all of a sudden, found a notification pop up on her profile: Penny, late 40s, accountant. Tall, brunette…

Would it be safe to say Lisa had a type? Bex too had been taller than her, brunette… Carla was…

Lisa stopped herself mid-thought as a message came through from Penny.

Penny: Hey there, Lisa! If you could be any fictional character for the day, who would you choose?

Lisa thought Penny had character, for sure. It certainly beat all the mundane messages she’d heard her friends have to deal with over the years. The standard ‘hi’ or ‘wuu2.’

Lisa was certainly grateful she’d never needed to entertain a dating app before. Meeting Bex through work. She preferred the more traditional way of meeting someone in person, wooing them.

Maybe this was a huge mistake. But, oh what the hell. Lisa found herself replying. 

Lisa: Hey Penny. That’s a fun question, but um, honestly, I’m not too sure. I’m not really into all that fictional stuff, you know? Just trying to keep it real.

Keep it real? Seriously, Lisa! What were you thinking sending that? She muttered to herself under her breath, thinking she’d completely blown it, but was surprised when another message from Penny came through.

Penny: I totally get that, Lisa, but imagine the fun you could have! You could be a superhero saving the day or a sassy detective who solves all the mysteries! Go on, I dare you to give it a shot!

She was insistent to say the least. Lisa liked that. A woman who went after what she wanted. Carla had gone after what she wanted; justice for Roy. Her friendship from Lisa.

Lisa too had been like that once upon a time, until these feelings for Carla had spiralled out of control. It was one thing to fall for a straight woman in her younger days, but in her late 40’s? What was she having? A mid-life crisis or something? Lisa found herself replying again. 

Lisa: Well, let’s just say I’d go for something a lot less dramatic! I’m a real-life detective who solves real-life mysteries, so it’d be nice to take a break from that once in a while, especially when I’m not the superhero saving the day!

Penny: You’re a detective? Oh, wow. I’m, uh— a little speechless, that’s um—

Penny: attractive.

Penny was bold. Lisa liked that too. Carla was bold. 

God, I need to stop comparing!  Lisa chastised herself. 

Lisa: Thank you? Sorry, I don’t know what to say! No one has ever really paid me a compliment in my job like that before—most people don’t seem to like me! I’m also really bad at this…

Penny: This?

Lisa: Yeah, um, what we’re doing. Talking to a stranger. On a dating app. It’s not really my thing.

Penny: Then why are you here?

It was a fair question. Penny had a point too. Why was she here? Before Lisa could think anything more, Penny messaged again. 

Penny: Sorry, Lisa, that was a little forward. I didn’t mean to sound so abrupt.

Lisa: No, it’s okay. It’s a good question, and it’s a long story if I’m honest.

Lisa sighed heavily. Her mind drifting back to a certain brunette. She was the real reason why Lisa was here. Her heart ached for a moment at what she couldn’t have, before Penny made her next move which threw Lisa completely. 

Penny: Long enough to be told over a date on Friday night?

Lisa: Did you just? Um, are you asking me out on a date?

Penny: Yes, I am.

Then the next thing Lisa did was surprise herself. Never mind anyone else. 

She agreed to a date. 

Lisa: Okay. Yeah, sure. There’s a little place I know. I’ll text you the address. Friday then, say 7 PM?

Penny: It’s a date.

Chapter 4: “High maintenance, annoying, nearly 50 divorcee seeks…“

Back at Carla’s flat, Carla was mindlessly swiping left on anyone and everyone that popped up.

After looking at the photos Lisa had picked out to showcase her, and then reading what Lisa had written for her in her “About Me” section, Carla realised she’d perhaps made a terrible mistake with this whole setting each other up on dating apps idea.

”My friends would say I’m a strong-willed business woman who always gets what she wants. They’d say that I’m a tough shell to crack, but once you get beneath the surface, I have a lot of love to give—but cross me, and you’ll know about it! I enjoy winding down in front of the sofa after a long day with someone to share a bottle of red with.”

Her heart ached at what Lisa had written about her. It was true—Carla did have a hard shell—but she did care deeply about those that she was close to, Lisa included.

They’d both had a rocky start with each other, but over the last six months, Carla couldn’t have asked for a better friend, a better person in her life. 

Carla tried to shake the thoughts about Lisa away until—

Stumbling upon Lisa’s profile, Carla quirked her eyebrow. A playful smirk graced her lips. Had Lisa really put that she was interested in men and women?

Her thumb hovered over Lisa’s image as she toyed with the idea of swiping right.

But then would Lisa think that this was all a joke? That Carla wasn’t taking this whole situation seriously?

In frustration, she launched her phone across the room just as Ryan came out of his bedroom.

“Whoa, steady!” he called out, holding his arms up as if the phone was directed at him.

“Oh, behave, Ryan! It was nowhere near you!” Carla snapped back.

“Don’t—” Carla called out to him as he went to retrieve her phone, but it was too late. He’d already seen Lisa’s image on Carla’s phone screen as he passed her phone back to her.

“Lisa’s dating?” Ryan asked quizzically, confusion etched on his face.

He already had a pretty good idea about how his aunt felt about Lisa and how Carla believed that Lisa didn’t feel the same way; but he’d seen them both try to swerve each other in The Rovers not so long ago.

How they were both clearly pining for each other so desperately, he thought was cute. But at times, you could have cut the tension in the air with a knife.

“Oh, don’t, Ryan! It was my own stupid idea.” Carla sulked, hugging a cushion as he came to sit beside her. “I stupidly asked for Lisa’s phone, setting her up on a dating app after I asked her if she trusted me and told her that I thought she had a lot to offer. She did the same for me, so we’re in this together, but I’ve sat here for the past couple of hours mindlessly swiping left on everyone.”

Carla’s phone pinged as a text message came through.

Lisa: Hey, I’ve got a date Friday night. She’s called Penny. We’re going to meet at The Bistro at 7 PM. Think you could set one up too? Not like a double date, but…having you there in the room, I think it’ll help…me…if you don’t mind xx

“Ugh,” Carla groaned in frustration, chucking her phone at Ryan. “And now she’s got a flaming date!”

Ryan glanced between reading Lisa’s message and looking at his aunt, who had now buried her face in the cushion.

Quickly, he jumped onto the dating app, noticing he could swipe right on Lisa—he did—although his curiosity piqued at the possibility, but he kept this mouth shut, as he sent Lisa a message on the dating app.

”Hey, thought we could try something different?” X 

Then he aimlessly continued swiping before swiping right again after coming across a tall, dark and handsome fella called Will, who, much to Ryan’s luck (or Carla’s), however, you want to look at it, was free on Friday to go for a date at The Bistro at 7 PM.

“There. Done.” Ryan said smugly, handing the phone back to Carla. “He’s called Will, and he’ll meet you at The Bistro at 7 PM on Friday.”

“You really think this is a good idea, Ryan?” Carla asked skeptically.

“Well, you can look at it two ways: either use him to get over Lisa or use him to get under her.” He chuckled as he wiggled his eyebrows. Ducking as a cushion came flying his way.

Carla knew he was right, though. What more of an opportunity to dress up, flirt, and make Lisa jealous?

Carla had no idea what she was doing, but roll on Friday, and she was about to find out.

Carla sent a quick text message back to Lisa. 

Carla: I have a date too. See you Friday, 7 PM, wing-woman, 😉 xxx.

---

Carla’s text came through at the same time as Lisa received yet another notification pop up that someone else was interested in her profile.

She’d been overwhelmed to be quite honest by the amount of notifications and messages she was receiving.

She hadn’t expected to be so… popular.

But she had a date with Penny set — and Lisa wasn’t a serial dater…she’d never even been on a date like this — not after meeting Bex, her late wife, at police college.

As Lisa read the text from Carla, Lisa was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy that Carla would be there in the sidelines, for that moral support, but also an overwhelming sense of…was that jealousy?

Jealousy at the thought that Carla too, had a date and Lisa couldn’t help but think having Carla on a date at the same time she was, was probably a really bad idea.

Lisa willed the thoughts of unrequited jealousy away and texted Carla back.

Lisa: Great — we should have a safe word, you know? In case one of us wants to bail? What do you think? Xx

Lisa sent the text to Carla, before revisiting her dating profile, suddenly eager to look at all the other profiles who had ‘swiped right’ on her.

Even though she wouldn’t respond, she still had a niggling feeling to want to look. I mean, what if things with Penny didn’t go so well?

A strange feeling filled the pit of her stomach when Lisa’s eyes fell on Carla’s dating profile and the message that sat there waiting for her:

”Hey, thought we could try something different?” X 

All of a sudden, a mixture of emotions swarmed her, but her fury overwhelmed her. Did Carla really think this was some sort of sick joke? 

Just as another text came through from Carla, probably enclosing their safe word, she called the brunette.

“What the fuck, Carla?”

Chapter 5: “You stepped over the line.”

Carla stood frozen and stunned by Lisa’s sharp tongue. Lisa’s sharp words sliced through her like a razor. The blonde’s tone reverberated in her ears, each syllable a painful reminder of the tension that was about to mount between them. 

Carla felt her breath hitch in her throat, hesitant to speak at first. Carla had no idea what she’d done at this point, but it was clear that Lisa was furious—something had sparked this anger from Lisa and it just so happened that Carla was in the firing line. 

“Is this all some kind of joke to you?” Lisa continued, her frustration intensifying as Carla remained silent for now, caught in a swarm of emotions as she desperately tried to figure out exactly what is was that she was supposed to have done—or not done.

“Wait—what? Lisa you’re going to have to—“ Carla’s voice faltered as she stumbled on the words tumbling from her lips, struggling to grasp at the situation that was unfolding before her. 

“What, so it isn’t enough for you to actually message me on the dating app, but then act as if you have no idea what’s going on, that—“ Lisa’s words continued to point the finger, until slowly Carla felt like she was possibly getting to the bottom of whatever it was that was going on. 

“Woah, slow down. I did Wh—“ Carla stopped herself then, as it dawned on her that Ryan had been on her phone—on said dating app.

Carla placed Lisa on speaker phone so she could investigate.

Carla’s eyes widened when she opened the message that Ryan had crafted to Lisa—all whilst setting her up on this ridiculous date with a man called Will.

Carla swallowed hard as fear swirled inside of her. Obviously whatever Ryan’s intentions had been, had only been for Carla’s benefit—to try and perhaps spark something between them—but the sound of Lisa’s voice told Carla his plan hadn’t worked. 

“Wait…Lisa…Please don’t think I’m trying to make this situation any worse in your head than it probably already is…but there’s something you should know.” Carla’s voice trembled as she tried to muster the right words. 

“What?” Lisa snapped, impatience sparking in her tone. 

“So…” Carla sighed, already feeling defeated before she’d even begun to explain what had happened.

“It was Ryan—he—“

“What?” Lisa shot back, before Carla could finish trying to explain. “So, you’re both just laughing at me, are you?” Lisa fired out as her voice rose.

Carla’s heart sank as she became even more speechless than before.

Lisa’s anger came almost like a tsunami of horror, terrifying Carla in her wake as she then couldn’t possibly think anything could feel any worse than this moment felt right now.

“No, no—I.” Carla stammers, grappling with words that just seemed to fail her. 

“I thought I could trust you.” Lisa replies.

“Wait, what are you talking about?” Carla asks, her heart racing.

“Lisa, you’ve got it all wrong. You know, I never even wanted us to end up on the dating app anyway. When we were talking the other night about having that connection with someone, I…I—“

Carla’s not sure next if she couldn’t finish her sentence due to her nerves, or due to the fact that Lisa wouldn’t allow her to.

“I can’t believe you would put me in this situation, Carla. I didn’t even want to be on a dating app, but I did this for you!” Lisa’s voice began to crack at that moment, fuelled by rage but cracking, faltering. Unable to keep up the pretence of being angry as her walls began to shatter; vulnerability seeping through the cracks. 

“Lisa, I’m so sorry. I wanted us to….” But as Carla whispered the last word date, it fell on deaf ears, lost and unheard. 

“You stepped over the line.” Lisa replied, her voice now a blend of disappointment and sorrow. 

“And I’m sorry, Lisa. Are we—are we going to be okay?” Carla almost pleaded, her own voice a mixture of pain and guilt.

Lisa hesitated, the hurt now well and truly evident in her tone. “I need some space, Carla.”

Carla felt a lump form in her throat. “I— I understand. But I can’t lose you over this.” Carla replied, her voice finding ground as she felt determined to win Lisa over once again.

They’d already been here once, close to feeling like Lisa had been betrayed when Lisa had found out that Carla had told Betsy all about how her mum had really got her bruises—how she’d been hit by a car, refusing to tell her daughter due to how her other mother had been killed—but even after that storm, they’d found their way back to each other.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Lisa sighed. “I just need to think.”

“Okay.” Carla muttered, her voice so small; almost like a child.

Her heart pounded as she sensed the fragility of their bond. “Just remember, I never wanted it to be like this.” Carla whispered. 

As the line went quiet, Lisa couldn’t help but wonder what Carla’s intention really had been.

Lisa couldn’t help but replay their conversation over and over in her head, dissecting and re-piecing every single last word back together until she stops, frozen in time almost as she’s sure, she’s absolutely sure that Carla had said something like I wanted us to date.

But, surely not?

Or if she had—if she really had—what had she meant by that?

But Lisa had too much going on to give it much more of her time, what with Betsy continuously giving her a hard time and—oh God—her date tomorrow, with Penny.

Her date.

Lisa pushed Carla to the back of her mind and pressed on, knowing that throwing herself into work was the best thing she could do right now. The only thing she knew how to do well.

---

“Stupid, stupid, stupid.” Carla muttered to herself as she slumped on to the sofa. The weight of her conversation with Lisa weighing heavily on her chest as she clutched at a cushion in her arms. 

“Are you talking to yourself?” Ryan asked as he came out of the bathroom, catching her off guard. 

Carla almost jumped out her skin.

“Oh—“

Upon hearing Ryan, she sighed. “I didn’t know there was anybody else in.” 

“I’m not judging.” He offered, kindly. Although she could hear the underlying concern in his tone. 

“I’m allowed to have emotions.” she shot back, a little harsher than intended. Her defence mechanism rising to the surface. 

“I know. I never said you weren’t.” He replied in his own defence, trying to bridge a gap that Carla was clearly trying to form. 

“You okay?” He asked gently, concern now etched on his face. 

“Mm, ecstatic.” Carla replied, dripping with sarcastic enthusiasm.

“Is this a Lisa problem?” He asked gently, as he perched on the back of the sofa. His presence was a grounding force of comfort. 

“She knows about the message you sent her on the app, Ryan.” Carla shot back.

“I take it, it didn’t go well?” He asked, a little smirk adorning his lips at his attempts to play Cupid. 

“No, it didn’t go well Ryan. She’s angry at me. She’s angry at me for the whole dating thing, she’s angry at me that we’re in this mess and she’s even angrier at me that you instigated the message and that you practically know about the whole situation.” Carla shot back, her temper rising as she felt the walls closing in around her. 

“Dramatic.” He whispered under his breath, witnessing his aunt’s temper, but he knew it was more about the situation rather than his actions. 

He’d been here for Carla through the entirety of her friendship with Lisa so far, and Carla knew that he’d be there for her through this part too.

It was impossible for Carla to remain angry at Ryan. 

“I mean, she must actually hate me this time, Ryan.” Carla sighed, admitting defeat.

“Has she upset you?” Ryan asked as he kept his tone soft. 

“What? No! Rubbish.” Carla replied. She glanced at Ryan but quickly averted her gaze as she hugged the cushion tighter in her arms.

Of course Lisa had upset Carla, but she wasn’t about to admit it. 

“Why don’t you try talking to her?” Ryan suggested, as if it was just as easy as that. 

“Because there’s nothing to say. I got the wrong end of the stick and she wants space, Ryan. The least I can do is give her that, I suppose. Without making an even bigger mess than I already have.”

“She’s obviously got her guard up for some reason.” Ryan tried.

“Yeah, well, that’s her business isn’t it, Ryan?” Carla shot back as she tried to keep her frustration at bay. 

“It’s no good denying your feelings though, is it? What if she goes on this date and has a really great time?”

“Then she has a really great time, what am I supposed to do?” Carla’s tone was quiet as the fear swept over her. Her vulnerability surfaced as her anger faded at the thought of Lisa slipping through her fingers and falling for someone else. 

“Well you’re supposed to go board HMS Swain while she’s still sitting in the harbour.” Ryan teased, triumphantly.

“What are you on about now?” Carla asked, confusion mingling with a hint of amusement as she tried to hide the fact that a smirk was tugging at the corners of her lips.  

“I don’t know.” Ryan shook his head. “Just, go talk to her. Find out what’s going on. Don’t have any regrets.”

Carla paused, contemplating as he squeezed her shoulder on his way out. 

She knew she had to do something and so she decided to give Lisa the space she desired, go out on her own date on Friday night and show Lisa exactly what she’d be missing out on. 

Chapter 6: Radio Silence—

Notes:

We’re back with a very, very late upload!

Work has been taking a killing and I’m absolutely knackered, but I have at least 11 chapters of this ready to go so thank you for bearing with me!

This should…should mean I can at least keep up with my weekly Thursday updates! 🙈

The angst train continues.

The tension from the previous nights argument still weighed heavily on her chest.

Carla hadn’t emerged from her bedroom all day, until two hours before her date was supposed to take place, Ryan offered a soft knock at her door.

“Go away!” Carla bawled, but Ryan held firm, gently opening the door a little as he tentatively stepped in.

“What do people not understand about go away!” She rolled her eyes in temper—her factory lot were exactly the same, although most of the time, they didn’t even know what bloody knocking was! May as well not even have a fucking door!

“Hey, you alright?” Ryan asked gently as he made his way over to sit on the edge of the bed where Carla had swiftly shoved the duvet over her head, clearly uninterested.

“Are you going tonight?” Ryan kept his tone steady— gentle.

“No.” Carla answered matter of factly. “I’ve cancelled my date. I’ve deleted the app and I’m going to stay here forever.” Carla called out, her voice faltering as she angrily crossed her arms beneath the quilt. 

“Why don’t you…dress up…and…go for a drink at The Bistro, on your own?” Ryan suggested.

Carla pulled the duvet down, “And why would I do that, Ryan?” Carla said, temper flaring, fury burning in her eyes.

“For moral support to Lisa.” He announced. “Be proud to be there, show her how much your friendship means to you by just being there for her in the room. On your own. No date. No distractions. She might need it more than you both think.”

Carla contemplated his words as they weighed heavily in her mind.

Then, without another moments hesitation, she sat up. The duvet falling away to reveal her disheveled hair and tear-stained cheeks.

She took a deep breath, the weight of her anger and torment still pressing down on her.

“Fine. I’ll go.” Carla finally conceded, her voice barely above a whisper, though her reluctance hung heavy in her tone.

With sheer will and effort, Carla made to get ready for the evening. She glanced at the outfit she’d laid out—something smart casual. Confident but not cocky. She’d wanted to impress—but she’d wanted to impress Lisa.

Once ready, she took a deep breath and stepped out on to the cobbles, hoping to arrive a little early and get a seat before the evening rush of diners came in.

---

Meanwhile, Lisa paced in her bedroom, a flutter of anxiety creeping in her stomach.

To be truthful, she felt sick. She hasn’t been on a date—not like this—in…well, she couldn’t even remember. She’d spent over half her life with Becky, and never, ever imagined herself being with anyone else, not after—

Lisa had chosen a soft, silk aqua-marine coloured long-sleeved blouse, that flowed gently around her frame, paired with high-waisted black jeans which hugged at her hips, and a black pair of black ankle boots, with a small heel, that gave her a little height.

As Lisa applied her make-up, all she could think about was Carla. All she could think about was the things Carla had said…

I can’t lose you over this.
I never wanted us to end up on the dating app.
I wanted us to date.

But then again, Lisa never even gave Carla a chance to explain, nor a chance to hear her properly, so the latter statement she was sure she could have imagined…

Instead, Lisa had accused both Carla and Ryan of laughing at her. Uttered the words I thought I could trust you and you stepped over the line.

And Lisa knew she needed to fix it, but she’d asked for space and well, maybe that was the best thing for now.

With one final glance in the mirror, she tried desperately to push the thoughts of her argument with Carla away, knowing she now wouldn’t see the brunette tonight. 

It had only seemed fair to not go to The Bistro tonight and allow Carla the same space that she had requested, and so she’d messaged Penny to meet her somewhere else, a place a little smaller and a little quieter, across town, where there’d be no opportunity to accidentally bump into Carla—or anyone else she knew for that matter. 

---

Back over on the cobbled streets at The Bistro, Carla ordered a large glass of red wine and sought refuge over in a booth at the back, her heart racing as she scanned the room.

The restaurant buzzed with laughter and conversation, but her mind was solely focused on Lisa.

Carla couldn’t yet see Lisa—nor another woman on her own who was potentially Lisa’s date, but Carla had got here early.

It was only 6:30 PM, but she’d wanted to get a table and a good location to keep an eye on her friend—not that Carla thought this was a good idea in the slightest, and after Ryan had made such a mess of things for her already, she had no idea why she’d taken his advice—but he had a good heart, if only Lisa could see that too.

An hour passed, and as Carla nursed her third large glass of red, she was beginning to think Lisa was avoiding her on purpose.

Carla felt quite hurt that Lisa hadn’t told her if she’d cancelled her own date or if her date had cancelled on her—clearly it was becoming evident that Lisa had stood her up as a friend, but then Carla figured she deserved as much really.

---

Meanwhile, Lisa was seated across town in the quaint little wine bar that she’d asked Penny to meet her at, browsing the menu and thinking of all the ones that she thought Carla would like and the ones that Carla would turn her nose up at.

It was something that she’d grown to know about Carla—her infatuation with red wine and it—

She shook her head, trying desperately to rid those thoughts of Carla, but Lisa was soon quietly distracted as a stunning, tall, brunette gingerly opened the door, a beaming smile on her face as she locked eyes across the bar to Lisa.

Penny really did look incredible. Her brunette hair was curled and sat a short length around her face, almost like a bob, and she was wearing a long, tailored, navy blue dress that accentuated her figure. 

Her dress was sleeveless, allowing for her toned arms to naturally be on display, yet her dress in length was long enough to offer only a teasing glimpse of her toned calves. 

Lisa rose out of her seat to greet Penny.

“Hey Lisa! You look amazing!” Penny smiled, her energy shone bright. “Your smile is incredible.”

Penny leaned in to give Lisa a polite kiss on the cheek, which Lisa politely received—but didn’t reciprocate. Instead, just gave Penny’s arm a gentle squeeze.

“What’re you drinking?” Lisa asked brightly.

“Surprise me.” Penny replied. “I’ll get us a table, if that’s okay with you?”

“Yeah, sure.” Lisa responded kindly.

A few moments later, Lisa returned to the table with two glasses of red in hand, but she made for Penny’s wrist as she’d gone to take a sip, gently wrapping her fingers around softly.

“Hold on, Penny. You’ll probably think this is really sad, but work with me here.” Lisa leaned in slightly, her voice low and inviting.

Penny caught Lisa’s gaze, feeling a wave of electricity course through her at Lisa’s light, soft touch. She was intrigued by Lisa, and so, followed suit. 

“First, you take a moment to appreciate the colour.” Lisa lifts her glass up, tilting it slightly to catch the light. “Look at that deep, rich hue.”

Penny follows Lisa’s lead, but is a little distracted by how the light in the room instead, catches Lisa’s face.

How her eyes sparkle when she’s engaged in what she’s talking about. 

How Lisa seems distracted slightly, as she’s gazing at the colour of the liquid in the glass, almost as if she’s looking at something else entirely. 

But Penny lets it slide for now—putting it down to Lisa’s nerves. 

Lisa gently, swirls her glass, catching Penny’s lingering gaze who blushes under Lisa’s watchful eye.

“Then, bring it close to your nose and take a deep breath, inhale the aroma.” Lisa explains, as she keeps her eyes locked on Penny’s just above the rim of her glass. 

She can feel Penny’s gaze watching her, just above the rim of her own glass.

Lisa pauses—she really is a beautiful woman, but her eyes just don’t give her the same warmth as—

Come on Lisa.

“What do you smell? Those bold notes of dark berries, or perhaps a hint of oak?” Lisa continues as she tries to bring herself back to the moment. Trying to keep Penny entranced. 

Lisa smirked playfully. “Okay, so close your eyes for a second, and let the scent envelop you. Imagine the French vineyard it came from. The sun beaming down, warming the grapes. The passion, love and effort that went in to crafting this wine from the very first moment those grapes were picked, to how it’s now in this glass, in our hands.”

Lisa opens her eyes to see Penny staring at her; one eye open, the other closed. She quickly shuts her eye, redness creeping in her cheeks as she’s been caught out, clearly not entranced by Lisa’s efforts. 

Lisa sighs as she sits back in her chair, placing the wine glass down on the table.

The moment—gone.

Notes:

Next time: Lisa’s date continues.

Chapter 7: The Safe Word.

Summary:

Lisa’s date with Penny goes from bad to worse!

Notes:

Hi guys, here’s Thursday’s upload—actually on time this week! 🥰

“I’m sorry, Lisa. That was really rude of me.” Penny apologises as she senses the shift in Lisa’s demeanour.

Quickly, she tries to change the subject. Hopefully to save the date that she’s been so looking forward to.

“So…are you really a detective, or…?” Penny teases, as she tries to flirt herself, from a different perspective, feeling guilty for ruining Lisa’s build up to a moment that Penny didn't even give her a chance to reach. 

“I am…and even though I’m not solving any crimes tonight, I do have a knack for uncovering secrets…like what makes a person tick.” Lisa smirks as she stares intently into Penny’s eyes, trying to regain her confidence. 

Lisa appreciates the apology from the other woman, and goes with the conversation, sensing Penny too, is trying to rescue the moment and she appreciates the flirtatious efforts from the other woman. It’s been a long time since Lisa’s flirted with anyone and she’s convinced she’s probably lost it.

“Secrets, huh? I’m intrigued. I have a few secrets of my own…like how I’ve always had a thing for a woman in uniform.” Penny leans in closer, she has a sparkle in her eye that Lisa hasn’t noticed before now, and she’s momentarily drawn in, captivated in the moment as she blushes, feeling heat rise in her cheeks as Penny moves closer. 

Lisa’s drawn in to Penny’s confidence and she has to admit, it’s nice for a moment to feel wanted by someone, to feel appreciated, to feel attractive to someone. 

“Oh really? Do you just naturally confess your deepest desires?” Lisa raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. Penny was definitely flirting now.

“Only when the woman in question is as beautiful as you are.” Penny replied, biting her lip.

“So, tell me, Detective …what kind of secrets do you uncover when you’re off the clock?” Penny asked as she slowly slid her hand up Lisa’s thigh, her voice low and inviting.

Lisa’s breath hitched slightly as she felt the heat of the moment increase a notch. She was a little lost for words as the moment threatened to overwhelm her.

“Maybe we could uncover a few secrets together?” Penny continued, leaning in as her gaze fixated on Lisa’s lips.

Penny could sense Lisa’s nerves, but the way Lisa parted her lips was all but consuming and she took it as an invitation to move toward kissing Lisa. 

Penny’s eyes remained on Lisa’s lips as time seemed to stand still. She couldn’t quite begin to comprehend her luck at the opportunity to kiss the woman that was sat in front of her, not shifting, but not quite leaning in to receive the kiss either, until—

“Wait, Penny, I—“ Lisa pulled back slightly, her chair scraping against the floor as her nerves threatened to get the better of her.

“What? Afraid of what you might find detective?” Penny said with a teasing smile as she paused slightly, sensing Lisa’s discomfort but still open to pushing gently through Lisa’s nerves.

“No, it’s not that… It’s just… this is all happening so fast.” Lisa blushed, trying to maintain her composure. Her words were rushed. Panicked. 

“Okay, how about we slow down a bit?” Penny’s voice softened, but she was aware Lisa hadn’t pushed her hand away, and so she absently stroked just at the top of Lisa’s thigh.

“I think I need to excuse myself for a moment. I’ll be right back. I’m sorry, Penny.” Lisa stood as she felt her cheeks redden, her tears glaze over—the overwhelming sensations now too much to bear.

Lisa knew this was all a big fat mistake. She should have never come tonight, never arranged this date and never let Carla create her a profile on that stupid God damn dating app! She was so angry at Carla for being in this mess—but in truth, there was only one person that would be able to get her out of it.

As Lisa walked away, Penny watched her go, feeling the tension linger in the air but hoping to pick up where they left off when she returned. 

As Lisa made for the toilets, she swiped a bottle of Jack Daniels from atop the bar, that the barman had carelessly left unattended.

Locking herself in the cubicle, she took a long swig out the bottle and allowed the liquid to warm her from the inside out. 

Then, she deleted the stupid God damn dating app and sent her safe word to Carla as she sat atop the toilet seat, truly balancing on the verge of tears.

Serendipity.

It was a massive risk to reach out to Carla, but one that she was willing to take.

---

Carla had had enough.

She’d purchased a bottle of wine from the bar now, after three large glasses of red— God knows why— and had decided to then leave.

Perhaps drinking herself into oblivion was going to end up her only way of coping with the whole Lisa situation. 

Just as she was putting on her coat to leave, her phone buzzed.

Lisa.

Seriously?

Carla sighed heavily. She left Lisa on unread as she made her way out The Bistro and across the cobbles, back to her flat.

The cool evening air was a stark reminder of everything that had gone wrong over these past few days. 

Just as she was turning the key in her door, a gnawing feeling came at her.

If Lisa had been on a date tonight, there was only one reason why she would be texting, right?

Shit—

Why did I have to get so bloody drunk on a night like this of all nights! 

Dropping her keys after fumbling with the lock, she rummaged for her phone. 

Serendipity.

There it was. Twice.

Once where Lisa had text their safe word and then they hadn’t spoken since. And the second time—now.

Fuck.

Carla cursed under her breath as she made her way to Street Cars. She’d never get away with driving, and it certainly wasn’t the right behaviour when she’d be picking up a fucking detective. 

Send me your location. C x

Carla kept her message brief—she could have the fall out with Lisa later over not being at The Bistro tonight.

Carla had known Lisa had wanted space,  but she didn’t think Lisa would go to the lengths of avoiding her completely. God this was such a mess! 

As Carla climbed in to the waiting cab, she’d given the driver, Tim, Lisa’s location which Lisa had just sent through.

Once outside the quaint little wine bar, Carla asked Tim to keep the fare running while Carla headed inside.

It was a cute little place adorned with exposed brick, giving it a rustic yet inviting ambience. It wasn’t a cold feeling—no—more of a glimpse of being different.

Strings of fairy lights twinkled overhead, casting a soft, romantic glow that danced across the space, which created an enchanting atmosphere. 

There was only around a dozen tables in the whole building, but they encouraged cozy conversations and laughter and Carla couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy that Lisa had chosen this place to take her date. 

Carla was learning a lot about Lisa, just by this little wine bar. Sophisticated, with a hint of mystery. A hopeless romantic…

But now wasn’t the time to be thinking like this. 

Carla scanned the room, but her eyes couldn’t find Lisa—although there was one woman who was sat alone—with two glasses of wine at her table, and so Carla dared to chance the toilets, but if Lisa wasn’t there, God help her when Carla finally caught up with her.

Carla Connor was not a woman to be messed around. 

Notes:

Next time: Carla saves the day!

Chapter 8: I can’t do this, Carla

As Carla edges gently into the bathroom, she hears the gentle sound of sobs coming from inside the only closed cubicle. Her heart sinks as she cautiously approaches.

“Lisa?” Carla calls out softly.

Lisa opens the door, revealing herself sitting on the toilet lid with a partially drunk bottle of whisky clutched in her hand.

Despite the situation, she looks incredible, but the tears steaming down her face tell an entirely different story.

Carla’s breath hitches at the sight, and she hopes to God that Lisa can’t tell that she’s taken her breath away.

“I can’t do this, Carla—I can’t. It’s too much, and I’m not ready—I shouldn’t have—“ Lisa says urgently as her words tumble out rushed and heavy.

Suddenly, a wave of guilt washes over Carla. She knows that she’s the reason why Lisa is in this mess, and she feels a deep responsibility to get her out of this mess.

“Come on, you don’t have to explain to me. Just…stay here for a moment. Don’t move.” Carla insists as she turns to head out the door, her voice shaky.

“Wait—what are you going to do?” Lisa asks as she stumbles up off the toilet seat, still clutching at the whisky bottle as if her life depends on it.

“It’s my fault you’re in this mess, Lisa. So I’m going to get you out of it. Now, stay here.”

Lisa slumps back down as she watches Carla head out the door. The weight of the moment sinking in. She takes a deep breath as she feels the warmth of Carla’s words; of Carla’s presence wash over her, even as she grapples with her own emotions.

As Carla steps back out to the floor of the wine bar, she steels herself for the conversation ahead, determined to find Penny, and make things right with Lisa.

---

As Lisa hid away in the bathroom, Carla confidently strode over to Penny’s table.

Even in all the years Carla had been best friends with Michelle — she’d never done this for a friend before—so this was new…and it could only go one of two ways…

Carla approached the annoyingly attractive woman.

“Penny, is it?” Carla asked tentatively, her voice a bundle of nerves despite her confident exterior.

“Yes! You must be…Lisa’s friend, right?” Penny smiled abundantly.

The annoyingly attractive kind woman actually. Ugh.

“Hi—um. God, this is new…” Carla chuckled nervously. “Your date—Lisa—she uh, she’s had a family emergency, and—“

“Let me guess, you’re her scapegoat?” Penny asked. Her tone was soft, kind. She wasn’t angry or annoyed in the slightest and Carla wasn’t sure if it made this situation a whole lot worse.

“Scapegoat?” Carla asked, a little stunned. “No, I’m just here to check in on her—she’s just…she’s had a lot on her plate lately—“

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.” Penny added. “Look, I get it. Can I at least give you my number to give to her? You know, if she changes her mind. She’s already disappeared off the dating app we met on, so—“

Carla shook her head, interrupting and trying to remain as polite as possible. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary. I’m sorry to be the one to let you down gently, but—“

“You’re the other woman?” Penny asked, cutting in.

Carla falls silent, cocking her eyebrow at the sudden accusation.

Penny laughed softly at Carla’s response, as if she didn’t know what she was talking about.

“It’s fine, I understand. It’s…just a shame, you know? That’s all.” Penny shrugs, a little defeated, but she knows it’s not worth chasing a woman who’s already evidently got feelings for someone else—despite what those feelings may or may not mean.

“Lisa’s really lovely, but it was evident she wasn’t in it. I mean, she tried and I messed that part up and that I am sorry for, but her mind was elsewhere, and that’s okay. We’ve all been there.” Penny took a breath as she stood to collect her belongings. “If you are the other woman—just know that you’re really lucky, and I hope you look after her. Although, from your actions today, you’re already doing that. It was nice meeting you.” Penny smiled softly as she headed out the door, leaving Carla standing there—a mix of emotions crossing her face.

Meanwhile, Lisa sheepishly crept out the bathroom after spying on the conversation. Although it’s safe to say her lip reading skills need work—especially in the haze of the whisky—the bottle shoved under her coat.

Carla re-met Lisa at the bar. “I think you’ve had enough.” Carla said, a little sterner than she intended, but Lisa needed to know she meant business. “And I believe it wasn’t yours to take in the first place.” Carla protested.

Lisa shrugged. “It was just a little fun…”

Carla returned the partially drank bottle of whisky to the barman, apologising and paying for the inconvenience.

“Come on, let me take you home.” Carla said as she led Lisa out the door, her hand gently placed at the small of Lisa’s back sent shivers down Lisa’s spine, and she allowed herself to relish in the feeling of Carla’s touch in her drunken haze.

They both made their way to the taxi, the tension lingering between them as they settled on the back seat.

The silence stretched comfortably for the journey to Lisa’s, until Carla was walking Lisa to her door, suddenly thinking it’s now or never. 

”Date me, Lisa.” Carla blurted out just as Lisa pushed the key into her front door.

The words were unhurried, clear as day so that no mistake could possibly be taken for what she’d just asked.

Lisa turned to face Carla, the night suddenly feeling heavier now, both of them processing what had just happened.

Notes:

I did want to take a different spin on the fake dating trope and now I feel we’re building up to the good stuff 🤭

So, next time: How does Lisa respond to Carla’s question? 👀

Chapter 9: Date me, Lisa?

Notes:

After the work week I’m already having—and it’s only been one night shift—I’m so pleased to upload this on time on a Thursday! 🙈

I hope you enjoy as things begin to get interesting between Carla & Lisa 👀

“What?” Lisa frowned as Carla walked lisa down the driveway, towards the Lisa’s front door.

Lisa was unsure if she’d heard Carla right between the mixed feelings of emotion and the haze of the whisky, all entwined with the cool fresh air of the night.

“You heard. Date me .” Carla said confidently. Bolder. With purpose.

“Carla...” Lisa replied softly, trailing off. Her beautiful eyes gazing up at Carla as if she was answering all of her dreams in just two simple words:

Date. Me.

But the Lisa who analysed risk was at the forefront of her mind, and Lisa knew that would be a bad idea.

“That’s an even worse idea than your first one to begin.” Lisa chuckled nervously. The suppressed feelings of what it would actually, really be like to date Carla threatening to pour out into her detective brain. Threatening to push the ‘analysed risk’ Lisa out and the ‘risk taker’ Lisa in.

“Is it?” Carla asked gently, yet challenging.

Even Carla was determined now. To have witnessed Lisa’s vulnerability truly exposed in that public restroom. To see the woman she so desperately wanted, practically begging her to come to her rescue and help her escape. To have this beautiful, broken, mess of a woman be hers—even if only pretend—was, Carla thought, one of her best ideas yet.

Lisa stood mesmerised. As if she was captured in a trance by Carla. Hypnotised almost.

Carla pressed on when the other woman didn’t speak.

“Is it really?” Carla asked again. “Because from where I’m standing, you and I both want the intimacy without the complications. We both want to feel wanted… appreciated… We know each other Lisa, we can feel safe with each other. We do feel safe with each other, don’t we?” Carla asked, her voice trembling as if her whole life hung on Lisa’s every word.

Carla let the question hang open. It didn’t necessarily require an answer. It was obvious how far they both felt with each other, considering the friendship they’d built between Lisa arresting several members of Carla’s family, to that day Carla sat in Lisa’s car when Lisa broke down and revealed all about her life; about her late wife Becky and her daughter Betsy—to now. 

“I need you to, uh—um—expand.” Lisa blushed, as Carla raised her eyebrow once again.

“Expand?” Carla questioned. “Lisa, what are we talking about here?”

“I need you to explain exactly what you mean.” Lisa replied, ignoring Carla’s teasing.

“So…I read about this thing called The Social Experiment. An opportunity to explore intimacy with someone you trust, without the complications. We can enjoy some of those feelings we miss while keeping things light. We basically explore a relationship with each other…without the complications of feelings.”

“We?” Lisa questioned, slightly blushing.

“Well obviously.” Carla chuckled. “You don’t think I’d suggest this with anyone else, do you?” Carla shifted on her feet.

“Look, we trust each other, we’ve…been emotional with each other, I’m not interested in women and you’re not—well—interested in me.” Carla shrugged, leaning back against the cool brick wall, analysing Lisa’s expression as she spoke.

Lisa couldn’t deny that she wasn’t interested in Carla’s idea. The thought of being close to someone again, but without any complications gave her an unexpected thrill—though she wasn’t sure if that too was the haze of the whisky she’d drunk. 

Of course Lisa thought Carla was beautiful and truthfully at times, she felt they were bordering on more than friendship, but given what Carla had just said, she was starting to second guess herself.

Her detective brain was running riot. Screaming at her. Asking her what the hell she was doing. This was dangerous and she knew it.

Carla had just openly admitted that she wasn’t interested in women—how could this possibly be a good idea?

Then there was the fact of how Lisa didn’t do casual. How was she supposed to act when all she knew was how to be all in?

The only good thing right now was the fact Carla clearly had no idea how Lisa felt about her. The words ‘you’re not interested in me’ reverberating through her skull.

“Is this because I ruined your date? Or is this because I ran from mine and you feel bad for me?” Lisa asked with caution.

“What date? There was no date to ruin, and it’s definitely got nothing to do with—.” Carla stated matter-of-factly, before Lisa interrupted.

“What? But—“

“I cancelled my date. Deleted the app when we, um—well, after our argument. If you’d call it an argument.” Carla too stopped Lisa in her tracks. 

Carla paused, assessing Lisa’s expression as something changed, a softness creeping over her expression.

“Then Ryan talked me into sitting in The Bistro by myself. I knew you had your date at 7 and even though I’d cancelled mine, I didn’t want to let you down. We said we’d be there for each other, right? Wing-women. We might have…I don’t know…fallen out briefly? For a flicker of a moment, but—“

“The more you didn’t show up, the more stupid I felt, the more I drank and then—“

“That’s why I had to come get you in a taxi. I never thought—“

Lisa stood stunned. 

She never for one second thought Carla would do all that for her. Go to the lengths of cancelling her date, but still being there for Lisa on hers.

She felt a wave of guilt wash over her at having had met Penny elsewhere and not even let Carla know she wasn’t going to be there. 

After their argument—or whatever they were or were not going to call it—Carla was the last person Lisa had wanted to see on a date.

She studied Carla for a beat. Suddenly feeling very sober. 

The opportunity to pretend to date Carla sounding ever more appealing. 

“You know what, I think we went at this all wrong.” Lisa said softly. 

“How do you mean?” Carla asked cautiously.

“Let’s do it.” Lisa replied, her voice small and fragile. She had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she was going to throw herself all in. 

“Look—“ 

“I said let’s do it, alright?” Lisa interrupted, her voice becoming louder, stronger even.

Carla blinked. 

“Woah, DS Swain actually agreeing to something?” Carla teased.

“I have rules though.” Lisa was quick to retaliate. 

Her cheeks suddenly burning red under the porch light.

Of course she had rules.

“Do you now?” Carla teased further, stepping closer to the blonde. Exploring new territory. Finding a delicate balance between playful teasing and genuine curiosity. 

Carla leaned in slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “What kind of rules are we talking about here?”

Lisa swallowed hard. Biting her lip, she tried to maintain her composure. “Well for starters, we work out what this will actually look like.” Her voice wavering slightly, “and definitely no touching unless I give the green light.

Carla raised an eyebrow, an amused smile playing on her lips. “Oh really? And what if I want to test those limits?” Carla teased. 

Lisa’s breath caught in her throat as Carla leaned in even closer. She thought for a moment Carla was going to kiss her—but that would be ridiculous wouldn’t it? 

Carla Connor kissing her? Would they have to do that in this fake/pretend relationship? As she felt Carla’s breath warm against her skin, she wanted the ground to swallow her up. 

“You might find that I’m not as easy to sway as you think.” Lisa mustered, her heart racing. 

”Challenge accepted.” Carla held her gaze intently.

The air between them crackled with tension—the kind that made the night feel electric. 

”But tell me first, what’s the first rule I need to break to get your attention?” Carla teased further, pushing the boundaries they’d yet to form as she gently brushed her fingertips along Lisa’s arm.

The feeling was already electrifying and she suddenly felt drunk again. She had to stop this before either one of them did something silly, yet a part of her was intrigued as to how far Carla would push her.

She trusted Carla. She felt safe with Carla. 

“Well— first—we go home and sleep on it. Make sure that this is what we both want” Lisa suggested.

Carla saw the flicker of vulnerability in Lisa’s eyes and she stepped back—but not too far—knowing that she’d perhaps not break any rules just yet. 

“Come to mine tomorrow night then. After work. Then you can tell me all about your rule book too, DS Swain.”

It was a simple request, as Carla smiled softly and made her way back to the waiting taxi.

Laughter danced on the edge of their conversation, ready to spill into something deeper than they’d ever both imagined.

Notes:

Next time: Carla and Lisa discuss the ins and outs of their fake/pretend relationship and the lengths they’re both willing to go…over a bottle of wine…or two.

Chapter 10: The Rule Book

Lisa stood outside Carla’s flat, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. Dressed casually, yet looking effortlessly radiant, she clutched a bottle of red wine in one hand and a notebook in the other.

As she pressed the buzzer on the intercom, her heart raced, and she couldn’t shake the flutter of butterflies in her stomach. 

That feeling was unusual. 

“Hello?” Carla said casually through the intercom.

“Hi—it’s me.” Lisa whispered back nervously, as Carla buzzed her up.

As Lisa approached the top of the staircase, Carla opened the door to greet her. 

“Ah, you brought wine.” Carla said as she handed Lisa a generous glass she’d already poured. 

Her eyes caught sight of the notebook clutched tightly in Lisa’s other hand. A playful grin spreading across her face. “What’s this? Your secret playbook for our pretend relationship?” she teased, arching an eyebrow in amusement.

Lisa’s cheeks flushed, and she fumbled with the notebook, trying to hide it behind her back. “It’s just…some notes I jotted down,” she stammered, unable to suppress a smile. “You know, to help keep things organised.”

“Organised?” Carla laughed, leaning against the back of the sofa. “So, you’re already taking this more seriously than I thought. Rule one: no hiding your notes from your fake girlfriend.”

Lisa’s cheeks flushed at the word girlfriend as it passed Carla’s lips so innocently and effortlessly. 

Her gaze drifted up and down Carla as she found herself silently checking her out. She was dressed all in black—not that she very often wasn’t—but today, it was clear she’d made perhaps more of an effort than normal. Her make up was a little stronger—her cheekbones a little sharper…her eyes were sparkling almost—either that or Lisa perhaps just noticed more. 

Lisa rolled her eyes playfully, bringing herself back to the room. The tension easing as they settled onto the sofa with lighthearted banter.

“Alright, fine! But I think we need to set some ground rules. You know, to—”

“And there she is, DS Swain, whipping out her rule book,” Carla interrupted, her tone teasing. “Rule two: keep cuddling to a minimum. Rule three: no kissing with tongues—”

Lisa almost choked on her wine, laughter bubbling up as the redness crept into her cheeks. “I thought we could start with something simple, like holding hands?” she offered, trying to regain her composure.

Carla’s teasing softened as she recognised how important this was to Lisa. “Okay, how about I suggest some things couples do, and you set the rules?” she proposed, a playful glint in her eye.

Lisa hesitated, wanting to ensure they were both on the same page. “I—I want you to be involved in this too. If we’re going to be in this together, then it has to be a mutual decision, right? It can’t all be one-sided. It wouldn’t be in a real—” She swallowed, the word hanging in the air. “Relationship.” 

Sensing setting ground rules was clearly important to Lisa, Carla softens, playing along. She figures if she’s going to take this seriously, she has to respect Lisa’s boundaries too.

Carla smiled at Lisa, a hint of warmth and admiration. Carla couldn’t believe her luck, truthfully. After the disastrous events of setting Lisa up on a dating app—Carla never imagined they’d be somewhere like here so quickly. 

“Alright, well. If I miss anything, then you can throw it in but we’ll come up with things along the way, I’m sure. But Lisa, I want you to be comfortable with this, so, I’ll let you lead but…if I want to push it, I will.” Carla’s eyes darkened and Lisa saw a flicker of mischievousness cross her face. 

Taking a big gulp of wine, she smiled shyly at Carla. Waiting in anticipation for the ‘couple’ activities she was going to suggest.

“Holding hands.” Carla made her first suggestion, keeping things light just as Lisa had suggested, but boldly reaching across to trace her thumb across the back of Lisa’s hand—the one that was clutching the notebook sent shivers down Lisa’s spine. 

God, this was going to be harder than I thought. 

“I can do that.” Lisa’s voice cracked slightly, but her smile broke through confidently, masking her nerves. She tried to convince herself that this was easy, all while attempting not to get distracted by the way Carla’s thumb traced the delicate pattern of her veins atop her hand.

In a sudden playful move, Carla snatched the notebook from Lisa’s grasp, her eyes beaming with mischief. “What have you got in here?” she teased, flipping it open with an eagerness that made Lisa’s heart race.

“Hey, give that back!” Lisa protested, reaching for it, but Carla was quick, scanning the page with a mischievous grin.

Then, her eyes widened dramatically as she landed on a particularly bold line. “What’s this?” she exclaimed, reading aloud, “No sex—underlined and highlighted!”

A strange, warm feeling hit the pit of Carla’s stomach. She felt her cheeks flush; a heat creeping up that she couldn’t quite explain.

Lisa noticed the shift in Carla’s expression, and her heart raced as she wondered what was going through her mind.

“Can we just go back to where we were?” Lisa tried with a light laugh, trying to ease the sudden tension. “I’ll ditch my book.”

“Don’t ditch your book,” Carla replied, shaking her head. “DS Swain’s organisation skills are quite…attractive.” She teased.

Lisa couldn’t help but laugh as she playfully swatted Carla with a cushion. “You’re impossible!”

They both returned to the sofa, and Carla handed back the notebook, the earlier tension dissipating; Lisa grateful that Carla didn’t press any further about what she’d written in her book. However, something in the air had shifted between them, a subtle undercurrent that neither could ignore.

As they finished their glasses of wine, Carla took the initiative to top them both up, the moment stretching out between them as they exchanged glances.

The light banter resumed, but there was an unspoken acknowledgment of the strange connection that were forming.

“Okay, cuddling?” Carla suggested, breaking the silence with a lighthearted tone, though her heart continued to race. 

“I suppose I could stretch to that.” Lisa offered Carla a cheeky wink, becoming emboldened by the wine and the earlier playfulness. 

“Kissing.” Carla upped the ante, daring to ask at something a little bolder.

“No tongues.” Lisa swiftly responded, not meeting Carla’s gaze this time, which caused Carla to smirk.

“PDA.”

“Um, that depends on what you want people to know. About us.” Lisa said.

“Well, no one needs to know at first, right? I mean, if we’re doing this for us then maybe we should keep things to a minimum?” Carla’s suggested, watching Lisa’s expression intently.

Truthfully, she didn’t want to scare Lisa away by going public so soon. 

“Now who’s delving deep into the rule book.” Lisa quirks her eyebrow at Carla.

“Hey, if it was up to me-“

“I’m not sure I’m ready for you to finish that sentence.” Lisa blushed before hesitating—which hadn’t gone unnoticed to Lisa. 

“Spit it out.” Carla muttered. 

“What?” Lisa blushed again, trying to hide behind her glass of wine this time.

”You look like you’ve got something to add.” Carla returned, eyebrow raised. 

“I actually thought it would make sense to go public about our…relationship.” Lisa blushed. 

Okay, saying that out loud felt a lot different. 

Lisa took a breath, her heart racing as she considered the words she wanted to say. “Just, I’ve spent a lot of my life hiding, Carla. For me—for other people. When I met Becky, I knew she was it for me—and so, I promised myself I’d never do it again. Which also counts for me in our pretend…relationship.”

Carla felt a pang of something—was it empathy? Understanding?—as she listened to Lisa’s confession.

She knew what it felt like to keep parts of herself hidden, and the thought of Lisa wanting to embrace her truth filled her with a mix of pride and nervousness.

“That’s brave,” Carla said softly, her voice sincere. “But, I also get that it can be scary. I mean, people knowing I’m with a woman… it’s a lot to navigate.”

Lisa met Carla’s gaze, recognising the vulnerability in her expression. “I don’t want to rush anything, but the plan is, we explore this together, right? Carla, you’re not on your own in this.” Lisa said softly and something else between them changed  as they dared to explore vulnerability with one another. 

“Date nights.” Carla asked, suggestively, returning the conversation to a lighter topic, despite the racing fear that flickered across her mind. 

“I’d like that.” Lisa replied, shyly. Looking down at her now empty wine glass.

“Hey, you okay?” Carla asks as she sees Lisa’s expression shift.

Lisa chuckles. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date. Barring what happened last night. It gave me the true realisation of how rusty I am and a confidence knock—if I’m honest.” Lisa’s mind flickered back to Penny’s almost rejection at Lisa’s attempt at flirting. 

“Do you…want to talk about it?” Carla offered openly. 

“Not really.” Lisa sighed.

”Okay, well…whatever happened, try it on me.” Carla suggested, leaning back into the sofa, her gaze attached to Lisa and the way her brows furrowed with nerves.

”I can’t.” Lisa blushed, “I can’t just…on the spot like that. It has to be in the moment.” Lisa admitted.

Carla nodded, not wanting to push Lisa too much. “I’m rusty to you know.” She offered instead, hoping that Lisa wouldn’t feel so alone in the matter. 

Lisa rolls her eyes playfully, “I find that hard to believe.”

“Hey, it’s true! Let’s just say Peter wasn’t the very romantic type.”

“Noted.” Lisa smiled softly at Carla as Carla noticed the flicker of sparkle return to Lisa’s eyes. 

“Sleep overs—what if we had one night at yours and one night at mine?” Carla suggested, “unless that’s too difficult with Betsy, it’s not fair on you to—“

“Betsy can stay at Sabrina’s. She’ll be thrilled to get away from me.” Lisa laughed.

“Ryan can sofa surf one night a week.” Carla shrugged. 

“What will you tell him?” Lisa asked, “In fact, don’t answer that. I’m going to need a stronger drink.” Lisa gestured to her wine glass that still remain empty.

Carla laughed huskily, knowing herself they were treading next in to a dangerous zone. They’d discussed all the relatively easy stuff a real relationship offered, next came the more personal, intimate…activities.

Carla got up and returned with two straight whiskey’s. They were both way past tipsy now, the haze of the alcohol well and truly taking its hold. 

“If we’re talking sleepovers…cuddling in bed.” Carla dared to ask, wanting to know where they stood when it came to sharing a bed.

Lisa knocks back her whiskey, past caring about nerves now. “Fine, as long as you can keep your hands to yourself.”

She knew this was a terrible idea, treading in this kind of territory, drunk. Discussing being able to hold Carla in bed, be held by Carla…

The heat began to pool just below her stomach as she pressed her thighs together in a desperate attempt to dismiss those thrilling thoughts until—

Carla smirked, watching Lisa with interest, “So really no sex, then?”

Lisa knocks back Carla’s whiskey now. Blushing profusely. “Jesus, Carla”

“I’m kidding, off-limits I know. I don’t actually want to ruin this friendship you know.” Carla offers a warm smile. But she couldn’t help but feel excited at the burning feeling in her own pit of her stomach at watching Lisa’s reaction.

“I know. I trust you, Carla.” Lisa wobbles slightly as she tries to stand. “And I’m also very drunk.” Lisa states matter-of-factly as she then decides to remain seated, knowing she’s not going anywhere on her own.

Carla stands and offers out her hand to Lisa. “You can stay here, if you want?”

“Oooh, are you propositioning me, Miss Connor?”

“Flirting: off-limits when drunk, especially after whiskey.” Carla stated in a stern tone, as she pulled Lisa up, wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her on her feet. 

Lisa leans into Carla’s hold, gently tilting her head to the side as she whispers in Carla’s ear. “Spoil sport.”

Carla leaves her arm wrapped around Lisa as she walks slowly towards her front door, helping her put her coat on, trying desperately not to think about the way her breath felt hot on her neck. 

“Come on, I’ll walk you to street cars.” Carla offers without question.

It’s only downstairs, but Lisa’s heart swells at the sudden softness of Carla.

As they reach the cool, fresh air, Lisa falls into Carla’s warm hold around her, a strange fuzzy feeling of butterflies in her stomach.

Luckily—Carla feels—there’s a cab waiting and so she opens the back passenger door and helps Lisa inside, making sure her seatbelt is secured as it seems the blonde is in no fit state to do anything for herself anymore. 

Carla gently closes the door and walks around the other side, to climb in the back alongside Lisa.

“What are you doing?” Lisa teases, “who said you could come home with me.” Lisa whispered, leaning into Carla, careful for Tim not to overhear.

“Don’t think a sleepover is a good idea before you’ve even taken me on a date.” Lisa continued to whisper.

Carla chuckles softly to herself at how much of a light weight Lisa is, as she gives Tim, Lisa’s address.

Carla was enjoying seeing Lisa soft like this, if she was honest. So carefree. She’s so used to her DS Swain persona—even though Lisa’s let Carla see beyond that, she’s never quite let her hair down this much before.

“I’m just getting you home safe.” Carla states, matter-of-factly.

“Well aren’t you the gentleman—gentlewoman? Very chivalrous.” Lisa teases.

Okay, she’s definitely drunk.

“I am quite soft you know. You might not believe it, but I am, for the people I care about.”

Lisa smiles at Carla’s response. “Well, I think you’re very sweet.”

Carla blushed a little at the blondes softness.

“And you’re very drunk.” Carla states, matter-of-factly. 

The taxi pulled up outside Lisa’s and Carla asked Tim to keep the meter running, before climbing out the car and walking round to the other side, opening the door for Lisa.

“Come on, let’s get you inside.” Carla held her hand out for Lisa.

Lisa takes Carla’s hand and lets her walk her to the door. “You coming in for a nightcap?” Lisa asks, shyly.

“I think you need your bed.” Carla smirks. “Will you be alright? Don’t want you falling down the stairs or anything.” Carla chuckles softly.

Carla waits till Lisa’s unlocked the door, but before Lisa steps inside, she takes a step closer to Carla, so they’re just inches apart; hearts racing. 

Lisa stands on her tiptoes and presses a soft kiss to Carla’s cheek, lingering longer than a friendly peck.

Carla blushes gently, a smile gracing her face as she turns on her heel to head back to the waiting taxi.

Before Lisa closes the door, Carla calls back at her.

“Oh Lisa?”

Lisa turns to catch Carla’s eye.

“One more rule. No dating anyone else.” Carla smirks.

“Goodnight, Carla.” Lisa laughs softly as she closes the door behind her. Carla making sure she’s inside before she herself climbs back into the taxi to head home.

Notes:

It’s the morning after they set some ground rules and Lisa’s a little worse for wear…

Chapter 11: Dirty Kebab and Irn-Bru

Carla: Morning sleeping beauty, how’s the hangover? X

Lisa: More like … I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. Please never let me mix wine with whisky again! X

Carla: Noted. Why don’t you write it down in our book of rules? No mixing drinks! X

Lisa: You’re never going to let me live that down, are you? X

Carla: No. It was cute. X

Lisa: Behave! Talking of rules…that last one last night was a little unexpected… X

Carla: Unexpected good or…? X

Lisa: Of course good. I won’t be dating anyone Carla. I’m in this 100% even if it’s a little…well… a lot out of my comfort zone. X

Carla: You sound surprised? We’re both out of our comfort zone, together. That’s the beautiful part. X

Lisa: I just, I don’t know. I had a really nice time last night. I felt maybe it was all…you know, playful banter, but then you went and did things that were really sweet, like making sure I got home safe. X

Carla: If you’re worried this is a joke to me, Lisa, it’s not. I want to take this seriously, if you do too. If I was dating someone, I’m all in for them. Especially when they’re someone as special as you are to me. I don’t want to lose you as a friend after what we’ve built over the last six months…but I just thought this could, you know, be what it is without the complications. X

Lisa: So no second thoughts? You haven’t woken up realising you’ve made a silly mistake and you no longer want a fake girlfriend? X

Carla: No…have you? X

Carla: It’s okay if you have. Maybe it was a silly idea… X

Lisa: No, and well I was thinking I’m all in too. Just so you know. Now enough soppiness, I need to get ready for work but I feel like a dead weight! X

Carla: Come by the factory on your lunch break? I’ll have a surprise for you. I promise it to be hangover-cure-proof. X

Lisa: Anything to make me feel better than I do right now. As long as it’s not alcohol!X

---

As Lisa walks in to the factory around 1pm, Sally greets her as she’s barely through the door.

“Detective Sergeant Swain, to what do we owe the pleasure?” Sally beams at her. Standing in her way so she can’t seem to move any further inside. Her head is still pounding and she could really do without the questions today.

“I’m just here to see Miss Connor.” Lisa says, in her Detective Sergeant Swain tone.

“Well, Miss Connor is very busy. She’s had the blinds shut all day in her office and a MEETING IN PROGRESS - DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door. I don’t think she’s up to any visitors—“

Carla swiftly cuts Sally off as she opens her office door, glaring at her machinist who’s taken it upon herself to leave her station and almost harass any visitors, Lisa now included. 

“Let Lisa through Sally.” Carla mutters.

“Ooh Lisa. ” Sally quips.

It doesn’t go unnoticed to Sally that Carla has used DS Swain’s first name, but Sally steps aside to allow the detective pass, Lisa offering her a half-arsed smile.

She’s really not in the mood today to be dealing with anything other than Carla’s hangover-cure-proof surprise.

Lisa resists kissing Carla on the cheek to greet her and instead smiles warmly at the brunette—which would have really given the factory lot something to talk about.

Even though they’d set ground rules on PDA’s, and they were allowed in moderation, they were still navigating around most of their rules—if not all of them, if they were to be honest.

Finding what works best with each other and suiting it to each situation. Carla Connor receiving a kiss on the cheek in the middle of the day, outside her own office, in the middle of the factory, from Detective Sergeant Swain would spread like wildfire with this lot. They didn’t miss a thing. This meeting certainly would raise a few eyebrows alone.

It was also way out of Lisa’s comfort zone right about now. Still trying to find her feet in what it actually meant to have a fake girlfriend.

Carla closed the door behind them and securely locked it, preventing any unwanted visitors. Especially Sally Webster who would find any excuse to interrupt, had Carla not taken preventative measures first.

“Hi” Carla looked at the blonde, looking a little disheveled with her messy bun, but looking pristine as ever all at the same time with her sharp outfit.

Lisa was wearing a long sleeved pink shirt that had a white collar and white cuffs, buttoned all the way to the top, paired with navy blue trousers, navy boots and her signature long black leather jacket.

“Pink looks good on you” Carla quipped. “Really brings out the blue in your eyes.” A smile tugged at her lips as she saw a faint blush creep into Lisa’s cheeks.

“Compliments Carla—“

“What? Am I not allowed to compliment my fake girlfriend?” Carla teased.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. “not off-limits no, but low-key?” Lisa quickly suggested as she was becoming ever so aware that her cheeks must now match the colour of her shirt.

It had appeared there was a lot of things they hadn’t discussed and so were trying to navigate them as and when they arose.

“I can do low-key” Carla shot back as she moved over to her desk where she’d cleared all her paperwork away for her lunch with Lisa.

Lisa raised her eyebrow at the brunette’s response, not quite believing that the brunette knew what low-key compliments were in Lisa’s world—namely nil compliments at all. 

Carla removes the foil from Lisa’s meal, where she’d been keeping the heat in, to reveal the dirtiest kebab she’d ever bought, with all the trimmings.

And—of course a can of Irn-Bru.

Carla pulled Lisa’s chair out, gesturing for her to sit and the blonde complied. Her eyes lit up as they landed on the greasy plate of food, that seemed so perfect for this moment when she still felt like she’d been in a boxing ring and had seven bells punched out of her.

Carla seated herself at the other side of the desk, removing her foil to reveal a plate of sushi and a can of Kombucha.

Lisa chuckled softly and rolled her eyes at the brunette’s decision, thinking back to the day of their discussion when Lisa had been trying desperately to get those festival tickets for her and Betsy, of which Carla had bailed her out for once again.

She was starting to see and remember things with Carla more intently and was sometimes, very faintly, wondering if there had been more to these previous interactions, more to Carla’s thoughtfulness and generosity as she began to see Carla in a slightly different light. She quickly shook those thoughts away, and engaged into conversation.

“Carla, I can’t believe you remembered.” Lisa’s face lit up and she dug in, moaning softly at the taste of the greasy kebab.

Carla tried to keep her mind focused. Her mind away from the sexy blonde who made eating a kebab look like something from an erotic film.

Sexy? Erotic? God Carla, get a grip! She thought to herself.

“Well I’m hardly going to forget that, am I?” Carla teased.

They spent the next hour entertaining light conversation, enjoying their food, before Lisa excusing herself, offering that she had to get back to the station.

“I hope it’s not a bit much but, can I see you tonight?” Carla asks somewhat shyly. 

Lisa’s face drops slightly as her expression shifts and Carla almost sees the blonde’s body tense upon her question that hung in the air.

“Sorry, ignore me—“

“I promised Betsy a movie night.” Lisa quickly cuts Carla off, reassuring the brunette that she wasn’t at all being too much.

“But I can text you later? I’m sure I could use some reassuring company as I endure my daughters hatred.” Lisa tried to make her tone sound light, but there was definitely an element of truth and hurt in there. She really did believe Betsy hated her.

“Betsy doesn’t hate you Lisa, but of course you can text me. I’ll look forward to it.” Carla smiled softly at the blonde, with a twinkle in her eye.

She resists the urge, on this occasion to kiss Lisa on the cheek as Lisa too doesn’t lean in. Carla wonders if that’s a boundary they need to practice more sober.

---

Carla: Hey, how’s your night going with Betsy? Hope you two are having fun. X

Lisa: We’re watching a movie together, with a takeaway. Pizza is the way to my daughter’s heart. X

Carla: It sounds like things are bearable? How are things since…you know? X

It had been around six months since Carla had stepped foot in Lisa’s car that day. Lisa had been feeling particularly emotional and Carla had quite obviously caught her crying her eyes out—although they’d had a brief misunderstanding that Lisa was in fact widowed and not divorced—to a woman and not a man, after that they’d found mutual ground.

Lisa had explained how Betsy had decided to throw her other mums clothes in the skip, Lisa convinced that all her daughter did was find different ways to hurt her.

After that day, their friendship had slowly but surely blossomed.

Lisa: She doesn’t hate me right now. I have pizza 😉 x

Another text comes through shortly after.

Lisa: What are you up to tonight? X

Carla: I’m just making my lonely way through a detective series . Ryan’s at work so just me tonight. X

Lisa felt a small pang of guilt at the reminder that Carla had asked if she could see her tonight and made a mental note to herself that as a fake girlfriend, she might have a little making up to do…but a little teasing would suffice, for now, surely? 

Lisa: Aww, are you missing me? 😉 x

Carla begins to type a message a few times, but deletes it each time. Nerves creeping in.

Lisa notices the speech bubble appear, disappear and reappear again. Before Carla has chance, Lisa hits back again. 

Lisa: You are, aren’t you? 😘 x

“Mum, who are you texting?” Betsy asks, catching Lisa off guard and a blush rises in her cheeks.

“No one, it’s just work. Sorry Bets.” Lisa’s blush rises further at her little white lie.

“Right, ‘work’, ‘coz you really blush at the texts that your ‘colleagues’ send you.” Betsy rolls her eyes. “You’re supposed to be spending time with me.”

Lisa gives in to her daughter, she knows she’s right. “Okay, okay just give me one sec. No phones okay? I promise.”

Lisa: Hey, I just wanted to let you know I’m putting my phone away for a bit. Betsy is giving me a grilling! I’ll text you later, I promise. X

After a couple of hours, Betsy decided to  retreat to her bedroom and Lisa decides to do the same after clearing up downstairs.

Once she’s settled in bed, she pings a text across to Carla, hoping it’s not too late for the brunette.

Lisa: Hey you, I’m back. Sorry I didn’t text you before, I was trying to refrain from the third-degree with Betsy! 😩 How’s your night been? X

Carla: Pretty quiet. I’m still watching my detective show that apparently you’d hate 😏 how was your night with Betsy in the end? Minus the third-degree. X

Lisa: It’s not that I hate shows like that…just they’re very different compared to real life. Maybe I can prise you away from the tv screen for a little bit? It was good. We watched a cheesy rom-com although she’d never admit it to her friends, I know she secretly loved it! X

Carla: Oh, so you want my full attention, do you? 😏 so…you like cheesy rom-coms, huh? PS—I’m definitely introducing you to my obsession with crime thrillers someday. X

Lisa: I wouldn’t argue if you wanted to give me your full undivided attention 😇 I don’t mind a cheesy rom-com, call it a guilty pleasure if you like…got to be better than some fake detective series 😜 X

Carla: Noted…and FYI, TV is off, I’m all yours 😘 PS—I’m going to ignore that last comment 🙄 x

There was a good pause next.

Carla: Are you sure you’re okay? Everything really okay with Betsy? Our experiment hasn’t changed the fact that you can offload about anything, you know? I’m still Carla. Still me. X

Lisa: It’s just…never mind. Can we change the subject? X 

Carla knew this was classic Lisa Swain—technique. Run away before things got tough. Except she had no where to run to, only to stop replying…and Carla had to be the supportive, encouraging fake girlfriend that attempted to get her to open up more. 

Carla: What if I said no? X

Lisa: Carla, please. X

See—Lisa pushing away. Classic Swain. Either that or they were just about to have their first argument. 

Carla: Look, Lisa if you really want to change the subject then that’s fine, but it’s okay not to be okay, you know? You’re not superhuman, you don’t have to cope with everything on your own. X

Lisa: Except I am on my own aren’t I. Bex is dead and I’m all on my own. X

Before Carla could reply, Lisa pinged through another text.

Lisa: Sorry…I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that. X

Carla: Lisa, it’s okay. X

Lisa: No, it isn’t okay. I don’t want to hurt you, I don’t want to push you away but I’m going to find it really hard to let you in. X

Carla: Hey, you’ve not done such a bad job over these last six months you know. X

Lisa: I mean, let you in like that… Like I’d let a partner in. X

Carla: Oh… X

Carla: It’s not a race, Lisa. We can too if you want? Just go back to being friends. X

Lisa: I know. Betsy wishes it was me, you know. X

Lisa: Who died. Me and not Bex. X

Carla: Oh Lisa…that must have been really painful to hear. I’m so sorry she said that. I can’t imagine how it must make you feel. X

Carla had been half tempted to call Lisa—or even just show up on her doorstep, but she was making progress here and didn’t want to give Lisa an excuse to stop opening up—so, if she was going to continue opening up, then this would be the way. 

Lisa: It’s not the first time. Sometimes I wish it was me too. Bex was the better parent. The better wife. She could handle everything. Now, it’s just me and Betsy and we clash so much, there’s no one to keep the peace. X

Carla: Lisa, you don’t fail as a parent and I’m sure you didn’t fail as a wife. You’ve got to cut yourself some slack, give yourself more credit. You’ve got a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, you’ve got a demanding job and a tricky teenager, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but you are not on your own. You have me. X

Lisa: I just feel like I’m failing her all of the time. X

Carla: Lisa, Betsy’s struck gold with you. It’s really hard to step foot into that single parent role. So I’m told. Have you tried talking to her about how you feel? X

Lisa: I don’t know if that would help. I don’t think she’d understand. She just ends up using everything I say against me somehow. X

Carla: I could talk to her if you want? It’s kind of worked before. X

It was true. Betsy had opened up about stuff to Carla at the factory, which had ultimately left Carla to contact Lisa and then to force them to talk to each other. It had always worked if she was being honest…so far. 

Lisa: I don’t know. This is different. I don’t want to make things worse. Maybe I just need a goodnight’s sleep and I’ll see how things go tomorrow or for the rest of the week. I think I’m just overworked and overtired. X

Carla: I get it, but if you need a break, just remember I’m here. You’re not alone, Lisa. Would you like me to come over for a bit? Even if it’s just for a cuddle? X

Lisa: I’d love that, even in just a friendly way and not a fake girlfriend way, but I don’t think it’d go down well with Bets. I’m sorry, I’m sorry for offloading. Hardly romantic is it. Talk about a fake relationship ‘without the complications,’ I am the complication. X 

Carla: Lisa will you please stop beating yourself up. Promise me. X

Lisa: Okay, I promise. I should get some sleep and let you sleep. Night Carla. X

Carla: Night, beautiful. X

Carla had dared to say it—and Lisa couldn’t deny that the word beautiful had left a warm fuzzy feeling inside—but it hadn’t meant anything, right?

Notes:

Lisa invites Carla for a date night in!

Chapter 12: The First Sleepover

Notes:

Here’s Thursday’s instalment of The Social Experiment!

I’m having a bit of a rough time at the moment and have so much going on, I’m finding it hard to update all my stories on time—but this one, and Sunday’s story, I’m both well ahead with so I’ll have at least have some things to share while I deal with the storm that is life.

Thank you so much for all the kudos, comments and hits that I always receive—it’s those kinds of things that really are a joy.

🥺❤️

Lisa: Betsy’s at Sabrina’s all weekend, fancy wine, a takeaway and a movie? X

Carla: Are you propositioning me Detective Swain? X

Lisa: What? No! I just thought we could have a private date night—and I could introduce you to the world of soppy rom-coms! I have a reputation to uphold—I can stick to rules! X

Carla: I’m messing with you…can a girl not flirt with her fake girlfriend? Think I might need to conduct a lesson with you on flirting Swain, before we go…public. X

Lisa: You know it’s been a really long time since I’ve let anyone in…if you come to mine tonight, I promise I’ll try and relax some more. I’ll leave Detective Swain at work. X

Carla: Do you really have to leave Detective Swain at work… X

Lisa: Carla! 😳 X

Carla: I’ll be round at 7, don’t be late! 😏 😉 😘

---

Another text had come through later that day, from Lisa:

Don’t dress up.

Those words had hung in the back of Carla’s mind on the way to Lisa’s. The fact that she knew already that Betsy was at her friend, Sabrina’s all weekend, was making her nervous. 

Except why was she nervous? This was just Lisa. Just Lisa, my fake girlfriend who no one knew about had invited me for wine, a takeaway and what would be no doubt, a soppy rom com. 

Was the expectation that I stay over? Do I need to pack an overnight bag? Is that too presumptuous? Should I text her to ask? 

A ton of questions had swarmed Carla’s head all day, but as she stood in her bedroom, trying to find something to wear—she didn’t have time for questions. 

Carla had literally tossed her whole wardrobe on her bed. She’d tried every single outfit on at least once, from everything that included dressing up to dressing down.

After far too much time contemplating, and far too little time left before she was supposed to be at Lisa’s, she’d settled on a pair of black leggings with an oversized black t-shirt and a zip up black hoodie with her black adidas trainers. Black was like her signature colour, right?

Then, she worried about being too casual—what if Lisa had really made more of an effort?

Carla looked at the time—6:55PM—shit.

If she was going to call at the shop on the way to Lisa’s to pick up wine and flowers then she really didn’t have any time to try anything else.

She was already going to be late.

Carla called in at Freshgo’s to pick up two bottles of red wine before swinging by Preston’s Petals to pick only the finest bunch of red roses, and she headed to Lisa’s—somewhere she’d never been before. 

“I was beginning to think you were going to stand me up.” Lisa laughed softly as she opened the door to a very sheepish looking Carla. 

“These are for you.” Carla offered, holding out the red roses.

“Carla…” Lisa blushed as she took the roses from the brunette. “You didn’t have to.” Lisa said shyly, as she made her way to the kitchen to find a vase for them.

“I know.” Carla replied warmly as she followed the blonde into the kitchen, slipping off her boots and hanging her coat on the hook by the door. 

She took pride in her own home, everything having a place—and so she would take pride in Lisa’s and treat it as if it were her own. 

As Carla entered the kitchen, she watched Lisa effortlessly rummage in the cupboard under the sink, finding what she was looking for. She filled the vase with water, before popping the roses inside and turning around to place it in the centre of the table.

Lisa caught Carla’s eye and raised her eyebrow.

“What?” Carla’s face suddenly a deep crimson pink. She hadn’t moved from the entryway and was stood fidgeting as if she wasn’t sure what to do or where to look. 

“What’re you doing over there?” Lisa quipped, chucking softly at the other woman’s awkwardness. It was cute. She thought. She’d never noticed it before, not like this. Carla had always come across as very confident, assured and nothing seemed to phase her.

But—being stood in Lisa’s home, where she’d never been before—her fake girlfriend’s home, for their fake date, had suddenly left Carla not knowing how to act. 

Carla cleared her throat as she made her way further into the kitchen. Still hesitant. She wasn’t sure what was wrong with her to be honest. It was as if she’d stepped over the threshold to Lisa’s life, Lisa’s home soil and her whole body had begun to feel like jelly.

She’d been in Lisa’s company plenty of times before, but all of a sudden she felt nervous. Really nervous.

Wine! She needed wine—something to quell the nerves, and so she breathed a sigh of relief, watching Lisa as she continued to move around her kitchen.

Taking two wine glasses out the cupboard before popping the cork on one of the bottles Carla had bought from Freshgo’s, Lisa poured each of them a large glass. Lisa wasn’t too fussed but she thought Carla looked like she needed it.

“I picked us a soppy romcom.” Lisa smirked. “Thought I’d introduce you to mine and Betsy’s world.” Lisa started, attempting to make light conversation. Admittedly, she was struggling too but Carla’s nervous presence made her feel a little on edge. 

Carla rolled her eyes playfully, noting each time Lisa spoke about something other than themselves, another fibre of her being relaxed that little bit more.

By the time they’d both finished their Chinese, and somehow made their way through the awkwardness of earlier, they’d settled together more comfortably, on the sofa.

After sharing the first bottle of wine, Carla was back to her bubbly, jovial self. Lisa watched her intently after Carla told her a story about how a client had come to pick up their order and was completely mortified to find hundreds of pairs of sexy underwear delicately wrapped neatly inside the box.

“What was he expecting?” Lisa asked.

“Well, he thought the factory was called Underwater and that I specialised in swimming costumes.” Carla chuckled softly as she watched the blonde laugh incredulously at her joke.

They fell into a comfortable silence as they looked at each other, smiling softly for a moment before the heat got a little too much for Carla and she broke Lisa’s gaze.

“Go on then, introduce me to the world of soppy.”

Lisa switched the tv on, pressing the Netflix button and clicked on 10 Things I Hate About You.

Before Lisa presses play, she makes a suggestion. “So, there’s a poem in this film titled 10 things I hate about you. After the film, I thought we could play a game.”

“A game?” Carla quirks her eyebrow, a smile tugging at her lips.

Lisa tries to quell the feeling in her tummy when Carla looks at her like that. “Yeah, so we each have to think of 10 things we hate about each other—but you’ll understand the context more after the film. 

Carla sips her wine from the second bottle they’d began to share—one of Lisa’s as Lisa didn’t think it was fair to drink all Carla’s wine first—the smile still playing on her lips. “Okay, I’m in.”

Lisa smiled back at Carla, as she pressed play.

The movie started and she stared intently at Carla, who had sunk a little back into her nerves. “I don’t bite you know.” Lisa announced. “Last time I checked, cuddling was allowed..” she braved. 

She’d promised Carla she’d try to relax more, so it was now or never. 

Carla laughed softly and shuffled closer to Lisa, lying down and resting her head on Lisa’s lap.

Lisa swallowed hard as she felt the warmth of Carla’s presence envelop her. She absently brushed Carla’s hair away from her face, then let her hand stay there, raking it through the brunette’s locks tentatively.

“You comfy?” Lisa asked as she felt Carla shift into her a little bit more. “More than.” Carla offered in her reply and they’d stayed like that for the whole film. 

As the movie credits roll, Lisa moves her hand which had eventually landed to rest on Carla’s shoulder, after finishing playing with Carla’s hair.

Daringly, during the film, she’d started stroking the back of Carla’s neck with her fingers.

The brunette had released a few soft involuntary moans that she’d hoped Lisa hadn’t been able to hear, due to the volume of the movie, but of course, Lisa had.

It hadn’t put Lisa off though. There was something she enjoyed about hearing the brunette respond to her touch.

As they stayed like this for a beat, after the movie, Lisa let her hand absently trace down the edge of Carla’s jawline.

She’d always thought the brunette had a sharp jaw and killer cheekbones, which unbeknown to her, she’d eventually come to love.

“That tickles.” Carla jested, swatting the blonde’s hand away, before sitting up. Lisa felt the coolness of Carla’s absence wash over her, something of which she didn’t realise she’d miss all of a sudden.

It had been daring and dangerous to enter this social experiment with Carla, but in a strange and comforting way, she felt their bond strengthening ever so slightly as they teetered on the edges of each others boundaries more and more.

As Carla got up, Lisa frowned. “Where are you going?”

Carla smirked. “If we’re going to play this game of yours, I’m going to need more wine.” She gestured to the two empty glasses on the coffee table.

They’d drank their way through the first bottle during their takeaway, and somehow drank their way through the second too.

After Carla retrieved the second bottle she’d brought—their third bottle together—she popped the cork and poured them both a fresh glass, this time sitting back beside Lisa, their knees brushing.

Lisa tucked her legs further underneath her and positioned herself so she was facing Carla, cradling her glass of wine in her hands.

Carla mirrored the blonde’s position so she too was facing Lisa. Carla’s arm hung lazily over the back of the sofa, and she dared to play with Lisa’s hair.

“I hate how you know how to push my buttons.” Lisa said shyly as she chances a look at Carla, hoping she hasn’t offended her and hoping she’s got a grasp of how the game works—although Lisa blushed immediately when Carla returned a telling smile, looking pretty smug with herself. 

It was true—Carla knew exactly how to push Lisa’s buttons and to be honest, she’d used it to her advantage before they’d really gotten to know each other, more or less changing her behaviour as they’d grown closer, but Carla filed that away for a later date. Something that could become useful in this experiment. 

“I hate how you can’t take a compliment without deflecting.” Carla took her turn—it was true, it was something Carla had learnt about Lisa very quickly. She didn’t receive affection well, even in a friendly manner, nor did she receive gratitude well.

”How do you mean?” Lisa asked, her brows furrowed. 

“You’re beautiful, Lisa.” Carla dared to challenge as she brushed the soft skin of Lisa’s cheek with the pad of her thumb. She held her gaze until Lisa pulled away and huffed a laugh, her cheeks flushing. 

“See?” Carla challenged. “You were quick to shut down compliments yesterday when I said pink looks good on you—which, by the way—“

”Carla—“ Lisa interrupted her as Carla’s gaze fell on to the pink knitted jumper that Lisa had chosen to wear this evening. 

Carla shrugged, before continuing. “I’m just saying—like when you stormed the factory without any back-up and then later on at my flat, tried to shrug it off as if it was nothing.” 

Lisa rolled her eyes. “I’ll work on it.” She finished and Carla cocked her eyebrow, a faint smile tugged at the side of her lips. 

“You’ll work on it?” Carla challenged back. 

“Yes.” Lisa stated matter of factly. “I’ll work on it, in our fake relationship.” 

“Compliments back on then? In the rule book?” 

Lisa didn’t answer, but instead—after a large gulp of wine, took her turn. “I hate your obsession with reality TV shows!” Lisa laughed lightly, altering the tone. 

“Hey, don’t knock them till you’ve tried them. I’m going to introduce you to Love Is Blind, whether you like it or not.” Carla teased. 

“Oh no, Betsy already makes me watch MAFS.” Lisa pinched the bridge of her nose in mock protest. 

“Did you just say MAFS?” Carla teased, knowing that only a true fan would use the shows abbreviated name. 

Lisa swatted Carla with the nearest cushion in playful jest, leaving both women in a fit of giggles in the haze of the wine. 

“I hate how you can’t relax and enjoy the moment.” Carla said, before Lisa raised an eyebrow as if to say I’ve been relaxed all evening. 

“You know what I mean.” Carla teased with a smile. “You’re not normally as relaxed as this.” 

Carla held Lisa’s gaze. “I’m enjoying you letting your hair down.” Carla whispered softly, before leaning in. Maybe it was just the haze of the wine, maybe it was the relaxed version of Lisa or maybe it was just that she really was enjoying Lisa’s company, but she really wanted to kiss her.

”Carla…” Lisa trailed off before she moved her head slightly. She hated the thought of refusing her fake girlfriend a kiss—even though they’d discussed their rules and boundaries—but it was something that Lisa didn’t realise she wasn’t ready for. 

“Sorry—“ Lisa tried to recover but Carla shifted to move away. 

“It doesn’t matter—“ Carla protested, suddenly feeling that little bit more sober. 

“Yes, it does matter.” Lisa said firmly as she gently grabbed Carla’s wrist—softly but firmly so she couldn’t move away. 

“Yes, it does matter. I will get there. Be patient with me.” Lisa tried, and if it wasn’t for those beautiful eyes and the raw fact that this was a fake relationship, then Carla would have probably been out the door. 

As Lisa laced their fingers together, she spoke again, a little quieter this time. 

“I hate how vulnerable you make me feel.” Lisa admitted as she held Carla’s hand—a little tighter than she’d like to admit when sober, but the warmth and grip of Lisa’s hand made it all worthwhile to Carla, who felt a wave of butterflies flutter in her tummy. 

“And I hate how you have a tendency to over analyse everything.” Carla challenged back, softly.

”Noted.” Lisa returned, a playful smile setting on her lips. “But if we’re doing this back and forth thing, right now, I hate the way you refuse to ask for help, even when you need it.”

The light banter returned, the smug looks, the mock protest from Carla. 

The game was playful, but there was a lot of truth laced beneath—and they both knew it. They both took it all in, it was something to work on, together, right? 

In a fake, pretend way, of course. 

“Well I hate the way you don’t think before you act.” Carla admitted, going back to Lisa’s reckless decisions of storming the factory alone, with no back up.

Of course she’d appreciated Lisa storming into the factory that day and saving her literally from the boys father who had followed her to her own factory from court, but back when they’d had an evening together after that incident, Lisa’s words often played on her mind.

“Go on then, do your worst.”

“If it did happen to me, I wouldn’t have to work this hard anymore.”

“Just fight to get out of bed some days.”

Carla wouldn’t bring those kinds of words up again though, even though it’d come back into play when they were texting a few nights ago.

It had scared Carla and she did worry. So she just took it upon herself to keep a closer eye on the blonde, without making it too obvious.

“How do you mean?” Lisa responded, feigning innocence. “I’ll have you know a lot of thinking goes into my decision making.” Lisa replied nonchalantly.

Carla raised her eyebrow. “Oh I’m sure it does. Like that day you stormed the factory and saved me, with no back up or anything to fall on.”

Lisa took a moment to let Carla’s words settle. There was clearly a hidden meaning behind what she was saying, even though sometimes Carla made everything sound jovial.

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat though, I care about you too much to just stand by and let something bad happen to you. I’d never forgive myself if-“

Lisa cut herself off, tears threatening so she tried to shrug it off with a hint of a smile. “Besides, it’s your fault for always attracting trouble. I feel like I’ve had more dealings with you in my job over this last year than I have with anyone else on this street!”

They both laughed, but something had shifted between them. Carla had caught the tears sitting in Lisa’s eyes as one of them escaped, she wasn’t fooling anyone.

Carla held Lisa’s gaze as she moved her hand to wipe away the stray tear with the pad of her thumb, her hand lingering softly on Lisa’s cheek, just as it had moments ago.

They’d both had their fair share of three bottles of wine by this point and there was definitely an air of flirtation around them.

Carla knew she shouldn’t try again. She knew she really shouldn’t push her luck with the detective, but she was definitely drunk and feeling bolder by the minute. 

As time seemed to stand still for Lisa, Carla gently leant forward again, not breaking eye contact until she pressed the softest of kisses to Lisa’s lips. It was only for a few brief seconds, but it was heaven.

Carla repositioned herself, as Lisa’s own arm had reached to lean on the back of the sofa at some point and she absently ran her fingers down Carla’s arm. 

Something had changed. Something was different. 

“What was that for?” Lisa asked quizzically, her words slurring slightly as she too, was also very drunk. 

“Well, I figured if we were in a real relationship and you’d just basically said that you’d step up again in a heartbeat to save me, well, that deserves a little affection. Don’t you think?” Carla was soft with her admission as they both let the kiss hang in the air between them for a moment.

Lisa watched Carla’s hand as her fingers were dancing along the fabric of her jumper.

She moved her arm slightly as every so often Carla would catch the skin beneath Lisa’s jumper, but she saw the expression shift in the brunette as if she’d done something wrong—as if she’d crossed a boundary—but just as Carla was about to retract her hand, Lisa softly entwined their fingers, a dark smile playing on the blonde’s lips, only fuelled by the red wine.

Lisa felt a warmth pool between her legs and she knew she needed to move. “Okay, we’re going to bed. I’m very drunk and you’re very close and I’m pretty sure sitting this close should be off-limits in the rule book.” Lisa whispered in a slurred voice.

Carla suddenly looked nervous as the words we are going to bed sat heavily on her mind and Lisa felt Carla’s body tense beside her. 

“You know I’m a police officer right, you’re not driving home.” Lisa raised her eyebrow. 

“I can get a taxi…” Carla suggested, suddenly overwhelmed at the thought of staying the night at Lisa’s. They’d discussed sleepovers, which had been easy at the time. But now—the thought of being in the same bed with Lisa…Lisa who’d really relaxed this evening, Lisa who Carla had just kissed…was a little overwhelming. 

“And I have a perfectly comfy bed for you to sleep in. There’s a spare room if you really want to, but sleeping in the same bed is allowed in the rule book.” Lisa leaned in to Carla’s ear when she said that last sentence, and Carla could smell the red wine on her breath. Then Lisa wobbled a bit, dizzily and Carla instinctively reached out to grab her, letting out a soft chuckle.

But bravely, Carla stood, extending a hand to Lisa, who really needed to stop looking at her like that, if they were going to be sticking to any of these rules…

“Are you taking me to bed?” Lisa whispered, her tone flirtatious in her head, but full of drunken sleepiness in reality.

Her initial fears had seemed to dissipate and though Carla relished this version of Lisa, she knew she needed to look after her too—and make her actions clear that she’d never take advantage. 

“To sleep, Lisa.” Carla offered gently as she helped the blonde up from the sofa. Carla more or less pushed Lisa up the stairs, holding her waist from behind to prevent her from falling.

“I’m sorry we haven’t finished our game.” Lisa offered, a little disheartened.

“Who said we had to stop?” Carla offered playfully. “We’ve got plenty of time.” Carla suggested, wanting Lisa to know that just because their night was ending, it didn’t mean their game had to. 

Carla followed Lisa to her bedroom and gave her the privacy of getting changed and climbing into bed, while Carla promised to go work out how to lock up downstairs.

She was admittedly drunk herself, but she’d drank her fair share of wine over the years that it didn’t quite have the same effect on her as it seemed to have on Lisa.

Carla moved the empty wine glasses and bottles into the kitchen, placing the glasses in the dishwasher and the bottles in the recycling, outside. She locked both the front and back door and headed back up the stairs.

She paused outside Lisa’s bedroom, contemplating leaving the blonde and taking the spare room, but she didn’t want to upset Lisa.

It was just sharing a bed, right? Carla thought back to the countless times she’d shared a bed with her best friend, Michelle, but this felt like something else entirely, but then Carla thought to their agreement and muttered to herself it is all part of the social experiment, right?

She pushed the door gently, only to be greeted with the blonde tucked under the covers fast asleep.

Lisa had left Carla an oversized t shirt and a pair of sleep shorts on the opposite side of the bed, and though they wouldn’t be Carla’s first choice of what to wear to bed, her heart warmed at the sight as they were Lisa’s, Lisa had picked them out for her and Lisa’s smell from her perfume, or shower gel or that strawberry shampoo she used, would be laced in them.

After heading to the bathroom to change, she slipped under the covers beside Lisa, tentatively trying to not disturb the sleeping blonde and she pressed a soft kiss to Lisa’s exposed cheek, hoping to not wake her. 

Cuddling was allowed in bed and so she pressed her figure into Lisa’s back and took the role of the big spoon, wrapping her arm lightly around the blondes waist.

Suddenly, she felt Lisa shift as she shuffled back further into Carla as they almost melted together.

No words were exchanged, but it was evident that Lisa had been pretending to be asleep to see what Carla would do. They both smiled, unbeknownst to each other as they tightly kept their eyes closed and drifted off into a comfortable, drunken sleep.

Notes:

The morning after…

Chapter 13: Don’t be late.

Notes:

A late upload due to all the issues with AO3 last night 🙈

I didn’t really plan for this chapter to go the way it has, but it’s extended the story really as you know, some stories have a mind of their own 🙈

I’m still managing to update this fic and When Two Worlds Collide regularly, as well as aiming to complete Lessons shortly…I’ve just been struggling with my angsty(er) fics Halo & Thin Blue Line—they haven’t been forgotten!—I’m just not in the right head space at the moment—please forgive me! 🙏🏻

I hope you enjoy this little segment here 😊

Lisa stirs immediately, feeling the warmth of Carla’s skin envelope her. Carla presses a soft kiss to Lisa’s bare shoulder. “Morning rule breaker.” Carla breathes into her shoulder.

The warmth of Carla’s breath makes a soft moan escape her lips, until the reality dawns on her that she’s only in her bra and boxers.

God knows how that happened. 

Feeling a little courage from the night before, she flips it back on Carla. “Actually, I don’t think we discussed clothing in bed…but I seem to remember the rule where cuddling in bed is allowed, as long as you keep your hands to yourself” Lisa quipped as she felt Carla’s hand wandering. Tickling her stomach. Playing with her piercing. Wandering dangerously close to—

“Hey, I did. I was very well behaved I’ll have you know…I wouldn’t take advantage…” Carla trailed off, holding Lisa tighter as she pressed yet another soft kiss to Lisa’s shoulder.

Carla, subconsciously unaware that she enjoyed playing with Lisa’s piercing perhaps a little too much. But Lisa filed that fact away for a later date. 

“I hate how you make me feel so vulnerable but so safe all at the same time.” Lisa admitted.

Carla remembered Lisa had used that one before…but hadn’t mentioned Carla making her feel safe. She felt a flood of emotion as reality kicked in—it wasn’t the time to tease Lisa that she couldn’t use the same reason twice—not yet anyway. 

Instead, Carla waited to see if Lisa wanted to expand, to open up more but she didn’t. Not right away. “It’s a lot to feel, right?” Carla was gently nudging, with her use of words, probing for a response.

Lisa barely mumbles a response.

“I’ve not let anyone in since I lost Bex, not like this.” Lisa whispered, her voice laced with such vulnerability. “I feel like…I…I feel like when I lost Bex, I built my walls up so high, my guard was always up. But then you got in my car one day, caught me off guard…” Lisa laughed at the memory.

“You still didn’t make it easy.” Carla teased. 

“Yeah, well can you blame me?” Lisa huffed a laugh. “Neither did you and Bobby—“

“Alright, alright. Come on.” Carla encouraged softly as she felt Lisa’s body tense in her hold.

They didn’t need to argue about the past—they’d both come a long way, and the friendship they’d built was far too precious to toss aside.

“You can always be yourself with me though, Lisa. Always. And I promise I won’t let anything hurt you. That’s what makes this safe, right? We’re in this little world together, you’re not alone Lisa.”

Lisa let Carla’s words sink in as her body relaxed again. She could feel the safety of Carla’s arms; the softness of her skin. The fact that she hadn’t yet let go made her feel every word that slipped from Carla’s lips.

The silence settled for a beat.

“But you do know that’s cheating if you use the same reason twice.” Carla teased, sensing an opening she could strike.

“What?” Lisa asked puzzled, turning gently to face Carla. Hyper-aware that she had less clothing on than she’d prefer, but not caring much at this stage.

“Twice, you’ve said you hate how vulnerable I make you feel—“

“Have I?” Lisa asked, blushing instantly. “I hate how you always like to be right.” Lisa teased.

“I do not.” Carla protested.

“You so do.” Lisa challenges.

Carla's expression turns wicked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, is that a challenge? You think you can take me on, Detective? Because I’m pretty sure I can prove you wrong."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, her heart racing at the sudden shift in the air. "You think you can prove me wrong? I think you’re just setting yourself up to prove me right.” Lisa smirked, her confidence unwavering which only fuelled Carla further.

In a flash, Carla lunged forward, fingers dancing over Lisa’s ribs as the blonde erupts into laughter.

"Hey! No! Stop that!" Lisa squealed, squirming away, but Carla was relentless.

"You said it yourself twice , you hate how vulnerable I make you feel." Carla teased, her fingers continuing to dance over Lisa's ribs as she tried to wriggle out of Carla’s hold.

"Okay, okay!" Lisa gasped between giggles, her cheeks flushed with laughter and embarrassment. She twisted and turned, trying to escape, but Carla was quicker.

With a swift move, Carla managed to straddle Lisa’s hips, pinning her down while still giggling. "Now you're at my mercy! Admit it, I’m right!"

Lisa's laughter subsided into breathless chuckles as she looked up at Carla, their faces inches apart. "I did tell you, you always like to be right.” Lisa smirked, but as they locked eyes, the playful energy shifted.

The charged moment hung in the air, and both women felt an electric tension that was hard to ignore. Carla’s heart raced as she realised just how close they were, their bodies pressed together. Lisa laid beneath her in nothing but her underwear.

"Okay, okay, let’s… let’s stop before we…," Lisa stammered, her laughter fading into a soft breath. Cheeks still flushed, as her voice trailed off, caught between soft laughter and something deeper.

Carla bit her lip, the playfulness still lingering but overshadowed by an unspoken connection. "Right, okay. Probably a good idea," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she slowly released her hold and sat back, both of them breathing heavily.

They shared a slightly awkward yet exhilarating moment. The kind that left them both questioning everything they thought they knew about their friendship, vulnerability, and the undeniable chemistry that sparked between them.

“I hate how hard you are on yourself all the time. You beat yourself up about everything and I wish you could see yourself how I see you.” Carla blurted out as they sat beside each other, covers pulled up against them.

“How do you see me, Carla?” Lisa asked, her voice was small, barely a whisper but Carla heard every word among the silence that sat comfortably between them.

Carla hesitated for a moment, seeing the raw vulnerability in Lisa’s eyes. The room felt charged, the air thick with unspoken words. Carla shifted slightly, drawing closer, wanting to bridge the gap between her and Lisa that they’d made themselves.

Almost to hold on to Lisa so she couldn’t run—she didn’t anyway. Still allowed her space if she needed it, but she was there for a crutch if she wanted that too.

“I see someone strong.” Carla began, her voice steady, but soft. “Someone who fights for what’s right and who cares deeply about the people around her. You have this incredible strength, but you don’t always give yourself credit for it.”

Lisa looked down, her brow furrowed as she processed Carla’s words. They came heavily and unexpected really. Lisa had no idea that Carla saw her like that.

“But I make mistakes, Carla. I’m not perfect.”

“Who is?” Carla countered gently. “I think you care so much that you forget to be kind to yourself sometimes. I just want you to see that you’re more than your mistakes. Look at how far you’ve come right now Roy…with Betsy…with me.”

Lisa’s heart fluttered at the honest sincerity in Carla’s voice. It was a side of her that Lisa rarely saw—honest, open and unguarded—but a side Carla was allowing her to see more of since they’d entered this experiment together.

“You really think that?” Lisa asked, her voice remaining small.

“I don’t just think it, I know it.” Carla affirmed, reaching out gently to cup Lisa’s cheek, allowing the pad of her thumb to gently graze her soft skin.

Lisa leaned in to Carla’s touch, closing her eyes, allowing the weight of Carla’s words to settle between them. Lisa felt the warmth of Carla’s touch seep into her skin.

As she opened her eyes, she held Carla’s gaze. Affirmed. Strong.

“Why do you care so much?” Lisa asked.

“Because I see you, Lisa. You let me see the real you, and it’s beautiful.”

Lisa’s breath hitched as their eyes locked, the moment stretching between them like a taut string ready to snap. She could feel the heat radiating from Carla, the intensity of her gaze sending shivers down her spine.

In that charged silence, everything shifted. Lisa felt her heart race as she searched Carla’s eyes for answers, for permission, for something more.

The air grew thick with unspoken tension, and as Carla leaned in slightly, Lisa felt an overwhelming urge to close the distance between them. It was a moment teetering on the edge of something profound, something that could change everything.

Until the sound of Lisa’s phone ringing snapped them both out of their trance. They both pulled back slightly, the sudden realisation of their closeness sending them both into a flurry of emotions.

“Swain.” Lisa answered sharply. Professional, but irritated that their moment had been interrupted—but perhaps grateful that their spell had been broken.

“Yeah, I understand. Okay.” Lisa’s answers were brief as she kept her tone clipped. Professional.

Lisa ended the call. She signed heavily.

“Everything alright?” Carla asked, tilting her head as her hand brushed against the bare skin of Lisa’s arm.

“I’ve got to go into work. Kind of ruined the plans I had for us today.” Letting out another heavy breath.

“You had plans?” Carla asked, eyebrow raised, a smile tugging gently at her lips.

Lisa playfully rolled her eyes. Shaking her head as she averted her gaze from Carla’s probable teasing.

“Dinner. Tonight. 8pm. Meet me at my flat. Don’t be late.” Carla commanded, but moved before Lisa could protest.

As they both left the safety of the bedroom, their underlying feelings remained, lingering in the air like a whisper that begged to be acknowledged.

Notes:

Next time: Carla has dinner plans, will Lisa be late and de-rail them?

Chapter 14: Lisa’s late…

8 PM rolled past. No sign of Lisa.

8:30 PM and Carla sent the first text. No answer.

She should have known better really. All those shared evenings with Lisa in the past, sharing her feelings and troubles about her time with Betsy. The fact that her teenage daughter always gave her a hard time for never being home when she said she would be.

It came with the job. Lisa always replied. Carla had nodded. Understood.

But when it was happening to you—it felt different. Sad, almost. Hurtful.

Carla knew she shouldn’t feel sad and hurt. She knew that wouldn’t be Lisa’s intention, knowing that Carla felt like this—but it was hard not to feel like this.

Finally, she felt towards what Betsy had to go through with her mum not being around. Broken promises.

Another fifteen minutes passed and Carla tried calling. No answer.

So, she left a voicemail. Not angry, not upset. Her voice just soft, etched with worry, almost.

They weren’t a couple—not really. Not properly. Carla wasn’t even sure what you’d call what they were doing.

Yes, it was called the social experiment—the article Carla had read. The very one she’d eventually proposed to Lisa, and the very one Lisa had eventually agreed to. But it wasn’t an experiment, was it? Poor choice of word really.

They were friends though. Some would say best friends , and so Carla did feel that Lisa owed it to her to at least let her know she was going to be late. To at least reply to just one of her texts, or just answer the God damn phone—but no.

9 PM passed and Carla tried one more time. One more text. One more phone call. 

Nothing.

She sighed heavily as she slumped on the sofa. Dinner was cold. Candles had burned out. Wine left untouched—apart from her own glass she was nursing between her hands on the sofa.

---

9:27 PM. The flat buzzer.

Carla buzzed who ever it was in. She didn’t even check who it was. Didn’t ask.

She opened the door without a word, too exhausted to argue about Lisa’s lack of communication, and for being late—her relief and frustration now mingled with worry and concern at the sight of the dishevelled blonde in front of her. Bloodied. Bruised.

Carla’s heart dropped.

“What the hell happened?” Carla asked, her voice soft as she rushed to assist Lisa in entering the flat. She was hobbling, limping almost.

Concern flooded her features as she reached out tentatively, hesitating as she realised she didn’t want to hurt Lisa any more than she was already clearly hurting.

“What happened darling? What can I do?” Carla asked with growing concern. Her voice trembling. Now not the time to have the pet names conversation. Now not the time whether she could even remember if they’d already had that conversation. 

Lisa was expecting an argument—she wasn’t expecting this.

Too many times in the past she’d been late home. Only to be met by a cold plate of food left on the dining room table and an invitation to sleep in the spare room—alone, by her late wife. Or, more recently, a dark and empty house by her raging teenage daughter.

What Carla had greeted her with, was new, soft, safe. Perhaps it would have been different if she wasn’t bloodied and bruised though, but she filed that away for later.

The softness in Carla’s voice nearly broke her, and she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, but she fought them back.

“You should see the other guy,” Lisa teased weakly, attempting to laugh but wincing from the pain.

“Sit.” Carla commanded gently as she found a way to guide Lisa round to the sofa, before hurrying to grab the first aid kit, her heart still wrecked with worry, despite Lisa’s feeble attempts at a little humour.

“So, talk.” Carla commanded a little firmer now as she seated herself beside Lisa. Her gaze unwavering.

Lisa felt the pressure bore into her from the brunette beside her, and tried to break the unwanted tension just a little bit. “I could really do with a glass of wine.” Lisa teased again, her tone light, despite the circumstances.

Carla looked at Lisa, really looked at her and saw those big beautiful eyes staring back at her. Her firm expression broke a little as her lips curled into a small smile and she shook her head.

Without question, she brought over the other filled wine glass, with some pain killers, placing them in front of Lisa to take, before being reseated next to her.

Carla didn’t condone mixing pain relief with alcohol, but Lisa was a big girl and Carla knew she’d only do what she wanted anyway. Besides, there was no way Lisa was spending the night alone tonight, so Carla knew she’d be able to keep a close eye on Lisa through the night.

Lisa’s heart softened as she tilted her head back on the sofa towards Carla, whispering a soft “thank you,” and once again, Carla’s lips curled into a small smile.

“Right.” Carla announced. “Let’s take a look at this busted lip and bruised jaw first,” Carla instructed.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she examined Lisa’s injuries. Lisa watched her intently. She could see the worry lines etched in Carla’s forehead.

“Hey,” Lisa whispered softly. “I’m alright.” Lisa assured her, but Carla just arched her brow in return.

“I am.” Lisa insisted with a soft chuckle, before wincing again at the pain in her ribs.

“Alright, DS Swain. Stop acting so tough and let me see to this before we move onto your clearly bruised ribs.” Carla instructed further.

Carla spent the next fifteen minutes or so, cleaning up Lisa’s bust, bloodied lip, before getting her an ice pack to be able to apply some pressure on the bruising to her face.

Her movements were meticulous and tender as she cared for Lisa, and Lisa’s heart swelled at the care and softness that Carla was offering her.

Lisa talked Carla through how they’d  received a late tip off about a man being released from prison who had a stark history of domestic violence. Lisa had been the one to put him away and it turned out, this man had a revenge plan—not just on his ex-wife, but on anyone who got in his way—and Lisa had turned out to be collateral damage.

Lisa had assured Carla though, that he was back in custody now, and his chances of bail were less than none, before he’d be recalled back to prison.

Carla nodded throughout their exchange, but Lisa couldn’t help but smile to herself as she watched the worry lines crease in Carla’s forehead even more than before.

It felt strange having someone take care of her like this, and for a moment, Lisa allowed herself to think that whatever this was between her and Carla was… real.

“Right, ribs next?” Carla asked gently, tearing Lisa away from her internal thoughts, and Lisa nodded.

Carla gently coaxed Lisa to lean back against the cushions, putting some more behind Lisa for extra comfort. Then, she watched Carla unbutton her shirt, which was stuck to her skin in places by her dried blood.

Lisa bit her lip, conscious that the pain relief mixed with the alcohol was starting to take some form of effect. “This isn’t how I envisioned you undressing me for the first time.” Her heart racing at the unexpected intimacy of the moment.

She watched Carla’s cheeks flush as soon as the words left her mouth. She felt a blush creep into her own cheeks, “sorry—must be the mixing of the alcohol and the painkillers.” Lisa added, trying to diffuse the small amount of sexual tension that now lingered in the air between them.

Lisa knew that this thing between her and Carla was laid out by rules. Rules in fact that really, Lisa had made herself, but she wasn’t about to deny to herself that during the time that her and Carla had spent together, things weren’t changing between them—because Lisa knew they were.

Carla smirked in order to try and deflect the heat that she felt rising in her body. She knew it was wrong to play with Lisa’s emotional state, especially when she was clearly a little tipsy and high on pain relief, but what harm was a little flirting, eh?

“Oh yeah, and how did you envision it, DS Swain? Considering that in your rule book—“

“Rules are made to be broken, right?” Lisa teased, interrupting Carla, but revelling in the way the brunettes cheeks were now a deep crimson.

A little bit of gay panic, perhaps?

Lisa smirked to herself, knowing she’d hit a nerve. Achieved whatever it was she’d set out to achieve, before grumbling in pain.

Carla noticed—

Perhaps it wasn’t the cleverest idea to be flirting like this, right now. 

“Shit, sorry. Did I hurt you?” Carla asked as she finished peeling away the fabric of Lisa’s shirt that had stuck to the side of her ribs.

“No—no, it’s alright,” Lisa assured her as she watched Carla’s expression—the brunette’s eyes widening at the sight of Lisa, clad in a midnight blue, lace bra was not what Carla had expected.

Carla quickly tried to distract herself. Cleaning the dried blood up from Lisa’s ribs, whilst all she could look at was her perfect breasts sitting in her gorgeous bra just above her toned stomach—and it was all a little bit too much—and so, she found her excusing herself for just a moment.

As Carla closed the bedroom door behind her, she let out a shaky breath, before busying herself in finding Lisa an over sized t shirt and some loose fitting bottoms she could change in to.

It’s just Lisa. She mumbled to herself—but it wasn’t just Lisa, was it? It was beautiful, caring, kind, amazing Lisa.

Carla pulled herself together before re-entering the room where she’d left Lisa.

The blonde had covered herself up now, sensing the panic in Carla, and Carla felt an unexpected pang of disappointment inside, before she handed Lisa a change of clothes.

“I thought we could still make it out?” Lisa suggested as her own expression turned to disappointment to find that Carla had found her some relaxed clothes she could change into—clearly not the kind you’d go out, out in.

Carla chuckled softly. “Lisa, it’s almost 11. The Bistro doesn’t let people in for food after 9:30 PM, and The Rovers call last orders in…7 minutes time.” Carla replied, as she now saw the actual disappointment etched onto Lisa’s face.

“Besides, I cooked for us tonight…I could still try and…salvage it, if you want?” Carla trailed off, glancing towards the dining table and the kitchen.

“You cooked?” Lisa sounded genuinely surprised. Her eyes fell on the direction of Carla’s gaze and she suddenly felt awful at all the effort that Carla had gone to—the effort that Lisa had been too distracted to see and too swamped by work to be on time for.

“Hey—why do you sound so surprised? I’m an excellent cook.” Carla teased in mock offence, before playfully smacking Lisa in the ribs—horror etched her features immediately, suddenly realising she shouldn’t have done that at all.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” Carla exclaimed, using her hands to massage the area better underneath Lisa’s shirt.

Lisa moaned in response, a blend of pleasure and pain as she let her head fall back—until suddenly she realised what she was allowing Carla to do and she pushed Carla gently away.

Carla looked somewhat mildly offended before Lisa chuckled nervously. “Carla—that’s um—that’s turning me on,” Lisa admitted blushing.

“Oh shit—sorry,” Carla laughed nervously, unsure where to look while she too blushed again.

Carla liked this version of Lisa—high on pills, mixed with wine. Bold, brash, relaxed, honest…

Determined to break the tension and salvage some of the evening they had left together, Carla poured them more wine, re-lighting the candles and warming up the dinner she’d prepared, whilst Lisa watched with awe from the sofa.

Carla then assisted Lisa to the table, her heart swelling as she looked around.

“You did all this, for me? For us?” Lisa asked, her voice soft with gratitude.

Carla shrugged, “it’s nothing, really—“

“Carla, this isn’t nothing.” Lisa said firmly, her gaze steady.

---

After dinner, Carla helped Lisa undress and re-dress into the borrowed clothes that she had found for her earlier.

Lisa teased her for staring, catching Carla’s gaze lingering a bit too long. “What?” Lisa asked playfully, a knowing smile on her lips.

“Nothing,” Carla replied, trying to avert her gaze but struggling to do so. The sight of Lisa wearing her borrowed clothes—was overwhelming.

“Seriously, you’re staring,” Lisa said, her tone teasing but with an edge of sincerity.

The tension was palpable, an unexpected ache between Carla’s legs did nothing to deflect what she was feeling towards Lisa—only enhance every emotion that was coursing through her body.

In bed, they faced each other, the dim light of the bedside lamp casting a soft glow. Lisa felt a rush of gratitude, whispering, “Thank you for everything.”

Carla felt Lisa’s warm breath against her lips, the proximity igniting something deep within her.

Before she could think, Lisa leaned in, capturing Carla’s bottom lip in a slow, passionate kiss, and Carla moaned at the sensation, overwhelmed by the warmth of Lisa’s mouth against hers.

This kiss was worlds apart from the brief, soft kiss they’d shared previously and Carla couldn’t help a pang of disappointment that it all might have been enhanced by Lisa’s fuzzy state of mind—especially as just as suddenly as it began, Lisa pulled away, smiling and laughing softly into the crook of Carla’s neck.

She nestled there, her breathing steadying as she succumbed to sleep, leaving Carla both speechless and her nerves on fire, but her heart filled with a warmth that she hadn’t felt in such a long time, and so, she wrapped her arm around Lisa and embraced the comfort in which Lisa was willing to offer.

Carla lay there, wide awake, her heart racing. The kiss lingered on her lips, a reminder of everything that had just transpired—a mix of confusion, desire, and the undeniable connection that was growing between them.

Carla had wanted to make tonight special. It hadn’t been just any dinner, to her. It had been a chance for them to spend time together, a chance for them to explore their growing connection amidst the backdrop of their fake relationship.

They were supposed to do things that couples did. Spend time together. Enjoy each other’s company—explore the intimacy without the complications—but this, well, this definitely felt like a complication.

But as she felt Lisa drift off to sleep, Carla couldn’t shake the feeling that their fake relationship was evolving into something much more real, and the thought both thrilled and terrified her.

Notes:

Next time: Lisa has a question for Carla and Carla is less than impressed!

Chapter 15: Would you play pretend?

Notes:

I seem to owe you, the readers, the rest of the “10 things I hate about you,” game. So what better way for Carla & Lisa to continue, than a lazy morning in bed together?

So, this one’s for you, KLHP.

Carla lay there as the early morning light began to filter in through the curtains. She could feel the weight of Lisa’s body against her own, the soft rise and fall of her breathing as it tickled against her neck.

Carla wasn’t sure if she’d even slept at all—the memory of their kiss lingering on her lips, still consumed her with a mix of excitement and confusion that she couldn’t quite shake.

Every single detail replayed in her mind—the way Lisa’s lips had tasted, and felt against her own, the softness of her touch, and the fact that this kiss seemed to linger longer than their first—but still, now, not long enough.

The way Lisa had teased her for staring—and boy had she been staring—but Carla couldn’t get enough of Lisa, and the more she’d looked at her, the more turned on she’d felt, and she just hadn’t been able to look away.

The way Carla had moaned into their kiss—Lisa hadn’t seemed to notice, or so Carla hadn’t thought and so Carla just let it go too, no need to apologise for something that perhaps Lisa hadn’t heard.

The constant thing that raced through Carla’s mind though, was that Lisa initiated the kiss—yes, she’d been drinking, but surely she hadn’t been that drunk? Did Lisa feel it all too?

Did Lisa feel more from that cuddle? This cuddle? The way she’d buried herself into the crook of Carla’s neck, the feel of the blonde’s laughter and breath against her skin—

She glanced down at Lisa, the way her blonde hair tousled, framing her face perfectly—

It had taken Carla too long enough to realise that she found Lisa attractive. She’d never found another woman attractive before—not in this sense—and now, now she knew what she felt was more than just attraction; there was a connection that went beyond their initial agreement of a fake relationship, and she had no idea if Lisa felt the same way.

But what did that mean? Carla’s thoughts spiralled as she wrestled with the implications. She had always been straight, had always been with men. Heck, she’d been married to five of them—one man, twice—but Lisa was so different.

Lisa was a breath of fresh air, a challenge to everything Carla thought she knew about herself and her desires.

Resisting the urge to move, Carla focused on the warmth of Lisa pressed against her.

The way her body fit against her own was comforting, somewhere she never wanted to leave, but, the pressing need for the toilet was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

She shifted slightly, trying to ease the pressure without waking Lisa. As she did, the lightest of movements stirred Lisa from her slumber. Those blue eyes fluttered open, and a sleepy smile spread across her face.

“Good morning,” Lisa murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

Carla froze for a moment as if Lisa would realise this was crossing all kinds of boundaries, lines and rules—but Lisa didn’t run, she didn’t freeze, she just…shared the moment with Carla.

“Morning,” Carla replied, her heart racing as she met Lisa’s gaze. The softness in those eyes made her feel all warm inside.

“Did you sleep well?” Lisa asked, stretching her arms above her head, completely unaware of the way her movements drew Carla’s attention.

“Better than I have in a really long time,” Carla admitted, biting her lip.

Lisa’s smile widened as she propped herself up on one elbow. “Me too.“

They held each other’s gaze for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words. Carla could feel the urge to move becoming unbearable, she didn’t want to break this moment, but she knew she had to. 

“Hey, um, I really need to use the toilet,” Carla finally confessed, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

Lisa laughed, the sound light and airy. “Well, what are you waiting for? Go!”

“Right. Okay,” Carla said, reluctantly shifting away from Lisa. As she moved, she felt a pang of disappointment at the loss of warmth but quickly shook it off.

After a quick bathroom trip, she returned to find Lisa still lounging on the bed, propped up against the headboard, a playful grin on her face.

“Did you miss me?” Lisa teased, her blue-grey eyes sparkling with mischief.

“What’s gotten into you?” Carla asked playfully, skeptically. If this was how Lisa behaved after a little drunken kiss and  a very affectionate cuddle during the night then—

Stop it Carla! She chastised herself internally before she could get carried away with her…thoughts.

Lisa shrugged, “I was thinking, maybe we could have a lazy day? Have breakfast in bed…” Lisa trailed off.

“Who are you, and what have you done with DS Swain?” Carla shot back playfully, knowing full well that DS Swain nor Lisa really did lazy mornings…especially in bed with someone else.

“Shut up,” Lisa replied, playfully throwing a pillow in Carla’s direction. “Breakfast in bed isn’t a crime, you know. I’m allowed to—“

“Are you offering?” Carla asked, interrupting before Lisa could continue.

“Well…I was thinking more seen as you’re already up…” Lisa teased, smiling softly in Carla’s direction.

God, she looked beautiful when she smiled. But she always did, right? I’ve noticed that before, right? God Carla, seriously, get a grip!

Lisa was just about to open her mouth to speak, as if sensing something was off, but Carla spoke again before Lisa had the chance. “You know I’m really good at making toast.” Carla stated, matter-of-fact before she turned to make her way towards the kitchen.

Right now she’d wait hand and foot on Lisa for the rest of her life if that’s what she wanted—

Lisa broke Carla’s thoughts this time. “Toast? Wow, you really know how to spoil a girl,” Lisa quipped, laughter dancing in her eyes.

“Hey now, don’t underestimate the power of perfectly toasted bread!” Carla shot back, feigning offence.

“Okay, okay, you win,” Lisa giggled. “But I’ll take some coffee with that toast, please—“ Lisa shifted on the bed and her head spun. “A strong one at that.”

“Alright, coffee and toast coming right up,” Carla said with a smile. As she moved towards the kitchen, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment settle over her. 

Making breakfast felt easy, natural even, and having Lisa there, waiting for her, made it all the more special. God, she was being silly, getting all excited making toast and coffee for the beautiful woman in her bed—

Seriously Carla! You’re going to get found out at this rate!

As she prepared the coffee and set the toast, she stole glances back at Lisa, who was now scrolling through her phone with a relaxed smile on her face—

But it wasn’t long before a faint smell of burning began to drift towards her nostrils…

Shit—

She quickly popped the toast up, which to be quite honest, was well and truly gone— but not wanting to admit she’d completely fucked this up, she scraped as much burnt mess off of the surface of the toast and smothered it in butter, before cutting it into small triangles in an attempt to deflect from the actual mess that it was.

When she finally returned to the bedroom, balancing a tray laden with toast and coffee, Lisa’s delighted expression made her heart flutter.

“Just wait until you try the toast,” Carla said, trying to keep a straight face.

“I can hardly contain my excitement,” Lisa replied, her tone teasing, but her eyes sparkled with genuine appreciation.

Lisa took one bite, “you managed to burn the toast?”

Carla shrugged, “I may have had an accidental kitchen mishap.”

Lisa raised her eyebrow as Carla settled in next to her—holding her gaze, before leaning in and capturing Lisa’s lips in a soft, morning kiss.

She tasted like red wine, burnt toast and…mint? But before Carla could speak—

“Carla—“ Lisa hesitated, she broke their kiss, but Carla convinced herself there was a suppressed moan there. Lisa had definitely enjoyed that.

Carla cocked her eyebrow, but Lisa wouldn’t let her win—

She cleared her throat, “maybe no kissing in bed should definitely be in the rule book.” Lisa said gently, her tone laced with something Carla hadn’t recognised all morning, but she knew she’d gotten under Lisa’s skin.

“Okay, so what’s the plan for today?” Lisa asked, quickly changing the subject and leaning back against the headboard, her expression curious.

“I was thinking we could do whatever you want,” Carla said, her heart racing at the thought of spending the day together. Was it too much to assume that that’s what Lisa meant?

“Anything I want?” Lisa raised an eyebrow, mischief dancing in her gaze.

“Sure, why not?” Carla shrugged, a playful challenge in her tone.

“Alright, Carla, you owe me the rest of our 10 Things I Hate About You game. I want to finish this!”

Carla grinned, relieved at the prospect of staying in bed together a little longer. If she couldn’t kiss her anymore—right now, she’d revel instead in the intimate closeness.

“I hate the way you brush off compliments about your work.” Lisa said softly, something Carla hadn’t expected to come from Lisa.

“What?” Lisa asked in protest, blushing as she watched Carla’s expression suddenly change. 

“Nothing, I just didn’t expect—“

“Carla, I’m a gay woman, but just because I’m a police officer and a detective, doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a decent set of sexy lingerie…” Lisa trailed off.

“Noted.” Carla said quietly. “But speaking of you being a police officer, detective. I hate the way you always seem to like a bad girl.” Carla announced, matter of fact.

“I do not—“

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you watch Frankie on Wentworth, I might not be an expert, but I think I know a girl crush when I see one.” Carla teased.

“Not in my case, being a police woman. It’s too much like hard work, I would never— although, maybe I just have a thing for brunette’s.” Lisa teased, biting her lip. If this was how Carla wanted to play it, then she’d give as much as she got. 

Besides, she loved making Carla blush, she’d learnt, more so in these last 24 hours—but she didn’t expect Carla to counteract her.

“Well…” Carla whispered leaning in, “it’s a good job I’m an angel then.” Her tone, expression—still, serious.

Lisa swallowed hard. Shifting slightly on the bed.

“I hate the way you laugh at my serious expressions.” Lisa broke the tension, continuing the game without looking at Carla.

“Can you blame me?” Carla laughed, “you do this thing where you let out almost an exasperated breath, and then the way you bite your lip, well—“

Lisa cleared her throat, while Carla blushed. She should have known better really than Carla automatically turning it flirtatious the minute they started up again, but Carla took the hint. She was enjoying watching Lisa blush now too. 

“Okay, I hate how tough you act, but you’re soft as shit beneath it all,” Carla admitted and Lisa was dumbfounded, speechless, feeling anything and everything she shouldn’t be allowing herself to feel, and so, she continued with their game, in the best way she knew how. 

“I hate the way you can’t stand being wrong.” Lisa returned, almost smugly.

“That’s because I never am!” Carla teased.

“Alright, what was your first impression of me?” Lisa asked, raising her eyebrow, immediately knowing she’d gained the upper hand.

Carla just shrugged, but the faint blush in her cheeks gave it all away. “Noted.” She whispered quietly, before swiftly moving on. 

“I hate your obsession with rules and procedures.” Carla shot back.

“No you don’t.” Lisa teased, “you love it.” Lisa winked, and the blush in Carla’s cheeks continued to rise—which did nothing,  yet everything for the way Lisa was feeling too.

“I hate your knack of getting into trouble.” Lisa teased.

“If you really knew me, you’d be doing more than teasing me about that.” Carla shot back.

“Alright, dark horse.” Lisa teased.

“Reformed dark horse.” Carla countered, “I mean now, I’m just an open book.“ Carla declared innocently. 

Lisa laughed, “Right, I very much doubt that.” Lisa teased. “You’ve always had this air of…I don’t know, snotty aloofness with a whiff of suppressed rage.”

Carla burst out laughing, “Right, okay. I’ll put that on my next dating app shall I? I’m sure I’ll have them queueing up.”

Lisa shrugged, “Yeah, sorry about that. My frankness can get me into a bit of trouble.”

“No, I like it.” Carla smiled, but her tone altered serious. “I like to know where I am with people.” She continued—and she meant it, holding Lisa’s gaze.

Lisa smiled in return, but Carla shifted the atmosphere. Wanting to get something off her chest, despite the playful tone of their game. 

“I hate how sometimes you can’t seem to admit you’re scared.” Carla said, her tone was soft, but she meant it.

“Yeah, well, I can’t afford to come across as scared, Carla, it’s the job—“ Lisa argued.

“You don’t have to act like that with me though, and I don’t just mean with us in this experiment—I mean—“

“I know.” Lisa replied softly. She wasn’t one for letting her walls down, or letting anyone in, but she knew she could be herself with Carla, ever since that day she’d climbed in to her car. Ever since that day, she’d always been there for her… 

“I hate how you tease me about my detective skills anyway.” Lisa admitted, “I’m very serious about my job.”

Carla laughed, leaning back against her pillows. “Oh, don’t I know it. But I can’t help it, you’re like a pocket sized crime fighter, and when you stand up against someone like Kit…it’s just adorable—.”

“Adorable?” Lisa interrupted, shooting her an exaggerated glare—

“And sexy.” Carla finished, biting her lip.

“Carla…” Lisa said again, softly this time.

“What? I’m playing by the rules, detective.” Carla teased, a smirk dancing on her lips.

Lisa rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a warmth in her chest that was also paired with a pulsing feeling a little further south…

“I hate how you sometimes seem to forget to have fun,” Carla said, crossing her arms defiantly.

“I know how to have fun.” Lisa quickly shot back.

“Oh really?” Carla protested, eyebrow raised, her stare was boring into Lisa.

“Carla I—“

“Alright then, missus, I how to have fun. Go out with me. One night—no rules.” Carla countered.

“But—“ Lisa tried to protest, but Carla quickly interrupted.

“See, I told you—“

“Alright, fine.” Lisa accepted her fate, which cast a surprised, inquisitive look from Carla.

“Seriously?” Carla countered again, in shock.

“On one condition.” Lisa announced.

Carla feigned a laugh, “see, I knew this was too good to be true—“

“Becky’s sister is coming to visit soon. She wants to see her favorite niece, Betsy,” Lisa began, her voice steady, yet tinged with apprehension. “And somewhere between everything, I kind of blurted out that I’d met someone.”

Carla’s brow furrowed. “Okay…?”

Lisa hesitated, her gaze dropping to the covers beneath her. “I need you to help me out. Would you…would you come for a drink with me to meet her? Just pretend to be my girlfriend?”

The words hung in the air, the weight of the request settling heavily between them.

Carla’s heart raced as she processed what Lisa was asking. The implications of pretending to be Lisa’s actual girlfriend to her late wife’s sister felt monumental, a step into uncharted territory—and she was definitely sure this kind of responsibility should definitely be in the rule book as not allowed. 

Notes:

How will Carla react to Lisa’s question? And will they ever get on that night out!

Chapter 16: The one with the late wife’s sister.

Notes:

I split this next chapter into two, so it might end a bit…oddly, but I wanted to mix things up a bit!

🤭

Also, this is my second attempt at posting this chapter! I had to delete the first one and try again as one of my readers kindly pointed out it was all in italics, and it wasn’t supposed to be—so thank you for that! 😘

Thank you so much to anyone that read it and commented immediately—your comments unfortunately get deleted with the chapter 😢 but they mean the world to me! ❤️

Attempt two: here goes! 🥰

“So wait, you want me to pretend to be your girlfriend to your dead wife’s sister?” Carla snapped at Lisa, although anger didn’t really cut it.

“Don’t put it like that, Carla.” Lisa said softly, trying to reason with the brunette.

“But that’s what it is, isn’t it?” Carla snapped again, her tone more fierce the second time around. 

“Carla, please…” Lisa remained soft. She didn’t want to argue—she really didn’t. This experiment was supposed to be fun and enjoyable for the two of them. Not laced with all the anger and emotion that it was right now. Arguments weren’t even supposed to be on the table—this should be an argument free zone since the whole deal had been to have the intimacy without the complication—although complication was well and truly where we were at now.

Carla quickly dressed into something half-decent and walked out, slamming the door behind her, leaving Lisa stunned and alone in Carla’s flat.

She sighed—defeated, as she got her coat, put the door on the latch so it would lock behind her, and left.

She had Bex’s sister to meet later and thought she better give Carla some space. She figured she would be the last person Carla wanted to see when she did decide to come back home.

---

Carla had been going out of her mind back at her flat. Regretful that she’d ran out on Lisa earlier, she’d returned in no less than 15 minutes only to find that Lisa had already gone. Carla sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she took in a deep breath.

“Everything alright?” A voice cut through the stilling silence, catching her off guard. 

“Jesus, Ryan! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! How long have you been here?” She snapped—unintentionally. 

”Yeah, I’m good, thanks for asking Aunty Carla. How are you?” He muttered back sarcastically. 

“Sorry, Ryan—sorry. It’s just…it’s been a long day.” Carla threw herself on the sofa, as Ryan stared at the clock that read 10:00 AM. He frowned. 

Ryan sat next to her. “Want to talk about it?” He suggested lightly. 

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Carla shot back, glaring at Ryan while hugging a cushion tightly. 

She eyed him up and down. He was clearly up to something. “What’s with the smirkiness?” She argued. 

“What’s with the defensiveness?” He countered, which only led to a more intense glare. 

“Oh come on, this is me!” Ryan defended, “big lugholes for listening and broad shoulders for snotty tears, innit, come on.” He gestured. 

“Who says I wanna cry?” Carla protested, but she knew she was fighting a losing battle. There was only so much she could say to try and deflect or avoid the inevitable, that she’d eventually give in and seek Ryan’s…advice. 

Now it was his turn to sit and glare. 

Carla sighed heavier. Gripping the cushion tighter. “Me…and Lisa, we had an argument. I stormed out.” Carla announced flatly. 

“Ah—so that’s why there was a teary detective leaving the flat quicker than I could ask her if she was okay.” 

“You saw her, Lisa?” Carla questioned. 

“Well, yeah, but—“

”What did she say?” Carla demanded. 

“Well—if you give me chance to answer…” Ryan teased, “Nothing, she said nothing. I barely got chance to say hi before she jogged across the street and to her car to leave. 

Carla let out a deep breath. 

“What’s going on with you two? I thought you kissed and made up so to speak—“

”We’re doing a…thing, and we had an argument and now I don’t know what to do.” Carla spoke softly, her whole demeanour changing, becoming more open. She knew it wouldn’t be long before Ryan prised it out of her, so she may as well tell him. 

“A thing?” He questioned, eyes sparkling, tone teasing. 

“Yeah…like, it’s called a social experiment. We explore the intimacy of a relationship without the…complica—“

”So, you’re fuck buddies?” He interrupted, seemingly unfazed, but clearly enjoying this conversation far too much. 

“No! God no, Ryan! We’re just—“ Carla sighs, “I don’t even know anymore. Whatever it was we were doing, it’s clearly over now anyway, because I’ve gone and messed it all up.” Carla buried her head into the cushion. Seemingly embarrassed by her nephew using the phrase fuck buddies to describe what he thought Lisa and Carla were doing…but to be truthful, the moment to be embarrassed had well and truly gone. 

“What happened?” Ryan questioned softly, his jovial self soon gone and only concern remained in his expression. 

“Lisa’s sister-in-law—Becky’s sister is coming to see Betsy and somehow Lisa had managed to tell her that she was…seeing someone new, but genuinely seeing someone. So…she asked me if I’d pretend to be her girlfriend for the evening.” Carla said flatly, but Ryan wasn’t following. 

“And?” Ryan questioned. 

“And?” Carla repeated, “What do you flaming well mean and? Ryan she wants me to play house in front of her dead wife’s  sister!” Carla snapped. 

Ryan didn't bat an eyelid on Carla’s temper. Just tried to help her see the other side. “Carla, she doesn’t want you to play house. You could have been together for just a matter of…weeks, maybe a month or two? Have you ever thought she maybe doesn’t want to come across as though she’s still buried in grief? And besides, Carla, it’s not real. Maybe—maybe, she just really needed you as a friend right now, and the fact that you’re already in…whatever it is, just made it a million times easier to ask something from you.” 

Carla fell silent. She hadn’t seen it like that from Lisa’s perspective. In fact, she’d only seen it from her own perspective, and then realised how bloody selfish she’d been. 

Shit—

”Anyway—just think about it.” Ryan suggested softly, “I’ve got to go to work.” Ryan said, before he shot out the door. 

He’d given Carla some food for thought for sure. 

Maybe I overreacted. She muttered to herself after feeling sorry for herself.

She decided she’d text Lisa—reach out to her, but as the hours passed, she realised it hadn’t worked.

She spent the rest of the afternoon glancing at her phone every five minutes, just willing a text to come through from Lisa—disappointed each time she glanced and realised there was nothing. 

Carla had to fix this one, she knew she did. She’s the one that shouted. She’s the one that got angry, and she’s the one that walked out.

Come evening, she decided there was only one thing she could do. 

---

Later that night, Lisa was sat in The Rovers following showing Lucy—Becky’s sister, another place she’d come to love on Coronation Street since moving here with Betsy.

They’d spent the day together in Manchester, before Betsy had begged her mum to let her go to Sabrina’s for the evening, and with a gentle nudge from Lucy, Lisa had agreed. 

So, after exploring a little bit of the village Lisa was living and working in, they’d found themselves at the local pub for the evening.

She’d already found herself apologising for Carla’s absence—feigning innocence that she’d been feeling unwell all of a sudden and just wanted to sleep, claiming she was gutted she couldn’t be here.

Just as Lisa settled down next to Lucy with their round of drinks, her eyes darted up as she caught Carla walk into the pub.

---

Carla walked into the pub, instantly noticing Lisa sat with a younger pretty blonde woman, who Carla assumed was Lisa’s late wife’s sister.

Well—she hoped she was and that she hadn’t picked up some other pretty woman in a bar somewhere.

After locking eyes instantly, Carla confidently strode over to their table, sitting next to Lisa who was momentarily stunned.

As she sat next to Lisa, she caught her gaze and leaned in for a soft kiss, on the lips—in public. 

Lisa’s hand had instinctively moved to Carla’s thigh, giving it a reassuring squeeze and trying to hide her surprise at her fake girlfriend’s grand entrance, before her eyes quickly, but unassuming darted around the room, hoping no one had saw their slightly intimate public display of affection—which by all accounts, kissing on the lips in public was definitely against the rules. 

“Sorry I’m late, sweetheart.” Carla cooed. 

Pet names. God, pet names should definitely be off-limits. What were their rules on pet names? Lisa couldn’t even remember—couldn’t even think straight right now. 

Lisa cleared her throat, trying to compose herself, as she made introductions. “Carla, this is Bex’s sister, Lucy. Lucy, this is my—“

“Girlfriend.” Carla finished her sentence before Lisa could think of ducking out. After Lisa had stormed out this morning, Carla didn’t want her to have another out.

“Mm…Carla.” Lisa blushed. Not quite being able to say girlfriend. Not because she didn’t want to, or she didn’t believe it, or she wasn’t in this thing of theirs—because all of the above definitely applied.

It wasn’t even because she was sat with her dead wife’s sister—as Carla had so eloquently put it.

It was because lately, this experiment was becoming all too real.

“I’m really glad you could make it Carla, it’s lovely to meet you. Lisa’s been non-stop talking about you.” Lucy smiled warmly. 

Carla raised an eyebrow playfully as she met Lisa’s gaze, whose cheeks were burning a pretty pink.

“Oh really?” Carla quipped.

“Yeah honestly, it’s a bit like deja vu. When Becky first introduced me to Lisa, she wouldn’t stop—“

Lucy was interrupted by a swift kick under the table, Lisa shooting her a knowing look as Carla smirked at the interaction between them.

They were a bit like rival siblings themselves and it was nice to see more of this side of Lisa, and less of her DS Swain persona that she often used to build up her walls and hide behind. 

“So, Lucy, what do you do for work?” Carla asked, sensing the need to change the subject for Lisa.

She caught Lisa’s gaze, who’d whispered a little thank you, before excusing herself to get Carla a drink as her and Lucy became acquainted. 

“I’m a therapist, specialising in grief counselling.” Lucy explains.

“Oh wow.” Carla’s eyes settle kindly on Lisa as she returned to the table with Carla’s drink, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Lucy.

“Oh I’ve tried, believe you me. But getting this one to open up is like getting blood out of a stone.” Lucy teased, as Lisa rolls her eyes.

“I hear you own that factory Underworld, down the road? What’s that like?” Lucy asks openly, not wanting to make Lisa any more uncomfortable than she might be, introducing her girlfriend to the sister of her late wife. 

“Oh it’s great. I love it. Stressful at times, but great. I wouldn’t change a thing.” Carla smiled proudly.

“So, how did you two meet?” Lucy asks both Carla and Lisa as they both catch a glance at each other, suddenly realising that this drink needed far more planning than perhaps Carla’s spontaneous and unexpected arrival. 

“How am I sensing that you both have very different versions of events for this story?” Lucy asked as she watched the silent interaction between both women. 

Lisa laughs softly as she gestures for Carla to take the lead, thinking it’s the least she can do after throwing Carla into this mess, but Carla’s really wishing that Lisa had took the lead with this one.

Carla smiles warmly at Lisa, sitting next to her. Instinctively, she reaches for her hand, and they entwine their fingers together. Lisa—not sure what’s about to come, braces herself.

“Well, we didn’t get off to the best start. One of my closest friends got wrapped up in a missing persons case of Lisa’s and we clashed heads while I tried to fight his innocence. I didn’t make Lisa’s life easy, but for some reason after it all, she still found it in her heart to want to give me a chance, as a friend, which we both needed to be honest.” Carla’s eyes were willing tears away at this point, because really, there was only truth in what she’d just said. “And then we grew closer from there.” 

Lisa gently leaned in to Carla, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

For a moment, she forgot where she was completely, entirely lost in what the brunette had said, but really touched how Carla had explained things, because really, it was entirely laced with the truth for Lisa too. 

Carla, was equally as stunned by the kiss. Felt rooted to the spot almost, but her eyes never left Lisa once.

A playful smile fell onto her lips as Lisa blushed, both of them not daring to look around the room to see if anyone had or hadn’t noticed. It was Lucy’s voice that brought them back into the room.

“What’s your favourite thing about Carla, Lisa?” Lucy asks.

“Lisa, you don’t have to—“ Carla tried to make things easier for Lisa, but Lisa interrupted her, without hesitation.

“Her unwavering loyalty and love for those that she cares about.” Lisa answered.

It was true. She didn’t need to think of her favourite thing about Carla. She’d proved that she cared about, and loved those closest to her so fiercely during the Lauren Bolton case, that it almost made Lisa’s own heart hurt, but she’d had to keep her professional head on at time time. She’d learnt well how not to blur professional and personal boundaries, or so she thought. 

“What’s your favourite thing about Lisa, Carla?”

Notes:

Next time: The pretend girlfriend moment continues!

Chapter 17: The one with the late wife’s sister…part two.

Notes:

TW: very brief mentions of suicide, death and mentions of grief.

“What’s your favourite thing about Lisa, Carla?”

Lucy had asked, animatedly. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned towards Lisa, eager to hear Carla’s response. 

Carla noticed Lisa shift uncomfortably in her seat. Suddenly Carla was the one feeling the heavy weight from such a question—but really, it was just innocent, wasn’t it? 

Carla had tried to give Lisa an out when Lucy had asked her the question, but Lisa—ever the person to quickly remove herself from difficult situations or conversations had remained still—certain, even. And had answered the question with such fire and certainty that Carla wondered if they were still playing pretend. 

Of course to Lisa, they weren’t—not in that moment. She hadn’t lied about her favourite thing about Carla—but there was far too many. Far too many for her to spill out without seeming like her feeling were real, and so, she kept it short and sweet. 

For Carla, it seemed she’d been taking too long to answer, swept away by her own thoughts. The pub suddenly seeming smaller like it was going to swallow her whole. 

“Carla? You still with us?” Lucy teased, and Lisa rolled her eyes playfully at Carla’s seemingly lack of interest about what she liked most about Lisa.

Carla straightened her back, “Yeah, sorry. I uh—got sidetracked in my thoughts.” Then her expression softened, “One of my favourite things about Lisa is that she’s been through so much, yet she still manages to find joy in life…in our life.” She caught Lisa's gaze, who’s eyes had immediately filled with tears and before Lisa could even register what Carla was saying, her cheeks had turned crimson. 

Carla leaned in, her hand lingering on Lisa’s thigh—far too close to what was deemed friendly. “And she’s really, really good in bed.” Carla teased, who then couldn’t dare to look Lisa in the eye. Instead, she gave Lisa’s leg a gentle, but firm squeeze, sat back, smirked and downed the rest of her wine glass. 

Lisa was still reddening by the second. 

Lucy was speechless. 

The playful pretend confession hung there for a moment, but the interrogation wasn’t over yet—and what Carla had teased about would soon become the least of their worries. 

“Well…that’s one way to change the tone of the conversation,” Lucy finally broke the ice, the silence that hung between the three of them, all for different reasons. 

“That’s Carla.” Lisa announced with a playful smile on her face. “Says what’s on her mind, bold, brash, confident.” 

“So,” Lucy continued. “Have you both talked about what you want from this relationship?” Lucy asked. 

Carla and Lisa exchanged a quick glance, both suddenly realising that this…situation was going to be a whole lot harder than they initially thought. Before diving in head first into a…situation like this, they should have perhaps sat down together, thought of difficult questions, came up with possible answers…set more rules. But there was no time for that now, improvisation was the only way through this. 

“Well, we’re still figuring things out.” Carla replied, her voice steady. “I mean, we’re enjoying each other’s company and taking it one step at a time.” Carla concluded, taking the lead once again, and Lisa’s heart felt full at how much control Carla had over this situation that she’d got them both into. 

Lucy nodded, “I bet you are,” Lucy teased, “But come on, I mean is it more serious than just good sex?” Lucy asked openly, but her voice a low whisper. 

Carla choked on her wine, suddenly caught out by her own joke. 

Lisa burned crimson—again.

Carla cleared her throat, regaining her composure as she wiped her mouth with a tissue she’d found in her handbag. Realising that Lisa was openly allowing her to take the lead through this entire thing, she considered what to say next. 

“Well…it’s definitely not just about the uh—physical aspect,” She whispered. 

Lisa shot Carla a grateful look, appreciating the fact that she was trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground, despite being the one to put them there in the first place.

“It’s about connection and understanding. We’re both very strong, independent women. We don’t always agree on everything, we both have high-powered, successful careers—which on occasion can put a strain on things, but we know each other and deep down, we have a lot of fun together. We might still both be figuring out what we want, but it’s a journey—and one that I’m very much enjoying to share together.” Carla finished. 

Lisa found herself emotional again. The words hanging loosely in the air. Carla was really good at these questions—at navigating their fake relationship, but there was not so much hidden meaning in the things that she was saying, but more so truths that began to sit heavily on Lisa’s chest—and she was beginning to wonder when on earth the boundaries started to begin to blur. 

Lucy leaned back, her expression shifting to genuine interest. 

For Lisa and Carla, they were playing the perfect game—but for Lucy, she was witnessing her sister-in-law, fall in love all over again. 

“Just make sure you communicate, yeah? Relationships can get complicated fast.” Lucy said gently—and she caught the sudden shift in Lisa’s expression. She cringed at the thought that she’d hit a sensitive nerve, but Lisa seemed to bypass it and so she didn’t want to bring any more attention to it. She’d already realised that she’d opened her big mouth all too soon, knowing that both Lisa and Becky had struggled to communicate before Becky’s untimely death. 

Lisa nodded, her inner thoughts now spiralling, but conscious that she didn’t want to ruin a perfectly…normal? Could you call it normal? Evening. 

And Carla sensed the shift, lacing her fingers between Lisa’s just beneath the table, grounding the blonde. Anchoring her. Reminding her that she wasn’t on her own—not anymore, fake relationship or not. 

“We’re both committed to taking it slow,” Lisa said as she wrapped her own fingers around Carla’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze that spoke of a thank you, and so much more. 

“Right, slow and steady wins the race,” Carla added, her smile returning. 

“Apart from, in your case, the race has already been won.” Lucy cocked her eyebrow, teasing. 

And Lisa didn’t think she’d blushed so much in one night. 

Laughter erupted, and Lisa excused herself to the bathroom. 

The second Lisa’s hand left Carla’s and she was gone, she felt the absence immediately, shifting in her seat she felt uncomfortable, not knowing how to navigate next without Lisa by her side. 

But the thing about Lucy was that she didn’t stay quiet for long. 

“You really care about her, don’t you?” Lucy asked and there was a genuine softness to her tone that Carla hadn’t noticed before.

She let the question sink in. Of course she cared about Lisa. She’d cared about Lisa ever since that second that she’d stepped into her car when Lisa had been broken. Despite everything Lisa had put Carla’s friends and family through up to that point, something had pulled at her heart when she’d seen the DS emotional, broken and she hadn’t had it in her to turn around and walk away.

”Yeah, I do.” Carla replied with certainty. “I care about her a lot, actually.” Carla repeated the words out loud.  They felt powerful. Of course they were real, but there was a stark difference between caring about someone as a friend, and caring about someone as more than a friend and Carla was beginning to believe that she was speaking of the latter. 

“Are you in love with her?” Lucy asked, ever bold as it appeared, but the question didn’t seem to surprise Carla. 

Instead, she blushed and fidgeted awkwardly with her hands, still missing the absence of Lisa’s presence to guide her through. 

“You don’t have to answer, but I can tell.” Lucy filled the silence. “I saw that exact same look in my sister, the day she introduced me to Lisa. She’s definitely, obviously a catch to have you both speechless, almost.” Lucy laughed softly. 

“I’m sorry you lost her,” Carla offered, “Your sister, I mean.” Her tone was soft, gentle, apologetic. Carla almost felt guilty and she knows she didn’t need to. Lucy had been nothing but kind, open and a little too honest, but pretending to be Lisa’s fake girlfriend to her dead wife’s sister had been nothing like she’d expected it to be. 

“It’s okay,” Lucy sighed heavily. The weight of grief heavy in the air. 

“No, it’s not okay.” Carla replied. “My brother committed suicide, and a man I was very much in love with when I was younger, was killed in a purposely driven hit-and-run, so, I’ve had my fair share of grief—and that’s only a snippet. The loss of your sister—it deserves to be acknowledged.” Carla said with conviction. 

“I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, Carla.” Lucy said gently. 

“It’s okay,” Carla found herself responding. 

“No Carla, it’s not okay,” Both women laughed at the absurdity of their discussion. 

“So, you’ve dated both men and women?” Lucy asked. 

Carla laughed nervously. 

“Sorry, that was quite personal.” Lucy suddenly backtracked. 

“I’ve only dated men.” Carla replied honestly, “…and I’ve been married to far too many times than I’d care to admit. But Lisa—Lisa’s the first—“ Carla hesitates, unsure how to finish her own sentence for the first time this evening. 

“I understand.” Lucy adds, not wanting Carla to have to say anything she wasn’t comfortable with, despite any earlier admissions. 

“There’s nothing wrong with it, you know.” Lucy fills the silence. “Falling for a woman, I mean, when you haven’t before. I’m not here to judge. Lisa was the first—and only—woman my sister ever dated and slept with.” Lucy continued. 

Carla smiles a little awkwardly. 

“It doesn’t change how I feel about her though.” Carla replies immediately, suddenly feeling the urge to defend herself. 

“I know. Like I said, I can tell.” Lucy offers quickly before Lisa returns to the table. 

She looks quizzically between both women, “What have you two been talking about?” Lisa asks, eyebrow raised. 

Lucy holds her hands up in protest as Carla reaches for Lisa’s hand, entwining their fingers as before, suddenly feeling the need for the closeness, the connection. 

Carla leaned in to kiss Lisa. Just a soft peck to the lips this time, but the softness caught Lisa off guard and her breath hitched, a light pink dusting her cheeks that she didn’t care to hide this time. 

“What was that for?” Lisa asked, her smile beaming. 

Carla shrugged. 

“God, you two…I’m going to head off,” Lucy announced, thinking now was her cue to leave to allow the two lovebirds some time on their own. 

“Seriously though, this is my cue. It’s been lovely to meet you, Carla.” 

Lisa got up to give Lucy a hug. “Don’t leave it so long next time, will you?” Lucy said as she accepted Lisa’s embrace. “I won’t, I promise,” Lisa replied gently. 

Carla got up to hug Lucy too, feeling such a sense of gratitude at the other woman’s acceptance and kind, genuine nature. 

As Lucy left, Lisa and Carla sat back down. The tension in the air lingering heavily between them. 

“Do you want another drink?” Carla asked, but her question seemed to go unheard. 

“Hey, you okay?” She nudged Lisa gently. “Do you want another drink?” 

“I think I’m going to head home actually,” Lisa whispered, her voice you could barely hear over the pub chatter. The weight of the evening laying heavily on her shoulders. 

Notes:

🫣🫣🫣

Chapter 18: Kissing, no tongues, right?

Notes:

I don’t generally do this as a rule, deviate from my weekly Thursday update for this story…but I kinda made an almost promise and when I say I’ll do something—or at least I’ll try and do something—I like to deliver what I say 🫣🤭

So here is a completely off schedule update to hopefully bring a little joy after I left the last chapter 🫣🥰

I’ll have today’s upload as scheduled later today, followed by Lighthouse on Monday, Halo on Tuesday and the normal Social Experiment update this Thursday 🥰

I think I’ve stressed a bit too much about this one, wondering if it’s too much or not enough all at the same time, 🙈 Hoping though, you’ll forgive me for chapter 17 after chapter 18…but we’re still not quite there 🤭

Lisa stepped out of the pub, the cool air hit her hard and suddenly she felt dizzy.

But she wasn’t sure if she felt dizzy from the alcohol, the cool air that had hit at her hard since stepping out of the pub, or the weight of the evening.

Perhaps it was a blend of everything, and that suddenly everything all at once, seemed too much to bear.

The laughter and the lightness of earlier feeling like it should be a distant memory, overshadowed by all-consuming grief that normally, she would have been wrestling with, but that wasn’t the case at all.

It was more the other way around; the all-consuming grief that Lisa constantly wrestled with on a daily basis felt like a distant memory, which was currently being overshadowed by the lightness and the laughter of the evening; overshadowed by the playful conversation, the teasing, the honesty—

God, the honesty.

How easily they’d both navigated Lucy’s questions. Was it really a game? Were they just playing along? Even with no planning or prior preparation?

Lisa certainly wasn’t.

She hadn’t been.

Not tonight.

And for a beat, she thought about how it hadn’t scared her—how easy the evening had been with Carla; the ways in which she’d looked at her, leaned in for kisses that they had agreed to—small public displays of affection, but yet kisses that they hadn’t dared to try so far—at least not till now, not really. 

That was what was becoming a little too much to bear. That Lisa was beginning to feel joy again, believe in joy again.

Feel. Alive. Again.

Lisa stepped back into the ginnel beside the pub, appreciating the coolness of the brick against her as she leant back, deciding her next move.

She knew deep down, she should go back inside. Be honest with Carla, no secrets, right? Had they agreed to that? She was struggling to remember, suddenly the rules seemed somewhat of a blur.

She closed her eyes, composing herself and taking a minute to just breathe.

---

Carla felt a pang of concern for Lisa and for a moment, she couldn’t work out where it had all gone wrong.

Had she said too much? Teased too much? Been too forward? Had their fake/pretend relationship that they were playing along to almost felt too real?

Especially when what they were playing out to Lucy had had to come across as real. Carla had thought that much had meant it had been a successful evening, but had the weight of being around Becky’s sister been too much to bear for Lisa? Maybe it hadn’t been easy for Lisa and adding a fake girlfriend to the mix, well—

Carla suddenly felt selfish for not really acknowledging the weight of the evening for Lisa until now—even though Ryan had helped her see that earlier, Carla had soon forgotten that it was quite possibly the first time Lisa had seen her sister-in-law since Becky’s passing. Perhaps the first time she’d seen her since the funeral, or something after? Lisa had never mentioned Lucy before and so Carla had been too quick to forget what it could all actually mean for Lisa.

Shit—

She muttered to herself, before quickly heading out the pub and after Lisa, hoping to catch her before she headed home.

---

Carla stepped outside the pub, her heart racing as she wrapped her coat tighter around her, the laughter and chatter from the pub fading away into the background.

Just as she paused for a moment to gather her bearings, scanning the streets for Lisa and glancing over toward Street Cars to see if she was waiting for a cab, she felt a sudden tug on her hand from behind.

Before she could react, Lisa had pulled her into the narrow ginnel, the cool brick wall pressing against Carla’s back as Lisa stepped in closer, a wild look in her eyes.

“Li—“

“Shh,” Lisa whispered, a playful smirk on her lips, her breath warm against Carla’s skin. Lisa pressed herself against Carla as she leaned in, their bodies barely inches apart.

The intensity of the moment sent a shiver through Carla, and before she could say anything, Lisa captured her lips in a soft, passionate kiss.

Carla melted into the kiss, the warmth of Lisa’s lips and body igniting something deep within her. It was fervent and electric, the kind of kiss that made everything else feel irrelevant.

When Lisa finally pulled away, they both gasped for air, their foreheads resting against each other.

Lisa scanned Carla’s eyes, her own dark with desire. “That’s allowed, right?” Lisa teased, her voice low and sultry, a sly grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Mm,” was all Carla could manage, her heart pounding in her chest as she fought to find her voice.

The kiss had left her breathless, and the heat between them was undeniable, but Carla knew they had to talk, and so, in an attempt to try and make Lisa comfortable enough not to run, added with a burst of confidence she needed to actually pull herself together, she grabbed Lisa’s hand, intertwining their fingers.

“Come on,” Carla urged as she pulled Lisa toward the direction of her flat.

“Where are we going?” Lisa asked, a mix of curiosity and excitement lighting up her expression.

“Home,” Carla replied, her tone firm yet inviting. She didn’t want to give Lisa a way out, knowing how good she was at running away from things that felt too intense, and so, she thought to take her home—somewhere private and comfortable, away from prying eyes and ears—and for a moment, Carla also thought to herself what home would look like, with Lisa in it.

---

As they walked across the cobbles, the space between them felt charged with anticipation. When they reached Carla’s flat, she pushed the door open and stepped inside, holding it for Lisa to follow.

The familiar scent of being in Carla’s flat made Lisa continue to feel all the things she was beginning to question, and the atmosphere felt electric with her own unspoken emotions.

Inside, they fell into an easy, comfortable silence. Carla moved about her flat with a practiced ease as Lisa watched every movement carefully.

She watched how Carla kicked off her shoes with a casual grace, shrugging off her coat and hanging it on the back of a chair.

How Carla then made her way to the kitchen, her movements fluid as she grabbed the bottle of red wine from the counter and two glasses from the cupboard, before pouring the rich liquid, the sound of the wine filling the glasses breaking the silence that had wrapped around them.

Turning, she handed one glass to Lisa, a silent invitation to join her on the sofa.

“Come on,” Carla coaxed gently, nodding toward the couch. As Lisa shrugged off her own coat and shoes, before accepting the wine and walking over, she felt a mixture of comfort and anxiety, acutely aware of the air between them.

The tension in the room was palpable, each moment stretching out as they settled into the soft cushions of the sofa.

Lisa sat herself down beside Carla, their legs brushing, arms grazing against each others.

The contact sent a shiver of electricity through Lisa, and she felt an overwhelming urge to fill the silence with words.

“Um, so…” they both began at the same time, their voices overlapping in the quiet room.

“Go ahead,” Carla insisted gently, her eyes encouraging, making it clear she wanted Lisa to speak first.

Lisa hesitated, her thoughts swirling as she searched for the right words. The moment hung between them, charged with possibilities, as both women grappled with the weight of what had transpired this evening, but Lisa dashing out of the pub still sat heavily with Carla, and so, she gave Lisa a gentle nudge when she sensed the blonde was perhaps struggling to open up.

“Do you want to talk about her? About Becky?” Carla prompted gently.

“Not really,” Lisa replied, softly.

“Then what is it? Let me in, Lisa, please. Help me understand.”

“I thought tonight would be difficult. I thought it’d be harder than it was, that’s why I blurted out to Lucy that I was seeing someone. Because we were—we are , in a pretend relationship, for us, and I just saw it as the perfect opportunity to be able to bring someone with me, so I didn’t feel so consumed by the weight of grief.”

“Lisa, it’s okay if you—“

“That’s not the problem, Carla.”

“I’m still not with you?” Carla said gently, a little confused. 

“I really had fun tonight. With you. I enjoyed your company, the laughter, the teasing, the playfulness, the lightness of it all…it’s the first time I’ve felt…alive in three years and that’s all down to you.” 

“Well…I’m still me, you know? Beneath all…this. So, how about you stay here for the night and let me be Carla, Lisa’s best friend for the night, rather than Carla, Lisa’s fake/pretend girlfriend?”

The suggestion hung in the air, but Lisa was feeling more emboldened by the wine now. Her head was still fuzzy and she wasn’t thinking clearly, but right now, she really didn’t care.

“Best friend?” Lisa questioned.

“Yeah, best friend.” Carla confirmed with a gentle smile.

“Well…that would be a shame now, wouldn’t it?,” Lisa said gently, her eyes now fixed on Carla.

“How so?” Carla asked, her heart beating that little bit faster and she felt the energy in the room change.

“Because best friends don’t do this…”

Lisa leaned in and for Carla, time seemed to stand still. Their noses brushed first, before eyes closed and Lisa’s lips touched Carla’s with such a new softness, that she found herself moaning into the kiss. 

She felt embarrassed, but she didn’t need to, as Lisa pulled away, pausing.

Checking for any signs of uncertainty, but Carla’s eyes must have said the opposite to her mind and Lisa, grabbed Carla’s wine glass, placing both glasses down on the coffee table in front, before she leaned in again, this time lifting her leg over Carla to straddle her lap, her movements fluid and confident, filled with a sense of purpose that left Carla breathless.

Every second felt like it was stretching out into eternity. The anticipation hung thick in the air, and Carla's heart raced as she felt the warmth of Lisa's breath against her lips, something that had seemed frequent tonight, but something she felt she could never tire of. 

Their eyes locked for a brief, intense moment, a silent conversation passing between them—a mutual understanding and desire that words could never capture.

Then, slowly, Lisa closed the distance again, capturing Carla's lips in her own with a renewed intensity, unlike any kiss prior to this very one. 

There was an immediate spark—a magnetic pull that drew them together with an intensity that both thrilled and overwhelmed. The initial touch was still gentle, but exploratory, as if each was savouring the softness and warmth of the other’s lips—just in case they didn’t get to do it again, like this. 

The kiss deepened as Lisa's tongue gently parted Carla’s lips, exploring with a tenderness that sent a thrill down Carla's spine.

Carla responded instinctively, her hands finding their way to Lisa's waist, pulling her closer, wanting more of the warmth and connection that seemed to envelop them both.

Lisa smiled into the kiss as she felt Carla’s hands wrap around her waist; the way the brunette pulled her in, sent shivers down her own spine as they continued to taste each other, the sensation electrifying and new.

Their tongues intertwined, moving in harmony with a rhythm that seemed instinctual. Lisa tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss as her tongue caressed Carla’s with a deliberate, languid motion that sent shivers of pleasure coursing through both of them.

The kiss was a mixture of tenderness and fiery passion, a perfect balance of giving and receiving, each of them lost in the sensation and the moment. Carla's hands glided up Lisa’s sides, to cup Lisa’s face, pulling her even closer as their kiss grew more fervent with each passing second.

There was a delicious friction as their tongues glided against each other, exploring, tasting, and savouring every moment of contact.

It was intoxicating, and as their kiss only continued to intensify, Lisa's confidence grew, perhaps through the alcohol, but she playfully captured Carla's tongue with her lips,ing softly, her lips creating a gentle seal, savouring the intimate connection as if it were the sweetest taste she’d ever experienced.

Carla felt a heady mix of sensations, the combination of Lisa's lips and tongue creating a dizzying, intoxicating effect.

But amidst the whirlwind of passion, a small voice in the back of Carla’s mind reminded her of the rules they had set, the boundaries they had playfully agreed upon not to cross. With a reluctant sigh, she gently pulled back, her heart racing and her breath uneven.

“Lisa, we should stop,” Carla murmured, unable to hide a smile. Her voice soft yet resolute, though her own desire still shimmered in her eyes. It was a moment of clarity amidst the haze of longing, a reminder of the delicate balance they were trying to maintain.

There was a hint of disappointment but also a glint of respect for both Carla’s boundaries, and the respect Carla too was offering Lisa.

“Why?” Lisa asked, her eyes dark with desire, sparkling with a hint of mischief as she leaned in closer, her hands remained resting against Carla’s cheeks, using the pads of her thumbs to brush against Carla’s soft, flushed skin.

Carla laughed nervously, her own hands fiddling with the hem of Lisa’s jumper, anything to distract herself from everything she was feeling. “Because we’re—“

“We’re just kissing?” Lisa interrupted, eyebrow arched, a teasing smile spreading across her face.

“Exactly! And you’re drunk, and it’s against the rules.” Carla replied, her tone mock-serious. “We, explicitly said kissing, no tongues.”

“Oh…right, yeah…” Lisa said, feigning a thoughtful expression. “But who made those rules anyway? They seem a bit…boring and…stiff?”

Carla chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” Lisa asked, pulling back. Her own face mock-serious.

“I think it was you actually,” Carla raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile.

“Me?” Lisa exclaimed, playfully offended. “I don’t recall agreeing to such a…strict policy.”

“Really? You don’t remember? ‘No tongues, no sex, no drunk flirting,” Carla quoted, her tone teasing. “Sounded very official to me.” Carla quipped. “I think there was even a notebook involved…”

“Okay, okay, but come on,” Lisa said, leaning forward again, a playful challenge in her eyes. “What if we just bend the rules a little?”

“Bend them how?” Carla asked, her heart racing at the implication.

“Like… just a little tongue?” Lisa suggested, her voice dropping to a whisper, her lips curling into a sly smile.

“Lisa…that was a lot of tongue,” Carla replied, her cheeks flushing.

“Well, I’m very good with my tongue…very experienced,” Lisa whispered, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Carla felt a rush of heat and struggled to find her words. “I—uh, wow…” Carla bit her lip, fighting back a smile. “You’re really pushing for this, aren’t you?”

Lisa shrugged, her breath warm against Carla’s cheek. “Well, maybe rules are meant to be broken.”

“Lisa!” Carla laughed loudly now, the sound echoing off the walls of the flat, the tension easing into playful camaraderie.

She felt her cheeks flush, and she was quietly confident that at least Lisa couldn’t feel how wet she was underneath her—which to her own surprise was enough. It amazed her how turned on she’d become, at this little quietly confident, overly forward drunken Lisa—but at the same time, it didn’t perhaps surprise her because after all, Lisa was kind, and she was funny and she was beautiful.

“What?” Lisa said, her grin widening as she leaned back slightly, feigning innocence but unable to hide the mischief in her eyes.

“What if we get caught? What if Ryan comes back and—“

“Well then, we’ll just have to come up with a really good story.” Lisa replied, her tone playful, leaning in again, inches from Carla’s lips. “And besides, isn’t it worth the risk?”

Carla felt her resolve crumbling. “You’re trouble, you know that?”

“Only when I’m with you,” Lisa replied, her gaze intense. “And you know you like it.”

“Maybe I do,” Carla admitted, her voice softening, their playful exchange taking on a deeper undercurrent.

“So, are we going to keep obeying the rules, or…?”

“Fine,” Carla said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just this once.”

“Just this once,” Lisa echoed, a triumphant smile crossing her face as she closed the gap between them once more.

Lisa brushed her lips against Carla's softly, just as careful and just as cautious. Her hands ran through Carla's hair, pulling her closer still.

Their tongues danced together, exploring each other's mouths in a slow, sensual dance. Lisa moaned softly as Carla's fingers traced along her jawline, sending shivers down her spine.

Carla's hands roamed up and down Lisa's back, appreciating the softness of her skin. She hoped Lisa couldn't tell how wet she really was now, her desire for the detective growing stronger by the minute.

As they kissed, Lisa's body pressed against Carla's, their hips grinding together in a tantalising rhythm. Carla pulled away from the kiss for a moment, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

"Alright detective," Carla said playfully, "playtime is over before we get too carried away." She gave Lisa's bum a gentle pat, causing her to gasp and giggle.

Lisa looked into Carla's eyes, her heart full of love and gratitude. "Maybe you’ll let me do that again on our no rules night out," she whispered, leaning in for one final peck on the lips. 

“Well you’ll just have to wait and see then, won’t you? I have plans detective.…Right, I’m off to bed, you coming?”

“Well isn’t that an invitation I can’t refuse.” Lisa teased with a wink. 

“I’ll send you home in a taxi in a minute if you don’t behave.” Carla quipped. 

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep my hands to myself…for now,” Lisa winks as she follows Carla to the bedroom, to sleep. 

Notes:

Next time: Carla wakes up to a very hungover, slightly embarrassed detective…

Chapter 19

Notes:

Absolutely overwhelmed that this little story is now my second most popular through hits 😍

Thank you all so, so much for all the love and attention you continue give this story and all my others 🥹🥰

This update is a day late, I know, so I’m sorry for those of you who come to check regularly on a Thursday 🫣 but hopefully you’ll forgive me for giving you a glorious (almost) 5,500 words 😍

Also, I couldn’t leave you hanging in angst again so soon, so even though this chapter is angsty in places, I promise it gets better in the same chapter! 🤭

“Ugh,” Lisa groaned. She opened her eyes, head was spinning, room was spinning. Even the thin line of light that was peeping through the curtains was too bright, so she buried her head back under the covers. 

She took a moment to gather herself. Unfamiliar surroundings, unfamiliar bed but somewhere she’d become accustomed to over the last few weeks. Familiar warmth, familiar smell. 

Carla was leaning against the doorframe, a steaming cup of coffee and two paracetamol in her hand, smiling softly at the heavily hungover blonde that was still lying in her bed.

Carla walked over to the curtains, pulling them across firmer to block the light out further, before heading back toward the bed, crouching down beside Lisa.

She placed the cup of coffee and paracetamol on the bedside table next to her and gently peeled the duvet away to reveal said slightly flushed, heavily hungover blonde.

“Morning,” Carla whispered, before pressing a soft kiss to Lisa’s lips.

“Mm, you don’t wanna do that, I look dreadful and taste like—“ Lisa mumbled as she fought to pull the covers back up, but Carla wouldn’t let her.

“You’re beautiful, especially like this. Hungover, no make-up, feeling sorry for yourself so I can look after you…and yes, you taste like last nights wine…and mischief, but luckily for you— I don’t care .” Carla smiled and Lisa blushed, her eyes sparkled in such a way that Carla could look at them forever.

Lisa smiled too. The warmth of Carla’s words wrapping around her. “You always know how to make me feel better,” she said, staring in to Carla’s eyes. Her voice barely above a whisper.

Carla chuckled, brushing a stray hair from Lisa’s forehead. “Well, someone has to remind you how gorgeous you are.” Carla let her hand linger, and Lisa grabbed it gently, kissing the palm of Carla’s hand before resting it on her cheek.

She closed her eyes, relishing the warmth of Carla’s touch as Carla brushed the pad of her thumb gently against her skin. A silence fell between them. Soft, unbothered.

“Come on now,” Carla picked up the coffee, letting the right aroma fill the air between them. “Drink this, it’ll help. I promise…and then we can talk about how you plan to make up for last night,” Carla teased.

Lisa groaned again, but this time it was in mock frustration. “Do we have to? I’m not sure I can face the world right now, let alone what happened last night.” Lisa attempted to pull the covers over her head again, but Carla wouldn’t let her hide away—so instead, Lisa sat up slightly, the duvet falling away to reveal her crumpled clothes from the night before, her hair falling messily to frame her face.

Lisa caught Carla staring—“What?” The blonde teased lightly.

“Nothing,” Carla blushed.

Although both would admit that there was something different about this morning. Something special. The way they both fell into their roles of their fake/pretend relationship as if it really were real. I mean, it was—to them individually at least, but neither would dare admit it. Not yet.

“Come on, budge up.” Carla insisted as she climbed into the bed to sit beside Lisa, underneath the covers. Her arm drifting lightly around Lisa as she passed her the mug of coffee.

“You can’t hide away forever. Besides, you really surprised me last night. Missus, who made those rules…”

Lisa shook her head as she sipped her drink, nestled comfortably next to Carla. She could feel the warmth of Carla’s arm around her and a shy smile crept onto her lips, despite her discomfort of her current blurred memories from the night before.

“That was probably the wine talking, no doubt embarrassed myself.” Lisa whispered into her coffee mug, taking one last swig with two paracetamol that Carla had given her prior to climbing into the bed.

Carla then took the empty mug from her, placing it on the bedside table, before using her free hand to tilt Lisa’s face toward her own.

“You didn’t embarrass yourself,” Carla assured her, before capturing her lips in a soft kiss. “Not with me anyway. In fact, I rather liked DS Swain wanting to break the rules that she made.” Carla smirked. “What was it…and I quote, I don’t recall agreeing to such a strict policy…”

Lisa put her head in her hands.

“Something about our so called rules being… boring and stiff?” Carla continued to tease, laughing gently as Lisa continued to cringe at the memories that came tumbling back in no particular order. But she really wasn’t ready to let on how much she remembered. 

“Well, I’m getting you drunk next time and then you can show yourself up,” Lisa teased.

“Trust me, I’d be doing more than showing myself up with you around—I’d probably be whipping my Pom Pom’s out…”

Carla cackled.

Lisa blushed at the thought.

“You’re trouble,” Lisa teased.

You’re trouble.

Now that resonated with her. As memories started to take shape, vividly moving into some kind of order. 

“Carla…” Lisa said gently, as she moved on the bed. Leaving Carla’s hold but turning her body to face her, legs tucked underneath.

“What rules did I exactly, well— we— break last night?” Lisa asked sheepishly, wanting Carla to confirm exactly what had happened. Wanting to watch the brunette’s response when she told her—just so she could possibly gauge how Carla was feeling about it all—but unfortunately for Lisa, her question wasn’t about to go to plan.

“How much do you…not remember?” Carla asked.

The colour seemed to drain from her face. The possibility of Lisa not remembering their kiss…or kisses suddenly made her heart drop to her stomach and she felt sick.

“Uhm,” Lisa offered a shy laugh,  Well, to be honest with you—“

Lisa was cut off abruptly by the sound of Carla’s phone ringing. Before she could be honest, before she could instead take the lead, and the tension that followed was unsettling. 

---

“Sarah?” Carla answered the phone, her voice betraying a slight tremor. “Sarah, slow down—” She quickly steadied herself, listening intently as the younger woman’s voice poured through the line, laced with panic and confusion. Her words a jumbled mess that Carla was trying to make sense of. 

Lisa's gaze snapped up to Carla, her focus unwavering. The tension that lingered between them was palpable, yet a more pressing concern seemed to take precedence. Lisa cared deeply, even if Carla, in her current state, might not recognise it, Lisa knew all the tell-tale signs as her eyes focused upon Carla’s expression, her body language, the way her voice faltered. 

“What’s happened?” Carla asked, her brow furrowing as she absorbed Sarah’s frantic words, the weight of the situation becoming increasingly apparent.

Carla strained to piece together the jumbled information Sarah was relaying. It seemed there was a fire at the Platt household, but the specifics were clouded—it seemed like Sarah was trying to say the fire had been deliberate, arson maybe? A firework?

The news hit Carla hard, like a punch to the gut. The possibilities of it being someone she deeply cared about, that she loved, became all too real. Her first thought brought an ache to her chest she hadn’t felt in a really, really long time—and I mean, a really long time. An ache since Liam. What if it had been Lisa? 

“Is everyone okay? Is everyone safe?” Carla’s voice was urgent as her anxiety grew.

Lisa instinctively moved closer to the edge of the bed, feeling a wave of concern wash over her as she witnessed Carla's distress.

“Take your time; we can manage everything here,” Carla reassured Sarah, her tone steady.

Meanwhile, Lisa, feeling the weight of the moment, tentatively reached out to wrap her arms around Carla’s waist, longing to offer comfort.

Carla felt a fleeting sensation of Lisa’s lips almost ghosting her shoulder, but the brunette stepped away before any contact was made, leaving Lisa yearning to offer that closeness.

“If you need anything, you know where to find me,” Carla concluded, ending the call with a sense of urgency of her own. 

An overwhelming need to act surged through Carla. She grabbed her bag, her thoughts racing as she contemplated how to handle the unfolding situation. Lisa remained on the bed, her face etched with concern.

“Carla, wait—” Lisa called out, her voice thick with worry as she watched Carla hurriedly gather her belongings, muttering under her breath.

She wanted to support Carla, to help her through whatever turmoil she was facing, even though Lisa herself had inadvertently caused that turmoil.

Sarah's family emergency served as a convenient excuse for Carla to escape the uneasy atmosphere that lingered between them.

Carla turned to Lisa, her tone flat and devoid of warmth. “No, Lisa. You’ve made your feelings clear. I have to go where I’m needed, so just...do whatever you want. Stay here, take a shower, borrow my clothes if you wish. But please—don’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not. I need to go to work, and I’m sure your phone will be ringing any minute now.”

Her words cut through the air with a chilling finality. Carla felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her, the hurt in Lisa’s expression evident as she witnessed the blonde fight back tears.

As if on cue, Lisa’s phone rang, the sharp sound slicing through the tense silence.

Carla turned to leave, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. “Just let yourself out,” she called over her shoulder, her voice clipped and resolute as she stepped out of the bedroom.

The reality of the Platt family’s crisis loomed large, but the thought of losing Lisa felt even heavier.

Lisa sat there, momentarily frozen, still gripping her phone as it continued to ring.

The raw intensity of the moment enveloped them both, creating a widening chasm filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

Carla was needed in a situation that truly mattered, yet every second felt like an eternity as she rushed away, leaving behind the remnants of a conversation that would linger in both their minds.

Trying to regain her composure, Lisa wiped her tears and answered the phone.

“Swain,” she spoke, projecting strength and authority, though her voice was anything but.

“Yes, understood. I’ll be right there,” she concluded, hanging up the call.

She had been summoned to the house fire. All occupants were at the hospital, but an investigation was imminent, with suspicions pointing to foul play.

With a heavy heart, Lisa pushed herself to put on a brave face, her DS persona taking charge.

She understood that if she allowed herself to dwell on Carla, their earlier conversation, and the memories of the night before for even a moment too long, she would break. Duty called, and she couldn’t afford to falter.

---

As Carla headed to the factory, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

She needed to address her team about Sarah’s situation. The fire had changed everything, and she felt a twinge of sadness for Sarah, who was now facing an unimaginable crisis. But she couldn’t help feel a deeper sadness for the way she’d walked out on Lisa; the way they’d left things—which was of course, no fault of her own. Carla had been the one to push Lisa away—to be the one who didn’t want to talk. They’d agreed no complications, and Carla had certainly left complications well and truly thick in the air between them. 

Carla entered the factory, head low. The usual hum of chatter was low this morning; news spread already. She felt all eyes on her as she walked briskly into her office, knowing her workforce would be waiting impatiently to know more. 

Yes, they certainly were impartial to a bit of gossip—but when it was something like this—something tragic, that could have ended in the loss of lives, there was no space for gossip, only concern. 

Carla placed her bag down on her desk and took a moment to compose herself, steadying herself. 

“Alright everyone,” Carla began, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

“Sarah will be out of the business until further notice due to the fire at the Platt’s. As far as I’m aware, everyone is okay and safe, being checked over at the hospital as we speak. As a team, we’ll send some flowers to Sarah and her family to show our support. I know she would appreciate any of you who’d like to reach out individually as well.” Carla paused, giving herself a moment to take a breath. 

She could see the concern etched on her workforce’s faces, and it made her heart ache even more.

The atmosphere shifted as they absorbed the news. Carla knew that trying to get anything out of them today was a lost cause—but she had to make it clear that she still had a business to run, and she’d need them to work that little bit harder to compensate for the loss of Sarah not being around.

”A few days from now, I have a business convention to now attend, in place of Sarah. So, with that being said—Sally, I’m putting you in charge while I’m away. Betsy, you will be second in command.” 

Betsy’s expression mirrored a mixture of surprise and pride, and Carla felt a surge of affection for Lisa’s daughter. Betsy had started working for Carla in the factory when her and Lisa had first began talking in a more friendly personal manner—after all the arresting business with the Lauren Bolton case—and, despite the teenager being easily distracted, she’d also proved herself to be a valuable member of the team—when she wanted to be. 

There were a few rumbles and low grumbles amongst the staff but Betsy sat quiet—unusually.

Carla gave the teen a small nod, a quiet smile. Truth be told, Carla had a huge soft spot for Betsy. Partly due to the fact that she very much reminded her of her younger self. The other part, well, maybe the bigger part was that Betsy was of course Lisa’s daughter. 

Carla recognised the weight of responsibility she was placing on her young shoulders. Later, she would have a separate conversation with Betsy about the implications of this opportunity, ensuring she understood just how significant this role was.

Then, Carla gave everyone the rest of the day off work. Business resuming as normal tomorrow. Take a moment to process the weight of Sarah’s situation, come back tomorrow, put the hard graft in and reap the rewards later. 

Betsy however, offered to stay. In fact, it was less of an offer, more of an insistence. So Carla had let her. Besides, it’d give Carla opportunity to speak to Betsy later about what she would expect of her whilst she was away. And something else for Carla to distract herself with. Anything to try keep her mind off Lisa. 

But first things first, Carla needed to book her travel and hotel for the upcoming business convention, yet her thoughts drifted.

Memories of last night flooded her mind—the warmth of Lisa’s kisses, the way Lisa's body pressed against her own, the way their hips were grinding together, the way their bodies had fit together so easily.

That ache in her chest was stronger than the longing she felt in her core.

She tried to focus on the logistics of her trip, but her mind kept circling back to Lisa.

Where had it all gone wrong?

After booking her hotel, she dug deep into spreadsheets, figures and materials. Later, she’d nip to Roy’s to grab lunch for her and Betsy, before bringing Betsy up to speed with her expectations. 

---

Lisa had taken Carla’s offer up on using the shower and borrowing some clothes. Partly because she knew she couldn’t show up to a serious incident in last night’s clothing, smelling of alcohol, and partly because she believes that what Carla had offered had come from a genuinely good place. 

Arriving at the scene of the fire, Lisa was immediately struck by the chaos. The fire brigade was still battling the lingering flames, smoke curling into the evening sky. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for the long hours ahead. 

“Alright, let’s set up a police cordon,” she instructed her team, her voice firm. She organised forensics to arrive once it was deemed safe, knowing that every moment counted in gathering evidence, especially when the fire could have potentially burned away anything they needed.  

Then, she led her team of police officers through the cobbles, going door to door to take any witness statements. 

“DC Kit Green, I need you to hit the local businesses and see if anyone has CCTV footage or any homes have doorbell cameras,” she directed, her mind racing with the details of the investigation.

The urgency of the situation demanded her full attention, but even as she worked, her thoughts drifted.

Carla was never far from her mind. The same familiar ache in her chest gnawed at her, a painful reminder of the distance that had grown between them this morning.

She replayed the morning’s events, trying to understand where it had all gone wrong.

Lisa had hurt Carla, and she recognised that. She had attempted to fix things before Carla left, but the moment had slipped through her fingers as Carla pushed her away.

As she led her team through the morning, her eyes kept drifting over to the factory. She wondered what Carla was thinking—what Carla was doing, despite working of course, and she thought to herself was Carla hurting the same way she was? 

She stood at the scene of the fire’s aftermath, her eyes scanned the debris and chaos surrounding her.

The air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of charred remains. She felt a sense of duty to manage the police cordon and coordinate with forensics, but her mind was elsewhere entirely. 

Across the street, her gaze locked onto Carla, as she witnessed the brunette heading back inside the factory.

Their eyes met in a moment suspended in time, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. No words were exchanged, but the weight of their unspoken feelings still hung thick and heavy in the air.

Lisa could see the exhaustion etched on Carla’s face, mirroring her own turmoil, both feeling raw and vulnerable.

She turned her focus back to the scene, but she couldn’t shake the image of Carla from her mind. The thought of her was both a comfort and a source of pain, a constant reminder to Lisa of the distance that had grown between them in a matter of minutes, that only seemed to drift wider apart as the day wore on.

Something caught her attention though, as lunchtime approached. Light laughter, brief cheers. She averted her gaze over to the local pub and saw a stream of people heading inside whom looked strangely like—wait, was that Carla’s factory lot? 

Lisa quickly brought her phone out and composed a message to Betsy, wondering why she hadn’t contacted her if Carla had sent everyone home for the day. Her heart warmed for a minute at Carla’s possible gesture—sending everyone home in the aftermath of the house fire of someone close to them all, but the reply she got from Betsy fuelled her in a way that she couldn’t hold in.

Mum! I’m at work! If Carla fires me for being on my phone, I’m holding you responsible! X 

Lisa immediately saw red. Storming over to the factory, she would demand to know why Carla deemed it fit she punish her daughter over whatever it was that was (or wasn’t) happening between the two of them. 

“Carla, what the hell?! How dare you keep my daughter working while you’ve let everyone else off for the day! What the hell are you playing at?!” Lisa raised her voice, eyes wide. She was fuming.

Carla glanced up, completely stunned. She was mid-sentence having a chat with Betsy about her expectations and what she wanted from the teen while she was away. How she wanted to challenge Betsy, how she wanted the teen to push herself; prove herself—until she was caught off guard by Lisa’s simmering rage.

”Mum!” Betsy tried to protest but it was no use. 

“No, Betsy, it’s not okay! Go wait in the car!” Lisa said, keys held out for Betsy to go wait outside. 

“Look, whatever is happening between us Carla, does not give you a right to punish my daughter.” Lisa said firmly. 

“She is still here you know, and mum—you’ve—“ 

“Betsy, go and wait in the car!” Lisa interrupted, her tone firmer still, but the teen refused to move. 

Carla watched on. Bewildered. Confused. 

“Mum! Will you please just listen! It was my choice to stay and work today.” Betsy finally managed to say, her voice wrangled, confused, hurt as to why her mum was being so…hurtful. 

“Carla’s put me second in command while she has to be away in a few days, so we were just going through what that looks like—for me. And she bought me lunch.” Betsy muttered, her voice small. She sounded about ten again and the true reality of the situation hit Lisa like a punch in the gut as her eyes fell properly on the scene before her. 

Lisa looked between her daughter and Carla. Betsy looked worried, concern etched on her face. Carla looked exhausted, despite not saying anything since Lisa had entered the factory in a rage of fury, Lisa could still read Carla’s expression. More hurt. 

“I…” Lisa began, but was swiftly cut off by her phone ringing. She sighed, glancing at the screen. “Work…it never stops,” she sighed heavily. 

“Swain,” She answered. Her tone carrying the familiar ache and strain of this morning, although this time Carla heard it and Lisa watched the concern too fall over the brunette. 

Lisa excused herself as she ended the call, leaving more destruction in her path.

---

Lisa was exhausted by the time she got home, but she couldn’t settle. 

Something within her was telling her she needed to fix this—whatever this was. Deep down, she knew better than to leave an argument untouched, unresolved, and so with a heavy heart, but a renewed determination in her step, she climbed back in her car and headed back out towards Underworld. 

---

It was late—gone 10 PM, but Lisa held on to the fact that Carla was possibly still at work, and so she made her way to the factory, and to her relief, the lights were still on.

She tentatively stepped inside, before making familiar footsteps towards Carla’s office. It was unusual, she’d never been here before, out of hours. It was eerie almost.

As she approached Carla’s office, she knocked softly.

Carla looked up, head deep in paperwork. Pen in hand. She’d been tapping away at her laptop simultaneously seconds before Lisa knocked. Bags under her eyes. She looked like she’d been crying—a lot, and that pulled at Lisa’s heart enough, but she refused to let herself believe that she’d been the cause of that, until she knew for sure.

She’d got so many things wrong so far today. The last thing she wanted to do was assume she’d been the one to upset Carla—and then get an earful about how everything’s not all about her.

“Can I come in?” Lisa asked gently.

“Knock yourself out,” Carla replied, looking back down at her work. Seemingly unbothered, but Lisa noticed the tension in Carla’s shoulders. The way she watched Lisa just very faintly out the corner of her eye, hoping Lisa wouldn’t notice.

She did notice. 

Avoiding eye contact. Great. Lisa thought, but still, she stepped forward. Cautiously, tentatively.

Lisa stood awkwardly for a moment, before whispering, “Thank you.” Her voice was soft, steady. Laced with everything that remained left unsaid. “And, I’m sorry.”

“What for?” Carla asked, still attempting focus on her tasks, but her resolve was already wavering. 

Lisa watched.

“For staying with me last night. For looking after me this morning. You didn’t have to—“

“I know,” Carla said, interrupting. “I wanted to,” She admitted softly, her own tone gentle. Her expression softening, but still she refused to give in. Refused to let her eyes drift from the task in hand that she was so desperately trying to concentrate on—but failing. 

Lisa moved closer still, her heart racing. She caught Carla’s gaze this time, out the corner of the brunette’s eye, and Carla watched as Lisa turned round the edge of her desk.

Lisa’s footsteps were still cautious, tentative, yet there was an undeniable assurance in her approach. 

“And I’m sorry for how I behaved today. All of it. This morning…and…accusing you of using my daughter to get back at me…”

As she  approached Carla, she reached out. Fingers soft, warm against Carla’s skin. Her touch was electric, igniting a trail of goosebumps that followed her every move.

Once her fingers reached Carla’s shoulder, her touch was firmer as she pushed Carla back in her chair, causing the grip on her pen to drop.

In a bold, sober move, Lisa straddled Carla’s lap, watching, as the brunettes throat bobbed with a nervous swallow. That simple gesture sent a rush of exhilaration coursing through Lisa’s veins, leaving her heart racing in anticipation.

Lisa trailed her hands down Carla’s arms, guiding Carla’s hands to rest on her hips, before Lisa cupped Carla’s cheeks with her own hands, fingers brushing softly, the heat of the moment intensifying as she locked eyes with the brunette.

”And I’m sorry I pretended not to remember this…”

Leaning in, their breaths mingling as she closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a soft kiss, a gentle exploration that quickly deepened.

“Of course I remember.” Lisa whispered gently against Carla’s lips, before continuing in between kisses, “I remember it well, Carla…I was drunk…but not drunk enough to forget the way your lips felt against mine…the way you pulled me in…the familiar ache—“

Lisa cut herself short as she traced her tongue teasingly along Carla’s bottom lip, eliciting a soft sigh from Carla, as the brunette melted into the kiss, her hands gripping Lisa’s waist, pulling her even closer, already committed to memory how Lisa had responded to said touch, the night before .

But before either could get too carried away, a sharp knock at the door jolted them apart.

Lisa instinctively buried her head in the crook of Carla’s neck, her heart racing—not just from the kiss, but from the sudden interruption.

Carla let out a light laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly.

“Who is it?” Carla called out, amusement dancing in her eyes.

“It’s Sally!” came the reply, the door still firmly shut.

“Here to ruin the moment,” Lisa murmured against Carla’s neck, her voice muffled.

But before Carla could respond, Sally let herself in.

“Detective Sergeant Swain— Oh —” Sally’s voice faltered when she walked in, her eyes wide as they landed on the two women.

She looked stunned, clearly not expecting to find them in such an intimate, compromising position.

“What did you want, Sally?” Carla asked, as Lisa climbed off Carla’s lap, straightening her jacket, her face flushed from both embarrassment and the lingering heat of their kiss.

Carla, however, refused to let go of Lisa’s hand, fingers dancing softly between one another’s.

“Well, erm… I’d like to see you in private.”  “About Betsy,” She whispered as if Lisa wouldn’t hear, “—it’s not really appro—”

“Sally, whatever it is you need to ask or tell about Betsy, you can do so in front of her mother,” Carla asserted, her tone firm. “But if it’s anything to do with the fact I’ve put her second in command when she’s only seventeen, then you can take your complaint and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine!”

“Oh, Mrs. Connor, there’s no need to be like that!” Sally replied, flabbergasted by the sudden turn of events.

“I mean it, Sally. I’m trusting you, and if I hear even once about you not supporting Betsy or working together, I’ll dock your wages for the time I’m away. Are we understood?” Carla’s voice left no room for argument.

“Yes, Mrs. Connor,” Sally said, her tone subdued as she began to back away, still reeling from the encounter.

“Sally!” Carla called out, before the other woman could leave.

“Yes, Mrs Connor.”

“And if you even breathe a word to anyone about what you witnessed tonight— especially to Betsy, I’ll fire you quicker than you can say your own name!” Carla added, full factory boss fire.

Once Sally left, Carla pulled Lisa back onto her lap, but this time, Lisa simply sat close, their bodies touching but without the boldness of before. A silence settled between them, filled with unspoken thoughts.

“Are you worried she’ll tell everyone… about what she saw?” Lisa asked softly, her eyes searching Carla’s.

Carla shrugged, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “Maybe. But honestly? I don’t care. And if anyone has a problem with it, they can deal with me. What about you?”

“Seriously? After that tone?” Lisa teased, trying to deflect the intensity of her own emotions as the heat of the moment lingered between them.

Lisa felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks with Carla’s authoritative tone.

It took her by surprise, how turned on she was by Carla’s assertiveness, the way she commanded the room and set boundaries with unwavering confidence.

It made Lisa’s heart race, igniting a spark of desire she hadn’t fully acknowledged before.

But Carla, with a playful glint in her eyes, leaned in and tickled Lisa’s sides, catching her completely off guard.

“Carla!” Lisa squealed, laughter bursting uncontrollably as she squirmed in Carla’s lap, trying to escape the teasing fingers that had found their mark.

“Oh, come on! You can’t tell me you didn’t deserve that!” Carla laughed, her own amusement infectious as she watched Lisa wriggle and giggle, a bright smile lighting up her already flushed face.

“Okay, okay! You win! Just stop!” Lisa gasped between fits of laughter, her cheeks burning,  not just from the tickling but from the undeniable chemistry that crackled in the air between them.

As Carla finally relented, pulling her hands back, Lisa caught her breath, still grinning. “You really are trouble,” she panted, shaking her head, but the laughter in her voice betrayed just how much she enjoyed this playful side of Carla.

“You bring it out of me,” Carla replied softly, her tone shifting as she gazed into Lisa’s eyes, the playful banter gradually giving way to a deeper connection.

The warmth of their shared laughter hung in the air, a reminder of the bond they were forging amidst the chaos surrounding them. Something still both women were seemingly in denial about.

Lisa’s expression shifted, and she broke the silence. “Carla, we said no complications.”

“Exactly,” Carla responded, her hands still resting around Lisa’s waist, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

“We said no feelings.” Lisa said.

“No feelings.” Carla confirmed.

”So…what about what happened today?” Lisa asked cautiously. 

“You’re forgiven.” Carla said firmly—and meant it. 

“Just intimacy, right?” Lisa asked, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Right,” Carla nodded. Keeping her composure. She thought she knew where this was headed, but she didn’t want to get ahead of herself.

“So, how about that one night, no rules?” Lisa pressed.

There it was.

Carla smirked back at her.

“Then we go back to…” Lisa trailed off.

“Go back to what, Lisa?”

“Friends. Like before. We stop this. All of it, right?“ Lisa asked, her voice beginning to tremble.

“Right.” Carla nodded, though the tension in the air told them both that they were surely kidding themselves.

“I’m serious, Carla. Because if there’s the slightest possibility that I’m going to lose you then—“

Carla cut her off with an unexpected kiss. “You won’t lose me, I’m going nowhere.”

“Although…I do have one condition.” Carla returned.

“Conditions mean rules Carla, we said—“

“Come to this stupid business convention with me?” Carla asked. Openly, vulnerably. She knew it was a daft idea and Lisa was well within her right to say no, what with Betsy and her own job, Carla wasn’t even sure Lisa would be able to get the time off.

But Carla saw Lisa’s face light up and suddenly the blonde was agreeing to something entirely out of her comfort zone—spending a night away with her best friend, after they have their twenty-four hours of no rules, forget the social experiment and go back to just..being..friends—what could possibly go wrong?

Notes:

Next time: Day minus two to the business convention… and the night out we’ve all been waiting for…

Chapter 20: No Rules (Part one)

Summary:

Day minus two till the business convention…

Will Carla and Lisa make it on their planned no rules night out?

Notes:

I can’t believe how this has become my second most loved fic from hits and kudos! 🥰

I’m struggling a lot with life things lately and my head is in a really weird space to focus but I really want to be able to give something at the moment, so I’m going to (try) and put a lot of focus on this story and maybe just try one step at a time…

I hope you can all understand. The thing is, I love writing so much and I’m so grateful for swarla because honestly, here is just a space where I can forget real life things for a little while and I really want to still have that without having too much mounting pressure.

Also, wanted to put a note here in case I just decide to randomly make some off kilter chapter updates to this story for those of you that normally check on a Thursday 🥰

So, in the spirit of that—here’s an unusual Wednesday update.

Thank YOU to all of you who read my stories, share my stories, send kudos and comments, and for those of you who are always patient with me with ALL my stories.

❤️ 🥰 🥹

“Shit—“ Lisa muttered quietly under her breath as she knocked a few items off of Carla’s dresser after losing her balance and falling into it. She probably should have got ready in the en-suite as trying to get dressed in the dark was proving challenging enough as it was.

“What time is it?” Carla mumbled sleepily as she stirred after hearing the clatter from Lisa.

“It’s four AM, I’m sorry Carla—I didn’t mean to wake you,” Lisa whispered.

Carla allowed her eyes to adjust to the darkness where she could just about see Lisa’s silhouette—which looked nothing like she was just getting up to go to the bathroom.

“Where do you think you’re going at this unearthly hour?” Carla questioned.

“There’s been a major incident…I can’t say much Carla, but I’ve been called in and I can’t say no…I’m so sorry. I know today—“

“Well…I suppose you’ll just have to make it up to me then, won’t you?” Carla teased, her voice still husky from sleep.

Lisa rolled her eyes playfully. “I’ve got to go, I’ll see you later.”

“Hang on, don’t I get a little kissy?” Carla teased. “We agreed…no rules for twenty four hours, right…starting…four hours ago?”

Lisa closed her eyes, shaking her head. A soft smile played on her lips. She leaned down for a quick peck on the lips, but Carla had other ideas, pulling the blonde into her lap so Lisa ended up straddling her—their lips meeting gently, before Carla deepened the kiss, surprising Lisa with its intensity.

Lisa felt a rush of warmth flood through her as Carla’s fingers worked their way from her jaw to the nape of her neck, one hand slowly pulling away at Lisa’s perfectly crafted ponytail.

“Just a little longer,” Carla murmured against her lips.

Lisa chuckled, pulling back slightly to catch her breath. “I can’t, I’ve really got to go—and you’ve delayed me,” Lisa gestured to her hair that was no longer in a neat, tidy bun—instead, now tousled messily around her face.

Carla pouted, her playful demeanor slipping for a moment. “But I was looking forward to spending the whole day with you. I’ve got plans for us… detective.”

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Maybe dinner tonight? Just us?” Lisa suggested.

“Dinner sounds nice, but what if you’re stuck at work all night?” Carla challenged, trying to keep the mood light despite the disappointment creeping in.

“I won’t be,” Lisa insisted, her tone firm. “Just a few hours, and I’ll be back before you know it. I’ll bring you your favourite take-away.”

Carla raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking. “Is that a promise?”

“Absolutely,” Lisa replied, her heart racing at the thought of seeing Carla’s smile again. She squeezed Carla’s hand, then reluctantly slid off her lap. “I really have to go now.”

“Fine,” Carla sighed dramatically, though her lips curled into a smirk. “But you better make that dinner extra special.”

“Deal,” Lisa said, as she tidied her hair back up into a neat bun. She paused at the door, glancing back at Carla. “I’ll text you when I’m on my way.”

“Don’t take too long,” Carla called out, her tone light. “I’ll be waiting.”

Lisa left, stepping out into the cool air, her mind racing with thoughts of the incident ahead and the promise of a night with Carla waiting for her. 

She swallowed hard as she made her way to the station. She knew better than to make false promises with a job like hers and with call outs like these—the length of her day could be unpredictable, but she had every intention of being there with Carla tonight, no matter what came in her way. 

---

Carla had found herself heading into the factory around nine AM. Having been informed by Sally that Izzy had called in sick, Carla wanted to make sure that the Robson order was packed and shipped on time.

The factory workers knew they had to work harder when they were one team member down, but she also had no Sarah to lead the team and was relying on Sally and Betsy to do their best and so she decided putting in some hours wouldn’t do any harm whilst she waited for Lisa. 

Lunchtime rolled around and everything was on schedule. Carla still hadn’t heard from Lisa—a small sense of doubt settled in the pit of her stomach, but she tried not to dwell on the matter too much, and instead, sent Lisa a little text instead. A little flirting never harmed anyone, right?

Just so you know, I’ve been thinking about you all morning…especially how cute you looked this morning… C x

Lisa was caught off guard when she opened the text message, a strong blush creeping into her cheeks.

She glanced around the office, thankful that no one could see how flustered she felt—that was until DC Kit Green made his way back into the room, a smirk on his face as he settled behind his desk.

“What’s with the blush, Swain? Finally got a girlfriend or something?” he teased, a playful smirk on his face.

“Don’t be so ridiculous, DC Green,” Lisa shot back, trying to regain her composure. “And if you don’t want to be on desk duty for the rest of the year, I suggest you keep your inappropriate comments to yourself! Understood?!”

“Whoa, okay, okay! Just asking! No need to bite my head off,” Kit laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “But seriously, what’s got you all flustered? Is it Carla? Did she send you something raunchy?”

“Just mind your own business,” Lisa retorted, but her heart raced at the thought of Carla’s message, a flutter of excitement stirring within her.

As soon as Kit turned his attention back to his screen, Lisa quickly texted Carla back.

I’m not sure I’m feeling cute today, more like a mess after a really long morning at work…the only thing keeping me going is seeing you later… L x

Carla’s phone buzzed, and a wide smile spread across her face, feeling the warmth inside her chest.

“What’s his name?” Fizz quipped as she walked into Carla’s office.

“What?” Carla asked, caught off guard as she saw Lisa’s name pop up on her screen.

“You smiling at your phone like that, must be some fella?” Fizz teased.

“Actually, no…it’s uh, Lisa. We’re planning on meeting up later and—“

“Oh great! Come to The Rovers! There’s a few of us meeting there for games night tonight.” Fizz said, her face lighting up at the prospect of more people equals more fun.

“Oh no, really. We’re just—“

“I won’t take no for an answer!” Fizz said as she spun on her heel and left, without real reason to have ever needed to enter the office in the first place.

Carla’s heart sank. She had no idea how she’d get Lisa there when they were supposed to be having a night to themselves…

Shaking her head, she read Lisa’s text to try and distract the gnawing in her gut.

You’re always cute, even when you’re a mess. And I wouldn’t mind seeing that messy side of you later… 😉 C x

Carla hit send, and then froze—suddenly thinking that her message combined with the wink at the end could have been interpreted into something totally…different.

Lisa’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help but smile at Carla’s boldness. She was just about to write a text back until the three dots appeared stopping her in her tracks.

Sorry, I didn’t mean…
I, uh…
Oh, have I messed this up!?
😳😳😳

Three messages coming through within less than a minute of each other, Lisa was confused herself, until she re-read Carla’s text, combined with the brunette’s awkward embarrassment and then laughed to herself.

Oh, is that a challenge? What are you planning for later? 😉 L x

She hit send, then quickly composed another reply.

You’ve not messed anything up. You’re cute when you’re embarrassed… 😘 L x 

Carla let out a long, shaky breath. A sigh of relief washed over her. The blonde’s confidence was challenging her, making her feel…things, but she carried on playing along. She liked this side of Lisa; confident, but not cocky, bold, flirtatious… and she wondered what else she could challenge Lisa with for the rest of the day.

How about dinner at The Bistro, 6 PM? Instead of a take-away. And speaking of challenges…I may or may not have roped us in to games night at The Rovers after 🫣 C x

Lisa’s eyes widened as she read Carla’s latest message.

Dinner at The Bistro made her feel nervous, her stomach somersaulting at the thought of Carla sitting across from her under candlelight, sharing an intimate dinner for two…in public…but the mention of games night at the local pub made her feel a little queasy.

Lisa quickly typed back, not wanting Carla to think that she was having second thoughts.

She tried to keep her tone light, but she could feel the heat rise in her cheeks again, and she was grateful Kit had been called away from his desk, leaving her alone in the office for the rest of the afternoon.

Dinner sounds amazing, but games night? You’re really pushing your luck aren’t you? 😉 L x

Carla chuckled at Lisa’s response, biting her lip as she thought about what to reply next.

Well, if I only get this one chance to push my luck, I may as well use it, right? 😉 Besides, it’ll be fun and who knows, maybe there’ll be a prize at the end of the night if you play nicely… C x

Lisa couldn’t help but smile. The flirting was perhaps going way off kilter, and at times, she surprised even herself, but she had promised Carla to chuck the rule book out for one night, and she was certain that…getting all this pent-up…tension out of her system was surely bound to help in the longer term.

What kind of prize are we talking about? 😏 L x

Carla felt a rush of adrenaline at Lisa’s playful tone.

Maybe you’ll have to wait and see 😘 C x

Lisa’s breath hitched. Her heart was well and truly pounding in her chest. The flirtation was escalating, but her thoughts were cut short when Kit burst back in to the office.

“Sarge, we have an issue down in custody,” Kit’s voice was urgent, strained almost.

As Lisa put her phone down, she couldn’t shake the mix of excitement and nerves that filled her. Tonight was going to be unforgettable, her mind racing with possibilities.

Meanwhile, Carla finally put her phone away when she realised Lisa was no longer texting back, thinking to herself that she must have been called away. She too returned to her work. Glancing at the clock, she couldn’t wait for the day to end. All she could think about was the potential of what lay ahead with Lisa—both at dinner and beyond.

The thought of their evening made her feel giddy and she found herself daydreaming about Lisa and all the time they’d spent together so far, as well as the chemistry that seemed to spark between them.

All she needed to do was sign off this Robson order, pack up for the day, go book a table at The Bistro and then start getting ready for the night ahead.

---

Where are you? C x

It was 6:15 PM and Lisa was no where to be seen. Carla was seated by herself, a bottle of wine sat between her and the empty chair opposite her, the candlelight flickering in the centre of the table.

She’d called Lisa twice already, left a voicemail and sent a text, but still nothing. Her temper was wavering.

Any man who had dared to stand her up, she’d have walked out by now—but still, 6:30 PM and she was still sat at the very same table, although this time, she was half a bottle of wine deep.

Worry started to kick in further. She called once more, left another voicemail and then sent one more text.

Please Lisa, I’m not bothered about dinner, just let me know you’re okay. Please. I’m worried about you, C x

Carla wasn’t angry—not really. Well, maybe a little, but she was worried more than anything.

It was so unlike Lisa not to get back to her—not that she had any reason to let Carla know she’d be working late, she didn’t have to justify herself to Carla. As Carla kept reminding herself, they weren’t together, but she did think as they had plans, the least Carla deserved would have been a text.

By seven PM Carla was back home at the flat. Keys chucked on the counter, door slammed, bag slung in the arm chair, she slumped on the sofa and hugged a cushion tight to her chest.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Carla muttered to herself.

“You talking to yourself?” Ryan asked as he emerged from the bathroom.

“Oh, I didn’t know there was anybody else here, Ryan.” Carla sighed, a little startled by her nephews sudden presence.

“I’m not judging,” He said gently, squeezing her shoulder as he passed.

“I am allowed to have emotions,” Carla bit back.

“I know, I never said you weren’t.” Ryan continued gently. “You okay?” He asked.

“Mm, ecstatic.” Carla replied sarcastically.

Ryan perched on the back of the sofa. “Is this a Lisa problem?” He asked cautiously.

“We were supposed to have dinner together in The Bistro tonight. Had a table booked for six and I waited there like a complete idiot only for her not to show up.” Carla answered.

“Have you tried getting in touch?” Ryan asked.

“Of course I have. Called three bloody times, left two voicemails, three text messages and all I got back was radio fucking silence.” Carla’s tone raised. She looked at Ryan who seemed a bit lost for words. Sighing heavily, she apologised.

“Sorry, Ryan. I know it’s not your fault. Maybe this whole thing was a stupid idea.”

“Right, okay. Why don’t you come down to The Rovers with me for games night? You’re already dressed and it’ll be good fun, come on.” He encouraged, his tone brightening.

“Oh, don’t remind me. That’s another thing. After our meal together, we were supposed to go to games night as well. But I can’t show my face. Something happened at the factory earlier and anyway, I accidentally blurted out that I was spending the evening with Lisa, so Fizz invited us both and I just can’t deal with all the questions to follow about why Lisa isn’t with me when I have no bloody idea where—“

Carla was interrupted by the buzzer on the flat.

“Hello?” Ryan answered as he shot up from the back of the sofa. 

“Hi,” Lisa said softly down the other end of the line.

Ryan covered the mouthpiece—“Lisa—“ He whispered across to Carla.

Carla dragged herself up off the sofa to take the receiver off him.

“I’m going, I’m already late.” He muttered, giving her a kiss on the cheek before he shot down the stairs.

Carla put the receiver to her ear and cleared her throat. She could hear the blonde’s shaky breathing through the other end of the phone, muffled voices in the background as Ryan must have been flying past Lisa and across to the pub.

“Carla?” Lisa asked softly on the other end.

“Mm?” Carla answered.

“Please, just give me five minutes. Then…if you want all this to stop now, I’ll understand. Just five minutes—that’s all I need.”

“You’ve got three.” Carla replied, before buzzing her up and putting the receiver down.

Carla opened the door and went to stand behind the breakfast bar as she waited for Lisa to come up.

Notes:

I mean, I’m planning on my normal Thursday upload, so please don’t hate me for long 🫣🤭

Next time: what’s happened to Lisa?

Chapter 21: No Rules (Part Two)

Summary:

My usual Thursday upload as promised.

What happened to Lisa? 🥺

Notes:

Absolutely overwhelmed that this little story has reached almost 15,000 hits and over 500 kudos 🥺

I feel so blessed that this story is loved so much! I keep saying it but I really am so grateful to you all for the hits, the kudos, the comments…everything, thank you all so much for inspiring me to keep writing ✨ 🥰

Here’s part two!

Lisa walked up the stairs to Carla’s flat tentatively, cautiously, carefully.

She’d certainly been through the wringer— again.

Lisa was beginning to wonder whether she should have explained exactly what her job entailed when she got involved in this…well, in whatever this now was with Carla, but she hadn’t expected the late nights and no appearances to take its toll on their friendship—let alone anything else.

Things like this was exactly why Lisa didn’t do casual, and exactly why she didn’t get involved in anything romantic since losing Becky—okay, well maybe it wasn’t the actual reason why she hadn’t seen anyone since Becky, but it was becoming clear why it would be impossible to date anyone else who wasn’t a copper—because no one else would understand the late nights, missed dinners and false promises.

---

17 hours earlier.

The call to Lisa had originally come in around 3 AM. Costello, her boss had called the whole team in urgently.

A drugs raid had gone wrong and three officers had been seriously injured. The situation was still out of control and they needed as many officers as possible on the scene—they were even making calls to neighbouring counties for more officers to attend after several officers had already pressed their red button on their radios declaring threats to life.

By the time Costello and his team; Lisa, Kit and the rest of the uniformed officers had arrived, the situation was luckily under control and the three perpetrators who’d managed to put three officers in hospital and left another five officers with minor injuries were now locked up in custody at Weatherfield Nick—though Costello and his team knew immediately that interviewing them could incur more trouble, and so for now, the best thing was to have them each locked away in a cell to allow them to cool down and hopefully be calmer when they were on their own—little did they all know, more trouble lay ahead.

It wasn’t until Kit had headed down to the custody suite to begin interviewing that everything had kicked off.

The minute the first suspect’s cell door was opened, he flew at Kit, nearly knocking the six foot something detective clean off his feet.

The lad had then managed to grab the cell door keys off the custody sergeant whilst Kit ran to get everyone else he could—including Lisa, to try and get a hold of the situation.

It had taken less time to get the situation under control this time—but it hadn’t come without its difficulties, with officers again having to press their red button on their radios.

Kit had a gash to the head and Lisa had a bruise to her face that would definitely result in a black eye, after being caught in the face with another officers baton that a suspect had managed to grab hold of.

Both her and Kit were instructed to attend A&E to be assessed to make sure they didn’t have concussion.

Lisa had cursed herself for not having her phone with her as she watched the minutes…and the hours on the clock pass by.

Kit had sensed the tension in Lisa’s body as she anxiously watched the clock, only to tease her about if she had somewhere to be. Some booty call to attend to.

Lisa had rolled her eyes, but didn’t have the energy to berate him and so instead, just ignored him as she anxiously waited to be seen.

She’d been released from hospital on the promise that she had someone at home—which wasn’t an entire lie as she really did hope that once Carla saw her and heard her out—she’d forgive her.

Truthfully, she thought her injuries looked worse than what they felt, although she wasn’t sure if that was still the adrenaline coursing through her body. 

And so, she got a taxi straight from the hospital to Carla’s flat, and now she found herself walking up the stairs with a lot of explaining to do.

---

Lisa stepped into Carla’s flat, the door already open, knowing that once she stepped into the threshold and faced Carla after standing her up tonight, there’d be no going back.

It wasn’t the first time Lisa had been late. It wasn’t the first time Lisa hadn’t made contact, but yet the fear that she felt inside, the way her heart raced, the apprehension, the not knowing how Carla would respond—even after Carla had once already seen her battered and bruised—none of it made this any easier.

Carla gasped as her eyes met Lisa’s, her face softening in an instant, tears filling up in her eyes.

It wasn’t until moments like this, moments where Lisa was at her ultimate lowest, hurt physically, mentally and emotionally, that Carla truly realised her feelings for Lisa ran far deeper than friendship.

Lisa released a breath she felt like she’d been holding for an eternity as her eyes met Carla’s—another reason why she knew she shouldn’t—couldn’t get involved with anyone beyond friendship, because she couldn’t bear the thought of hurting someone she cared about as a result of her own job hurting her.

The pain she felt in her own chest deepened at the way Carla looked at her; the way the brunette’s eyes filled with fear and tears.

Lisa stood—shoulders slumped as Carla took measured steps closer, before wrapping her arms around Carla’s neck as she felt Carla’s arms slide around her waist, pulling her in.

“I’m so sorry Carla,” Lisa whispered against Carla’s chest as Carla held her tight.

“You don’t have to be sorry—I should be the one apologising for cursing you for the last two hours for standing me up.” Carla said gently, a blush creeping up her neck as Lisa pulled back to meet her gaze.

“I thought I could feel my ears burning,” Lisa teased gently as she felt the atmosphere gently begin to shift.

Despite whatever happened to her, and despite however much she seemed to let Carla down—the brunette always had a way of making her feel better.

“Does it hurt?” Carla asked gently as she ran her fingers softly across Lisa’s cheek, the purple colouring seeming to deepen even since Lisa had arrived only minutes before.

“A little—bruised my ego more though,” Lisa teased.

Carla rolled her eyes, “I’m just glad you’re okay,” Carla whispered gently, holding Lisa’s gaze.

Lisa looked down, her eyes filled with unshed tears. “Look, Carla, I know I don’t deserve it, but we can still make it out if you want to?” Lisa whispered as she tried to blink away her tears.

“You sure you’re up for that?” Carla asked with a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

“Still got four hours of no rules…need to make the most of it,” Lisa winked. It was sexy, seductive, and Carla swallowed hard.

She had no idea what she was getting herself into and was starting to think this no rules night was a really bad idea.

---

They didn’t talk about what happened. Decided to brush it under the carpet.

Although Lisa insisted on letting Carla know she was stupid enough to leave her phone at the station whilst she was checked over at the hospital.

Carla had made it clear that Lisa was forgiven, and after touching up Lisa’s make up to make the bruising less prominent and less obvious, they made their way to The Rovers, hand in hand.

The pub was alive with chatter. Glenda was behind the bar, orchestrating the games for the night ahead as Lauren and Sean served the usual punters.

Over in the booth sat Steve McDonald and Cassie, Sally and Tim, Fizz and Tyrone, and finally Kit and Ryan.

As soon as Ryan locked eyes with Carla and Lisa, they were both almost wiped out as he darted toward them tugging on both their arms and dragging them towards the booth.

“Please save me,”  Ryan muttered under his breath. “I’ve been dragged into truth, dare or drink by Kit and I’m completely out of my depth…and I’m also already a bit tipsy.” Ryan confessed. 

There was a collective group of drinks in the middle from pints, to halves, to wine, shots and cocktails.

Glenda announced the first game. Truth, dare or drink and Steve got himself in first, trying to save any potential embarrassment by getting one up on his best mate Tim.

“Truth, dare or drink, Tim?” Steve asked, a wry smile on his face.

“Truth,” Tim returned.

“Where’s the most unusual place you and Sally have had sex?” Steve asked bluntly,

Tim barely suppressed a smirk. He glanced at Sally, who rolled her eyes but straightened her shoulders, trying to play it cool.

“Well, remember when we had that really quiet night at street cars and I was manning the phones? Sally came over and we had sex in the small cab office chair.” Tim teased.

Sally’s cheeks burned a deeper shade of pink, and she shot Tim a look that said he was insufferable. “Tim!” she hissed, her face covered in embarrassment.

Tim gave her a knowing wink. “Relax, Sal. I’ll get my own back.”

Sally sighed, shaking her head, truly offended at the matter of Tim sharing parts of their adventurous sex life.

“Wait…the night of that really bad storm?!” Steve asked, almost horrified.

“Yeah,” Tim sat there smug and Sally whacked him on the arm, “stop it!” She insisted. “Ow!” He protested playfully.

“That was….you and Sal?! I thought you were watching porn!” Steve cried out. “Ah ! My ears!”

”Told you I’d get my own back,” Tim whispered to Sally. 

“Yeah, but at my expense,” She retorted, clearly unamused.

The whole table erupted with laughter, until Tyrone spoke up. “Hey there’s no where near as bad as walking in on your mum and Steve McDonald shagging on the dining room chair in my house!”

Tim laughed, met Steve’s gaze for a high five. Both men got retrospective thumps.

Fizz gasps audibly, “Ty! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Shh, keep your voice down, if my gran gets wind, all hell will break loose!” Tyrone retorts.

“Mm, true” Fizz mutters.

“Alright, my turn.” Sally quips, “I’ve got a good one. Carla, truth, dare or drink?”

Carla blushes, she should have known Sally would be one to try and make her join in. Lisa slid her hand on Carla’s thigh underneath the table and gave her a gentle reassuring squeeze.

“Dare,” Carla announced.

“I dare you to kiss…detective…”

Kit smirked.

Lisa blushed.

“Green!” Sally called out.

Lisa looks horrified, her body tenses and her hand retracts suddenly, Carla notices the shift in the blonde. Wondered why it bothered her so much?

But Carla likes to tease and so she leans in towards kit who thinks he’s hit gold and just about as their lips are about to touch, she pushes his face away and downs her wine.

“Oooh, cold!” The whole group calls out.

Kit mutters something under his breath.

Lisa looks smug, almost.

Kit speaks up, hoping to regain his composure.

“Ryan, truth, dare or drink.”

“Truth,” Ryan picks confidently.

“What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever kept secret from Carla?”

Ryan shrugs, “We don’t have secrets, not anymore but…in the past it’d be my steroid addiction,” Ryan admits.

Lisa blinks twice, completely unaware.

Kit hoped to get one over on him but it didn’t work, “Seriously, nothing?” Kit huffs a laugh.

“No, Kit, we’re not all as devious as you,”Carla quips.

Lisa then simmers them all down.

“Alright Carla” Lisa says, “Truth, dare or drink?” Lisa raises her eyebrow.

Carla meets her gaze. Nervous, but challenging.

“Dare” she challenges.

“I dare you to drink me under the table.”

Ryan goes to buy the shots. The blonde starts at one end of the bar, Carla at the other. 10 shots, 60 second's..

Carla's heart pounded in her chest as she watched Lisa take the first shot, her eyes locked onto the blonde's confident gaze.

The room was alive, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and the promise of something entirely dangerous.

Carla felt a thrill of excitement mixed with apprehension as she took her own shot, the liquid fire burning its way down her throat.

Lisa, undeterred, took the second shot, her own eyes never leaving Carla's.

The blonde's smile was a mix of challenge and amusement, her confidence unwavering. Carla could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, her body responding to the dare in a way that surprised her.

As she took the third shot, the room started spinning slightly as she continued to try and focus on Lisa's face.

The crowd around them cheered and whooped, the sound of their voices a distant hum in Carla's ears.

She could feel the alcohol coursing through her veins, her body warming as she took the fourth shot.

Lisa, still unruffled, took the fifth, her eyes gleaming with a deeper challenge that Carla couldn't resist.

The game was intense, each shot a battle of will and endurance.

Carla could feel the alcohol numbing her senses, her body relaxing as she took the sixth shot.

Lisa, her face flushed but her eyes clear, took the seventh, her smile never wavering.

Carla could feel the room spinning, her vision blurring as she took the eighth shot. She had to grip on to the bar for a beat too long to steady herself.

Lisa, still steady and clear, took the ninth, The crowd were on their feet, their cheers still distant as they continued to watch the two women battle it out.

The room erupted in cheers as Lisa raised her hand in victory. Carla, her body swaying, smiled weakly, her eyes never leaving the blonde's face.

The game was over, but the night was far from done. The crowd sat back down, leaving Lisa and Carla alone at the bar, their eyes locked onto each other.

Carla could still feel the alcohol coursing through her veins, her body warm and relaxed. She could see the desire in Lisa's eyes, the same desire that was coursing through her own body. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she reached out and took Lisa's hand.

“I need some air,” Carla mumbled as she dragged Lisa outside.

Carla leaned against the cool, slightly rough surface of the wall, feeling the chill seep through her flushed skin.

Lisa was close, her presence a comforting weight beside her, grounding in the midst of her alcohol-induced haze. The night air was chilly tonight, a stark contrast to the warmth of the pub inside, and it helped Carla’s senses just enough to clear her head.

“Just…give me a second,” Carla said, her voice steadier now as she focused on Lisa’s eyes. They sparkled with mischief, but there was a softness too, a genuine concern that made her heart flutter. The desire between them was palpable, a current that sent shivers down Carla’s spine.

Lisa chuckled softly at Carla's breathlessness. “You really went for it, didn’t you? I’m impressed,” she said, her teasing tone light, but the underlying warmth made Carla’s stomach twist with anticipation.

“Yeah, well,” Carla replied, her confidence slowly returning. “I didn’t want to back down. You’re not the only one who can hold her drink.” Carla challenged. 

Lisa stumbled, slightly off balance, then laughed at herself. “Are you alright?” Carla asked, a soft chuckle falling from her own lips. “You sure you should have had all that alcohol after today?” Carla asked tentatively. 

“Oh don’t worry about me. I’m an excellent drinker. I’ve been doing it for years,” The blonde leaned in slightly, her shoulder brushing against Carla’s, igniting a spark of electricity that made the brunette’s breath hitch. “ Very experienced.”

Carla swallowed hard, but the electricity in the air between them was soon interrupted by Ryan poking his head out the door. “Spin the bottle, come on!”

Notes:

Okay, so there may or may not be a part three 🙈

Next time: the final two hours of the night continue… 😏

Chapter 22: Spin the Bottle: No Rules (part three)

Notes:

Just a shorter update as I’ve never really tried to write humour into a chapter as much as I’ve tried with this one, so I hope you all like it.

It kind-of connects the previous chapter with the next one and all I can say is no, you won’t be disappointed 😏

Kudos and comments appreciated, especially with me trying something new—but please, please be kind…I am a very sensitive soul 🥺🫣🤭

Spin the bottle was well underway as Carla and Lisa re-entered the pub, the air thick with laughter and a hint of mischief. However, everyone had switched seats which threw them both off completely. The sight before them sending a jolt of anxiety through Carla’s heart. 

Lisa—confident as ever in her tipsy haze, leaned in to Carla. “Sit opposite me, trust me.” She whispered in the brunette’s ear, close enough to catch a whiff of her expensive, sweet perfume. 

There was something electric in the air, a promise of something more just waiting to be unleashed. 

Carla turned to look at her and caught the faint splash of pink in her cheeks. 

The whole group was now sat opposite each other in their retrospective pairs—apart from no one actually knew Carla and Lisa were posing as a pair—and Ryan, well, he’d certainly been drawn the short straw destined to sit opposite Kit. You could practically feel his discomfort radiating from across the room. 

Round one:

The bottle span. 

Landing on Tyrone. 

The bottom of the bottle pointing toward Cassie. 

Okay—so maybe the sitting opposite each other thing wasn’t working out perfectly, but it certainly was destined to cause some laughs. 

“Awkward,” Steve breathed—Cassie nudged him in the ribs. 

“OW!” He cried out in mock-pain. 

“Don’t be such a baby,” Cassie quipped. 

Tyrone drew his card: a peck. 

Cassie drew her card: cheek. 

A peck on the cheek—thank the lord. A sigh of relief from both parties. Followed by a few muffled laughs. 

Tyrone stood—a quick peck on his mums cheek, almost like a rehearsed motion, and it was over. 

What a relief. 

Round two: 

The bottle span. 

Landing on Ryan. 

The bottom of the bottle pointing toward Kit. Now the opposite thing bloody works. It was almost poetic in its cruelty. 

“Fuck sake,” Ryan mumbled. Rolling his eyes, fully aware of the impending humiliation. 

Ryan drew his card: a lick. 

“Jesus,” He muttered. 

Kit drew his card: bum. 

“You’re joking,” Ryan muttered again. 

Daisy joined the game—just for the laughs. 

Kit grinned—enjoying this far too much. 

He stood on his chair, pants down, arse out. 

Ryan licked it, before running frantically to the men’s to disinfect his tongue. 

“Oi!” Glenda shouted, “This is a family friendly pub!” She called out. 

“And this is an adults only party!” Kit swiped back, still revelling in the chaos he’d caused. 

“Tim, can we go? After all that I’m feeling a little queasy,” Sally muttered. 

“You go on love, if you want. The party’s only just getting started!” Tim roared, a cheeky grin plastered on his face. 

Steve hi-fived him, the camaraderie thick with laughter and mischief. Like two misbehaving school boys.  

“Never mind. You can’t be trusted to be left on your own, Tim.” Sally huffed a response, shaking her head in mock disapproval. 

Carla muffled a laugh at Sally’s pretentiousness. Before locking eyes with Lisa—the drinks had still been flowing. Tipsy wasn't even on the cards anymore. 

Round three: 

The bottle span. 

Landing on Tim. 

The bottom of the bottle pointing toward Steve. 

Sally tried to shove Steve out of the way, but boys will be boys. They both thought it was hilarious. 

Tim drew his card: seven minutes in heaven. 

No need for Steve to draw. 

The broom cupboard awaited. 

Seven minutes later, both men stumbled out with a slight exaggeration. 

Clothes swapped. Just for the laughs. 

Cassie smirked. Typical Steve. 

Sally was mortified, “Tim, you needn’t think I’m washing Steve’s underwear!” She called out in horror. 

“What makes you think we’re wearing any?” Tim teased, with a wink. 

“Oh come on Sal, it’s just a bit of fun!” Carla joined in the teasing. 

“You sure you’re not all mouth, Carla?” Lisa piped up, teasing. Head buzzing from the constant flow of alcohol. 

They locked eyes—a challenge sat in the air. 

“Go on then Swain, what’s your game?” Carla challenged, her heart racing. The tension cracking. 

The whole table fell silent. 

Round four: 

Lisa span her own bottle with just enough flick in her wrist for it to land on herself. 

The bottom of said bottle facing unmistakably at Carla. 

“How the hell did you do that?” Carla asked in mock surprise. 

Lisa just sat. Silent. 

Lisa drew her card: suck. 

She waited, with bated breath for Carla to draw hers too. 

Carla drew her card: nipple. 

There was nothing faint about the redness in the brunettes cheeks now. 

“Jesus,” She muttered to herself, already feeling all hot and bothered. The heat pooling in her core was undeniable. 

They both stood. 

Whoops and cheers from the table. 

Ryan looked embarrassed. 

Sallys mouth agape. 

All the lads watching on—including Kit. 

Lisa had a devilish smile on her face as she took Carla’s nipple in her mouth, through the brunette’s clothing. 

Nibbled, sucked and finally left her with a flick of her tongue. 

Carla’s sure she moaned. Out loud. 

The room had been silent enough to hear it. 

As Lisa sat down, she smirked. Looking smug. Job done. 

Carla was well and truly gone and looking for revenge. She felt herself melt back into her chair, heat still radiating from her cheeks, utterly dazed and more than a little flustered.  

So, she span her own bottle too. 

Landing on Lisa. Again. 

The bottom of the bottle facing Carla. Again. 

“The games rigged!” Someone shouted. But the voices were a distant blur now. 

The tension sat hot and heavy in the room. 

Lisa drew her card with confidence: seven minutes in heaven. 

No need for Carla to draw. 

Lisa strutted off with a wicked smile and an extra sway in her hips. 

Carla took to her feet and felt instantly dizzy. Steadied herself against the bar as she took a deep breath before following. 

It was almost midnight now, the last sixty seconds ticking by before the clock would strike midnight. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken excitement.  

Was this really all it was going to come down to? Their night of no rules? 

A devilish smile, mere seconds of nipple play that had left Carla dazed and now, a possible seven minutes in the cupboard of the local pub that could shatter every boundary they’d ever made? 

With an equally devilish grin, Carla stepped inside and closed the door. 

Chapter 23

Notes:

I don’t want to give too much away, but this chapter is definitely NSFW…

Carla’s heart pounded as she stumbled into the dark, cramped cupboard behind Lisa, closing the door softly behind her.

The air was thick with the tension that had been building up between them all night, and the scent of Lisa’s perfume.

There were so many new things she was beginning to notice about Lisa—so many things that were making her heart race, her palms sweat…and her knickers…wet. 

Only mere seconds had passed since they’d both entered into the small, cramped space, but for Carla, it felt like an eternity in purgatory, waiting for Lisa to make the first move—and so, maybe she needed to do something, anything to stop the insistent pulsing in her core. 

Carla stepped forward, pressing Lisa against the wall, her breath hot on Lisa's neck. "I've wanted to do this for so long," she purred, trailing a finger down Lisa's cheek. Lisa shivered, her skin tingling from Carla's touch.

"Me too,” Lisa breathed, her eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through the cracks. Lisa’s own heart was racing, her chest hot and heavy as she felt Carla press against her own body. She felt dizzy—though she didn’t really know if it was the effect of the alcohol or the fact that suddenly Carla had this undeniable confidence about her that was making her weak at the knees—or it was a combination of both. 

Before she could talk herself out of it, Carla captured Lisa's lips in a searing kiss, her tongue pushing, exploring Lisa's mouth with a hunger that made Lisa's head spin. It was unlike any other kiss they’d previously shared. Lisa tangled her fingers in Carla's hair, pulling her closer as they lost themselves in the heat of the moment.

Seven minutes seemed like an eternity as they kissed, their bodies pressed together in the confined space. Lisa’s hands roamed over Carla’s curves, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

As the minutes ticked by, Carla whispered in Lisa's ear, her voice low and seductive. "Come home with me."

Lisa swallowed hard. She knew that the second she agreed to such a thing, there was no going back—and there was not a single fibre in her being that didn’t want to go home with Carla—so, while fuelled with alcohol—her rational brain overpowered by sheer want, desire and need—she didn’t hesitate. 

"Yes," she breathed, her heart racing at the thought of having Carla in any and every way she’d wanted for far too long. 

“It wasn’t a question, detective,” Carla winked.

They stumbled out of the cupboard, their clothes disheveled and their hair mussed.

The group that they’d spent most of the night with, long forgotten as they both hurried out into the night.

---

Once they’d reached Carla’s flat, the room suddenly felt intimate and small after the chaos of the pub.

They both stood in the doorway at the top of the staircase for a heartbeat too long, laughter spilling from their lips, until that laughter faded, and they slipped into a softer, more honest silence.

Carla closed the door behind her, kicking off her shoes, before removing her coat, bag and scarf. Lisa followed suit and Carla watched, as her blonde hair caught against the soft glow of the lamp Carla had left on in the corner of the room.

They stood close—close enough to feel the heat pooling between them, the alcohol blurring the edges of their thoughts into something hopeful and dangerous— something they’ve both wanted for so long, but have been too scared to admit; something that would shift everything that’s lay unsaid between them.

“Hey,” Carla whispered, the sound falling delicately from her lips. It wasn’t quite a question, nor was it quite a dare—because both of them already knew the answer.

Lisa offered a slow, half smile in return, that made Carla’s breath hitch.

“Hey,” Lisa whispered back. The word soft and warm, like a promise cracked open just enough to spill something true.

Carla then stepped forward first, leaning in toward Lisa. Hands brought up slowly and carefully to cup Lisa’s face. Fingers sliding just beneath her ear. Thumbs just delicately brushing against the faint splash of pink in her cheeks. Eyes locked on each other.

Lisa’s lips parted just enough—a silent invitation as her hands slid up Carla’s back, almost pulling her in but still leaving enough room to give Carla a choice.

Carla kissed her then, and it began as a spark. A hesitant, soft brush of their lips that only grew greedier with every clumsy inch of space they closed.

She managed to spin them both cautiously, just the right amount to be able to push Lisa against the door. It was supposed to be a bold move, filled with a little bit of fire and passion—but in their equally drunk state, Lisa landed with a soft bump to the head.

“Ow,” She whispered against Carla’s mouth.

“Sorry,” The brunette whispered back, pausing briefly to check in with Lisa, but all she saw was raw heat and desire staring back at her.

Lisa leaned back in, craving more, chasing more kisses, more of those plump lips against hers, more of that tongue—God, if only she knew the things she could do with that tongue—but Lisa was quickly pulled from her thoughts as Carla pulled back slightly, a teasing smirk dancing on her lips. She held Lisa’s gaze, eyes full of mischief, which only sent shivers down Lisa’s spine.

Lisa cocked an eyebrow, a blend of surprise and challenge flickering across her face, until Lisa hooked her fingers into Carla’s belt loops, pulling her in, undeterred.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Lisa whispered, her breath mingling with Carla’s as the space between them evaporated once more.

The challenge in Lisa’s tone drove Carla wild to the point where she couldn’t refuse another kiss—their lips crashing together, this time desperate and tender all at once—soaked in the scent of alcohol and in the taste of something that felt dangerously right.

Lisa pushed back from the door, hands firmly around Carla’s waist, attempting to guide them both toward the sofa. But despite the fire and passion between them both, the weight of the alcohol still made them clumsy, the kind that made them stumble into the sofa—this time Carla landing with a loud thud—she’s sure she broke a spring in the sofa but she was more concerned about herself, messing around like this when she was pushing fifty.

“Are you okay?” Lisa asked, genuine concern etched across her face.

“I’ll live,” Carla mumbled as she pulled Lisa down to her lap—shortening the distance between them once again, because right now anything that was more than their bodies pressed together just wasn’t enough.

Carla’s hands found the curve of Lisa’s waist as she sat, straddling Carla. She traced the line of her ribs as her hands slipped beneath the fabric of Lisa’s shirt.

Carla grazed her teeth along the line of Lisa’s jaw. Lisa threw her head back as she felt Carla nibble her way down her neck, before pressing her lips into the hollow of her throat.

”Carla…” Lisa breathed, threading her fingers through Carla’s hair as she felt Carla’s hands work their way up her back.

Lisa rolled her hips, desperate to seek some kind of friction. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity through Carla, who instinctively grazed her nails down to Lisa’s hips, hands still lingering beneath the fabric of her shirt. She could feel the warmth of Lisa’s skin beneath her fingertips; she could hear the soft gasps that fell from Lisa’s lips.

Lisa’s breath caught in her throat as Carla ignited every nerve ending in her body, the sensation sending waves of pleasure coursing through her veins as she felt the heat pool in her core. With every brush of Carla’s fingers, the feelings intensified, and she instinctively pressed her hips forward, seeking more of that delicious friction.

With a newfound urgency, Lisa gripped the back of the sofa, capturing Carla’s lips in a heated kiss that was full of hunger and desire. She pulled back just enough to meet Carla’s gaze—hungry, dark eyes staring back at her while she looked at Carla with eyes sparkling with an urgent need.

Lisa needed two things—desperately. She needed a distraction and she needed Carla to touch her—more.

So as she held Carla’s gaze, she began to undo her shirt—slowly and deliberately. She watched as Carla’s eye drifted down to her collarbone, the hollow of her throat still pulsing from where Carla had kissed her earlier. It was as if she could still feel the trail of fire Carla had left with her lips and she needed—wanted more. More of her hands, her lips, her mouth, her tongue—everything—all at once.

Carla’s eyes fell over Lisa’s body as her shirt hung open, the air between them thickening, their heartbeats echoing in the silence as Carla’s eyes widened, drinking in the sight of Lisa’s perfect breasts—her eyes too, drawn to the silver navel piercing catching in the soft light.

“God, you’re stunning,” Carla breathed, her voice husky and filled with awe. Her own confession surprised herself. The sight of Lisa, so vulnerable and exposed, ignited a fire inside her that she couldn’t ignore.

Lisa’s heart raced at Carla’s words, and she felt emboldened by the deep desire and hunger in Carla’s gaze. “I want you to touch me,” Lisa whispered—both a daring confession and a soft plea wrapped in need all at the same time.

The simple invitation sent a thrill through Carla that she didn’t expect, and she leaned forward, trailing a path of kisses down Lisa’s neck, before pressing her lips harder in the hollow of Lisa’s throat just like before, a raw, louder moan released from Lisa’s mouth only further encouraged Carla as the blonde threw her head back and her hips forward.

With a newfound confidence, Carla continued her descent, her kisses growing bolder as she moved lower, trailing a path down to the valley of Lisa’s breasts. She could see the way Lisa’s chest rose and fell, she could feel the way her body quivered beneath her lips.

“Here, I need you here,” Lisa gasped as she pulled Carla’s hands towards the button on her jeans.

Carlas pulse quickened as she felt Lisa’s soft hands guide her, unbuttoning Lisa’s jeans together, before Lisa lifted her bum off Carla’s lap—knees still either side of Carla, before guiding Carla’s hand beneath the delicate fabric of her underwear, a silent plea for more—a desperate need that surged through her.

“It won’t take long,” Lisa gasped. “I—uh, can normally hold out for longer but I’m really drunk and you’re really sexy,” Lisa blurted out, desperate for Carla to touch her.

The admission tumbled out in a rush, entirely raw and honest words falling from Lisa’s lips so easily.

Carla blushed instantly at Lisa’s words, her cheeks blushing with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. The realisation of the effect she had on Lisa drove her wild, and she felt empowered by Lisa’s desire radiating from her.

”I’ve never…” Carla started, but Lisa soon interrupted. 

“You don’t have to…” Lisa hesitated, the words tumbling from her lips, her own cheeks reddening—a brief misunderstanding causing her to withdraw her own hand, unsure if she had crossed a line—Lisa, not wanting Carla to think she was pushing her into anything she didn’t want to do—until she felt the brunette slide a finger from her entrance to her clit, and Lisa’s legs almost buckled, her hips jerking.

“Jesus, Carla.” Lisa gasped, the sensation was unexpected and overwhelming as she felt Carla continue to toy with her clit.

”Tell me if it doesn’t feel good,” Carla asked, her voice suddenly shy—a stark contrast to how she’d treated Lisa so far this evening. 

“I don’t think there’s…a problem…with what you’re…do—ing, God, Carla,” Lisa’s hands tangled through Carla’s hair as they found a clumsy rhythm between each other; Lisa rocking her hips as Carla began to find the right pressure that only elicited sweeter sounds from Lisa’s lips.  

“Fuck, I’m going to—“ Lisa gasped as she came hard and fast—her body convulsing as she collapsed into Carla, breathless and spent.

Carla, with her free hand, reached up to cup Lisa’s cheek, pulling her in for a searing kiss that was no longer tender, cautious or soft—but instead, full of heat, hunger and desire.

Lisa moaned wantonly into the kiss, fingers fumbling with the buttons of Carla's shirt in a sudden need to feel more of soft skin against her own.

Carla withdrew her hand from the damp heat between Lisa's thighs, only to entangle their fingers together as she whispered huskily against Lisa's kiss-swollen lips. "Bedroom. Now." There was no trace of gentleness left in her voice, only pure passion and hunger. Carla had no idea what had come over her—but watching Lisa like that, being the one to make her fall apart had made her hungry for more. 

Clothes were torn off in a wild frenzy, carelessly discarded along the path to the bedroom as hands roamed and explored every inch of newly exposed skin.

By the time they tumbled onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, all pretence of restraint had vanished. They came together in a collision of lips and teeth and tongue, each desperate to mark the other as their own.

The air was thick with the scent of desire and the sounds of ragged breathing and needy moans.

Carla's hands slid down Lisa's sides to grip her hips, pulling her impossibly closer as she ground against the heat of her centre.

Lisa cried out, head falling back against the pillows as Carla's mouth found her throat, kissing and nipping at the sensitive flesh. She was learning that she liked a lot of things about Lisa—her hips, her neck, the sounds she made—it was all consuming and she wanted more and more. 

Lisa tangled her fingers in Carla's hair, holding her close, but before she could surrender completely to the overwhelming pleasure, she flipped them both, Carla now lying beneath her, naked and vulnerable.

As Carla found herself pinned beneath the blonde, their now, naked bodies pressed flush together, she gazed up at Lisa, eyes blazing with desire as her hands came to rest on the curve of her hips. Oh, those hips. 

Lisa took a moment to admire the way Carla looked splayed out beneath her, all flushed skin and heaving chest.

Lisa leaned down, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along the column of Carla’s throat. She paused to trace her tongue over Carla’s racing pulse at the base, before nipping sharply at the delicate skin.

Carla gasped, arching up into her touch. Lisa smirked against her neck, pleased by the reaction Carla was giving—she might have been drunk, but she was always, always good with her tongue and her mouth, and she wanted to show Carla exactly what she could do with such things. 

Her lips continued their descent, dragging over the swell of Carla’s breasts. She’d normally take her time and pause, but Carla was writhing beneath her, and so she continued to move lower, pressing hot, wet kisses along Carla’s stomach and hips.

Lisa paused where a scar lay across Carla’s abdomen, and Carla whimpered—it was such a sweet sound—Carla did it again when Lisa pressed the softest of kisses along the scar. “Beautiful,” She whispered, before she settled between the brunette’s thighs.

Lisa could smell Carla’s arousal, thick and heady in the air. It made Lisa’s mouth water, and so, as she pushed Carla’s thighs apart she leaned in, dragging the flat of her tongue through the brunette’s slick folds. Carla bucked at the contact, hands flying to tangle in Lisa’s hair.

"Please," Carla gasped out, voice ragged with need. "Lisa, I can't—I need—" And Carla never thought she’d begged for anything in her life, but she’d beg Lisa again and again if she had to. 

Lisa chuckled darkly, the sound vibrating against Carla’s core. "Shh, I know exactly what you need." She whispered as she sealed her lips around Carla’s clit, sucking hard as she simultaneously, gently pushed two fingers deep inside.

“Oh, fuck—“ Carla screamed, back arching off the bed as her orgasm crashed over her. She felt dizzy, lost in the fact that Lisa had barely touched her and yet here she was—an aching, quivering mess.

Lisa worked her through it, gentling her touches only when Carla collapsed back against the mattress, boneless and sated.

“Lisa, that was—no one has ever—“ Carla was breathless, unable to string a sentence together, even more so when Lisa picked her pace up again. Her gentle touches became firmer, using her thumbs to part Carla’s folds as her tongue circled Carla’s clit with deliberate pressure, before she sealed her lips on Carla—sucking hard.

"Lisa," Carla gasped, fingers tightening in the blonde's hair, back arching off the bed as the overwhelming sensations coursed through her again. 

Before Carla could gather her thoughts, Lisa shifted, kissing her way up Carla’s sweat-slicked stomach, her chest, throwing a leg over her hips to straddle her waist. Carla's eyes widened at the blatant display of power and vulnerability. The way Lisa held herself, carried herself…was breathtaking.

Lisa leaned down, bracing her hands on either side of Carla's head as she settled her wet, aching core against the brunette's stomach.

The heat of her was almost scorching. Carla's hands flew to Lisa's hips, fingers digging into the soft flesh as she ground down against her.

”You’re so sexy like this,” Carla whispered, late night confessions taking heed.

"I need you," Lisa panted, rolling her hips in a slow, deliberate rhythm. "I need to feel you inside me."

Carla's heart stuttered at the desperate hunger in the blonde's voice as she tried to regain her own breath.

She guided Lisa up her body until they were face to face, noses brushing. "I've got you," she murmured, voice low and rough with desire. "I'm right here."

With that, she reached between them both, two fingers sliding easily into Lisa's slick heat. Mirroring Lisa’s movements from only moments before.

The blonde let out a guttural moan, head falling back as she began to ride Carla's hand. It was a slow, sensual dance, hips rolling and grinding as she chased pleasure.

Carla could feel the flutter of Lisa's inner muscles around her fingers, watching, admiring learning the way that she was close.

"Come for me," Carla urged, voice rough with need. "I want to know what it’s like to feel you come apart."

Lisa didn’t think she’d ever heard Carla utter something as sexy as that—and so, she did—she fell apart, screaming Carla's name as her orgasm crashed over her.

The brunette held her close, fingers stroking gently as she worked Lisa through it. When the blonde collapsed against her chest, Carla wrapped her arms tight, cradling her close.

”Your hearts beating like crazy,” Lisa whispered as she listened, head resting on Carla’s chest. 

“What did you expect?” Carla let out a low chuckle, still revelling in the fact that only mere seconds ago did she have the beautiful blonde, who’s currently lying in her arms, riding her hand.

The image of Lisa’s muscles rippling and contracting under her touch was now seared into her mind, the sound of Lisa’s moans and gasps that had spilled out into the room now echoed in her ears. 

“If this is what it’s like when we’re drunk and clumsy, then—“

”Don’t say it.” Lisa interrupted, as she lifted her head from Carla’s chest, her expression a mix of mock seriousness and amusement blended into one. 

Carla raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “What? I was just going to say we should do this more—“

Lisa shook her head, a laugh escaping her lips. “Carla, you’re drunk.” 

It’s true—she was definitely still drunk, but she knew what she wanted—and she wanted Lisa.

“How are you still so rational when you’re drunk?” Carla asked. 

“Because I care about you far too much to risk—“ Lisa swallowed—now who was spilling into the late night confessions box. 

“No, wait—here me out because I care about you too, but…uh, what if…what if, I don’t know, once a month we got stupidly drunk…and…you know, did…this…again,” Carla suggested. She bit her lip, waiting in anticipation for Lisa to respond. 

“What happened to wanting to know what this is like when we’re sober?” Lisa cocked her eyebrow—a challenge in her eyes. 

Carla blushed.

”Don’t go all shy on me now, Carla Connor.” Lisa drawled—and that was enough to send Carla back in to a frenzy—all hot and bothered, core—aching—and terrified, absolutely terrified that she wanted Lisa—drunk or sober—today, tomorrow, next week—but right now, she’d have her as much as Lisa would allow. 

Carla shifted slightly, deliberately sliding her leg between Lisa’s thighs.

A soft gasp escaped Lisa's lips as she felt Carla's leg press against her. Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment, relishing the feeling of Carla's thigh rubbing against her.

"Mmm, Carla..." Lisa murmured, shifting her hips slightly to grind against the other woman's leg. "You're playing with fire..."

Carla smirked, trailing her fingertips up and down Lisa's arm. “And I’m pretty sure we’re still too drunk to care…” 

Lisa's breath hitched as she felt Carla's fingers brush against the side of her breast. "Fuck, Carla..."

Carla chuckled, leaning in to press her lips to Lisa's neck. She kissed and nipped at the sensitive skin, revelling in the way Lisa arched into her touch. Remembering the places she seemed to love the most. 

"You taste so fucking good," Carla growled against Lisa's throat, her hand sliding to cup her breast, rolling her nipple between her fingers, drawing a low moan from Lisa's lips.

Lisa's hands came up to tangle in Carla's hair, holding her close as she continued to kiss and nip at Lisa’s neck. "Carla, please..."

Carla pulled back slightly to look at Lisa, her eyes dark with desire. "Please what, baby?"

Oops, that slipped out, but Lisa didn’t seem to mind…

Lisa bit her lip, a pretty flush spreading across her cheeks. "I need you, Carla. I need you so fucking much."

Carla grinned, leaning in to capture Lisa's lips in a searing kiss. She pulled gently at Lisa's bottom lip with her teeth, before soothing the sting with her tongue.

Lisa moaned into the kiss, opening her mouth to allow Carla's tongue to slide against hers. The kiss was hot and heavy, full of pent-up desire and unspoken feelings.

They’d both already said too much and not enough all at the same time—but caught up in the whirlwind of desire for each other gave them both little room to care, and it’d only be in the morning light that the reality of their actions could truly settle in.

Chapter 24

Summary:

The morning after: Lisa’s story.

Notes:

It’s time for a bumpy ride 🫣😵‍💫

These next few chapters we board the angst train as both Carla and Lisa navigate themselves in the morning after and everything else that is to follow.

The next few chapters will also vary in length—some may be shorter and some longer. I was going to compile one huge chapter but then the angst wouldn’t last as long (eek, sorry 🫣) — and I know we all want these two to confess and be together, together properly, but what’s a story without a little (or a lot) of angst?

And we probably all know is was never going to be plain sailing…but it’s always worth it in the end, right? 🫣😍

Nevertheless, I hope you still continue to enjoy this story and thank you, so so much for continuing this journey with me 🥰

Lisa was the first to wake, slowly. She felt her head heavy—pounding, before she’d even opened her eyes. She was hoping that sleep would evade her if she closed her eyes tight enough, but upon opening her eyes just a crack, she saw the sunlight filtering through the gap in the curtains, illuminating the shape of the woman lying in the bed next to her, and so, she blinked a few times, trying to shake off the fog that suddenly clouded her mind. 

That’s when the memories of last night fluttered in and out of focus as her head continued to pound—shared laughter, whispered secrets, and all the ways in which Carla had kissed her, touched her, made her feel like she was nothing short of something special—and then, finally, the shared warmth of Carla holding her as they’d both drifted off to sleep had been something entirely dangerous, but she knew she’d do it all over again. 

Lisa squinted against the brightness, feeling the world spin around her—or rather, maybe that was the room itself?

The faint scent of alcohol still lingered in the air, mixing with something that she could only remember as Carla’s perfume. Her head continued to throb, a dull ache that seemed to pulse in time with her heartbeat. 

She scanned the room—it was a mess—and from what she could see from the bedroom door slightly ajar, the rest of the flat was a mess too. More memories came flooding back as images of them almost ripping each others’ clothes off and tumbling into bed together flashed through her mind. The remnants of last night was evident, but her memory of events—and in what order, was hazy at best. 

As she turned her head, the sight of Carla nestled beneath the sheets, sent a jolt through her. Carla was laid on her front—head tilted to the side, facing toward Lisa.

The duvet having slipped to just above her waist allowed Lisa’s eyes to drift down Carla’s back, the contours of her skin etched into her memory—even in her hungover state. 

A soft smile graced Carla’s lips, even in sleep. It was almost as if she were caught in a dream that brought her deep joy. She looked utterly peaceful, and so very, very beautiful. Her hair cascading over the pillow she was sleeping upon. 

A rush of emotions flooded Lisa—admiration, desire and a heart-wrenching ache. She had never expected to feel this way about anyone since she’d lost Bex—and as she continued to stare, gaze , all soppy-eyes at Carla’s beautiful, sexy , sleeping form, the thought that she might actually be falling in love—wait— yes , in love—with someone else, sent a fresh wave of panic through her— shit —this was not part of the plan, and certainly not something she wanted to be trying to contend with in this kind of hungover state. 

With a deep, shaky breath, she tried to sit up without disturbing Carla, who was still fast asleep beside her, but the room span violently forcing her back down. 

“Ugh,” Lisa groaned. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this hungover.

How much did I drink last night? She muttered to herself. She tried to think back to, at which point in the night where she thought it had been a good idea to keep drinking, but all her mind served her with currently, was the image of the bottle spinning on the table in the Rovers—she closed her eyes tight, but all she could see was flashbacks of Ryan kissing Kit’s arse? Ugh! Then more flashbacks of the words nipple and suck , on these cards from the table.

Then, then, a very, clear and vivid image of herself taking Carla’s nipple in her mouth—over her clothing and— oh no, she clasped her hand over her mouth and ran for the bathroom.

Now that made her move, as she emptied the contents of her stomach down the toilet bowl. Another wave of nausea hit that threatened to rise, but she was pretty sure her body had nothing else left to give. 

After being slumped for a while on the bathroom floor, she flushed the chain, washed her mouth out and washed her hands.

She now remembered the last time she had been this drunk—it was the last time she’d gotten to celebrate a birthday with Bex—one of Bex’s birthday’s. Not necessarily a special birthday or a big burgers. It had been her 45th—and it was the day before as Bex never liked celebrating anything—not Birthday’s, Valentine’s or any kind of Anniversary, so Lisa always surprised her with something the day before, to try and bypass what Lisa would call an incredibly annoying and irrational aversion. That way, she couldn’t gripe—or gripe too much anyway. 

Lisa had always been a romantic, and she’d always loved to spoil her wife, so she’d taken her out for a meal—just the two of them, having left Betsy with her grandparents for the night and after their meal, they’d gone out into town.

It didn’t happen much, because due to their jobs, both being police officers, they very rarely had time off together—or at least if they did, one or the other—or both, would be on the early shift the following morning, but on this particularly rare occasion, they both didn’t need to be up early the morning after.  

So, one drink had led to many, and just after eleven, they were both stumbling through the front door, Lisa running upstairs toward the bathroom, Bex following shortly after to hold her hair back as she emptied the contents of her stomach—dinner included. 

It was safe to say that Lisa was a lightweight of some sort. 

So, as Lisa sat slumped on the bathroom floor, she got emotional too. It was silly really, she felt, the things she missed about her wife. Her heart ached in ways that she never thought would repair—yet, in fact if she were to tell the truth, her heart was healing and she was repairing, and she wasn’t sure what scared her the most—which was exactly why she needed to pull herself together and get home. 

The thought of leaving without saying something to Carla felt unbearable, but they’d crossed every boundary, broken every rule, and now here they were in a tangled web of unspoken feelings—or at least Lisa felt like she was. 

As Lisa managed to make her way back into the bedroom from Carla’s en-suite, hoping she hadn’t woken the brunette from her slumber, she spotted a pen and a crumpled piece of paper.

Her heart raced as she wrote a note to leave Carla, every single word a mixture of regret and hope. 

Carla, 

I had an amazing night last night. You—you’re incredible. I’m sorry I’m not there when you wake up this morning, but I know it’s for the best. We agreed, didn’t we? One night, no rules and everything goes back to normal, right? How it was—how we were, before. 

I care about you so much, Carla, and I really can’t lose you—so, just give me some time, please, and I promise you that we’ll be okay. 

All my love, 
Lisa. 

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, one lone tear escaping, splashing against the crumpled paper, spilling into the ink just a little bit. 

Lisa placed the note on the pillow beside Carla. She ran her fingers gently through Carla’s hair, and pressed a soft kiss to the nape of her neck—the touch of Carla’s skin against her lips left an all too familiar tingling sensation that rippled through her body. 

“I’m sorry,” She whispered, unsure whether she was apologising for leaving or for the feelings that she couldn’t yet face. 

She steadied herself against the wall as scrambled around the flat as quietly as she possibly could, attempting to gather her clothes so she could at least dress herself in an attempt to face the world outside. Then, once dressed, she took a deep breath, pausing almost, hoping the dizziness would at least subside just enough for her to make it home. 

It hurt to leave, but she knew it was the right decision. Carla was straight and their social experiment, their one night of no rules was over. All their whispers, shared promises and stolen kisses locked away in a box that she’d forever keep close to her heart. It hurt now, but it would hurt so much more to know that last night didn’t mean anything to Carla other than a deal they made in the thrill of a moment. 

Because falling in love with her straight best friend, was certainly never, ever part of the plan—but it was a bit late for that.  

Notes:

Next time: The morning after: Carla’s story.

Chapter 25

Summary:

The morning after: Carla’s story.

Notes:

I have no idea what’s wrong with me—I feel like I’m devoid of all energy when it comes to writing—and yet, I couldn’t love writing about these two people more than anything in the world.

I’m in a massive funk I can’t seem to get myself out of, at all. But, I keep trying, and I do have this.

I’d say I hope you enjoy—but unfortunately we’re on the angst train still 🫣😵‍💫

Carla woke with a huge smile, the remnants of last night warming her heart. Her body still felt like it was tingling, alight with Lisa’s touch. She felt like she was on cloud nine, or ten, or one hundred—if that was at all possible. No one—and I mean no one, had ever made her feel like Lisa had. The way that the blonde had taken care of her—she couldn’t quite articulate into words. It had meant so much more than just one night. 

But then having the privilege to touch Lisa like she had, had been something else entirely. Her skin was so incredibly soft, the curves of her waist—she hadn’t been able to get enough of Lisa’s hips—God, she loved her hips.

Her hands felt on fire as she remembered the heat of Lisa’s skin beneath her touch and the sounds that had fallen from Lisa’s lips had been incredible. Carla had never admired someone’s body to such a great extent. Never taken so much time to recognise every single tiny detail she could. She’d told Lisa she was stunning—and she’d meant it—but she’d meant every single compliment she’d given her to date. 

Carla felt like she was in another world when Lisa had asked her to touch her, but then when Lisa had guided her to where she wanted her to touch her, whilst she’d already been exploring with her lips, the whine and need in the blonde’s voice had been something else too. 

Nothing felt rushed or forced, despite the fire and passion that had encapsulated them both and that had been new to Carla too. She’d had some fiery sex in the bedroom before today, but nothing compared to how last night had been. 

Carla had felt comfortable enough to confess to Lisa that she’d never done anything like this before—meaning she’d never slept with a woman, and comfortable enough to encourage Lisa to tell her if she was doing it all wrong—because truthfully, she only had experience of her own body when it came to touching Lisa.

Carla knew what she liked, and so she used that to her advantage—and she couldn’t have been more thrilled by the way Lisa responded, by the way Lisa helped them both find the right rhythm—or as close as possible despite the way they’d both been terribly clumsy due to the alcohol they’d both consumed—and probably nerves, although the alcohol had definitely helped simmer the nerves somewhat—at least on her own part. 

Then the way that Lisa had touched her in return had been nothing like she’d ever felt before. The things she’d done with her tongue—she couldn’t even describe. She couldn’t even put it into words how one orgasm had blended into a second, was there a third, or a fourth? Carla didn’t even know at this point. The men she’d been with, sometimes she hadn’t even come during sex or any kind of touching.

Sometimes she’d faked it a lot and sometimes she’d been on the verge of a climax, only for it to fall flat once they’d tipped themselves over the edge, and no man had ever, ever enjoyed paying attention to between her legs like Lisa had. There was absolutely no faking anything with Lisa, and she’s pretty sure that if Lisa hadn’t been drunk, her ego would have been on fire. 

Carla wasn’t even sure when it was that they’d stopped. She had been on such a high that she wasn’t even sure if she’d fallen asleep pre-orgasm, mid-orgasm or post-orgasm. 

All she really knew was at the moment, she daren’t open her eyes, afraid that it had all been a dream.

She stretched languidly, relishing the memories of laughter and shared secrets. Yes, the sex had been incredible, amazing, other-worldly, but what she felt right now was so much more than the night they’d shared—and in the light of day, all she wanted was to share the morning with Lisa and whatever else the blonde would allow. 

But, as she opened her eyes and reached across, the cold and empty space beside her sent a chill through her. Panic gripped her as the realisation fell upon her that Lisa was gone. 

She swallowed hard. “Lisa?” She called out, her voice hoarse—sleepy and hungover all at once. Her mind was filled with confusion and the silence that followed was deafening. 

As she brought her hand back to her, out of the empty space that was filled beside her, her fingers brushed over something—a crumpled piece of paper.

Her heart raced as she stared at the words on paper, noticing the spilled ink where it looked like water had dropped? Her heart ached and her stomach lurched as the realisation hit her that Lisa may have written this with spilled tears of her own, and all she wanted right now, was to tell Lisa that last night wasn’t just some drunken rendezvous, as she took in the words hand-written on the paper. 

Carla, 

I had an amazing night last night. You—you’re incredible. I’m sorry I’m not there when you wake up this morning, but I know it’s for the best. We agreed, didn’t we? One night, no rules and everything goes back to normal, right? How it was—how we were, before. 

I care about you so much, Carla, and I really can’t lose you—so, just give me some time, please, and I promise you that we’ll be okay. 

All my love, 
Lisa. 

Tears sprang to Carla’s eyes as she read and re-read the note. She wasn’t sure what to think. Had Lisa regretted last night? But that didn’t make any sense. Not with the words sitting on the paper in front of her. But what did she mean by, I know it’s for the best? Yes—they had agreed that it would just be one night, but was that all it meant to Lisa? Because it certainly was not all it meant to Carla. But Lisa didn’t know that, did she? Lisa had no idea how Carla was feeling, but then she hadn’t stuck around to find out. Because the truth was laid bare. Lisa was gone, retreating behind walls that Carla had no idea how to break down. 

The ache in her chest grew unbearable, and she buried her face in her pillow, letting her tears flow freely. Carla knew they had something special, something worth exploring, something real. The truth was, she’d known for a while. Long before last night. Long before they’d slept together. But with having no idea how Lisa felt, everything she thought she knew of—she was at a loss. 

She didn’t even want to think about the business convention that was looming, because right now, she wasn’t even sure if she’d make it out of bed, today. Tomorrow—or at all. 

Notes:

Next time: Carla confides in Ryan