The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

2. Drew

2

DREW

Drew never wanted to leave the warmth of this bed. Holding a cup of apple cider in their hands, Drew looked over their shoulder when the camera clicked from behind them.

Even sitting up, the warmth of Rose’s body lingered on their skin.

“There’s no way this is a good shot.” Drew shook their head.

Giggling, Rose repositioned herself behind them. “Trust the vision, you’ll see them in the darkroom.”

Before they could say anything else, a buzzing came from the nightstand on Drew’s side. Their phone screen lit up, reading: Ari Graves .

Rose passed it over the bed, holding the film camera in one hand.

“Thanks.” Drew groaned as they grabbed the phone. “What the fuck does she want at this hour?”

It wasn’t even that late, but it was after dark and Ari typically only called during business hours. They could only assume a call like this warranted some kind of photography emergency.

Sliding their finger along the screen, Drew brought the phone to their ear. “Sup, Graves?”

“I knew you’d answer.” Ari’s voice sounded through the device.

Drew shrugged. “What else would I be doing? What do you need?”

There was a pause on the line. Shooting a look behind them at Rose, who wore an oversized button-down with a single button done, Drew raised an eyebrow.

Ari sighed. “This might be crazy.”

“Tell me more.”

“Are you booked on the 21st?”

Their forehead wrinkled. “Of what month?”

But when Ari didn’t answer, Drew scoffed. “Ari, you have to be kidding.”

Laughing, Ari continued, “I wish I was. Set your rate, I’ll pay it. I’m hosting the hottest, client holiday party in town that Saturday. I need the best photographers in the city.”

“Well, you might be calling the wrong person.” Drew shook their head as they looked back at Rose and rolled their eyes. “Rose, what are you doing on the 21st?”

Rose’s jaw dropped as she tried to comprehend the timeline. But once she got her bearings, she nodded. “Whatever Ari has planned, apparently.”

With a laugh of disbelief, Drew shrugged. “We’re in. God, I wish I hadn’t met you at that fucking wedding.”

“Don’t lie, Santa might hear you.” Ari chuckled. “I’ll be in touch with more details soon.”

The line went dead before Drew could say anything else.

A part of Drew couldn’t believe this was happening. They’d first met Ari running to find Rose in the middle of a wedding. They were flustered, rude, and panicked. But after Rose and Drew finished the shoot, they got to chatting during the reception and hit it off.

They’d met up a few times since then for drinks.

Turning around in the bed, Drew bit their lip. “Can you believe this woman?”

“Yes, I can.” Rose rolled her eyes, a smile playing at her cheeks. “So, another event shoot?”

Drew nodded as they crossed the sea of sheets and pushed Rose back into the mattress.

Giggling as she fell back, Rose’s eyes flicked down to Drew’s lips. “What’s the big idea?”

Drew found their way on top of Rose, looking down at her as they clenched their jaw. “You’re an incredibly talented artist. Events pay the bills, right?”

“Right. But you manage both.” Rose eyed them.

Nodding, Drew lowered themself to Rose’s ear. “Only after a decade of floundering. Besides, it’s a client party which means there’ll be a bunch of agents hunting for talent.”

Rose considered it for a moment before groaning and throwing her arms around Drew’s neck. “Stop being right, and kiss me instead.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Drew laughed as they brought their lips to hers. From the corner of their eyes, the Christmas tree twinkled on the other side of the loft. Rose's place was far too small for a tree, so instead she had insisted Drew get one for their place and Rose would help decorate it.

Drew couldn’t lie: it was the coziest the loft had ever been. But it had created one problem: they never wanted to leave this bed with Rose. And that might be a problem with an incredibly rushed holiday party looming.