More Than Friends by Erin Dutton

you?”
    “I’m not ready.”
    She shrugged. “When you are, let me know. I’ll fix you up with someone.”
    “No way. All your friends are cops. When I do start dating again, I won’t be seeing any police officers.”
    She pressed her lips together tightly and nodded, trying not to take the bitter edge of Melanie’s tone personally. Given the demise of her relationship, Melanie’s reluctance to date another police officer didn’t surprise her. “It’s settled then. Tonight is about having fun, not hooking up.”
    “I’ll drink to that.” Melanie lifted her beer bottle and touched the neck of it against hers.
    So they drank. Melanie already knew most of the other girls they were meeting out, Evelyn’s co-workers. A couple of them, having heard about Kendall’s breakup and trying to be friendly, bought a few rounds. And Jennifer even rejoined them and sent her an apologetic smile, presumably for her behavior on the dance floor. Evelyn nodded in return and gestured toward an empty seat at their table.
    After another beer, she switched to water. This was Melanie’s night to cut loose, and she wanted to be a sober, safe ride for her. While she enjoyed her tapering buzz, she watched Melanie chat with the others. She couldn’t remember having been in a social situation like this with just Melanie. When Kendall was around, her outgoing nature commanded more attention, and Melanie had always been in the background, seemingly content with her role as Kendall’s loving partner.
    But tonight, she watched as Melanie’s warmth charmed several of the women who had probably barely noticed her before. When Melanie was ready, she wouldn’t have any problem finding someone new to date—cop or no cop.
     
    *
     
    “We’re home,” Evelyn said as she pulled into a spot in front of Melanie’s apartment building.
    “Your home?” Melanie mumbled, her words slurred into each other.
    “No, yours.” When Melanie didn’t move, Evelyn got out and circled the car. She opened Melanie’s door and caught her as she leaned too far out and nearly lost her balance. She wedged her shoulder under Melanie’s arm and circled her waist tightly.
    Melanie cooperated, wrapping her arm around Evelyn’s shoulders. As they headed toward the apartment, Melanie rested against her and they walked in stride together. Maneuvering to Melanie’s door was easier than she would have thought.
    “Got your keys?”
    “In my purse,” Melanie answered, but she made no move to retrieve them.
    Evelyn shifted until she could slip Melanie’s purse off her shoulder, then dug through it until she found her keys. The second one she tried allowed the knob to turn.
    “Are you coming in?” Melanie said, her voice husky from the alcohol and the smoke in the bar.
    As Melanie draped against Evelyn, her fingers rested against Evelyn’s neck, toying with the collar of her shirt. Her body reacted to Melanie’s suggestive tone and her soft touch, but she mentally chastised herself. Melanie was drunk. Though it wasn’t fair that she should have to turn down two beautiful women in one night, she refused to give permission to her reckless libido. Melanie was definitely off-limits, so she’d already passed up her only viable chance to get laid tonight. But she’d rather be here with Melanie than anywhere else.
    “Let’s get you inside.” She shoved the door open with her foot.
    Melanie stumbled in ahead of her, leaving her keys hanging in the doorknob. Evelyn pulled them out and closed the door behind her. She would just make sure Melanie was okay. Then she’d leave.
    By the time she dropped Melanie’s purse and keys on the hall table, Melanie was well into the apartment. She found her in the bedroom, shoving pale-green and lavender decorative pillows from the bed onto the floor.
    “I can’t sleep in this sweater.” Melanie pulled it over her head, then reached behind her and flicked open her bra. When she pulled it off and tossed it onto the dresser,