woman to woman to the finish

[User1]

Here's a poll with high potential as two long time rivals want to settle it once and for all to decide who is the better woman!

Blonde Rhiannon goes up against Brooke, body to body, everything allowed except bitting, scratching and clawing until one submits or goes unconscious!

Rhiannon: https://www.freecatfights.com/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=58483

Brooke: https://www.freecatfights.com/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=66933

They meet in luxurious hotel room, a queen size bed in the middle of the room, in the batroom located next to the bedroom is a bathtub filled with hot water.

Both go in, let's see who will walk out...

[Rhiannon Blue Taylor]

It's a beautiful, sun-drenched morning, and I can barely contain the excitement bubbling inside me. Today is finally here. The day Brooke and I have been building towards. The day we begin settling our delicious little rivalry once and for all.

Beauty, bodies, curves, the best ass, who's the better kisser, and even who's the better lover. Nothing is off the table. Every comparison, every challenge, every teasing little disagreement is finally going to be put to the test. And while Brooke might be convinced she has what it takes to outshine me, I have absolutely no intention of making things easy for her.

Dressed to impress, feeling effortlessly sexy and radiating confidence, I arrive at the luxurious hotel we've agreed will be our battleground. A mischievous smile plays across my lips as I stride through the grand entrance, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor.

Approaching reception, I lean casually against the counter and greet the young receptionist with a warm, confident smile.

"Good morning, darling. I believe I have a reservation."

As she checks the booking, she informs me that I'm the first to arrive.

Of course I am, I think, suppressing a smug little grin. First here, and hopefully first on the scoreboard too.

"Perfect," I reply with a playful wink. "Would you be a sweetheart and have the bellboy take my suitcase up to our room?"

She confirms the room number and slides the keycard across the counter.

"Oh, and one more little favour," I add, leaning forward slightly. "When Brooke arrives, would you let her know I'll be waiting for her in the hotel bar? Tell her there's absolutely no rush. I'm quite happy to let her enjoy her last few moments of believing she's going to beat me."

I flash the receptionist a cheeky smile before turning gracefully towards the bar.

My hips sway confidently from side to side with every deliberate step. There's an unmistakable spring in my stride, and why wouldn't there be? I've been looking forward to this showdown for far too long. Brooke might have the looks, the attitude and the confidence, but so do I. And today, we're finally going to find out just how evenly matched we really are.

Entering the elegant hotel bar, I approach the counter.

"A bottle of your finest chilled white wine, please, darling. And could you bring it over to that table by the window?"

I gesture towards a secluded table at the far end of the room, perfectly positioned to overlook the hotel's entrance and the bustling world outside.

Settling into my chair, I cross one leg elegantly over the other, smooth my outfit and make myself comfortable. The warm morning sunshine streams through the glass as I glance outside, casually watching the world go by.

Every so often, my eyes drift towards the entrance.

Come on then, Brooke. Let's see what you've got.

A slow, knowing smirk spreads across my face.

I'm not nervous. I'm not intimidated. And I'm certainly not here to play second best.

I'm here to flirt, tease, challenge and compete. To give Brooke the toughest competition she's ever faced, and perhaps discover a few surprises about both of us along the way.

I lift my wineglass, take a slow sip and settle back into my chair.

"Well then, Brooke, darling," I murmur to myself with a wicked little smile. "Let the best woman win. And you'd better believe I'm planning on making that woman me."

Yt

[Brooke Taylor-Lewis]

The morning sunshine pours through my bedroom window as I stand in front of the full-length mirror, giving myself one final, thoroughly approving look.

Oh, Rhiannon, darling. You have absolutely no idea what you're letting yourself in for.

A slow, mischievous smile spreads across my lips as I turn slightly, admiring my reflection from another angle. My outfit hugs my figure in all the right places, showing off the curves I've worked hard for, while my hair falls perfectly around my shoulders.

Today isn't just any ordinary day. Today is the day Rhiannon and I finally stop talking and start proving ourselves.

For weeks, we've teased, challenged and playfully argued over practically everything. Who's prettier? Who has the better body? Whose curves turn more heads? Who has the sexiest ass? Who's the better kisser? And, of course, who's the better lover?

Neither of us has been willing to concede a single inch.

And that's exactly what makes this rivalry so deliciously exciting.

Rhiannon is gorgeous. I'll give her that. She's confident, sexy, competitive and knows perfectly well how to use her looks to her advantage. But unfortunately for her, she's finally met someone who can match that confidence, return every teasing remark and give her a serious run for her money.

Me.

I pick up my handbag, slip on my heels and take one final look in the mirror.

"Right then, gorgeous," I whisper to my reflection, giving myself a cheeky wink. "Time to show Miss Rhiannon that she's not the only woman who knows how to make an entrance."

The journey to our luxurious hotel passes in a blur of excitement and anticipation. My mind keeps wandering to that first moment when we finally come face-to-face.

Will she give me that familiar cocky smile? Will she try to intimidate me with those gorgeous looks of hers? Or will she simply sit there pretending she's completely unfazed by my arrival?

Whatever she has planned, I'm more than ready.

As my taxi pulls up outside the magnificent hotel, I take a moment to admire the grand entrance before stepping out into the glorious sunshine.

I straighten my outfit, adjust my handbag over my shoulder and confidently make my way towards the revolving doors.

My heels click rhythmically across the polished marble floor as I enter the elegant reception area. With my shoulders back, chin slightly raised and hips swaying naturally with every step, I approach the front desk.

"Good morning, sweetheart," I greet the young receptionist with a bright, confident smile. "I'm checking in. The reservation should be under Brooke and Rhiannon."

The receptionist smiles immediately.

"Ah, yes! Your friend has already arrived. She's checked in and asked me to let you know she's waiting for you in the hotel bar."

I raise one perfectly shaped eyebrow, an amused smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

"Oh, has she now?"

"Yes, madam. She arrived a little earlier and seemed very excited about your visit."

I let out a soft, knowing laugh.

"Oh, I bet she did, darling."

As the receptionist prepares my keycard, curiosity gets the better of me.

"Actually, sweetheart, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

I lean a little closer to the desk, lowering my voice conspiratorially.

"What did she look like? And more importantly, how did she come across?"

The receptionist pauses for a moment before smiling.

"Well, she was very beautiful. Really well dressed, lovely figure, gorgeous hair. She certainly looked confident."

I nod slowly, trying unsuccessfully to suppress my grin.

"Mm-hmm. That certainly sounds like my Rhiannon. Go on."

"She was very friendly, actually. Quite playful. A little cheeky, perhaps."

I laugh.

"Oh, trust me, sweetheart, cheeky doesn't even begin to describe that woman."

The receptionist giggles before continuing.

"She definitely seemed very sure of herself. Almost like she was looking forward to some sort of competition."

My eyes light up immediately.

"Oh, she is, darling. Believe me, she is."

I glance briefly towards the hotel bar before turning back with a wicked little smile.

"Well, let me ask you one more thing. Did she look like a woman who thought she was going to win?"

The receptionist laughs again.

"Actually, yes. Very much so."

I shake my head affectionately.

"Typical Rhiannon. Beautiful, confident and completely convinced she's unbeatable."

I straighten up, casually brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

"Well, sweetheart, between you and me, she's about to discover that there's another woman in this hotel who's every bit as confident as she is."

The receptionist smiles, clearly entertained by our conversation.

"You both sound very competitive."

"Oh, darling, you have absolutely no idea."

I give her a playful wink.

"And just so you know, I'm not here to finish second."

Having collected my keycard, I ask for my luggage to be taken upstairs.

"Thank you, sweetheart. You've been lovely. Now, I think I'd better go and find this gorgeous little rival of mine before she starts getting too comfortable on her imaginary throne."

With one final smile, I turn away from reception.

As I make my way towards the bar, I feel that familiar rush of excitement building inside me.

My heartbeat quickens, but not because I'm nervous.

Quite the opposite.

I've been waiting for this moment.

I know how attractive Rhiannon is. I know she has the confidence, the figure and the personality to turn heads wherever she goes. And I know she'll be sitting in that bar looking absolutely sensational, probably rehearsing some outrageous little remark designed to put me on the back foot.

But there's one thing she should know about me.

I don't back down. I don't get intimidated. And I certainly don't surrender to a pretty face, no matter how gorgeous that face might be.

Reaching the entrance to the hotel bar, I pause for just a second.

I straighten my shoulders, gently run my fingers through my hair and allow a slow, self-assured smile to settle across my lips.

Right, Rhiannon. Showtime.

I step inside.

And almost instantly, I see her.

There she is.

Sitting elegantly at a secluded table beside the large window, the morning sunshine illuminating her features beautifully. One leg crossed over the other, a glass of wine resting casually in her hand, looking every bit as confident and breathtaking as I'd imagined.

For the briefest moment, I simply admire her.

Bloody hell, Rhiannon. You really do know how to look good, don't you?

But then her eyes lift.

And meet mine.

And suddenly, everything changes.

The atmosphere seems to crackle with electricity.

The gentle music playing in the background, the quiet conversations of other guests, the clinking of glasses behind the bar -- it all seems to fade into nothing.

There are people everywhere.

But right now?

There are only two women in this room.

Rhiannon.

And me.

Neither of us looks away.

I see that unmistakable little smirk appear on her face, the one that tells me she's already thinking of a hundred ways to tease me.

I answer it with a slow, equally provocative smile of my own.

Oh, sweetheart. If you think you're going to intimidate me with those gorgeous eyes and that cocky little grin, you've got another thing coming.

I begin walking towards her.

Not quickly.

Not nervously.

But slowly, deliberately, and with all the confidence of a woman who knows she's being watched.

My heels click softly against the polished floor as I make my way across the bar. My hips sway with each measured step, my movements relaxed yet unmistakably flirtatious.

I don't rush.

Why would I?

I've got her attention.

And she most certainly has mine.

As I move between the tables, I notice a couple of guests glance in my direction, but I barely acknowledge them.

My eyes remain fixed on Rhiannon.

Every step seems to intensify the delicious tension between us.

I catch her watching me approach, taking in my appearance with the same unmistakable curiosity that I'm giving her.

I allow my smile to widen slightly.

That's right, gorgeous. Take a good look. Because today I'm going to give you something worth competing against.

When I'm only a few feet from her table, I slow down even further, deliberately letting the moment linger.

I tilt my head slightly, giving her a long, playful once-over.

From her gorgeous hair to her outfit, her posture and those confidently crossed legs, I take my time appreciating the competition.

And I have to admit, she's looking absolutely incredible.

But then again, so am I.

Finally, I stop directly in front of her.

For a moment, neither of us speaks.

We simply stand -- or in Rhiannon's case, sit -- studying one another with those knowing, challenging smiles.

Then I place one hand on my hip, shift my weight onto one leg and give her my most mischievous grin.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here."

My voice is warm, teasing and dripping with playful confidence.

"Miss Rhiannon herself. Sitting there looking all gorgeous, sipping her wine, acting like she's already won before I've even walked through the door."

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head.

"Honestly, darling, I should've known you'd be making yourself look this bloody good. Trying to intimidate the competition already, are we?"

I lean forward just slightly, maintaining eye contact.

"Because I have to admit, sweetheart, you're looking absolutely stunning."

I pause deliberately.

"But unfortunately for you, gorgeous, so am I."

Straightening up, I slowly turn halfway to one side, giving her a playful opportunity to admire my outfit before facing her again.

"And just so we're clear, Rhiannon, I haven't come all this way to admire you, flatter you and hand you the crown."

I smile sweetly.

"I've come to challenge you for it."

My eyes sparkle with mischief.

"Every little thing we've argued about. Every cheeky comment. Every time you've claimed you've got the better looks, the better body, the better backside, the better kisses..."

I lean a little closer, lowering my voice to an intimate, teasing murmur.

"And all those other rather interesting things we've been dying to settle."

I allow the words to hang between us for a moment.

"Well, darling, we're finally here."

I straighten again, glancing towards the empty chair opposite her.

"And trust me, gorgeous, I'm every bit as determined to win as you are."

Before taking my seat, I pause and offer her one final, deliberately challenging smile.

"Although, I will say one thing..."

I lean forward once more, resting my fingertips lightly against the edge of the table.

"If you look this good when you're trying to beat me, Rhiannon, this is going to be one hell of a competition."

I pull out the chair opposite her and sit down gracefully, crossing my legs and settling back with a confident little flourish.

I reach towards the wine bottle, glancing at her with an amused expression.

"Chilled white wine? Oh, sweetheart, you do know how to start things properly."

I pour myself a glass, lift it towards hers and hold her gaze.

For the first time all morning, we're sitting face-to-face.

No more messages.

No more photographs.

No more teasing each other from a distance.

Just two confident, attractive, fiercely competitive women, finally ready to discover exactly how they measure up against one another.

I raise my glass slightly higher.

"To us, Rhiannon. Two gorgeous women, one delicious rivalry, and absolutely no excuses."

My smile turns even more mischievous.

"May the best woman win."

I gently clink my glass against hers.

Then, just before taking a sip, I add with an outrageous little grin:

"And darling? Don't go getting too attached to that crown of yours."

I take a slow sip of wine, never breaking eye contact.

"Because I've every intention of taking it home with me."

Yt

[Nottingham_Kit]

Brooke all the way

[Rhiannon Blue Taylor]

I watch Brooke lift her glass to her lips, that outrageously confident little smile still playing across her face, and for a moment I simply sit there, allowing her final words to hang deliciously in the air between us.

"Because I've every intention of taking it home with me."

Oh, Brooke.

Sweet, gorgeous, dangerously confident Brooke.

She's been here barely five minutes, and already she's talking about taking my crown.

I have to admire the audacity.

Actually, if I'm being completely truthful, I absolutely love it.

I slowly lower my own wineglass onto the table, making a deliberate little performance of placing it precisely on the coaster before turning my complete attention back towards her.

My eyes travel appreciatively over her face, taking in that mischievous smile, those sparkling eyes and the unmistakable expression of a woman who's arrived believing she's every bit my equal.

And, annoyingly enough, she might just be.

But am I going to tell her that?

Not a chance.

Instead, I allow a slow, wickedly amused smile to spread across my lips.

"Well, well, well, Brooke, darling. Aren't you just an absolute delight?"

I laugh softly, shaking my head in affectionate disbelief.

"Honestly, sweetheart, I've been sitting here enjoying my wine, admiring the sunshine, minding my own business, and then you come strutting through those doors like you own the entire bloody hotel!"

I raise an eyebrow playfully.

"And that entrance of yours? Oh, don't think I didn't notice."

Leaning back comfortably in my chair, I cross my legs the other way, settling myself into an even more relaxed position.

"That slow little walk. Those swinging hips. The way you kept your eyes fixed on mine as though everyone else in this bar had suddenly become invisible."

I pause, allowing my smile to grow.

"Very impressive, gorgeous. Very impressive indeed."

I raise my glass slightly in acknowledgment.

"I'll give you full marks for the entrance. Absolutely no arguments from me there."

Then I tilt my head.

"But let's get one thing straight, sweetheart. Making a grand entrance and actually winning are two very different things."

I take a small sip of wine, deliberately letting the silence stretch for a moment.

"And from where I'm sitting, you've certainly mastered the first."

My eyebrows lift mischievously.

"The second? Well, darling, that's still very much up for debate."

I chuckle as I watch her expression, thoroughly enjoying the way she refuses to surrender even the smallest advantage.

That's what I adore about Brooke.

Some women might blush, look away or become flustered when challenged so openly.

Not her.

She meets my confidence with her own, my mischievous smile with an equally mischievous one, and my teasing remarks with that unmistakable expression that practically screams, Bring it on.

And believe me, I fully intend to.

I lean forward, resting my elbows lightly on the table and clasping my hands beneath my chin.

"Now, before we go any further, Brooke, there's something I really must say."

My expression softens momentarily, although the sparkle in my eyes remains.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, darling. Truly."

I take another appreciative glance at her.

"Your hair, your outfit, that lovely figure of yours, the confidence practically pouring out of you. You've clearly made an effort today, and it shows."

I smile warmly.

"And I absolutely love that."

For a moment, my voice becomes genuinely affectionate.

"Because I wouldn't want to be sitting opposite anyone who hadn't come here feeling their absolute best. We've talked about this day for far too long for either of us to turn up half-heartedly."

Then my smile turns distinctly cheekier.

"But don't get carried away with the compliments, sweetheart. I'm only telling you that you look incredible."

I point a playful finger towards her.

"I'm not telling you that you look better than me."

A little laugh escapes my lips.

"Oh no, darling. You'll have to work considerably harder than that."

I settle back again, running my fingertips around the stem of my wineglass.

"And speaking of working hard, can we discuss something?"

I look at her with exaggerated suspicion.

"Did you seriously just walk into my lovely peaceful morning, sit yourself down opposite me, help yourself to the wine I so thoughtfully ordered, and announce that you're taking my crown home?"

I place a hand against my chest in mock outrage.

"Brooke! The absolute cheek of you!"

I laugh again.

"Honestly, sweetheart, not even a proper hello kiss before threatening to dethrone me?"

Shaking my head, I give her a theatrically disappointed look.

"Whatever happened to manners?"

My expression brightens almost immediately.

"Although, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. You always have been a cheeky little madam."

I lean towards her, lowering my voice conspiratorially.

"But then again, darling, so have I."

I hold her gaze for another long, unhurried moment.

And suddenly, beneath all the teasing, I feel that lovely little flutter of excitement again.

Because here she is.

Brooke.

Not a photograph on my phone.

Not a voice in a message.

Not someone I can simply tease before disappearing for a few hours.

She's sitting right in front of me, close enough for me to see every subtle change in her expression.

Close enough for our smiles to become an unspoken conversation of their own.

And there is absolutely nowhere for either of us to hide behind our usual excuses.

I glance around the elegant hotel bar.

A couple are enjoying coffee near the entrance. Two businessmen are quietly discussing something at another table. A waiter moves gracefully between the chairs, collecting empty glasses.

But none of it seems particularly important anymore.

I turn back towards Brooke.

"Do you know something, gorgeous?"

I pause.

"When you walked through those doors, I genuinely forgot there was anyone else in here."

My smile becomes a little softer.

"Which, considering how much I enjoy people-watching, is quite an achievement."

I chuckle.

"I saw you standing there, all dressed up, looking ridiculously pleased with yourself, and I thought..."

I deliberately stop speaking.

Then I lean a little closer.

"'Bloody hell. She's actually going to make me work for this.'"

I burst into laughter.

"Don't you dare look so smug! That's probably the nicest admission you're getting out of me all day."

I raise my glass towards her once more.

"But I mean it, Brooke. You're beautiful. You're confident. You're every bit as competitive as I am, and you clearly haven't travelled all this way just to tell me how wonderful I am."

I narrow my eyes playfully.

"Although, for the record, I wouldn't object to hearing that occasionally."

I wink.

"Preferably several times."

Taking another sip, I place my glass down and straighten in my chair.

"Now then, sweetheart. Let's talk about this magnificent crown you're so determined to steal."

I gesture towards my head with an exaggerated flourish.

"This crown, darling, is imaginary at the moment. Neither of us has actually won anything yet."

I give her a pointed look.

"And that's precisely why we're here."

My voice takes on a more openly competitive edge.

"Not because one of us is going to spend the day boasting while the other sits there politely agreeing."

I shake my head.

"Oh, absolutely not."

"We're here because we're both stubborn enough, confident enough and perhaps just vain enough to genuinely believe we've got what it takes to come out on top."

I smile broadly.

"And the best part?"

I lean forward.

"Neither of us has the faintest intention of making it easy for the other."

I allow that thought to linger.

"Let's start with beauty, shall we?"

I sit back and look at Brooke as though I'm judging a particularly glamorous competition.

"Well, you've certainly arrived looking fabulous. Beautiful face, gorgeous hair, lovely smile, and an outfit that suits you perfectly."

I purse my lips thoughtfully.

"Very strong competition."

Then I glance down at myself and back towards her.

"But, sweetheart, you're looking at a woman who happens to be feeling pretty fabulous herself."

I smile confidently.

"I didn't spend all that time getting ready this morning just to turn up looking like your supporting act."

I lift my chin slightly.

"I'm nobody's supporting act, Brooke. Especially not yours."

I give her a cheeky wink.

"Not that you would ever be mine either, of course. Your ego simply wouldn't allow it."

I laugh.

"And that's why we're going to have such an interesting day."

I take a moment to admire her again, this time deliberately making my assessment obvious.

"Now, bodies."

I lift one finger, as though introducing the next important item on our rather unusual agenda.

"Oh, this is going to be entertaining."

I tilt my head, studying her with a teasing smile.

"We've both got curves we're proud of. We both know how to dress to flatter our figures, and neither of us is remotely shy about showing a little confidence."

I pause dramatically.

"And after watching you walk across this bar, I'd say you're particularly proud of yours."

My eyebrows rise.

"Was that little hip sway specially rehearsed for me, darling?"

I laugh before she can answer.

"Because if it was, congratulations. You certainly made your point."

I straighten my shoulders, allowing myself a playful, self-assured smile.

"But I hope you were paying attention when I walked through reception earlier, because I can promise you one thing."

"You're not the only woman sitting at this table who knows how to turn heads."

I lean in slightly.

"And as for our ongoing argument about who has the better backside..."

I stop and shake my head, laughing.

"Oh, Brooke. Honestly. How many times have we gone backwards and forwards over that one?"

I raise my hands in mock surrender.

"You tell me yours is better. I tell you mine is. You send me some cheeky little remark about yours being unbeatable, and I immediately remind you that you haven't actually seen enough evidence to make such a ridiculous claim."

I grin.

"And round and round we go."

I give her a long, challenging look.

"Well, today we can finally stop making assumptions."

I raise an eyebrow.

"We can actually compare our style, our confidence, our posture, and the way we carry ourselves."

I wag a finger in her direction.

"But I want fair judging, sweetheart. None of this marking yourself ten out of ten and giving me a seven just because you're terrified of losing."

I gasp theatrically.

"Imagine the scandal!"

I laugh, then lower my voice playfully.

"Although, knowing you, you'd probably try to give yourself eleven."

I shake my head.

"Such a competitive woman."

A slow smile spreads across my face.

"And I absolutely adore it."

For a few moments, I simply enjoy the sight of her sitting opposite me.

The sunlight catches her hair, and her expression is a perfect mixture of amusement, confidence and determination.

It's genuinely difficult not to admire her.

In fact, for all our playful disagreements, I know there's something rather special about finding someone who gives as good as she gets.

Someone who doesn't simply agree to keep the peace.

Someone who looks me straight in the eyes and says, No, darling. I think I'm better.

And actually means it.

I reach for my glass again.

"Now, there's something else I think we need to discuss."

I lower my voice slightly.

"Our kissing competition."

I smile knowingly.

"Because you've been making some rather bold claims about that too, haven't you?"

I lift an eyebrow.

"Apparently you're convinced you're the better kisser."

I place a hand against my chest, feigning disbelief.

"And apparently I'm just supposed to accept that?"

I shake my head slowly.

"Brooke, sweetheart, we've only just arrived. You can't possibly expect me to surrender one of the most interesting challenges before we've even started."

My grin widens.

"Besides, I think that particular contest requires a little more than confidence and a persuasive speech."

I pause, watching her reaction.

"And perhaps a little mutual agreement about what we're actually judging."

I count thoughtfully on my fingers.

"Chemistry. Romance. Confidence. Timing. The ability to make the other person smile."

I look up at her.

"And most importantly, whether either of us can actually admit when the other has done something well."

I laugh.

"That last one might be our biggest challenge of the entire weekend."

I rest my chin against my hand.

"Can you imagine it? One of us having to sit here and say, 'Darling, you were better than me.'"

I widen my eyes dramatically.

"Good heavens. The humiliation!"

I laugh so hard that I have to put my glass down.

Then I glance towards Brooke, my expression warming.

"But you know something?"

I reach across the table and briefly rest my fingertips against her hand.

"If there is anyone I'd enjoy sharing such a wonderfully ridiculous competition with, it really is you."

I squeeze her hand gently before withdrawing mine.

"Because I know you'll give everything you've got."

My playful smile returns.

"And you know perfectly well I will too."

I glance towards the bar as a waiter approaches our table.

"Good morning, ladies. Is everything all right?"

I turn towards him with my most charming smile.

"Absolutely wonderful, thank you, darling."

I glance at Brooke before adding:

"Although I think you may need to keep the wine coming. My friend here has arrived with some rather ambitious ideas about defeating me."

The waiter smiles politely.

"Oh, really?"

I nod gravely.

"Terribly ambitious. She's already threatened to steal my crown, and we've barely finished our first glasses."

Brooke's expression is priceless.

I bite back a laugh.

"She's a lovely woman, though. Absolutely gorgeous. Just a little delusional about her chances."

I flash her an enormous grin.

"Bless her."

The waiter chuckles.

"Well, I hope you both have a lovely time."

"Oh, we intend to," I reply brightly. "We're just trying to establish which of us is the most fabulous."

He looks between us with a slightly nervous smile.

"Well, I certainly wouldn't want to judge."

I burst out laughing.

"Smart man! Very smart man indeed."

As he moves away, I turn back towards Brooke and shake my head.

"See? Even the hotel staff are frightened of getting involved."

I chuckle.

"And we're only on our first bottle."

I settle into my chair once more, feeling entirely at ease.

"Do you know what I find funniest about all this, Brooke?"

I don't give her time to answer.

"It's that we are probably far more alike than either of us is prepared to admit."

I gesture towards her and then myself.

"Two women who enjoy looking good. Two women who love a little attention. Two women who are quite happy to flirt, tease, challenge and push one another."

My eyes narrow with amusement.

"And two women who absolutely hate the thought of losing."

I sigh dramatically.

"Honestly, darling, we're a nightmare."

Then I grin.

"But what a wonderfully entertaining nightmare."

I look towards the hotel entrance for a moment, remembering the excitement I felt when I first arrived.

"I was sitting here earlier imagining how this first meeting would go."

I turn back.

"I wondered whether you'd arrive looking nervous. Perhaps a little shy. Maybe you'd sit down and suggest we take things slowly."

I laugh.

"But no."

I gesture towards her.

"You burst into my morning looking like a woman attending her own coronation!"

I shake my head affectionately.

"And then you had the audacity to tell me you were taking my crown home."

I pause, my expression becoming deliciously challenging.

"Well, gorgeous, allow me to make a little announcement of my own."

I sit straighter, plant both feet on the floor and lean forward across the table until we're comfortably close enough to speak in softer voices.

My smile remains warm, but there's no mistaking the competitive determination behind it.

"I'm going to challenge you at every opportunity."

"Every compliment you give yourself, you'd better be prepared to justify."

"Every cheeky little boast, you'd better be ready for me to answer it."

"And every time you look at me with that ridiculously smug expression and announce that you're better, I'm going to ask you one very simple question."

I pause.

"'Prove it, Brooke.'"

I let the words settle between us.

Then I smile.

"And you can ask exactly the same of me."

I extend my hand across the table, palm turned sideways in invitation.

"Because I don't want any easy victories, darling."

My expression softens slightly.

"I don't want you agreeing with me just because we're friends, and I certainly won't agree with you just to keep you happy."

I raise my eyebrow.

"If you beat me at something, I'll admit it."

I hesitate deliberately.

"Eventually."

I laugh.

"After complaining, demanding a recount and possibly sulking for at least five minutes."

I wink.

"But I will admit it."

I lean closer.

"And I expect precisely the same honesty from you."

My eyes sparkle with mischief.

"No excuses. No changing the rules halfway through. No giving ourselves extra points because we think we're gorgeous."

I glance at her with exaggerated seriousness.

"Which, admittedly, could be a problem for both of us."

I chuckle.

"And absolutely no pretending not to notice when the other one does something impressive."

I offer her my hand again.

"Agreed, gorgeous?"

I wait for that familiar spark of defiance in her expression.

And there it is.

Of course it is.

I can't help smiling.

"Now, that's the Brooke I came here to see."

I raise my wineglass once more, but this time my expression grows a little more thoughtful.

"There's just one thing I want you to understand before we officially begin."

I study her face for a moment.

"I might tease you mercilessly today. I might challenge every little boast you make. And I might be absolutely unbearable if I win something."

I smile apologetically.

"Actually, scratch that. I will be unbearable."

I laugh.

"But it's because I know you're strong enough, confident enough and playful enough to give it straight back."

I pause.

"And beneath all our ridiculous competition, I genuinely like and admire you, Brooke."

My voice becomes quieter.

"I don't need to make you feel small to feel good about myself."

I lift my chin.

"And I know you don't need to do that to me either."

I grin.

"Which means we can both be outrageously confident, enjoy every moment of this rivalry and still be able to laugh together afterwards."

I look her straight in the eyes.

"That, darling, is what makes this worth doing."

I take another small sip of wine.

Then, almost immediately, that familiar mischievous feeling takes over again.

"Right!"

I place my glass down decisively.

"Enough of me being sentimental. You'll start thinking I'm going soft."

I glance at her outfit once more.

"Although, before we begin, I must confess something."

I lean closer, as though about to reveal a terrible secret.

"When you walked across this bar, I genuinely thought you looked absolutely sensational."

I hold up a finger.

"Don't interrupt. I'm being generous. It doesn't happen often."

I smile.

"And for about two seconds, I thought, 'Oh, this woman might actually give me a serious challenge.'"

I pause dramatically.

"Then you sat down, opened that cheeky mouth of yours and started claiming you were going to take my crown."

I shake my head, laughing softly.

"And I remembered exactly why I need to put you in your place."

I lean back, looking enormously pleased with myself.

"Figuratively speaking, of course, darling."

My eyes glimmer.

"Although I must say, sitting opposite you like this, watching you try to outsmile, outflirt and outconfidence me, is already proving rather entertaining."

I glance towards the window.

The sun is shining beautifully over the hotel grounds, guests are wandering along the paths outside, and the day still stretches invitingly ahead of us.

I look back at Brooke.

"Just think, gorgeous. We've got the whole day ahead of us."

I gesture towards the elegant surroundings.

"A beautiful hotel. Lovely food. Wine. Gorgeous surroundings. And two women determined to discover who's really got the edge."

I grin.

"We could start with a simple beauty challenge, move on to style, then perhaps see which of us can carry herself with the most confidence."

My smile becomes even cheekier.

"After that, we can tackle some of our more controversial disagreements."

I raise an eyebrow.

"And I have a feeling we're going to need quite a few tiebreakers."

I laugh.

"Because let's face it, sweetheart, neither of us is likely to admit defeat easily."

I reach for the wine bottle and top up both our glasses.

"Now, I propose something."

I raise my glass.

"Whatever happens today, whether one of us wins more challenges or we end up arguing ourselves into a completely ridiculous draw, neither of us takes the other for granted."

I smile warmly.

"Because you and I both know that finding someone who can match your energy like this isn't an everyday occurrence."

Then I give her a mischievous little wink.

"Mind you, I'm still intending to win."

I pause.

"Obviously."

I take a sip, then place my glass down and slowly uncross my legs.

A new idea occurs to me.

And I simply cannot resist.

I rise gracefully from my chair, smoothing my outfit as I stand.

Brooke looks up at me.

I smile.

"Oh, don't worry, darling. I'm not leaving."

I step away from the table and position myself beside the window, the sunshine catching my hair as I turn towards her.

"Remember that gorgeous little entrance you made?"

I rest one hand casually on my hip.

"Well, I thought it was only fair that you got to see what you're competing against."

I take a few slow, measured steps towards the table, my posture poised, my expression confidently playful.

Nothing exaggerated.

Nothing forced.

Just a woman completely comfortable in her own skin.

I stop beside her chair and look down with a teasing smile.

"There."

I tilt my head.

"Now we've both had our grand entrance."

I laugh softly.

"So you can't accuse me of having an unfair advantage."

For a moment, I remain standing beside her, our eyes meeting again.

The atmosphere between us still carries that unmistakable spark.

Equal parts admiration.

Amusement.

Challenge.

And a rather delightful refusal from either of us to back down.

I lower my voice slightly.

"I'll tell you something else, Brooke."

I lean just a fraction closer.

"You were right about one thing."

I pause, allowing her curiosity to build.

"This really is going to be one hell of a competition."

My smile widens.

"Because you're absolutely beautiful."

I straighten.

"You're confident."

I glance at her with playful appreciation.

"You've got a fabulous figure."

I tilt my head.

"And you've got more cheek than anyone has any reasonable right to possess."

I burst into laughter.

"But so have I, sweetheart."

I gesture towards myself.

"And I fully intend to remind you of that every single time you start getting too pleased with yourself."

Returning to my seat, I settle down and pick up my glass again.

"Now then."

I glance at the time before looking back at Brooke.

"I think we've admired one another enough to establish that neither of us is going to win this simply by turning up."

I raise an eyebrow.

"So I suggest we make things interesting."

I lean forward, placing my forearms gently on the table.

"Let's start with five categories."

I begin counting on my fingers.

"Beauty. Style. Body confidence. Charm. And that special little something neither of us seems able to define, but both of us are absolutely convinced we possess."

I grin.

"We can debate them, challenge each other and see whether we can agree on anything at all."

I take a moment to consider her.

"And later, when we're both comfortable and the competition has really warmed up, perhaps we can explore some of those more personal challenges we've been teasing each other about."

I lift my glass.

"But one thing at a time, darling. After all, I intend to savour this."

I look Brooke straight in the eyes and give her my most confident, competitive smile of the morning.

"So, Miss Brooke, here's my opening offer."

I hold her gaze.

"I'll admit you're gorgeous."

A pause.

"I'll admit you have a fabulous figure."

Another pause.

"I'll even admit that entrance of yours was rather spectacular."

I allow myself a generous smile.

"But that's where my generosity ends."

I place my glass down.

"Because I genuinely believe I can match you in every single one of those categories."

I lean a little closer.

"And perhaps even beat you in a few."

My smile grows wickedly triumphant.

"But unlike you, darling, I'm not going to announce myself the winner before we've actually competed."

I pause theatrically.

"I'm simply going to give you every opportunity to discover it for yourself."

I burst into laughter at my own cheekiness.

"Oh, look at your face!"

I cover my mouth briefly, still laughing.

"Brooke, sweetheart, if looks could challenge someone to a duel, I'd already be halfway through my first contest!"

I reach across the table and offer her my hand once more.

My expression becomes warm, sincere and every bit as confident as before.

"Come on then, gorgeous. No more hiding behind our phones. No more arguing from miles apart. It's just you and me now."

I smile.

"Two strong-minded, beautiful women, both convinced we've got what it takes to win."

I leave my hand extended between us.

"So what do you say, Brooke? Shall we finally find out whether all that confidence of yours is justified?"

I give her one final, outrageous wink.

"Or would you like another glass of wine before you start losing?"

And with that, I sit back, laughing delightedly, waiting for my gorgeous rival to fire her next challenge straight back at me.

Yt

[Athena Nova]

Rhiannon will always have my vote!

[Athena Nova]