Caroline and Kate stood in the doorway of Kate's home in an uncontrollable bout of the giggles. Kate held her stomach tightly as the strong belly laughs shook her slim shoulders. Caroline stood next to her, doubled over, hand to her mouth, tears running down her cheeks.
Although the topic of Celia's knicker size was indeed a humorous discussion to have with one's step sister, it hardly warranted the melodramatic spectacle the two women were currently caught in. They each knew, however, that their irrepressible laughter came more from their own nervousness about the possibilities that lie ahead, rather than the actual conversation with Gillian.
The ache in their bellies finally made the laughter subside and Kate took in a few sighing breaths in an effort to calm herself down. Caroline stood next to her doing the same, using her scarf to wipe the tears from her face.
Kate watched Caroline in silence, her stomach fluttering at the excitement she felt, Caroline too busy wiping her face to notice Kate's awe-struck stare. In fact, Kate's stomach had been fluttering all day, since Caroline had pounced on her so feverishly in her office earlier that afternoon.
Kate had almost resigned herself to the fact that her relationship with Caroline would never become anything more than a friendship; if that were even to stay intact as it were. Caroline had ended it, before anything had really begun, aside from a few glorious kisses, and Kate knew her well enough to know that Dr. Caroline Elliott rarely changed her mind.
That action had hurt Kate more than she dared to admit. But then Caroline changed it all in an instant this afternoon, with the most passionate kiss Kate had ever experienced, and now here she was, in all her magnificence, standing in Kate's door, knowing full well the implications of that decision.
Caroline wiped the last tear from her cheek, raising her gaze to meet Kate's. She smiled shyly as she registered the intensity in the beautiful brown eyes before her.
"Hi you," Kate said, barely above a whisper, as she leaned closer to Caroline, closing the gap in between them.
"Hi," Caroline whispered in return, stepping in to Kate's advance. Kate leaned in for a slow gentle kiss, taking Caroline's scarf, pulling her closer still.
Caroline's hands instinctively move to rest on Kate's hips, as the intensity of their kiss develops. Their tongues touch gingerly at first, a slight trepidation impairing each woman, but transform into a sensual dance between them as their arousal quickly grows.
Never breaking their now passionate kiss, Kate unhurriedly pulls the scarf from Caroline's neck, dropping it absent-mindedly to the floor. She then slips her hands into the front of Caroline's coat, pushing it deliberately off her shoulders, Caroline dropping her arms to let it fall. Caroline's hands return eagerly to Kate's body, pulling her hips closer to her own. Kate raises a hand to cup Caroline's breast, igniting the throb between her legs. Caroline finally breaks away breathless, looking bashfully into Kate's eyes.
"Kate…it's been a long while for me. Umm, do you think maybe we could…talk…a bit first?" She speaks so timidly it melts Kate's heart, a tender smile breaking across her full lips, exposing the sexy gap in her teeth. Caroline feels the jolt of electricity that runs through her, the sight of Kate's brilliant smile always driving her wild.
"Sure," she smiles warmly, taking Caroline's hand, guiding her to the couch for a seat. Caroline sits on one end and Kate takes the other, sensing Caroline's need for a bit of space. Kate tucks her legs underneath her, patiently waiting for Caroline to speak.
"I umm, I said it's been a while, and it has. Almost 25 years to be exact." She looks to Kate, her blue eyes conveying her nervousness.
"What do you mean Caroline?" Kate replies, a confused furrow in her brow.
"Well, umm, I never told you this before, because I was too afraid, but I was with a woman once, when I was at university." Caroline drops her eyes and begins fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
"By 'with', do you mean sex?" Kate's mind reels at the thought. She had always felt such a strong passion when she had kissed Caroline and was certain that Caroline had felt it too, but she had never known for sure. Caroline had certainly never said so, nor had she so much as hinted about any past experience with a woman. Kate had always assumed her hesitation came from the fact that these feelings were entirely new for her.
"Yes. It only happened once, and I ended it soon after." The expression on Caroline's face falls, exposing the sadness underneath.
"Why?" Kate inquires, now captivated by this discovery.
"In short, I was a coward." Caroline lifts her head, now meeting Kate's eyes, shame written over her face. Kate frowns slightly, but remains quiet, not exactly sure what to say. Caroline takes a deep breath, releasing it slowly, turning to face Kate.
"Her name was Sarah. I loved her, and she loved me. We had dated for 6 months before we finally slept together. It was the first time for both of us and it was…beautiful. I knew I loved her, but I wasn't entirely sure that I was…a lesbian, until then. It was so wonderful and just so natural and perfect." She smiles as the fond memories, ones she hasn't allowed herself to think of in years, come flooding back into her mind. The release she feels in finally speaking those words, sharing them with someone who understands, someone she cares for very deeply, gives her the courage to continue.
"We decided we would tell our parents because we wanted to be together, and we wanted our parents to see how happy we were. We made plans to tell them when we went home for Christmas break, with the intent of taking turns to visit each other's home on the next two breaks we had." Her confidence grows with each word she speaks, and the patient and understanding look in Kate's eyes.
"So, I went home that Christmas absolutely over the moon, I couldn't wait to tell my mum. I knew my dad would probably be a bit upset, but I wasn't as close to him anyway, so I didn't really care." She pauses for a moment, as the happy memories morph into sadness.
"When I told my mum she was livid, and that's an understatement. She kept repeating I didn't know what I was saying and that I was just confused and bewitched by this girl. I had never expected such a horrific and violent reaction from her. I was devastated and she eventually convinced me she was right. I couldn't bear the thought of being such a disappointment, so I decided then and there I would end it with Sarah and I would put all those feelings into a box and never open it again." She sighs heavily before continuing, returning her gaze to the hem of her dress, the weight of the words now beginning to wear on her.
"So, I did what was expected of me. I met John, and I liked him enough, well, I even loved him at one time. I had two wonderful children, became a success in my profession…checked all the boxes off my mum's list for a happy, fulfilled life. Then, 7 months ago it all fell apart." She lifts a hand to quickly wipe a tear as it falls from her eye. She's not used to sharing so much of herself, having worked so many years to create the hard exterior that is Dr. Caroline Elliott, but Kate is special and she wants her to know it.
"Caroline, I am so sorry you had to deal with that." Her voice so tender and soft as she slides across the couch, taking Caroline's hand, using the other to wipe another tear from Caroline's cheek.
"Then there you were, right when I needed someone. You were so kind, so patient, so understanding. You were the first person who recognized my need for companionship, and who was not afraid to offer it. Most people think I'm tough, unfeeling, I've built up that image for years as a defense, but you saw through that, you saw me. Your tenderness has been such a welcome gesture, and I have grown to…cherish you. I do have strong feelings for you Kate, more than just gratitude and friendship. I was scared a few weeks ago, of my feelings for you, and that's why I stopped the advances. After what happened with mum and Alan last night though, I've turned a corner and I realize I want, need, to finally live my life as my full, authentic self. I really would like to try with you Kate, to see where this goes. You make me happy and I hope I can make you happy too." Caroline raises her head, again making eye contact with the tender brown eyes, gazing lovingly into her beautiful baby blues. The intense gaze they hold says everything they need to say, that electric spark flying between them yet again.
Kate's heart swells to bursting with joy. Everything she has longed for Caroline to say to her has just come pouring out of those wonderful lips that have held her heart captive for so long.
"Caroline, you make me more than happy. I have very strong feelings for you as well. To be honest, I think I'm falling in love with you." Kate feels her heart pick up pace as her words hit her ears. She hadn't really planned on telling Caroline that, at least not so early in the game, and the semi-shocked look on Caroline's face certainly isn't helping her nerves.
Shit McKenzie, that's too soon. When will you learn to keep your bloody mouth shut?
Caroline sits quietly for a moment, letting Kate's words sink in. She knew Kate had strong feelings, but she had clearly underestimated their magnitude. The warm calm that washes over her and the buzz in her chest tell her it's what she had secretly wanted to hear. A shy smile begins to move across her lips, her blue eyes giving away her secret. Kate beams a beautiful smile in return, warming Caroline's heart even more.
Kate leans forward and kisses Caroline with such tenderness and passion it takes her breath away. She pulls away for a moment, looking sensuously into Caroline's eyes, questioning without saying a word. Caroline reaches up, taking Kate's face into her hands, pulling her in to a deep, sexy kiss.
They continue kissing, tongues dueling for ownership of each other's lips. Kate leans forward, gently pushing Caroline back against the cushions, until she's lying down beneath her. Caroline grabs Kate's hips, pulling her down hungrily, closer to her body. As their hips collide, an electric jolt of arousal shoots straight between each woman's legs.
Caroline moves her hands up Kate's hips, pulling her shirt up, slipping under to make contact with the smooth skin beneath. Kate shudders with delight at the touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She quickly moves her hand to Caroline's breast, caressing gently, coaxing soft moans from Caroline.
Caroline's left hand moves around Kate's side, pushing her bra up over her full perfect breast, exposing the erect nipple beneath. Kate gasps between kisses at the soft pinches Caroline places and slowly tracks her right hand down Caroline's side, fingers feeling for the hem of her dress.
She slips her hand underneath, running it languidly up the inside of Caroline's thigh, creating goosebumps along its path. A deep moan escapes Caroline's lips, as the hand inches every closer to her sex. Kate runs the hand all the way up Caroline's leg, to her stomach, then across the top hem of her panties slowly, causing a pool of wetness to form between Caroline's legs.
As she dips her hand inside Caroline's underwear, Caroline gasps and bites Kate's lip. Kate's fingers slip into the wetness waiting for her, Caroline bucking her hips involuntarily, pinching Kate's nipple hard. Kate groans at the contact, in a mixture of arousal and pain.
Caroline releases her grip on Kate's nipple, pulling her hand out and moving to grab Kate's head, deepening their kiss, in hungry desire. Kate moves slowly, stroking Caroline's clit, relishing the feel of Caroline's body beneath her. Caroline's exquisite moans of pleasure and soft gyrations toward her hand make Kate instantly wet.
She continues stroking Caroline firmly, rotating between circles and straight lines. As she feels Caroline begin to grow rigid beneath her, she quickens her pace, bringing Caroline to a shuddering quiet orgasm. Caroline, absorbed in the pleasure, has stopped kissing her, her eyes closed in ecstasy.
Kate slows her hand, eventually coming to a stop, but resting it still between Caroline's legs. She kisses Caroline softly, moving from her lips to her cheeks, watching her, in rapture of her beauty. Caroline finally opens her eyes and is met with Kate's tender gaze.
"Hi, welcome back," Kate says, with a soft smile.
"Mmm, you are very pretty, you know." Caroline smiles, lifting her head for a sweet kiss.
"And you are magnificent. Would you like to continue this upstairs?"
"Oh, I think we must," Caroline teases with a seductive smile.
Kate plants another tender kiss on Caroline's lips then gets up, pulling her bra back into place while Caroline sits up and adjusts her dress. Kate extends her hand and Caroline takes it readily, following her upstairs into the bedroom.