A/N: ENJOY! ;-)
Kate had practically run out of school at 4 o'clock. The day had dragged on unbearably slow for her and now, the anticipation for tonight's dinner was so great she could hardly contain herself. She felt like a child on Christmas Eve after setting out the cookies, lying awake in bed, too excited to fall asleep.
She wanted to look perfect for their date, if that's even what this was, she still wasn't entirely sure. Yes, Caroline had said it was a thank you dinner, for all her kindness and her hard work with the choir, but she couldn't help but notice the slightly flirtatious air the invitation had been accompanied with. Maybe she was making it up, maybe she was reaching, she thought to herself as she showered.
She had spent the night before going through her wardrobe, narrowing down her top five choices. Now, even deciding between the five seemed a near impossible task. She tried each dress on, running a scrutinizing eye over each selection in the full length mirror. She thought a dress more appropriate, given Caroline's directive of something "too nice for school", but now she wasn't certain that any of them would do.
She sunk into the arm chair next to the bed with a frustrated groan, staring at the selections she had laid out, elbows resting on knees, her chin propped firmly into her hands. After a few minutes more of scrutinizing, she finally rises to her feet with a sigh.
"Sod it," she says as she approaches the bed and picks up the sexiest dress in the bunch. It's a dark plum faux wrap dress that fits like a glove and has a dangerously deep v neck.
She slips it on, adjusting her ample cleavage in the mirror, a small smile appearing as she's pleased with her selection, and then heads to the en suite to do her make-up and hair.
oOo
"William, William. I'm leaving now, alright." Caroline calls as she heads toward the front door.
A moment later and William is standing before her with a broad smile.
"Mum, you look very pretty." He says as she looks up from her purse to see him.
"Thank you. You're my sweetheart Will, you know that?" She says as she crosses to kiss his cheek with a smile.
"I'm not sure when I'll be home, but Granny is next door if you need her. Lawrence shouldn't call, but if he does, just have him text me so I know he's alright. I've left you a dinner in the oven."
"Don't worry mum, I'll be fine. Have a great time and I won't wait up."
She kisses him once more on the cheek and is out the door.
oOo
Caroline pulls up to Kate's house and turns off the Jeep. Suddenly she's nervous.
This is just a dinner, a nice dinner with a good friend. She tells herself as she gets out of the car and straightens her dress before heading to the door.
She had never been to Kate's house before and as she headed up the walk to the door her eyes were roaming the small but tidy front garden. It seemed so very Kate, she couldn't help but thinking; so neat, warm, cozy and inviting. The exterior of the cottage was adorable too, also just like Kate.
She rang the bell and stood on the step waiting, her heart beginning to race in anticipation. A moment later Kate was at the door, opening it slowly with a wide smile. When Caroline got a full view of Kate, it took her breath away. Goosebumps moved quickly down her arms, despite the warm evening air.
Kate looked exquisite in her dress, the dark plum color looking radiant against her skin. The dress clung to every delicious curve and the cleavage…oh God, the cleavage. Caroline plastered a grin on her face, hoping desperately to hide her budding arousal.
Get a grip woman. She told herself.
"Hi." Kate said with a coy smile as she made eye contact with Caroline, sending her stomach into an even stronger flutter.
"Hello. You look…amazing, Kate." Caroline managed to say.
"Thank you. You look very pretty yourself." Kate replied with a radiant smile and a flash in her eyes that Caroline couldn't quite place.
"Well, are you ready? Reservations are for 7:20, so we need to get going."
"Yes, just let me grab my purse." Kate returns to the door with a small black clutch and turns to lock up before they head to the car.
When Caroline turns to walk to the car ahead of her, Kate sees the back of her dress and gasps. From the front it looked like a simple black sleeveless chiffon dress, but from the back….heaven. It dips into a deep v, showing off most of Caroline's back, and it's clear she isn't wearing a bra.
Caroline, upon hearing Kate gasp, swiftly turns to look.
"What's wrong?" She hastily asks with concern.
"Oh, uhhh, nothing. I just slipped coming down the step." Kate hurriedly answers, in a not so convincing manner.
Caroline turns back to the car to hide the huge smile on her face. The dress had gotten just the reaction she had hoped for.
"So, will you tell me where we are going now?" Kate asks Caroline, almost teasingly, as they drive toward the center of town.
Caroline looks to Kate with a devilish smile and then quickly turns her eyes back to the road.
"We're going to Van Zeller." She answers with a side glance over to Kate to see her reaction.
"Oh my God, Caroline, that's far too fancy. You needn't have done that!" Kate protests, despite being immensely flattered by the gesture.
"Yes, I did. I told you we're celebrating, and besides, you have been so kind to me the past few months, it's the least I can do. So you will have a nice time and not worry about it, alright?"
"Alright, fine." Kate says in mock indignation with a megawatt smile.
oOo
Caroline and Kate are seated at a table near the back windows, far more intimate and secluded than either had expected. The server comes round and Caroline orders a bottle of cabernet for them to start.
He returns with the bottle, pouring a taste for Caroline, who approves, and then proceeds to pour a full glass for each lady. The first courses are ordered, Caroline selecting scallops, Kate selecting the rabbit and they are left in peace, to enjoy each other's company.
"Caroline, thank you again for bringing me here; you really shouldn't have, but I'm glad you did. I've always wanted to try this place, but never had an occasion to come." Kate confides with a shy smile.
"It's amazing. I haven't been in ages. I think the last time I was here was 5 years ago, for our anniv…" she stops short, for two reasons. One: she doesn't want John to spoil the evening, and two: saying it was their anniversary place just proves the rather romantic nature of the restaurant.
"What do you say we have a John free evening, eh?" Kate says with a wink and a coy smile.
"Sounds perfect."
The waiter returns with the first courses and the women dive in, eager to taste the gorgeously plated options before them. They finish the offerings and relax back in their seats, returning to conversation before the next course is delivered.
"Kate, your little cottage is adorable, well at least what I saw tonight. It suits you."
"You really think so? I fell in love with it when my mum and I went to view it and I just knew that was where I wanted to be. It's got a small garden in the back as well, that's where all the lovely roses are." Kate smiles proudly.
"Oh, I love roses. I've got them all across our back garden, mixed with peonies. I'm afraid I've been a bit neglectful of them of late, so they are looking a little sad."
"Well, I could help you whip them back into shape, if you like. I love gardening, getting the dirt under my nails and such. It's good for the soul, I think."
"I think you're right. I find it very relaxing, and oddly therapeutic. I'd love to have you come help me sometime. Nothing seals a friendship like sweating together in the garden." Caroline says with a laugh. Kate laughs heartily in return.
"Is that so? Well count me in then!"
The waiter returns, main courses in hand, and Caroline and Kate look on in anticipation. He sets the duck before Caroline and she leans over to smell it, the sweet scent of apricot filling her nose. Kate watches her in silence, the butterflies in her stomach resuming their ballet.
The salmon with bacon jam he places in front of Kate, a wide almost child-like grin crossing her lips. Once ensuring that both ladies are satisfied, he's off again.
"Oh my God, it almost looks too good to eat." Kate says excitedly.
"No way! I don't care how pretty it looks; I'm going to eat it…all of it!" Caroline replies with a laugh.
The women eat their meals between conversation, mostly about how excellent the dishes are. Their eye contact is almost constant and, over the course of the evening, has taken on a decidedly more flirtatious nature, though neither has been brave enough to say anything about it.
Kate takes the final bite of her food and wipes her mouth gently with her napkin, leaning back a bit more into her seat.
"God, that was amazing." She purrs with a sigh, taking her wine glass into her hand. She crosses her left arm under her bosom and props her right elbow on it, holding the glass out in front of her.
This position pulls the neckline of her dress slightly lower, showing even more of her appealing cleavage. Caroline's eyes wander to the enticing bit of velvety smooth skin as Kate takes a sip of her wine, oblivious to Caroline's wandering eye. The waiter approaches again to take the plates and inquire of their dessert selections. Caroline peels her eyes away, just as he steps to the table and Kate lowers her glass.
He too had seen the enticing view, but made a much less stealthy observation of it, causing Kate to look down as he walked away.
"Perhaps, this dress wasn't the best choice. It is a bit low, isn't it?" She questions rhetorically while adjusting.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that." Caroline replies before catching herself. Kate's eyes dart up to meet Caroline's, her head still turned down to her cleavage.
Caroline blushes and tries to recover, "Well, I imagine that's what he thinks anyway."
She quickly picks up her wine, taking another sip, grateful for the glass to partially hide her flushed face. Kate watches her for a moment in silence, before flashing a sexy smile.
"Yes, well the table behind you has a very inviting view as well. At least, I imagine that's what they think." She beams that same sexy smile. Caroline smiles embarrassedly in return.
"Oh hush, you." She says with a playful jab of her left foot to Kate's leg under the table. Kate's eyes flash brightly and a wicked smile fills her face, her perfect teeth on full display.
Caroline feels her heart beat faster and the butterfly in her stomach begins rapidly fluttering as it stretches out its wings. She keeps her leg next to Kate's and nearly gasps aloud when Kate's leg leans into hers, slowly snaking it's way around her ankle. Her eyes grow wide as she feels the warmth of Kate's skin against her own and Kate's smile grows broader by the second.
The waiter arrives, this time with the dessert and Caroline nearly jumps, quickly pulling her leg away, despite their flirtation being hidden by the tablecloth. Kate releases a low seductive laugh as she pulls away.
He places the desserts and aperitifs before them before excusing himself once again. Kate leans forward, aware of how much cleavage she is showing, to look at Caroline's dessert.
"Oh, now that looks sinful." She says, as she eyes the chocolate soufflé Caroline had chosen.
"Yours looks pretty heavenly too." Caroline says with a smile.
"What do you say we share? Give each other the first bite?" Kate suggests, an air of seduction in her voice.
"Alright, you first then." She dips her spoon into the soufflé and produces a bite, extending her hand out to Kate. She had expected Kate to take the spoon from her, but instead, Kate leans in further and takes the spoon into her mouth, leaving it in Caroline's hand.
Caroline feels her mouth go dry as she watches Kate move, almost in slow motion. She's suddenly overwhelmed by how incredibly sexy Kate is and she quickly averts her eyes as she lowers her spoon, her arousal almost betraying her.
Kate leans back with a deep soft moan as she savors the bite of the sticky treat, the mix of sweet chocolate and salted caramel seducing her mouth.
She finishes her bite and picks up her spoon, dipping in for a bite to give Caroline. She extends her hand forward and Caroline follows suit, leaning in to take the spoon in her mouth. She pulls away, slightly embarrassed, but the look in Kate's eyes makes her bold. She swallows the bite and licks her lips slowly, reveling in the sugary strawberry flavor left behind.
"Oh yes, that is divine." She smiles, keeping solid eye contact with Kate.
The women finish their desserts never speaking a word, their eyes doing all the talking.
The waiter drops the check and Caroline pays and the ladies make their way into the warm night air. It's almost 10pm but still relatively light outside, so they decide to take a short walk along the gardens.
"What a beautiful night. I'm surprise it's still so warm." Caroline muses as they walk along the sidewalk towards the garden entrance.
"Mmm yes, it's very nice. This is my favorite time of year. Everything's in bloom, the sun is out more, the air is warm and we can finally take off all the layers." Kate says with a smile.
They reach the gardens and the gate is closed, but there's a bench behind the wall that faces the fence line, giving a nice and slightly secluded view inside. They decide to take a seat, both acknowledging that they might need to let the wine wear off a bit before driving home.
They sit in silence for a while, each enjoying the warm air and quiet around them, and both a bit nervous to speak. Finally Caroline breaks the silence.
"Kate, can I ask you something? It's a bit personal, so you don't have to answer if you don't want to." Caroline questions a bit cautiously.
"You can ask me anything Caroline."
"When did you know you were a lesbian? Was it before or after you married Richard?"
"Well, I think I knew at the age of 13. I had my first crush then, on my maths teacher. She was tall, shapely, with strawberry blonde hair and green eyes. I was smitten." Kate laughs as she recalls the memory.
"So, why did you marry Richard then?"
"I loved him. I had dated women mostly, until I met him. There was something about him though, we connected instantly. He was smart, kind, funny and we had fun together. We were over the moon for the first few years, but eventually we started growing apart and I began having trouble ignoring my attraction to women. Ultimately we decided it was best if we went our separate ways."
"Do your parents know? How did they take it?"
"Yes, they know. I couldn't, and didn't want to hide it from them. It's who I am. They were a bit shocked at first, especially since it was after Richard and I had divorced. They were confused, I think. They got over it pretty quickly though, and now everything is totally fine."
"You're very brave Kate." Caroline replies honestly, with a tinge of sadness.
"No, I'm not," comes Kate's equally honest reply.
"Well, I think you are. I admire how open and honest you are as a person." Caroline confides with a smile.
"Thank you Caroline, that's very kind of you to say."
"Well, it's getting a bit late now, you ready to head home?" Caroline says, suddenly nervous of their proximity and seclusion.
"Whenever you are." Kate smiles warmly in return.
They walk side by side back to the car, their shoulders touching the whole way. The care ride is mostly silent, but comfortable, as each woman thinks over the evening. They pull up to Kate's house and get out of the car, making their way slowly up the walk to the front door.
Kate steps up on the landing first, followed closely by Caroline. They stand there silent for a moment, eyes making shy contact, mouths pressed shyly closed.
"Caroline." Kate finally says breaking the silence, saying her name in the form of a question. It was then that Caroline first registered how much she loved the way Kate said her name. Soft, sweet, tender; it rolled attractively off her tongue.
"Hmm?"
"Was this, umm, was this a…date?" Kate asks, apprehension apparent in her voice.
"Is that what you would like for it to have been?" Caroline questions after a lengthy pause.
"Yes. Yes I would." Kate replies instantly, finally finding her confidence.
There's another long pause as Caroline frantically searches for a response. She knew the answer, but hadn't anticipated Kate actually asking the question. Finally, she goes for it, finding the brave Caroline somewhere deep within.
"Well, yes, I think it was." She replies, her face doing a poor job of hiding her nerves.
Kate bites her bottom lip and takes a step toward her, looking down to Caroline's hands. She takes one into her own and laces their fingers together, looking back into Caroline's eyes with a coy smile. Each woman feels the electric pulses that shoot between them.
Kate pulls Caroline's hand gently, urging her to take a step closer, Caroline gives in and they are standing breast to breast on the step, both hands now interlaced at their sides. It's an exquisite torture.
Finally Kate leans in, ever so slowly, her eyes lowering to look at Caroline's lips. The electric charge grows tenfold as their lips finally meet in a tender, chaste kiss. Kate pulls away, looking into Caroline's eyes with a tender smile. Caroline smiles in return, her stomach fluttering wildly now.
Before Kate leans back all the way, Caroline squeezes her hands, stopping her in her tracks. She leans in again, taking Kate's lips into another gentle kiss. Kate releases her right hand and moves it to Caroline's hip, pulling her body closer to her own. She slips her hand around Caroline's back as the kiss continues, gliding it softly across Caroline's smooth skin. She feels the goosebumps rise under her touch and she smiles into the kiss.
Kate parts her lips and feels Caroline follow her lead. She slips her tongue effortless into Caroline's mouth and their kiss grows into a passionate exchange until they finally break apart breathless.
"Caroline, would you like to come inside? For some coffee, or maybe another glass of wine?" Kate asks, hoping for a resounding yes.
"Kate, I would love to…but I'd better go. William is at home alone and I know he's old enough to take care of himself, but I feel a bit guilty leaving him there so long. And, my mother will start to wonder where I am. She'll send out the police if I'm not back soon, and that would spoil the evening." Caroline replies, her regret apparent in her eyes.
"Alright, I understand. I had a lovely evening Caroline, thank you." She says with seductive smile.
"So did I. Good night Kate, I'll call you tomorrow."
"Good night Caroline."
They embrace in a long hug, pressed tightly together, relishing the proximity of their bodies and the intoxicating scent of the other. They pull apart slightly and Kate leans in, planting another tender, small kiss on Caroline's lush lips before they part and she walks away.