Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows Chapter 3: Snow Day Part I, a guiding light fanfic

Title: Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows

Author: Kimberly21570

Fandom: Guiding Light

Pairing: Olivia and Natalia

Rating: Chapter 3 is rated R for sexual situations and strong innuendo; but subsequent chapters will eventually reach NC-17.

Disclaimers and Other Assorted Ramblings: All characters in this chapter are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The book that is mentioned in this update, A Jewel in His Crown, was written by Priscilla Evans Shirer; copyright Chicago: Moody Press, 1999. No copyright infringement intended with regard to GL, P&G, Moody Press or any other entity. The dialogue, props, etc. in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.

That being said, I do apologize for the delay in getting this chapter posted. Real life has been extraordinarily busy, of late. In three weeks' time, I hosted an impromptu sleepover for one of my older sisters and two of my grown nieces when my uncle passed away, made 8 trips to The Sticks to help my sister cater two weddings, three funerals, and a women's brunch for our church. Yeah, I know – sounds like the setup for a punch line: "Two weddings, three funerals and a women's brunch walk into a bar …" *smirk* or title for a really bad movie … I mean, I think Hugh Grant is adorable – for a guy, that is, but Come On – Really? I'll take Knotting Hill over that wedding/funeral fiasco, any day. *grin*

But, I digress …

And yes, some of the weekend functions required not one, but two trips to The Sticks. Don't even ask. *rolling eyes* LOL And … since returning from my last visit to The Sticks, I've essentially been in "kid mode;" not that I'm complaining at all … I adore them, and miss them terribly when I'm not with them. However, writing does prove to be a bit of a challenge when there's one computer … and an 11 year-old child who's obsessed with learning magic tricks from the demonstration videos on YouTube … in the house. LOL My writing time has literally consisted of stolen moments between his YouTube magic obsession and mediating the incessant bickering between his 5 and 8 year-old sisters, and whatever time I can managed to stay alert after the madness dies down, and they finally pass out – Meaning, between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. If I'm lucky … LOL Oh, how I love summertime …

At any rate, the chapter is rather long, around 45 pages, containing several scenes of varying nature; some of which are still under revision. However, considering the already extensive delay in updating, I decided to post it in at least 2 sections, possibly 3, depending upon the number of magic trick interruptions I have over the next week or so. LOL

Oh, and just for you, crammit, since you've expressed a fondness for my little anecdotes … the most memorable conversation I had while in The Sticks these past few weeks involved another of my nieces, and her "heart medicine." The conversation went something like this:

Spotting my niece popping a pill (an extremely unusual occurrence), I asked: What are you taking?

Niece: Oh, it's my heart medicine …

Me: (my own heart pounding out of my chest) What?! OMG, what's wrong with your heart?!

Niece: Oh. Nothing … (uttered nonchalantly) My heart is fine …

Me: (scratching my head) I don't understand …

Niece: (shrugging her shoulders) It's just birth control … I call it my heart medicine, 'cause … if I get pregnant again … I'll have a Fucking heart attack!

Me: (after I finished laughing and picked myself up off the floor) Crazy Bitch (btw that's my ringtone for her on my phone – and she's well aware of it LOL). Don't scare me like that!

Niece: (rolling eyes) Love you too, Aunt Kim …

The End.

Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you … In spring, summer and fall, people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself."

Ruth Stout

Chapter 3.1: Snow Day

In years past, the onset of February would have found Olivia Spencer bitterly cursing the unremitting arctic chill that permeated Springfield, and forcefully reminding herself that winter, despite the desolate feeling that the ominous season had far outworn its welcome, was not forever …

True to its Midwestern roots, by Valentine's weekend, Springfield had already experienced a long, frigid season; one besieged with heavy ice accumulations and blinding snowstorms that tended to halt life in the metropolis for days at a time. And yet, despite months of incessant assaults by harsh Midwestern weather, the Spring Equinox, which marked the official end to this bitter-cold season, was still more than a month away; and even then, there was no guarantee they wouldn't be the recipients of yet another springtime snowstorm.

And it was those unexpected springtime snowstorms that so often left Olivia pondering the sanity of having abandoned life on San Cristobel – a veritable paradise, where tropical breezes and balmy weather abounded.

In her quiet moments, she could still conjure up the refreshing aroma of the ocean breeze; she could taste the salty air on the fullness of her lips, and hear the pounding waves, crashing against the shore, as she felt the white sands of her beloved island, lightly tickling between her toes; bringing back memories of frolicking on the beach with her siblings, Marissa and Sam. The sights, sounds, tastes and smells of San Cristobel permeated her soul in those moments; leaving her yearning for her siblings and the shared refuge of their childhood habitat; though not particularly their physical home.

Yet, as much as she yearned for San Cristobel at times, a beautiful, young Latina named Natalia Rivera had become the center of her universe, and the prospect of one of those unexpected springtime snowstorms suddenly held vast appeal. After all, their quaint little farmhouse was nestled in a picturesque valley amongst the mountainous terrain near the Sangamon River; which flowed along the northern edge of Springfield, marking their corresponding property boundary with its thick foliage and tree-lined banks. And no matter how harshly the oft-vicious winter winds thrashed about; whipping through the trees, the densely wooded hills ascended high above; sheltering their home from the brutality of the characteristically Midwestern winter. Given the comforts of their home, if Springfield were to be buried under a thick blanket of ice and snow from January to June, Olivia Spencer admittedly wouldn't mind at all …

Winter's nightfall on the farm left the atmosphere around them still; serene. The crackle and hiss of the fire in the hearth provided sharp contrast to the gentle snowfall blanketing the acreage that surrounded their farmhouse; capping a perfect Valentine's weekend.

Olivia held Natalia in an intimate embrace; her arms wrapped around the younger woman from behind. The embrace was close, but not confining; leaving both women with a newly-found sense of enduring connectedness, without fear of being overtaken. They were independent, each in their own right; yet their hearts and lives were perfectly intertwined, and neither of them would have it any other way.

A lightly flushed cheek rested lightly against Natalia's temple, as they gazed through their living room window; peering out into the midnight sky. Nature's brush worked its mystical magic, painting a wintry portrait on the canvas of their farmland; and a contented sigh passed through Natalia's lips, as she pondered the magnificence of winter. "It's breathtaking – isn't it? The gentle silence that falls with the snow; the way it reflects the light …" she quietly mused; taking in the splendor of the falling snow, as it glistened in the soft glow of the old-fashioned lampposts that lined their driveway.

"It is …" Olivia quietly agreed; her hands tightening around Natalia's midsection, "but not nearly as breathtaking as you …" she purred against the Latina's ear. She brushed her lips against that ear; the lightness of her breath sending delightful shivers down Natalia's neck.

She blushed at the compliment, as a gentle, appreciative smile seasoned her lips. She canted her head toward Olivia's face; feeling the hotelier's breath, hot on her cheek. "It's you, who takes my breath away …" she whispered; feeling more cherished than even seemed reasonable, given the fine treasure who held her so close. "Everything about you …" she sighed softly; leaving the comment open to the wealth of possibilities it held within its reach.

The sharp snap of a tree branch, as it succumbed to the weight of the heavy, wet snow, ripped through the cold night air; rebounding off the wooded hills, and echoing across the vast expanse of valley. Olivia nuzzled into Natalia's neck; a contented smile gracing the fullness of her lips. "Looks like we may have a snow day tomorrow," she hummed; lips lightly brushing against the softness of the Latina's skin.

"We … may have a snow day?" Natalia parroted; slowly turning in Olivia's arms; seeking out those smoldering jade eyes. And within a moment, her arms were wrapped around the taller woman's neck, as if they instinctively knew where they belonged.

Olivia canted her head to the left; a furtive smile teasing at the corners of her mouth. "Well, yeah – if Emma is off school … We get the day off too," she announced happily; tucking loose tendrils of raven hair behind Natalia's ear, before allowing her fingers to trail across a perfectly tanned cheek.

The smooth skin of the Latina's cheek tingled under the older woman's touch, and she smiled into the piercing jade eyes that held her own.

"It's one of the many … perks … of making out with the boss …" the hotelier said; allowing that smile to tiptoe across her lips, as she leaned closer, kissing Natalia slowly.

As lips caressed, Olivia's hands gingerly sneaked beneath Natalia's sweater; curious fingers lightly exploring the small of the Latina's back; causing her to moan softly into the hotelier's mouth. "Mmm … I think I like the Beacon's Employee Perks Plan …" she whispered against the softness of the lips that kissed her so thoroughly. "It's way … better than Starbucks … I hear they just get day-old Danishes …" she teased.

Olivia laughed softly at the pun, as she splayed her hands out across Natalia's lower back; feeling the heat of the Latina's skin against her palms. "Yeah … it's rather … innovative – don't ya think?" she grinned into their kiss, as her tongue slowly teased.

"Extremely …" Natalia replied on a low growl; deepening their kiss with the advent of her own tongue into the mix, as it deftly swept across Olivia's lower lip. "How many snow days … could I score … if I let the boss … make it to second base?" she inquired between forays of her silky tongue into the warm recesses of Olivia's mouth, as insistent fingers tangled in chestnut locks.

A soft groan escaped Olivia's lips, as Natalia's tongue tenderly tangled with her own; and the hotelier's fingers gripped harder, digging into the Latina's skin. "At least a week …" she gasped; "A grand slam will score you unlimited …" she grinned against Natalia's lips.

"Snow days are good …" Natalia muttered breathlessly; her tongue gently swiping against Olivia's lower lip again, as her hands slipped from those chestnut locks, to tenderly embrace the hotelier's face.

"Mmm … The best …" Olivia moaned, as their kiss slowly came to an end; desire-laden eyes landing in mahogany pools, nearly drowning in the depths therein.

"You sound kind of hopeful … for that snow day, Ms. Spencer …" Natalia flirted; a shy smile tiptoeing across kiss-swollen lips, as she gazed into a sea of desirous jade. She shifted her hips just slightly, causing the faintest hint of friction between their bodies; and Olivia whimpered softly at the contact.

Her eyes spoke volumes, as she slipped her hands from under Natalia's sweater; both women mourning the loss. Silently, she took Natalia's hands into her own; their fingers instinctively intertwining, as a wandering thumb lightly brushed against the Latina's palm. Slowly, those darkening jade eyes never losing contact with their mahogany counterparts, Olivia led her to the sofa, where they settled, face to face; talking quietly of their newly-found togetherness, and the myriad decisions that lay ahead …

"I am hopeful for a snow day," she quietly confessed; her eyes twinkling with mischief, as her lips teased themselves into a devilish grin. "And who would blame me … for wanting more time alone with you?" she signed contentedly, pulling Natalia's body closer against her own; their legs intertwining, as they lay together on the sofa. "This has been such a perfect weekend … I just … I don't want it to end …"

"I know …" Natalia mused wistfully; her voice barely a whisper, as she reached out, brushing chestnut locks from Olivia's face. "I could stay here like this with you forever …"

Olivia shifted her right arm, gingerly draping it across Natalia's body, as she smiled softly; nuzzling the Latina's cheek. "Do you realize …" she whispered, lips brushing tenderly against that cheek, "that we shared our first kiss on Valentine's Day?"

"I did realize that …" Natalia grinned; causing a dimple to form under Olivia's lips.

"Hmm … I guess that kinda makes it our anniversary …" Olivia quietly concluded; lightly kissing the emerging dimple, as her hand slowly glided down Natalia's side.

"Guess it does …" Natalia readily agreed; turning her head to kiss the deductive woman softly; as she reached down, covering the hand that wandered her hip, squeezing it gently.

Olivia smiled into their kiss. "It's kind of … romantic – don't you think?" she whispered, more a statement than a question; entangling Natalia's fingers with her own.

The Latina's eyes sparkled with mischief, as she pointedly arched an eyebrow. "You … are being awfully sappy, Ms. Spencer," she noted playfully; as her lips curled into a teasing smile. "Very … un-boss-like of you …"

Olivia's countenance took on a contemplative air, as she feigned serious deliberation of Natalia's playful accusation. "Well … since I met you, it seems I've turned into a maple tree …" she said; for once, not giving anything away with those expressive eyes or teasing lips.

Natalia furrowed her brow; her face scrunching up in puzzlement at the randomness of the comment. "What?!" she laughed softly, canting her head to one side.

Reaching up, Olivia gently touched Natalia's cheek with the tips of her fingers, as she gazed into deep mahogany pools. "Your love … was the One tap strong enough … to pierce the bark I built up around my heart," she quietly explained; her thumb gently scraping across the Latina's lips.

A barely audible sigh slipped through those lips; her heart swelling with love. "Oh, Olivia …" she quietly whimpered; those mahogany pools clouding with tears, as she gently touched the hotelier's face, and leaned in; covering soft, supple lips with a slow, lingering kiss.

Olivia moaned into the kiss; allowing herself to get lost in the sensation of the Natalia's lips gliding across her own; her right hand finding the Latina's left hip again, fingers gently prodding.

And when their kiss ended, the hotelier's lips twisted into a teasing smirk. "And now … the sap just keeps on dripping …" she said, with the raising of an eyebrow.

In a flash, Natalia's expression switched, from profound emotion to trifling exasperation, as she pinned Olivia to the sofa with that look. You … are not funny," she grunted; playfully slapping the hotelier's arm; but the slight twitching of her lips belied the sternness in her eyes and the admonishing lilt in her voice.

"Then why are you smiling?" Olivia countered with a satisfied grin.

Natalia relented, allowing the covert smile permission to overtake her lips. "I just can't help but smile when I'm with you," she whispered; fingers treading softly down the hotelier's arm; "Especially now, Olivia. That One kiss … changed everything for me …" she said wistfully.

The muscles in Olivia's arm ripped under the tenuous touch of the Latina's browsing fingers. "For me, too, Natalia," she quietly agreed. "Who would've imagined just one kiss could change So much …"

Natalia sighed contentedly; resting her head against Olivia's chest, as she listened to the steady pulsation of the older woman's heart beating beneath her cheek. "I know how you feel …" she whispered; her hand slowly traveling down the hotelier's side. "Everything has changed … in the best possible way, and I … I don't wanna go back to the real world … I just wanna stay here with you and Emma …"

Olivia tipped Natalia's chin, and nuzzled against her cheek, lightly kissing the corner of her mouth. "If I could, I would stay like this with you forever, Sweetheart …" she whispered, "but eventually we'll have to go back …"

Natalia shifted her body, as reality began to set in. "I know …" she sighed discontentedly, "but … it's so safe, here in our home … And there's so much … uncertainty we have to face out there …" she recognized; burying her face against Olivia's chest, as if seeking shelter there.

"I know … things are uncertain out there, Natalia," Olivia whispered empathetically; comforting fingers gently brushing through raven locks, "but … I'm here, and I promise you, we'll work through it all … together …"

"Thank God you're here, Olivia," Natalia said, exhaling a sigh of relief. "There's just so much to deal with … I mean, there's The Beacon, and … and Frank. And then there's Rafe, and … what about the neighbors?" she added; tension rising. "It just … it scares me, Olivia – the enormity of it all …"

"Whoa, Sweetheart," Olivia cautioned; tipping Natalia's chin to meet her eyes; offering her a supportive smile. "I know this is overwhelming, but … one thing at a time – okay?"

Natalia's cheeks puffed out, as she drew in a deep breath; then slowly deflated as she exhaled; releasing some of her tension, as she nodded her head in silent agreement.

Olivia cleared her throat, and shifted her body; leaning her head against her left hand, as she prepared for what promised to be a lengthy discussion. "Okay, so … the Beacon …" she began, pursing her lips just slightly. "How … comfortable … are you with the staff knowing about us?"

Mirroring Olivia's posture, Natalia leaned her head against her right hand; her mouth twisting into abstract shapes as she contemplated the question. Will they think you made me your assistant because I'm sleeping with you? A transitory thought passed through her mind, leaving its imprint in the most intimate regions of her body, at the notion of sex with Olivia; causing a smile to flicker across her lips. Well, That's gonna cost me a dozen Hail Mary's. And then it was gone; her thoughts returning to deeper concerns. Do I really care what they think? I do care, but only because I don't want them thinking poorly of You. Your reputation is at stake. You have so much more to lose, than I. But what about Frank? If news gets out, it'll be all over town in a flash, and I don't want him to find out that way. I need to be fair to him. And the Coopers will hate me when they hear what I did to Frank, and …

Unable to put coherent words to the myriad thoughts that rifled through her brain, she sighed discontentedly, and bounced the question back to Olivia. "Well, how comfortable are you?" she asked, dark eyes searching their jade counterparts. "The Beacon is your business, Honey. It's your lifeline …"

Locking eyes with Natalia, Olivia quietly studied her before issuing a response. "First of all …" she began quietly, "You are my lifeline, Natalia … You, and our children. The Beacon is … just a business; nothing more," she declared, with conviction. "But beyond that, I'm the boss, and … if my employees disapprove of my choice of a life partner, then they can leave," she stated firmly; knowing there would always be another eager worker, willing to fill the void.

Then, recognizing that Natalia wasn't the type to be so bold, and thus, may not share her desire to be open about their relationship, her voice softened, as she gently touched the Latina's face, "Look, I don't … want to hide … what I feel for you, Natalia," she said quietly, "but … I respect you, so much, and … I don't want to push you, if you're not ready …"

Natalia held her with a resolute stare. "I'm not ashamed of us, Olivia … and I don't want to hide what we have together," she stated firmly, though, not angrily; wanting to ensure the older woman of her commitment to their relationship. Her voice softened then, as she continued her response, "But … I need to tell Frank about us, before the whole town starts talking …" she said, with a roll of her eyes. "After what I did to him, I owe him that much …" she declared; her head dropping from the weight of her actions; those dark eyes veiled by a shadow of regret.

Olivia studied her intently; reading not only her words, but her actions and expressions. "You're still tearing yourself apart over the night you spent with him – aren't you?"

"Yes …" Natalia sighed discontentedly; eyes focusing on the buttons that adorned the hotelier's shirt. "I just can't help it, Olivia …"

"Hey …" Olivia gently broke in, tipping Natalia's chin to meet her eyes. "I know we talked about it when it happened, but … do you need to talk more?" she asked; concern etched in her tone. "I'm here … for you … if you do, you know …"

"I know … and I am So thankful for you …" Natalia quietly affirmed; leaning in to kiss Olivia slowly.

When their kiss broke, she searched the deep jade eyes that watched her so intently. "Frank … is my greatest regret … for so Many reasons," she acknowledged sadly; dropping her eyes from Olivia's gaze. "I used him, because … I was scared of what I was feeling for you … And I ended up hurting a man who has been … a wonderful friend to me …"

"I understand …" Olivia quietly reassured; gently caressing Natalia's cheek. "Frank is a good man. One of the best I've ever known …"

"I know, and that's … one of the reasons why this is so hard. But … there's so much more to it than that," Natalia elucidated; once again studying the buttons on Olivia's shirt, to avoid making eye contact.

Olivia tipped Natalia's chin again; meeting her gaze. "Like what, Sweetheart? Talk to me …" her voice encouraged softly; the tenderness in her eyes gently summoning a response.

"I know that … I hurt you, and that's what makes what happened with him, my greatest regret," she quietly shared; deep sorrow tainting the timbre of her voice. "I'm sorry, Olivia. I'm just … so sorry …"

"Hey … Don't. Okay? You don't owe me an apology, Natalia …" she quietly comforted; eyes conveying the depth of her sincerity. "Look, I won't lie to you, and tell you it didn't hurt, hearing that you'd slept with him, but … if I hadn't been such a coward, and told you how I felt months ago, none of this would have happened …"

"But you tried to tell me … so many times, Olivia … You even tried to tell me that day when I admitted what happened with him …" Natalia recognized; regret tinting the quiet of her voice. "And … even if I hadn't known … I was in love with you, before that day, there was no Way I could deny my feelings anymore. Sure, I continued to deny them to you; but I couldn't ignore them in my own heart. Not after that day …"

"What was it about that day that changed things for you?" Olivia inquired; eyes grazing the younger woman's face in anticipation.

Natalia's thoughts flashed back to that day; bringing with them all the feelings and sensations that emerged when she first saw Olivia that morning; and lingered with her throughout the day. Even with everything that was going on that day, I couldn't resist the pull I felt towards you, she thought. She remembered the warmth and softness of Olivia's chest, as she rested her head against it, while tender fingers sifted through her hair. She remembered the gentleness of those fingers as they brushed against her face and ear. She remembered the warmness of Olivia's breath against her cheek, as the older woman comforted her. She remembered that sexy gray-marbled shirt; the one that fitted so perfectly to her body; outlining the shape of her breasts, and leaving just the right amount of cleavage visible. And those form-fitting jeans and black, knee-high boots … As her thoughts flowed unrestrained, she felt an unmistakable rise in her body temperature, I can't even Think about you without wanting you, she confessed to herself; dark eyes locked on Olivia's.

Drawing in a deep breath, as she attempted to tamp down the flame that was steadily intensifying in her body, she began her explanation. "Well, first of all, you were more … beautiful than I ever remember you being before ... Your face; the expressiveness of your eyes, that's … always there when you look at me. I can't even begin to explain the reactions in my body, just from looking at you …" she exhaled breathlessly. "And then you started talking, and I thought I would die from the sincerity in your voice, as you stood there in our kitchen, telling me about how much you loved the life we had created together. It just … it made me want to cry, because … Well, first, because I felt so overwhelmed with love for you, that I just wanted to bury myself in you …" she confessed; tears welling up in her eyes, as the intensity of her feelings came rushing in. She sniffed back the tears, and continued, "And also, because I knew I had to tell you about Frank, and … I knew how much it was going to hurt you." She paused; taking a moment to organize her thoughts, before continuing, "I know … you thought we were having … two completely different conversations; but … really, we weren't. When we strip away the façade, it was really about us, all along," she acknowledged. "Then, when you held me … in the kitchen, and later, here on the sofa … I felt closer to you, just being in the comfort of your arms, than I did that night … with him, and I literally felt my heart break, because … I knew I slept with someone I didn't love – when … the only person in the world I wanted to share that kind of intimacy with … was you …"

Olivia's eyes filled with tears, but she said not a word, as she reached out, touching Natalia's face. She gently caressed the younger woman's cheek; offering comfort and understanding, as she waited for her to continue.

"I could feel you … hedging your way around telling me you loved me, and … I was feeling the same things for you. But … the force of those feelings – It scared me, Olivia … So I put Josh and Jeffrey between us to avoid talking about it," she confessed; knowing the older woman was already acutely aware of her tactics. "I avoided the truth, like I had dozens of times before, when I felt the subject approaching … Just like I've been avoiding Frank ever since … that night. And I just … I didn't know what to say to you that day, and … I don't know what to say to him now …" she admitted; letting out a frustrated sigh.

Olivia silently weighed the options; already knowing there was really only one viable way to address the situation, unless they wanted to stay closeted in the farmhouse for the rest of their lives. Given Natalia's tenuous emotions regarding the situation, she hated to be her usual forthright self; but really, she reasoned, there was no other option; so she sighed heavily, and dove into the deep end. "Tell him the truth …" she stated; quickly slicing through the crap. "Tell him … that you love me, and … that you never meant to hurt him. I know … it won't be easy for him, but I think, in time, he'll come to understand …"

Natalia let out a deep sigh; knowing Olivia was correct in her assessment of the entire situation. "I know he will …" she agreed. "Eventually …" she sighed. "But … do you think … we could reach a sort of compromise until I can talk with him?"

"What kind of compromise?" Olivia asked; pursing her lips, as she contemplated the likely proposal.

"Well, like I said … I don't wanna hide … what we feel for one another," she reiterated; shaking her head in emphasis. "So … do you think maybe we could not … purposely hide it, but … not blatantly flaunt it, either?" she asked; her face contorting into a slight grimace, as she awaited Olivia's reaction.

The tips of Olivia's lips twitched into a devilish grin. "So … what – Do you mean … kissing you in the elevator, where we might get caught, would be considered … fair game …" she suggested, with the playful rolling of her eyes and pursing of her lips; "but … brazenly pushing you against the Concierge's desk, and … having my way with you, would be considered … foul play?"

Natalia laughed softly; meeting the teasing jade of Olivia's eyes. "Something like that …" she said, smiling, as she bit her lower lip, and pinched Olivia's chin between her thumb and forefinger, before leaning in, kissing her playfully.

Their kiss grew more passionate, with the parting of Olivia's lips, quickly followed by the advent of Natalia's tongue. And as the Latina deftly slipped it through those welcoming lips; slowly exploring, Olivia felt a moan begin to rumble, deep within her abdomen. As she concentrated her attention on that sinuous tongue, and the amazing sensations it was creating in other regions of her body, her thoughts ran rampant … Where did you learn to Kiss this way?! You always seem so innocent … until your lips touch mine, and then … Ohhh, the things you do to me, without even really trying … You drive me to distraction with that brazen tongue … and it's a trip I'll willingly take with you … any day, any time, anywhere …

And then that low rumbling grew more intense, billowing up through her chest; rushing out through her lips, forcing her own tongue out along with it. Curling her fingers in raven tresses, Olivia thrust her tongue into the Latina's mouth, as she contemplated her options. And swiftly determining the position that would provide her greater access to her partner's alluring body, she expertly maneuvered Natalia on top of her; the younger woman's body pressing firmly against her in all the right places.

Olivia reveled in the sensation of having Natalia's body so amazingly close; memorizing how perfectly each delightful curve of the younger woman's body fitted into the welcoming grottos of her own. Never had she experienced such intimate contact while fully clothed; and there, in that moment, Olivia Spencer honestly wondered if she had ever felt such intimate contact with anyone, regardless of their state of undress.

A low gasp escaped Natalia's lungs, as her body molded perfectly against the svelte woman who lay beneath her; supple, yet firm, on so many sinfully tempting curves and planes. Her mind reeled at the sensation of Olivia's tongue languidly exploring the heat of her mouth; the sensation of the woman's body against her own. "God, you feel good …" she moaned into the mouth that kissed her so torturously slowly, as she melted into the older woman's touch; their kiss ever deepening.

And together, in that moment, entangled hearts wordlessly agreed that nothing had ever felt so perfect; so right.

Strong, confident hands slowly trailed up the sides of Natalia's body, until tender fingers lightly brushed the sides of the younger woman's breasts; the faintest quiver brushing through Olivia's abdomen, echoing further below. Heaven help me … I've never wanted Anyone the way I want You, she groaned to herself.

Natalia moaned softly into Olivia's mouth at the sensation of those fingers against her, and her own fingers tangled in chestnut curls, as the older woman's thigh slipped between her legs; pressing firmly against her center. A muffled whimper escaped her lungs at the intimacy of the contact, as she felt blistering heat pooling against the pressure of Olivia's thigh. "You … are dangerously close … to rounding second base, Ms. Spencer …" she growled against Olivia's tongue, as it teased her own; the older woman's fingers gently caressing the outer edges of her partner's breasts.

Olivia smiled into their kiss; the heat against her thigh causing a sharp rise in her current state of arousal. Grasping the belt loops on Natalia's jeans, she pulled the lithe young body more firmly against her, as she lifted her thigh to increase the pressure. "You can have an entire fucking month of snow days …" she groaned; immediately remorseful for the expletive. "Just … please … Don't make me stop …" she exhaled; moist lips sliding down Natalia's neck, as a deft thumb brushed against a nipple, causing it to pebble beneath the lace of the Latina's bra.

Natalia's body involuntarily shuddered in response, and she drew in a sharp breath of air. She marveled at the skills Olivia possessed; skills that allowed her, even in her seemingly subservient position, to wield such control over Natalia's own body. You … are driving me Completely crazy – in the best Possible way, she thought; the embers of desire having been expertly stoked into a slow burning flame.

But fear and uncertainty bubbled up inside her, in direct proportion with her mounting desire. She knew she wanted more; but she also knew she wasn't quite ready to handle it. And not wanting to hurt Olivia, she sought a playful way to coax the older woman from the moment. She pulled back slightly; gaining a sharp grunt of protest from the woman beneath her. "You sound like Gus before we had sex the first time," she laughed softly; grinning down at the intoxicated woman beneath her.

Her thoughts begrudgingly jolted back into coherency, desire-laden eyes gradually opened, and a lopsided grin slowly stumbled across kiss-swollen lips. "Way to kill the mood, Honey … comparing me to a 16-year-old, sex-crazed boy," she laughed softly.

"Well … if the shoe fits …" Natalia teased; tossing her head to flip her hair to one side, as she gazed down at the flushed hotelier that lay beneath her.

Olivia growled at the gesture. Oh, God, Please don't do That! And attempted to dispel the surge of desire it had caused, by making a joke. "Buy it in every color?" she smirked; the golden flecks in those jade eyes dancing with mischief.

Natalia laughed; rolling off Olivia's body; nestling into her side. "Yeah, Baby … buy it in every color …" she agreed; smiling against her partner's chest. "Shoe hoarder …"

"You got me …" Olivia laughed softly; pressing her lips against the top of Natalia's head.

Instinctively, Olivia knew that Natalia's digression to Gus was a sign that she wasn't ready for more, and the older woman willingly conceded. Though thoroughly frustrated, she was also certain, that her patience would be rewarded in the end.

She held Natalia close then, as they settled in, continuing their talk. "So … when and how do you think we should tell Rafe?" she asked; tenderly raking her fingers through soft raven tresses.

"I think … we should tell him … before he comes home," Natalia said decidedly.

"Really?" Olivia asked; surprised at Natalia's initiative, though, not at the fact that they agreed on the best course of action.

"Well, yeah … I do …" Natalia confirmed, "But … how do you feel about that?" she asked; seeking Olivia's eyes, as she attempted to gauge the older woman's reaction.

Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. "I agree … wholeheartedly …" she announced; the expression in her eyes echoing the relief in her voice. "I mean … we're grown adults, and look how long it took us just to process what we were feeling; let alone actually getting real with one another about our feelings. If the changing dynamic of our relationship felt this overwhelming to us, imagine how he might feel trying to process it all," she empathized. "He hasn't had the time here with us like Emma has; time to see us together; time to witness how perfectly our lives mold together," she pointed out. "I just … I think the extra time would be good for him. He'll have … enough adjustments to make when he comes home, and … I want, so much, for him to succeed, Natalia," she shared; deep conviction in her tone. "I want good things for him, and this just … it doesn't need to be another issue for him to face when he's trying to get his life back on track …"

The depth and passion of Olivia's response told Natalia three things: One, Olivia loved Rafe, as much as she loved Natalia, Emma and Ava; Two, Olivia had taken the time to consider her son's best interests; and Three, Natalia could not possibly love this woman more.

Tear-stained mahogany orbs searched the deep jade of Olivia's eyes; her heart overwhelmed by the display of love and concern the older woman had shown for her son. She reached out, gently sweeping a loose tendril of hair from Olivia's face, before slowly tracing the outline of the older woman's jaw with affectionate fingers. "I am so … Completely in love with you, Olivia Spencer …" she whispered; the soft timbre of her voice carrying the depth of her emotions, as the tears in her eyes slowly trickled down those lightly tanned cheeks. "For so many reasons, but … most of all, for the way you love me and our children …"

Olivia reached out with her right hand, catching those tears with her thumb; tenderly wiping them away. "I could not possibly love the four of you more …" she whispered; tears forming in her own eyes as she considered the depth of the love she felt for her family. It was like nothing she had ever felt before, and it gave her a sense of completeness that she never even knew could exist. "I hope that isn't too sappy … for you, Ms. Rivera," she grinned.

Natalia smiled through her tears. "Oh, no …" she replied; shaking her head side to side, "it's definitely not too sappy for me. I love … hearing you talk about how much we mean to you …" she confessed; a thoughtful gust of air escaping with her words, as she wondered at the complete unlikelihood of their family; almost unable to believe it was really hers. "As long as I live, I'll never get tired of hearing that …"

"Good," Olivia smiled; arching an eyebrow, as she delicately pinched Natalia's chin between her thumb and forefinger, "because I intend to remind you, every day, for the rest of our lives …" she whispered; sealing her promise with the tender brushing of those soft, full lips across Natalia's, before drawing her close again.

"I'll hold you to that …" Natalia whispered; smiling softly against Olivia's chest, as she nestled against the warmth of the older woman's body.

"I'm counting on it …" came the quiet reply; as she tenderly kissed the top of Natalia's head again.

Then, resting her cheek against the place she had just kissed, Olivia Spencer let out a sweet, contented sigh; knowing in her heart that this woman in her arms had irrevocably changed her life for the better.

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Morning broke across the farm; the sunlight reflecting brightly, off the vast expanse of newly-fallen snow; casting its glow through Natalia's bedroom window. She stretched her body, one lithe limb at a time; like a languid cat basking in a patch of sunlight on the floor. Lucky for Olivia, I gave her the room that faces west, she thought; a slow smile breaking across her lips as she thought about her partner's extreme disdain for morning, and her analogous fondness for oversleeping.

Focusing her eyes, she glanced at her alarm clock, noting the dim amber lines that connected, announcing the time was 7:15 a.m. Much later than I usually wake, she thought, but then again, Olivia Did keep me up half the night, she grinned; remembering their late-night talk and cuddling on the couch for hours before finally retiring for the night.

Though, already certain of the answer, she reached over to her nightstand, grabbing the television remote, and clicking it on to check the school closings. As the endless list scrolled along the bottom of her screen, the local CBS morning news anchor from WCIA in Champaign blathered on about pork belly futures, and the soybean and corn crop predictions for the fall harvest; given the extreme winter they were experiencing. Natalia rolled her eyes, and successfully tuned him out … Until she heard mention of the name Phillip Spaulding, and his unexpected return to Springfield. Not wanting a repeat of the veritable breakdown she witnessed in Olivia two days prior, she turned the volume up enough to gather the details, yet not enough to wake the woman sleeping soundly in the next room. Several minutes passed, as Natalia listened intently. Then, receiving confirmation that Phillip had indeed been arrested and charged with kidnapping, and was being held without bond, she breathed a deep sigh of relief. Emma was safe.

Finally, Springfield School District 186 scrolled across the screen, and Natalia smiled to herself, as she clicked the television off; knowing she had at least one more full day alone with Olivia and their daughter.

She rose from her bed; retrieving the deep purple, silk robe Olivia had given her for Christmas, from the back of the chair in the corner of her room. Her fingers fondly caressed the silken fabric; her thoughts returning to the soft lilt in Olivia's voice, as she explained that she had chosen this particular shade of purple because it was associated with spirituality, nobility, and Natalia's unique temperament; and then her thoughts fell into the conversation that eventually ensued …

"Purple is royalty," Olivia whispered tentatively, as she smiled timidly at the curious Latina; uncertain of the way her forthcoming confession-wrapped-in-an-explanation would be received, "just like you. At least that's what your book says … A woman of distinction, I think is what the author calls a woman like you -- A Jewel in His Crown …"

Natalia's soft gaze quirked into a stunned stare; "You … read my book?" she inquired, one eyebrow raised.

"Well … it was just … sitting there on the coffee table … lookin' all purple and shit …" Olivia said; mustering up a façade of defensiveness, to cover the burgeoning hunger in her soul to know and understand this God Natalia served. "I … I hope you don't mind …"

Ignoring the expletive, a glowing smile literally leapt across Natalia's face, as she thought about the book that had come to mean so much to her during those dark years when she was raising Rafe alone. It had shown her the true value she held as a Daughter of the King; a child of the Most High God; strengthening her faith and bolstering her self-esteem in the moments when she needed it most. Overjoyed at the prospect of her closest friend discovering the promises that were held within the pages of that book; she sent forth a silent petition to her God, asking that He use whatever words Olivia may have read, to encourage the woman, to give her strength, and to one day lead her to a shared faith.

"Of course I don't mind …" came the jubilant response, as dark eyes danced gleefully. "I want, so much, for you to know how truly precious you are to God … And to me …" she shared; tears springing up in those dark, expressive eyes.

Olivia snorted. "I highly doubt that God regards anything about me as precious, Natalia," she argued; a mixture of bitterness and lost hope in her voice. She admired Natalia's faith, even envied it in those moments where she was completely honest with herself; but she found it difficult to believe that the God of Natalia's faith would, or even could, embrace her, after all that she had done wrong in her life.

Natalia's expression swiftly turned from one of sheer jubilation to one of pained empathy, as she watched the swirl of emotions flashing across Olivia's visage. "Oh, but He does, Olivia … And so do I …" she whispered; reaching out to tenderly brush back the chestnut locks that draped across the older woman's face; shrouding her pain beneath its dark shadows.

Unshed tears burned jade eyes, as Olivia listened to the gentle timbre of Natalia's voice; her soul taking in the heartfelt promise offered within the Believer's words. She wanted, so much, to believe in that promise; to believe that God … and Natalia could somehow find her worthy. Her heart told her to believe … her head told her she was a fool. And being Olivia Spencer, she opted to listen to her head.

"Anyway …" she interrupted, clearing her throat, as she attempted to stave off the rising tide of emotions, "purple is kind of a … mysterious color; one associated with nobility and spirituality …" she reported, as if giving an oral presentation. "And it combines the red hotness of your temper when I piss you off … with the blue tranquility of your gentle spirit; creating the most intriguing of hues …" she ended; her voice softening, as she thought about the gentleness of Natalia's spirit; the altruism of a heart that had so willingly opened itself to her, when she least deserved it.

And even as Natalia listened to the older woman's attempt to ignore the gentle stirrings of God within her battered soul, she knew instinctively, by the soft cadence of Olivia's voice and the mixture of sorrow and hope in those deep jade eyes, that one day, she would be ready to believe; not only in Natalia's love for her, but in God's love, as well.

Returning her thoughts to the present, she shook her head, as she often did upon seeing the silk robe; at the mixture of extravagance and thoughtfulness in Olivia's choice of the gift. The woman is Ridiculously impractical ... yet so Very attentive to the inner workings of my soul, she thought, as she slipped the robe on over her well-worn Amy Grant t-shirt from the 1989 Lead Me On tour – the first and last concert she ever attended as a teenager; given the fact that Rafe was born within months of that memorable night; altering the course of her life forever.

She smiled ruefully at the fact that she had chosen that particular night to give in to Gus, or Nicky, as she had called him in their younger years. She hadn't really valued the faith of her parents and of her beloved Abuela back then; and had, as a result, made choices that would follow her throughout her life. No, the awareness of the true value of her faith had come later, when, at first out of desperation, and later out of deeper personal understanding, she learned to rely upon God for strength and sustenance, as she raised her son alone.

The moment of regret was short-lived, as her eyes passed over the picture of the three of them, Gus, Rafe and her that sat on the nightstand next to the New Year's Eve picture of her with Olivia and Emma. Family is good, no matter the package, she thought; smiling at the pictures, and looking forward to the day when she could place a picture of her with Olivia, Emma, Ava and Rafe there, as well. Perhaps Christmas …

With a satisfied smile on her face, she fastened the robe, virtually feeling Olivia's arms wrapping around her as she did. She savored the moment, whispered thanks to God for the indescribable love of her family, and the beginning of a new day, and walked out her bedroom door; quietly padding down the hall.

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Olivia's bedroom door was slightly ajar, as was typical through the night in case Emma needed her, and Natalia stopped to peer inside. She noticed the soft blue glow emanating from Olivia's alarm clock, and smiled, knowing the alarm wouldn't be set for as early as the older woman probably should rise, considering their usual morning schedule; but that it would be set, nonetheless. Finding no need to wake her, given the fact that school was cancelled, Natalia tiptoed into Olivia's room to turn off her alarm.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she reached for the button, switching off the alarm, as she gazed down at the sleeping woman; dark eyes gently sketching a path along the outline of Olivia's exquisite features. The soft glow of her skin, those full, pouty lips that were perfectly painted by nature, and the smooth curve of her cheek, as it sloped into the angle of her jaw. You are So beautiful …, she thought; unable to resist the urge to reach out; a tender finger tracing the path her eyes had sketched moments earlier.

Fingers found soft, pouty lips; brushing across them as lightly as a feather; and lingering, as Natalia bent down, slowly replacing them with the warmth of her mouth, in a soft, deliberate kiss.

Olivia stirred beneath the burgundy-colored, down comforter that adorned her bed; providing warmth against the draftiness of the antiquated farmhouse windows. She nestled in against Natalia's leg, as if she could sense her presence; a soft moan escaping her lips, as she mumbled something about maple syrup, her tongue, and Natalia's body.

The murmuring caused a deep crimson to brush across the younger woman's usually tanned features.

Natalia reached out, gently tunneling long, lithe fingers through chestnut locks; and still mumbling, Olivia began to stir in earnest. So much for not waking you up … she smiled; gazing down at the woman languorously stretching out in the bed; a disapproving grunt escaping pouty lips as she greeted morning's intrusively early arrival with utter contempt.

Natalia struggled to hide the amalgam of shock and intrigue left on her face by the older woman's murmurings, as Olivia's eyes fluttered open. "Good morning, Beautiful," she whispered; sliding her hand down to cup the waking woman's cheek, as she offered her a morning smile.

Olivia's eyes vacillated between open and closed several times within a matter of seconds, as she forced mind and body into focus. And finally finding a modicum of coherency, a lopsided smile flickered across her lips. "Good morning, Sweetheart," she whispered; twisting her body toward the beckoning voice, as her hand affectionately caressed Natalia's inner thigh; all contempt for her early awaking being cast aside at the sight of woman she loved. I cannot Wait for the day when I finally wake up with you in my arms … I doubt I'll find the arrival of morning, contemptuous ever again …

"Dreaming of me?" Natalia whispered; more a statement than a question, arching an eyebrow, as she smiled sweetly, and tucked a wayward tendril behind Olivia's ear.

"Mmm … the sweetest dream…" Olivia moaned; the tips of her mouth curling into a satisfied smile.

"Ahh … yes … With maple syrup …" Natalia grinned; dark eyes dancing, as she cleverly informed Olivia that she was, in fact, in-the-know.

Olivia's eyes shot open; staring at Natalia with that deer-in-the-headlights look. "Oh, God … what did I say?!"

Natalia smirked. "Enough …" she declared; eyes flashing with mischief, as she purposely tormented the dreamer of maple syrup naughtiness.

Meeting Natalia's eyes; exchanging mischievousness flash for flash, a devilish grin rippled across Olivia's lips. Game on …, she thought, and in one swift movement, she grabbed Natalia, pulling her down onto the bed; garnering a playful squeal from the younger woman for her efforts. And rolling the two of them over, she effortlessly trapped Natalia with her left arm curled around her waist; her right hand planted firmly on the bed on the other side, as she slipped a powder blue, satin covered thigh between the younger woman's legs.

She could tell by the relative ease with which her thigh moved up those legs, that there was little, if anything, other than the satin of her pajama bottoms, creating a barrier between her own skin and Natalia's; and as reality registered in her brain, an appreciative growl escaped her lips; liquid heat pooling between her legs.

Natalia groaned at the contact; the cool satin against her skin providing sharp contrast to the mounting heat between her thighs; her heart rate increasing, as her breathing turned rapid; almost strangled. She glanced to the left, spying the rippling of Olivia's right bicep, as it braced the older woman's body above her; their torsos and lips barely a hairsbreadth from touching. She could feel the warmth of Olivia's breath, wafting across her lips; and the desire she found, riding the waves in those deepening jade eyes that stared into her soul so intensely, caused her insides to quiver and her nether-regions to tingle and pulse in the most exquisite way. How can you affect me so strongly, when you're barely even touching me …?, she wondered, as she struggled to infuse air into her burning lungs. I've never wanted Anyone the way I want You …

Dark jade burned into Natalia's soul, as Olivia watched the aroused Latina tussling for air. She leaned closer; though Natalia couldn't comprehend how, given their already-intimate proximity. "What … did I say?" she grinned devilishly; slowly repeating her previous inquiry; her lips nearly brushing against Natalia's as they moved to form the words.

Fiery heat coursing through her veins, the mahogany liquid of Natalia's eyes simmered with unfettered want, as she gasped out a breathy reply. "You … Um, you said … you wanted … to paint my body with … maple syrup, and … lick it off with … your tongue …"

Eyes fixed on Natalia's, Olivia darted out her tongue to wet those soft, pouty lips; watching dark orbs dilate at the gesture. "That's what I thought …" she announced, in a breathy whisper; her expression remaining serious for the moment, as she allowed the intensity between them to linger. "Just … don't feed me pancakes for breakfast today …" she warned; the corners of her mouth twitching into a devilish grin, "or I can't be held responsible for my actions …"

And with that, she relinquished the invisible, yet undeniably powerful hold she had on the younger woman; rolling over onto her back, as that devilish grin morphed into a satisfied smirk.

Natalia lay there; bolted to the bed by the force of Olivia's presence; despite the current acute dearth of close proximity. She struggled to regain control of her senses, as Olivia cast a sideways grin at her; pleased with the effect she had created in the younger woman with little more than the slightest of touches and the low register of her voice.

Several minutes passed, before Natalia finally managed to tamp down the erratic carryings on within her mind and body. She turned on her side, leaning on her right elbow, as she propped her head against her hand. "Tease …" she whispered; grinning down at Olivia, as her eyes slowly caressed the older woman's body.

Olivia cast Natalia a lopsided grin; eyes taking on a slightly sheepish quality. "Have I told you how much I love you today?" she asked; attempting to extricate herself from the proverbial doghouse.

"What – you only love me today?" Natalia said, feigning incredulity; the subtle twist of her lips giving her away. "What about yesterday … or tomorrow?"

Olivia laughed; pulling Natalia down against her; their lips uniting in a slow, deliberate kiss. And when their kiss ended, she answered with a depth of sincerity that she never knew she could possess. "Sweetheart, I loved you yesterday … I love you today, and I promise you, I will love you from tomorrow through the end of time …" she whispered, gazing into deepening pools of mahogany bliss; sealing the promise with another slow, meaningful kiss.

"Good answer …" Natalia grinned; wrapping herself in the warmth of Olivia's embrace, as she draped her body against the older woman's chest; resting her head on the firmness of one breast.

"Yeah … thought you might like that … all that sap and all …" Olivia grinned. "Kinda goes with that maple syrup dream …"

"Shut up and just hold me," Natalia laughed; slapping Olivia's arm playfully.

"That … I can do …" Olivia replied; pulling Natalia closer against her body, gently caressing the Latina's shoulder, as she covered them with the down comforter. You feel so Completely perfect, lying here against me … she thought; the idea of holding Natalia so close in bed making her tingle all over. I could hold you for a million years …

Then, noting the brightness of the sun through her window, she glanced at the clock on her nightstand. "Snow day?" she grinned against Natalia's forehead.

Natalia sighed contentedly and nodded confirmation.

"Mmm … snow days are good …" Olivia purred; tipping Natalia's chin and kissing her softly.

"Indeed, they are …" Natalia quietly agreed; nestling against the warmth of Olivia's body after their kiss ended.

And they drifted off to sleep, dreaming big purple maple syrup dreams, as the winter sky continued to paint the earth below with a gentle snowfall; creating its tapestry of shiny white wonder to blanket the terrain. And Olivia Spencer, the woman who, no matter how much she possessed, always hungered for more; always hungered for whatever one thing that lay just beyond her reach, finally knew what it meant to find complete contentment …

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