Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows Chapter 11 RuminationsSultry Theme Pt I, a guiding light fanfic

Title: Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows

Author: Kimberly21570

Fandoms: Guiding Light / All My Children

Pairings: Olivia and Natalia / Lena and Bianca

Disclaimer: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, Natalia Rivera, and Gus/Nicky Aitoro are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Lena Kundera and Bianca Montgomery are owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney and Prospect Park. Rights to the song Bus Stop by the Hollies belong to Parlophone Records, 1966.

No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, Prospect Park, Parlophone Records, or any other entity. Other than a brief reference to the 10.8.2008 episode and some dialogue from the 9.18.2009 episode, dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.

Just an FYI: In the spirit of complete honesty, there are portions of this update that may seem familiar to those of you who have read my Otalia one-shot about their "first time." Those portions were originally written for this story, and were always intended to be included in this chapter. The one-shot was merely "sneak-peeks" at this chapter for those of you who had been waiting so patiently for some Otalia lovin'…

Anyway, it's long—48 jam-packed pages—so settle in and enjoy!

Thanks to my pal, MoniRod over on Incandescent Fire for the edit. You totally Rock, Woman! Lesser women would've gone batshit crazy looking for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors amidst all this SMEXY… I appreciate you, and I owe you—BIG TIME!

And speaking of Incandescent Fire… If, for some reason, this story should happen to disappear from this site, you can find it posted in its entirety over there. If you're unable to find the site, feel free to e-mail me for a direct link. My e-mail address is the same as my screen name here, and you may reach me on either A.O.L. [eliminate periods in address] or Yahoo.

Rating: Chapter 11 is rated seriously NC-17… Oh, yeah, we're goin' there…

Hope you all enjoy!

Kimberly

Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows

"Love shared between women is potent and powerful… Embrace its arousing erotic sweetness, its pleasure, its truth… There is no more intimate or life affirming connection… This love is as vital as each breath drawn, and composes the essence of who I truly am…"

— Unknown

Chapter 11.1 – Ruminations on a Sultry Theme:

Saturday, May 2, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—4:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Somewhere amidst the stillness of night, long after the rains had gone, Olivia roused from restful slumber, finding Natalia quietly watching her. A sleepy smile played on the corners of her mouth. "What are you doing?" she asked, almost shyly.

The mere presence of this woman stirred Natalia in ways she had never known, and as she lay there, watching her in quiet repose, once again she found herself thankful that God hadn't answered her prayers—the ones begging Him to take away these feelings that were burgeoning inside her. "Watching you sleep," she whispered.

Olivia blushed slightly at the thought of being studied so closely, as gentle fingertips brushed her cheek, and traced her jawline, guiding her closer. Lifting her head, willingly, she followed, their lips meeting in an affectionate kiss. "How long have you been awake?" Her voice was low and raspy, and it made Natalia want to kiss her more.

"Awhile—," Natalia said, noncommittally. Her smile was warm and mischievous, as if she held the most delightful secret.

That trademark eyebrow arched deliberately, as Olivia repositioned her body atop Natalia's, peering down into those soulful eyes. "Have you been ogling me in my sleep?"

Natalia bit her bottom lip. She loved the way Olivia's breasts felt, nestled against her own. "Maybe just a little…" Her tone was playful, yet demure, as she confessed to the crime of finding Olivia's body completely captivating. "You're so beautiful," she whispered, tucking a wayward chestnut lock behind Olivia's left ear. "I can't take my eyes off of you."

"Sweet-talker," Olivia flirted. She kissed Natalia again.

What was meant to be chaste slowly evolved into more, as Natalia's hands found their way to Olivia's face. Cupping her cheeks, she held Olivia there, lingering in their kisses until they both were nearly breathless. And then their eyes met, and as Natalia held Olivia's gaze, the swirl of emotion and desire that passed silently between them, burned straight through to their souls.

Their eyes never parting, Natalia shifted their bodies, rolling Olivia beneath her own. Propping her elbows at Olivia's sides, she gazed down at her. "Is it greedy of me to want more of you?" she quietly asked, as her fingers sifted through the strands of soft chestnut. Olivia's tender, passionate loving had brought to life places within Natalia that she had never known existed, and her body ached for more of that delicious tension and shattering release. But more than that, she wanted to touch Olivia, to give back to her, more of that which she had received.

"No—," Olivia whispered, her hands lightly stroking the bare skin of Natalia's hips. "I want more of you, too."

Dimples bloomed and Natalia blushed, as she lowered her head, brushing her mouth against Olivia's pulse point. She lingered on warm skin, laying a trail of velvety kisses along Olivia's jawline, to her ear, and across her cheek, before claiming that soft mouth.

"I never dreamed anything could feel this perfect," Olivia mused, reveling in the sweetness of Natalia's kisses, and the feeling of her naked body pressing into her own. Their bodies were a seamless fit—finally she had found the one that belonged.

A soft sigh fell from Natalia's lips. "Neither did I…," she whispered, as her body sank into Olivia's, their curves and valleys obliterating any void between them.

Brushing a tender kiss against Natalia's temple, Olivia drew silent for a several minutes, remembering her conversation with Lena. At times, it had been brutal, but always, the essence of it was honesty—everything Olivia had needed to hear, whether she liked it or not.

Sensing the shift in Olivia's mood, Natalia burrowed deeper into her body, clinging tightly to her. "Are you all right?" she asked gently.

Olivia's fingers sifted through soft raven tresses. "I was such an idiot, putting you off the way I did," she ruefully admitted. "Natalia, I'm so sorry, I—"

"Stop it, okay?" Natalia gently commanded. Lightly, she kissed the corner of Olivia's mouth. "All that matters now is that we're together."

"No—," Olivia argued, shaking her head. "It's important that you know it wasn't you that I doubted. It was me, and my twisted relationship with ill-fated love," she explained. "God, that sounded so cliché…"

They laughed together at the truth in that statement, and then Olivia grew pensive again. "This isn't supposed to happen," she said, musingly. "Life isn't supposed to work out for me like this…"

Frowning uncharacteristically, Natalia asked, "Why?"

"Because it just… hasn't," Olivia answered. "And now, here I am, and I'm getting everything I ever wanted…" She sounded as though she were in complete awe of what the fates had accomplished. And then she remembered this wasn't fate at all. It was faith. Natalia's faith—in God, and in her.

Taking Olivia's hand into her own, Natalia intertwined their fingers. "I know…," she whispered, sounding both wistful and excited. "We have each other, and we have our family, and we have a new baby coming…"

"I know…," Olivia said, softly, as she pressed her lips to Natalia's in a tender kiss. Then, shifting their bodies, Olivia leaned down, laying tender kisses along the subtle contours of Natalia's belly, as she whispered softly to their baby, telling the baby how much he or she was loved and wanted, and how excited she was about being a Mommy again.

The tenderness in Olivia's voice, the sweetness of her words, brought tears to Natalia's eyes, and she tangled her fingers in soft chestnut, drawing that mesmerizing gaze into her own. "I love you so much," she declared on a passionate husk.

Slowly brushing her lips across silken skin, Olivia came to her, kissing her lovingly. "I love you both," she whispered affectionately.

Natalia smiled in response, and peering into smoky jade, she quietly asked, "Why today, Liv? What changed your mind about making love?"

Exhaling a long, slow breath, Olivia formulated her response. "I had a long talk with Lena this morning, and it…"

"Yeah?" Natalia's curiosity was piqued.

"Yeah," Olivia chuckled softly. "She gave me a good, swift kick in the ass; which is exactly what I needed," she candidly admitted. "She listened to my excuses, and then basically told me I was full of shit," she laughed.

"I think I just fell a little bit in love with Lena for that," Natalia grinned. She let the expletives slide—after all, technically they were in bed, and apparently her previous lack of objection had equated to an agreement that being in bed negated the swear jar. Not that it would've mattered—Olivia would ignore the chastisement anyway. Secretly, Natalia found that fact amusing.

"I think I did, too," Olivia agreed.

Leaning closer, Natalia nuzzled Olivia's ear. "I'd press for details, but honestly, I don't care what she said or did, I owe her…"

Olivia arched an eyebrow and smirked. "You owe her for that, huh?"

Grinning, Natalia lightly nipped Olivia's earlobe. "Big time… She finally got you to take me to bed," she murmured seductively, emphasizing the part about the bed.

"How much was it worth?" Delivered on a throaty whisper, Olivia's question was accompanied by a roguish grin.

"It was priceless…," Natalia growled.

"Good answer," Olivia replied on a sultry laugh. She pressed a determined kiss to Natalia's lips. And as they parted, she caught the service tray in her peripheral vision. "Are you hungry, Love?" she whispered.

"Starving!" Natalia exclaimed. And oh, did she ever mean it. The last time they had eaten anything was hours before, when they finally stopped long enough to enjoy the provisions left for them by Jen and Tracy.

Glancing at the wine bucket, they had noted the two different bottles—Olivia's favorite red, and sparkling juice. In that moment, they both realized what the other had done. "You called Jen," Natalia said with a grin, in the same breath that Olivia said, "You called Tracy." And then they were laughing together. In everything else in the room—the candles, the flowers, the fruit tray, the music—they had duplicated their requests perfectly. Only the choice of drink had differed.

Scooting to the edge of their bed, Olivia reached for the bottle of sparkling juice, giggling as cold droplets of water splashed against her inner thigh. She opened the bottle, and poured two glasses of the cool, fizzy liquid.

"You're not having wine?" Natalia's voice was light and inquisitive, as she crawled toward Olivia.

"Nope—," Olivia responded playfully, as she set the bottle back into the icy water.

On her knees, Natalia wrapped her arms around Olivia's neck from behind, and settled in, planting kisses along the taut cord of muscle. Olivia released a throaty groan at the contact of erect nipples and warm lips against her skin.

Her reaction drew a gratified grin from Natalia, as she asked, "Why not?"

"Solidarity," Olivia answered decidedly, as she shifted toward Natalia, handing her a glass. "I'll have wine again, when you can join me."

Natalia feigned a pout. "Oh, but I love it when your lips taste like sweet red wine…"

"Yeah?" Olivia sounded pleased.

"Oh, yeah—," Natalia purred.

Peering over her shoulder, Olivia smiled at Natalia, and then kissed the corner of her mouth. "I'll keep that in mind." Her tone was flirtatious, and she felt Natalia's grin against her ear.

"You do that," Natalia flirted in return.

"I shall." Olivia grinned, as she scooted back against the headboard, bending her knees. "And thank you for having Tracy pull a bottle of my favorite," she added, appreciatively, as she motioned for Natalia to join her. "That was sweet of you."

"I had ulterior motives." Natalia's face wore a roguish grin as she curled up beside Olivia, tucking her feet up beneath her. She didn't even reach for the sheet to cover herself. It was decidedly liberating, this newfound openness she had discovered with her own body.

Olivia laughed. Reaching over, she snatched a fistful of grapes from the tray. "Planning on getting me drunk and taking advantage of me?" Playfully, she popped a grape into Natalia's mouth, and one into her own.

"Perhaps—," Natalia answered around the sweetness of the fruit.

"I wouldn't have resisted," Olivia murmured against Natalia's ear, as she fed her a few more grapes. They took turns, feeding one another a variety of fruits—grapes, fresh pineapple chunks, apple cubes, and the like, as their light banter continued. "By the time we got on that plane, I was a sure thing."

"You weren't a sure thing before then?" Natalia arched an eyebrow.

"Well, I was… until you put the brakes on."

Olivia's tone was teasing, and Natalia smiled sheepishly. "Was it… as hard for you to hold back on the plane as it was for me?" she asked, revealing a bit of her own experience.

A shaky laugh fell from Olivia's lips. "You have no idea," she groaned. Nuzzling against Natalia's ear, she murmured, "I wanted you so much I thought I would self-combust."

An impish grin hijacked Natalia's lips.

"But I'm glad we waited," Olivia whispered.

"Me, too," Natalia quietly agreed. "Thank you for bringing me home."

Olivia brushed raven tendrils from Natalia's eyes affectionately. "I can't imagine being anywhere else right now," she husked.

"Neither can I," Natalia whispered, kissing Olivia tenderly. Her forehead came to rest against Olivia's temple, as sketched lazy circles across the swell of Olivia's breast.

Taking a sip of her sparkling juice, Olivia set the glass back on the tray, and released a slow sigh. Natalia's fingertips felt like pure bliss.

"Are you sure you don't want wine?" Natalia offered. She knew how much Olivia looked forward to a glass or two in the evening. "I wouldn't mind…"

Tilting her head, Olivia smiled into those warm eyes. "What do you say we save the wine for after baby is born, and you can seduce me then?" she teasingly suggested.

Climbing into Olivia's lap, Natalia straddled firm thighs, as she wrapped her arms around Olivia's neck. "How about we forget about the wine, and I just seduce you now?"

"My goodness, haven't you had enough yet?" Olivia's tone was playful.

"Hardly…," Natalia growled.

That low, sensuous laugh fell from Olivia's lips, and she leaned down, laying kisses along the crests and valleys of Natalia's breasts. Then she made her way along the smooth plains of Natalia's belly, all the while murmuring sultry words about how luscious Natalia's body was, and how much she loved exploring her.

Working her way back up to that graceful neck, Olivia lingered at her pulse point, before nuzzling just beneath her ear. She breathed in deeply, reveling in that familiar scent of honeysuckle and vanilla; now mixed with the sweet scent of perspiration and the unmistakable aroma of their lovemaking. "Have you any idea how arousing you are to me?" she whispered.

Natalia smiled. "You make me feel so sexy…," she husked.

"That's because you are…"

Declared on a throaty whisper, Olivia's assertion made Natalia moan. Wrapping her arms fully around Natalia, Olivia deftly launched their bodies forward. They landed with their heads toward the foot of the bed, with Olivia on top once again, perfectly positioned between Natalia's firm thighs. Not surprisingly, things had quickly escalated from there.

Back in the present, Natalia kissed Olivia around a mouthful of pineapple, and then declared it the sweetest kiss ever. At this point, they had eaten nearly all of the remaining contents of the tray, and were feeling quite satisfied.

Olivia took that as a challenge, and the game was on. There were dribbles of chocolate, and dabs of whipped topping, and mixtures of every imaginable variety, as Natalia giggled and squirmed, protesting about getting sticky and ruining the sheets.

Having none of that, Olivia laughed her off with the arguments that being sticky could be fun, as could showering together afterward. And sheets were made for washing; besides, they had three other sets just like this one.

Relenting, Natalia's eyes were filled with mischief, as she murmured enticingly, "Get me sticky, Liv…"

Releasing a low groan, Olivia's smile turned roguish. "With pleasure…"

And then fingers were dipping in chocolate, and fruit dip, and whipped cream. Breasts, and nipples, and lips, and bellies were being painted and smeared, and then licked and suckled clean. They laughed and played until they were too sticky for it to be fun anymore, and then Olivia suggested that shower.

Bashfully, Natalia lowered her gaze. "I've never showered with a lover before," she quietly confessed.

"No?" Olivia's eyes and voice were soft and filled with understanding, as she tenderly tucked raven tresses behind Natalia's shoulder. She knew there were many things Natalia had never shared with a lover, and she vowed never to make light of that. Instead, she would treasure those experiences with Natalia, savoring the knowledge that she was the only one.

Natalia shook her head, and swallowed hard. "But…"

"But what?" Olivia gently prodded. Lightly, she kissed the corner of Natalia's mouth.

"I—I've fantasized about it… with you," Natalia coyly confessed.

A roguish grin teased at the edges of Olivia's mouth. "You've fantasized about it, huh?"

Biting her bottom lip, in that adorable way she always did, Natalia nodded. "Uh-huh…"

Leaning close, Olivia whispered against Natalia's ear. "Tell me about your fantasies, N'talia…"

Natalia groaned in response. Olivia's voice was low and seductive, and Natalia felt another wave of heat coil deep in her belly. Shyly, she shared her fantasies with Olivia, who found them to be rather tame in comparison to her own; but enticingly erotic, nonetheless, especially given that they were entirely the workings of Natalia's own mind.

Another sultry kiss, and then Olivia was pulling Natalia from their bed. Luring her toward the warmth of the shower, she spent the next 45 minutes making every one of Natalia's fantasies come true. It was a deeply sensual experience, with the slickness of the soap, and the way the water sluiced off their bodies, and that magnificent friction the combination of the two caused, as they moved against one another. It felt as though Olivia were everywhere, all at once, as she gently washed Natalia's body, careful to swab every inch of flesh she could find.

When finally the tables were turned, Olivia felt that same sense of Natalia's all-consuming presence, and by the time they were finished, she was putty in Natalia's hands. And throughout the entire experience there was that sensual kissing, and licking, and touching, as they took their time, exploring one another's bodies once again, the water intensifying the exhilaration of their lovemaking. Reality far surpassed anything either of them ever could have imagined, and they never wanted it to end. But the water ran cold, and reluctantly, they left the adventure behind, laughing about how they needed to invest in a larger water heater.

"Or a Jacuzzi," Olivia artfully suggested.

Natalia vaulted an eyebrow in response, and the expression in her eyes told Olivia it was a sign of interest, not argument. A mischievous grin teased at Olivia's lips. "Yeah?" she questioned, and Natalia nodded her acquiescence.

Gleefully, Olivia pulled two thick white bath towels from the linen closet behind the bathroom door. Getting Natalia's approval for such an extravagance had been far easier than she imagined. Wrapping one towel around her own body, she secured it just above the crest of her breasts.

Natalia's breath caught in her chest. "You look incredibly sexy in that towel," she practically growled.

An eyebrow peaked, and a grin teased. "Yeah?" Taking the other towel, Olivia wrapped it around Natalia's body, and began a slow, overtly sensual drying ritual, by rubbing her hands up and down Natalia's back.

"Yeah—," Natalia whimpered. She loved the way the roughness of Olivia's towel felt against her hardened nipples. "Maybe you could wear it downstairs to breakfast later," she suggested.

Olivia crouched down, drying Natalia's legs. "Oh, you want me to wear the towel?" There was a hint of amusement in her tone, as her hand moved up Natalia's inner thigh, skimming along the surface of the towel.

Natalia groaned in response when Olivia's fingers grazed her center through the towel, under the pretense of drying her off.

Grinning, Olivia continued, "Because I thought maybe we'd just keep things au naturale today…"

Moving the towel away, lightly, Olivia's fingertips teased the thick tuft of dark hair at the apex of Natalia's thighs, drawing another whimper of approval. She felt the heat of anticipation coiling in her own belly, as she lingered, wondering what it would be like to kiss Natalia there, to taste the essence of her, to run her tongue through those hot, moist folds, exploring her. It made her wet just thinking about it. But she resisted, promising herself, Later…

Throat tightening, Natalia's eyes widened in surprise, "You mean you want us to go downstairs naked?"

The question snapped Olivia out of her erotic ponderings. "Why not? It's our house, and we're completely alone," she reasoned.

Nibbling her bottom lip, Natalia mulled it over.

"And it'll save us time getting undressed, because I am so not finished with you yet…," Olivia was saying. Lightly, she kissed Natalia's belly.

"I don't think I've spent this much time without clothing since the womb," Natalia wryly admitted.

A soft chuckle fell from Olivia's lips at the mental image Natalia's comment evoked, and Natalia couldn't help but smile.

"Does it make you uncomfortable?" Olivia asked, gently. Leaning in, she planted a slow, open-mouthed kiss to the birthmark on the inner swell of Natalia's left breast.

Fingers tangled in damp chestnut, and Natalia drew Olivia's gaze into her own. "Not with you, it doesn't." Her statement was firm, but gently spoken.

"I'm glad," Olivia commented, as her lips moved upward along silken skin. "Because I plan to keep you naked a lot when we're alone…" Her tone emphasized exactly how much 'a lot' was, and Natalia couldn't help but smile in response.

"You won't get any arguments from me," Natalia purred, before Olivia claimed her mouth in a slow, deliberate kiss.

When finally the kiss ended, both of them toweled off but still naked, Olivia brought Natalia back to their bed. Together, they changed the sheets, and Natalia didn't even fuss about the chocolate stains. Instead, they giggled about how much fun it had been creating those stains. Even if they never came out, Natalia wouldn't care—each marking would be a reminder of their first night of lovemaking, and those were memories she would treasure forever.

And then, as the sun peeked over the horizon, splaying its brilliance across the morning sky, they settled into their bed, clean and thoroughly sated. Natalia pulled Olivia into her arms, holding her close, their bodies wrapped around.

Words were unnecessary. Everything they were thinking was conveyed through the rhythmic pulse of their hearts as they beat in tandem. Olivia snuggled closer, consciously breathing in the familiar scent of Natalia's skin, as once again, she drifted off to sleep.

Smiling softly, Natalia brushed her lips against Olivia's temple, and then her gaze shifted to the bedside table. The elegance of the pale pink roses bloomed in front of her eyes, as the petals blushed in the early morning sunlight. She couldn't help but notice how closely the color of the petals matched the tender flesh of Olivia's nipples. Her thoughts flashed back to earlier that morning, when she had lightly teased those nipples—and a few other places on Olivia's body—with one of the loose petals they found adorning their bed. She blushed at the memory of her own brazenness, but felt not a modicum of regret for anything they had shared together. It was new. It was different. It was exciting! It was ineffably them, and she couldn't wait for more.

Nuzzling into Olivia's neck, Natalia brushed a light kiss against warm skin, whispering, "I love you, Olivia Spencer, and I can't wait to see what this life has in store for us..." She closed her eyes then, and secure in the knowledge that they had a lifetime to share more nights like this, she allowed sleep to claim her once again.

Saturday, May 2, 2009… The Morgan-Jackson Household—6:15 a.m. Central Daylight Time

The first tender rays of morning broke through the beveled glass of the gorgeously detailed windows, flanking the hearth in its subtle glow. Another hour, and the room would be flooded with sunlight, and Mozart, who was currently sleeping in the center of Jen and Tracy's otherwise unoccupied bed, would be basking in warmth on the easternmost cushioned window seat. Later, he would follow the warmth to the other window, lingering until the sun moved beyond his grasp. Only then would he saunter out to where the common folk lived, and indulge in his morning feast. He was a Norwegian Prince, after all.

As Jen lay there, watching Tracy in quiet repose, she felt an overwhelming surge of love for her. She remembered the night they had just shared—how sweet and tender it had been, making love with her there in front of a blazing fire. Given that it was rather warm outside, even for early May, they had turned the air conditioning down to balance the added heat. They had their reasons, of course, but still, the absurdity made her laugh just a little.

And then she reflected on their years together—how patient and supportive Tracy had always been, regardless of the cost to her own self, even when it caused her to deny her own needs. She reminisced with a sense of sheer wonder at their lovemaking—it was often playful, with teasing touches and more laughter than she ever would have imagined, and on occasion, a vivid array of toys and games. Sometimes, it was sweet and tender, with warm whispers and slow, lingering kisses, as they shared those secrets only lovers shared. And sometimes, it was fast and frenzied, filled with boundless passion—and always, always, it left them feeling an even deeper connection than they'd shared before.

A wave of nostalgia washed over her, followed by a surge of heat that sufficed her entire body, as her thoughts drifted back to nearly three years prior; to the night that changed everything, all for the better…

Arriving home from class late one Tuesday evening, Jen found Tracy huddled on the sofa with a Business Ethics text, and a glass of red wine. Mozart was curled up beside her. The elegant sounds of light jazz permeated the atmosphere, as candles flickered; creating a soft glow that fell across both Tracy's lightly-tanned visage and Mozart's silky white fur.

She grinned, as she set her book bag down on the coffee table. "Should I be at all concerned about contributing to the delinquency of a minor?" There was amusement in her tone.

Tracy met Jen's teasing gaze, challenging her with the intensity of those dark brown eyes. "I'm not a minor. Not by any means," she flirtatiously intoned; a subtle reminder that she had recently reached legal drinking age, and thus, had long since surpassed the age of consent.

Jen's blood ran hot, as an unexpected flush crept across her body. Her composure completely compromised, she hesitated for a moment, and Tracy jumped in, rescuing her. "I hope you don't mind," she said, with an evocative smile. "The wine, I mean…"

Every time she looked at the girl, all she could feel were those moments where they had touched; those moments where Tracy's mouth had kissed her. She swore her lips still tingled from that last kiss, despite the fact that it had occurred days prior. It didn't happen often that Tracy would kiss her, but anytime it did, the encounter left her in a state of confused arousal. She always pulled away, fearful of the consequences, and of what it said about her that she found the mere presence of the girl so completely intoxicating, the light, musky scent of her so completely maddening, and the feel of her mouth and tongue…

"W—what? No. No, of… of course not," Jen sputtered, stumbling over her tongue.

Charmed, Tracy subdued a playful smirk. She found a tongue-tied Jennifer completely adorable.

"As long as you're staying…," Jen added, once she had regained control.

"If that's what you want," Tracy said, softly. It was both question and statement, and filled with suggestion.

Those clear blue eyes flitted around the room, as if seeking distraction. Finding nothing, Jen sought other means. The lingering aroma of dinner suffused the air, and she gratefully glommed onto that. "It smells wonderful in here," she said, effecting a quick change of subject.

Tracy grinned, the about-face not being lost on her. "Grilled tilapia, with peach-mango salsa."

"I can't believe you got my boys to eat fish." Jen laughed, as she emphasized the source of protein. "It sounds divine."

For a transitory moment, when Tracy's eyes met Jen's, they contained that spark of mischievous suggestion that always seemed to underscore even the most innocuous of exchanges between them. "I can be very… persuasive," she husked; leaving no question whatsoever in Jen's mind, that the girl was not referring to dinner.

Jen felt her body flush, and she dropped that insistent gaze, as she drew in a deep breath. The light fluttering that was always present in her stomach in the presence of this girl, once again turned into a tremor.

"There are leftovers in the fridge, if you're hungry." Tracy's tone was casual as she delivered the offer.

"Starving, actually." Jen didn't realize the truth in her statement until she heard it tumble from her lips. "Thanks," she said, turning toward the kitchen.

Quickly setting the glass of wine and book on the table, Tracy sprang to her feet.

Mozart regarded her with an air of contempt for having interrupted his evening nap; then, with a few strokes of his practiced tongue, he soothed disheveled fur, and promptly curled back into a ball.

Gently grasping Jen's forearms in her hands, Tracy caressed the soft skin with her thumbs. "You sit," she instructed; her voice was as gentle as the fingers lightly brushing down Jen's arms, "I'll fix you a plate."

Jen opened her mouth to protest, but the sensation of Tracy's fingers on her skin left her incapable of forming words. The girl always had that effect on her. And when those fingers lightly edged their way across her palms, following the line to the tips of her fingers, she felt her heart drop from her chest, down into her stomach, where it mixed with that incessant fluttering and a burning heat that never seemed to dissipate.

Tracy didn't miss the soft gasp that slipped from Jen's lips, as their fingers parted, and she grinned to herself as she sauntered into the kitchen. Her own body behaved similarly in response to Jen; to every touch, to every breath that passed between them. It had been that way from the very beginning, long before she realized Jen returned her feelings. As a result, she had spent many a night talking with her Grandmother, seeking her wise counsel, as she endeavored to win the heart of Jennifer Morgan. And often, as the weeks she spent waiting for Jen turned to months, then years, she sought the comfort of her Grandmother's embrace, her soothing words of encouragement. It wasn't that she doubted; only that waiting was sometimes heartbreaking. Her patience would all be worth it one day, she reminded herself, because she knew what she wanted, and Jen was more than worth the wait. Smiling, she couldn't help the jolt of excitement that suffused her body, as she set about preparing Jen's dinner.

In the living room, Jen kicked off her shoes and dropped down on the sofa. Reaching for Tracy's wine glass, she emptied it in a single gulp. She couldn't believe such a seemingly innocuous touch could leave her reeling in such an intense way. With every look, every breath, every touch, it grew increasingly more difficult to resist what she was feeling for the girl—No, the woman. She was finally allowing herself to view Tracy as a woman. Sweet progress.

Setting the empty glass back onto the table, she sank back into the sofa, exhaling a deep sigh. This was going to be a long night.

Mozart stirred and yawned, his mouth wide open as he languidly stretched his furry limbs. Finding his purchase, he ambled across the sofa, climbing into her lap. A demanding "meow" drew a chuckle from her, and then he was greeting her with a few licks of his sandpapery tongue, and a gentle nibble to her chin.

She giggled at the tickly sensation his whiskers, teeth and tongue made against her chin, as her hand glided along the silkiness of his fur. "Oh, Mozart...," she exhaled mellifluously, her fingers raking through his thick white coat, "have you any idea how lucky you are?" she asked musingly. "You can give her kisses, and curl up beside her and sleep, and no one bats an eyelash," she sighed. The memory of her parents' reaction the one and only time she had taken Tracy to visit her family, accosted her. They had been absolutely mortified at the thought of their grown daughter sharing her childhood bed with another woman. Jen's argument about space, and her innocent explanation that it wasn't at all unusual for the two of them to sleep in the same bed, had only fueled the contempt. Not surprisingly, at least in retrospect, her insistent declaration that they were "just really close friends" had fallen on deaf ears. Her father was incensed, and her mother didn't dare argue. Jen had spent their vacation on the sofa in the family room, while Tracy occupied what was once Jen's own bedroom.

Mozart's contented purr deepened in response to her fingers caressing his ears, and Jen laughed softly. "Yeah, I would purr too, if I could sleep next to her," she smiled. It was what she wanted more than anything, and yet, her fears had kept her desires in check for the better part of three years. It was one thing to sleep next to her after having innocently fallen asleep watching a movie—and an entirely different thing to willfully, consciously take the girl into her bed.

And then her mind was racing at breakneck speed. She thought about the quiet moments they had shared after putting the boys to bed together. She remembered their first kiss, and how the encounter had left her feeling simultaneously shaken and stirred; suspended on the precipice of feelings and desires she didn't quite understand, yet couldn't deny. No one's kiss had ever felt like that!

She remembered the kisses that had followed; those slow, sultry kisses that had left her feeling tilted on her own axis; breathless and confused and wildly aroused. Those feelings still scared her, and yet, she couldn't bear the thought of even a single day without Tracy in it. And lately, she couldn't stop thinking about other things… Hands sliding beneath clothing. Kisses in places neither of them had dared go… yet. The sensation of Tracy's hands, her mouth and tongue, gliding all over her body. How would it feel to hold Tracy's breasts in her hands, to caress them, to kiss them? The very thought of it set her entire body aflame from the inside, out.

Her ponderings were interrupted by Tracy's presence beside her on the sofa; her dinner plate and a glass of red wine, in hand.

"Are you all right?" Tracy asked, concerned. "You look a little flushed."

The fact that Tracy had noticed caused Jen's coloring to deepen. "I guess it was the wine," she fibbed.

A quick glance at the empty glass on the table filled in the blanks. "Did you get thirsty while I was gone?" Tracy teased.

"Huh?" Jen muttered unintelligibly, causing Tracy to laugh outright.

Tipping her head toward her empty wine glass, Tracy repeated her question. She set the full glass next to her empty one.

Jen's blush deepened in response. She was certain her face was as red as that glass of merlot. "Yeah, thirsty," she answered, distractedly. Oh, she was thirsty, alright. Thirsty for Tracy… thirsty to trace her tongue along the soft swell of breasts, and the gentle curves of svelte hips and muscular thighs. Thirsty for…

Her lustful diversion was interrupted by the sound a soft chuckle, as Tracy handed her the plate of warm food. "Here, eat," she instructed with casual insistence. Something was decidedly wrong with the woman, and she needed a moment to figure her out.

"Thanks." Jen smiled appreciatively, as she accepted the plate.

"You're welcome," Tracy replied. Leaning forward, she snatched Jen's wine glass, taking a sip. It was a common occurrence, and neither of them thought a thing about it.

"Oh, my, God, Trace, this is delicious!" Jen was saying, around a bite of the tilapia. She tasted hints of lemon and lime, fresh cilantro, basil, and garlic, a little parsley, perhaps? The flavors meshed perfectly, yet retained their individuality. Tracy had created a culinary masterpiece. Jen's face took on a curious expression then. "Is this the kind of fare you feed my boys every time you're here?" She had eaten Tracy's cooking on many occasions, and it was always a wonderful treat; but this creation was simply divine.

Tracy shrugged her shoulders, brushing it off as nothing. "More or less."

"It's no wonder they look forward to Tuesdays," Jen smiled. "And I just thought you played a mean video game," she teased.

"Oh, I do that, too." Tracy buffed her nails against her shoulder, as if to arrogantly say, Uh, yeah, I am that good.

Jen laughed at Tracy's antics, and then asked how her evening went with the boys. Happily, Tracy regaled her with details about bath time adventures, and Mario Kart wins and losses, and the latest bedtime story plotline; their light banter continuing as Jen finished her dinner.

After taking the empty plate back to the kitchen, Tracy returned to the living room, wine bottle in hand. "Refill?" she asked, as she settled on the sofa next to Jen.

"Mm, please?" Jen answered lightly. "And thank you again for dinner. It was fabulous."

Handing Jen the refilled glass, Tracy smiled into those sparkling blue eyes. "It was my pleasure," she said, quietly. Taking a sip of her own wine, she set her glass on the table, and curled up on the sofa, facing Jen, who was sitting cross-legged, right next to her.

Purposefully, Tracy moved closer, causing the older woman's pulse to race. Then, stretching across Jen's body, she reached out, flicking the switch on the base of the table lamp. Instantly, the bright light faded, bathing the room in the soft glow of candlelight.

"Won't you need the light to study?" Jen struggled to maintain her composure.

"I'm finished studying for tonight," Tracy reported. "I wanna spend the rest of the evening focused on you," she whispered. "On us…"

"Us?"

"Yes, us," Tracy reaffirmed. "Whether you want to admit it or not, there is an 'Us'." Her tone was gentle, yet insistent.

Jen didn't argue. She had long-since moved beyond the delusion that they were "just really close friends," as she had repeatedly insisted to her parents for nearly three years. But the truth scared her in ways she couldn't even comprehend; though, she was no longer certain, why. It wasn't as though she'd ever had a problem with gays or lesbians. Yes, she was a Christian, but she had always considered herself open-minded. If she hadn't been, she never would have opened herself to any sort of friendship with Tracy, who hadn't flaunted her sexuality, but never denied it either. And it wasn't that she feared for her salvation. Not anymore. She had long-since dealt with that issue, and come to the conclusion that falling in love with this girl—no, this woman—had not diminished her value in God's eyes. So, what then, was her problem?

She had little time to ponder the question in that moment, as the sound of Tracy's voice pulled her from her ruminations. "Open your mouth for me," Tracy instructed; an impish grin on her beautiful face.

Curious, yet cautious, Jen regarded her warily. "Why?"

"Just open your mouth," Tracy insisted, as she fished around in the pocket of her jeans. "Trust me."

Jen pursed her lips, and searched Tracy's eyes, as she considered the directive; then complied.

Cellophane crinkled, and then Tracy was popping a small green and white disk into Jen's mouth, saying, "You need a mint after that fish."

The declaration drew a small laugh from Jen. "Why?" she asked, as she sucked on the smooth candy-like morsel. Spearmint—her favorite.

Leaning close, Tracy whispered against Jen's ear, "Because I intend to kiss you," she declared. Lightly, she brushed her lips against Jen's earlobe. "Thoroughly…"

The warmth of Tracy's breath, the teasing promise of those lips against her skin made Jen's entire body tingle. Enlivened, a sharply exhaled, "Oh!" was the only response she could muster. She felt almost giddy with excitement.

Tracy giggled at the response. "Am I gonna get anything more than monosyllabic responses from you tonight?" she teasingly inquired.

Laughing at her own ridiculousness, Jen answered, "Sorry…"

"Well, that's two syllables, at least." Tracy sounded amused. "We're making progress."

And then they were laughing together, and that invisible connection they always felt between them tightened, as their gazes met, searching.

Tracy's eyes and mouth were soft in the muted light, her dark wavy tresses framing her face like an invitation—one that Jen longed to accept.

Reaching over, Jen's expression turned serious, as she brushed her knuckles against Tracy's cheek. It was a rare moment where she initiated any type of intimate contact, and the significance was not lost on Tracy.

Perceiving it as a cue, Tracy moved impossibly closer. Gently, she took Jen's face into her hands, searching those pools of sparkling blue liquid. She watched as they turned smoky gray with want, as they flickered down to Tracy's lips, and back up again. And when Jen smiled into her eyes, Tracy leaned in, lightly brushing their mouths together. It was a tentative touch, as was always the case, until she felt Jen's assent for more. Then, and only then, did she ever deepen a kiss.

That soft, familiar gasp marked Jen's undeniable response, and then their mouths were connected in earnest. Their kiss was slow, and breathy, as Jen's fingers threaded through the belt loops of Tracy's jeans, pulling her ever closer. And always, always, Tracy's hands gently cradled Jen's face. It made Jen feel treasured—and it kept Tracy out of trouble. Keeping her hands otherwise occupied was the only way she knew to ensure they wouldn't wander where they weren't yet welcome. She ached with need to touch this woman, to explore her body, but she wouldn't do so without her express permission. She would never disrespect Jen in such a way—a character lesson from her grandmother.

Skimming her tongue across the outer edge of Jen's lower lip, Tracy nibbled lightly. Jen's body trembled, as Tracy's name tumbled out on a husky moan. Smiling at the response, Tracy deftly deepened the kiss.

Jen tasted of spearmint, and Tracy savored it as she slipped her tongue inside, slowly exploring the warmth of that sweet mouth. The warmth and softness of Tracy's mouth and tongue still a bit surprising to her each time they kissed, Jen delighted in it, falling deeper still.

And then Tracy was aware of Jen's arms wrapped around her, of a hand caressing the back of her neck, of fingers tangling in her hair, of Jen's body pressing closer, so that her breasts brushed against Tracy's side. A sharp inhalation of air, a soft moan falling from kiss-swollen lips, and then breathless, Tracy was pulling away.

Whimpering in protest, Jen sighed softly, as Tracy pressed her forehead against Jen's temple.

"I've missed your kisses…" Jen's confession was delivered on a fettered breath.

"I've missed yours too." Tracy's voice was a quiet echo.

"Then, why don't you kiss me more often?" Jen practically pouted. She knew without asking, that part of the answer was self-preservation. It had taken some time to figure it out, but finally she noticed the pattern—Tracy only kissed her on nights when she was actually going home; never on nights when she was staying, which was why the promise of kisses felt so unnerving tonight. Then, over time, even on the rare occasion where she did go home after an evening spent together, her goodnight kisses were sweet and tender, not exactly chaste, but carefully controlled. Mostly, what Jen noted was that they were sparingly given. That part made no sense to her, and thus, the question had been posed.

"Because… I keep hoping that if I don't, you will," Tracy answered honestly. "You never initiate, and I—"

"It's not because I don't want to," Jen was quick to reassure. "It's just that I—"

Gently, Tracy pressed a finger to Jen's lips, silencing her. "It's just that you're not sure you're ready to move on," she said, knowingly. "I get that, okay?" She nodded reassuringly. "When you finally initiate, I'll know it's because you're really ready, and not because I'm pushing too hard."

"You've never pushed," Jen contradicted.

The expression that hijacked Tracy's face in response drew a soft laugh from Jen. "Okay, maybe you've pushed a little," she amended.

"A little?" Tracy chuckled, emphasizing the amount. Her fingertips grazed Jen's fingers, and instinctively, their hands came together, palm-to-palm.

Unconsciously, their fingers entwined, and a brief smile touched Jen's lips. "You've never pushed too hard," she quietly reassured. "Only hard enough to make sure I don't stall, or retreat."

Bringing their intertwined hands to her lips, she lightly kissed Tracy's fingers. "I don't wanna retreated, Trace. I wanna move forward," she admitted.

A transitory smile ghosted across Tracy's lips. "That's what I want too," she whispered. "More than anything."

Leaning closer, Jen searched the dark depths of Tracy's eyes. "Kiss me again…," she quietly entreated. It was invitation and plea rolled into one.

A kiss… ephemeral. Another… lingering… And then, another… deeper still. Jen released a soft, contented sigh, as she willingly succumbed to the gentle stroking of Tracy's tongue. Arms wrapped around, and she pulled Tracy impossibly closer, as she leaned back against the arm of the sofa, pulling Tracy with her.

Still, Tracy resisted the urge to touch, to fully embrace—she needed it too much to guarantee the practice of self-control. Her body pressed so closely against Jen's—their breasts and bellies touching through the wafer-thin layers of their cotton shirts—the subtle sounds of pleasure emitting from Jen's sweet lips as they kissed, were already threatening her resolve. She needn't make matters worse.

She hadn't a clue how long they lingered there, bodies pressed together, kisses ever intensifying. But then the unanticipated: A whisper-soft plea from Jen. "Put your hands on me, Tracy—please…"

The petition came from a place of profound longing, not desperation, and Tracy's own need reflected back to her in a perfect mirror image. But she was hesitant to trust it, and with good reason. She had only ever heard such words from Jen's lips one other time, and it hadn't ended well.

Willingly, almost giddily, Tracy had complied. Tugging Jen's shirt from her jeans, she found the warmth and softness of skin, and then the smoothness of firm, round breasts, and the tautness of aroused nipples, as their kisses intensified. And then suddenly Jen was pulling away, anguished and frantic, but unable to explain.

Heartbroken and confused, Tracy had quietly walked out the door.

Feeling like an insensitive tease, Jen avoided her, and they had barely spoken for nearly a week after that—until Tracy showed up on her usual night to watch the boys. Jen couldn't believe she would even bother, and the apology that followed had been both gut-wrenching and heartfelt. Tracy had forgiven her instantly, but she hadn't forgotten—not even in the heat of the moment. Another incident such as that would surely be her undoing.

Head spinning, Tracy wrenched back, extricating her body from their entanglement. "I, um…" She panted for breath. "I need to go."

On her feet in a shot, she shoved her Ethics text into her backpack. Slinging it over her shoulder, she reached down, scooping up her car keys in one fluid motion.

The uncharacteristic harshness in Tracy's tone startled Jen. "What?" she uttered, almost in a daze.

Tracy was halfway to the door before Jen regained control of her senses. "Wait. No—you can't go. You've been drinking," she reasoned, as she attempted to beat her there, blocking her path.

The expression in Tracy's eyes was pleading, as she quietly opened the front door. "You have to let me go, Jen," she insisted. "I'm fine to drive, I promise." She knew it was true. They both did. Like most nights, she had nursed one glass of wine all evening while studying, and only had a few sips of Jen's later on. The wine was only ever an excuse for her to stay, never a valid concern. "And I can't stay here. Not like this…"

Crestfallen, and a bit perplexed, Jen's expression was questioning. Lightly, her fingertips skimmed Tracy's cheek. "I thought this was what you wanted?" She couldn't bear to see her leave.

"You know that it is…" The tone of voice, the expression on Tracy's face told Jen she couldn't believe she would ever question it.

Jen reached for her, grasping her biceps with firm hands. Eyes locked, earth and sky, and Jen was searching. "Then, why did you stop?" she quietly questioned.

Releasing a gut-wrenching sigh, Tracy reached for her, taking Jen's face in her hands once again. "Because I wanted to keep going…" She quietly confessed what Jen already knew. "I love you, Jennifer. I want you. I want us," she declared, with burning passion.

"What if that's what I want too?" Jen's voice was a feathery whisper, yet her body thrummed with excitement. When Jake died, she thought this part of her life was over. Never did she think she would desire physical intimacy with another person—let alone share it with a woman. And yet, here she was, standing on the precipice of the future, wanting exactly that, and more.

"What?" The questioning word fell from Tracy's lips on a strangled breath. Her body as unbalanced as her thoughts, she swayed.

Jen moved closer, gently taking Tracy's face in her hands. "You heard me," she said, quietly. "What if this is what I want too?"

Tears threatened, as Tracy shook her head back and forth within the constraints of Jen's hands. "Please, don't, okay?" she pleaded. "I—I can't… What if you change your mind again?"

Tightening her hold, their gazes locked. "I won't…," Jen whispered insistently, her breath drifting across trembling lips, "I'm not saying 'no', Trace. Not this time…"

The warmth of Jen's breath caressing her lips caused Tracy's own breath to catch. Her body swayed, and her senses tilted out of focus. Her knees threatened to buckle, and with a swiftly placed arm around her waist, Jen caught her.

Bracing Tracy between her own body and the doorframe, Jen leaned forward, her soft, full lips skating across Tracy's in an ephemeral kiss. Tracy whimpered at the touch, and Jen repeated the action, this time lingering in the warmth of that soft mouth. Feeling the heat coil deep in her body, that whimper turned into a long, slow mutual moan, as they gathered breath in unison, and fell deeper still.

And then Tracy was aware of Jen's hands on her body, caressing, exploring.

When she felt Jen's tongue make a seductive pass against her own, Tracy didn't seek another moment's confirmation. She had waited three long years, to hear anything that even remotely resembled a real "yes," and this was way more than that. Jen had never initiated kisses like these—they were the sign Tracy had been waiting for, and she had no intention of allowing the woman an opportunity to change her mind. Slinging her backpack from her shoulder, she allowed it to plunge to the floor; not caring in the least that her laptop was inside, as she kicked the door closed with her foot, pushing Jen firmly against it.

Her breath forced from her lungs in a heated rush upon impact, Jen released a low, sultry laugh into their kiss. And then she was telling Tracy, in words that left no room for misinterpretation, to take her to bed, post haste.

Once inside the bedroom, Tracy kicked that door closed with her foot, as well. Her mouth never leaving Jen's, she reached behind, engaging the lock. Jen laughed into their kiss, asking her how she had become so adept at that wildly sexy move.

Teasingly, Tracy told her she'd had three long years to practice, as she easily maneuvered them toward the huge, inviting bed.

Somewhere along the way, their positions became reversed. Tracy's calves hit the edge the bed, and Jen pushed her down into a seated position.

Grinning up at her, Tracy pulled her close. Pushing her thin Springfield U T-shirt out of the way, her mouth easily found its way to Jen's belly, where she languorously explored. She felt the heat of desire coiling deep within her own belly, as the soft sounds of Jen's heightening arousal drifted into her conscience. And then Jen was straddling her thighs, and Tracy was aware of those sinewy fingers tangling in her mop of dark curls.

Jen felt the warm wetness of Tracy's mouth, as she dragged her bottom lip across smooth flesh, slowly trailing toward her ear, where heated breath lingered, whispering, "I want you on top of me…"

Peering over Tracy's shoulder, Jen's gaze fell on the bed. Instantly, she froze. "Tracy, wait—," she sputtered, pulling her back from the bed, "I—um, I can't…"

"What?" Tracy gasped, breathless and crestfallen.

Jen caught the expression in Tracy's eyes, and quickly snapped back to reality. "No, no, no, that's not what I meant," she stuttered, taking Tracy's face in her hands. "I just meant that I can't do this here," she expounded, glancing toward her bed. "I just…"

"Jake…" Tracy's voice was soft, her eyes falling to the bed. "I understand…"

Gently, Jen tipped Tracy's chin, meeting her gaze. "I don't think you do, Love," she whispered. "This isn't about Jake, or about deference to his memory. It's about you. It's all about you…"

"What about me?" Tracy asked, confused.

Searching the depths of eyes that were stormy with desire, Jen offered quiet explanation, "You've been so patient with me. You've waited so long for me to get my shit together," she acknowledged. "And you deserve so much better than sex in a bed that I've shared with someone else," she whispered.

"It doesn't matter to me," Tracy reassured. "I just wanna be with you." She reached for Jen, attempting to pull her close again.

Jen resisted. "It matters to me," she gently insisted. Leaning down, she feathered a kiss across Tracy's soft mouth.

"So the issue is the bed, not this room, or the house, or… me?" Tracy sought clarification. She purposely evaded the fact that she was a woman.

"This is my home, and my bedroom. Those things aren't going to change," Jen said, forthrightly. "But the bed can change. It will change," she declared. "And I can assure you, there's no issue where you're concerned. It's most definitely you, I want."

A roguish grin perked on kiss-swollen lips. She had waited so long to hear Jen admit her desire; it felt like music to her ears. "Okay, I have an idea, then," Tracy announced.

Jen poised herself to listen.

"I know this duvet has no ties to the past, because I helped you pick it out," Tracy grinned.

"Yes, you did," Jen agreed, her voice soft, and alluring. "There's a reason for that…," she grinned.

"I know," Tracy acknowledged. Her fingertips dragged along Jen's arm, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. "So, why don't we drag it over there," she said, tipping her head toward the hearth, "add a few blankets and some pillows, light a fire, and…"

Smiling, Jen wrapped her arms around Tracy's neck, kissing her passionately. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to seduce me…"

"Any objections?"

"Not a one…"

Wrapping her arms around Jen's waist, Tracy pulled her impossibly closer. It was good that things had slowed down, she reasoned. Now she could be certain this was really what Jen wanted, and she wasn't just acting on impulse. "Why don't you go pick out a nice bottle of wine for us, while I set things up in here?"

A spirited grin flickered across Jen's lips. "Mm… Firelight and wine, a pallet on the floor…" Her arms still draped around Tracy's neck, she leaned close, lighting kissing Tracy's lips. "Who knew you were such a romantic…"

"You bring out the best in me." Tracy's voice was a low whisper, as she nuzzled Jen's cheek. She caught the corner of that soft mouth in a sweet kiss.

"I think we do that for each other," Jen commented, before lingering on Tracy's mouth.

Smiling into their kiss, Tracy called Jen's name with a slight cautionary tone.

"Right. Wine," Jen said, as she reluctantly pulled away from their embrace. "I won't be gone long." Her fingertips scraped across Tracy's palms, lingering until the last possible moment before turning to leave.

Tracy couldn't help the giddy fluttering in her chest, or the slow-burning heat that coiled in her belly as she watched the woman she loved saunter toward the door. She couldn't believe it was finally happening—she and Jen were about to make love, for what she hoped would be the first in a lifetime filled with lovemaking.

It wasn't about the sex, really, though she had no doubt it would be incredible. But it was more about finally sharing the deepest intimacy she would ever know, with the woman she loved. She felt her heart flutter again, and she smiled, as she reached for the duvet—the one they had picked out together not long after their first kiss—and began creating the ambiance that would enrapture them as finally, they crossed over into the next phase of their relationship.

In the kitchen, Jen popped the cork on a bottle of one of their favorite reds—a full, rounded merlot with a well-balanced fruit flavor. They had discovered it while visiting a quaint family-owned winery a little more than halfway between Springfield and Oakdale where, on recommendation from Tracy's grandmother, she had spirited Jen away for a romantic weekend.

Nestled in the woods surrounding a picturesque lake, the winery boasted beautiful vistas and tranquil coves to explore, as well as a lovely wine selection, and charming little secluded cabins that lent to the innately rustic ambiance of the retreat. They had hiked the trails, taken a canoe out on the lake, shared a picnic lunch on the shore, and ended the evening with a romantic candlelight dinner for two. The meal was an epicurean delight, shared in the quaint cabin where they stayed.

As Jen reminisced about the delightful weekend they had shared, she felt a twinge of regret that they hadn't made love during their romantic getaway. But she knew that she hadn't been ready then to put the past behind her, to put Jake behind her, and move forward with a new love.

All of that was different now. Tracy's steadfast devotion had won her over, quieted her fears, and she was ready to take a chance on love again. A giddy smile touched Jen's lips as she contemplated the evening that awaited them. They had been building to this moment, sometimes in fits and starts, but thanks to Tracy's persistence, all of their movement had been forward. As she had said to Tracy earlier, the pressure had been just enough to keep her from stalling or retreating because of her fear. Jen felt profound gratitude for the wisdom and patience Tracy had always shown with regard to their fledgling relationship, and she couldn't wait to share with her in her reward.

With a wistful smile, Jen poured two glasses of the deep burgundy liquid. Hooking the glasses between the fingers of one hand, she grabbed the bottle with the other, sauntering back toward the bedroom.

Entering the bedroom, Jen found the most delightful accommodations awaiting her. Candlelight flickered from numerous vantage points about the room, and a blazing fire crackled in the hearth. The room was warm with its glow. The thick cream-colored duvet had been pulled from her bed, and situated on the floor near the fireplace, complete with sheets and pillows. And the sounds of a soft piano mix lingered in the background, setting the perfect mood for romance.

Settled on the sofa facing the fireplace, Tracy tried to relax as she waited for her. Jen's breath caught in her chest as her eyes fell on the woman. She paused, leaning against the doorframe, taking in the sight of her. The chiseled lines of Tracy's visage had softened, and those dark, unruly curls framed her face in the muted glow of the firelight. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and Jen felt a sharp rush of desire for her, as she stood there, watching her.

Tracy shifted, and Jen took it as an opportunity to interrupt. "Hey—," she whispered quietly, as she pushed away from the doorframe.

Glancing up, Tracy's face lit up upon seeing Jen sauntering toward her. "Hey," she answered softly. Rising from the sofa, she approached Jen, offering help with the items in her hands.

Within seconds, two glasses of wine and a bottle had been settled on the table beside the sofa, and Jen was in Tracy's arms, being kissed. It was a light, fluttery kiss; one not meant to arouse, but to welcome.

"The room looks beautiful," Jen complimented, as Tracy held her close. "Thank you…"

Smiling, Tracy resisted the urge to tell her it wasn't half as beautiful as the woman in her arms. It was true—nothing and no one was as beautiful to Tracy as Jen, but cheesy lines just weren't her thing. Instead, she whispered, "You're welcome. Anything for you…"

Leaning in, Jen pressed a light kiss to soft lips. "Hold on, okay?" she said, softly. "I just have to do one more thing…"

Tracy nodded, releasing her hold on Jen. Sidestepping, she pushed the bedroom door closed, locking it once again, as she watched Jen walk across the room.

Facing her dresser, Jen stood, lost in thought; her eyes locked on the rings that adorned her left ring finger. She remembered the night Jake had given her the gorgeous diamond engagement ring—and the light and love that shimmered in his eyes when he asked for her hand in marriage. She remembered shopping with him in Boston that weekend, searching for the perfect wedding bands to compliment the princess-cut solitaire. And she remembered the day he slipped the full wedding set onto her finger, promising her forever. She closed her eyes, and a tear seeped through, slowly trickling down her cheek, as she felt Tracy's arms wrap tightly around her waist.

"Are you all right?" Tracy whispered, lightly kissing her shoulder.

"Yeah," Jen answered with a bittersweet smile. "Ghosts, ya know?"

Jen gingerly grasped the rings with the fingers of her right hand, but before she could pull them off, Tracy gently folder her own fingers around Jen's. "I know this isn't easy, Cara," she whispered against Jen's ear, as she held her from behind. "You don't have to take them off on my account," she said, softly.

Turning in Tracy's arms, Jen met those gorgeous dark eyes so filled with understanding. "Yes—yes, I do," she countered, as she gently gripped Tracy's chin between her thumb and forefinger. "I should've taken them off ages ago."

"No—," Tracy gently disagreed. "You weren't ready."

"I should have been," Jen insisted. "Jake has been gone a long time."

Again, Tracy shook her head. Her eyes were soft with empathy. "No one gets to decide how long someone else mourns, Honey," she said, quietly.

"I haven't mourned him in a very long time," Jen admitted. "I've just been too scared to move on with you, so I kept that barrier between us as a way of protecting myself."

Tracy wasn't surprised by Jen's admission. "And you're sure that's what you want, Cara?" she asked quietly, "To move on with me?"

"Yes…," Jen exhaled quietly, nodding her head, as fresh tears clouded the crystal clear of her blue eyes. "I've never wanted anything more in my whole life," she confessed. "But I won't lie to you. I'm still a little scared…"

Tucking a lock of streaky blonde hair behind Jen's left ear, Tracy offered a wobbly smile. "Scared of making love with me, or… scared of everything that comes along with it?"

Taking her time, Jen considered the question. "I'm… nervous about making love with you." She emphasized the emotion. "And scared shitless of everything that comes after…" Her latter confession was accompanied by a slight grimace.

Reassurance on her tongue, Tracy opened her mouth to speak, but Jen silenced her with the light brushing of her fingertips across parting lips. Then an easy smile flickered across her face, as she gazed into Tracy's eyes. "That's how I know I'm ready," she shared, with quiet conviction. "For the longest time, when I thought about being with you, it made me feel guilty. And then, once I got past the guilt, I was terrified of what it would mean if I admitted my feelings for you." After all, she had been very happily married, shared wonderful sex with her husband, created two beautiful little boys—and now, she felt this insatiable desire for another woman. What did it all mean? she had wondered. But that was then, and this was now, she reminded herself. "Now I feel nervous and excited at the same time, and all I can think about is how much I wanna be with you." A slight blush colored her cheeks, and she whispered, almost clandestinely, "I've been thinking about it for months, actually. The physical part, I mean…" She wanted Tracy to know this wasn't some sort of fluke, or an irrational decision made in the heat of the moment.

"Oh, really?" Tracy sounded both excited and surprised.

"Yes," Jen reaffirmed. "Ever since the night I freaked out on you, and…"

A gentle finger fell across guilt-laden lips. "Don't, okay? We're way past that now."

Biting her lower lip, Jen gave a simple nod.

Tracy's eyes sparkled, and a musing smile drifted across her lips. "You never said anything…"

Jen offered spirited grin in return. "I'm saying something now…" She emphasized the timing, as her fingers tangled in unruly curls. Lightly, she kissed Tracy's mouth. "And just so we're clear, my heart has belonged to you for a very long time."

"That's good to know," Tracy quietly replied. Gently, she kissed Jen again.

Releasing her hold, but not Tracy's gaze, Jen silently slipped the rings from her finger. She turned then, and Tracy's arms instinctively wrapped around her.

Tracy feathered another kiss across Jen's shoulder as she watched the scene unfolding in front of them.

Reaching into the antique jewelry box that once belonged to her great-grandmother, Jen retrieved a black velvet box. Opening it, she slipped the rings inside, next to Jake's custom-made platinum and diamond wedding band. Silently, she contemplated the set of rings for a moment, thinking that one day she might pass them on to Jacob, or maybe Dylan, if he married first. Perhaps that was something they could all decide together—someday. But for now, it was time to stop running from the future that awaited her—a future that she desperately wanted with Tracy. With a wistful smile on her lips, she gingerly snapped the box closed, returned it to her jewelry box, and closed the drawer.

Glancing up, her eyes met Tracy's in the mirror's reflection, and the smile that fell across her lips was nothing short of spectacular. When Tracy returned the smile, Jen turned in her arms, and pulled her close, simply holding her.

In the midst of their embrace, she was aware of Tracy's fingers lightly skimming her lower back, and the warmth of her lips brushing against her neck. With a soft sigh, she broke away from the embrace, and took Tracy's hand, slowly leading her over to the pallet on the floor.

Together, they settled in the center, kneeling. Jen's eyes traced the soft contours of Tracy's face, and brushing a lock of soft, dark curls aside, she tenderly cupped her cheeks. A contented smile flickered across her face, and she claimed that soft mouth, lingering.

As their mouths slowly moved against one another, connecting again and again, Jen's hands fell away. Dropping down, confident fingertips deftly worked the buttons on Tracy's navy blue shirt, releasing them, one by one. And when finally, the last button unfastened, Tracy's shirt fell open revealing the delightful expanse of smooth, tanned skin.

Taking a moment, Jen explored with her eyes and then with her fingertips, lightly tracing a collarbone, before dipping down to the swells of Tracy's breasts. She resisted the urge to kiss—they had all the time in the world, and she didn't want to rush.

Tracy's skin burned beneath those probing fingers, and she drew in a sharp breath, as she wondered how she would survive the experience when the slightest touch from this woman practically set her on fire.

And then those fingers were skimming beneath the fabric, gently pushing it from Tracy's shoulders, and they felt a mutual increase in excitement. The shirt cascaded to the floor, as Jen's mouth fell onto the warmth of skin. Pushing a bra strap down, she trailed lingering kisses across Tracy's right shoulder, onto her collarbone, and up the column of her neck, drawing sounds of approval for her efforts along the way. And then she was kissing that beckoning mouth again.

Smiling into their kiss, Tracy insistently yanked Jen's T-shirt from her jeans. Their mouths separated only briefly, as the shirt was pulled effortlessly over her head and tossed aside like a pesky nuisance. And then they were connecting again, kisses deepening, and the soft sounds that emanated from their lungs grew more intense.

A few murmured words, requests, really, set Tracy into action. Her hands lightly caressed Jen's breasts through the fabric of her bra, drawing a soft whimper from her. It excited her beyond reason, and she couldn't wait to touch them in the flesh. And then, as if by their own accord, her hands fell to the buckle on Jen's belt, effortlessly releasing it.

Taking that as a challenge, Jen's eyes never left Tracy's as she reached for her would-be lover's belt buckle, releasing it with ease. And then her hands were releasing the front clasps on that sexy black bra, and the most beautiful twin globes popped out to greet her. She gasped and grinned, and took them in her hands, delighting in the weight of them, the texture.

Tracy groaned, and leaned into the touch, her fingers tangling in soft blonde locks.

God, touching Tracy this way felt better than Jen ever imagined—and she'd imagined it a lot! Tracy's breasts were perfectly tanned, and tipped with the most succulent dark nipples, that were already tight with arousal. Never would Jen have believed the sight of another woman's breasts would arouse her, but Tracy's did, and she couldn't wait to taste them. And so she did.

Jen took her time, exploring with soft kisses, and light licks, and the most gentle, teasing suckling. Delighting in the faint whimpers and staccato gasps that tumbled from Tracy's lips, she pleasured her until her body began to tremble. Tracy looked incredibly beautiful, with her head thrown back, those unruly waves cascading down her back, as she arched into Jen's mouth. Slowly, Jen kissed her way up the long, graceful column of Tracy's neck, returning to that soft mouth, lingering with her in long, slow kisses.

Now wildly aroused, trembling fingertips worked to release the button on Jen's jeans, and then lower the fly, before moving upward to do the same with the pale peach bra that matched the lacy panties she had just discovered. Slowly, the straps peeled away, revealing the creamy flesh of round, firm breasts.

Having broken their kiss, Tracy gasped at the sheer beauty of her.

Blushing, Jen said, bashfully, "Sorry they're not that big." They were barely a B-cup, and they felt exceptionally inadequate in comparison to Tracy's fully-formed C's.

Shaking her head, Tracy skimmed the soft contours of creamy breasts turned golden in the firelight. "You're perfect…," she whispered, as she lightly grazed her nails along tender flesh.

Goosebumps formed beneath Tracy's touch. Jen's giggle turned into a sultry groan. "You're biased." Her accusation was accompanied by an affectionate smile.

"You're correct," Tracy agreed with an easy grin. "I'm in love with you, not your body parts." She stressed the identity of the object of her affection. "Not that I don't appreciate your body parts… In fact, I'm looking quite forward to getting acquainted with them."

Hungry eyes and roguish grin accompanied that final statement, drawing a soft laugh from Jen. An eyebrow vaulted. "What's stopping you?" she challenged.

"Not a damned thing," Tracy practically growled, as her fingers regained their momentum.

Jen's smile was caught in a tangled breath, her body trembling when Tracy's fingernails scraped against delicate coral nipples. She bit into the plump flesh of her lower lip, muffling a deep moan.

Tracy watched with fixated delight, as those sensitive buds pebble beneath her touch. Lightly, she traced her fingertips around the outer edge of tight areolas, which were only a few shades lighter than those perfectly kissable nipples. She couldn't wait to get her mouth on them. She skimmed her hands over them, squeezing lightly, reveling in the tautness of those sweet coral peaks against her palms.

A soft mewl fell from Jen's lips, and Tracy smiled, and squeezed again. And then she lowered her head, claiming one firm, round breast with her mouth, as her right hand fell to the small of Jen's back, and she gently lowered her to their makeshift bed.

Slowly, she licked, and kissed, and suckled, making love to Jen's pert breasts as if they were the world's most beautiful treasure. Three long years of pining after this woman, and now they were finally here. Tracy had no intention of rushing. Not now. Not after "slow and steady" had proven so prudent. And so she took her time, moving from breast to breast, thoroughly pleasuring, before moving up, capturing Jen's mouth in a fiery kiss. They released a mutual groan of wanton pleasure as tight nipples brushed, and their breasts pressed together for the first time. And then they were lost in kisses that lingered far longer than they would ever realize, leaving both of them perched on the edge of release.

Finally, Tracy tore her mouth away, earning a dissatisfied grunt for her actions, and then she was exploring Jen's torso with deliberate intent, before returning to those taut nipples; all the while, listening to Jen's breathing, and the soft sounds that spilled from her lips.

Tracy's mouth and tongue felt like velvet against her skin. It fluttered and teased, sending prickly tingles down Jen's spine, even as her body flushed with heat. God, it had been so long! She had forgotten how glorious it could feel. It was different, though. Tracy's mouth was softer, gentler. And she loved the way those unruly curls ticked her skin, teasing at the nipple Tracy wasn't suckling. And then Tracy shifted, turning her attention to the neglected nipple, and Jen felt the heat in her body turn to liquid, pooling between her thighs.

When Tracy's tongue dipped into her bellybutton, lightly teasing, Jen thought she might self-combust. Jen's belly quivered beneath those probing kisses, and Tracy grinned at the response. Realizing it was an erogenous zone, she did it again and again. And then her mouth moved lower, her tongue lightly teasing at the edge of those lacy peach panties.

Jen groaned out a plea, and Tracy rose up, her hair falling across Jen's face as she nuzzled her ear. "Tell me what you want, Cara," she husked, her voice deep with arousal.

Her breath coming in short bursts, Jen gasped, "Touch me. Just touch me, Tracy, please! I don't care how…"

Delivered on a breathy moan, Tracy felt the burning heat of desire coil deep in her belly, sliding down to her groin, where it pulsed, demanding satisfaction. But Jen was her first priority. They had waited so long, and her deepest desire was to please this woman, to love her, thoroughly.

Tracy whispered to her, telling her how deeply she loved her and how much she wanted to please her. And then she kissed her again—deeply—as her fingertips slowly descended toward their destination. Slipping beneath sodden panties, Tracy gasped at the warm, wet welcome, and then sighed into Jen's mouth, as her fingers were fully enveloped by that intoxicating heat. Slowly, she explored, drawing the most delicious reactions from Jen, those shapely hips moving against her hand, as Jen cried out, begging for more.

Reluctantly, Tracy withdrew. Garnering a whimper of protest from Jen, she grinned against kiss-swollen lips. "These jeans look luscious on you, but they're kinda tight. I need a little more room to move if you really want more," she husked playfully.

Jen grinned, and kissed her. "Hurry!" she insisted. "I need you inside me…" Her body was on fire, aching for Tracy to fill her.

"Anything you want, Love," Tracy murmured, lightly brushing her lips against Jen's ear.

Gently, she urged Jen to lift her hips. Within seconds, the form-fitting jeans that were hampering Tracy's path were tossed aside, and the warmth of her mouth met the heat of Jen's inner thigh. She knew how much Jen needed her, but muscles were twitching beneath her tongue, and the sensation was simply too delectable to rush. She could already taste traces of desire on the soft skin beneath her tongue, and her mouth watered the closer she moved to Jen's center. Finally, she kissed her there, tasting her through the fabric of those saturated panties.

Jen released a deep groan at the contact, and her hips shifted, insistently pressing her aching need against Tracy's mouth.

Tracy grinned. God, she tasted good! Slowly, she licked, and sucked, and kissed, using the fabric to create the most delicious friction against Jen's quivering bundle. She was so hard, and ready, and Tracy knew from experimentation with her own body that the texture of the fabric would increase the pleasure.

When Jen's soft whimpers and moans turned to raucous pleas as she writhed beneath that hot mouth, Tracy peeled away the final barrier. Lightly, her fingertips teased at the wispy blonde hairs she had discovered, driving another whimper from burning lungs.

Prompted by Jen's insistent response, Tracy gently opened those swollen southern lips, and dove in with gusto. Her tongue was tender, yet insistent, and Jen rewarded her with the most delightful noises of approval, as she embarked upon her maiden exploration of terrain that would soon become more familiar to her than her own body. And then Jen was panting, the muscles in her tight belly and toned thighs quivering as she whimpered about how close she was, and how desperately she needed to come.

Finally, Tracy slipped deep inside her, filling her with two long, lissome fingers. Increasing the pressure of her tongue on that sweet, engorged bundle, as she teased and stroked deep inside with her fingertips, Tracy brought her to the teetering precipice of release, receiving increasingly gratifying noises of appreciation for her efforts. And then she held her there, lingering with her, until the surge of pent-up sexual energy tore through, and Jen's walls clamped down, her hips jerking forward, as she cried out in rapturous pleasure.

Tracy reveled in the sensation of Jen's most intimate flesh throbbing around her fingers, and quivering against her tongue. She had fantasized about this moment for longer than she cared to remember, but nothing in her fantasies prepared her for the all-consuming essence of this reality. It was hot, and sweet, and satisfying—oh, so satisfying, knowing that she held the power to bring Jen to this blissful place.

Longing to extend her lover's pleasure, lightly, she kissed her there, lingering with her until the last of the tremors abated, and she felt Jen's body relax. And then she returned to her, kissing her tenderly, telling her how beautiful she was, and how much she loved her.

Jen's heart soared as she drank it all in—the kisses, the touches, the softly whispered words. She never expected to find a love like this again. She really never expected to find it with her best friend, and definitely not with a woman. But she had, and she wouldn't trade it for the world.

Once she had regained her composure, gently, yet insistently, Jen rolled Tracy onto her back. As she laid partially on top of that gorgeous, muscled body, the firelight flickering in those warm, dark eyes, Jen smiled down at her. "I love you, Tracy…," she whispered, her eyes clouding with tears.

Tracy's breath caught in her chest, and her eyes welled up with tears. "Have you any idea how long I've waited to hear you say that?" she whispered.

"Far too long," Jen quietly acknowledged; her tears spilling over, mixing with Tracy's as she kissed her.

"Whether you've said it or not, I've always known," Tracy whispered, her lips ghosting across Jen's. "Always…"

"I know you have, but you deserved to hear it ages ago, and I'm so—" Jen's voice held remorse for having held off saying it for so long.

Tracy shushed her with a kiss. "It doesn't matter anymore. All that matters is that we're together, and you're saying it now."

Gliding a fingertip across Tracy's lower lip, Jen whispered, "I am saying it now. I'll say it always. I love you…" She punctuated her declaration with a kiss, and then, satisfied that she had been forgiven, she let the subject drop. Vaulting an eyebrow, she grinned into those shimmering dark eyes. "Are you sure you've never done this before?"

"Never," Tracy replied, a promise inherent in her voice. "I'm a good little Irish-Italian Catholic girl, remember?" Dark eyes danced with mischief.

"So… all good little Irish-Italian Catholic girls know how to do that?" Jen sounded amused, and Tracy laughed.

"Somehow, I highly doubt that," Tracy snickered.

"Then where did you learn how to do that?" Those sparkling blue eyes were wide, and her voice filled with awe.

A puckish grin percolated. "I've read a lot of Sapphic romance novels."

"Sapphic romance?"

"It's a more chic way of saying lesbian," Tracy explained, shrouding that final word in mock secrecy.

Jen pursed her lips. "Is that what I am now?" she asked, tentatively, "A lesbian?"

"I guess that's really up to you," Tracy answered forthrightly. "I don't need you to label yourself for me. All I need to know is that you love me…"

"Never doubt that," Jen whispered. She feathered a kiss across Tracy's lips. "I don't want to go another day without kissing you, and telling you how much I love you."

A sultry grin teased at Tracy's lips. "Lucky for you, you don't have to. Tell me now, and then kiss me again."

Willingly, Jen complied with the playful demand. And then she rested her head against Tracy's shoulder.

As they lay there together, silently, Jen wondered why it was that Tracy had chosen her to love, when she could have any woman she wanted. She didn't ask, though. That felt too much like fishing for compliments, and that just wasn't in Jen's nature.

"Know why I love you?" Tracy was whispering against Jen's ear.

Smiling, Jen asked, "Were you reading my mind, or something?"

Tracy gave her a look that neither confirmed nor refuted her suspicions. "I love your intelligence. And your zest for life. I love your laugh, and that gorgeous smile."

Jen's eyes sparkled, and that captivating smile appeared.

"Yeah, that's the one, right there." Tracy's fingertip lightly brushed Jen's lower lip, and then she kissed her. "I love that you're such an amazing Mom," she said, softly, drawing a sentimental "Aw…" from Jen.

"It's easier because you're here," Jen quietly complimented. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Regarding Jen with deep affection, Tracy promised, "If I have anything to say about it, you'll never have to find out."

Tears formed in Jen's eyes, as she struggled to stave off her emotions. Tracy read the struggle, and sought to rescue her. She knew Jen hated to cry in front of others. "Know why else I love you?"

"Why?" Jen quietly asked, thankful for the reprieve.

"Because you appreciate my favorite books," Tracy declared. "And because we enjoy the same movies, even the obscure ones that no one else has ever heard of. And because you hate the music I listen to, but you listen with me anyway."

Chuckling, Jen declared, "You have terrible taste in music."

Tracy made a face that said she couldn't believe Jen would say such a thing. "I do not! I was just born in the wrong generation," she said, smugly.

Grinning, Jen shook her head.

"Tell me you don't think Bus Stop is just the most romantic song ever," she challenged, with passionate abandon, referencing the classic 1966 Hollies ditty.

Jen giggled. "I think it's the silliest song ever," she teased, emphasizing her chosen adjective.

"Oh, come on, it's sweet, and romantic. How could you resist lyrics like these?" She broke out into gleeful song, slightly off-key as it was. "All the people stared as if we were both quite insane. Someday my name and hers are going to be the same…"

And then the playful singing stopped, and her expression turned serious. "That's you and me, Cara. Some people might stare, and others might think we're insane; that we're completely wrong for one another. But we know better, and someday, when you're ready, we'll share a name." Her voice was strong and confident as she made her declaration.

A look of reticence flashed across Jen's face. "You know I'm never getting married again," she gently reminded. That part about "until death do us part" had become far too real for her, far too quickly, and the mere thought of making such a promise again terrified her.

Undeterred, Tracy flashed that winsome smile. "I'll share my umbrella with you," she flirtingly offered, in reflection of the song lyrics. "That, in and of itself, should win your heart."

Charmed, Jen laughed softly. "You already have my heart," she whispered. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips against Tracy's in a sweet kiss. "Now, speaking of books," she said, purposely changing the subject. "You've been holding out on me."

"What?" Tracy let her get away with avoiding the topic of marriage—for the time being, anyway. But she vowed to never give up entirely.

"Sapphic romance?"

"Oh, that," Tracy laughed.

"Yes, that!" Jen exclaimed, amusedly. "You need to hand those over. Seems I've some catching up to do…" Her voice was low and sultry, teeming with innuendo.

A dark eyebrow hiked. "Why don't we find out where your baseline is first," Tracy husked in suggestion. "That way, I'll know which books to give you…"

A mischievous grin toyed with the corners of Jen's mouth. "That sounds like a fabulous plan," she declared, as she covered Tracy's mouth with her own.

As Jen's thoughts returned to the present, the memory of that night was still fresh in her mind—as if it had happened just yesterday. And yet, they had weathered so much together in the years that followed, grown closer in ways Jen never would have imagined possible. Tracy was her best friend, her closest confidante, and though it surprised just a bit her to realize it, she was also the love of her life. It surprised her, perhaps, because it had come upon her, unawares. Not by some grand revelation, but rather through the subtlety of simply living their lives together. It was Tracy's steadfastness in their friendship, and her gentle persistence when pursuing her, and her unconditional love for their boys.

Their boys. Those were the words that mattered. When news of the custody suit had arrived, Tracy had been her rock, her fortress, never wavering in her commitment to their family. She had even offered to leave Springfield, if that's what Jen wanted to do. She had offered to leave her family…

Family. Jen knew, better than most, how truly precious family was, and she knew without a doubt they would fight against all odds to stay together. Tracy's family—her parents, her grandmother, her brothers, even her aunt and uncle and cousins, would fight along with them, because she and her boys had become a part of them. "La mia amata famiglia," as Tracy's uncle would boisterously declare, as he toasted all of them at their family gatherings. Family. Real family, whether borne of blood or of love, stayed. Just like Tracy.

Slowly, tearstained eyes caressed Tracy's face, drinking in the sheer essence of her. Tousled dark curls flopped across her brow, she was breathtakingly beautiful, with those long, dark lashes, and that flawless olive skin. Gently, Jen traced her fingertip along that angular jawline, and down the slope of that perfect nose.

Tracy's nose twitched. She swiped at it in her sleep.

Jen grinned, and continued her journey, trekking lightly across those lips that were always so perfectly poised for kissing—even in her sleep. And then she fell into that slight indentation that formed the cutest little dimple in her chin.

Gingerly, Jen's fingers tickled that soft tuft of dark tendrils at the apex of Tracy's thighs.

Roused from sleep by Jen's familiar touch, a rascally grin played on Tracy's lips. "Does this mean I'm gonna get morning sex?" she husked, her eyes still closed.

Jen smiled, and brushed her lips against Tracy's mouth. "I'd say that's a safe bet," she murmured. "If you're interested, that is…"

A deep, sultry laugh fell from Tracy's lips. "When am I ever not interested?" she asked, rhetorically. She closed her mouth over Jen's lips. "My favorite way of waking up is with your mouth on me."

Smiling against Tracy's mouth, Jen dipped the tip of her finger into that inviting crevice, stroking with deliberate pressure. "God, Trace, you're already so hard…" Her observation fell from her lips on a sharp gasp.

A deliberate tongue stroked deep inside Jen's mouth, drawing a mutual moan. "I'm always hard for you, Cara," Tracy murmured. "Always ready. Make me come…"

The request was too much for Jen to resist. Dropping to Tracy's chest, she pulled first one nipple, then the other into her mouth. They were already swollen with arousal, and a few insistent sucks had Tracy writhing with pleasure. Then, tarrying not, she quickly lowered her mouth, pressing a tender kiss to Tracy's soft mound. Tongue slipping inside, she teased lightly.

A jagged groan spilled from Tracy's lips, as her hips strained. "Stop teasing, Jen. Make me come," she petitioned. "Please…"

Jen chuckled against Tracy's center, the vibration drawing another low groan. As she gently peeled open those delicate southern lips, surrounding that hard, straining peak with her hot, avid mouth, she remembered with fondness the sweet ecstasy she had experienced the first time she made love to Tracy in this way. And with the skillfulness borne of intimate familiarity, deliberately she pleasured her, bringing her to the swift, intense climax she knew her lover needed. Not surprising to either of them, the raucousness of Tracy's verbal response was enough to take Jen over the edge along with her.

And then she was kissing that sweet mouth, lingering with her, as their bodies instinctively intertwined. Whether fast and voracious, as it had been this morning, or slow and tender the way it was their first time, and again last night, their lovemaking was always deeply, mutually satisfying.

Tracy was smiling against her mouth. "Mm… I love tasting cum on your lips," she murmured seductively, drawing Jen from her sweet reverie.

Grinning, Jen practically growled, "Then you're really gonna love this," as she deftly slipped her tongue between Tracy's willingly parting lips, scraping it against the roof of her mouth.

Releasing a guttural moan, Tracy pulled that probing muscle deeper, suckling on it, hard. And as she savored the taste, her fingers stroked deliberately between Jen's legs, bringing her to another blissful orgasm.

A deep, groan fell from Jen's lips into Tracy's mouth. "Marry me," she whispered in that husky morning voice that always made Tracy's skin tingle.

"What?" Tracy exhaled on a short laugh that broke their kiss. She couldn't believe her ears.

"You heard me," Jen said, insistently. Her eyes searched Tracy's, as her lips curled into a beckoning grin. "Marry me."

Baffled, Tracy shook her head. "But you've always said—"

Jen silenced her with a tender kiss. "I know this isn't the romantic proposal you deserve, and I don't have a diamond ring hidden in my…" She glanced down at her naked body, her face accentuating the lack of pockets, and they both laughed. "Well, I don't have a ring," she grinned, "but the proposal is sincere, Tracy. I love you, and I want to marry you. More than anything."

"Wow," Tracy murmured. "This is… the last thing I expected to hear when I woke up this morning." She was still trying to process this complete turnaround.

"I know," Jen acknowledged, "and I didn't mean to catch you off-guard. It's just that… this whole custody thing has made me take stock of our lives, and to really appreciate how wonderful it is to share it with you."

"It isn't even legal here," Tracy pointed out.

An eyebrow vaulted. "Are you trying to talk me out of it?" She sounded surprised, and a little bit amused.

"No!" Tracy quickly answered. "God, no—I've spent the last three years trying to talk you into it." She stressed the "into" part. "It's just that…"

"Huh-uh—," Jen grunted, pressing a finger to Tracy's lips. "Don't go there, okay?"

"But—"

The expression on Jen's face brooked no dispute. "So what if isn't legal here. We'll go to Iowa," she declared, making an executive decision. "It just became legal there."

Tracy smiled, knowing this was really about to happen. "Or… we could go to Boston," she gently suggested. Oh, yeah, she was totally on-board. "Maybe your family…"

Jen was shaking her head. "You know better than that," she said, sadly. "They'll never accept us, Tracy. But that's really the point. That's why I changed my mind."

"I'm not following," Tracy said, confused.

"You're my family," Jen said, simply. "You, and your parents, your brothers, Grandma Rosie." She smiled, as she thought about that sweet, wonderful woman who had been Tracy's steadfast support during the years Jen was waffling about their relationship. "Your aunt and uncle, and cousins. All of you have become my family, and I need you all more than ever." She leaned close, whispering, "Especially you, my Love."

Eyes sparkling, Tracy leaned in, feathering a kiss across Jen's lips. "Iowa, huh?"

"Iowa," Jen repeated.

Tracy smiled. "I like corn," she shrugged, nonchalantly.

Jen laughed heartily. "So… am I hearing a 'Yes'?"

That effervescent laugh tumbled from Tracy's lips. "You're hearing a 'Hell, Yes,' Baby!" Lunging forward, she pushed Jen down into their makeshift bed, kissing her passionately.

Laughing into their kiss, Jen rolled them over, cradling Tracy in her arms. "You make me so unbelievably happy."

Declared on a whispery kiss, Jen's sweet words brought tears to Tracy's eyes. "I can't wait to be your wife," she said, softly. Her fingers tunneled through streaky blonde locks.

"We'll go ring shopping this afternoon," Jen promised. "You can have anything you want."

"No—I want you to pick it out," Tracy insisted.

"Yeah?" Jen's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Uh-huh," Tracy nodded. Her face wore a spirited grin. "Seems only fair, since that's what I did."

Jen's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Eyes twinkling as if they held the world's most prized secret, Tracy stealthily slipped from beneath Jen's body, into a seated position. Bending her right knee, she wrapped her arms around it, and rested her chin. "I picked out your ring," she announced.

"You… picked out a ring for me?" Jen processed aloud.

"Yup," Tracy declared with a grin. Planting her hands on the floor beside her hips, she pushed herself up onto her feet.

Curious and confused, but not so much so that she didn't fixate on that perfect dimple in the center of Tracy's right ass cheek, Jen watched her with intent interest as she strode across the room. She felt an overwhelming urge to tease that dimple with her tongue, and immediately, her body ached for Tracy's touch.

As Tracy slid her hand deep into her top dresser drawer, she glanced over her shoulder, noting the expression on Jen's face. "Are you seriously checking out my ass right now?" Her tone was low and sultry, making her all the more enticing.

Caught, red-handed, guilty eyes flickered up to meet Tracy's as she felt her face flush. She laughed nervously. "Is there a rule that says I have to stop ogling your ass once I propose to you?"

Locating the box without even looking, Tracy clasped it tightly in her hand. She closed the drawer, and turned toward Jen, leaning against the dresser. "No—," she answered with a playful grin. "The way I see it, a proposal gives you permission to ogle any part of me, anytime you damned well please. I'll even let you touch."

Delivered on a husky cadence, that latter offering caused a feral reaction within Jen's body. A roguish grin teased at her lips. The prospect of that was just simply too delicious. As was always the case, the sight of Tracy's toned, athletic thighs entranced her. And then her eyes trailed to that tuft of dark curls at their apex, and an unbidden groan slipped from her lips. Her mind raced with possibilities, and Tracy released a soft chuckle, as she pushed away from the dresser. She loved seeing that expression on Jen's face—the one that revealed to her exactly how much Jen wanted her, always.

Later, Jen told herself, as she forced her focus back on the woman who sauntered toward her wearing nothing but a giddy, almost triumphant, smile.

Kneeling in front of Jen, Tracy gingerly opened the little red velvet box in her hands, revealing a stunning emerald-cut diamond engagement ring. It was a graduating bezel set with five perfectly cut stones, set in a platinum band, with a matching diamond wedding band.

Jen's breath caught in her chest as she peered down at the ring. "It's…" Willfully, she swallowed to choked back tears, and exhaled. "It's perfect, Darling. Exactly what I would have picked." Declared on an emotion-laden whisper, she reached out, gently touching Tracy's cheek. "I love you, so much."

Dark eyes filled with tears, as Tracy gazed into those shimmering pools of blue. "I love you, Cara," she whispered. Shifting forward, she kissed Jen tenderly. "May I put it on?"

"Yes!" Jen cried, giddily. And then she laughed, and kissed Tracy again. "Seems rather counterintuitive, you giving me a ring, when I'm the one who proposed," she pointed out, as Tracy slipped the engagement ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit, and it felt as if it had been there her entire life.

Holding Jen's hand, Tracy gazed at the ring as it glistened on her finger. "It doesn't matter who proposed," she declared. Lifting Jen's hand, she pressed her lips against the dazzling piece of jewelry. "As long as this ring is finally where it belongs."

"How long have you had this?" Jen asked, suspiciously.

"I'll give you a hint," Tracy said, teasingly.

A sandy-blonde eyebrow vaulted.

"All the people stared as if we were both quite insane. Someday my name and hers are going to be the same…" Tracy sang the familiar lyrics, once again taking Jen back to their first night together.

That slightly off-key serenade thoroughly charmed her. "That just became my favorite song, ever," Jen declared.

Laughing, Tracy said, "I thought you hated it."

"It's grown on me," Jen said, casually. And then her expression turned tender, as she brushed a lock of curls from Tracy's forehead affectionately. "Seriously? You've had this ring since then?"

Tracy grinned, and kissed her. "No, actually I've had it since before we made love that first time," she whispered. For months after their first kiss, she had squirreled away every penny she could spare, until she'd saved enough to buy that ring. And then, excitedly, she had purchased it, tucking it away until the time was right. "I picked that line in the chorus because I already knew we'd be married someday."

Deeply moved by the staggering certainty of Tracy's commitment, Jen's tears began to fall, unchecked. "You've never doubted, have you?"

Holding Jen's face in her hands, Tracy tenderly stroked her cheeks. "Not for a moment, Cara," she whispered. And then she kissed her again. "If I hadn't already been convinced beforehand, I would've known for certain you were the one the moment I first kissed you."

Rising up on her knees, Jen wrapped her arms around Tracy's neck, pressing their bodies together. "And just how is it that you could know that?"

"No one else's kisses ever felt like that," Tracy murmured against Jen's lips.

"Oh, yeah?" Jen playfully challenged. "How did they feel, Tracy?" Her voice was as smooth and sweet as candy, with the slightest hint of mischief—the promise of something totally bad for you, that tasted oh, so good.

Tracy grinned into their lingering kiss, as she skillfully lowered Jen back down to their makeshift bed. "I love your accent when you get frisky…"

"What, my Boston-by-way-of-Mississippi-Bayou accent?" Jen played along.

"It's like having a big 'ole glass of sweet tea with my Boston cream pie."

Just the thought of combining the two drew a hearty laugh from Jen. She swiped at her tears.

"What?" Tracy grinned. "I think it's sexy…"

"Know what I think is sexy?"

"What?"

"That single, perfect dimple in the middle of your right ass cheek," Jen grinned.

"You're ridiculous," Tracy laughed.

"I'm serious!" Jen countered. "Turn over. I'll show you," she grinned.

Pushing Tracy playfully, Jen rolled her over onto her stomach. Running the palm of her right hand across the firm, toned muscles of Tracy's ass, she massaged gently, drawing a slow moan from Tracy's lungs. Jen smiled at the reaction, and pressed a deliberate finger into the little indentation; then replaced the finger with her mouth, kissing it, as she said, "Right here," her voice rife with seduction.

Tracy laughed. "If you don't stop that, we're never getting dressed today."

"Do you hear me arguing?" Jen posed, as she leaned over Tracy's shoulder.

Groaning at the sensation of Jen's pert breasts against her bare back, Tracy shifted just enough to catch her fiancée's mouth in a kiss.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm crazy, I crave you so much all the time," Jen confessed.

Tracy smiled against Jen's lips, and kissed her again. "Then we'll share a room at Ravenwood," she said, "because I crave you like crazy, too."

Jen chuckled, and kissed that sensitive place just beneath her ear. "Thank you for being so patient with me," she whispered.

Stealthily shifting her body beneath Jen's, Tracy rolled them over, settling between toned thighs. She brushed a lock of streaky blonde from Jen's face affectionately. "You, my Love, were so worth the wait," she whispered. And then she was kissing Jen again, and soon thereafter, she was making love to her, showing her how much she was loved, and treasured, and craved.

Saturday, May 2, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Curled up on the sofa, Natalia closed her eyes as she breathed in the savory aroma of her morning coffee. Glancing at the clock, and noting the time—11:30—she placated her guilty conscience with the fact that technically, it was still morning. It was hours later than she was accustomed to starting her day, but she simply delighted in the reason she was waylaid. She had awoken an hour earlier, lingering in bed with Olivia. And finally, with light kisses to her lover's bare shoulder, then lips, she had urged Olivia to go back to sleep while she saw to coffee and breakfast.

Sated and sleepy, Olivia hadn't protested. Rolling onto her belly, she burrowed into her pillow, releasing a contented sigh. Natalia laughed softly when Olivia began snoring again, before she made it out of their bed.

Reaching for the robe Olivia had given her for Christmas, she wrapped it around her, tightening the sash, as she shuffled into her slippers. With one last glance at her gorgeous lover, she couldn't resist stealing just one more moment with her. Leaning over, she brushed a kiss across a smooth cheek, and nuzzled against her ear, whispering, "I love you, Olivia. And just so you know—Baby, you rocked my entire world…"

And rocked it, she had. She had tilted Natalia's entire world on its axis, leaving her spinning out of control in ways she never imagined, and never wanted to forget. Even now, Natalia found her body suffused with heat, as she ruminated on the experiences she had shared with Olivia in only a few hours' time…

At one point during their lovemaking, as Natalia delighted in the sensation of heat and wet beneath her fingertips, she recalled the sheer wonder of exploring Olivia's most intimate places for the very first time. She had never stopped to wonder what a woman looked like… down there. Never held any sort of curiosity, even regarding her own body. But making love with Olivia had changed that forever, leaving an indelible impression upon her, body, soul, and spirit.

Her first visual foray into exploring Olivia's innermost places had been the most sensual, tactile learning experience. Gently, her fingertips had moved through the silky warmth of those sensitive pink folds. Exploring, discovering, she watched with rapt attention at the way Olivia's body responded. Olivia's tender flesh quivered and contracted beneath her touch, making the woman whimper in pleasure. And Natalia loved the way that engorged bundle of nerves hardened against her deliberate stroke, and twitched beneath her swirling fingertips. Forging deeper, she took her time, memorizing the contours and the different textures of Olivia's blossoming flower, and the intoxicating scent of Olivia's desire. And as Olivia came for her, her breath escaping in short, staccato bursts, Natalia had delighted in observing the rapid convulsions of that sweet, glistening pearl, the quivering of Olivia's belly, the quaking in those muscled thighs, and the stirring of curvaceous hips. It made her own center shudder in response, and she felt that familiar dipping-quickening in the depths of her belly, as she watched Olivia's body quivering beneath her touch.

She felt empowered, knowing that she could bring such pleasure to the woman she loved with only the gentle stroking of her fingertips; and following Olivia's example, Natalia had held those svelte hips down, lightly continuing the stimulation until finally, the spasms ceased, and she heard that telltale whimper, indicating that Olivia had finished.

As for Olivia, she found herself pleasantly surprised by Natalia's unguarded curiosity, her unabashed desire to explore, and she was astounded at how quickly she caught on to what it took to make Olivia come. In fact, it was growing increasingly more difficult to hold off her orgasm, each time Natalia touched her. For a woman who had never pleasured herself, Natalia certainly knew how to please, and Olivia could not have been more satisfied. Thoroughly sated, she had tugged at Natalia then, drawing her upward.

Natalia smiled, and took her time, kissing Olivia's belly, the soft undersides of her breasts, her nipples, her collarbone, and neck, before finally covering Olivia's mouth with her own. She lingered on that soft mouth as their bodies slid together, locking into place, and then she was whispering to Olivia, telling her how wondrous it was to touch her that way, to feel her body responding.

Meeting Natalia's desire-laden gaze, Olivia whispered to her, telling her what a wonderful lover she was, and how completely satisfied she felt, as they lay there together in the sweet thereafter.

Blushing, Natalia quietly voiced doubts about Olivia's choice of adjectives, to which Olivia whispered, "Didn't you feel me when I came for you?"

Delivered on a husky whisper, Olivia's words sent a shiver of excitement through Natalia's body. The very idea that she held the power to make Olivia come—oh, it was such an intense turn-on, and Natalia could feel it in every nerve ending in her body.

"Didn't you see what you do to my body?" Olivia throaty voice continued, "Natalia, it was wonderful, and I can't wait for you to do it again…" She grinned roguishly, and then she kissed Natalia's mouth again.

Still feeling a bit shy, Natalia averted that piercing gaze. "I never knew a woman's body could do all that," she whispered. "All the twitching, and the… y'know, and…" She blushed as she babbled on. Adorably so, Olivia thought, smiling, as Natalia finished by saying, "the way everything just… moves by itself when you're about to, um…" She clamped her mouth shut just shy of uttering the word, "come."

Olivia simply stared at her in wonder. "Gus really never touched you, did he?" she asked, stupefied by the man's extreme idiocy.

Shyly, Natalia bit her bottom lip, as she shook her head, indicating that he hadn't—certainly not the way Olivia had. She didn't elaborate on what little he had actually done, as she wasn't sure it was acceptable to talk of such things in moments like this.

Gathering Natalia closer, Olivia drew her into a slow, sensual kiss. And when Natalia released a soft, contented sigh, Olivia whispered to her, "Will you try something with me?"

Trembling in Olivia's arms, Natalia nodded her acquiescence. A sense of nervous excitement coursed through her as she wondered what it was that Olivia wanted to do.

Lightly, Olivia kissed her again. "I'll be right back, okay?" she murmured, as she brushed her nose against Natalia's sweetly.

"Where are you going?" Natalia pouted. The thought of being away from Olivia, even for a moment, made her crazy.

Grinning, Olivia answered, "I need to grab something from my old bedroom."

Natalia's eyes grew wide, drawing a laugh from Olivia. "Relax, Sweetheart," she said, clearly amused, "it's nothing scandalous."

The comment drew a nervous chuckle from Natalia, and she feigned nonchalance. "I wasn't worried."

"Good," Olivia replied, and she kissed her again. She knew better, but she also knew that Natalia would enjoy what she had planned. "I'll be back in a minute." With that, she drew up on her knees, slowly backing away.

Natalia quickly mirrored her, crawling forward, plying her with playful kisses, as they both made their way toward the far edge of the bed.

Once they were both on their feet, Olivia kissed her once more, and then she turned toward their bedroom door, as Natalia made her way into the master bath. Neither of them had realized how long they had lingered in bed, but once she was on her feet, her bladder began to protest, and she was quick to answer the call.

By the time she returned, Olivia was already waiting for her. Propped up against a pile of pillows, she leaned against their headboard, wearing nothing but that sexy smile. Natalia felt a flash of hot desire surge through her, from head to toe, as her eyes scraped up and down that luscious body, so open for her. She was thankful that, for whatever reason, Olivia had turned on the bedside lamp, as it allowed her a clear view of everything Olivia was offering her.

Climbing up onto their bed, slowly, like a stealthy cat, Natalia crawled toward her. Olivia was torn between maintaining her focus on those dark, desire-laden eyes, and watching the hypnotizing sway of those ample breasts. God, Natalia's breasts were incredible. She loved everything about them—especially the way they felt in her mouth and hands.

When Natalia finally reached her, she knelt between Olivia's legs. She felt brazen having planted herself there, but she didn't feel shy about it, as she leaned close. "I missed you," she quietly declared, trailing kisses along the taut cord of muscle in Olivia's neck.

"Oh, you missed me?" Olivia sounded amused.

"Uh-huh…," Natalia murmured against warm skin.

"What took you so long?" Olivia whispered seductively, and then Natalia claimed her mouth, kissing her soundly.

"Mm… toothpaste," Olivia panted, noting the answer when finally released.

Natalia grinned, and leaned in again, licking and nibbling the corner of Olivia's mouth. "Seems you found some too…"

"I like to leave a little extra for you," Olivia said, casually. "I get some really good kisses that way."

"Maybe I should try it sometime," Natalia suggested, as the tip of her tongue swept across Olivia's lower lip. Her fingernails teased plump nipples, drawing a soft gasp from Olivia's lungs, and then, in a sultry voice, Natalia was asking her what they were going to do next. Whatever it was, she was beyond excited about trying it.

Gazing into those soft mahogany eyes, Olivia gently touched Natalia's face. "You trust me?"

Her gaze never wavering, Natalia answered, "Completely."

Holding Natalia's face in her hands, Olivia kissed her tenderly. "Turn around," she directed, when their mouths parted.

Without question, Natalia complied, sitting down between Olivia's legs. Moments later, she felt gentle hands on her sides, tugging her.

"Scoot back," Olivia quietly instructed. "I need you against me."

Glancing over her shoulder, Natalia cast Olivia an alluring grin.

A deep, sensuous laugh fell from Olivia's lips, as she wrapped her arms firmly around Natalia's waist, pulling her into place. They released a mutual groan of pleasure at the contact of their bodies, and Olivia whispered to her, telling her how wonderful it felt to wrap her body around her that way.

The sensation of Olivia's heated center against her, those taut nipples pressing into her back, made Natalia shiver with delight, and she murmured her concurrence, as she settled against the soft contours of Olivia's firm body.

Gingerly moving that curtain of dark wavy tresses, Olivia draped it over Natalia's left shoulder. And then her mouth was against Natalia's skin, laying warm, slow kisses along her neck, and upper back, and shoulders.

Leaning more heavily against Olivia's chest, Natalia's fingers kneaded into the firm thighs that pressed against the outer edges of her own. Relaxing, she luxuriated in Olivia's kisses, her touch; those knowing hands gently caressing her belly and achingly aroused breasts.

Olivia took her time, loving her, relaxing her with tender kisses and soft caresses, until Natalia was practically putty in her hands. And then she was nuzzling against her ear, whispering to her, asking her to spread her legs, mirroring Olivia's own. When Natalia complied, Olivia slipped her legs beneath firm calves, twisting her feet, locking them into place just above Natalia's ankles. The action caused Natalia's body to slide down just a bit, allowing her to recline against Olivia's chest.

Checking in, she made certain that Natalia was comfortable, both physically and emotionally. Once confirmed, she reached over to the bedside table, retrieving the item she had brought from her old bedroom—a lighted, magnified mirror, with an adjustable stand.

Over her shoulder, Natalia eyed Olivia curiously, as she locked the stand into position. Olivia simply smiled in response, and reached to the other side of the bed, grabbing one of Natalia's pillows. Lightly, she pressed her lips to Natalia's right shoulder, as she placed the pillow between their intertwined legs. Then, flipping the switch, short flickers of light flashed, and the edges of the mirror illuminated.

Pressing her body against Natalia's back, Olivia reached toward the pillow again. Natalia's eyes grew wide, as Olivia slipped the base under the pillow, anchoring it between their legs. Instinctively, she turned away, knowing what she would see in the reflection if she didn't. She had been schooled to believe it was wrong, somehow supremely sinful, to look upon her own body—especially down there, the Devil's ultimate playground.

Sensing Natalia's discomfort, Olivia gently tipped her chin, meeting that familiar gaze. Those eyes that she loved so much were clouded with uncertainty that Olivia sought to dispel. "I want you to see what I see when I make love to you," she whispered. "I want you to see and feel how responsive you are to me..."

A weighty pause. An uneasy breath. Olivia watched as the muscles in Natalia's throat worked to swallow—hard. "Is it really okay to do that, Liv?" Natalia asked, reticently. It was one thing to consider touching herself for Olivia's pleasure—that wouldn't be lustful or selfish, it would be an act of giving. But this? She had no frame of reference, and she simply wasn't certain.

"Why wouldn't it be, Sweetheart?" Olivia asked gently. "Talk to me," she urged. She needed to understand what Natalia was thinking.

Her head still turned away to avoid the reflection, Natalia's eyes were downcast, focused on Olivia's thigh. It wasn't exactly safe, given the reactions those muscled thighs caused within her body, but it was safer than anywhere else she might have looked. "It's one thing to let you look at me, Liv. You're my partner, my… lover," she emphasized that second descriptor, and decided the liked the way it felt on her lips, "and it brings you pleasure to see me. It excites you, and that's okay. But I was taught that it's wrong to look at my own body like that," she finally shared. "Mamá said it would lead to impure thoughts, and it's wrong to lust after your own body."

Olivia had a fleeting moment where she hoped it would lead to plenty of impure thoughts—ones that quickly turned into impure actions. But willfully, she brushed that aside. This was no time for making naughty jokes. Natalia was clearly struggling, and she needed to comfort her. "Hey," she whispered, as she gently tipped Natalia's chin, meeting her gaze.

Natalia responded with a wan smile, and Olivia offered reassurance. "There's nothing shameful in sharing this with me, Natalia. I promise. There's nothing wrong with enjoying sex with me, in whatever form we choose, so long as we make that choice together. It's okay for you to enjoy your own body, whether by yourself or with me; it's okay to get excited about it. And there's absolutely nothing shameful about your body, Sweetheart." She hated that Natalia would ever think otherwise. "It's beautiful. You're beautiful…"

Blushing, Natalia dropped Olivia's insistent gaze, turning silent for several moments, as she processed Olivia's reassurances.

With bated breath, Olivia waited.

And then Natalia's eyes locked on Olivia's again. They were clear, sparkling, unashamed, as she smiled and nodded. "I want this with you," she assented demurely.

"Yeah?" The corners of Olivia's mouth curled upward, but she held back a full smile until she was certain Natalia was okay with her idea.

Tilting her head, Natalia kissed her softly. "I want everything with you."

Wrapping her arms fully around Natalia's upper body, Olivia held her close. Lightly, she kissed the pulse point beneath her chin, and then brushed her lips against that delicate place beneath her ear. "If you decide you wanna stop, just say so, okay?" she directed. "We won't do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

Natalia craned her neck again, meeting Olivia's unguarded gaze. "I love you," she whispered with deep sincerity. Olivia knew that her declaration didn't require a response, and so she simply kissed her.

Lingering, Natalia's warm breath against Olivia's lips drew a tender smile. "I can't wait for you to discover how beautiful you are," she whispered, kissing that soft mouth again. "How silky, and warm, and responsive you are to my touch…"

A sharp gasp, and then a yielding whimper marked Natalia's takeoff, as she felt her body respond to Olivia's warm whispers. Olivia hadn't even touched her, and already she felt herself growing wet, aroused. She bit her bottom lip, adorably; then murmured, "Show me…"

Delivered on a throaty whisper, Olivia's own excitement increased. Brushing her lips against Natalia's cheek, she leaned forward, grasping the edges of the mirror. She pulled it closer, positioning it to provide the most advantageous angle, and then she nuzzled against Natalia's ear. "Stay with me, okay?"

Natalia nodded, still not daring a gander at the mirror. And then she was aware of Olivia's hands caressing her belly, slowly inching downward. She felt a twinge of excitement deep within. Gentle fingers were teasing at the thatch of wild hair between her legs, drawing a whimper.

Watching in the mirror, Olivia allowed her fingers to sift through the hairs, gently caressing Natalia's mound. She drew such pleasure from touching her, and it was difficult to maintain control, and not take things too quickly. The point of this was to allow Natalia to explore, to learn, to know, and thus, as she gently parted those fleshy outer lips, she whispered against her ear, "Look in the mirror, Natalia. Look at how beautiful you are…"

Still a bit anxious, but no longer apprehensive, Natalia finally glanced down at the mirror. In the reflection, she saw her own womanhood, in all its glory, for the first time in her life. A soft gasp marked her response as her breath caught, and she felt Olivia's smile against her cheek.

Lightly, Olivia traced a fingertip along slick folds, exposing Natalia's most intimate places to the mirror in front of them. Soft kisses fell against Natalia's cheek, and warm whispers continued, extolling her beauty, as Olivia declared her love of touching Natalia so intimately.

Dark around the outer edges, and so perfectly pink deeper inside, Natalia wondered at the similarities and differences between Olivia's body and her own. Olivia's mons was smooth and round, with her most intimate parts tucked away inside; while Natalia's was fleshy, with her clitoris peeking out, even when she wasn't fully aroused. Natalia's inner sanctum was edged with a deep, rich brown that blended into dark, plush pinks, where Olivia was a palette of subtle browns melding into a muted rosy hue. And where Olivia was neatly trimmed, Natalia's hair was thick, untamed.

As she watched sinewy fingers sifting through that thatch of dark curls, she couldn't help but wonder if Olivia liked it that way. "It looks like a jungle down there," she commented, feeling imperfect in comparison to Olivia. She had never given any mind to whether or not it could be any other way. That's just how it was, and she thought nothing of it. "Yours is trimmed so neatly, so beautifully, and mine is…"

Olivia shushed her with softly spoken encouragement. "Yours is beautiful too, Sweetheart… You feel like spun silk when you're wet for me," she murmured.

Natalia cooed in response to those desire-inducing words, and nuzzled Olivia's ear. "I'm glad it pleases you, but I like yours better," she remarked.

Smiling against Natalia's neck, Olivia suggested, "We could trim yours together sometime, if you'd like."

Dark eyes sparkled with excitement. "We could?"

Laughing softly, Olivia confirmed. "Yes, we could. We could even shave it completely bare if you'd like."

"Have you done that before?" Olivia's fingernail scraped the more tender side of Natalia's clitoris, drawing a sharp breath of excitement as she posed her question.

"Yes," Olivia admitted, smiling at Natalia's response. "It feels nice for a change."

Closing her eyes, Natalia relaxed against Olivia's body. "I'd like to try that," she admitted, shyly.

"Then it's a date." Olivia settled their plan, as her fingertips continued their caress. And then she was nuzzling Natalia's ear again, "Trail your finger behind mine, Natalia. Explore with me…"

Without hesitation, Natalia refocused on the mirror, and did as she was bidden. Swollen with desire, her juices glistened, and the softest sounds of pleasure slipped from her lips, as together, they explored every nook and cranny, every crevice, every fold, Olivia offering quiet encouragement along the way. She whispered to her, telling her how beautiful her body was, and how much she enjoyed touching her, and how gratifying it was to feel Natalia's body respond to her.

Together, their fingers teased Natalia's clit, and Olivia murmured against her ear, "You're already getting hard again…" Lightly, she stroked, reveling in the sensation, her own body responding in kind.

Natalia whimpered as Olivia's fingertip scraped against her hardness again. "That never happened before you," she quietly divulged on a moan. Purposely, she left out the fact that it had frightened her at first, and that she had Googled it, and learned all sorts of interesting things. "But it happens all the time now. Sometimes all you have to do is kiss me, and I get like this…"

Intensely gratified, a soft gasp fell from Olivia's lips. "I love that you get so hard for me," she purred, as she gently stroked Natalia's engorged clit between her thumb and forefinger. Natalia shuddered in response, her nipples tightening in sexual anticipation.

Watching intently, Natalia's excitement grew as Olivia dipped her finger inside, coating it with her copious wetness. Her breath came in low contented sighs, as Olivia drew her wetness toward her waiting clit, gently lubricating her. Not that she wasn't already wet—she was soaked, actually; but it was a sensual way of touching and teaching her.

And then Olivia was covering Natalia's hand with her own, linking them. Gently, she guided Natalia's index finger deep into her folds. Then, gliding it along the entire length of that gorgeously engorged clit, she whispered to her, explaining how deeply embedded the organ was within her body, and how it was the only part of the entire human body, male or female, that was created solely for the purpose of sexual pleasure.

Allowing Natalia's hand to fall away, tenderly, Olivia's fingertip pressed against the tip of that increasingly swollen clit, massaging it in slow circles. Natalia relaxed against Olivia's chest, her eyes falling closed again, as she gasped and groaned out her pleasure.

Olivia couldn't blame her for falling into the pleasure—it was intoxicating for her, as well. "It feels so good, doesn't it?" Her voice was as smooth as silk.

Natalia nodded, and sighed contentedly.

"Just relax and enjoy it for now," Olivia encouraged. Her mouth and tongue lingered against Natalia's neck. "I'll let you know when you need to look again. I don't want you to miss the fireworks…" She grinned, and Natalia giggled in response.

Olivia continued that sensual massage, slow and deliberate, until she felt the impending frisson, and then she nuzzled against Natalia's ear. "Come back to me now, Sweetheart," her voice softly beckoned, as Natalia's body ascended toward climax. Her clit was rock hard, and swollen to a point near pain, but it was pain of the most exquisite kind.

Dark eyes fluttered open, returning to the reflection in the mirror, and Olivia smiled against her ear. "That's it, Honey," she encouraged. The fingers of Olivia's left hand held her open, tenderly exposing her most intimate parts, as her right hand stroked and caressed, bringing her ever closer to release. "Look at how beautiful your arousal is…," she murmured, as her fingertips glided around Natalia's distended clit. "You're so hard, and wet, and I can feel you beginning to tremble beneath my fingertips…"

Natalia could feel it too, and it was delightfully maddening. She moaned softly, her hips shifting slightly, as Olivia continued to croon, "Oh, Natalia, I can't wait to see you come for me…"

Another soft whimper escaped Natalia's lungs. The sound of Olivia's voice whispering such earthy things to her turned her on as much as her delightfully tender touch. Those sensual caresses continued, both physical and verbal, as Olivia brought her higher and higher, approaching the pinnacle of release.

A sweet, soft "snick" slipped from Natalia's mouth as her arousal heightened, and she bit her bottom lip, adorably. Another "snick" and Olivia smiled knowingly, as she continued her tender massage. Natalia chuckled softly, as that teasing tension rose. Milliseconds later, her breathing turned slightly erratic, as sounds of pleasure increased in both frequency and volume. And then those delightful contractions began, moving from her perineum into her quivering opening, and up to her clitoris. Synapses were firing, and her natural inclination was to fall into that blissful place, relaxing against Olivia's body as the pleasure washed through her. But Olivia whispered gentle encouragement to her, urging to her focus.

Sharpening her focus, intently, Natalia watched her most intimate flesh seize and release, over and over again in rapid succession, as Olivia pleasured her through the most delightfully intense orgasm she had experienced, thus far.

As Olivia watched, she focused first on a tiny sliver of soft pink flesh that teased from inside Natalia's tender opening. As her body contracted in orgasm, it peeked out, and then slid back inside, almost as if it were licking her from the inside, out. Olivia felt an indescribable urge to slip her tongue inside, teasing it. Just the idea of feeling Natalia's body enrapture her tongue in the throes of orgasm was enough to send Olivia's own body into overdrive. And then she focused on that pulsating clit—it was jerking and convulsing beneath her fingertips, as Natalia's entire body shuddered several times in quick succession, and her hips strained forward, seeking more pressure.

Releasing a soft curse against Natalia's ear, Olivia murmured about how arousing it was, watching Natalia's clit quivering in release. And then she was confessing other things—things she hadn't meant to say quite so soon. "I can't wait to taste you, to feel you quivering against my tongue…," she confessed, as she gently caressed that sweet pearl, bringing Natalia back from her release.

A sharp gasp of surprise slipped from Natalia's lips, and Olivia's own breath caught in her chest. She couldn't believe she had let that slip. The last thing she wanted to do was freak Natalia out—especially about this! But it was already out there. No turning back. With bated breath, once again she awaited Natalia's response.

"Do, um…" Natalia bit her lip, contemplating. "Do people really do that?" she asked, with innocent curiosity when her breathing finally calmed enough to speak. Never would she have imagined such a thing! Not that it didn't intrigue her. She remembered the velvety softness of Olivia's tongue exploring her skin, her mouth, as it rolled and tangled with her own. The mere idea of feeling that skillful muscle sliding through her wetness, exploring, teasing the way Olivia's fingers had, was enough to send her into sensory overload. She couldn't imagine how wondrous it would be to actually feel it happening! A sweet, desirous moan fell from her lips as she contemplated the ecstasy.

Thank God! At least she wasn't freaking out. Olivia's lungs burned as she finally exhaled the breath she had been holding. Nuzzling against Natalia's ear, she whispered to her, "Yes, Sweetheart, they really do. Does that surprise you?"

"Very much," Natalia admitted. Clearly, Google hadn't taught her everything. "I never would've… I just—I didn't know."

"I know you didn't," Olivia gently soothed, her mouth moving against Natalia's warm skin. "And it's okay if you don't want to. I understand if it's too much, too soon." They really had experienced sensory overload in the past several hours. And then there were Natalia's religious beliefs to consider. She was certain the Catholic Church would have something to say about oral gratification.

"You really want to?" Natalia asked, quietly. She was contemplating again. Olivia could feel it in her muscles, as Natalia's body leaned against her own.

"I really do," Olivia confessed. "It's the most intimate way I can imagine, to make love to you, and I so want to share that with you." She paused, waiting for a response. When none was forthcoming, she asked, tentatively, "Does the idea of it… make you nervous?"

"Not nervous," Natalia answered with the shake of her head. And she hadn't even stopped to wonder if it was "okay" to do such a thing. Not this time. Olivia had lovingly quelled her concerns about engaging in different forms of sexual expression together. Nothing was off limits, so long as they made the choice together. "Curious…"

Relieved, Olivia grinned. "Curiosity is a good thing," she declared. Natalia's openness, her willingness to experiment, pleasantly surprised Olivia, and she relished it.

Turning to meet Olivia's gaze, a roguish grin played on Natalia's lips. "Yes, it is," she concurred. She turned silent again, and Olivia could again sense the contemplation. "What does it feel like?" she finally asked—a display of that curiosity.

Smiling against Natalia's ear, Olivia's voice was low, sultry, as she answered, "That's something far better explained with actions, rather than mere words…"

A shiver of excitement coursed through Natalia's body, culminating in her aching center. She released a shuddering moan. "So, can we, um…" She paused, taking a breath to curb her eagerness. "Can we try it right now?" she whispered, clandestinely.

"Yessss—" Olivia's hiss emanated from deep in her belly, where her arousal was coiling like the tension in an overly wound spring. Dear God, how lucky could she be? Natalia was proving to be every bit the match for her, sexually speaking, and otherwise. Life couldn't possibly get any better. But then she considered how aroused Natalia still was, following her climax. The direct stimulation might be too much so soon after an orgasm. The last thing she ever wanted was to cause Natalia pain when she should be experiencing pleasure.

Not wanting to deny Natalia anything, Olivia decided to take things slowly. Setting the mirror back on the nightstand, she encouraged Natalia to turn and face her. Willingly, Natalia came to her, kneeling between her legs. Olivia smiled up at her, and drew her close, kissing her slowly, deeply, as her hands wandered now-familiar terrain.

They lingered together for several long moments, until once again Natalia began asking for more. Then finally, Olivia gently lowered her to their bed, settling between toned thighs. Their centers pressed together, arousal mixing, as kisses continued until they were both at the point of no return. And then Olivia began her slow descent, licking and kissing breasts, nipples, and belly, before moving lower still. When her mouth fell to the inside of Natalia's thighs, she was rewarded with her first real hint of Natalia's essence. She lingered, sprinkling light kisses, until Natalia's body began to tremble from the intensity of her arousal.

And then her eyes were locked on Natalia's gaze again.

The electric tension between them hung in the air, suspending time, as the atmosphere intensified; threatening to explode. Natalia swallowed hard; tiny droplets of perspiration beading on her forehead, as her breathing turned ragged.

Olivia smiled knowingly at Natalia, whose chest was heaving in anticipation, and then her gaze dropped to the apex of Natalia's thighs. Gently brushing back curls soaked with Natalia's desire, Olivia's breath was hot against her center, causing her still-erect clit to quiver. Propped up on her elbows, Natalia gasped in surprise, as she watched it move of its own volition. The visual heightened her already urgent need to come again. Never again would she feel shamed by the desire to watch her own body as it responded to her lover.

Groaning out her excitement, Olivia lingered there, drawing in the pungent aroma of Natalia's desire, contemplating the first tangible taste as she watched that sweet morsel quivering in anticipation. Determinedly, she sifted through that thick thatch of sodden curls, gently parting her, exposing her most intimate flesh once again. And then penetrating eyes shifted upward, silently seeking acquiescence.

Drawing in a sharp, anticipatory breath, no words were spoken as Natalia grinned, almost shyly. And then, dark eyes granted permission that Olivia received without further interpretation. Natalia's belly quivered and she sucked in another deep breath of air, holding it in, as the softness of Olivia's mouth found her for the first time, kissing her where no one else ever had, or ever would.

Dizzied by the heady scent of Natalia's arousal, Olivia tenderly kissed the delicate swell of her. That very first taste of her drew a tremor from deep within Olivia's body, accompanied by a low growl that reverberated into the depths of Natalia's inner sanctum. Natalia's lungs grasped another strangled breath, as she stifled a moan, and her hands fell into Olivia's hair; tangling in the soft chestnut locks.

Lightly tonguing the top of Natalia's slit, Olivia savored the salty sweetness of her, noting the slightest hint of citrus, and she felt completely intoxicated by the sheer essence of her. Natalia squirmed beneath her, releasing a helpless cry, an unexpected invocation to her higher power. "¡Ay, Dios mío!"

Olivia grinned at the response, and dipped her tongue in again—she was thinking the exact same thing, only in English. And then she was whispering to her, as she nudged thighs to further part them, gaining entrance to the wonders of Natalia's warm, wet center.

The fullness of Natalia's essence saturated Olivia's senses, causing her breath to catch, as another rush of her own arousal poured from her body. She had never been so wet in her entire life! She whimpered softly, as she ground her own center into the bed beneath them; attempting to assuage some of the mounting tension. And then, as she held Natalia's inner sanctum open to her with one hand, she reached for her with the other. Their fingers met, instinctively intertwining, and Olivia was murmuring to her, telling her how beautiful her body was, and how wonderful she tasted, as she licked and kissed her way through the swollen softness of her.

The brushing of Olivia's tongue against her quivering pearl sent waves of pulsating heat flashing through Natalia's veins. She bit her bottom lip, attempting to stifle the throaty groan that burst from deep within her, as her body reflexively arched into the touch. And the response evoked from Natalia's body when Olivia drew the sensitive bud into her mouth, lightly sucking on the little treasure, transcended the power of words or sounds. Olivia slipped her arms beneath Natalia's hips, steadying her.

Thirstily, she drank from the wellspring of Natalia's outpouring of love for her, as she worshipped at the altar of Natalia's most intimate places; making sweet, passionate love to the woman who owned her heart. In all her years of dining on the world's finest cuisine, Olivia found that nothing compared to the exquisite taste of Natalia, lost in the throes of their passionate lovemaking. It was a gustatory experience for which nothing in her vast expanse of knowledge could have ever prepared her. This woman's body was a cornucopia of hedonistic pleasures, and Olivia wanted nothing more than to perish from unpardonable sin of loving her this way.

Natalia moaned softly; the heady feel of Olivia's velvety tongue taking her to a place where her body was nothing more than effervescent sensation and unbridled want. Never could she or would she have imagined anyone loving her this way. And even if she had, she never would have fathomed anything could feel as incredible as this. It was all-consuming, and she was helpless to stifle the whimpers and moans that escaped her lungs as Olivia delved deeper into her inner sanctum, exploring to their mutual content. Instinctively, her hips moved in tandem with Olivia's deep strokes, then she entire body began to quiver, as that hot mouth closed around her straining clit, and the teasing suckling began. More words, scrambled in an amalgam of English and Spanish, spilled from bowlike lips, as she bucked against Olivia's mouth, the blissful sensations rolling over her in penetrating waves.

Reaching up, Olivia braced her arm across Natalia's shapely hips, anchoring her in place as she pleasured her. Nothing had ever felt so wondrously intimate, as loving Natalia this way, and as Natalia came apart, releasing into her mouth, a dam of emotion burst within Olivia's soul. Hot tears mingled with liquid desire, and she tightened her hold on Natalia's hips, as she continued the slow pleasuring of her most intimate flesh, until the last ripple faded, and Natalia's breathing began to calm. Then, tenderly kissing her there one final time, slowly, slowly Olivia crept up Natalia's body, pressing soft kisses against heated flesh, savoring the salty sheen of perspirations that seeped from her skin. And then hardened nipples grazed the smooth, firm flesh of that taut abdomen, scraping across her bountiful breasts, as she ascended.

Upon arrival at her destination, she locked eyes with Natalia's, speaking to her, without words or sounds, of the depth of her devotion, and the sheer pleasure of loving her so intimately. Still flushed from arousal, her breathing slightly labored, Natalia looked positively radiant. Her eyes were sparkling, revealing most subtle nuances of dark and light, where normally they were solid mahogany, and sometimes even darker with desire. "My God, you're stunning," Olivia whispered, as her fingertips raked through soft raven tresses. She couldn't help herself—the women simply took her breath away.

Natalia's flush deepened, and Olivia's eyes flashed with splashes of blues and greens, turning them to a deep aqua. The coloring told Natalia that her lover was slightly amused, and more than a little aroused.

The amusement in Olivia's eyes flickered lower, teasing at her lips. And then she lowered her mouth, anointing Natalia's lips with the lightest of kisses and the most subtle flick of her tongue. She watched Natalia's eyes dilate, as the unfamiliar taste registered on her virgin tongue, causing a soft gasp. "That's us…," she whispered. "The sweet taste of our lovemaking," she breathed, brandishing that soft mouth with another light kiss. "Your passion mingled with mine…"

Dimples bloomed, dark eyes dilated and flashing. "Mm… our passion tastes so good," she murmured in surprised wonder. She couldn't resist pulling Olivia into a deep, probing kiss, delighting in the savory taste of their mutual arousal, as she suckled Olivia's tongue.

Once released from the kiss, the corners of Olivia's mouth twitched in that familiar way, as a slow smile spread across her lips. "Sweetheart, our passion tastes… amazing."

Deeply, Natalia searched liquid jade, her arousal once again burning in her belly and flickering lower. "I wanna taste more…," she growled, more a demand than a request. It was intoxicating, like a drug; but there was far more to it than that.

A mischievous grin flashed across Olivia's lips. "I'll be right back…," Olivia said, willingly beginning her descent.

Natalia gently touched Olivia's shoulder. "No—," she whispered, "That's not what I meant…"

Olivia gazed up at her, eyes brimming with confusion, tinted with a touch of curiosity.

Knowing Olivia's question before she even uttered it, Natalia answered, "Like you did…"

Olivia's eyes turned from dark aqua to midnight green—like the midnight green that threatens to explode in moments of intense passion. "Rea… really?" she stammered. "Natalia, you don't have to do tha—"

But Natalia was kissing her with urgency, silencing her. "I want to, Liv," she adamantly insisted. "I need to…" She emphasized the depth of her need.

Olivia could tell by the expression on her face that she had more to say, but that she was struggling to find words to express her emotions. She studied her intently, marveling at the gradations of emotions that flickered across her face in the span of only a few brief moments. And then she saw that sense of peace fall across Natalia's visage, and she smiled, waiting…

Meeting Olivia's gaze again, Natalia finally offered a glimpse at her innermost thoughts. "Ever since we met, we've been on this journey—one that we were meant to take together. And whether we realized it or not, we were taking it together. The more we fought, the closer we became because, without our even realizing it, the very essence of who we are as individuals, was intertwining in increasingly intimate ways."

"How do you mean?" Olivia asked, with deep interest.

"The more intense our arguments became, the deeper our connection grew, until finally, we were inseparable, because we weren't fighting against one another anymore, we were fighting for one another," Natalia explained. "We don't argue about outside distractions anymore, Liv. We argue about things that threaten our connection—like you not taking care of yourself, and me hovering and driving you crazy about it."

Olivia chuckled at the truth in that statement and Natalia smiled.

"Every day our connection grows deeper, and after we made love, I felt closer to you than I ever thought possible," Natalia quietly admitted. "And now that…"

Her face flushing deeply, Natalia bit her bottom lip, demurely, as her gaze fell away. Olivia's heart melted at the sight of her, she found her so damned adorable. And before she knew it, those shimmering dark eyes were locked on hers again, as she revealed more of her innermost thoughts and feelings. "Now that you've loved me… that way, I feel so profoundly connected to you that my soul literally aches for completion that can only be found in loving you that same way. I don't know how else to explain it, Liv. I just know it's what I need to feel complete in you, in us."

Shaky breaths. Quivering lips. Sparkling jade turned deep aqua, shimmering with tears, spilling over. Together, they created the intense emotional reaction Natalia received, as she finished her heartfelt plea. Reaching out, Natalia tenderly caught Olivia's tears, as they trickled down her face. And then she gathered her close, cradling her, as she whispered softly against her ear, telling her how much she loved her. "For all that we've said about not knowing it could be this way, I never truly understood how devastatingly beautiful love could be until now," she crooned. "Let me love you, Liv," she quietly implored. "Let me share that beauty with you. You won't believe it's possible, until you feel it flowing from me to you."

Unable to deny Natalia's heartfelt plea, willingly, Olivia surrendered to her, body and soul. It was an act of supreme trust on her part, and Natalia was fully aware of the significance, as she lingered on Olivia's skin, kissing, caressing, exploring, and ultimately pleasuring, with her hands, mouth, and tongue.

When Natalia returned to her after bringing her to blissful completion, she gathered her close again, kissing her tenderly. And thoroughly sated, both physically and emotionally, Olivia had clung to her, sobbing in her arms, feeling more vulnerable, and yet more secure than she ever had in her entire life.

Natalia held her close, rocking her, as she pressed tender kisses against her sweat-dampened temple, until finally, the tears abated, and Olivia was gazing into her eyes with the clarity of a woman who now fully understood the infinite power of that indelible connection. Nothing else would ever compare.

She kissed her then, and Olivia smiled against that soft mouth, as she suckled her own sweet juices from Natalia's tongue. "Well… you finally have something… juicy for Confession," she murmured, roguishly. It was so Olivia.

"Olivia!" Natalia exclaimed, lightly slapping her soulmate's arm.

"I'm just sayin'…" Olivia's laughter rang out, echoing against the walls of their bedroom, and out into the night air. A moment later, Natalia had joined her with a soft chuckle, as they snuggled beneath the covers, and kissed a little more, before drifting off to sleep.

The experiences they had shared had opened Natalia up to the true essence of her own womanhood, as well as to Olivia's, and the enlightenment she found would linger with her for the remainder of her days. They emboldened her, allowing her to fully embrace her body, her sensuality, and her sexuality, in a way she never had before. At one point, she had boldly reached over, scooping a finger full of fruit dip from the crystal bowl, spreading it thickly across her engorged clit, and allowed Olivia to suck it clean. It was such a simple act of playfulness, yet it had opened her to such possibility, and the more they shared, the more uninhibited she became, until finally, Olivia had smiled at her, asking, "Who are you, and what have you done with my Natalia?" She had been teasing, of course, and they laughed together, before tumbling back into shared discovery, each of them giving and receiving in equal measure…

Natalia felt herself being tugged from her ruminations by the sensation of Olivia's arms wrapped around her from behind, her soft mouth trailing warm kisses along Natalia's neck. Twisting her arms backward, she embraced Olivia's neck. "Mm… good morning, Gorgeous," she said on a husky whisper.

Olivia hummed against her ear. "Morning, Beautiful…" Twisting, her naked body fell onto the sofa, and into Natalia's arms.

Natalia grinned, as hungry eyes scraped across the lush landscape of Olivia's body. "You weren't kidding about this au naturale thing, were ya?"

"Nope—" Olivia arched an eyebrow, as her gaze fell to Natalia's purple robe. "And it appears to me that you, my Love, are over-dressed."

"No worries, that's easily remedied," Natalia assured. Gathering her close, she whispered against her ear, "There's nothing but skin underneath."

Jade eyes turned dark with hunger, and Natalia smiled, feathering a kiss across that irresistible mouth. "Last night was wonderful," she purred against Olivia's ear. "And so was this morning…"

"So… I rocked your world, did I?" Olivia smirked against Natalia's neck.

A gasp of surprise marked Natalia's response. "You heard me?"

"Mm-hmm…" The tone of Olivia's hummed response said she was amused. "And I can't wait to rock it again, later…"

"I'll hold ya to it," Natalia declared with a grin. "Now, let's go feed you some breakfast, so I can take you back to bed…"

A light nip against Natalia's ear, and Olivia was whispering, "You'll get no arguments from me…"

But before they ever made it to the kitchen, they found their bodies tangled together beneath that old quilt on the sofa; their breathless sounds an intertwining of whispers, soft moans, and kisses.

Breakfast, it seemed, would be a long time coming…

TBC…

Fun Facts: The Hollies' classic Bus Stop their first U.S. hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard charts in September 1966. The track was recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded the majority of their albums between 1962 and 1970. The Beatles 1969 album Abbey Road was named after the street where the recording studio resides. In 1970, the studio was renamed Abbey Road in honor of the Beatles album. The cover photo for the album was taken by Iain Macmillan just outside Abbey Road Studios. As a result, the pedestrian zebra crossing outside the studio has become a place of pilgrimage for Beatles fans from all over the world. It has been a long-standing tradition for fans to pay homage to the band by writing on the studio fence in front, though the messages are painted over monthly. Source: Wikipedia