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 and Rafe Rivera, and Doris and Ashlee Wolfe are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The character of Lena Kundera is owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney and Prospect Park.
No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, or any other entity. With the exception of a few lines of dialogue from the 7.1.2009 episode, the dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
Thanks to my pal, MoniRod for the edit. You totally Rock, Woman! I appreciate you, and I owe you—BIG TIME!
Rating: Chapter 12 is rated NC-17 overall, though some sections will be either PG or PG-13…
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May 2009
"An alliance is like a chain. It is not made stronger by adding weak links to it… An alliance should be hard diplomatic currency, valuable and hard to get…"
— Walter Lippmann
"We cannot always assure the future of our friends; we have a better chance of assuring our future if we remember who are friends are."
— Henry Kissinger
Chapter 12.1 – Old Friends, New Ventures, and Unexpected Alliances:
Sunday, May 3, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—10:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Having left Natalia snuggled up beneath the covers after a long, leisurely morning of lovemaking, Olivia stumbled toward the stairs in search of their morning coffee. Her hair was a hot sexy mess, and her fingers tunneled loosely through it as she languorously descended the stairs, naked, and satisfied beyond her wildest dreams.
It was new to her, this deep sense of satisfaction, of fulfillment, that came from giving pleasure, rather than receiving it. Not that being on the receiving end wasn't pleasurable, because it was—breathtakingly so. Natalia had surprised her, in so many delightful ways, that she wondered yet again what she had done to deserve her. It wasn't just about the sex—though that was spectacular in every way—but the indelible connection that existed when they made love; that sense that she and Natalia were finally where they belonged.
Waking to the subtle glow of early morning, Olivia had leaned close; brushing her lips against the back of Natalia's bare shoulder, as her fingertips lightly stroked the flesh of a muscled thigh, a shapely hip, beneath the cover of fine Egyptian cotton. Natalia's skin felt like spun silk beneath her touch, and Olivia simply could not get enough. She had come so many times in the last forty-two hours that she honestly didn't think anything could excite her—at least not for a while. But one brush of her fingertips against the warm, smooth surface of Natalia's skin, and instantaneously her body ignited. She felt the heat mix with that familiar stirring deep inside, creating a swirling inferno in her belly, the flames flickering lower; licking like liquid sparks against her pulsing clitoris. She groaned in response. God, how could I possibly want you again so soon? But she did. Unapologetically so.
Natalia stirred beneath that delicate touch, reaching for Olivia's hand. Their fingers entwined, as Olivia moved closer.
Breasts pressing into Natalia's back, Olivia's lips brushed against an ear. "I didn't mean to wake you," she said, in quiet apology.
And it was true—she hadn't meant to wake her; only to touch. But of its own volition, that touch had turned into a tender caress—as if she had no command over her own movement. Truth was, she had no control over her own body whatsoever anymore. Not with this woman. Not after she had surrendered herself, mind, heart, body, and soul, to Natalia's touch, to her will, mere hours before. She'd had sex with countless others, familiar lovers and strangers alike, but none, even the ones she had truly cared for, had ever been allowed to own her, to possess her, not the way Natalia had, and always would. Natalia had touched her in a place far deeper than physical pleasure; she had made love to Olivia's soul. Lena had been right—even if the sex had been terrible, the depth of intimacy she shared with Natalia was worth far more than anything she had ever shared with anyone else, in or out of bed.
Releasing a slow, contented sigh, Natalia stretched languorously beneath the sheet. It was rumpled and twisted from their previous lovemaking, and barely covered the lower half of her body as a result. She shifted to her back, and her breath caught upon first sight of Olivia—it was always that way. It was so new, this experience of waking up in Olivia's arms, and she knew it would never grow old. "I want you to wake me. Always…" The tender longing in her tone reflected in those deep mahogany eyes, as she reached for Olivia, pulling her into a kiss.
Her mouth was so soft, her lips so smooth, and Natalia couldn't pull herself away. Neither did she want to. And what was meant to be a brief good morning kiss, lingered on. Light brushes of warm mouths turned to gentle nips, and then to intense exploration, as she drew Olivia's tongue into her mouth, suckling it with fervor, tasting her.
Mouths fused, tongues searching, Olivia's hand moved slowly, making languid passes against Natalia's skin. The tracing of a collarbone, a rib, or the firm muscles of an arm or thigh; the touch barely perceptible, yet maddeningly arousing. The caress of fingertips circling tender nipples; lingering as they tightened beneath her touch. The brush of knuckles and nails against her belly, drawing a soft groan, and then, a sharp gasp of excited surprise.
A slow sigh spilled from Olivia's lips into Natalia's mouth as they kissed. It was like her own body was suspended in a deep state of relaxation, the sensation of Natalia's skin beneath her fingertips was so profoundly entrancing.
Lingering kisses and titillating touches continued until Natalia was on the verge of hysteria. "You're driving me crazy, Liv," she panted against Olivia's mouth. Those faintly flickering embers of desire that lay smoldering deep within her body as she slept, had been reignited with the simple stroke of Olivia's hand against her skin; the tender, sustained contact stoking them into an inferno. "Touch me—," she whimpered. "Please…"
Pulled from her Natalia-induced state of torpor, Olivia produced a lazy smile. "I am touching you," she murmured, the slightest hint of teasing in her tone. And she could continue with this leisurely, self-indulgent exploration for hours—just her fingertips, and the silkiness of Natalia's skin.
Grabbing at Olivia's hand, impatiently, Natalia pushed it lower. She was a simmering ball of liquid fire, and only Olivia's touch could soothe her. Extinguishment was impossible—now that her body knew the heights of ecstasy it was capable of reaching, nothing would ever completely quench its desire.
A slow, sultry laugh tumbled from Olivia's lips in response to Natalia's insistence, as her hand fell to where Natalia wanted her. Lightly, her fingertips teased the thatch of thick, dark curls at the apex of Natalia's thighs. She did not touch the tip of that sweet pearl, though she knew it would be peeking out, waiting for her, as she nuzzled against Natalia's ear. "Are you excited for me, Natalia?" Her voice held that low morning register that had driven Natalia wild for months; only now, Natalia knew that relief was close at hand.
"God, yes!" Delivered on a breathy gasp, Natalia's body shuddered in anticipation. She could feel her body swelling with that delightful tension, the blood flowing into her most intimate flesh as if the flood gates of passion had sprung open from the sheer pressure of her desire. Her breasts and nipples were engorged, her clitoris distended, almost painfully so, and God, she was wet! Every inch of her body throbbed with expectation. How do you do this to me, when you've barely even touched me?
Without another thought, Olivia's mouth found Natalia's breast, lingering on a taut nipple, as her fingers continued their provocative touch farther below. And then Olivia's hand covered her, pressing firmly against the heat of her. Natalia was so hard, so ready, and Olivia basked in the coating of wetness that burned against her palm. Softly, she cursed against Natalia's breast, the ripple of breath teasing Natalia's nipple.
Natalia's fingers threaded through Olivia's hair, and she arched under that teasing touch, her hips lifting of their own volition. Never had she hungered for the touch of another, and now, she couldn't stop the ravenous pangs that riveted her body, rocked her soul. She wanted to feel Olivia everywhere, all the time, in every possible way.
"Don't," Olivia growled against Natalia's breast. She could feel how close Natalia was—it wouldn't take much. "I wanna taste you when you come."
"Then hurry, Liv," Natalia begged with fervent urgency. "Please…" It hadn't taken her long to learn the signals from her own body, and what she was feeling at the moment was an urgent need to come.
Natalia's swollen clitoris convulsed against Olivia's palm, drawing gasps and groans from two sets of lungs. Bending, her body contorted, Olivia moved lower, sweeping her tongue against it, in light, teasing brushes.
At first contact, Natalia's hips jerked, and then she settled beneath the pressure of Olivia's torso draped across her body, luxuriating in the sensation of Olivia's tongue against her. It was different, the downward stroke of Olivia's skillful tongue against the top of her clitoris, rather than the upward stroke from beneath. Still, the left side was more sensitive, and Olivia knew that well. She quivered beneath Olivia's skillful manipulation, and she felt her vulva congest with an even greater need for release.
The heady sweetness of Natalia's arousal was quickly becoming Olivia's favorite scent. She wanted to bottle it, wear it as a perfume so that Natalia could linger with her all day long. But she knew her body would be left in a state of maddening arousal, and she would get nothing done. Fuck it! She would hire someone to do the work, and keep Natalia in bed all day long. Irrational? Yes. But Olivia had instantly become obsessed with making love to Natalia the moment Natalia first came for her. The way Natalia's body responded to her was like nothing she had ever experienced with a lover—it made her feel powerful in ways she couldn't even describe, and she simply could not get enough.
Drawing Natalia into her mouth, Olivia knew it wouldn't take long—her lover was hot and hard, and ready to explode. Gently, Olivia suckled her, trying to prolong the pleasure—for both of them, as she slipped two fingers deep inside. But Natalia was far too close, her body, too sensitive, and immediately, her release began. Her fingers tightened in Olivia's hair, and her hips shifted, pressing against Olivia's mouth, as she convulsed inside that titillating warmth.
Steadily, Olivia held her down, the rhythm of her thrusting fingers making perfect time with her mouth and tongue, driving Natalia to shuddering completion. Natalia cried out in vehement satisfaction, her hips still jerking despite Olivia's attempts to restrain her, and Olivia reveled in the intense gratification of feeling Natalia coming apart in her mouth.
When the intensity became too much, the hand that had held Olivia so steadily against her was suddenly pushing her away. Olivia understood, and as she drew away, she feathered kisses against Natalia's inner thighs, licking at the remnants of her lover's passion, savoring it.
As Natalia began to calm, Olivia lightly kissed Natalia's center, and then rested a cheek against her belly, fingertips once again brushing against the delicate swell of her. A touch not meant to arouse, but simply to connect. "I love you, Natalia," she murmured quietly, her breath teasing still-damp curls. All other words failed—there were none adequate enough to express all that Natalia was to her.
Tugging at her, Natalia motioned Olivia toward her. Willingly, Olivia came to her, and Natalia's fingers were tangling in her hair again, as she pulled her close. "I love you too," she whispered, brushing her mouth against Olivia's. "Let me show you how much…"
Her voice was low and sultry, crackling with need, and Olivia kissed her in response. "In just a few minutes," she murmured. "Right now, I just need to hold you…" It was a burning need she felt, to gather Natalia close, to simply be with her. Something deep inside her said it would always be that way.
Natalia smiled, and then she was curled against Olivia's side, lying contentedly in her arms; and Olivia was tenderly stroking her hair as she held her, whispering to her. Not long after, Natalia would make love to her, once again bringing her to a place that only they shared; but for the moment, this was exactly what she needed. All was right with the world.
As she descended the stairs, lost once again in her sweet ruminations of Natalia coming apart in her arms, Olivia didn't hear a sound when the back door creaked open, and gently closed again. She grinned at the trail of clothing that still lay strewn throughout the house from that first night, wondering how they had managed to get out of those jeans, and not fall down the stairs. She celebrated the fact that Natalia had been too preoccupied with sex to even care about the mess. Score one for Olivia. If the past day and a half were any indication of how their sex-life was going to be, Olivia Spencer was destined to become the world's most thoroughly satisfied woman. Score two.
In the kitchen, observant eyes scanned the landscape—it was spotless, everything in its place. Not much of a surprise, given that the homeowners weren't expected back until later that evening. This would be quick and painless—easy in, easy out, and no one would be the wiser.
Moving with stealthy, yet determined steps through the kitchen and into the living room, the intruder smirked at the telltale trail of clothing. Well, someone's vacation had started off with a real bang! That information could certainly prove useful.
The thought was quickly tucked away for future reference, and the focus shifted—best to get the job done, and get out. And yet, curious eyes couldn't help but follow the trajectory—shoes and socks discarded haphazardly, a burgundy shirt near the rocking chair, a white one near the base of the stairs, one pair of jeans near the middle of the stairway, the other near the landing, a lacy white bra hanging over the banister. Must've been one hell of an encounter, the interloper surmised.
And then slate blue eyes stumbled across long, lithe legs, slowly traveling upward, sweeping over the most stunning body, before locking on darkening jade. Two sets of lungs emitted a sharp gasp of surprise. The air hung heavy, as Olivia stumbled backward under that steely-blue gaze.
Too intrigued to be embarrassed, those determined eyes scanned Olivia up and down, appraisingly. The woman oozed sex with every breath. And damn the luck, she only had eyes for some good little Catholic girl, who couldn't possibly have a clue as to what to do to satisfy such an achingly scrumptious body. Emitting a sharp whistle, one eyebrow cocked. "Jesus Fucking Christ, Natalia is one lucky-ass woman," Doris groaned, practically panting.
A cocky expression exploded on Olivia's face, and she nonchalantly stooped down, scooping her abandoned shirt up off the floor. Slipping it on, she put an abrupt end to the Mayor's peepshow. She wasn't the least bit ashamed of her body—on the contrary, she was quite proud of it; but it belonged to Natalia now, and displaying it for anyone else, be they male or female, was neither acceptable nor desirable. "I'm the lucky one," she said, as she deftly fastened the buttons, thankful that it was long enough to cover all of her prized… assets.
Doris whimpered at the sight of Olivia Spencer in nothing more than a crisp white button-down shirt with perfect French cuffs. Karma was a real bitch sometimes. Clearing her throat, she turned to sarcasm. "It looks like a sex bomb went off in here," she observed, as her eyes scanned the landscape of strewn clothing again. "Jesus, did you fuck her right there on the staircase, or what?"
"Oh, there were definitely explosions last night," Olivia smirked. "And the night before. This morning, too. Multiple ones."
"Braggart."
"You're just jealous," Olivia accused. Stooping carefully, she picked up the nearby articles of discarded clothing, and set them on the arm of the sofa.
"Guilty as charged," Doris sighed.
"What are you doing here?" Olivia asked, suspiciously. Then, an eyebrow arched, as she contemplated the situation further. "And how did you get in?"
Doris smirked. "Your hiding spot for the spare key isn't exactly original," she said, dryly. "I mean, seriously, Olivia, the flowerpot? That's the first place criminals look."
"Why, thank you for Crime Stoppers 101, Madam Mayor. Is that a new public service announcement? Or is it just a special little tidbit for me?" Olivia said, mockingly.
The Mayor glowered at her in response.
"Now, what the hell are you doing here?" Olivia crossed her arms, and Doris's eyebrow rose along with the tail of the hotelier's shirt, hopeful for another brief peek.
The shirt was too long even for that, and Doris looked positively crestfallen.
Olivia smirked.
"Well, since you're being so hospitable," Doris said, sarcastically, "I came to bring you and Natalia a nice bottle of wine. Y'know, as a welcome home gift." She lifted the bottle as proof. "I didn't realize you were already home." She paused for a beat. "But I'm beginning to think I should take my wine back home with me," she muttered under her breath.
Olivia ignored the empty threat. "Feeling all right?" She poked a stick at the bee's nest.
"Yes, Smartass, I'm feeling just fine," Doris retorted.
"Good," Olivia said, decidedly. "Go make me some coffee."
"What am I, your Girl Friday?" Doris scowled. Oh, how she had missed their sparring.
"No, you're an intruder," Olivia snapped back, "and if you're not careful, I might just have to call the law on you."
"Go ahead. Make my day," Doris challenged.
Olivia rolled her eyes and groaned. "That's the best you can do? Really?"
"Apparently so," Doris relented with a begrudging laugh.
"Coffee—" Olivia directed Doris toward the kitchen with a nod of her head. "I'll go tell Natalia we have company." She started to climb the stairs, but Doris's eyes were glued to her scantily-clad ass. The woman simply couldn't help herself, and quite frankly, Olivia didn't blame her. But her body was for Natalia's eyes only now. Retreating, she carefully stooped down to grab her jeans. "No more peep shows for you, Madam Mayor," she grinned, stealthily slipping into them.
Doris grumbled something incoherent, and Olivia simply laughed. "I'm not your type anyway," she said, off-handedly, as she zipped and snapped her jeans.
"So you're a top, huh?" Doris cocked an eyebrow, daring her to deny it. "I figured as much," she muttered.
Olivia took a moment to process the comment, and then she smirked. "With anyone other than Natalia—Yes."
The Mayor's mouth dropped open. She couldn't believe the hotelier would confess to such vulnerability. Then again, she might do the same, if she were ever fortunate enough to find someone who loved her the way Natalia apparently loved Olivia.
Olivia didn't see Doris's reaction—she was already bounding up the stairs, two at a time, in search of Natalia.
Doris fumbled her way through, finding the necessary items to start the coffee, the entire time muttering under her breath about how it was that she had been demoted to indentured servant. Though, in truth, she really didn't mind. In the beginning, grudgingly, Doris had helped Olivia find her way to accepting the love she felt for Natalia. Now, it seemed inconceivable to her that she ever resented helping at all. As was always the case with others—even those with hearts and wills of steel, the hotelier had managed to charm her way into the Mayor's good graces. How does she do that? Doris had wondered on more than one occasion. But deep down inside she knew the truth—Olivia Spencer, for all of her bravado and bitchy ways, was a loyal person, a woman of her word. She hadn't told Doris's secret to a soul, save Natalia, and Doris completely understood Olivia's reason for having divulged the secret to her partner. The bottom line was, Olivia had become a friend, and Doris Wolfe regarded her with the utmost respect.
Fifteen minutes later, Olivia returned to the kitchen to find the coffee nearly finished brewing, and the Mayor idly flipping her way through the morning paper. Obviously, she had found it lying on the front porch, next to the flowerpot that served as a key holder.
"Well, you've certainly become domesticated," Doris teasingly mocked, as she watched Olivia take quick detour through the kitchen into the utility room, her arms full.
Olivia had scooped up the remainder of their abandoned clothing on her way down the stairs. "Why? Because I picked up the dirty laundry?" She laughed easily, as she deposited the clothing in the hamper. "You should see what I can do with a vacuum and a dust rag." She sounded rather impressed with herself.
The teasing nature of Olivia's tone told Doris exactly what expression she was wearing on her face. Shaking her head, Doris grinned. "Wonders never cease."
"I'm a work in progress," Olivia declared, as she returned to the kitchen.
"Took you long enough," Doris groused, distractedly. The paper crackled as she turned the page. "What the hell were you doing up there?" An eyebrow peaked over the top edge of the newspaper.
"Natalia needed my… attention," Olivia smirked.
"I'll just bet she did," Doris grumbled under her breath.
"You need to get laid, Madam Mayor," Olivia laughed, as she turned toward the coffee. "It would do wonders for your disposition."
"Don't I know it," Doris muttered.
Having quickly dressed in faded jeans that were just a little too long, and a loose-fitting T-shirt in a deep merlot, Olivia looked utterly delectable as she reached into the china cabinet, pulling down two coffee mugs. The jeans hugged the contours of Olivia's ass like a second skin, and Doris couldn't help but watch her as she moved. The fact that the woman was barefooted made her even sexier, and Doris had to willfully stifle a groan.
Completely oblivious to Doris's attention, Olivia lifted the carafe, filling the two cups, and then replaced it on the heating plate. "Cream? Sugar?"
"Please," Doris answered. Folding the paper, she set it aside.
"Artificial or natural?"
"Are we talking your tits… or the sugar?" Doris asked, humorously.
Olivia made a face at her. "The sugar, smartass."
"Artificial," Doris said with a pleased grin. She loved riling the hotelier up and watching her spin. "I have to watch my girlish figure, you know."
Shaking her head, Olivia noted casually, "Your girlish figure is just fine."
Doris couldn't stifle the slight blush that colored her cheeks. She knew Olivia wasn't flirting, but still, it felt good. That kind of compliment from someone like Olivia meant something—she didn't give them very often. "Thank you," she said, politely.
If Olivia was surprised not to receive a sarcastic retort, she didn't show it. Setting the mugs on the table, she met Doris's hazel gaze, holding it steadily as she told her she was welcome.
An unsteady smile was followed by a swift retreat, as Doris turned her attention back to the paper, feigning interest. Olivia's gaze was warmly penetrating when filled with sincerity, and Doris simply wasn't accustomed to it.
Turning to the cupboard, Olivia allowed her the retreat. She understood, probably better than anyone. Retrieving the artificial sweetener, she then moved to the refrigerator, to get the creamer, pausing briefly to grab a spoon from the drawer. Setting all three on the table within the Mayor's reach, she slid casually into the chair opposite her. Crossing her legs, right over left, she leaned back, regarding the Mayor with curiosity.
Taking two packets of Splenda® from the container, Doris flapped them back and forth to settle the contents, and then tore them open. "So, obviously your trip went well," she noted suggestively, as she dumped the powdery substance into the steaming liquid.
Olivia's face flushed, not from embarrassment, but from pleasurable memories. "It was wonderful," she shared. Her lips shifted into a tender smile. "Our homecoming was even better."
"Apparently." Doris's tone was wry.
Chuckling, Olivia shrugged. "What can I say?"
"All these months of listening to you whine—should I, shouldn't I, God I want to, but I can't—and that's all I'm gonna get out of you now that you've scored?" Doris grumbled. Popping the cap on the creamer, she poured a small amount into her cup.
"Don't be so crass," Olivia snapped. And then she quickly apologized.
Nodding, Doris offered her the creamer, and Olivia waved it away. She like her coffee strong and black, nothing added. Doris closed the container, and set it back on the table, as Olivia continued, "It's just… it's not like that with Natalia." She focused on the cup in her hands. "Everything is different with her. I'm different."
"I can see that," Doris acknowledged with quiet affection. "I'm happy for you both, Olivia." Lifting the spoon, she stirred the coffee.
Despite the genuineness in Doris's words, there was a hint of sadness lingering beneath, and Olivia regarded her with care. "Have you told Ashlee yet?" she asked casually, as she sipped her coffee.
A look of consternation crossed Doris's features. "No—," she sheepishly admitted. "At this point, I wouldn't even know what to say."
"Well, you have to say something, Doris." Olivia's voice was devoid of any judgment as she stressed the fact that the Mayor couldn't just remain idle. "The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be," she reasoned.
"I know…," Doris sighed. She looked positively despondent.
"Ashlee has been completely supportive of Natalia and me," Olivia pointed out encouragingly. "She even tried to talk to Rafe—not that it did any good," she added as a frustrated afterthought.
Nodding her head, Doris conceded to Olivia's argument.
"The point is, Ashlee sees that we're just like every other couple except, unlike half of them, we actually like being together." Olivia laughed, unable to restrain her joy.
Doris laughed with her. "You are absolutely giddy." A moment later, her face sobered. "I think I need a drink," she said, dryly. Unfortunately, it was too early in the day, and thus, she settled for the coffee.
"You can have what I have, you know," Olivia said with gentle certainty. She regarded her friend affectionately. It didn't even seem weird to her anymore, to consider the woman a friend. When did that happen?
"Yeah—," Doris snorted, "Sure I can." She set her coffee mug back on the table with a loud clunk. "And I can also wear a size two."
"Natalia and I weren't looking for this," Olivia said, the tone of her voice sounding as though Doris could have it too. "It just happened. And, and now I can't imagine my life without her. When we're together, it's like things are how they're supposed to be. And I've never felt this way with anyone else," she shared, her voice a passionate whisper.
"So, are you saying I shouldn't bother with one of those dating websites?" Doris said, facetiously, in an attempt to ward off unsolicited emotions. She didn't really expect an answer.
Before Olivia could respond with the comment that laced her tongue, Natalia came shuffling into the room in her slipper-clad feet. "Morning, Doris," she said, warmly, as she gently rubbed Olivia's upper back with her hand. "It's nice to see you." She didn't have to like the woman to show her kindness.
"Good morning, Natalia," Doris politely. "Sorry to barge in on your day like this. I didn't expect you to be home."
"No need," Natalia said, passively. "Olivia explained. And thank you for the wine. It was sweet of you to think of us."
Olivia nodded in agreement. "Yes, thank you." She reached for the bottle, quickly assessing the vintage. "Very nice," she complimented warmly, as she set the bottle back down.
"My pleasure," Doris said, taking another sip of her coffee. "I hope you enjoy it."
Wrapping her arms around Olivia's neck from behind, Natalia bent down, kissing her chastely. Doris didn't think she'd ever seen either woman look quite so relaxed.
"I didn't expect you down this quickly," Olivia commented. The recent memory of those moments before leaving Natalia alone in the shower drew her attention to the fact that her body was still singing with arousal. Upon hearing that Doris Wolfe had inadvertently seen her partner in the buff, Natalia had quickly made it very clear that Olivia was hers… and hers alone. And then she had kissed her sweetly, and climbed into the shower, leaving Olivia standing there, slightly disoriented, her body still quivering in release.
Nuzzling against Olivia's ear, Natalia whispered, "The shower isn't nearly as much fun without you." Her tone was low enough that Doris couldn't hear the words, but the expression on both of their faces told the story.
A roguish grin flickered across Olivia's lips, and she tilted her head, murmuring, "That's good to know." She nipped playfully at Natalia's ear. "Have a seat," she directed. "I'll get your coffee."
Smiling sweetly at her, Natalia kissed Olivia's cheek. "Thank you, Honey." She slipped into the chair next to Olivia's, and turned her attention toward Doris then, as Olivia retrieved the promised morning brew. "So how are you, Doris?"
Leaning toward Natalia, Doris grinned. "Apparently not as well as you," she teased.
Natalia grinned and blushed. "I have no complaints," she said, demurely. Thankfully, Olivia rescued her with the coffee. "Thank you," she said, her eyes flickering up to meet her lover's.
"You're welcome," Olivia said, warmly. "Can I get you anything else?" Her fingertips lightly brushed Natalia's cheek, sliding down beneath her chin, and Natalia smiled at her in response.
Doris simply watched the exchange with awe. Olivia Spencer offering to serve someone else—and with a smile, no less. Wonders truly did never cease.
When Natalia politely declined, Olivia dropped back into her seat, taking a sip of her coffee. "So how did thing go on Monday?" she asked Doris.
Doris responded with a very positive report regarding the meeting she had scheduled at the Beacon the previous Monday. The gentlemen had come with a proposal for a multimillion dollar project that would bring first construction jobs, and then retail and corporate jobs, to Springfield. The proposed complex of retail stores and corporate offices promised to bring a windfall of cash to the city, and Doris was hungry for the deal. The catch was that the investors were looking for tax breaks—an incentive to build in Springfield, versus the alternate location they had been scoping out in Oakdale. With the approval of the City Council, they had reached a deal, and Doris walked away with a perfect platform for her reelection campaign—Job creation in a sinking economy. She couldn't have hoped for better.
During discussions, Lewis Construction had been highly recommended as a subcontractor for the project, but there would surely be a need to hire out-of-town workers for such a huge, long-term project, Doris had surmised. And with Olivia's agreement, she had chosen the Beacon for the meeting location, to give the investors an idea of what the hotel had to offer—throughout the project, various team members, such as project managers, design engineers, architectural technicians, and myriad others, including some of the construction crew, would need a place to stay, and Olivia could benefit from such an arrangement.
Doris went on to explain that Olivia's employee, Jennifer Morgan, had done an outstanding job, not only of taking care of their needs before, during, and after the meeting, but also of selling the investors on the benefits of utilizing the Beacon as their headquarters during the project. As a result, someone from their organization would be in touch to negotiate long-term rates.
Olivia couldn't have been more elated—well, at least not when it came to business. "If it weren't so early in the day, I'd offer you a drink, Madam Mayor," she declared.
"Well, we'll just have to celebrate at Watershed once you've negotiated a deal with them," Doris declared.
"Sounds like a plan," Olivia easily agreed. "In the meantime, would you like a refill on your coffee?"
"Mm…" Doris took another sip, and nodded. "Please?"
Moving from her seat, Olivia reached for the coffee pot, refilling Doris's cup. "Honey?" she said to Natalia, indicating the remaining contents of the carafe.
"No, thank you," Natalia said, sweetly. "Don't wanna overdo it with the caffeine." Her expression was placid, but she was grinning on the inside.
"Maybe we should start buying decaf," Olivia suggested, casually. Willfully, she suppressed a grin.
A knowing grin tickled Natalia's lips. "Perhaps we should…"
"Why?" Doris's face held a look of utter consternation.
"Too much caffeine is bad for the ba…" Natalia had spoken on instinct, and without conscious thought.
"For my heart," Olivia interjected, stopping Natalia mid-word. The look that passed between them spoke volumes. Now wasn't the time—not until they told Frank. Not that Olivia didn't trust Doris, but she worked with him, and it was just too close for comfort. They didn't want him hearing about the baby from anyone else.
Doris eyed them both suspiciously. "What aren't you telling me?"
"Nothing—" Olivia feigned ignorance of anything substantial being left unsaid. "Natalia is just… overly protective."
"Would you care to have breakfast with us, Doris?" Natalia offered. A change of subject was imperative. "I think pancakes are in order."
The Mayor was far too shrewd to believe that line of bullshit, but she let it slide—for the moment. A swift check of her watch was followed by glint of humor in her blue eyes. "I've already eaten, but thank you."
Glancing at the clock on the wall, Natalia chuckled. "I suppose it is rather late to be called breakfast," she granted. "How about dinner then?" The look of surprise on Olivia's face didn't escape her. "We have friends arriving this evening, and Jennifer Morgan and her partner may be joining us as well. You could bring Ashlee if you'd like." She sweetened the deal.
If the Mayor was surprised by the invitation, she didn't show it. "That sounds lovely, Natalia," she replied, warmly. "Thank you."
Clearing her throat, Olivia said, "Speaking of, I have a few calls to make before it gets too late." As she spoke, she unconsciously moved toward Natalia.
Natalia rose to meet her, and Olivia's hand pressed lightly against Natalia's hip, as she glanced at Doris, "Does Ashlee have any dietary restrictions we need to accommodate?" She knew the Mayor's daughter had been on a strict regimen following her gastric lap band surgery, and she wanted to be certain of any limitations before making arrangements for their dinner.
Doris shook her head. "No, she's well beyond that stage now, but thank you for asking."
"Of course," Olivia replied with a sincere expression. "Would you excuse me for just a few minutes, then?"
A nod from Doris granted her pardon, and she turned her attention to Natalia. Leaning in, she caught the corner of her mouth in a kiss. "Thank you."
Two simple words, yet they were filled with amalgam of gratitude and relief for Natalia's willingness to overlook her dislike for the Mayor.
Her hand resting against the center of Olivia's chest, Natalia smiled into those appreciative eyes. "You're welcome," she said, softly. She understood without further words how much her acceptance of Doris's presence in their lives meant to Olivia. "Now go make your phone calls," she directed, with a playful tap against Olivia's ass. And then she stretched her arms, wrapping them around Olivia's neck. "And then hurry back to me," she whispered, nuzzling against Olivia's nose. "I miss you already."
Doris felt the heat of tears prickling in her eyes as she watched them. Purposefully, she averted her gaze, allowing them a moment of privacy.
Olivia's heart fluttered in her chest, and she smiled in response. Natalia always said the sweetest things to her. "Two phone calls and I'll be back. I promise." She kissed Natalia one more time, and then she was gone.
Turning her attention toward pancakes, then, Natalia chattered amiably with Doris as she worked. She didn't trust Doris Wolfe—not yet anyway. But Olivia did, and she trusted Olivia's judgment. Until such time as the Mayor did something to bring more trouble, like she had with that news conference after Emma's presentation, Natalia would treat her kindly, and pray that the Mayor's change of heart was genuine.
TBC in Chapter 12.2…