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, Doris Wolfe, Gus/Nicky Aitoro, Frank Cooper, and Ava Peralta 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.
No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, Prospect Park, or any other entity. The dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
Well, I've been shooting for Friday updates like I have in the past, but it looks like Saturday is the day again this week! Thank you to all who are reading and/or have commented. Last weekend and this week proved to be quite busy, and I haven't yet had a chance to respond to your feedback. Please know that I appreciate each and every one of you, and I will be back to respond soon to those of you who have that feature enable. And finally, thank you, as always, to my pal, MoniRod for the edit. You totally Rock, Woman! I appreciate you, and I owe you—BIG TIME!
Rating: Chapter 14 is rated NC-17 overall, for some sexual situations and strong language.
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May 2009
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
— James 1:2-8, the Bible, New International Version (NIV)
"God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."
Unknown
Chapter 14.6 – Trials and Tribulations:
Friday, June 5, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—3:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"Where the hell have you been?" Rafe barked from the shroud of darkness that encompassed him, as he stood vigil in the living room.
The sound of his voice startled both Olivia and Natalia, as they stepped through the front door of the farmhouse. They had been sharing a laugh about something unexpected that happened while they were making love, and his confrontational tone ruined their reverie.
Natalia reached for the light switch, flipping it on. "Excuse me?" Her eyebrow lifted, her voice announcing her annoyance with his attitude, language, and tone.
"I said, where the hell have you been?" he repeated coolly.
"Who do you think you are, Rafael?" Natalia countered, as she moved further into the room.
He didn't make a sound as Olivia closed and locked the front door. And his dark, brooding eyes watched her every move, as she made her way to Natalia's side. She pressed a kiss against Natalia's temple, and gave her an affectionate squeeze. "I'll meet you upstairs, Sweetheart," she said, excusing herself to give them a little time.
Natalia responded with a hesitant smile. She almost wished Olivia wasn't so considerate. "Thank you," she said, as she brushed her lips against Olivia's. "I won't be long."
Rafe bristled at the demonstrative exchange, and stared Olivia down the entire time she was ascending the stairs.
Setting her purse on the wooden end table by the sofa, Natalia walked toward her son. "It's not okay for you to speak to me like that, Rafe," she said in a tone that brooked no dispute. "I think you've forgotten your role as my child, not my parent." She stressed the child and parent parts.
Nodding, Rafe lowered his gaze. He knew he was as wrong now as he had been earlier in the evening, but he couldn't bring himself to apologize. "It's late, Ma," he said sheepishly. "I was worried about you."
Carefully, Natalia lowered herself down to the sofa next to him. She almost expected him to move away, and she felt relieved when he didn't. "You don't need to worry about me, Rafe," she assured. "I was with Olivia, and…"
"That's easy for you to say," Rafe interrupted. "You weren't the one who answered the door to the cops at twelve thirty at night!"
A mixture of shock and confusion painted Natalia's face. "What are you taking about?" she questioned.
"Frank showed up here, banging on the door a few hours ago," Rafe reported.
"Frank isn't 'the cops,' Rafe," Natalia countered. She was annoyed by the very thought of the man banging on their door in the middle of the night, but she didn't let on. "He's Frank."
"I thought something happened to you, Ma," Rafe said with far more intensity than Natalia anticipated. "I was scared. It was late, and I thought…"
She watched the tears well up in his eyes, and instinctively pulled him close. Surprisingly, he clung to her like a little boy, rather than pushing her away. "Oh, mijo, I'm so sorry," she murmured against his hair. She understood what something like that might mean to him out of context. "I didn't mean to worry you."
His grip grew tighter, and she could hear him softly crying against her chest. "I couldn't call, because you left your phone at home, and…"
Gently, she raked her fingers through his thick dark curls. "I'm fine, Rafe," she said reassuringly. "I'm home now. There's nothing to worry about anymore."
"I'm glad you're okay, Ma," Rafe sniffled.
Leaning down, Natalia brushed a kiss against his brow. "I should've called when I realized how late we were going to be out," she conceded. "I'll remember next time, so you don't worry." It wasn't that she owed him an explanation, but she would want the same courtesy from him. It was different when it was just Emma—she was always in bed long before they arrived home on date night. But Rafe was a night owl at heart, and she should have known he would be up late. What she couldn't have anticipated was Frank. Who on earth could anticipate him, given how erratic his behavior had become?
"What did Frank want?" she asked, after several minutes of simply holding him close. It felt so nice to have her son close to her again; she was almost reluctant to give it up in exchange for information.
Collecting himself, Rafe sat upright on the sofa next to his mother. "He was carrying on about you and the baby, and how Olivia was trying to steal you both away from him," he reported. It was totally lost on him that he and Frank were having the same infantile reaction to Natalia's relationship with Olivia.
Natalia sighed. Same bullshit, different day, she thought, but she didn't say it. Instinctively, she knew that he was drunk again, but she didn't ask for confirmation. There was no reason to draw Rafe any deeper into the issues she and Olivia were having with Frank. They would handle him together.
Lowering his gaze, Rafe silently studied the edges of the coffee table, as he contemplated his words. There was so much to tell her, and yet, he didn't want to say anything that would dissuade her from wanting to be with Frank. He truly didn't understand that it would never happen, regardless of what Frank said or did.
Tilting her head, Natalia watched her son carefully. She knew that something was bothering him. "What is it, Rafe?" she asked with concern.
Carefully, Rafe considered his response. He liked Frank. A lot, actually. And he wanted his mother to be with him. But he didn't care one bit for Frank's possessiveness. And he didn't care for the fact that the man was drunk either. "It's just that… well, Frank was drunk, Ma," he finally shared.
"I figured as much," Natalia said coolly.
"Does that happen a lot?" Rafe's tone was filled with concern. His mother deserved better than that.
"We've had a few run-ins," Natalia admitted with a sigh.
"He seems to think he has rights where you're concerned," Rafe noted. "I don't like that at all."
The irony in Rafe's statement was not lost on Natalia. She stifled a smile. "Well, he has rights when it comes to his child," she acknowledged. "But he doesn't have any when it comes to me, and he never will. So he's just going to have to get over himself."
Rafe studied his mother then. She was so different. So decisive, so confident. He wasn't used to that from her. Not that she lacked self-assurance in raising him—she always exuded confidence as she shared life lessons with him, and if she had ever been scared, he had never known it. But this was different, and he had to admit, he liked it.
"How did he get home?" Natalia inquired, breaking into Rafe's thoughts.
"I made him drink almost a whole pot of coffee, and then I drove him home," Rafe answered. "He wasn't very happy about it, either."
"I'm sure he wasn't," Natalia grumbled. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that, Rafe. But I'm proud of you for doing the right thing."
"Thanks, Ma," Rafe said, quietly accepting his mother's praise. Moments like this reminded him of what it was like when it was just the two of them. He missed the days when they were close, and longed to have them back again. Dropping his gaze, he studied the edges of the coffee table again, as he contemplated his words. "I'm sorry I got so mad at you earlier," he finally said. "You know, about your date night."
Reaching out, she ruffled his shaggy hair with affection. "Thank you, Rafe," she said, softly. "That means a lot to me."
Rafe nodded, but said nothing.
After a few moments of silence, she gently raked her fingers through his hair, the way she had when he was a little boy. "I know this isn't easy for you, Rafe—me being with another woman," she quietly acknowledged. "But I believe, in time, you'll come to see how much Olivia loves me—how much she loves us: you, me, and the baby, as well as Emma and Ava. She has a wonderful, loving heart, and…"
Rafe was shaking his head. "Ma, please. Don't push it, okay?" he said. "I'm trying here, but don't push it."
A rueful smile covered Natalia's lips. "Okay," she relented. "Why don't you go on to bed," she suggested. "It's late, and we're both tired. We'll talk more in the morning."
"Okay," Rafe readily agreed, attempting to stifle a yawn. He rose from the sofa, and then turned toward Natalia. "'Night, Ma," he said with affection in his tone.
Natalia stood, and reached out, gently touching his face. She longed to hold him in her arms, but thought it better to give him space. "Goodnight, Rafe," she whispered softly. "I love you."
His emotions threatened to overwhelm him then, and he moved into her waiting arms. "I love you too, Ma," he said, voice quavering, as he hugged her.
One step forward, Natalia thought, as she held her son in her arms. She prayed that the morning wouldn't take them two steps back, as seemed to be their pattern, of late. She held tightly to him until he broke their embrace. And then she kissed his cheek, and bid him goodnight once again, before slowly climbing the stairs toward Olivia. It was late, but given her exchange with Rafe, she had much to share with her partner, and she knew without a doubt that Olivia would be waiting to hear all about it.
Friday, June 5, 2009… Olivia's Office, The Beacon—3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
The hotelier was certainly in a mood, Jen noted, as they worked together the following afternoon. Not bitchy or mean, the way she had been before Natalia. Just somewhat… off. Distracted, perhaps?
Jen studied her with measured interest over the top of the spreadsheet she was holding, as she rattled off data to her boss. It was part of her training for taking the helm during Olivia and Natalia's upcoming family leave.
Glancing up as she posed a question, Olivia caught those studious blue eyes off guard. "What?" Her tone wasn't sharp or impatient; neither was it warm.
"Nothing—" Jen brushed her curiosity aside.
"You obviously have something on your mind—" The remainder of Olivia's statement was apparent in the expression on her face, as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs.
Intuitively, Jen knew that meant Olivia was expecting a response. They were learning to read one another well. "Is everything all right?" Jen sounded genuinely concerned.
Olivia had been hoping to coax that question out of her. Otherwise, she would have ignored the studious eyes she felt on her just moments earlier—before she had even glanced at the woman. Her eyes slid closed, and she sighed heavily, as she contemplated the wisdom of what she was about to ask. But she needed information, and Doris was out of the question. She would never hear the end of it. And despite the fact that she knew Lena had been with men, she didn't think, given that both Lena and Bianca were lesbian, either of them would fully understand.
So that left Jen and Tracy, and Jen was the "religious" woman who had been married; thus, making her the one she thought would most likely understand. Finally, she met Jen's gaze again. "Would you mind if I asked you something personal? Completely off the record," she clarified.
"You can ask me anything, Ms. Spen—" The expression on the hotelier's face stopped her mid-word, and she quickly corrected, "Olivia." She smiled. They were officially "off the record" at the moment, and that had been their agreement—a simple way to distinguish between their personal and professional relationships, at least until Jen took over management of the Beacon. Then they would be on a first-name basis professionally, as well.
Olivia smiled and set the report she was holding on the desk. Leaning forward, she clasped her hands in front her. "Was it…" she contemplated her words carefully, "difficult for you to adjust to being with a woman?" she asked, tentatively.
"Do you mean in general? Or… are we talking about sex?" Jen needed clarification, because the two issues were completely separate in her own mind.
Biting her upper lip nervously, Olivia elucidated, "I mean sexually. Have you ever felt like you needed... more?" This was completely uncharted territory—their friendship was new, and she was always mindful of their professional relationship, as well. She simply just didn't want to offend the woman. But Natalia's emboldened declaration that she needed more, sexually, was driving her to distraction, and she was in desperate need of input from someone who might understand.
"You mean, as in a certain extra body part?"
Jen's teasing grin washed over Olivia, liberating her, and a flood of relief visibly drained over her face. "Thank God I don't have to mince words with you anymore," she laughed.
"I told you, you can ask me anything," Jen said simply. As she relaxed in her seat. "And you can say anything to me, as well."
"Thanks," Olivia sighed, welcoming the respite. "It's just that we're still trying to figure out how it all works," she explained. "What's acceptable, what's not, y'know."
"I understand," Jen said, supportively. "Honestly, Tracy and I don't necessarily follow the mores of lesbian life. At least I don't think we do." The expression on her face said she hoped she was correct, and that drew a smile from Olivia. "She could probably tell you more about that than I could, being that lesbian is the only sexual identity she's ever claimed."
"I didn't realize that," Olivia said casually, as she took a sip of her coffee. She set the mug back down on the warmer. "Not that it matters in the least," she quickly clarified.
Jen nodded. She understood there was no judgment or malice in Olivia's words.
"But that's not really what I'm asking," Olivia further elucidated. She chewed her upper lip for a moment. "I guess… I'm really looking for your thoughts from the perspective of your faith." She hadn't realized that until that very moment.
"Oh!" Jen was a bit taken aback. She would've been more prepared for such an inquiry from Natalia. She thought about it for several moments before answering. "Well, like I shared before, it took me a really long time to accept my feelings for Tracy," she reminded. "And it took even longer for me to come to terms with idea of being sexually intimate with her." She sighed and shook her head. "God, she was so patient with me," she shared.
Smiling, Olivia admitted, "Natalia was ridiculously patient with me, too."
Jen tried not to look shocked, but it didn't work.
"It surprises you that I was the one holding out," Olivia said with a laugh. There was no question in her tone.
"A little, yes…," Jen sheepishly admitted.
"We both fought our feelings for a really long time," Olivia divulged, "but after we finally confessed everything to one another, I was the one who hesitated to take the next step." She shrugged, almost helplessly. "I was… scared."
"But you're not anymore," Jen presumed.
"Not in the least," Olivia grinned.
"And now things are good, but… different, and you're wondering if taking things a step further would be okay?" Jen surmised. "As far as God is concerned, I mean."
"Exactly," Olivia said, sounding relieved.
Jen nodded, indicating that she understood Olivia's dilemma. "Look, Olivia, to put it bluntly, sex with Jake was… wonderful. It exceeded my expectations by far," she shared. "Tracy knew that, and she worried that she wouldn't be able to give me… enough, y'know, because of that missing body part. So she did something about it."
Jen's grin was contagious, and Olivia knew exactly what she meant.
"I didn't ask for it. I never would have because, well, first of all, because I never knew such a thing existed." The slightly nervous edge to her laugh told Olivia she was being truthful. "And second of all, I wasn't missing anything. Truth is, sex with Tracy has always been far more satisfying—both physically and emotionally, than it was with Jake—and she didn't need any help to make it that way. But that's not to say I don't enjoy that sort of help, every once in a while." She was blushing by the time she finished that statement.
"So you were okay with her bringing that sort of thing into—"
"Absolutely." Jen's smile nearly giggled.
"You didn't find it offensive, or… some sort of sacrilege?" Olivia checked.
"Not at all, Olivia," Jen reassured. She paused for a moment, measuring her words. "Since we're talking from a faith perspective, I have to say that I'm quite certain the church I grew up in would scream in horror at such a thing, but honestly, Olivia, I don't really care. My faith in God, my commitment to Him, isn't affected by the gender of my fiancée, or how I make love with her," she reasoned. "And I know for us, it's something we enjoy, and that's all that matters," she said forthrightly. "So, if you feel like you need something more, and Natalia is okay with it too, then why deprive yourself?"
"I can't think of any reason that would make sense," Olivia grinned, willingly allowing Jen to believe she was the one who needed "more." Better that, than to disrespect Natalia by sharing something so personal. "Thank you for that," she added. "Natalia's faith is so important to her, and I… I don't want to ask her to compromise that for me."
Grinning at her boss, Jen acknowledged the hotelier's appreciation, and pitched an offer she couldn't refuse. "This might be a little awkward," she prefaced, "but if you'd like, I can e-mail you a few recommendations. We found some favorites by trial-and-error, but maybe our lessons learned can save you a little time."
"Awkward?" Olivia's tone held a nervous laugh. "Yeah… But I'd appreciate it," she said, willfully stifling a blush. Never in her life did she think she would have such a conversation—not with a friend, and certainly not with an employee. It felt oddly liberating, despite the slight awkwardness, and she attributed that to Jen's easy manner. She was thankful for the woman's forthrightness, and even more thankful for her friendship.
"Send me your personal e-mail address, and I'll take care of it," Jen directed. They had never had cause to share such information previously, as they communicated via phone and text.
"See, you're getting the hang of this boss thing already." Olivia offset the awkwardness by teasing Jen for her display of assertiveness.
"Sorry—," Jen said, bashfully.
"Don't be," Olivia replied. "You're gonna need that assertive streak while Natalia and I are out. Some of our employees can be a real handful."
Jen laughed. "You have a point. Sometimes I wonder what I've gotten myself into," she admitted.
Olivia smiled in response. "You're doing a great job so far, Jen," she complimented. "Tracy is too, from what Natalia says."
"Thank you, Olivia," Jen said appreciatively. "We're committed to doing our best for the two of you."
"I know," Olivia acknowledged. "And believe me, we both appreciate that," she said sincerely.
"It's our pleasure," Jen replied with a satisfied smile. "So what was it you were saying about the Dandridge account?" she asked, returning to their previous business.
As Olivia responded to Jen's question, she pulled her iPhone from her pocket. Quickly accessing her personal e-mail account, she forwarded the contact information to Jen. And then they settled in to work again, this time, with the hotelier in a more amiable mood—the kind of mood Jen had grown accustomed to since Natalia came into her life.
Saturday, June 6, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—6:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Saturday morning dawned early, with Emma and Rafe both out of bed practically before the sun peeked over the eastern horizon. Awakened by the echo of Emma's footsteps on the stairs as she ran down them in hopes of finding Rafe, Natalia smiled and turned into Olivia's body. Not surprisingly, her lover was still completely oblivious to the world.
Her left arm was tucked beneath Natalia's neck; the right one, slung over her own forehead. And those perfect lips were slightly parted; the softest hint of a snore slipping through them. That made Natalia's smile morph into a low chuckle.
Resting her head on Olivia's pillow, Natalia's eyes traced a path along chiseled features, as her thoughts drifted back to the evening prior. The warmth of Olivia's breath—the whisper of fingertips, floating across Natalia's skin as Olivia made love to her. Every time seemed like the first, as they discovered new things that each of them enjoyed. And yet, each time was like coming home to that one place in the world where they felt safe, secure, and whole.
Her gaze dropped to Olivia's chest, and reaching out, she reverently traced the fading scar that lingered between her lover's breasts; the physical reminder of their rather inauspicious beginnings. Remembering their many heated run-ins brought an incongruous smile to her lips, even as the scar brought tears of both sorrow and joy. She had loved Gus; that was true. But something deep inside her knew that even if he hadn't died, she still would have found herself in this woman's life, in her arms, in her bed. Because nothing had ever felt as true, as deep, as the love she felt for Olivia. And nothing ever would.
Her thoughts drifting, fingertips followed, and lightly, she teased the underside of Olivia's right nipple, smiling as it drew to attention. She knew if she leaned in, encircling that taut bud with her mouth, suckling with just the right amount of pressure, she could make Olivia come in her sleep. The first time it happened, she had been hoping to wake her, to entice her into lovemaking. But instead, Olivia slept on, moaning softly in her sleep as Natalia suckled at her nipple. Slowly, those soft moans grew more intense, and then, to Natalia's surprise and delight, Olivia was climaxing, crying out in pleasure. In her sleep! She shuddered and sighed, a sated smile teasing at the corners of those exquisite lips, but she never woke.
Natalia had curled up beside her then, her fingertips dallying between Olivia's legs, delighting in the warm wetness she had created. When finally Olivia stirred, she stretched and sighed contentedly, and then turned her head to kiss Natalia full on the mouth. "Why do I feel like we just made love?" she had whispered. She could feel the tightness in her belly, the unmistakable aftershocks of an orgasm pulsing deep within.
Blushing, Natalia shifted her gaze away from Olivia's probing eyes. "I was uh, I was trying to wake you up, and I—I made you… y'know…" She shrugged a bit nervously.
That sexy grin percolated on Olivia's lips. "You made me come in my sleep?" she husked, in that low, morning register that drove Natalia to distraction.
"I, uh… yes," Natalia confessed. Her own body was humming with desire.
"Was it as good for me, as it was for you?" Olivia asked flirtatiously.
"Judging from the sounds you were making, yes," Natalia said, sounding almost cocky, despite the slight flushing of her cheeks.
Olivia arched an eyebrow. "Any chance we could do it again, now that I'm awake to judge for myself?"
A seductive grin fell across Natalia's lips, as a fingertip stroked in just the right place to make Olivia gasp and squirm. Natalia kissed her then, with slow deliberation, her tongue stroking in perfect rhythm with the finger that explored through swollen tissue. And then she left Olivia's mouth, blazing a trail of openmouthed kisses along Olivia's body before taking Olivia's most intimate flesh into the warm softness of her mouth.
Olivia groaned, lifting her hips in offering, and gently, Natalia suckled that other sweet nub, relishing in the juices that flowed from Olivia's body in response. And as Olivia grew full and hard in her mouth, Natalia delighted first in the subtle twitching, and ultimately the intense throbbing, as Olivia came for her; her body arching and writhing, that gloriously engorged bundle of nerves quivering in Natalia's mouth, against her tongue.
Natalia had reveled in that, the first time it happened, and every single time thereafter. Her body was humming with desire just thinking about it, and every fiber of her being ached to make it happen again. Right now.
But her temptation was thwarted by the pounding of slipper-clad feet on the staircase, followed by quick footsteps skidding across the floor toward their bedroom door. And then Emma was knocking, the way she had been taught, and Natalia's lips curled into a smile. Emma was such a fast learner, no matter what the subject, and she had been especially good about not barging into their bedroom without first knocking—even when she was really upset or excited.
Instinctively, Natalia reached for her discarded nightshirt, slipping it over her head and pulling it down with little effort. And then she reached over, pulling the sheet up, tucking it firmly around Olivia, to ensure her lover was adequately covered before welcoming their daughter inside.
Within moments of Natalia's greeting, Emma was bouncing on their bed, chattering on about what they might have for breakfast, and not being able to find Rafe, and how she wondered what he was doing because it was so early, and…
The bouncing and chattering went on until it roused Olivia from sleep.
And then Emma turned into a little detective. "Did you get hot again last night, Mommy?"
"Huh? Wha—?" Olivia sounded confused. And then she glanced down, eyeing the bare shoulders that peeked out from beneath the sheet Natalia had wrapped around her. "Uh… yeah—," she said sheepishly, embarrassed by the fact that her daughter had caught her without clothing, yet again.
Natalia smirked at her over Emma's head, and mouthed. "I warned you."
Olivia fixed her lover with a look, as Emma continued her questioning. "Why don't you just turn on the fan?" she reasoned, sounding as if it was the most logical solution in the world.
"Uh, well, because it messes up Mommy's hair," Natalia answered, attempting to distract the child.
Emma glanced at Olivia's hair, and shook her head. "It's messed up anyway," she sighed. Her gaze shifted to Natalia. "And so is yours, Mama," she pointed out.
"Everyone's hair gets messed up when they sleep, Baby," Olivia explained.
"Then why can't you turn on the fan?" Emma queried.
"Well, because…"
The expression in her eyes begged for help as she glanced at Natalia, only to receive a rejection. "I already tried. You're on your own now," Natalia said, distancing herself from the conversation.
"Well, ours is a different kind of messed up, Em," Olivia hedged. "We're uh… we're trying a new hairstyle this weekend."
"What kind?" Emma pressed.
A sense of panic set in, as Olivia grappled for answers. "The kind you're not allowed to know about yet," she answered lamely.
Olivia's comment drew a discontented look Natalia, and a skeptical one from Emma. "Grown-ups are weird," Emma announced, as she jumped down off of their bed. "I'm hungry, Mama. Can we fix some breakfast now?"
"Sure, Honey," Natalia said sweetly. "Why don't you go get dressed, and meet me down in the kitchen in a few minutes," she suggested. "You can help me, if you want."
"Yay!" Emma exclaimed. She loved helping her Mama in the kitchen.
Emma made a beeline for the door, slamming it, in her wake. Natalia turned her attention toward Olivia. "Really, Liv?"
"What?" Olivia feigned ignorance.
Natalia just gave her that look, and immediately, Olivia was on the defensive. "Well, what was I supposed to say?"
"Not that," Natalia said flatly.
Olivia made a face at her.
"Why can't you just put some clothes on before you fall asleep?" Natalia pressed.
Olivia pulled her close then, kissing her lightly. "I like to sleep naked with you because I love the way your skin feels against mine, especially after we make love," she whispered, seductively enough that Natalia wanted to retract her suggestion. "And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember you wearing this…" she gestured toward Natalia's nightshirt, "when we fell asleep last night."
"That's because I don't sleep through Hurricane Emma," Natalia bantered. "I actually wake up when our daughter knocks."
"Maybe we should put cowbells on her," Olivia suggested drolly.
The nonchalant tone in Olivia's voice forced Natalia to bite back a laugh. "Or maybe you should just put some clothes on," she countered.
"Not a chance," Olivia adamantly refused. "My odds of getting laid again in the morning are better, if I'm already naked," she said with a smirk.
Natalia laughed. "Well, that's true enough. You almost got lucky again this morning."
The low timbre of Natalia's tone told Olivia exactly how lucky she had almost been. "But our Jellybean interrupted?" she assumed.
"Only thing in the world that would've stopped me," Natalia declared.
"Damn that kid," Olivia harrumphed, drawing another laugh from Natalia.
Olivia arched an eyebrow. "Any chance I could still get lucky now?"
"Not unless you're willing to let our daughter to starve to death," Natalia replied.
Olivia feigned contemplation, and Natalia threw a pillow at her. "Go take a shower," she commanded with a laugh, as Olivia grumbled in protest.
Purposefully, Olivia allowed the sheet to drop, exposing firm breasts and tight nipples. "Join me?"
A low growl emerged as dimples bloomed, and then Natalia bit the tip of her finger in contemplation. "That's a tempting offer," she admitted. "But no." Playfully, she pushed Olivia away. "Emma is waiting for me."
Her lips adopting a contrived pout, Olivia climbed from their bed. "I'm beginning to think you like her better."
Natalia chuckled as she followed Olivia out of their bed. Taking Olivia's chin between her thumb and forefinger, she met her gaze. "I love all four of my girls equally," she declared. And then she pressed a brief kiss to those soft, full lips. "But very differently."
Olivia's heart fluttered at the inclusion of Ava in Natalia's comment. They had grown close, Natalia and Ava, in the months following Olivia's announcement to her eldest daughter that she and Natalia were in love. Ava had taken to calling Olivia at the office more often, as it gave her an excuse to talk with Natalia first. And Natalia had taken the initiative to call Ava on many an occasion, as well. Just to chat. Olivia could not have been more pleased with the bond that was forming between her lover and her grown child. She often wished the same could be true for her son, Ethan. But that, she reasoned, was just far too much to ask, given all of the blessings she already possessed.
She was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of Natalia's voice. "Now behave yourself, and go take a shower," Natalia was saying. "And later, if you're good, I'll show you exactly how differently I love you."
Natalia's voice was like liquid silk, as she made promises of things to come. Olivia instantly felt her body respond. "Is that a promise?" she husked.
"Absolutely," Natalia purred.
Olivia grinned, and kissed her. "Well, you just get ready, Sweetheart, because you're not gonna believe how good I'm gonna be today," she declared. And then she took Natalia's promise all the way to the shower. Oh, she could be good, all right. Spectacularly good, in fact, when the reward was enticing enough. And Natalia's rewards were the best enticement she had ever experienced.
TBC in Chapter 14.7: Trials and Tribulations…