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, and Father Ray, 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. The original characters of Jennifer and Tracy Jackson-Morgan, Detective Sargent Langston Malloy, Attorney Danika Kováč, and their daughter, McKenna, and Judge Bennett Thomas are the property of this author, and any resemblance to fictional characters, or real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
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.
Many thanks to my friend and favorite FFW, WickedWanda926, and to my friend newfan64, for their ongoing willingness to edit my stories. Words cannot express how much I appreciate the two of you and your steadfast support of me, both personally, and as a would-be writer. Thank you to all who continue to read and/or comment. I appreciate the time you have invested in this story, and truly hope you continue to enjoy.
Rating: Chapter 17 is rated NC-17 for strong language and overt sexual content.
So… apparently, this is what happens when I'm supposed to be studying for my national counseling boards.
Hope y'all enjoy!
Kim
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May 2009
"Lay down, have your dream / I'll work quietly
Put all my labor to love
And you wake up, you wake up
Feeling enough
You will want for nothing / Know the truth
I will be here waiting for you
Want for nothing
You will want for nothing.
Hold on, it may seem / A few small words can come between
And why must we label good or bad?
Let's wake up, let's wake up
Wrapped in the joy and the wonder that…
We have a want for nothing / Know the truth
I will be here waiting for you
Want for nothing
You will want for nothing.
Gravity can often / Won't pull me down
You're no ball and chain; you're the comfort
I love the steady pull / I love the steady pull…
The wings from me / I've no need for these things
Without you where have I to fly?
Let's lay down, Let's lay down,
Ihave everything
When you're beside…
I'll want for nothing / Know the truth
I will be here waiting for you
Want for nothing
You will want for nothing."
— Jennifer Knapp, "Want for Nothing" from the album Letting Go
Chapter 17 – Want For Nothing:
Sunday, July 5, 2009… The Cottage, Martha's Vineyard—5:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time
As sunrise peeked over the horizon ushering in a new day, its first tendrils of light playfully kissed the foamy white caps of the waves as they rushed ashore, bathing them in an almost ethereal glow. The familiar sounds of the surf—the rush of the water, the crashing of waves, the melodious cry of the seagulls as they danced on the warm ocean breeze—drew a contented smile to Bianca's face as she awakened. More than anyplace else on earth, she loved waking up here, in their little cottage by the sea. Even more than that, she loved wakening next to the woman who slept peacefully beside her. This cottage—and especially this woman—were her shelter in the storms of life.
Rolling to her side, her own body now mere inches from Lena's, she settled an arm beneath her pillow. The material was cool against her warm skin, and she nestled her head in the downy softness of it, quietly contemplating her slumbering wife. She loved waking to the sight of her—a rarity, since Lena was very often awake long before anyone else in the house. And on such rare occasions where Bianca awakened first, she appreciated this quiet time with her, those moments of tranquility where she could simply appreciate her existence, before the girls woke, and the chaos of daily life took hold.
God, she was a stunning creature; every inch of her. But she was never more gorgeous to Bianca than when she was pregnant. The slight swell of her belly where she carried their child was the most precious sight Bianca had ever known, and she intended to savor every single moment of it. She remembered vividly what it was like when she was carrying Jordan, and in the months after giving birth, when she admittedly struggled with self-image—a fact that worried Lena, given her history with eating disorders—and she sometimes held doubts when Lena would tell her how beautiful she was. Sometimes she thought Lena blind for finding her attractive! Or maybe a little crazy. Now she understood. And she vowed to remind Lena, in those inevitable moments of self-doubt, exactly how beautiful Lena found her when she was pregnant with their firstborn.
But in the moment, she simply chose to revel in the nearness of her wife, and the sheer joy of knowing they had created such a beautiful life together. A tender smile played across her lips and she reached over, brushing the backs of her fingers against Lena's cheek. "Thank you for showing me what it feels like to be with somebody… and never wanna leave," she whispered, her thoughts drifting back to the words she'd said to Lena the night they first made love. "I was so in love with you then… I'm even more in love with you now," she murmured softly. "I didn't think that was even possible, but it's true. I fall a little more in love with you every single day."
Fingertips lightly brushed against Lena's lips, causing a dimple to bloom. "And I, you, my love," she whispered. Dark lashes fluttered, and russet eyes slowly appeared, locking onto the Bianca's tender gaze.
Bianca's mouth dropped open in feigned offense. "You were eavesdropping on me!"
Lena grinned. "Are you saying all those sweet words were for yourself?"
"Well, no," Bianca admitted. "They were for you."
"Then I don't think it's considering eavesdropping," Lena concluded with a show of confidence that earned a playful tap to her shoulder.
"Oh, would you stop being such a sassy pants, and just kiss me good morning," Bianca said. It wasn't a request.
"With pleasure," Lena willingly acquiesced. Moving closer, she pulled Bianca into her arms, brushing a light kiss across bowlike lips. "Good morning, Sweetheart."
"Mm… Morning," Bianca chirped sweetly, as she snuggled into the warmth of Lena's embrace. Leisurely, her fingertips caressed Lena's belly, as Lena's hand moved slowly along her side. A soft moan slipped from Bianca's lips as she reveled in the closeness. "I could spend all day just laying here with you like this," she sighed.
"Where did all these early morning ponderings come from?" Lena inquired curiously.
"I don't know, I just… woke up thinking about us, about our girls, and how blessed we are to have this wonderful life," Bianca shared. "In all my childhood fantasies, I never dreamed it could be this good."
"We really do have it all, don't we?" Lena quietly mused. Sometimes the sheer wonder of it simply overwhelmed her, but in the most delightful of ways. "I never thought I'd know a time in my life where I didn't want for anything—especially love. I never thought I could be enough for anyone. But all that changed the moment I fell in love with you."
Propping up on one elbow, Bianca locked into Lena's trusting gaze. "I promise you, Lena, no matter where this life takes us, I'll always be right here beside you," she vowed. "You'll never have to wonder if this, us, is enough."
Tears misted Lena's eyes. She knew Bianca's vow was true without her even saying it. She'd known it since the day they'd pledged their lives to one another. "Then I'll never want for anything again."
"No, my love," Bianca whispered, as she leaned down, kissing her wife tenderly. "No, you won't. And neither will I."
She kissed her again, this time more thoroughly. And when she drew her mouth away, she allowed Lena to draw her close again, their fingers intertwining against Lena's breast. They fell quiet then, each lost in thought as they contemplated the day ahead.
"I think Dani's detective finally came to her senses," Bianca commented casually after several minutes of silence. She suddenly realized their day would include at least one new person, possibly more. She couldn't imagine Langston coming all this way without McKenna. This day had just become decidedly more interesting, she thought.
"It appears you would be correct," Lena chuckled. "That was quite a ruckus last night."
"Yes, it certainly was," Bianca readily agreed.
"I think we were both guilty of eavesdropping," Lena commented.
"Not that we had much choice in the matter," Bianca said, clearly amused by the situation. "I'm happy for them."
"As am I, my love. But I think maybe they could use one of those noise cancellation contraptions you're so fond of using," Lena wittily suggested.
Bianca laughed heartily. "I couldn't agree with you more," she said. "Good thing we built the girls' bedroom on the other side of the house."
"Speaking of… I think I hear our little alarm clock going off," Lena noted at the sound of Lexie's tiny voice calling out, "Mama! I up! I up!"
"You're probably gonna come to regret that little talk with her," Bianca grinned, referring to Lena's impromptu conversation with the child where she playfully told her she didn't need to cry when she woke up.
"Oh, my goodness, Lexie, what is all this fussing about?" Lena had asked the child upon entering the girls' bedroom several mornings prior. Jumping up and down in her crib, the child was having a complete meltdown when Lena arrived. "All you have to do is say, "Mama, I'm up! And I'll come get you. There's no need to cry."
Neither of them had ever imagined it would work, but the following morning, Lexie had done exactly that! And she had continued to do so every morning and every nap time since.
"It's better than the alternative," Lena said wryly, as she dragged herself from their bed and donned her robe. The child could screech loudly enough to wake the dead! "I'd better go get her before she wakes up the whole house."
"I'll be right here waiting," Bianca assured.
Lena never had a moment's doubt.
Sunday, July 5, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—8:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Olivia Spencer sat upright, propped against a pile of pillows stacked at the headboard of the bed she shared with the love of her life, Natalia Rivera. Quietly, she shuffled papers and tapped the keys on her laptop, making headway on a fundraising presentation as Natalia slept peacefully beside her. The presentation was meant to help with the financing of the women's shelter she was developing in Chicago—a gift for Natalia, and for other women who, like her, found themselves young, pregnant, and unmarried, with no family around for support.
She paused for a moment, gazing at her love, nestled in quiet repose, and the most intense feelings of protectiveness and sheer awe cascaded over her, leaving her nearly breathless at the mere consideration of her. It amazed Olivia how this woman beside her could evoke in her such caring for others, especially those whom she had never met. But somehow Natalia had. Natalia came into her life as an adversary of Olivia's own making, and had somehow managed to become not only a best friend and trusted confidante, but a lover. And most importantly, the love of a lifetime.
Usually Natalia was out of bed before anyone else in the house, especially on a Sunday. She never missed Sunday morning Mass, despite Father Ray's opposition toward her relationship with Olivia. But this morning, when Olivia awoke, Natalia was still sleeping soundly, and Olivia hadn't the heart to try to wake her. And thus, she had chosen to work quietly beside her, waiting for her to wake on her own.
Watching her now as she slept, Olivia reflected upon their story—the unfolding of moments that led them to this time, to this place, to the life they now shared. The reflection only served to make her fall more deeply in love with this woman, this treasure she would never truly deserve. Her heart ached with love, her soul soared in communion, and her body hummed with endless desire for this woman. She prayed it would never end.
Unable to resist, she reached out, gently touching Natalia's cheek, her thumb lightly brushing the soft, creamy flesh. Just that simple touch evoked a sense of connectedness the likes of which she had never known, and her heart swelled in her chest. "You sleep, my love," she whispered. "You dream. I'll be right here waiting for you when you wake. And I swear to you, you'll never want for anything. Not ever again in your life."
It was a solemn vow. One Olivia had made to her countless times already. One she knew she could keep even after her own death. She was rich enough to buy anything her family could ever need or even want, and she had already taken precautions to protect Natalia and their children, born and unborn. Someday, she knew, Natalia would thank her for that. But she couldn't help but smile at the memory of the argument that had ensued when Olivia had first broached the subject with her. The fiery Latina had lived up to her reputation, showing Olivia a side of her she hadn't seen since they'd fallen in love, and it reminded her that she'd truly met her match.
Natalia stirred in response to Olivia's touch, and her eyelashes fluttered open. Dark eyes meeting Olivia's rapt gaze, a soft giggle slipped from her lips as she smiled. "What are you doing?" she asked sleepily.
"Watching you sleep," Olivia whispered reverently.
Dimples bloomed, as Natalia's expression turned playful. "Now who's being adorable?" she asked rhetorically—a flashback to Olivia's comment the night before.
"I can't help myself," Olivia said. "You're so damned beautiful you make my heart hurt." It was so full of love she could hardly contain it. The magnitude of it still frightened her sometimes; but only enough to make her want it more.
Natalia's own heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in Olivia's voice. "You say the most incredible things to me," she murmured.
Suddenly self-conscious, Olivia felt her face flush with color, and she shrugged almost sheepishly. "I just speak my truth." I've never loved anyone like this—I just can't seem to keep it all inside.
An eyebrow arched in response. "Then tell the truth," Natalia prodded. "Do you really think my baby belly is sexy?"
Surprised by the question, Olivia set her laptop and stacks of paperwork on the nightstand, and shimmied down into the bed beside Natalia. Lying face to face on the same pillow, she reached out, her hand gently caressing Natalia's belly. "Sweetheart, your baby belly is the sexiest thing I've ever seen," she whispered. "I don't think I've ever been so turned on by anything in my life."
The corner of Natalia's mouth twisted into a skeptical frown.
"What?" Olivia asked innocently. "I'm serious!"
"Twisted," Natalia muttered, but the playful grin that hijacked her lips gave her away.
"Give me your hand," Olivia requested.
"O-kay…" Natalia said, her tone matching the confusion expression on her face.
Covering the back of Natalia's hand with her own, Olivia intertwined their fingers. And slowly, her gaze never leaving Natalia's, she guided their hands beneath the waistband of her shorts to where she needed her.
Natalia gasped at the contact, the heat and the want in Olivia's eyes reflecting beneath her fingertips.
"Do you feel that?" Olivia murmured as she guided their fingertips through the slick heat between her own thighs. She groaned from the sheer pleasure of it. "Do you feel how hard, how wet you make me, just from looking at you?"
Another soft gasp fell from Natalia's lips. She gulped. Hard. And her own clitoris twitched in response. "Yes…" she hissed.
"Now, I'm good, I'll admit," Olivia said with confidence. "But even I can't fake that."
"Looking at my big belly and saggy boobs did all this to ya, huh?" Natalia said, sounding amused.
"Yup," Olivia grinned.
Natalia bit her bottom lip adorably. "Then I guess I'd better do something about it," she commented casually, as her fingertips fluttered against Olivia's swollen clitoris.
It twitched. Fiercely. And Olivia whimpered in response. "You keep doing that, and it won't take long," she warned, wanting to hold out, but knowing it was futile to try.
Propping up on one elbow, Natalia leaned over Olivia, teasing her with a kiss that spoke of pleasures to come. It was just enough to give her a taste of Natalia's mouth and tongue, but not enough to engage them with her own. "That's okay," Natalia murmured as her mouth ghosted across Olivia's, the warmth of her breath caressing full lips. "I have it on excellent authority you're good for more than one—especially in the morning."
A low groan wrapped in a sultry laugh tripped through Olivia's lips into Natalia's mouth as she kissed her. "Sweetheart, you have no idea."
Sunday, July 5, 2009… The Jackson-Morgan Residence—8:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Jennifer Morgan woke to streaming sunlight and the melodic chorus of the robins and wrens wafting on a light summer draught through the open windows of the bedroom she shared with her partner, Tracy Jackson, sheer white curtains billowing in the breeze. Unseasonably cool, though certainly not cold, she loved that they had been able to sleep with the windows open—a rarity for July, given the habitual humidity of the Mid-Western summer. It was a nice change of pace, and she loved waking to the sweet smells of summertime—freshly cut grass and honeysuckle.
It was early still, considering their decision to attend late services that morning, and the house was quiet, almost tranquil. Across the room in the window seat, Mozart lay curled into a giant ball of white fluff, snoozing in the warmth of the morning sunlight. His favorite sunrise perch, he could be found there most mornings, and he often lingered until the direct sunlight shifted out of reach—or until he heard the distinct sound of morsels of food being dropped into his bowl. Food trumped sleep, any time of day, any day of the week. Jen chuckled to herself, realizing how typically male he really was—he acted exactly like Jake and the boys when it came to food.
She sighed to herself then, turning onto her side and relaxing into their thick pillow-top mattress. It wouldn't be long before the boys would be up, and then their puppy Kaia would join them in creating a ruckus. But in the moment, she couldn't resist the opportunity to simply enjoy the solace.
Propping her head against her hand, Jen gazed adoringly at her sleeping lover.
Lover.
Sometimes it still felt a little strange, that word. Growing up, it was considered an illicit word—a label never to be worn by a lady, and certainly not by the daughter of a minister. But she was Tracy's lover, her fiancée. And she was proud of it. She was proud of the life they had made together, and excited for the future they would share. Her parents and their conservative bullshit ways be damned, she was about to make this woman her wife, and she didn't care what anyone else thought about it.
That hadn't stopped Tracy from worrying though. Not about marrying Jen, of course, but about how some might perceive the situation in terms of money and property. Jen wasn't rich by any means, but she was well off, thanks to her late husband's meticulousness. He had ensured that Jen and their children would be well provided for in the event of his untimely death—a plan that had proven to be as advantageous as it was prudent. In her mid-twenties when Jake died, she'd found herself in sole ownership of Jake's muscle car—a classic 1964-½ Ford Mustang convertible that he had fully restored on his own—two other vehicles, and their shared home, situated in a gated community in a very prestigious area of Springfield, all of which were completely paid off by the insurance policies he had arranged for not long before his death. And that was nothing compared to the stock portfolio, life insurance policies, and trusts he had put into place for both Jen and their boys.
Jen, determined to take care of her children without relying upon those monies, put everything into secured trusts for Jacob and Dylan. And that was where the money remained to this day. She worked for what they needed to live, not because she had to, but because that was the work-ethic with which she was raised—that was one thing she was grateful she had learned from her parents.
Once Jen and Tracy became seriously involved, Jen had divulged her financial situation, and Tracy had been adamant about paying her own way. After they'd gotten engaged, she'd even offered to sign a prenuptial agreement—a means to stave off the gossip that would surely follow.
"I just… I don't want there to ever be a question about why I'm with you," Tracy said during the conversation about the pre-nup. "I don't wanna chance an opportunity for anyone to think that I'm with you for any reason other than that I am completely and totally in love with you and our boys."
"And they won't," Jen assured, gently taking Tracy's face into her hands.
"Yeah? And what about Preston?" Tracy countered. He was already a viable threat, given the custody suit he had filed.
Stepping closer, Jen's hands slid into the mass of thick, dark curls at the base of Tracy's neck. Fingers tightened their hold, and she met Tracy's argument with a reassuring kiss. "No one who matters will think anything of the sort," she said firmly. "Now stop worrying, okay?"
Delivered on a lighthearted lilt, Jen's command to stop worrying brought a sense of peace to Tracy's heart. "Yes, ma'am," she said playfully. She wrapped her arms around Jen's waist, pulling her firmly against her own body, and kissed her soundly. "While you're in command here, anything else you'd like to order me to do?"
Jen laughed. She was hardly one to be in command, but the notion did sound kind of appealing to her. "Oh, I can think of a few things…"
"Oh, yeah?" Tracy's voice was low, seductive, her dark eyes flashing with anticipation.
"Uh-huh," Jen murmured, the heat of her mouth skating along the taut cord muscle in Tracy's neck. She lingered on a pulse point, as her hand slipped beneath Tracy's t-shirt, seeking and finding warm skin. "What time are the boys getting back from baseball practice?"
"Not 'til dinner time," Tracy answered, as she pressed a firm thigh exactly where it would have the greatest effect. A self-satisfied grin flickered across her lips when Jen groaned in response.
"It's only two thirty now," Jen pointed out, her right hand palming Tracy's left breast. Her thumb grazed the nipple, causing it to pucker, and Tracy whimpered in response.
"Oh—," Tracy gasped, sounding a bit breathless when Jen's thumb passed over that tense nipple again. She snaked a hand between their bodies, and cupping Jen in her palm, she squeezed gently, reveling in the heat. "What did you have in mind?"
"Take me to bed," Jen growled, when Tracy's nail scraped against her already rigid clitoris. Her thighs trembled and she feared her legs might fail her. "Now!"
Tracy laughed, and kissed her feverishly. And then she did exactly as she was told. Their lovemaking that afternoon was fierce and filled with passion, leaving them with an even deeper sense of connection amidst all the chaos of life. And as they lay together in the afterglow, they talked of plans for the future, neither of them worrying about a thing.
And now, back in the present moment, as Jen lay there watching Tracy sleep, she couldn't help but appreciate how blessed they truly were to have this life that they shared. She found a deeper sense of gratefulness for Jake, as well—first and foremost, for their beautiful sons, but also for his generous provisions for them in his absence. It was almost as if he had known, she thought fleetingly. But she knew better than that. Or did she? He had never been much on religion, though he'd never begrudged her hers. Perhaps in the end he'd come to believe, and somehow God had intervened, giving him a chance to act before it was too late. Or maybe he was just that conscientious. She supposed she would never know, but that didn't make her any less thankful in the end. What it did make her was prudent, and she vowed to herself in that moment that she would do for Tracy what Jake had done for her—protect her and their children in every imaginable way.
She turned her focus back to Tracy then, trailing a fingertip along the smooth angle of her jaw. A soft chuckle fell from her lips, and she smiled when Tracy emitted the cutest little snore. "That's right, my love, you sleep," she murmured. "You dream your dreams. I'll be right here when you wake, because however it is that we arrived at this place, I'm thankful," she whispered. "And more than anything, I'm thankful for you and the fierceness of your love for me and our boys." Tears misted her blue eyes as she whispered her truth to the love of her life. "I love you, Trace. And I swear to you, you'll never want for anything the rest of our lives," she vowed.
Sunday, July 5, 2009… The Cottage, Martha's Vineyard—9:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Waking to the delightful sounds and sensations of Dani's smooth, steady breaths against her bare flesh, Langston Malloy felt a sense of emotional fulfillment the likes of which she had never known. After three years of waking alone—of existing without the one who made life worth living—her world was once again righted, complete. More complete than she'd ever imagined possible, now that McKenna was a part of their lives. She looked forward to seeing their baby girl soon, but right now, she vowed to simply stay here in the moment, experiencing the joy of holding her wife, breathing in the very essence of her.
She turned just slightly. Not enough to cause a disturbance, but enough to garner the perfect view of the woman she loved. God, she was beautiful, and Langston was beside herself with the joy and wonder of loving her. As complex as their love had always been—the secrecy of it, the years they lived in fear of being discovered— it was just as equally simple. They never questioned the rightness of it between them. Love was love. It always would be.
The explosive conclusion to their initial passionate encounter last night assuaged the razor-sharp edge of their frantic need, but did nothing to diminish the ravenous desire that smoldered deep within. To their mutual delight, the lovemaking that followed was heartbreakingly tender, and Langston's heart welled in her chest at the sweet memory of those shared moments…
Dani's response to her vow to take them to their future inspired in Langston a level of desire she'd not known she possessed. She claimed Dani's mouth with a fierceness that startled even herself; the kiss, another foray into taming the ferocious hunger for connection with this woman—a hunger that was birthed the day Langston walked away, and increased in intensity with every moment they were apart.
And then the kiss turned tender, deep and sensual, as Langston's tongue lightly caressed Dani's lips, tracing their soft edges with the tip before slipping back into the warmth of Dani's mouth, tangling with Dani's own. She took her time, leisurely exploring Dani's mouth even as her fingertips explored the slick heat that coalesced between Dani's thighs. Slowly, they sluiced through delicate folds enflamed with the embers of lush desire, leaving the most delightful tingling in their wake.
A soft moan tumbled from Dani's lips as Langston's fingertips found the sensitive tissues at the outer edges of her clitoris, effortlessly gliding against them. "Mm… So good, Lang," she murmured into Langston's mouth, as those fingers slipped and swirled around her. "You feel so good."
Langston ached to fill her again, to possess her, to drive her fiercely to the brink of ecstasy. But she didn't want to rush. Not this time. This time she wanted to revel in her. "No, Love," she whispered. "You feel good. So warm, so wet for me."
"All for you," Dani sighed. "Always…"
The melodious sounds of pleasure and excitement that spilled from Dani's lips in response to Langston's knowing touch were Langston's reward. They spurred her on, the warmth of her mouth trailing along slick skin to where she found a pair of rigidly engorged nipples. Her tongue snaked out, curling around a taut peak, and Dani's breath caught in her chest, emitting a short gasp, following by a whimper of anticipation.
Langston grinned at the response, and swiftly drew the swollen nipple into her mouth, sucking and lightly biting with no particular pattern or cadence. Dani whimpered again, and Langston's lips curved into a smile around the turgid peak.
Careful to keep her thigh wedged between Dani's legs, she shifted her body off to one side, allowing her hand free reign to explore and rediscover the luscious curves and valleys of Dani's body. Brushing Dani's wetness along smooth skin, Langston palmed the outer edge of a plump, round breast, as she pulled the sensitive flesh deeper into her mouth, her teeth nibbling more resolutely now.
She reveled in the reflex response as Dani's pelvis lifted from the bed, seeking pressure from the firmness of her thigh. And then her fingertips whispered over Dani's flesh, following the valley between her breasts to the silky-smooth skin beneath each fleshy round globe, then down toward the sharp ridges of her taut abs, over the curve of her hip where she lingered in the delicate nook of her hipbone before tracing along a firm thigh back down into the soft thatch of thick damp curls between Dani's legs.
Every inch of Dani's skin tingled in the wake of Langston's feather-light touch, and when Langston found her again, those tantalizing fingertips trailing along tender folds slick and swollen with her desire, lightly grazing the tip of her achingly aroused clitoris, her mind went hazy, and she cried out once again, thighs trembling. "Oh, god, oh, God!" she murmured almost incoherently, her pelvis lifting from the bed despite the weight of Langston's leg.
Releasing the engorged nipple, Langston lifted her mouth from Dani's breast and lightly brushed it against the corner of Dani's mouth. "Stay with me, Love," she quietly implored, dropping tender kisses against Dani's temple and forehead, her eyelids, and finally the corner of her mouth again.
Suddenly, Langston seemed everywhere, all at once, and from somewhere deep in the haze of desire Dani heard Langston calling to her, beckoning her. She had no choice except to follow. She turned her head a fraction of an inch, her open mouth effortlessly connecting with Langston's once again. And she moaned, her body shuddering in response, as Langston's tongue slipped deep inside, skating along the roof of her mouth in a tantalizingly erotic kiss.
At the same time her tongue swept deep in Dani's mouth, Langston entered her with two fingers. Immersing them in the slick, wet heat, she earned a sharp gasp of surprise, followed by a low groan of pleasure from Dani. Slowly, she stroked forward with her fingertips, as her thumb deftly brushed against the tip of Dani's swollen clitoris, teasing it with feather-like strokes.
Dani's entire body jerked forward, as an urgent gasp flew from her lungs. "No…" she rasped into Langston's mouth, then "Yes… yes… oh, god, yes!" she grunted as that delicious teasing continued. "But… no!"
And then she whimpered helplessly, her clitoris twitching sharply beneath Langston's touch.
Reaching down, she swatted frantically at Langston's hand. "Not yet. You'll make… me come…" she warned, wanting to prolong the pleasure, and knowing all it would take was another swipe of Langston's fingers or thumb to send her careening over the edge.
Amused, Langston chuckled softly, and then nibbled at Dani's lower lip as she stilled her fingers, leaving them buried in the warm, silky wetness. "Isn't that kind of the point?" she teased.
Dani grinned in response. Langston had a point. But so did Dani. And she needed it to be heard. Fingertips brushed Langston's cheek as she locked into her gaze. "Yes," she granted. "But then it'll be over," she whispered. "And I don't want this to end."
Dipping her head, Langston grazed Dani's mouth with her own. "Trust me, Love, we're nowhere near the end."
Delivered on a husky growl, Langston's words caused the already taut cord of want that coiled deep within Dani's belly to tighten exponentially. Her clitoris twitched sharply in response, as her pelvis jerked forward, raising her hips from the bed.
Pleased by the involuntary responses from her wife's body, a faint smile flickered across Langston's lips. Fingertips fluttering deep within, she rocked the base of her palm firmly against Dani's clitoris at the same moment her mouth crashed down on a rigid nipple. She rocked and sucked then, in perfect rhythm, reveling in the catching of Dani's breath, the guttural moans and thrashing of Dani's hips beneath her as she brought her to another shuddering climax.
And then Langston held her close, pressing kisses to her sweat-dampened temple as she murmured to her, telling her over and over how much she loved her, and how she would never again be foolish enough to leave her.
Sunday, July 5, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—9:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"Whew! Told ya I had another one in me," Olivia bragged on staccato breaths as she flopped back down onto the bed beside Natalia, both of them sweat-soaked and momentarily sated.
Natalia laughed. The woman had an uncanny knack for turning anything into a competition! "Never doubted you for a minute," she crooned, snuggling as best she could against Olivia's side. Slowly, her fingertips stroked the smooth skin of Olivia's stomach from her breastbone all the way down to the base of her belly, unintentionally stoking the fire that still burned deep within. More than anything, she loved just being with her this way.
Reaching down, Olivia covered Natalia's hand with her own, stilling her movements. "If you don't stop that, we'll never get out of this bed," she warned, threading their fingers together.
Skimming a kiss against the edge of Olivia's jaw, Natalia declared, "I don't think I'd mind that at all."
An eyebrow arched, and Olivia regarded her with a serious expression. "As much as I'd love to spend the day in bed with you, we're supposed to meet Doris and Bennett for brunch at eleven thirty, remember?"
"Can't we just make it coffee around two?" Natalia whined uncharacteristically.
Amused, Olivia chuckled. "Unfortunately, no," she answered. "Emma will be home by then. Besides, Doris said she has something serious to talk with us about."
"I know," Natalia sighed discontentedly. "I was just hoping for a little more time alone with you," she said, her lower lip drooping into a pout.
Olivia brushed a kiss against the Natalia's temple. "We have an hour or so," she noted. "We could take a leisurely bath, if you'd like. Or… we could stay in bed for a while, and then take a quick shower."
Natalia snickered. "You and I both know there's no such thing as a quick shower when it involves both of us."
Nodding, Olivia laughed. "That's the truth," she concurred. "Okay, so bath it is," she decided, slipping from their bed. Natalia moaned in protest, and Olivia grinned. Kneeling on the bed, she pressed her palms into the mattress, and leaned forward, planting a playful kiss on Natalia's lips. "I'll run the water. Meet me in the bathroom in five."
A mischievous grin spread across Natalia's face as she eyed Olivia's naked body up and down. And the she tangled her fingers in the hair at the base of Olivia's neck, pulling her into a kiss that lingered until they were both nearly breathless. And when she released her, she met Olivia's desire-filled gaze with one of her own.
Biting her lower lip, Olivia staved off the rush of renewed arousal triggered by the hungry expression in Natalia's dark eyes. "We are so gonna be late for brunch," she sighed. There was no use trying to fight the inevitable.
A self-satisfied grin teased at Natalia's lips. "Oh, yeah?" she husked.
"Yeah," Olivia willingly relented. "Let's just hope they're later than we are." And then she was trotting off to the bathroom, her bare ass glistening in the morning sunlight as she moved.
Natalia enjoyed the view until she was out of sight, and then she was scrambling as fast as her pregnant body would let her, to get into the bathroom before she missed another moment of simply being with Olivia.
Sunday, July 5, 2009… Bennett Thomas's Residence—9:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"We're going to be late if you don't get out of that bed, DJ," Bennett pointed out unnecessarily when she wandered, stark naked, into their bedroom, crossing over to the master bath. She had been up for a while, and having already showered but not bothered to dress, she was busily preparing for their brunch with friends.
Before her official introduction to Doris's friends, Doris had given Bennett one last chance to back out—to change her mind about their relationship. Bennett hadn't taken offense. She understood Doris's apprehension, given Bennett's own inability to commit in the past. But she had assured her that would never happen again. "You can strip me of my wings, DJ," she'd said sincerely. "I've no need for them anymore."
"I don't want your freedom, BJ," Doris said in response. "I want you to do and be whatever makes you happy. I just want to be by your side in the process."
Pulling her close, Bennett pressed a reassuring kiss to Doris's lips. "More than anything, what I want is to be your partner," she solemnly declared. "I have everything I'll ever need, right here with you."
And it was true. Bennett was thoroughly enjoying getting to know Doris's friends, and being known as Doris's partner, without any fear of retribution or shame. It was new to her, and she was overjoyed by the experience.
Across the room, Doris lazed beneath the down comforter, unwilling to part from cozy cocoon of their bed. "Oh, relax, BJ," she admonished lightly. "They're in the honeymoon stage. It's only nine thirty—they're probably still having sex. No way in hell they'll make it to Company on time."
Bennett poked her head out the bathroom door. "They have an eight-year-old. They've been up since dawn."
Doris shook her head. "Emma's at the Chamberlain's," she reported. "I saw her leave with Vanessa last night."
"Oh—" Bennett responded, her mouth holding the 'O' shape well beyond when the sound ceased. She arched an eyebrow then, and her tone of voice dropped two registers as she added, "Really?" It was more a display of interest in… other things, than an actual question.
"Yes. Really," Doris reiterated. "Now get your ass back into this bed and be lazy with me for a little longer," she commanded, her hand patting the mattress beside her.
Turning sharply, Bennett practically sashayed across the room. "Believe me, if I get back into that bed, being lazy with you will be the last thing on my mind," she purred.
A devilish grin hijacked Doris's face. "Didn't you get enough last night?" Her tone was low, seductive.
Hitting the mattress, Bennett crawled toward her, a feral expression on her face. "I'm still making up for lost time."
"Are you prepared to give up a daughter in your pursuit of this lost time?" Doris asked teasingly. "Because I think we might've scared Lauren away for good after yesterday."
"Lauren's a big girl," Bennett replied nonchalantly. "She can handle the truth that her mother has an active sex life. Rian and Ashlee are handling it just fine."
"Yes, but Rian and Ashlee don't live with us," Doris pointed out reasonably.
"Neither does Lauren, really," Bennett pointed out. "She usually splits her time between my place and Clay's when she's home on break. And now that Rian has her own place, she seems to be more inclined to stay there."
"My point exactly," Doris said. "Is she staying there to avoid dealing with us?"
Bennett regarded her carefully. "You actually sound worried," she noted.
"I am, BJ," Doris confessed. "I don't want to come between you and your girls."
Deeply touched, Bennett's mouth curled into an affectionate smile. She reached out, gently stroking Doris's cheek. "Sweetheart, that's not going to happen," she vowed. "I promise."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because I raised them to be fair, open-minded women," Bennett said with confidence. "And I had long talks with both of them after we came out to them. Believe me, DJ, they may still be adjusting to us being together, but they're both on our side."
Doris released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Good," she declared on a soft sigh, feeling the weight of the world falling from her shoulders. She'd been worried about Lauren since their exchange the night before. It had all been said in jest, but she couldn't be certain Lauren's teasing wasn't rooted in truth.
Her partner's relief evident, Bennett smiled and stroked her cheek. "Now," she said, her tone tender, yet commanding. "Enough talk about the girls." Tangling her fingers in the silky brunette locks at the back of Doris's neck, she kissed her hungrily.
Moaning into their kiss, Doris sat upright and grabbed her, effortlessly dropping her to the mattress and landing on top. Her blue gaze flickered with want as they locked on the smoky gray of Bennett's. "Enough talk about everything," she said. And then she claimed Bennett's mouth in a passionate kiss that led to other things, ultimately making them late for brunch with their friends.
Sunday, July 5, 2009… The Cottage, Martha's Vineyard—10:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Back in the present, tears misted Langston's eyes as she laid there beside her sleeping wife, remembering those moments just hours before, those promises whispered in the dark. God, I've missed you. I was such a fool, she silently chastised, as she gazed at the love of her life. How could I ever walk away from you?
Just as quickly as the guilt arose, Langston shoved it away. Going down that road would lead to nothing but pain, and today was all about joy and wonder.
Smiling at the thought, she leaned over, brushing a tender kiss against Dani's lips. "Sleep soundly, my love," she murmured softly, as her fingertip lightly traced the contour of Dani's cheek. "And have your sweet dreams. I'll be right here waiting for you, just like you've always been for me. And from this moment forward, I swear to you, you'll want for nothing, especially my love."
As if on cue, Dani stirred, stretching languorously. Turning onto her side, she met Langston's striking blue gaze. "What are you doing?" she asked sleepily.
"Watching you sleep," Langston whispered.
"Well that must be riveting," Dani said wittily. "I hope I wasn't drooling."
"I was being romantic." Langston's tone was dry, but Dani could tell she was feigning crossness.
"Oh, is that what you call it?" Dani teased.
"What would you call it?"
"Being creepy," Dani declared, giving Langston a wary look.
Langston laughed in response as she grasped Dani around the waist, pulling her tight against her own body. Angling her pelvis, she effortlessly rolled Dani onto her back, topping her. "Creepy, huh?" she said playfully, as a firm thigh slipped between Dani's legs, pressing into her with just the right amount of pressure to draw a groan from her lips. "What would you say if I told you I took pictures?"
"I'd say I get final approval before you get off to them later," Dani answered with a grin. They both knew they had more than enough racy pictures of one another, not to mention a few even racier videos—and they both knew exactly what they did with them. And most importantly, despite the years of separation, they also knew that neither had ever shown them to anyone else. That was just something they would never do. That was the kind of trust they always had, and always would, share.
Why then, had she mistrusted Dani when it came to her mother's death and the handling of her murder's trial? Langston silently wondered.
"Hey," Dani whispered, her fingertips brushing lightly against Langston's cheek. "Don't let old ghosts steal our joy."
A self-conscious grin played across Langston's mouth. Dani knew her far too well. "I'm not. I promise."
"Then where did you go just now?" Dani pressed, ever so gently. She'd noticed the moment Langston's thoughts drifted—and she knew they hadn't drifted anywhere beneficial.
"Nowhere," Langston lied, instinctively knowing that Dani wouldn't buy it. "Nowhere important," she quickly amended. She'd promised no more lies, and that meant half-truths, as well. "I'm right here with you."
Arching her back, Dani lifted her torso enough to brush a kiss against Langston's beautiful mouth. "Just like I've always been right here waiting for you," she whispered, reminding Langston of the promise in their song.
Langston smiled, and the light filled her eyes. "You have been, haven't you," she quietly acknowledged. "How did I ever get so lucky," she mused.
"You weren't afraid to love me as much as I love you," Dani answered, her gaze still swimming in the deep blue of Langston's eyes. "And I know it wasn't easy in the beginning. Those were some scary times—for both of us."
"I wouldn't trade those moments for anything in the world," Langston declared, the backs of her fingers lightly stroking Dani's cheek. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have this woman's forgiveness. "Falling in love with you was the best thing that ever happened to me."
Delivered on a husky whisper, Langston's declaration caused Dani's breath to catch in her chest. Threading her fingers into the thick, dark locks at the nape of Langston's neck, she tightened her hold, as she brushed her mouth against Langston's again. "You make my heart stop when you say things like that to me," she whispered, tears misting her dark eyes.
An eyebrow arched, and Langston's face took on a playful expression. "Are you saying you find me arresting?" she asked, her tone low and throaty.
Laughing, Dani wrapped her arms around Langston's waist, and effortlessly rolled her onto her back, topping her in one smooth motion. "You think you're pretty funny, don't you, Detective?" she said, settling her hips between Langston's thighs. It wasn't a question.
A satisfied grin flashed across Langston's angular face, and her blue eyes shone with amusement. "Guess it's a good thing I'm a cop. You know, since you find me so arresting," she commented, adding fuel to the fire.
Despite herself, Dani laughed again. "You're so fucking corny," she accused. She skimmed her open mouth against the tender flesh in the crook of Langston's neck, nipping lightly.
"You know, if you'd like to tell me how you feel about that, I could probably lend you an ear," Langston offered, pokerfaced.
Dani groaned. She'd walked right into that one. "Jesus, Stop!" she grunted, drawing out the command. "You're killing me here."
Langston laughed, and kissed her. "Alright, alright, I'll stop," she acquiesced.
It was an easy choice to make given the very real fact that Dani's luscious body was firmly pressed against her own. As much as she'd loved Dani's body before, when she was all sinewy muscle and smooth, flat plains, nothing compared to how enthralling she found it now, with all of its womanly curves and lush valleys—pregnancy thoroughly agreed with her, and the vestiges were positively breathtaking.
Leisurely, she trailed her fingertips up and down Dani's bare back, caressing firm muscle beneath silky skin, tracing the contour of her spine. Just the simple act of touching Dani in this way gave Langston such a sense of connectedness with her that it nearly broke her heart. For so long she had denied herself, had denied them both, the pleasure of one another—and it wasn't just the sex. Her heart swelled in her chest as a sense of overwhelming gratitude flooded her soul. "God, I love you, Dani," she whispered, her tone one of awe and wonder.
"I love you more," Dani whispered, responding in their usual banter. And then she leaned down, taking her mouth in a tender kiss.
How could I ever argue that? Langston wondered. The thought felt like a knife stabbing her in the heart. You never left… but I did.
Instantly, Dani felt the shift in Langston's demeanor. Lifting her mouth from Lang's, she met that arresting blue gaze, now hazy with guilt and self-reproach. Fingertips feathered across Langston's cheek. "You have to stop doing that to yourself," she said in gentle reprimand, her voice soft with affection. "I don't want you to live with regrets."
Blue eyes darkened to deep purple with the flooding of tears. It was the same color Langston's irises turned when she was angry… or intensely aroused. "How can I not?"
"By forgiving yourself," Dani said, as she tenderly wiped a fallen tear from Langston's cheek, allowing her fingertips to linger. She wasn't one to cry, so Dani knew instinctively that these emotions ran deep.
"I have no idea how to do that, Dani," Langston confessed. She sounded torn.
Gently, Dani tucked wayward strands of dark hair behind Langston's ear. "Just be with me, Lang," she whispered. "Be my wife, and be McKenna's mommy. Focus on loving us the way we love you."
"I want to do all of those things," Langston declared. "That's all I want."
"I believe you," Dani acknowledged. And she meant it. "Truth is: you never really left me, not completely," she asserted.
"I don't understand." Langston looked truly confused.
Dropping her gaze to Langston's upper chest, she curled a finger into the gold and platinum wedding band that hung from a thick gold chain around Langston's neck. It was a perfect match to the one Langston had placed on her finger the day they married. The chain was just long enough that the ring fell deliberately into the smooth valley between the soft swells of Langston's breasts, keeping it hidden from prying eyes. Dani hadn't noticed it until she'd practically ripped Langston's t-shirt from her torso hours before. Now, she regarded it with tender affection, as a sense of peace fell over her. "You've worn it here all this time, haven't you?"
"Yes," Langston quietly confessed. "No matter how hurt or angry I was, you were always close to my heart. There was no getting over you."
That final comment brought memories of Amy Grant's Baby, Baby to mind, and she began to hum the tune softly, a puckish grin teasing at the corners of her mouth. "That must've frustrated the hell out of you."
An eyebrow arched. "You have no idea," Langston said dryly.
They laughed together then, as Langston tangled her fingers in Dani's hair, her thoughts turning reflective. "I wasn't exactly surprised," she admitted. "And quite honestly, in retrospect, I'm also really glad I couldn't manage to move on."
"Maybe it's selfish of me, but I'm really glad too," Dani confessed.
Langston shook her head. "It's not selfish to be grateful you didn't lose someone you've loved your whole life," she said.
"I have loved you my whole life," Dani agreed adamantly.
"Ditto," Langston declared. "And I'm ready to show you that it's true…"
Lifting her head from the pillow, she slipped her hands behind to unfasten the clasp on the gold chain. "Starting with putting this ring back where it belongs, and promising I'll never take it off again."
"I was hoping you'd be ready to shackle yourself to the old ball and chain again," Dani teased, though she felt anything but lighthearted about Langston's gesture.
Blue eyes shaded nearly purple with passion. "You're no ball and chain, Dani," she whispered. "You're my comfort, my shelter in the storm. If I had it to do all over again, I would've married you the moment we turned eighteen."
"It wasn't legal anywhere back then," Dani gently reminded.
"Our marriage was never about legality for me," Langston confessed. "It was about making a solid commitment to the one person who made my life worth living. You were everything to me. You still are."
Dark eyes brimmed with unshed tears as Langston's declaration set in. "Let me," Dani said, her voice trembling with emotion as she reached behind, pulling the necklace forward.
Langston relented, and allowed Dani to take control.
Dani slipped the wedding band from the thick chain, clasping it in her hand as she set the necklace on the bedside table. And then she took Langston's left hand into her own trembling ones. "With this ring, I declare my steadfast love to you, Langston Malloy," she whispered as she effortlessly slipped the ring back into place.
"I should be the one declaring my love to you," Langston challenged. Her fingertips played across the soft skin of Dani's back, gliding up and down her spine as she gazed into those gorgeous onyx eyes. "I said this to you while you were sleeping, but it bears repeating: I promise you, you'll never want for anything ever again—especially my love."
Everything about the way that Langston had held her, whispered to her, loved her last night spoke of the truth in her words. "Last night told me everything I needed to know," she quietly declared. And then she kissed her again, this time more fervently. "It was wonderful. You were wonderful," she murmured softly against Langston's mouth as the kiss deepened further.
Langston grinned against Dani's mouth. "Just wait'll you see how great it's gonna be this morning," she husked.
Dani groaned in response. "Mm… morning sex has always been my favorite."
"Mine too," Langston grinned roguishly, as once again, she maneuvered Dani beneath her. "And I have a lot of catching up to do."
Grinning, Dani issued a challenge: "Bring it, Malloy," she said playfully. And then willingly, she spread her legs wide, welcoming Langston's narrow hips between them.
Lifting her hips just slightly enough to squeeze her hand between their bodies, Langston gently spread the lips of Dani's labia, then her own, before pressing their centers together. The connection was warm, and wet, and wonderful, and Langston's aroused clitoris quivered in response.
A feral grunt tore from Dani's lips when Langston's sex made contact with her own still-sensitive flesh. Her clitoris twitched on contact, and stiffened further, drawing a groan of excitement from Langston, her own clitoris jerking once again.
Curling her right arm around the top of Dani's head, Langston tangled her fingers in those thick locks, as she gazed down into pools of shimmering onyx. "I have never loved you more," she whispered. "And I swear to you, Dani, I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you."
Fingertips brushed against Langston's lips, as tears filled Dani's eyes. "You already have," she murmured, her mouth making contact with Langston's once again.
They kissed for what seemed like forever, as that delicious friction built between them again, their bodies tangled at every juncture, moving in tandem as they kissed, tongues tangling, dueling for control. Every thrust of Langston's body against the slick heat of Dani's center was answered by the frantic bucking of Dani's hips, and the resulting thrust of Dani's center against Langston's swollen clitoris. The singular movement caused a ripple effect that rapidly catapulted them both toward the brink of completion.
Fingernails dug deep into the flesh of Langston's back as Dani gripped her harder, cleaving to her as the mutual thrusting intensified to a fever pitch. "Oh, god, Lang, that's so good," she babbled on a strangled breath. "Don't stop…" she panted. "Please, don't stop… I'm almost…"
Before the words had a chance to escape, her climax struck like lightening, exploding in her pelvis and reverberating into her spine. Every single thought evaporated in a haze of pure pleasure, and all that remained were the overwhelming sensations of release that splayed throughout her entire body. "Oh, fuck, I'm coming, Lang. I'm coming!" she husked, her entire body convulsing beneath Langston's. And then all that remained were the sounds of Dani's powerful release.
Her own sexual excitement reaching a fever pitch in response to Dani's cries of completion, Langston's release followed soon thereafter. And then, her body still shaking violently, she collapsed atop Dani, burying her face in the mass of thick, dark curls that gathered in the crook of her wife's neck. "You're incredible," she managed to croak out on a strangled breath.
Dani laughed on staccato breaths. "We're incredible," she corrected, her fingernails lightly trailing along the edge of Langston's spine. Her skin was warm and sweaty, but somehow, still silky smooth, and Dani couldn't get enough of just simply touching her.
Langston practically purred against Dani's skin. The mere touch of her fingertips was enough to send Langston's body into overdrive—the fire that smoldered deep in her belly threatened to burst into flames, her clitoris swelling once again in anticipation. "If you don't stop that, we're gonna have to be incredible again," she murmured in warning.
"Mm… I don't think I'd mind all that much," Dani whispered. She glanced at the bedside clock, noting it was nearly noon. "But I imagine you must be getting hungry."
Lifting her head from Dani's chest, Langston locked her gaze on Dani's and grinned. Her short, dark locks were a mess, making her angular face look roguishly handsome. "I guess we kinda blew off breakfast, didn't we?"
Dani laughed. "Kinda."
"Sorry about that," Langston said, not sounding the least bit apologetic. "But right now, the only thing I'm hungry for is more of you," she husked.
Dani groaned in response, and spread her legs impossibly wider. Taking Langston's hand into her own, she slid them both down into the slick, swollen folds as she murmured, "As luck would have it, I have an all-you-can-eat buffet right here, and it's open twenty-four seven, just for you."
A roguish grin tripped across Langston's chiseled features. "What do you say we finish this the way we started it?"
Interest piqued, Dani raised an eyebrow. "I assume you mean with your mouth on me," she purred.
"Oh, very definitely," Langston affirmed, her fingertip lightly tracing through the hot, slick folds between Dani's legs. She grinned as Dani's clitoris twitched beneath her touch. "Only this time, I thought we'd use a shower wall, instead of the bedroom door."
Dani's full lips broadened into an enthusiastic grin. "You're on, Malloy," she declared, giving Langston a gentle push. And then they were scrambling like children to extricate themselves from the tangle of sheets, each hoping to reach the adjoining bathroom before the other. Some things would always be a competition.
It was nearly dinnertime before they made an official appearance together. Instantly, Langston found herself being welcomed into the group with open arms, and a bevy of teasing from Lena and Bianca for her rather energetic entrance into their collective world. They laughed together, and before the night was over, Langston knew what Dani had already learned—without a doubt they'd found a group of lifelong friends—the kind that would one day become family.
TBC in Chapter 18: What Price We Pay…