A/N: This is chapter and the next are why this story is rated M

Tessa's POV

Day one of the music festival was filled with indie bands of all varieties. Around lunch, Mariah and I decided to grab a bite at the deli near the hotel. It was a small, quiet, hole-in-the-wall place that gave us time to regroup before going back into the madness of people. "Order 57." Tina called from the counter.

"I'll get it. What do you want to drink?"

Glancing over my shoulder, Mariah thought. "Uh, Pepsi works."

Returning to the table, I emptied the tray and set it aside. "I've had fun so far."

"Me too." Mariah beamed. "It's slower today which is nice. Tomorrow will be insane."

"It will be." Digging in, I noticed a tall blonde walk inside to order. I swear it seems like we keep following each other. I know that happens at events but still.

"What is it?"

Before I could answer, the blonde waved. "Hey, I've seen you guys around the festival today and GC Buzz, right?

"Yeah." We answered a little awkwardly.

"Sorry, I'm Emma, by the way." Shaking the woman's hand, she continued. "You guys having fun?"

"Yeah, yeah, we're having a blast." Mariah smiled. "It's nice to not be in the spotlight for once."

"I bet. I love your music segments. Hilary seems like a real pistol." Looking back, Emma heard her number called. "Well, I gotta run. If you guys are interested in seeing more than just the festival, come to Roni's tonight. It's a little hole-in-the-wall bar. Really chill, everyone's nice. I'll buy you guys a drink."

Something about her is different. But I trust her for some reason. "We'll see. Sounds a lot like a place back home."

"The Underground, right?"

"Yeah. You know it?"

"From GC Buzz. Well, if I see you guys before the festival is over, a drink is on me. Later."

"Later." We spoke in unison.

Mariah waited until Emma was gone before speaking. "What do you think?"

"She seems pretty nice. If Roni's is like The Underground, I'd like to check it out. If that's okay with you."

"Emma seems pretty nice. It's so odd having fans."

"Mmhmm. I'll try not to get too jealous of everyone saying they're your biggest fan."

A wholesome laugh escaped the redhead. "I know who my biggest fan is. And she's sitting right in front of me."

Xxx

After freshening up at the hotel, Mariah and I searched out Roni's. Getting out of the cab, we saw the flashing "Open" sign. "I guess this is it. Shall we?" Wrapping my arm through Mariah's, we started for the door.

Entering the bar, I was reminded of home. Dim lighting covered the scuffed wooden floor. The wall behind the bar was shelved, displaying every type of liquor you could imagine. Tables and booths lined two other walls while the last was saved to back a stage that was just big enough for a few guitarists and a drum set. This looks exactly like the place I played in when I lived in Chicago.

"Porter! Copeland!" Emma yelled from the bar, waving us over. Taking a seat before the blonde, she gave us menus. "Glad you could make it."

"Yeah," I looked around the bar a little more. "This place is awesome."

"You look like you're at home."

"I played in bars growing up. Can I get a whiskey sour made with Buffalo Trace?"

"Sure. And for you?"

"Apple martini. I figure I can stray away from my normal every once in a while."

"I'll do the whiskey sour. Apple martinis are Roni's specialty. We have an open mic session coming up in about half an hour. You wanna play?"

"Sure." Grinning towards Mariah, I continued. "As long as certain parties cheer obnoxiously loud for me."

"You do your thing and I'll do mine."

Her smile will be the death of me. "Then I will definitely play."

"Hey Babe," a curly-haired woman quickly kissed Emma's cheek. "Thanks for helping tonight."

"Of course. These are the two I told you about. Tessa, Mariah, this is Roni. She's the owner of the bar and best bartender in California."

"Oh, this is the hopelessly in love couple you gushed about. Nice to meet you."

"You too." Our drinks were made quickly and tasted amazing. "This is the best whiskey sour I've ever had."

"Emma's specialty. How's your appletini?"

"Fantastic." Mariah's brow creased. "There's something different. I can't put my finger on it though."

"Secret ingredient. So, Emma tells me you're here for the festival?"

"Yeah. Second year." A grin tugged at Mariah's lips. Roni, of course, caught it.

"And obviously a new couple? The doe eyes and nothing but smiles gives it away. That's how Emma was when we first met." She paused, "still is."

"How long have you been together?" Mariah sipped her drink.

"Together: five. We've known each other for a little over seven years. We fought our feeling for each other. Hated each other at the begging."

"What changed?" The words came before I could stop them. "Sorry. It's none of my business."

"It's alright. Our son, actually. Very, very complicated." Roni looked towards Emma who was mixing drinks at the other end of the long bar. "She gave birth to him and I adopted him. Things happened that made us cross paths and work together. Eventually, we found ourselves caring for one another. After that, we decided to leave the men we were with and be together. What's your story?" Both of us laughed nervously before finishing our drinks. "That good, huh?"

"Complicated." My stomach churned with guilt.

"Well, let me get you another round. This one on me." Roni began mixing the drinks. "What's makes it complicated?"

"Tessa here, made me realize I was into women."

"Wanting to keep her safe, I lied about my feelings when she told me how she felt. Later, as I'm sure Emma has told you, I plagiarized her work and used it in a song. Between that and Mariah thinking I didn't reciprocate her feelings, it created a wedge between us that kept getting bigger." I don't think Roni needs to know about Noah.

"After Devon Hamilton bought GC Buzz, he forced Tessa and I to talk and work out whatever was going on between us. We did, became friends again, and then a mutual friend of ours set us up on a date."

"Wow." Roni shook her head. "Sounds a lot like Henry, our son." The bartender pointed between herself and Emma. "He set us up too. Wanted to have a family dinner and then bailed. I wasn't about to let my lasagna go to waste, so Emma and I still had dinner."

"Lasagna?" Emma paused as she walked by. "Did I hear someone say lasagna?"

"You are impossible. Get back to work." Smirking, Roni swatted Emma's leg with a bar towel as she passed by.

"You love me!"

"For some unknown reason, yes." All Emma did was grin.

Chuckling inwardly, I sipped my drink. I bet that's what I Look like when Mariah says something funny. I grin like a dork.

Xxx

Mariah's POV

They seem so happy together. A lot like Tessa and I. Roni and Emma are living the dream. Happily married, own their own business, and have a family. I don't want kids, and I don't think Tessa does either, but we have a family. Hopefully, one day we can be like Emma and Roni.

"Earth to Mariah." Snapping out of my thoughts, I noticed a slightly worried Tessa. "Hey, you with me?"

"Yeah, I just got caught up in a thought. Isn't it time for you to play?"

"It is, yeah. While I get ready, grab a seat up front."

Finishing my drink, I watched as Tessa introduced herself. Like most artists, she told where she was from and what kind of music background she had. "Do you mind if I sit here?"

"Not at all." Pushing out the chair with his foot, the shaggy haired boy smiled. "So, you met my moms."

"Oh, you're Henry?" He nodded triumphantly. "Yup. I'm glad you and Tessa found your truth."

"Me too." Turning forward, I gave a quick thumbs up.

"This song was originally written in honor of my sister but also to my girlfriend. She never knew that little detail until just now." Clearing her throat, Tessa began. "When I'm in the shadows, stuck in my mind, you break the darkness. You cast it aside." Every once in a while, Tessa would smile at me as she sang.

Leaning closer, Henry spoke. "She's really good."

"No, she's amazing."

After a few songs, Tessa gave a bow and left the stage. "I've not done that in forever!"

"You were fantastic." Going back to the bar, we put a twenty in the tip jar when Roni and Emma weren't looking.

"That was great!" Jotting down her number, Roni slid a napkin Tessa's way. "Anytime you're in town, give me a call. You can always play here."

"Thanks. Here's mine so if you're ever in GC, give us a call." After saying our goodbyes, we hailed a cab to take us back to the hotel.

Entering our room, I became a little nervous. Yeah, I talked big last night but…how exactly do I bring up the topic? Hey Tessa, want get naked and soak in an amazing tub? No. That sounds creepy. The idea of Tessa naked caused a fire to start in my core.

"What's on your mind?" Wrapping her arms around my waist, Tessa let her chin rest on my shoulder. "Hmmm?"

"I was thinking of soaking in the tub and relax while enjoying the scenery."

"That sounds lovely. Go get ready and I'll run a bath for you." Tessa kissed my cheek before walking towards the bedroom. "Coming?"

Well, now how do I get her in the tub with me? "Yup." Pulling my hair back into a tight bun, I gathered my night clothes. I grinned seeing the last thing I packed. Tessa's going to love that.

"Okay. It's ready." Entering the bedroom, Tessa studied me. Her head tilted to the side slightly. "What is it? You're scared to ask something."

"I never could get anything past you." Biting my lip, I finally gave in. "I, uh, would you like to…join me?"

A slow smile made its way to the musician's lips. "Is that what's had you freaked out since we got back?"

Warmth creeped up my neck to burn my cheeks. "A little."

Making her way towards me, Tessa cupped my face in her hands. "Mariah, I know you're a private person. I also know you've never been with a woman before. Neither have I. This is a learning experience for both of us. If there's something you want or are unsure of, please, let me know. Okay?"

"Okay." Tilting my face, Tessa kissed me softly. "I'll get in while you…"

A nervous laugh escaped the taller woman. "Get naked?"

"Yes." Entering the bathroom, I cracked the door giving Tessa privacy. Letting the robe drop, I realized Tessa was going to see me naked. And that I would see her. Every scar, every freckle I have came to mind as I sank into the hot water. Feeling the familiar panic set in, I let my neck rest on the cool tub. She loves me. She won't care about the scars or the freckles.

Tapping lightly, Tessa waited. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah." My voice wavered on the single word.

"Hey." Tessa's voice was timid. Her eyes were full of vulnerability. Biting her lip, she walked closer, clinging to the fluffy robe. "I didn't realize how nervous I'd be."

"That makes two of us." Relief washed over me. "I can always just look away…"

"No, don't. Honestly, I feel like I need to do this. When I read your journal, I got to read your most vulnerable, inner thoughts and feelings. I don't journal so I can't let you read mine. But I can do this." Taking a deep breath, Tessa let the robe fall. She stood there, fully nude, with nothing to protect her. "This is me. No armor or anything."

Slowly, I took the woman in. Her small curves and pale freckled skin were beyond words. "You're…I can't…beautiful doesn't do justice."

"Thanks." Heat rushed to Tessa's cheeks. "It's kinda cold. Can I get in?"

"Yes, of course. Uhm, do you…"

"Behind you is what I was hoping. If you haven't noticed yet, I like having you in my arms."

Moving forward, I allowed Tessa to sink in behind me. "Comfortable?"

"Yeah. You can lean back now." Feeling Tessa's naked body against mine was indescribable. Slender arms wrapped around my stomach as I leaned my head back onto a bare shoulder. "I should have lit candles and put on some jazz music before getting in." Tessa's voice was soft. "I wonder if I'm in range. Hey Google," she waited. "Play soft jazz."

"Playing: soft jazz."

"There we go." Sighing, Tessa hummed as she looked out the window. "So glad I shaved this morning."

Snorting, I laughed. "At least your legs stay smooth for two days. I don't even get twelve hours."

"True, but your hair isn't as dark as mine." Taking my hand in hers, Tessa looked me over. "You're beyond words." Dipping her head, she kissed my shoulder. Tilting my head, I gave the taller woman better access. Kissing a line up my neck to my ear, Tessa whispered. "I want you, Mariah." A kiss below my ear. "So much." Something between a moan and whimper escaped my throat when Tessa nibbled my ear. "But only if you're ready."

Turning in the woman's arms, I captured Tessa's lips in a searing kiss. The fire in my stomach started burning hotter than I ever thought it could. "Does that answer your question?"

"It does."

Letting out the water, I helped Tessa from the tub. Making sure neither of us would fall on the soon to be slick floor. "I forgot to put the mat down."

"That's fine." Grabbing a towel, Tessa wrapped it around my shoulders. "So, you can dry off."

"Why are we so nervous?" I continued to dry off, back turned, giving Tessa privacy. Both knowing the other would steal a glance in the mirror.

"Same reason we were so nervous on our first date. Not that we've done this before, but because it's the first time. Yeah, we've made out and explored a little, but that was fully clothed. Now, there's literally nothing between us."

"That's not everything…" Sliding into my robe, I tied it loosely.

"What is it?" Doing the same, Tessa led us back into the bedroom. "Let's sit."

This is the most awkward conversation I have ever had. "I don't know…" Thankfully, she realized what I couldn't say.

"Do you know what you like?"

If you're asking if I've ever masturbated while thinking about you, the answer is yes. But I will never admit to it. "I do."

"Then you already know more than you think. Like I said earlier, this is going to be a learning experience for both of us." Pulling the clip from my hair, Tessa watched as it fell around my shoulders. "Neither of us will be perfect at this the first time."

"You're wrong." Tessa's eyes flashed to mine. "I'm with you so it will be perfect." Leaning forward, I closed the space between us with a slow kiss. Tangling my hands in dark hair, I deepened the kiss putting everything I had into it. Trembling hands found purchase on my hips guiding me to straddle Tessa's lap.

"Mariah," she breathed. "I want to feel you."

Leaning back, I pulled the belt. Green eyes darkened as the robe fell open. "I'm yours. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I always knew I was." Carefully, Tessa pushed the robe from my shoulders and let it drop to the floor. Her eyes moved over me slowly and back to my face. I swear I can feel her eyes touching me. Something had changed inside me. I'm not afraid anymore.

Slightly callused fingertips made their way down my arms, over my stomach, up my rip cage, to stop just before my breasts. "I've dreamt about what this would be like. To touch you. To feel you. I never thought I'd be able to actually have you in my arms like this." Tessa's voice was soft. "Now that it's actually happening, here where it began, I don't believe it. I'm waiting for my alarm clock to go off and find myself alone in my bed."

Taking Tessa's hand, I placed her palm over my heart. "It's real. All of this is. I've wanted your touch for over a year now. When you lived with us and didn't come home, I was a wreck. I was jealous, sad, and angry all at once. I wasn't the one who got to hold you. Or be with you. Last year, I could hear you laughing from the other room and it ripped my heart out knowing what went on at night. I cared about Devon but I was just going through the motions. He wasn't who I wanted. You were. I'm not afraid to admit that now."

"I'm not either. Afraid, I mean. I told Sharon this but not you. I should have told you but…I didn't. When you told me how you felt, I lied about not reciprocating those feelings. My life was insane then and I wanted to protect you from it. Then you joined in anyway."

"Because I wanted to be around you." I paused, toying with the belt on Tessa's robe. "Now we're here. Together."

"And I can't be happier." Placing a hand on mine, Tessa tugged on the belt. Heat pulled in my stomach seeing the musician bare in front of me. Laying back, Tessa rolled on top of me. "Is this okay?"

"Yes." Getting comfortable, Tessa placed a kiss on the corner of my mouth. "The foreplay is going to kill us both, isn't it?"

Kissing down my neck, a dark chuckle came from Tessa's throat. "Oh, you better believe it. I plan to map out your entire body and learn it by heart."

A whimper escaped my lips hearing the woman's plans for me. Each kiss, each touch only caused liquid fire to burn even hotter. Cupping Tessa's head, I allowed her to explore my chest and abdomen with her lips and tongue. "I'm not sure I can last that long." My hips bucked feeling slender fingers brush the insides of my thighs.

"We have all night." Kissing a path back up my thigh, Tessa stopped at my hip. "But I doubt I could wait that long." The woman's voice had dropped a few octaves as she dipped her head. Keeping a vice grip on my hips, Tessa placed tender kisses inside each thigh.

"Fuck, Tessa. You're going to kill me." I whined. I don't even care about cussing at this point.

A devilish grin tugged at pale lips as the musician let her chin rest on her arm. "Such a graphic word for a TV co-host. I wonder what else I can get you to say."

"Tessa, I swear to-" Before I could finish, I felt an agile tongue enter me. "Fuck!" Taking hold of dark hair, I tugged gently causing Tessa to moan. Shamelessly, my hips bucked, finally getting into a rhythm with Tessa's thrusting. When she pulled away, I pleaded. "Please, don't…"

"Not for long. I promise." Angling my knees over her shoulders, Tessa kissed my thighs again. "I never thought I could have this effect on a person before." Meeting my gaze, she continued. "I had no idea."

"Now you do." My voice was husky. "It's always been like this when it comes to you."

Xxx

Tessa's POV

I don't know how to feel. The way Mariah's body reacts to my touch is unbelievable. The look of admiration and love in her eyes is something I've never seen before. I know that she understands how much I love her but I want to show her. With every touch and caress, I want her to feel how much I cherish her. "You'll be amazed at what you do to me." With that, I dipped my head once more between creamy thighs. I wasted no time plunging deep into Mariah's center.

A plethora of curse words mixed with my name fell from the redhead's lips. I made mental notes of everything she enjoyed and thought of what else I could do in the future. "I'm so…" Her voice failed as I executed the final stroke that caused her world to crumble. Mariah's back arched off the bed as a silent scream filled the room. Collapsing, I continued my venture between trembling legs.

Placing hot, open-mouthed kisses on damp, salty skin, I made my way up Mariah's body. She's so beautiful. More so with an afterglow radiating off of her. "Hey." Tucking hair behind her ear, I kissed the breathless woman softly. "You okay?"

"Yes. But I can't move."

Smiling, I snuggled into the woman's embrace. "Good." Pulling a robe over us, I knew the AC would freeze us soon. "How do you feel?"

"Incredible."

Her heart is still pounding. I love feeling it beneath my ear. Glancing towards the clock, I was surprised at the time. "Wow."

"What is it?" Mariah followed my line of sight. "Oh."

"Are you sleepy?" Letting my arm drape across the woman's stomach, I held her tightly.

"Not yet. We can miss a few bands in the morning. Like you said earlier, we have all night."

"We do." Rolling to my back, I allowed Mariah to position herself. "Are you sure?" I stroked my lover's thigh. I can't get enough of her.

"I am, yeah." Lying beside me, Mariah captured my lips in a searing kiss. She wasted no time letting one hand roam my body. Nails gently ran down my ribcage causing my hips to buck.

"You paid attention." I want her hand elsewhere. I made her wait. It wouldn't be fair if I rushed her.

"You're not the only one who dreamt about this." Mariah's voice was husky in my ear.

A gasp escaped my throat feeling teeth nip at my pulse point. "Fuuuuaaahhh." Kissing a path down my neck, Mariah paid equal attention to both breasts as daft fingers slid between my thighs. "Oh, God…" Thrusting my hips, I tried getting my point across.

"Tessa…Is that…because of me?"

Meeting my gaze, I smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, that's all because of you." I'm embarrassed at how aroused I am. But the shock on Mariah's face is worth it. She finally realizes the profound effect she has on me. Unable to string a sentence together, Mariah kissed me instead. Moving to lay between my legs, the redhead kissed her way down my body. This is what I've always wanted. Feeling her skin on mine. She's so delicate yet calculated. She knows what drives me already and is playing me like a well-known guitar. "Mariah," tangling my hand in silky locks, I pleaded. "I'm about to explode." She's nervous about going down on me. As much as I want her to… "You don't have to-"

"I want to. I want…" Her cheeks burnt. "To taste you."

Trying to ease Mariah's nerves, I massaged her head gently. "Don't be shy. You already know I'm going to enjoy anything you do. But there's no pressure in doing this tonight."

"I know." Dipping her head, Mariah kissed my thigh.

Before I could ease back against the bed, I felt the woman's lips envelope my most sensitive bundle of nerves. "Oh, fucking…damn it…" Back arching, I cried Mariah's name. Feeling Mariah's amusement, I glared playfully. "You are not allowed to judge me for language, Miss. every version of the word "fuck" known to womankind." Grinning, Mariah swirled her tongue causing me to collapse with a throaty groan. Unable to control my hips, Mariah held me in place like I had her. She's going to kill me. Holy shit. Fuck. "Mariah…" Tugging Mariah's hair caused her to moan. The vibration pushed me over the edge.

Soon, I was nothing more than a twitching puddle. Moving her way up the bed, Mariah kissed my shoulder before laying her head on my chest. "I guess it's my turn to ask if you're okay."

All I did was nod. Wrapping the shorter woman in my arms, I kissed her hair. "I'm beyond words."