Chapter Seventeen

Charlie lay back on the pillows, gasping for breath in the cool night air. She smiled as Joey kissed her way up her body and snuggled in close. Resting one hand on Charlie's exposed breast, she kissed her shoulder.

"I've been dreaming of this moment for a very long time," she whispered.

Charlie smiled.

"So have I," she admitted. "I'm so happy to be here with you right now. I never thought I'd have the opportunity to feel like this again."

"It took a lot of soul searching and a lot of nudging from Elizabeth but I am so glad I took the chance to come back to you," Joey said. "I hate to think of what we would have missed out on."

"Is Elizabeth the woman who taught you those life lessons?" Charlie asked curiously.

"Yes," Joey replied. "I worked for her as a gardener and a housekeeper for a while."

"It sounds like she had a pretty profound effect on you," Charlie mused.

Joey nodded and snuggled closer, holding her hand.

"She gave me the courage and the self confidence to win you back," she admitted. "And I'm so glad she did."

"Are you still in touch with her?" Charlie asked. "I'd love to meet her."

Joey sighed quietly.

"She died a few months ago," she said sadly.

"Oh, Joey, I'm so sorry," Charlie said, hugging her closer.

Joey managed a smile.

"It was peaceful," she said. "I think she was ready to go. But I really miss her. She came to mean a lot to me in a very short space of time."

Charlie nodded and kissed the top of Joey's head. Then she shivered.

"Are you cold?" Joey asked worriedly.

"Well, I am naked," Charlie remarked.

"Apart from your heels," Joey said, giving her an appreciative look. "That was kind of kinky, by the way!"

Charlie laughed.

"Do I get my dress back at any point?" she asked.

"Where would the fun be in that?" Joey replied.

She turned and rummaged in a bag, pulling a blanket from it and tucking Charlie in.

"Don't think the night is over, young lady," Charlie said. "Once I've got my breath back, I'm coming after you!"

Joey kissed her.

"I hope that's a promise," she said.

Fifteen minutes later, Joey lay on her back wearing nothing but a smile as Charlie reacquainted herself with her body. Closing her eyes, Joey savoured every caress, wondering how on earth she could have waited a whole year to gather her senses together and try to make their relationship work. But then, she supposed that it was life's experiences that made people who they were. A different Joey and a different Charlie might not have worked but the people they were now, had more than a fighting chance.

"Mmm," Joey managed as she felt Charlie settled between her legs.

Charlie ran her fingers up and down Joey's thighs, following them with kisses. She kissed her centre and was happy to realise that Joey was just as excited as she had been. She breathed her in before gently exploring with her tongue. As the strokes of her mouth and fingers grew in confidence, Joey grew in reaction. Charlie felt her shaking beneath her touch as she hurtled towards climax. She came loudly and happily. Charlie kept kissing her until she was fully satisfied. She then kissed her way back up her body, pausing to pay extra attention to her alert nipples.

"That was…" Joey breathed, as Charlie snuggled up to her. "That was…"

She shook her head before settling on the word 'indescribable' as the correct description.

Night had fallen and the sky was dark. Charlie and Joey remained in each other's arms, holding each other close.

"We should head back to shore," Joey murmured, although she didn't really want to move.

"Oh," Charlie replied, disappointed. "I thought we might stay out here."

"I booked a hotel on the island over there," Joey explained.

Charlie sat up and smiled.

"You did?" she said.

"I had a grand to use!" Joey giggled.

Charlie tutted, still not sure her girlfriend should be wasting her cash.

"We'd better not waste it then," she decided.

After finally forcing herself to move, Joey stood and dressed. Charlie followed suit and accompanied her to start the boat moving again. In a happy bubble of love, both women felt like they had had the most perfect night of their lives.

Next time… Charlie and Joey try to help Ruby…