19 Monday - The Lion

Monday before New Years Day

Entering the warm lobby, the women removed their gloves and unfastened their coats as they surveyed the tastefully decorated reception area. Not too large but spacious enough to accommodate the comings and goings of the occupants. There was a furniture grouping before an ornate fireplace near the front window and the original hotel desk across from the old fashioned lift gates. Caroline headed to the desk and asked to speak to the manager. She had met Mr. Armitage when she had first viewed the property. He was tall, not bad looking in an oily sort of way, fancied himself something of a ladies man and had been taken with Caroline in spite of her cool professional manner.

Today, Mr. Armitage was delighted to see her returning and greeted her effusively. "Dr. Elliot, isn't it? How nice to see you again. Hopeful, "Have you decided on a particular flat?"

"Actually, we'd like to see the top floor flat if it is still available." This is my partner, Kate McKenzie.

"At the words, 'my partner' Mr. Armitage's smile began to fade. Looking from Kate to Caroline he saw the set of her jaw and continued, "Ah, yes, of course, Dr. Elliot. That flat is still available, it is one of our finest as you know. Let me just get the key."

Kate exchanged a look with Caroline who lifted her chin a little higher and tilted her head as she turned to press the lift button. Mr. Armitage was with them again almost instantaneously ushering them into the lift as the doors opened. Watching as Caroline took Kate's hand, leading her inside, he cleared his throat before continuing, "Are you contemplating buying the flat Dr. Elliot, or leasing?

Caroline looked at the dull red face and saw his eyes fixed on her hand, which still held Kate's. She replied coldly, "That remains to be seen, Mr. Armitage."

Stepping into an accommodating foyer lighted by a skylight and decorated with an upholstered bench and a console table with an arrangement of flowers, Caroline could see that Kate was pleased. Unlocking the left of two art deco doors either side of the foyer, Armitage turned to the two women as he pushed the door open for them to enter before him, "The layout is very spacious, it may be more than you really need."

Caroline dropped Kate's hand so she could continue inside and stopped short to confront this man that she had begun to actively dislike, fixing him with a long hard look of warningbefore she followed Kate into a space that was truly magnificent.

In spite of her late arrival she had heard Kate's gasp of surprise. The entrance from the center of the building led directly into a room of grand proportions, running the width of the building. To the right, facing south was a long wide living area with a bank of windows running the length of the room. A wide ledge supported with low bookshelves, forming the longest window seat either woman had ever seen. To their immediate left was a generous space intended for a dining table, evidenced by the splendid chandelier hanging in the center, salvaged from the renovation as Armitage was quick to point out. The back wall of the dining room held three smaller windows facing north. Adjacent to this was a kitchen, lighted by another skylight. The kitchen was small in comparison to Caroline's but large beside Kate's. Cabinetry filled two walls and the other two sides formed a breakfast bar that kept the view open to the long room overlooking The Stray as well as the dining room.

Winter sunlight made the rooms bright and Caroline followed Kate to the spectacular vista of the winter landscape on The Stray. Softly, so only she could hear, "Do you think you could get used to seeing this everyday?"

Surreptitiously, "Caroline, isn't this a little grand for us?"

Taking her hand and turning, "Mr. Armitage, will you show us the rest of the suite please?"

Once Armitage had duly pointed out all of the original features of the building kept intact or repurposed during the renovation, showcased the modern amenities, and listed the benefits and services included in the price Caroline asked if he could leave them to contemplate their decision. She offered to meet him in his office when they finished. The dull red once again showing on his face he agreed, closing the door behind him.

Turning to Kate, Caroline asked tentatively, "Do you like it?"

"Oh Caroline, do you have to ask?" Turning back to the irresistible view, "What's not to like? I never dreamed that a flat could have so much space." They walked from room to room, this time envisioning themselves living here with Laurence and William and the baby. "Why we could live here permanently if we liked."

Caroline, coming to rest with her back against the breakfast bar watched as Kate walked toward her from the bedroom passage and said softly, "would you like that?"

Dropping her handbag onto the floor, Kate walked up to Caroline, placing hands on her hips and pressing her belly into Caroline's in a way she had come to know would cause an involuntary intake of breath through pink lips. "I'd like to be wherever you are Caroline," murmured Kate as she bent her head to cover the lips which always opened automatically at her approach. Once again it was the baby protesting the pressure into her space that brought them back to realization of time and place. Kate laughed softly into Caroline's ear, "Think of the trouble we'd be in if it weren't for this little girl keeping us in line."

Gazing into the depths of sparkling dark brown eyes, Caroline muttered, "Cheeky already isn't she?" Pulling Kate over to the window they sat on the wide sill in the sunshine. "Kate, if you like it we can take a one year lease with an option to buy. By the end of a year we will have had a chance to see how living here is working out and if we want to continue or start looking for another house. What do you think?"

Kate considered, looking around the room then out the window at the lovely view before once more meeting the intense blue eyes that had never left her face. "Caroline, can we really afford this?" Pulling her chin in for a moment, "a penthouse suite, isn't that rather grand?"

Patiently, "This is Harrogate, not London Kate." Caroline, unable to resist, kissed the corner of Kate's mouth and said gently, "I can manage it." Then more businesslike, "Now that the house is sold there's no problem. Actually it is less than the monthly on Conway Drive and some other fees are included. Besides I think I can talk him down a bit since it has been on the market so long." With her charmingly self-deprecating smile, "So, yeah."

Kate, who had been leaning toward Caroline, sat up straight and turned serious at the words 'I can manage it'. "Caroline, if we are going to make a home together we are going to do it together. Equally. I have no intention of being a kept woman."

Caroline burst out laughing, then sobered quickly when she saw that Kate was not amused. "Kate, we don't have to worry about that now."

Looking at Caroline levelly, "I think this is one of those times we are going to need to talk things through the way we've promised each other this weekend." Firmness in her voice, "We may as well get this straight from the beginning. In our home and our family we will share everything, equally, including, maybe especially, the expense." Kate adamantly held Caroline's eyes.

Caroline, seeing how important this was to Kate, spoke pleadingly, "but Kate, I earn..."

"Yes, Caroline, I know you earn more than I do." Kate interrupted. "But I want to support our family as much as you."

Caroline thought for a moment then took Kate's hands and looking into her eyes, "Kate, you know that in these kinds of relationships, even marriage, things don't always come out 50/50 in everything? Somehow a balance is achieved one way and another, at least in the good ones. I wouldn't want us to always be counting and keeping score. Would you?"

Kate took her hands back and reflected a moment before speaking. "No, not keeping score," she admitted, giving Caroline a penetrating look, "But I know that in your marriage to John, you managed everything and he let you. I realize that you have a gift for administration but I'm not willing to be passive and silent. I want us to be partners in every sense of the word, talking decisions through, coming to a consensus. Not you driving everything and I just follow along."

Seeing that Caroline was rocked back a bit by her tone, Kate went on more gently, "One of the ways we got into trouble before Caroline was my unwillingness to challenge you. Not challenge really, just... present another point of view and state my opinions. We need to discuss things. Everything." Taking Caroline's hands again, "That is what I want us to have together Caroline. Is that what you want?"

Caroline was silent for a moment, her eyes on Kate's face, considering Kate's point of view. Smiling, she put fingers on Kate's cheek briefly, "I know I don't always get it right. We should talk things over together. We've agreed to that." Pausing she tilted her head and gave a little shrug and said ruefully, "you may need to remind me until I get used to it, but yes, that's what I want too." Pressing her forehead to Kate's they both breathed deeply for a moment feeling that a hurdle had been cleared.

Caroline began cautiously, "So, in terms of a family budget, just in principal, we'll put pen to paper on the details later, I don't think going halves is exactly fair to you. The boys are my responsibility – and John's. I'll need to contribute more for their share."

Indignant, "I thought we were going to be a family!"

Earnestly, "Well, we are." Placating, "I'm just trying to be fair to you."

Kate insisted, "If we are a family, 50/50 is fair."

Unconvinced, Caroline cast about in her mind for a solution. Her face suddenly brightening, "OK. If we are a family and we share 50/50, the money you send to your brother each month comes out of the family budget."

One of the things Caroline had learned during their time together is that Kate's twin, Kevin, worked for Doctors without Borders. While Kate had followed into her father's profession, Kevin had trained as a doctor and altruistically spent his career traveling the world, hop scotching from one trouble spot to the next. This explained Kate's fixation with world news and time spent on the internet tracking Kevin and the organization he served.

Aghast, "Caroline! He's my twin. I send Kevin money to support his work. He is so selfless, I know he gives away most of his own salary. I only hope that he uses at least a little of what I send on himself. Even if he doesn't, I know it's actually benefitting someone in need. I'm not brave enough to do what he does so I support him."

Eyebrows arched, "so, you can take on my responsibilities but I can't take on yours?"

Cornered, "Caroline, it is not the same at all. The boys will grow up and that expense will go away, Kevin's work will go on and on unless…" Tears suddenly blurring her vision Kate looked away.

Caroline wished that she could assure Kate that Kevin would always be safe but they both knew that wasn't true. Bringing her face back with fingers on each cheek, thumbs wiping away tears, "It is exactly the same." Challenging her, "Deal or no deal?"

Giving Caroline a look that said she was not convinced of her logic but was giving in anyway, nodded before kissing her for her generosity.

Caroline, suddenly remembering that Mr. Armitage was waiting for them in his office said, "So, this flat. Shall we lease with an option to buy?"

Smiling, Kate nodded. "Yes, if you are sure we can afford it."

Caroline rising, pulled Kate to her feet, "Yep. Let's take care of this."

Walking toward the door Kate asked, "When do you think we will be able to move in?"

"Friday."

Halting, Kate almost shouted, "Friday!"

"Don't worry, it will be fine. Come on." Caroline pulled Kate into the lift.

"Caroline, I can't be ready to move by Friday!"

"Shhh, I have a plan." Looking at Kate over glasses that were not there at the moment, "I thought you promised to let me take care of you. Besides, you heard the doctor this morning, your not to worry."

Kate stood, her mouth open, trying to formulate a response and failing. Caroline, grinning in triumph took her hand and led her across the lobby to the manager's office.

Surprising Armitage, who rose belatedly indicating that they should be seated across the desk from him. Taking a pen from the holder Caroline wrote a number on the memo pad, "this is what I am prepared to pay, in advance, for a one year lease with the option to buy. I realize that it is less than the listed price but I also know that in just under a year you have been unable to find an occupant. What do you say?"

Thinking greedily of the bonus he would receive for leasing the prestigious suite on the top floor Armitage stammered his agreement.

"You'll draw up the papers today?" At his nod, "Good, I'll return at 4:00 this afternoon with a cashier's check to sign the lease. We'd like to move in on Friday, how will that be?"

"Fine, uh just fine." The woman didn't let grass grow under her feet did she?

Standing, Caroline turned back to face the manager, "Oh Mr. Armitage, one other thing. I have observed today some... discomfort on your part as you gave us the tour. Especially when Miss McKenzie and I were holding hands or being affectionate in any way. You won't have a problem leasing a flat to a same gender couple?"

Shocked at being called on his behavior in such a direct way, Armitage sputtered for a moment before formulating an answer. "Nnno, no. That would, erm, be against the law now wouldn't it?" Actually putting a finger between his shirt collar and his neck, "no, I'm happy to lease the flat to you."

Caroline, still not satisfied, continued. "Good. I'd hate to think of the consequences if Miss McKenzie or a member of my family or even any of our guests ever had reason to feel uncomfortable because of something you or a member of your staff said or did.

Of course, Dr. Elliot. I'm sure...

"I'm sure too, Mr. Armitage," cut in Caroline holding his gaze until he looked away. Taking Kate's hand once again, Caroline swept out of the office and through the front door without giving Kate time to button her coat or put on her gloves.

Unlocking the car door with the surrendered keys and handing a still speechless Kate inside, Caroline rounded the car briskly and slid into the driver's seat. She started the engine and fastened her seat belt, still too indignant over this exchange to have thought to look at Kate. Suddenly reaching for the gear stick that was not there, it occurred to her for the first time that she was not in her Jeep. Stricken, she turned, "Um, sorry, I forgot that I wasn't driving today."

Kate, pressed back against the seat, watching Caroline preparing to drive her car away was simply blinking until Caroline spoke to her. Then her brows rose as she grinned, "Caroline. How masterful of you." At this both women burst into laughter before Caroline maneuvered the car out onto the street.

x

Over lunch in Kate's kitchen, Caroline outlined her plan to accomplish their joint move by the weekend. As you know, our house is mainly packed already. Ordinarily, Laurence and I would do the rest of the packing ourselves but given our new timeline I thought I would arrange with the removal company to do the rest.

Taking a deep breath, knowing she was now on less sure footing. "If you'd like I can arrange for the moving company to pack things here at yours on Wednesday, oh, no that's a holiday, so Thursday, whatever you want to take to the new place. Everything could be moved from both houses to the new flat on Friday." Seeing Kate considering this, "Then we would have Saturday and Sunday to get organized there before we have to go back to work on Monday."

Doubtfully, "Seems like quite a bit to do in one week. But I suppose it could work."

Striving to convince, "I interviewed several moving and storage companies, this one has the best storage facility for the things we won't need in the flat and he promised that timing a move would never be an issue as he has several experienced teams."

Growing excited again at making plans, "We'll have the boys to help. Laurence is an expert at packing these days and William is always good about being helpful." Going on, "We could arrange to have packing teams come in on Thursday, to both houses to pack the things that go to The Lion leaving the things that go into storage to be packed after we move." Tipping her head and looking at Kate with that cute wrinkled nose, "So, is that…? Is that alright?"

Kate relented then, and smiled her assent, "Caroline, it sounds like a very sensible plan. I'll let you organize the details with the removal company."

Pulling Kate in close, "You won't need to lift a finger. Not during the whole move. You're to supervise, direct traffic, tell us all what to do. No lifting, toting or carrying of any kind, is that clear?" Going right on, "So, why don't you lie down to rest and I'll dash off to take care of things this afternoon and come by to pick you up later."

Kissing Caroline provocatively, "Have I ever told you how sexy you are when you're being firm and commanding Dr. Elliot?"

"Well, not lately," coming back for more.

Murmured, "Upstairs?"

Glancing at her watch, Caroline felt Kate push her away.

"You're looking at your watch, Caroline? Really?"

Not quite sure if Kate is really cross or teasing with her Caroline reaches for Kate only to be evaded. Pleading, "Kate, you know I have to make arrangements with the movers this afternoon if we hope to make Friday possible, then go to the bank so I can get back to sign the lease, stop in at the estate agents to sign…" Moving quickly she captures Kate, holding her tightly as she tries to land a kiss and succeeds only in meeting a cheek. Exploring with her lips and hands she soon has Kate relaxing against her. Whispering into an ear, "I can lay with you for half an hour if you promise to take a nap while I'm away."

Pouting prettily, "Not if you're going to be looking at your watch the whole time."

"Nope, I promise. But I will have to set an alarm then." Allowing herself to be led through the sitting room by Kate who kept glancing back over her shoulder in a way that put butterflies in Caroline's stomach. Reaching the hall, Kate pushed Caroline up the stairs in front of her.

Once in the bedroom, Kate tucks her head and kisses Caroline searchingly. Passionately.

Kate's mouth moving just under her ear now, Caroline has only enough breath to get out, "Oh Kate." Feeling Kate's hands pushing her jacket off her shoulders she knows she needs to stop this here because once the clothes start coming off, there is little chance of going back. Resisting, "Kate, please."

"You said you'd lie with me, Caroline. You don't want your jacket to get wrinkled. I'll just put it here on the chair." Another bone meltingly sensuous kiss, fingers with a firm, knowing touch running slowly up her ribcage, heels of the hands pressing against the sides of her breasts, then, in time, moving around to her shoulder blades, pressing her into an ardent kiss.

Breathlessly, "Kate, what are you doing? Kate!" Her zipper is already down to her belt and moving lower. Kate's fingers are between them now, unbuckling the hindrance, dropping it to the floor. Really now, she must stop this. Laughing softly, "Kaate." Unable to stop her, "You're very strong."

"Am I?"

"Kate, I'm…" What was it she meant to say?

"Oh, Kate." There goes the bra, even if she could stop now she doesn't want to. "K-aa-t-e."

"Shhh."

Oh God, another one of those kisses, with Kate's hands covering her breasts. It's getting very hard to breath.

One last try, "Kate, thirty minutes isn't-"

"Shut up, Caroline." Any possible protest is sealed away with a mouth that is demanding everything of her. So she delivers.

Somehow her knickers and tights are somewhere below her knees and probing fingers are just where she wants them. Meltingly, "K-aa-t-e." Once she's inside it quickly becomes urgent, "Kate. Kate. Kate."

Kate's eyes are on her now "I love putting that look on your face."

Caroline's eyes on Kate's love filled eyes, "K-aa-t-e." Her breath coming only in ragged gasps now, "K-aa-t-e."

Chin lifted, "Yes?"

"Oh, Kate."

"Talk to me now, Caroline."

Gasping, "Can't"

"You can."

On an ascending note, "Ahhh." Swallowing, "Could we... lie down now?"

Through a fleeting smile, "You're fine."

From somewhere on the floor is the chirp of the alarm.

Cheekily, "You'd better go then, you'll be late."

Guiding the delinquent arm back into place. "Sod that!"

Finding Kate's shoulders she clings tightly, now she can push against those long sweet fingers plying her body with such pleasure. Kate's face so close to hers, pleased to be pleasing her, supporting her, satisfying her. There, there, there! And suddenly she can't stand any longer, its only Kate and the wall keeping her upright. Kate leaning in close, supporting her until slowly she is able to take some of her own weight again.

"Caroline."

Firm fingers lifting her chin to look into a serious face. Too serious for this moment. Focus Caroline.

"Caroline, you don't get to organize me." Kate's dark eyes are black with intent in her grave face.

Spoken so quietly yet there was steel in the words. A steel cable running through them, firmly attaching them to a memory she would not soon forget. A lesson, a warning. Disregard it at your peril. She knew this peril.

"Caroline? Tell me that you understand?" Now her shoulders were being gripped.

She manages a nod. She's crossed a boundary. She mustn't ever take Kate's good nature for granted. She won't be managed or controlled. Be careful Caroline.

More tenderly now, "Tell me."

"Yes. Yes, Kate. I do understand."

Lifting the little black dress, giving it a shake, Kate passes it to Caroline. Scanning slowly from the ankles up, Kate cannot keep the softness from her features, the appreciation from her eyes when they finally meet the face that is still a little dazed, the lines around Caroline's mouth all pointing down until she takes in Kate's expression. Gradually, like the sun rising she brightens, its going to be OK.

A timid smile breaks through and Kate's stomach does that wrenching thing it does so often when she looks at Caroline. Gently with a wry look, "You might want to get dressed now. I think you have somewhere you need to be." Kate turns away before she can't turn away.

Seated on the side of the bed, toeing off her shoes, watching Caroline retrieve each discarded item, arranging it carefully over her arm, the dress, the belt, tights, knickers. Displaying them just so against the black of the dress, blue eyes on her face, watching her reactions. Padding into the bathroom she flashes a satisfied look at Kate before closing the door.

Dear God, those legs. The length of her backside disappears behind the door in the nick of time. Glad that she is already seated, Kate swallows, talks herself out of following. Barely.

When Caroline returns, she drops to her knees beside the bed, pulling the blanket up over Kate's shoulder, leaning her arms against the edge. "I am sorry Kate. We've barely finished having the conversation and I'm getting it wrong again. Am I pushing too hard for the move? We could…"

Interrupting the flow, "You answered for me this morning, Caroline." Seeing puzzlement, "About going part time." Indignantly, "You told Dr. Kent it could be arranged without even looking at me."

Remembering, it finally registers, Caroline is stricken. "Oh, Kate."

"I'm a grown woman, Caroline. I've been managing my own affairs for a good many years now. I don't need you to speak for me." Seeing the words hit home, Kate dialed back a bit, "I know you are concerned for me. I see how excited you are for this move and I am too, but go lightly Caroline."

Chastened, Caroline simply nodded, her eyes promising that she understood. " I do love you, Kate. I am sorry."

"I love you too." Smiling fondly, "Now go take care of things for us. I'll see you when you get back."

Nodding again, Caroline dared to place her lips reverently on Kate's. A renewal of her promise. Then she rose, stepped into her shoes and donning her jacket turned to give Kate one more angelic smile before descending the stairs. She left the cottage with Kate's admonitions in her ears and the imprint of Kate still on her body. It was an odd combination and she felt off balance. No one had ever had this kind of effect on her before. It was disconcerting. The rules were changing and they were no longer her rules.

Caroline transacted her business as efficiently as always that afternoon but her mind was processing what they had learned in the consultant's office that morning, the plans she and Kate had laid and how she could protect and care for Kate without offending her during this week that inevitably would put a strain on all of them.

In the car on the way back to Conway Road, Caroline timidly broached the subject that she could not get off her mind. "Kate, I want to apologize for this morning. Speaking for you. I won't do that again, I promise. I am sorry."

"I know you were worried but…"

"What?"

"Caroline, I realize that there is this vast campaign map in your mind where you are always working out the best possible strategies for the optimum outcome in every situation. For the school, your family, your home and personal business, I know that you are wired for accomplishment." Looking at her lovingly Kate said softly, "I really do admire that in you." Then she went on, "But I can't be just another marker on your board, shunted and slotted conveniently or to the best advantage." Waiting as Caroline put the car in park and turned to look at her, she went on earnestly, "Caroline, we can talk about anything, but I won't be managed or sidelined. If this is going to work between us then it needs to be you and me working things out together."

Caroline watching Kate's face in the light from the dash responded sincerely, "I will do better Kate, I promise."

Kate, the love light once again in her face, "I love you Caroline."

At dinner that night the boys were put into the picture about the sale of the house and plans for the imminent move. Caroline and Kate sat side by side at the table so that they could see the boys' reactions to the news that they were about to move out of their family home. William nodded; neither said anything but neither looked very happy either.

"I know this is difficult for you. You were both little boys when we moved here. We've lived here a long time. For your sakes, I'm sorry that it worked out this way."

William, ever her supporter, patted her hand and said, "We know, Mum. It isn't your fault. It... just is."

Laurence asked, "so now what?"

Caroline continued, "You were with me when we went to the old Lion Hotel. Remember the one on the top floor? Kate and I are leasing it for the next year."

"Really? That's not far from where Angus lives. We could walk to one another's house. Cool." said Laurence.

Caroline worried that Laurence hadn't really taken in the fact that they were moving out of this house, pursued, "Laurence, are you really OK with this move?"

Shrugging, he looked at his Mum, "It has been a little empty here when it is just you and me. Sorry." Caroline nodded, not sure what to say to this. "Besides, in a flat there won't be any gardening to do. Woo hoo!" he grinned at his Mum who had regularly wrangled him into helping with outdoor chores all fall in an effort to keep the place looking nice for potential buyers.

Looking at William now, Caroline silently questioned him. Smiling gently at her, he said, "It will be a little sad to think that we don't live here anymore. That YOU don't live here anymore." Apologetically, "I'm likely to be here less and less as time goes by. You and Kate need to do what's best for the two of you."

Caroline, tears in her eyes, stood up and held out her arms in a gesture so familiar to both boys that they immediately rose to their feet to be pulled in. Her arms full of tall, hard muscled boys, well on their way to manhood, Caroline allowed her full heart to show in her eyes as she met Kate's gaze before closing them on her tears and clasping both boys tighter for a moment before releasing them lest they grow restive. Placing a hand on a cheek of each before wiping tears from her own with her fingers, she said, "Right, let's get this cleared up then." As the four of them put the kitchen to rights they discussed the logistics of engineering the move.

After a spirited game of Scrabble, begun at Will's request, the boys had gone on to Xbox and Caroline and Kate retired to Caroline's room.

"Do you think the boys are as OK with all of this as they seem?" inquired Kate.

Caroline shrugged, "it isn't as though there was much choice is there? Besides, at their ages home life is probably less important than it once was. They are looking to their friends more and more now."

Putting her arms around Caroline's waist as she straightened from turning down the bed, "and how are you doing?"

Turning in Kate's arms to smooth back the hair from the concerned face, Caroline smiled her appreciation at being asked the question. Shrugging, she replied, "As William says, it is a little sad. I had so much fun renovating this house, putting it all back together better than it was before. But that was over long ago." Smiling at Kate, "I'm looking forward to putting together a new life with you."

Holding Kate's gaze while running her hands down smooth arms, then up the sides of the rounded belly until they cupped full breasts with outstretched thumbs quickly firming nipples. "Lovely things you did to me this afternoon." Caroline leaned in bringing her lips almost in touch with the parted brown lips. She reveled in the sound of Kate's breath coming a little faster, the feel of that warm breath on her lips, the fingers that tightened on her waist, pulling her in.

Abstractedly "Against your better judgment."

Breathed, "Oh so worth being late."

Frustrated that her pelvis could no longer be fitted to Kate's, bringing them both that well remembered pleasure, she contented herself by feigning to kiss Kate, watching as her mouth tracked Caroline's every move, ready, willing, eager to connect until finally they could no longer resist the temptation. Unbidden moans only drove them on, hands gliding over newly bared skin, caressing, gripping, probing, swelling the desire, eventually quelling the need.