Published by Evernight Publishing at Smashwords

http://www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2011 Kelly Yeakle

ISBN: 978-1-926950-67-9

Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston

Editor: Emma Shortt

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my friend “Dani” who has shown me there’s so much more to life than just being ordinary.

FORBIDDEN DESIRES

Kelly Yeakle

Copyright © 2011

Chapter One

Carmen parked her car in the assigned spot at her apartment complex, got out and grabbed the bag of groceries from the backseat. It had been a long day and she was more than tired. Her apartment was located on the third floor, so she trudged up the multiple flights of stairs slowly. Surprised to find the door locked while David was home, she got her key out, slipped it into the lock, and opened the door to complete darkness. She frowned. David hadn’t left a light on for her, and she had to balance the bag of groceries while stepping inside.

“David?” she called out as she flipped the switch just inside the kitchen door. Strange. His car was outside. “David?” she called a little louder.

Carmen tossed her keys on the counter, sat the groceries on the table, and started toward the bedroom. She saw light spraying out in the hall from beneath the closed door, and opened it slowly. Candles strategically placed around the room cast a golden glow. Rose petals made a soft blanket of their own atop the comforter on the bed, while soft music played. The room screamed romance and Carmen, still not seeing David anywhere, edged further into the room.

She moved with a slow hesitation, not being one to enjoy surprises of this type, and pushed the door shut with her foot. Strong arms wrapped around from behind, startling her enough that she let out a frightened shriek.

David laughed. “Why so jumpy, babe?”

“If this wasn’t the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen, I’d call you a jerk right now!” Carmen said and worked her way out of his arms. “What’s going on?” She turned to face him and crossed her arms against her chest as she looked up trying to read his expression.

“I have some great news to tell you.” David pulled her back into his arms. “Remember that promotion I told you I was in competition with another guy for?” He was grinning from ear to ear.

“Did you get it?” Carmen saw the answer flicker in his eyes, a definite give away that he’d beat the other guy for the spot. “Oh, David. How exciting!”

David picked her up and twirled her around, smiling proudly. “Just think, with this new pay raise we can move out of this dinky little apartment and maybe buy a house sooner than we thought possible.”

“You would do that for me?” Carmen touched his cheek with her fingers.

“I’d do anything for you. You mean the world to me.”

There was something behind his grin that told her there was more to the story that he hadn’t revealed yet. “You have that look.”

“What look?” David asked, raising an eyebrow.

“The one that tells me there’s also a bad side to this that you’re working up to telling me.” She glanced around the elaborately decorated room again. “So, what else should I know about this great new position before I get too excited about it?”

David flopped down on the edge of the bed, disturbing the blanket of rose petals, and let out a long sigh. “I have to take the night shift.”

Her shoulders slumped and Carmen couldn’t stop the frown from overtaking her face.

“I know.” David motioned for her to come over and sit on his knee. “With your early classes, and my late nights we won’t see much of each other, but Carmen, it’s just temporary.”

“How temporary are we talking here? I finally have a class schedule for next semester that was going to mesh with your work schedule perfectly.”

He sighed. “Harold said it will take at least six months for something on dayshift to open in this department, and even that time frame is just estimation. It could take as long as a year.”

Carmen cast another glance around the bedroom, decided not to ruin his good mood with her whining, and smiled. “You went through a lot of trouble just to tell me you got the promotion.”

“I didn’t want you to be angry with me for accepting it without talking to you first about all the details.” David moved; fluttering rose petals over the floor, and kissed her lips. “I know it’s a big change, and I’m asking a lot of you, but this is going to be really good for us. I feel it.”

I hope you’re right, she thought but didn’t say out loud. “It’s wonderful.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Now, why don’t you show me what people do in a beautiful room like this?”

David said nothing, simply scooped her up and tossed her on the bed. He straddled her and took her lips, nibbling on the bottom one before trailing kisses across her jaw line and down her neck. Carmen shivered, her body tingling with anticipation of his next move.

David’s hands slid beneath her shirt and up to cup her breasts, his thumbs rubbing against her already taut nipples. “Miss Hart,” he whispered against her ear. “You’re wearing way too many clothes.”

Carmen gently pushed on his chest and sat up. She pulled her tank top over her head, unsnapped her bra and tossed them both over the side of the bed. “Well.” She looked at David with a raised brow.

“What?” he asked.

“I believe it’s your turn to ante up.” She wrapped her arms around her chest and curved her lips in a smile. “Off with your clothes, lover boy.”

She grabbed his belt and began to unhook it when he grasped her wrists. “Slow down, baby. We’ve got all night.”

He pushed her back against the pillows; his lips finding her neck, his tongue swirling in just the right spot to set the fire in her abdomen to blazing. Carmen fisted her hands in his hair and pulled his lips back to her own.

David slipped a hand in her shorts and brushed his fingers against the silk of her panties. He took a nipple into his mouth and began to suck. The sensation had Carmen arching against his hand. He moved her panties aside and slid a finger into her moistness, teasing her clit with his thumb.

Carmen rocked her hips and took him deeper. She squeezed, clenching her pussy muscles against his finger, the feeling taking her across the first small wave of pleasure.

“David.” Carmen reached for his belt again. “I need you inside me.”

This time he didn’t argue. Slipping his hand from her shorts, David pulled them off along with her panties and added them to the pile building on the floor. At the same time he allowed her to remove his belt and then stood to remove his pants and boxers.

Carmen positioned herself back against the pillows again and spread her legs wide, revealing her perfectly shaved pussy. David crawled back on the bed and in between her legs, his erection pressing against her. She reached down and spread her lips and he slid inside her wetness.

“Oh, David,” she purred as he grabbed her hips and lifted her up to push deeper.

Lost in a fog of sensations Carmen protested when David pulled out. But he simply flipped her over on her stomach, lifted her ass up and eased back inside her pussy from behind. Carmen pushed against him, the new position allowing her to take him deeper which increased the pleasure she was feeling. “Fuck me harder,” she said on a moan as David slid inside her again, their bodies as tight together as two could be.

He increased his speed and she matched his rhythm. The orgasm slowly built until she cried out, her pussy tightening against him, taking him over the edge with her.

David eased her body down against the bed and remained inside her. He brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Carmen.”

Fully relaxed and floating on the high of being in love, Carmen turned so their gazes locked. “I love you, too.”

She closed her eyes as David moved to lie beside her on the bed. It was quiet afternoons like this one, of shared pleasure, that made Carmen thankful she always had someone to come home to. She let herself be swept away in blissful dreams, momentarily forgetting that their life was about to drastically change.

Chapter Two

The sun had all but disappeared on the horizon line as Dani stood watching the waves crash into the shore. It had been a long, hot summer spent at her parent’s beach house, but in just a few short hours she’d be heading back to her own home, and in two shorts weeks she’d be starting another semester of college. There was something about summer coming to an end that always made her sad. Maybe it was the loss of what she considered true freedom, or maybe it was because she knew that she’d go back to spending most of her nights alone.

Pulling her cell from the pocket of her hooded sweatshirt, Dani dreaded the call she was about to make, knowing there was no easy way to say goodbye. Doubt crept into her mind about saying anything at all. Maybe it would be better to just get up in the morning and leave without the goodbye. It would be easier than hurting someone else, but deep inside she knew it would only leave her feeling hollow.

Alyssa answered on the first ring, her voice honey sweet and full of pep. “Hey, I was hoping you’d call. Some of the girls want to go down to the pier and watch the fireworks. I’d really like it if you came with us?”

Torn between wanting to spend one last evening with everyone who’d shared her summer and keeping her last night in town for Alyssa alone, Dani stood deep in thought, trying to figure out how to respond. There were pros to being in a public place when she broke things off with Alyssa, but on the other hand if her summer fling caused a scene it would be embarrassing for both of them.

“I’ll be there,” she said, trying to mask the discomfort in her voice. “It’ll be fun and I love watching fireworks.”

“Of course it’ll be fun. We’ll be together.” If a smile could be seen through a phone, Alyssa’s would be beaming, and Dani could certainly hear the excitement when she spoke. “I’ll meet you at the Ferris wheel at ten. Try not to be late. I don’t want to see one single firework without you.”

Dani hung up the phone and slipped it in her pocket as she bent down to pick up a rock from the sand. Throwing it as hard as she could into the choppy water, she counted how many times it skipped across before being overtaken by a small wave. She turned to head back inside the house, a familiar sting blossoming in her chest. She wasn’t good at goodbyes and it was even worse being the one to tell someone it couldn’t work out between them.

With only half an hour to get to the pier, which was located on the complete opposite side of the beach from where her parent’s place sat at the end of the boardwalk, Dani rushed in to change. As she started the shower, she willed away the tears that were threatening to turn her eyes puffy and red. Break-ups might not be pretty, but at least she could try to be if she could just keep it together.

The pier was more crowded than usual and she straightened the collar on her black silky blouse as she weaved through the crowd headed toward the Ferris wheel. Confrontation was something she absolutely hated, and more than anything she hoped Alyssa would understand that a long distance relationship was not something she could handle. Not being able to see her girlfriend for long periods of time wasn’t something Dani was able to commit to. Not because she didn’t think she could be faithful, but because she was a woman who needed her lover close by.

The summer had been perfect. Days filled with lying in the sun, walking the boardwalk, and downtown shopping trips. It was the nights, though, that had been the most enjoyable. There was something romantic about the beach at sunset, especially when you had someone to share it with. Long walks through the sand, water lapping at their toes while the moon shone down upon them, and the occasional sexual escapade in the wee hours of the morning where anyone still left on the beach didn’t care what you did.

Yes, sex on the beach was a favorite pastime. Two hot bodies molding together, despite the cool night air, with only the moon casting a glow on the sand. The fear of getting caught, the risk of an indecent exposure charge, made the experience even more exhilarating.

Dani rounded the corner by the corndog stand and saw Alyssa standing in a pair of strappy sandals that made her already long legs go on forever. The cut off jean shorts she wore barely covered her ass, and the lime green halter made her sun kissed skin glow under the bright lights of the Ferris wheel.

Dani felt a flutter in her abdomen. Her imagination running wild as she watched Alyssa waiting for her to arrive. It would be so easy to pull her into a darkened corner somewhere and run her hands up those long legs, to let her fingers slide across the soft skin of her stomach, to tug gently on her belly ring. She watched Alyssa laugh with her friends, her full lips curving up easily, and it made her want her even more. Deep down Dani knew it was purely lust driving her feelings, so she slowed her steps, attempting to squash the dirty thoughts running through her head before she couldn’t stop herself from acting on them.

Alyssa wore her long chestnut hair down, the natural curls wild from the humidity in the air. She sighed. It was going to be hard to say goodbye to someone who made her temperature rise by just looking the way Alyssa did naturally, but Dani knew it had to be done. The longer she waited to tell her, the worst it would be for both of them.

As she fought hard the urge to rush up and take her lips, Alyssa turned and their eyes locked. Dani tried to stay focused on what she’d come to do, but that was so much easier said than done. The sexy way Alyssa smiled at her was making her second guess the decision.

“You made it!” Alyssa barely gave her a chance to get close before jumping into her arms for a hug. “Come on.” She grabbed her hand and pointed to the Ferris wheel. “I want to be at the top when the fireworks start.”

Being at the crown of the gigantic wheel wasn’t exactly the best place to break someone’s heart, and Dani envisioned being thrown out of her seat. She could see herself clearly plummeting to her death on the concrete below when she told Alyssa it was over. She shook the vision from her head and smiled, allowing her date to drag her into the long line to wait their turn.

Alyssa snuggled close to her as they waited. The line moved quickly and soon they were strapped into a blue bucket by the man working the ride, and with a flip of the switch were moving slowly backwards up toward the sky. Alyssa reached over and took her hand at the same moment the first firework burst above them. It was purple, and though being shot off miles away, felt like it was going to rain down on their heads.

“How pretty.” Alyssa’s eyes were wide with excitement. “Dani, are you okay? You look a little green.”

The Ferris wheel lurched to a stop at the very top making the bucket sway back and forth in the warm night air. Never a fan of heights, Dani crouched down further in the seat. Alyssa squeezed her hand and laughed as another firework lit up the sky making the whole scene entirely too romantic. Dani turned to face Alyssa, ready to tell her everything that had been building up. At least that was her plan but Alyssa took her movement in a completely different manner and quickly pressed their lips together. All rational thought was lost as their tongues met, softly caressing each other.

Alyssa nipped her lip causing Dani’s nipples to harden in an instant. The silken material of her shirt brushed against the taut peaks when she moved, further stimulating her already heightened senses. It was hard to concentrate on anything but the feeling of sheer arousal. Dani reached up with her free hand to embrace Alyssa’s cheek as she deepened the kiss. She stroked gently and her thumb brushed against wetness. She pulled back and gazed into Alyssa’s eyes, which were filling up with tears.

“I know what you’re going to say,” Alyssa said quietly. “I’m pretty good at reading people. I’d like one last carefree night with you before we have that conversation.”

The bitter taste of guilt threatened to fill her mouth but Dani swallowed it down. She kissed Alyssa’s cheek, tasting the salt from the tear that had fallen. “We can talk tomorrow. Tonight, let’s just be us.”

Pulling Alyssa’s head down on her shoulder, Dani stroked her fingers down her arm as the ride began to move again. There would be plenty of time for talking when the morning sun rose above the horizon. Tonight would be about tangled sheets and flesh on flesh, about heat and passion. Dani’s groin throbbed with anticipation of tasting Alyssa one last time, of forgetting tenderness and fucking her brains out.

Deep down Dani knew she would take their break up ten times better than Alyssa, and with each spin of the large wheel her heart hurt a little more for the girl she was going to leave behind in just a few short hours. Holding Alyssa’s hand and enjoying their time together seemed so right, they fit together perfectly. The truth was they were a really good match, but Dani couldn’t make herself believe that things would work out between them from a distance.

Relationships always started out fun, carefree, full of wild intoxicating romance—like the one they’d shared over the summer. They began that way, but women tended to want commitment which was something Dani had never been good at. She liked variety, freedom, and her own space. It was possible she hadn’t found the perfect person yet, the one she’d change her life for, and maybe it would happen someday. But for now she was content with loving in the moment.

If Alyssa wanted one more night to pretend it wasn’t ending, she would give that to her. Dani felt she owed it to her for sharing such an amazing summer together. Tonight they would laugh and love together, and then tomorrow they would say goodbye.

* * * *

The bed was a tangled mess of blankets with Alyssa’s body pressed tightly against her own when Dani woke the next morning. She picked her arm up slowly, attempting to slide out of bed without waking Alyssa, and moved toward the edge as far as she could go before putting her feet on the floor. It was a wasted effort. Alyssa stretched like a cat in the bed and opened her eyes slowly, a lazy smile spreading across her lips.

“What time is it?” she asked as Dani stood beside the bed pulling on a pair of tattered jeans.

“Just past nine.” Dani pulled a tank top on before crawling back on the bed to kiss her. “Good morning.”

Alyssa wrapped her arms around Dani’s neck and pulled her down so only the thin sheet separated Dani’s body from her soft, naked skin. Visions of peeling away that sheet and lowering her head between Alyssa’s legs filled her, but Dani knew that would only prolong the inevitable.

“I could stay like this forever.”

Alyssa’s words hit her full force and Dani stiffened at the word forever. All thoughts of a morning tangle fading from her mind. She kissed Alyssa’s lips quickly again and crawled off the bed. “I’m going to go pick up some coffee and donuts on the boardwalk.”

Dani slipped into the bathroom to clean up. This was going to be harder than she thought. She ran a hand through her hair, and glanced quickly in the bathroom mirror as she brushed her teeth to be sure she was ready to be seen in public.

“I’ll get dressed and come with you.” Alyssa started to get off the bed as Dani came back into the room.

“No. It won’t take that long. Go ahead and make use of the shower and get dressed.” Dani touched her cheek. “Chocolate donuts, right?”

Alyssa frowned, but nodded about the donuts. Before Alyssa could change her mind about being left behind Dani grabbed her phone and keys from the dresser, and bolted out of the house into the already smoldering morning heat.

The boardwalk was crowded with people bustling in and out of the small shops. The tiny diner turned donut shop that she’d grown used to frequenting during her stay came into view and she walked up to the counter—trying to brush away the ill feeling that was working its way into her stomach—to order coffee and donuts to go.

“No friend today?” Pedro, the short guy who ran the register, asked with a smile.

It wasn’t unusual for him to ask that question as Dani and Alyssa had spent many mornings after long nights of lovemaking gorging on donuts and coffee to recuperate. She laughed. “Not today.” Dani handed him the money, and then took the cup carrier and bag he offered. “Keep the change.”

Pedro smiled and pretended to blow her a kiss.

“See you next summer,” she said before turning to leave, the sun warm on her back as she walked.

With each step she took heading back to the house, Dani’s heart became heavier in her chest. The coffee and donuts felt more like a peace offering than breakfast as she cut through the main corridor to the back deck. She found Alyssa there combing through her long curls. Dani sat everything on the wicker table, and stood to look out at the ocean. She needed a moment before beginning the conversation that would probably end a perfectly good relationship forever.

The thought of losing Alyssa from her life completely was hard to swallow. Just because she didn’t want to commit to a relationship with her on a romantic level, didn’t mean she wanted to give up the friendship they’d built, but Dani wasn’t sure Alyssa would want to remain friends. Her shoulders slumped as she breathed in the smell of the ocean.

Alyssa came up behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist and sighed. “I’m going to miss all this.” Sadness was evident in her voice. “The sound of the ocean, the smell of the sand, long days on the beach and the nights down at the pier.” She ran her hand through the back of Dani’s hair. “You.”

Dani turned so her elbows rested on the railing. She put her hands on Alyssa’s sides and pulled her closer. “I’m going to miss you, too.”

Alyssa attempted to look away, but Dani moved her hands up to cup her face, forcing Alyssa to look her in the eye. “I mean it. This has been one of the best summers of my life, but we’ve talked about this. I can’t do long distance.”

“But…” She could hear the sob behind Alyssa’s words. “I only live an hour away from the college.”

Dani pushed a stray curl behind Alyssa’s ear, and softened the tone of her voice. “I know that, but it’s an hour I won’t have very often to drive down and see you.” She lifted Alyssa’s chin. “I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep.”

Alyssa pushed her away and turned to leave.

“Alyssa, don’t do this.”

“Don’t do what, Dani?” Alyssa threw her hands up in the air. “Don’t get upset? Don’t be angry with you? What do you want from me?”

Dani bridged the gap between them on the deck and pressed her lips against Alyssa’s like a wild woman. Her passion was fueled by the need to soothe. The last thing wanted was to be hated. At the end of the day, though she couldn’t reciprocate it the way Alyssa wanted, she still wanted her love. Unfair? Yes. But true nonetheless.

“I want to be able to call you when I get a break from school so we can hang out.” Dani kissed her lips again. “I want to remain friends.”

She felt the heavy blow as Alyssa pushed her away again. “I can’t just be your friend, Dani.” Alyssa put both her hands on her head, squeezed her fingers into her hair, and looked down at the ground. “I’m in love with you.”

Maybe she’d already known it, but the words slammed into Dani like a stone ball being shot out from a cannon. “You barely know me.”

“I know enough to be sure about how I feel.” Alyssa walked back over and took Dani’s face in her hands. “I love you, Dani.”

“Don’t.” Dani pushed her hands away and moved back to the railing. She turned her back on the other woman to hide the tears that were threatening to spill down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Alyssa, but this part of our relationship is over.” She kept her voice steady to hide her emotions. “If you don’t think we can be friends, knowing what I do now, I completely understand.”

She could feel the sigh as Alyssa let out a deep breath. “I don’t know, Dani. I’d rather be friends than not have you in my life at all, but I’m not making any promises either.” The broken way she spoke told Dani she was crying, and it made the urge to cry herself harder to fight away. “I guess we’ll see what happens if you actually call.”

The sound of the sliding glass door opening and closing as Alyssa left was louder than it should have been. Dani breathed in deep, allowing her own tears to fall. She’d known it wasn’t going to be easy, but she hadn’t acknowledged how those three little words could rip at her heart and leave her feeling so guilty for not feeling the same way in return. She cared deeply for Alyssa, desired her intensely, but she knew deep down she wasn’t in love with her. Alyssa said they would figure it out if and when Dani called her, but Dani wasn’t sure calling would be the best choice for either of them.

Dani felt sick to her stomach so she broke the donuts into pieces and tossed them over the banister for the seagulls below. She let the heat from the sun dry her tears before heading inside the house to pack. Summer jams poured from the stereo while she piled dirty clothes in one suitcase and clean ones in another. She wasn’t really paying attention to the music, but needed the noise to fill the silence around her. The music also seemed to help distract her from feeling depressed. It took her almost two hours to get everything together, and by mid-afternoon she was speeding down the coastal highway on her way back home.

Chapter Three

Carmen walked into her math class the first day back on campus after summer break and realized she didn’t recognize one single face. It was odd to not see anyone familiar and the feeling of being totally alone made the room seem very small. Autophobia was something she’d suffered from since childhood. Carmen needed familiarity and the comfort of others around her. She breathed slowly, trying to crush the feeling of loneliness—despite being in the room filled with other students—that was beginning to work its way to the surface. She made her way slowly to the back corner where an empty quartet of desks promised solitude.

Carmen pulled out a notebook and pen, and then tossed her bag on the ground beside the desk. She got comfortable in her seat and thought about her friends. Where her accounting major required lots of math classes, Bri and Ellie’s childcare focus had them going in a different direction—their class loads were full of psychology and child development. She didn’t enjoy the sickening feeling inside caused by knowing no one, so she closed her eyes and took a few moments to steady her breathing as she waited for the professor to enter the classroom. Focusing on work would take her mind off everything else, at least she hoped.

The sound of another bag being dropped on the ground alerted Carmen that someone had taken the desk directly in front of her. Not trying to be rude, but still needing to calm her nerves, Carmen continued to keep her eyes closed.

“Do you normally attend all your classes with your eyes shut? Because I have to tell you, I don’t think you’ll learn much that way, especially not in a math class.” There was an edge of humor in the feminine tone.

Carmen opened her eyes to find the girl occupying the seat in front watching her curiously. It made Carmen feel a little self conscious about her own weird behavior.

“Hi, I’m Dani.” The girl smiled and put out her hand. It was such a simple gesture and yet slightly embarrassed, Carmen felt her cheeks redden.

“I’m sorry,” Carmen began forcing a smile. “I’m just a little overwhelmed this semester. I’m Carmen.” Remembering her manners, Carmen placed her hand in Dani’s, shaking it lightly.

The jolt of electricity that passed between them shocked her, and Carmen’s eyes widened. She shook herself inwardly and snatched her hand back before fixing her smile. She tried to read Dani’s face. Had she felt it too? What did it mean? How the hell could a simple handshake leave her tingling?

“Nice to meet you, Carmen.” A perfectly white smile spread across Dani’s flawless face. “I hear Mr. Fitz is a little loco, so this should be a very interesting class.” Dani twirled her finger around her head which made Carmen giggle, dissipating the last of her shock over the strange tingling she could still feel running along her skin.

Of all the people around her in the class, Dani’s appearance made her seem the most unlikely person to be so friendly, but Carmen knew not to judge a book by its cover. She found herself intrigued by Dani’s untamed style, and wished she could pull off the same wild look, but had always considered herself too plain.

Dani’s hair was shoulder length, and white blonde on top with black underneath. It was styled so the black barely peeked out and Carmen found herself wondering how her own black hair would look with white blonde streaks dancing through it. Dani’s nose was pierced, a small silver hoop through her left nostril, and the only makeup she seemed to have on was thick black liner, but she looked amazing. She had natural beauty, the kind every girl wished she was born with and Carmen was definitely envious.

Envious and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

“Okay, class,” said Mr. Fitz. “Take out a number two pencil. If you don’t have one, I can give you one.” He opened his briefcase on the desk and pulled out a stack of papers. “This is a test to let me know what you guys already know.”

Dani, who’d moved to face front when he entered the room turned around just long enough to roll her eyes. Carmen stifled a giggle and got out a pencil. Maybe this class won’t be so bad after all, she thought to herself, letting her shoulders relax as the teacher made his way quickly around the room.

“When you’re finished come place the test on my desk and you’re free to go.” Mr. Fitz was back at the front of the class turning on his laptop. “Take your time and do your best. We’ll have a much smoother semester if we don’t have to cover unnecessary topics.”

Carmen looked the exam over swiftly. Math was always her strongest subject, and this was definitely no challenge. She hoped that everyone else in the class felt the same because if she had to sit through relearning long equations she’d die of boredom. The only problem with chasing an accounting major was all the other boring math classes you had to get credits for.

Though she finished the test in just under ten minutes, Carmen didn’t want to be the first one to leave so she stayed in her seat pretending to still be working. A few kids from the other side of the room finally made their way out after half an hour and Carmen gathered her things to go. As she passed the desk in front of her, Dani grabbed her hand and placed something in it. Carmen closed her fist tight and continued to the teacher’s desk, where she placed her test on the pile before slipping into the hall.

She didn’t have another class for two hours, but driving across town to go home wasn’t a good idea to kill time. David would be sleeping and she didn’t want to disturb him. He was always in a bad mood lately, and she didn’t need to add fuel to that fire and have him angry with her.

The man worked hard, and it was his paycheck that paid the bills while she was a student, but all the changes that came with his promotion were really starting to take a toll on their relationship. They hardly saw each other and when they did get a few minutes it usually ended in an argument. It had only been three months since he’d accepted the position, but to Carmen it was beginning to feel like an eternity. She really hoped he would be approved for a schedule change at the six month mark because she wasn’t sure how much more she could take of their current arrangement.

The small checks she brought in from the restaurant where she waited tables were put into savings and her tips were hers to spend however she chose. Normally she would have spent them on dinners out with David, but since his promotion had ruined their chances of having evenings together she just added them to the bank account most weeks too. Her life had resorted to rented movies and ice cream, not to mention complete boredom.

Carmen remembered the piece of paper clasped in her hand and opened her palm as she walked across campus to the coffee shop. Caffeine was a necessity if she was going to make it through the rest of her day. The first day of a new semester was always the easiest and yet the most mind-numbing. The classes usually only lasted long enough to get notes on the curriculum and then there were hours to fill in between the rest.

Carmen unfolded the piece of paper and stopped walking. I think we’re going to be great friends. Scribbled underneath was Dani’s phone number, and a message to call her sometime to hang out. Carmen smiled, glad she’d met a new friend and continued on her way.

Chapter Four

Desperate for a drink Dani wove her way quickly through the crowd at the club. School was a little overwhelming lately with more out of class projects to complete than she ever remembered from previous semesters, and her boss was giving her a hard time about reducing her hours to just two days a week. She couldn’t help that he didn’t keep the shop open past five and she had to pass all her classes to graduate a semester early. His lack of understanding was beginning to stress her out.

Approaching the bar, Dani waved at Loni, the voluptuous brunette who tended it on Friday nights.

“Hey, Dani. Haven’t seen you in here much lately.” Loni flipped her long hair behind her shoulder. “You want your usual?”

Dani smiled at the thought of being known for having a usual. Like the donut shop at the beach, it was nice to be recognized as a regular. “Yeah, and give me a beer, too.”

Loni nodded and was back in no time with a shot glass full of whiskey and bottle of beer. “Thanks.” Dani took her drinks and handed Loni a bill that more than covered the cost.

“Thanks, sugar.” Loni blew Dani a kiss before moving down the bar to wait on another patron who was flagging her down.

The shot was what she needed to take the edge off and Dani left the glass behind on the counter. Feeling a tingle on the back of her neck she turned to see a guy, a few seats down the bar, watching her intently. She smiled, only to be polite, and picked up her beer to walk off before he had a chance to get down from his stool to approach her. He was good looking enough, but she wasn’t interested in what he had to offer.

A young couple stood ready to leave a small table in a back corner of the bar and Dani didn’t waste any time making her way through the crowd to claim it. It was the perfect spot to people watch for her sociology report, and it was almost completely hidden so the man who’d been watching wouldn’t be able to see her through the crowd from where he sat at the bar.

“Hey, Dani.” The voice was familiar and as Dani turned from hanging her jacket on the back of the chair she saw Natalie, a girl from her art class wearing a bar uniform. “Need a refill on your beer?”

“Not yet, but thanks.” Dani thought the girl would continue on her way to ask other people if they needed anything, but as Dani sat on the chair and pulled her notepad from her pocket, Natalie didn’t move.

“My shift ends at ten.” Natalie twirled a piece of hair in between her fingers. “Would you mind if I came and joined you then?”

Dani glanced at her watch which displayed just past nine, and wasn’t sure how to respond. She hadn’t planned on staying that long at the bar; just enough to get some good notes for her report, but Natalie looked like she could use some company and Dani was too nice to say no.

“Sure, I can hang around for a bit.” The spark that ignited behind Natalie’s soft hazel eyes was obvious, and realization hit Dani almost instantly. Natalie was flirting with her and by agreeing to stay Dani hoped she hadn’t just given her the wrong idea. “Great,” she muttered under her breath as Natalie walked off smiling from ear to ear.

It wasn’t that she didn’t find Natalie attractive. The woman had legs that seemed to go on for days, and Dani had certainly noticed her in class thanks to her short skirts and tight jeans, but Dani was trying to hold out for someone else. She hadn’t been able to get Carmen out of her mind since her math class earlier in the week, and hoped that giving her number to her right away hadn’t been a mistake. She didn’t really know anything about her, but that was all part of the game, discovering one another.

What she did know was that when their hands met, though the gesture was intended to simply be a friendly greeting, she’d felt the electricity sear clean to her toes. Carmen’s eyes had widened in shock, but she’d only smiled. No one had ever created that type of reaction within her before, especially not from something so innocent.

She’d been interested as soon as she’d laid eyes on Carmen, but after their contact, her curiosity had increased immensely. She imagined running her hands through Carmen’s thick mane of long, dark hair. Her lips weren’t full, but they looked soft and inviting all the same. Dani wondered if she’d taste as sweet as she sounded when she spoke, a voice soft with just an edge of southern twang.

Women were beautiful, all of them in their own way, and Carmen was like a rose bud, she just needed to open up a bit to show the world her true splendor. Dani knew, if Carmen took the plunge and called her, she could help her do just that.

“Hey.” Natalie slid into the chair across from her a while later. “I thought this night would never end.” She handed Dani another beer. “Cheers.”

Dani didn’t realize how much time had passed as wrote up notes for class and thought of Carmen. She picked up the new bottle and tapped it against Natalie’s. “So, how long have you been waiting tables here?” Dani asked before taking a long swallow, her attempt at making polite small talk.

Natalie laughed. “Actually, this was supposed to be a summer job, something to get me through until school started again, but the owner is a nice guy and he talked me into staying.” She pushed her hair behind her ears. “It doesn’t pay the greatest, but the tips usually make up for the crappy wage. Are you still at Tea Time Antiques?”

“Yea, but I cut my hours and Roger’s been giving me shit about it.” Dani frowned and sat her empty bottle down.

Natalie flagged down another waitress and held up two fingers. The girl was back at their table in no time with two fresh beers. She sat them down, smiled, and meandered back through the crowd.

“This is it for me.” Dani picked up the cold beer and took a long swallow. Natalie was turning out to be great company, very easy to talk to. “I’m cutting myself off after this one.”

Natalie’s lips curled into a wicked grin. She leaned on the table causing her breasts to push up, creating just the right amount of cleavage, and staring at Dani with a lustful gaze, she licked her lips. “What are you doing when you leave here?”

All the beer she’d had was starting to make her judgment hazy, and Dani was leery of what to say. Natalie was a good looking woman, she was horny, and what would be the harm in taking her to bed? It didn’t have to be a repetitive thing, one night stands were nice sometimes, and it wasn’t like she even knew if anything would work out with the girl from math. “That depends,” she said.

“On what?” The seductive tone was proof enough that Natalie was interested in a night cap.

“How far do you live from here?” Dani finished off her beer with a smile.

It turned out Natalie lived fairly close to the bar, and she walked to work most evenings unless the weather was horrific. Dani didn’t want to go back for her car in the morning and toyed with the idea of driving them to her apartment, but decided to leave the car in the parking lot of the bar. It was better to be safe than sorry in her opinion, and she’d had quite a few beers throughout the evening. As they walked along the sidewalk, Natalie’s hand brushed against her thigh from time to time and Dani’s skin prickled with anticipation of getting Natalie inside.

The stress of her class load, her boss’s attitude, and lack of a social life lately was reason enough to seek out some sexual release. Sex, in her opinion, was the best stress reliever known and she used it as a remedy often. Natalie’s ambitiousness definitely turned her on, and tonight was sure to alleviate some of what she was feeling inside.

They turned off the main sidewalk and eased up the few steps that became the walkway leading to Natalie’s house. Natalie reached out and took her hand as they walked toward the door. “My roommate is away for the weekend so we have the whole place to ourselves.”

The invitation was clear and Dani liked a woman who knew what she wanted. Before Natalie could put her key in the lock, Dani pushed her back against the door and kissed her.

Natalie giggled, apparently nervous from Dani’s boldness. “I think we should take this inside.” She glanced around as if she were afraid someone might be watching.

“Give me your keys.” Dani’s voice was husky as she slid her hand down Natalie’s arm. Dani took the keys from Natalie’s fingers, reached behind her and slid the key in the lock while keeping their bodies firmly pressed together against the door. She pushed it open slowly as she held onto Natalie’s waist and edged them both inside, and kicked the door shut with her foot.

Natalie wiggled out of her grasp and put her bag on the table inside the door. Dani sat the keys beside her bag and turned the knob to relock the door, securing them safely in the apartment.

“Let me run up real quick and make sure my room is guest friendly.” Natalie moved toward the stairs, but Dani was faster and grabbed her from behind.

Natalie spun around, wide-eyed but smiling. Dani reached down and undid Natalie’s zipper as she walked her backwards toward the staircase. Dani allowed her to climb halfway up the stairs before grabbing her pants and pulling them down her legs. Natalie lowered herself onto the carpet covered hardwood as Dani removed her shoes and slid her pants completely off, tossing them over the railing to the floor below.

She liked the way Natalie shivered at her touch and ran her hand up bare legs to remove her panties in the same fashion as she’d done the pants. Natalie, who had been pretty bold most of the evening, seemed a little shy now that she was half naked and sprawled on the staircase. Dani liked having her a little on edge and hoped it would help create a more powerful orgasm for her.

Lowering herself onto the stairs, so she was at the perfect level to play between Natalie’s legs, Dani ran a hand up a bare thigh and across Natalie’s stomach, gently pushing the other woman back so she could no longer see what was happening. She placed a hand gently on both Natalie’s knees and slowly spread them apart exposing her perfectly shaved pussy. The scent of arousal filled the air and Dani licked her lips, her mouth watering with anticipation.

The way she was fidgeting her hands on staircase told Dani that Natalie was still a little nervous and Dani was determined not to have her remain that way for long. She picked up her right foot and began massaging her way up Natalie’s leg.

“That feels amazing.” Natalie’s voice was barely a whisper against the silence. The closer Dani got to her upper inner thigh, the more rapid Natalie’s breathing became. As Dani pressed her lips to bare skin, Natalie let out a soft moan.

Dani ran her hands up Natalie’s thighs and gripped her ass tight before dipping her head between her legs. Natalie was soaking wet and the feel of it sent Dani’s own heightened arousal into overdrive. She pressed her fingers gently into Natalie’s flesh and lifted her ass slightly to get a better angle to slide her tongue into the moistness.

“Oh, Dani.” Natalie’s words came out choppy, and were followed by another moan of pleasure.

Dani pressed her face in further, using her teeth to nip at Natalie’s clit. Taking the little bud in between her lips, and applying the slightest bit of pressure, Dani sucked and pulled as Natalie rocked her body slowly against her face until they were in perfect rhythm with each other.

“You’re so wet.” Dani changed her speed and used her tongue to swirl and lap faster against Natalie’s clit. She knew Natalie was on the verge of orgasm when she arched up and grabbed the back of her hair roughly.

She lowered Natalie’s ass down against the stairs and used her hands to spread her legs even wider, exposing her dripping pussy to Dani’s hungry tongue. A distant look of pure pleasure was written all over Natalie’s face and when Dani slipped two fingers inside her pussy, she moaned in delight.

“Dani, I’m so close,” Natalie purred. “It feels so good.”

There was no need for words. Dani’s desire was building higher off every sigh and moan that came from Natalie. Reaching down she undid her own pants and reached a hand inside to stroke herself. Her clit was sensitive as she rubbed against it harder while continuing to touch Natalie with her other hand.

Dani dipped her head down, taking in the scent of Natalie’s arousal. She pulled on the other woman’s clit with her teeth and added one more finger inside. She felt the wet walls of Natalie’s pussy contract slightly around that extra digit and her own pussy clenched in response.

Slowly Dani pumped her fingers in and out of Natalie’s pussy, taking care to graze the sensitive inner wall with each movement as her tongue licked and swirled against Natalie’s clit in perfect rhythm with her fingers. Natalie writhed beneath her, hands clenched by her side, tiny pants of pleasure peppering the air around them.

Dani lashed her tongue against the other woman’s clit and increased her speed again, finger fucking both herself and Natalie as fast as she could. The tightening of Natalie’s muscles signaled her oncoming orgasm and Dani thrust her fingers in one last time as deep as they could possibly go. Natalie screamed out in pleasure and bucked beneath Dani’s hand. The motion was enough to send her over the edge and Dani came too, her own pussy clenching around her fingers in response.

For a moment neither woman said anything. The only sound in the small hallway was the heavy sighs of mutual pleasure. Natalie was the first to break the silence.

“Wow.” She smiled, sitting up on the stairs. “That was, well, just wow.”

Dani climbed so her body was above Natalie’s and leaned down to kiss her. “Glad you enjoyed it, but I should get going.”

“Stay.” Natalie put out her hand. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

Chapter Five

Carmen walked into the bedroom with an envelope in her hands and a smile on her face. She’d won a gift certificate for Carlito’s through a raffle at work, and purchased advance movie tickets for a new romantic comedy she’d seen advertised on television. It was the perfect opportunity for her and David to enjoy a night out together, and she was looking forward to telling him.

She crawled on the bed and wrapped her arms around him from behind, snuggling against his body. David reached behind him and pushed her away. Carmen frowned and moved close to him again, blaming his first reaction on still being asleep, only to suffer the same fate a second time.

Frustrated, she moved off the bed and out to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. The warmth of the liquid on her throat did nothing to soothe the hurt in her heart, but the caffeine helped give her the energy to pick up around the apartment. Carmen spent time cleaning while David slept away the morning.

She was curled up with a book when he finally emerged from the bedroom early in the afternoon. He looked worn out, though he’d slept most of the day away, and Carmen watched as he poured a bowl of cereal and sat down at the table to read the paper.

She gave him a few minutes before she approached with the envelope. As she walked the short distance from the living room to the kitchen, she pulled the dinner certificate from the envelope and laid it on the table beside him.

“What’s this?” he asked, barely looking up from the paper.

“I won the raffle at work yesterday, and thought we could have date night tonight.” Carmen smiled as she waited for him to pay her some real attention. “Dinner at Carlito’s, followed by a movie at the Cineplex.”

“I can’t.” David folded the paper, laid it on the table, and then focused his attention to her. “I’m covering for another guy at work tonight.”

Carmen frowned. “David you work all the time. When do we get to have a night together?”

“We have every night together.” He patted her hand as she reached to pick up the gift certificate from the table.

Carmen let a frustrated sigh escape her lips. “Yeah, we get to sleep in the same bed, but I mean when do we actually get to spend some time together like a real couple?”

“Carmen, we’ve been over this.” David ran a hand through his hair. “A few more months and things will get back to normal.” He took her hand in his. “If you can just be a little less selfish right now, the end result will be something worth waiting for.”

“I’m being selfish.” Carmen laughed with sarcasm in her voice. “Wow, you are such an ass.” She pulled her hand from his grasp and walk to the coat rack where she grabbed her jacket. She needed time away from the apartment, and away from David and his ego, before she said something she might regret.

Later in the evening, Carmen sat alone in her kitchen frowning into a bowl of chicken noodle soup. It was a far cry from the full buffet at Carlito’s, but David’s job and his attitude had prevented them once again from sharing a night out together, and there was no way she was going to dinner alone. She tossed her spoon hard into the bowl out of frustration and groaned as liquid splashed onto the table. She shoved her chair back away from the table and got up to pace by the window.

She was restless, and in dire need of a night out with real food that didn’t come from a box or can and some adult conversation. She looked down at her watch and frowned. It was almost seven on a Saturday night and most of her friends waited tables or tended bar until much later in the evening. David had left hours before and with nothing better to do, Carmen pulled her school bag from the closet and sat on the sofa to leaf through her notes from the first week of classes. If she couldn’t have fun, at least she could get ahead in her assignments. Though she was failing in her relationship with David, school was one area she excelled in.

A piece of paper fell into her lap when she opened her math book, and Carmen remembered the friendly girl who sat in front of her. She picked up the small square and ran it between her fingers, toying with the idea of calling her. Although she’d spent most of her life on the shy side, Carmen thought Dani seemed like a generally friendly woman and it was never too late to break a trend. With David’s ambivalent attitude about putting her first in his life anymore, it was time she found other ways to spend her free time.

She picked up the phone and dialed the number quickly, not giving herself the chance to lose the nerve. “Here goes nothing,” she said aloud to herself as she hit the green talk button. The shrill sound of ringing came through the earpiece and she’d almost given up on getting an answer when a perky voice answered.

“Hello”

Carmen took a deep breath. “Dani?”

* * * *

Dani hung up the phone and rushed into her room. She hadn’t expected Carmen to call her so soon, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Carmen was asking her out as friends or something more. She doubted it was anything other than Carmen being sociable, the invite had been innocent enough, but it didn’t hurt to think of it as a date. It was more exciting that way.

Clothes were strewn all over the bed and floor, and for once Dani wished she’d cleaned up. It would have made choosing an outfit a much easier task. Ignoring the piles of clothes at her feet, not sure at the moment which ones were clean, Dani moved to the closet and pulled out her favorite pair of jeans. Then she chose a few shirts and tossed everything on the bed before darting into the bathroom for a quick shower. She didn’t want to be late on her first night out with Carmen.

She poured her favorite bath gel onto her sponge and began rubbing her body as she thought of Carmen’s face. Going out with someone new was always exciting, and her nipples hardened into two taut peaks as she imagined what it would feel like to kiss Carmen’s lips. Tonight was her chance to show the other woman how much fun hanging out together could be, and to see if there was potential for more than friendship to blossom.

Dani preferred to be relaxed when she went out, and there was no better way to relax than to get herself off. She dropped the sponge on the shower floor and began moving the soap around on her body with her hands, taking extra time to stroke and rub her breasts. She teased her nipples with gentle tugs until she felt a familiar need building within her.

The urge to stroke her pussy became stronger with each caress. Dani ran a hand down her stomach and slid two fingers between her lower lips. She massaged her clit, the sensation strong enough to cause her knees to weaken.

She pressed her back against the shower wall and continued to touch herself, until she felt herself rising toward release. The wave hit her full force as she imagined Carmen’s face between her legs, licking and sucking her to climax. Dani bit her lip as she came hard, and then let out a relaxed sigh, water pouring down on her.

She didn’t stay still long, knowing she was running out of time to get ready, but the self indulgence was what she’d needed to be sure she could behave around Carmen. Dani knew she needed to sit back and access the situation, before she said or did something that would make the other woman uncomfortable.

Dani dabbed a bit of perfume on her neck and applied a thin coat of black liner and mascara to her eyes. She didn’t have time to flat iron her hair, so she added some mousse and blow dried it with her round brush. She dressed quickly, deciding on a sweater and boots to go with her jeans. One last glance in the bedroom mirror and she scooped up her keys to leave. Tonight, no matter what Carmen’s intentions really were, was their first date.

Chapter Six

The doorbell sounded against the silence just as Carmen slid her earrings into place. Not wanting to look too eager, she took her time walking to the door while rubbing her palms on her jeans, before reaching for the knob. She had to learn to better control her nerves in new situations.

She pulled open the door slowly and found Dani sporting a pair of tight black jeans and a dark purple cardigan. Glancing at her own outfit, she was thankful she also chose to wear jeans instead of the skirt and blouse she’d first picked out.

“Hey, come on in.” Stepping aside, Carmen allowed Dani to move past her into the apartment.

“This is a nice place.” Dani walked further into the room and glanced around. “It’s a lot bigger than I expected when I walked in the building.”

“David is kind of a clutter bug, so we got a two bedroom to store all his junk,” Carmen said while grabbing her jacket from the rack by the door.

“You needed an extra bedroom for his stuff?” There was a hint of laughter in Dani’s voice. “Typical man, needing a special room for all their things.”

“He collects old comics and toys.” Carmen motioned for her to follow and walked past the kitchen to stop and push open a door in the small hallway. “Here, I’ll show you. This is his man cave.”

“Wow.” From the look on her face, Dani was impressed by the stacks of old comics and action figures shelved around the bedroom. “Some of this stuff is really old. He could make a fortune if he sold it.”

“Don’t ever let him hear you say that,” Carmen laughed. “He once told me the only way he’ll part with it is when he’s dead.”

“Well, if you ever get hard up for cash at least you have a way to get some.” Dani moved back out into the hall. “Come on, all those little people are freaking me out, and I’m hungry.” Laughing Carmen shut the door and followed Dani.

With the door locked behind them, they made their way down to the parking lot. Carmen wasn’t completely surprised when Dani stopped beside a huge red jeep and pulled open a door for her. It seemed like just the type of vehicle a girl like Dani would drive, not that she knew a lot about her yet, but Dani seemed a little untamed.

If not for the side bars that hung from the bottom of the jeep, Carmen would never have gotten inside with her short legs. From the corner of her eye she could see Dani was attempting not to laugh at her as she pulled herself up into the passenger seat.

“Ready?” Dani asked as she turned the key, the engine coming to life with a load roar. Carmen nodded as she pulled on her seat belt, and Dani hit the gas, speeding out of the parking lot and onto the main street that would lead to Carlito’s.

“So, do you have a boyfriend?” Carmen attempted to make small talk. It was her way of not fidgeting in the seat.

“No,” Dani answered. “Guys really don’t peak my interest too often. I mean I can appreciate a good looking man, but everything else about them just annoys the hell out of me.”

Carmen laughed, unsure if Dani was joking or serious about her distaste for the opposite sex. “Thanks for coming out tonight on such short notice. If I had to spend one more night home alone I was going to go crazy.”

“No problem.” Dani turned and smiled, taking her eyes off the road briefly. “I’m happy to keep you company, but if the movie sucks you’re in trouble.”

They both laughed as Dani turned into the parking lot of the restaurant. Carmen slid off the seat and found getting out of the jeep wasn’t much easier than getting in it. Once again she could tell from the sly grin on Dani’s face that she was trying hard not to laugh.

“What?” Carmen smiled and raised an eyebrow as she met Dani on the sidewalk outside the restaurant entrance.

“I didn’t realize how short you really are.” Dani placed a hand on Carmen’s lower back and gently pushed her forward. The contact caused a chill to surface on Carmen’s skin and she shivered. Not used to friends being so touchy feely Carmen wasn’t sure how to react, and was happy when Dani removed her hand and spoke. “Let’s eat.”

The restaurant wasn’t as packed as Carmen would have expected for a Saturday night, but it was getting late in the evening for the family crowd to be out. The dining area, with the exception of a few tables full of college kids grouped together, was mostly filled with couples. Carmen thought of David and their ruined evening. It hurt her heart, but Carmen brushed it off refusing to let it spoil her night with Dani.

“Earth to Carmen.” Dani stood waving a hand in front of her face. “Do you have a preference on where we sit?”

Carmen snapped out of her funk and turned to reply. “Sorry. No we can sit wherever you want.”

Dani smiled, grabbed her hand and led her to a small table at the back of the restaurant. Dani didn’t let go, as Carmen would have expected her to, instead she pulled out the chair and waited until Carmen was situated before moving to the other side of the table.

Dani’s incredibly helpful nature made the wheels in Carmen’s head turn at full speed. Her actions felt boyish as if she was taking the male role in their night. It started with opening the jeep door, followed by the lower back caress, holding her hand to lead her to a table, and now pulling out her chair. Carmen met her eyes across the table and smiled slowly, her mind racing with thoughts and ideas she never imagined she’d be thinking about another female.

“So, your boyfriend works nights?” Dani asked, picking up her menu.

“Yeah, he keeps telling me it’s just temporary.” She didn’t really want to discuss her almost nonexistent relationship with a potential new friend. Carmen frowned. “The night shift came with a nice raise and a promotion for him, but we hardly see each other anymore.”

“I can tell that really bothers you.”

Dani turned and whispered something to the waitress who approached the table. The young girl sauntered off smiling without even addressing Carmen. It made Carmen nervous and she raised an eyebrow in Dani’s direction.

“Trust me,” Dani said before motioning to the buffet. “Shall we?”

With plates loaded full of Italian cuisine, they made their way back to the table where Carmen found a fruity looking drinking waiting for her. The smaller glass waiting for Dani held a deep golden drink and Carmen knew it was a much stronger concoction than what she had been given.

“What’s this?” Carmen asked, motioning to the vibrant blue cocktail.

“It’s called a hurricane, and you’ll love it.” Dani held up her own glass with a smile. “To new friends, good food, and fun.”

Carmen clinked her glass against Dani’s and smiled. “And to a movie that hopefully doesn’t suck ass.” Carmen sipped her drink, surprised that it actually did taste good, and hoped the alcohol content wasn’t too high. The last thing she needed was to get drunk and ruin their evening.

“So you really don’t have a boyfriend.” Carmen looked at Dani with curious eyes. There was no way that someone with such an exquisite body, not to mention a naturally beautiful face, could be single.

“No.” Dani smiled and took another drink from her glass before popping a piece of breadstick into her mouth.

“I bet you get hit on all the time.” Carmen was still baffled at Dani’s disinterest. “Look over there.” She tilted her head to the right and motioned for Dani to look in that direction. “The bartender hasn’t stopped watching you for the past five minutes. He’s really cute. You should go get his number.”

“Carmen, I’m gay.” Dani looked her in the eye. “I don’t have a boyfriend because I don’t date guys.”

“Oh.” Carmen blushed. She felt slightly embarrassed at not picking up on the clues Dani had given her throughout the evening. Not sure what to say, she took a long swallow of her drink.

“Does that bother you?” Dani placed her elbows on the table and folded her hands.

Carmen felt slightly warm under the collar, unsure what Dani’s intentions had been when she’d given her the slip of paper with her number on it. The whole thing made Carmen feel lightheaded. Had she given her the wrong impression by calling and inviting her out? She forced a smile and met Dani’s stare across the table. “No, don’t be silly.”

Dani flagged down the waitress and ordered another round of drinks. Carmen ignored her inner angel’s plea to not indulge in drinking it and moved her straw from the empty glass to the full one. She began sucking it down quickly. The fear of getting sloppy drunk was no longer because of how Dani would view her, but of what might happen between them if she wasn’t in control.

* * * *

Carmen woke with a headache from hell and rolled over slowly to discover the other side of the bed was empty. David mustn’t have made it home, which was totally unlike him. A mix of fear and anger weaved its way slowly into her bones.

She glanced around with still blurry eyes. Nothing looked familiar and it dawned on her that she wasn’t in her room. She sat up quickly and rubbed her hands hurriedly on her eyes while trying to remember the previous night’s sequence of events. She didn’t recognize the clothes she was wearing when she threw the covers back and glanced down. She felt nauseous and was trying hard not to have a panic attack.

“Hey, I was hoping you were up.” A feminine voice came from the right side of the room and turning in the direction of the sound, she found Dani standing in the doorway wearing a long t-shirt and knee high socks, holding a mug of coffee and a glass of orange juice in her hands. “I’m not sure what you like, so I brought you both.”

Carmen sat up straighter in the bed and pulled the covers over her legs, wrapping them tightly around her waist. “Orange juice, and do you have some aspirin?” She rubbed her temples with her fingers. “Um, not to sound really stupid right now, but where am I?”

Dani crossed the room and handed her the glass of juice. “You’re at my house because you didn’t want me to take you home drunk last night.” She ran a hand through her hair, and sipped the coffee. “There’s aspirin in the night stand beside the bed.”

Carmen glanced around. The room was neatly put together but looked more like a storage space than a bedroom. “What happened last night?” She asked shyly as she found the bottle of pills right where Dani said they’d be, and downed two with a huge swallow of juice.

“You drank one too many hurricanes at Carlito’s and we ended up here instead of the movie theater.” Dani laughed. “You borrowed some of my clothes and crashed in my spare room.”

“Oh.” Feeling the heat rising in her cheeks, Carmen looked at the floor. “I’m so embarrassed. I usually don’t drink because I have a hard time knowing when to stop.”

“Don’t be embarrassed. We had a good time.” Moving to sit on the edge of the bed beside her, Dani brushed a strand of Carmen’s hair behind her ear. “Seriously, you didn’t do anything obnoxious. I had fun, though I do feel bad that we didn’t get to use your movie tickets after all.”

“What time is it?” Carmen felt a little suffocated with Dani being so close to her and attempted to scoot back against the pillows. “I should probably call David.”

“I hope you don’t mind, but I called him last night from your cell phone.” Dani shot her a wicked grin. “He didn’t answer but I left him a message letting him know you were feeling a little under the weather and I’d bring you home today.”

“Oh.” A little flustered, Carmen wasn’t really sure how else to respond. David wouldn’t know who Dani was because she’d never told him about her like she planned to, and even though Carmen hoped he would have called to check on her by now, she knew her cell phone would hold no waiting messages. Lately, David just really didn’t care about anyone but himself.

“I’ll give you some privacy.” Dani got up and moved toward the door. “The bathroom is through that door. I left towels and some clean clothes out for you if you want to shower. I’ll take you home whenever you’re ready.”

Carmen forced a smile and waited until Dani disappeared out the door before slipping from the bed. She sat her glass of juice on the night stand and walked into the bathroom with the sudden urge to use it. The shower looked very welcoming and she decided it wouldn’t hurt to freshen up before going home, especially if Dani had left out a spare toothbrush for her. Morning breath was bad enough on a regular basis, but after a night of drinking it was ten times worse.

Twenty minutes later dressed in Dani’s clothes, which looked totally vintage and awesome on her, Carmen found her way to the kitchen where Dani stood at the stove scrambling eggs in a large skillet. “I thought you might be a little hungry.”

Carmen nodded, unable to deny the hunger pangs that were twisting at her stomach. “Smells good.”

It was nice to have someone make her breakfast for a change, especially when she wasn’t feeling the best. David hadn’t done something so thoughtful in a long time. “I’m sorry that I’ve been so much trouble.”

Dani laughed. “Relax. You haven’t been any trouble.” She put some eggs on a plate and handed it to Carmen, touching her cheek softly before turning back to the stove. “What do you like on your toast?”

Carmen sat the plate down on the counter so she wouldn’t drop it. Her whole body tensed as tingles took over where Dani’s fingers had been just moments before. “Peanut butter.” She said barely above a whisper.

Dani pulled a jar from the cabinet beside the stove and handed it to her with a plate of toast.

“Thanks.”

They ate in silence. Carmen was still a little unnerved at what Dani’s touch did to her. She tried to write it off as Dani just being a very affectionate type of girl, but Carmen felt the heat rising to her cheeks because deep down she knew the truth and it was both exciting and frightening at the same time. Dani liked girls, she did remember that much from last night’s conversation, and she had a strong feeling that she was her newest crush.

Chapter Seven

Dani hadn’t heard from Carmen since she drove her home on Sunday afternoon. She’d thought of calling, probably should have, but every time she picked up the phone she quickly changed her mind. It was evident that she made Carmen a little uneasy, and maybe she had come on a bit strong, but she couldn’t help it. There was something about Carmen that had her wanting to go the extra mile to please her. Now sitting in math class, her pencil clicking against the desk in anticipation, she waited.

Her intention hadn’t been to get Carmen drunk when she ordered her the first cocktail at dinner. It was simply to have her loosen up and relax a little. It wasn’t that Carmen necessarily seemed uptight, but Dani could tell there was something bothering her and assumed it centered around the missing boyfriend. She knew a drink usually helped her snap out of a funk and Dani saw no harm in ordering one for Carmen.

With each cocktail she drank the more open Carmen became about her life. Alcohol definitely relaxed her, but it also gave her very loose lips. Dani learned that she grew up in the typical American family, had a younger brother named Leo, and graduated top twenty in her high school class. She’d been dating David for a few years, and felt their relationship was in the toilet, but the thought of change scared the crap out of her.

Carmen didn’t strike Dani as the dependent type. In fact, with each layer she peeled back over dinner, Dani found out Carmen’s interests spanned a wide spectrum from herb gardens to body piercing. She was definitely a very intriguing person and Dani was looking forward to continuing to getting to know her better. Not to mention breaking through her barriers to, hopefully, allow for a physical relationship. There was just something about Carmen that made her want, a hunger she wouldn’t be able to control until she’d had a taste, which she knew would probably only leave her wanting more.

The ticking clock was loud against the silence in the room. Dani assumed everyone was nervous to get their placement tests back, but she wasn’t worried. Math wasn’t her strongest subject, but it also wasn’t her worst either. She focused on the steady tick which was just enough to break her concentration of replaying Saturday night in her head. She glanced toward the clock to check the time and noticed Carmen in the doorway. Dan watched her walk into class slowly and could do nothing but stare. Carmen’s long beautiful locks were gone, replaced by a short pixie cut that framed her small heart-shaped face. As their eyes met, Dani was rendered speechless, a rarity for anyone who knew her well.

Dani turned in her seat as Carmen sat down and grinned from ear to ear. “Wow, you look amazing.” Dani found it hard to take her eyes off the woman and could feel the desire starting in her belly.

Carmen smiled. “Really? Because I had this done this morning, and I gotta tell you I sorta feel like I look like a boy.”

“Trust me you do not look like a boy. You look hot.” Dani winked and turned back around as Professor Fitz placed his briefcase on the desk and addressed the class. Anticipation of speaking to Carmen some more had Dani fidgeting in her seat, but the teacher droned on and on about algebraic equations until she thought her head would explode. Finally, after an hour he assigned them bookwork and sent them off with the promise of a quiz for their next class.

“Hey, wait up,” Dani called after Carmen, who somehow beat her out of class. She turned and Dani sucked in a shocked breath. It amazed her how different Carmen looked with the short choppy cut. It made her eyes really stand out, and for the first time Dani noticed how long and thick her lashes were up close. “When’s your next class?”

Carmen glanced at her watch briefly before responding. “I have Women’s Lit across campus in about fifteen minutes. I never should have booked two classes back to back like this, but I am so ready to graduate, and this puts me one step closer.”

“Well, I won’t keep you.” Dani walked backwards a few steps, disappoint hard to mask in her voice and turned to go. “I really do love the hair.”

“Thanks.” Carmen smiled. Dani’d taken two more steps when she heard Carmen say, “I was thinking. I sort of owe you a movie.” Dani stopped, turned around, and met her eyes. “Would you like to come over tomorrow night? I could rent a DVD, order a pizza or something.”

Amazed at Carmen’s boldness, Dani’s lips twisted into a smile. “I’d like that, and I’ll even bring dessert.”

“Okay.” Carmen waved before walking off in the opposite direction.

Dani noticed Carmen’s smile seemed wider, and she could hear the excitement in her voice. It made her grin, and when she was sure Carmen was out of sight, she put a little bounce in her step.

Dani made her way to the parking lot while running dessert ideas through her head. It was the only thing she could do to stop thinking of all the dirty things she’d like to do to Carmen, but as Carmen’s face filled her mind, she knew it was a hopeless cause. The new haircut was super sexy, and made Carmen look like a naughty little pixie.

Dani thought about framing her small face with her hands, pulling her close, and kissing her senseless. She could imagine clearly running her hands up Carmen’s petite frame, caressing her small breasts with her thumbs until her nipples were two taut peaks against her fingertips. She’d dip her head down to taste each one, using her tongue to tease enough to have Carmen arching off the bed…

She tossed her bag onto the passenger seat of the jeep as she climbed up smiling to herself, her hormones raging. Dinner and movie at Carmen’s apartment would be both challenging and exciting all at the same time. She hoped she could behave herself, at least until Carmen made a move that told her she was interested. Dani pulled away from campus with sex on the brain, and a mission to pick up something wickedly delicious.

* * * *

Friday was busier than usual at work, and Dani was thankful for time passing so quickly. Roger, her boss, seemed more relaxed with the large crowd filtering into the shop and left her alone all afternoon to help customers. If business could be booming like that all the time, Dani would be more than thankful, especially if it kept him from riding her ass.

Working at an antique shop had its perks and not having to do anything but lock the door at closing time was one of them. Roger handled all the paperwork and money himself and that left Dani free to go as soon as the last customer was gone. Dani bid Roger farewell and practically ran to the jeep excited about movie night with Carmen.

At home, she showered quickly and dressed for a night in with a pair of black gaucho pants paired with a deep pink, tight t-shirt sporting a large zebra printed peace sign. She replaced the hoop in her nose with a diamond stud, and applied her usual light coating of makeup which consisted of foundation, black liner and mascara. Even though she knew it wasn’t technically a date, Dani took a few extra minutes to flat iron her hair, and after doing a once over in the mirror to be sure she looked good enough, headed out of the house with a grin she couldn’t try to hide if she wanted to.

Carmen opened the door in a pair of Yoga pants and a fitted white t-shirt that had Dani biting her lip before something stupid came flying out of her mouth. She handed the container of brownies she’d made to Carmen and waited to be invited in while attempting to keep her eyes on Carmen’s face and not the tight shirt that showed perfectly the swell of her small breasts. Dani gauged she was a nice B cup and the two little bumps that showed Carmen’s hardened nipples had Dani fighting the urge to palm them.

“Mmm chocolate.” Carmen motioned for her to come in. “I ordered the pizza already. I wasn’t really sure what you like so I just got a large cheese.”

Dani followed her into the kitchen, loving the way the tight pants molded to her ass. Her eyes following every swish of her hips. Visions of gently rubbing her ass while her tongue played in Carmen’s pussy was making it hard for Dani to concentrate. “Cheese is perfect.”

Dani kept her hands fisted at her sides for lack of anything better to do with them. She felt her nipples harden and could feel the wetness pool between her legs from the dirty thoughts she was still trying to eliminate from her mind. All those things combined were making it hard to fight the sexual urges that were flowing through her. If Carmen only knew what she’s doing to me in that outfit.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Before Carmen had a chance to notice where she was gazing, Dani quickly focused her eyes on her face. “I have tea, soda, and flavored water.”

“Just water would be great.” Dani meandered around the kitchen while Carmen got glasses down and filled them. She stopped to look at pictures hanging on the refrigerator. In her opinion, David didn’t suit Carmen well. “I guess your boyfriend is working again.”

“Yeah.” Carmen handed her a glass with a frown. “He’s been picking up a lot of overtime lately on top of his already crappy schedule. It’s unnecessary and really starting to pluck my nerves.” Carmen walked into the living room and motioned for Dani to join her as she sat her drink on the table and picked up a stack of DVDs. “I wasn’t sure if you like comedies or horror or romance.” Carmen patted the seat beside her on the sofa. “So, I got a variety for you to choose from.”

Dani leafed through the stack and picked out a comedy she’d seen advertised on television. She handed it to Carmen and then put the remaining cases back on the table as Carmen got up to put the movie on. Dani couldn’t help but stare at the curve of her back and the roundness of her ass as she bent down to insert the DVD into the player.

The sound of the doorbell made her jump. Carmen bounced up and dashed to the door. Moments later she returned with an oversized box and placed it on the sofa between them. “Dig in.” Carmen picked up the remote, and hit a few buttons which brought the television to life with the opening credits. “Light on or off?” she asked Dani.

“Off.” It would be much easier to keep her hormones in check if she couldn’t clearly see every defining curve on Carmen’s petite frame. She smiled to herself as Carmen flipped a switch beside the sofa, the room darkening except for the soft glow from the TV.

Thankful that Carmen made no attempt to move the pizza box from between them, Dani grabbed another slice and relaxed into the sofa. She was sure that sitting directly next to Carmen without being able to act on what she was feeling inside would be pure torture. The space between them occupied by the box was a necessity to prevent Dani from overstepping her boundaries and made sure she kept her hands to herself.

There was something about Carmen that had her sprung, but Dani couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. Maybe it was because she was involved in a serious relationship and technically off limits which added to the thrill of the chase, or maybe it was how she did things at the spur of the moment like cutting off all her hair which should have made her look like a boy, but only increased her sex appeal. Dani had been instantly attracted to her from the beginning, and the more time they spent getting to know one another only amplified her interest.

The need for Carmen to accept her completely was something very unfamiliar, a little scary, and yet exciting all at the same time. Dani was not used to chasing after someone, in wanting something as much as she wanted Carmen. Most of the time women approached her, and like a child with candy dangled in her face she reached out and took what they offered without thinking of the consequences of her actions.

This time it was different. The fear of falling was always in the back of her mind, but Dani ignored the little voice telling her to walk away before it got too heavy. Carmen was a challenge, a beautiful disaster and Dani wouldn’t be satisfied until she tested the waters completely. If she had her way, she’d take a small dip in the pool before the night was over.

It was hard to focus on the television when Carmen couldn’t sit still. Dani wasn’t sure if it was nerves or if she was just naturally jumpy, but no matter what the reason, it was distracting. Carmen moved the pizza box to the table, eliminating Dani’s imaginary boundary line, and Dani changed her position on the couch so her body was turned more towards Carmen.

“What made you do this?” Dani asked, reaching out to touch Carmen’s short locks. Dani remembered the way Carmen’s body tensed whenever she touched her and removed her hand quickly before Carmen had a chance to be uncomfortable.

Carmen shrugged her shoulders and turned her body in the same fashion so their knees were touching on the sofa. “I needed a change.” She reached out the same way Dani had done and pulled gently on a lock of Dani’s hair. “I like yours better; it’s so soft and shiny. I would have colored mine that way but one drastic change was enough and I didn’t want you to think I was trying to steal your style.”

Dani was surprised by the contact and felt a tingling sensation spread across her skin. It was the first time Carmen made an attempt to touch her, and she liked it. “I would have been flattered actually.”

“Really?” Carmen looked puzzled. “Most women would cringe if another one, especially a friend, copied something like that.”

“I’m not most women.” Dani winked. “Oh, we missed the ending.”

“Want me to rewind?” As Carmen moved to get up Dani gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down on the sofa. She laughed. “I will take that as a no.”

“Listen, Carmen, there’s something I have to tell you.” Dani met her eyes, about to put everything out there when she heard the lock jingling in the door. She pushed herself further away from Carmen on the sofa and disappointment filled her as David came into the apartment.

“David, you’re home early,” Carmen said, getting up and made her way over to where David stood.

Even in the dim lighting Dani could tell he looked clammy, sweat beading across his brow. “What’s wrong?” She heard Carmen ask.

“I think I have the flu. I’m going to bed.” He moved past her, hung his jacket on the rack, and disappeared down the hall without another word.

When Carmen didn’t move, Dani got up and moved to stand behind her. She touched her shoulder gently and wanted to ease the tension. “Carmen, are you okay?” She didn’t respond but Dani felt her shoulder shake and knew she was clearly attempting not to cry. She wrapped an arm around Carmen’s shoulders and slowly led her back to the sofa to sit. “Wanna talk about it?” she asked quietly.

Carmen shook her head, and Dani could tell she was fighting back a sob. “I don’t want to pull you into my problems. I asked you over to have a good time. I’m sorry for this.” She wiped her eyes with her hand. “I’ll be okay in a minute.”

Dani wanted to tell her that it was okay to talk to her about it, that she cared and wanted to help, but she respected the fact that Carmen would open up when she was ready. Dani knew that Carmen’s upset was caused by the uncaring boyfriend who hadn’t even noticed they weren’t alone in the apartment. It broke her heart to see how rudely he acted toward Carmen when she obviously cared a lot about him. It wasn’t her place to approach him about it, but it was taking every ounce of her inner strength not to march back to the bedroom and let him have it. Sick or not, being rude when someone was trying to help just made him seem like a complete asshole.

The need to kiss away Carmen’s tears was strong within her, but knowing that wasn’t an option, Dani reached over and took her hands instead. “Carmen, I know that we’re two people learning about each other, but I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything. I’ve been told I’m an excellent listener.” Carmen leaned into her for a hug and Dani took a risk and gently kissed her cheek before squeezing her tight. The gesture was small, but if taken the wrong way by Carmen could have a lasting negative effect on their friendship. Dani braced herself for disaster, until she saw Carmen’s smile.

“Would you like to talk a walk with me?” Carmen asked, pulling back from the hug to meet Dani’s eyes.

“Sure.” Dani figured the cool night air would do them both some good, and she wasn’t ready to go home yet.

“Great.” Carmen beamed. “I’ll be right back.” Walking past her into the kitchen, Dani could hear Carmen moving about, but didn’t get up to follow. Instead she went to the rack by the door and grabbed their jackets knowing the night would be just cool enough to need them. “Hot cocoa.” Carmen traded Dani a steaming mug for her jacket before opening the door.

Dani followed her down the back stairs and into what must have been a play area for children behind the apartment complex. Dani sipped the chocolaty goodness silently as they walked for a few minutes along the sidewalk, past swings and seesaws until Dani could no longer withstand the silence and spoke up. “Carmen, it’s really none of my business but can I ask you a personal question?”

Out of the corner of her eye Dani saw Carmen’s shoulders tense up, but she shook her head. “Sure, ask away.”

“Are you happy?” Dani wasn’t sure why she needed to know, but she did. There was an underlying sadness to Carmen’s smile that pulled at her heart every time she saw her lately, and she wanted to know what was causing her new friend to appear so melancholy. She had a pretty good idea what the problem was, but wanted to hear the other woman confirm her suspicions.

“It depends what you’re asking I’m happy about.” Carmen attempted to laugh, but her voice cracked.

Dani stopped walking and raised an eyebrow. “Are you happy with David?”

Carmen frowned and stopped to stare at her. “It’s complicated.” She took a sip from her mug and started walking again, encouraging Dani to follow. “I love David, and for the most part he’s a great guy. His job is starting to come between us, and we don’t see each other enough anymore.” Her shoulders slumped. “The guy you saw tonight, that’s not my David. That’s the guy who invaded his body and took over when he got his promotion.”

“Have you talked about things with him?” Dani asked as Carmen took a seat on top an empty picnic table. “I mean, does he know how you feel?”

“I try not to bring it up. He’s so happy with this new job, and the money is great.” Carmen looked off into the distance. “I don’t want to sound like a nag or rain on his parade.”

Dani took the empty seat beside her. “What about you though?” She sat her mug on the table top. “It can’t all be about him. What do you want?”

“I don’t know.” Carmen pulled a bag out of her pocket and handed Dani a brownie. “I’m not ready to give up on him yet. I do care about him, love him. It’s just….”

“If this is who he’s gonna be forever, then you’re second guessing your relationship.” Dani finished for her.

“Yea, exactly.” Carmen turned and embraced her in a hug. “I want you to know that even though we’ve only known each other a short time, I feel really close to you, and I’m glad you were here tonight when I needed a friend.”

When Carmen pulled away Dani’s entire body tingled.

Chapter Eight

Dani didn’t go looking for trouble. It just seemed to find her somehow. Usually it involved the women in her life, and tended to leave her in compromising situations. In other words, when it hit, the outcome usually wasn’t pretty.

As she drove home from work, Dani thought about how things with Carmen were still moving at a snail’s pace, but at least they were finally going somewhere. She was sure her new friend was aware that she wanted to bed her. She’d also noticed that Carmen was beginning to relax and not tense up every time she touched her, which left her wondering if in fact Carmen might be interested in her the same way. Though it was killing Dani inside not to just jump on her to find out, it was also exciting to have to wait and see how everything played out. Carmen would either eventually embrace what she was offering or their friendship would end. Dani hoped very much for the first option.

Dani turned the dial on the radio, a song of possession filling the silence. Though things with Carmen were advancing, things with Natalie, however, had taken a turn for the worse. Dani thought she’d been pretty clear that the night they shared together was a one time happening, but Natalie was very persistent and it was becoming an issue. Natalie called at least once a day, and Dani found notes on her car on more than one occasion asking for a return phone call, or for Dani to come by the bar when she was working. She didn’t want to lead Natalie on and hadn’t been back to the bar at all. She’d even begun dreading going to the class they shared for obvious reasons. Avoiding her was becoming a very tiresome game, one that she hoped she’d be able to quit playing soon.

Dani parked her car in the driveway. She’d worked a long shift at the antique shop, and all the thoughts running through her head were giving her a headache. When she entered the house, she was greeted with a blinking light on her answering machine. Not many people had her home number, and a small hint of dread filled her as she watched the red button glow. She pressed it reluctantly to listen as she hung her jacket on the rack and slipped out of her shoes. She began walking toward the kitchen but stopped in her tracks as Alyssa’s voice filled the air around her.

“Hey, Dani. I know it’s been months since we’ve spoken, but I’m going to be in town in a few weeks and thought maybe we could get together.” There was a pause and Dani could hear the rustling of papers. “I’ll be staying at the Chateau. I don’t have exact dates yet, but I’ll call you when I get into town.” The machine clicked and silence replaced Alyssa’s voice. Dani backtracked and replayed the message, her heart torn between excitement and regret.

The sudden urge to call Carmen and make plans filled her mind. It wasn’t that she simply wanted to hang out, she needed to see Carmen, needed a sign to see if anything was going to become of their relationship before Alyssa came to town. It would be hard to resist Alyssa’s charms unless she had a reason to keep things hands off, and she really hoped Carmen gave her one. Alyssa was sexy and Dani knew being around her in person would bring back all the feelings she’d had over the summer. Saying goodbye to Alyssa had been hard because Dani had truly felt something between them but Carmen made her heart skip a beat, caused her to feel things no one else had ever managed. Dani couldn’t risk doing something stupid and ruining her chance at true happiness. That was another reason she was avoiding Natalie like the plague.

Dani made her way to the kitchen and fed the cat—who was prancing around in anticipation of his nightly meal. She leafed through her mail and decided it was now or never. She grabbed her cell phone and dialed Carmen, making plans to go holiday shopping. She didn’t have anyone to shop for, but it was the best excuse she could think of to give them a chance to be alone, in a public place for Carmen’s comfort, to talk about things.

* * * *

Carmen stepped out of the dressing room in the long silky skirt and peasant top Dani picked out for her. Dani sat on the bench people used to try on shoes and smiled wickedly as she imagined how the dark purple material would feel against her legs when she took Carmen dancing.

“What do you think?” Carmen stood staring at herself in the mirror, waiting for Dani’s opinion.

“I think you look great.” Dani moved to pull the shirt down off her shoulders. “There, that’s better. You look good in purple.”

“Really?” Carmen turned and stuck her butt out, brushing it against Dani’s pelvis. “You sure it doesn’t make my ass look huge?”

Dani smacked Carmen lightly on the rump and stepped back. “Go take that off and try on the black dress.” She thought of pushing Carmen inside the dressing room and having her way with her. Too many thoughts of that nature were filling her mind, so she moved quickly to sit back on the bench to put distance between them. The black dress would show way more skin, and Dani knew she needed to stay put. Touching her again, even playfully, would only increase the arousal she was already feeling.

When the dressing room door opened and Carmen stepped out in the tiny baby doll dress with matching black stilettos, Dani was rendered speechless. She looked amazing. The length of the dress paired with the height of the heels made her short legs look longer, and Dani’s eyes moved slowly up them to where the bottom hem of the dress lay against her upper thigh.

“Wow.” Keeping still on the bench, Dani looked her in the eye. “That’s the one.”

“You don’t think it’s too short?” Carmen pulled at the dress, attempting to move it further down her legs. Dani could tell the length made her a bit uncomfortable, but the dress simply suited her.

“No, I think it’s sexy.” Carmen walked over and turned so Dani could see the back which was fully open except the thin ribbon crisscrossing along her skin. “What are you doing?”

Carmen sat beside her on the bench, close enough their bodies were touching, and crossed her legs. “Seeing how much it rides up when I sit down.”

Dani was enjoying their time together, but it was making her crazy to touch without being able to really feel. “Go in and take that off. I’ll have them bag it up for you while you change.”

Dani glanced back at the dressing room as she made her way to the cashier. Something was different about Carmen. She didn’t seem as shy and she was definitely flirting. Dani didn’t want to read into it too much, but it was exciting to think that Carmen was interested in taking their friendship to the next level.

The parking lot was crowded as they made their way to the jeep, shoppers carrying packages were abundant around them, but it didn’t matter. After waiting all evening, which felt like an eternity, Dani was anxious to get Carmen in the jeep so she could make a move. Time to sink or swim, she thought climbing up in the driver’s seat.

Within a few minutes it was warm despite the frigid temperatures outside in the night air, and she hoped Carmen would become hot enough to remove her jacket so she could see the rise and swell of her breasts in the tank top she’d chosen to wear. Dani turned the radio on so the music could play softly around them as they talked. Now that they were totally alone, Carmen seemed a little nervous and Dani thought it best to keep her laughing and talking in the hopes it would loosen her up a little. Carmen seemed interested, she’d been sending flirty signals most of the evening as they walked through store after store, but it was getting her to show that interest with some physical contact that Dani was anticipating.

It was almost painful to sit so close to the other woman and not touch her. The way the hem of Carmen’s skirt rose just slightly on her thigh had Dani’s mouth watering with every naughty thought her mind could put together. She needed a sign, no matter how small, to signal it was okay to make a move, but the parking lot grew busier with people rushing to and from their cars and Carmen’s level of anxiety seemed to rise with the increased level of traffic around them. Dani was sure the night was not going to end the way she’d hoped.

“I should get going.” Carmen was playing with the zipper on her jacket, in what seemed to be an attempt to keep her hands busy. “I have an early class in the morning.”

“Sure.” Dani remained leaned back against the seat, trying to play it cool though she was burning up inside. “Do you want me to walk you to your car?”

“No.” Carmen’s voice came out a little high pitched and she seemed flustered. “I can manage. At least I didn’t buy out the whole mall this time.”

“True.” Dani laughed. “I don’t know how you fit all those bags in your car last time.” She met Carmen’s eyes and saw the sign she’d been waiting for. “If I can’t walk you to your car, can I at least kiss you goodnight?” Not used to asking permission because most women made the first move on her, Dani felt a little silly, but Carmen was different than most women she associated with.

With crimson flushed cheeks, Carmen nodded. “I’d like you to.” She edged forward in the seat and turned her body so her face was mere inches away from Dani’s.

Dani wasn’t normally the nervous type, but Carmen was important and she didn’t want to make the wrong move. Her stomach was in knots as she straightened up and moved so it was easier for Carmen to get closer. She ran her hands across Carmen’s face and placed her fingers behind Carmen’s ears with her thumbs resting on Carmen’s cheeks. As her thumbs stroked, she watched Carmen’s eyes for any inkling that she was changing her mind about taking their friendship to the next level, but all she saw was desire raging in the chocolate pools.

Dani took Carmen’s lips gently. She wanted to ease her into the kiss slowly. Carmen responded by moving closer, and Dani deepened the kiss while moving her hands down Carmen’s arms. When her fingers brushed against Carmen’s breasts she felt her suck in a breath, but Carmen didn’t pull away from her touch. Dani pulled back to look into the other woman’s eyes and was instantly filled with regret for breaking the connection between them.

“I should really get going.” Carmen’s voice, barely a whisper, was shaky as Dani moved back in to nibble on her neck. “Really, I should.”

Dani didn’t stop and instead continued to kiss her way down across Carmen’s shoulder. “Really, Dani, I need to go.” The look in Carmen’s eyes told Dani to cool it, and her body tensed as another shopper passed close by the jeep.

Dani backed off, but didn’t hide the disappointment in her voice. “Okay.”

Carmen’s eyes showed Dani she was torn between leaving and staying but as she gathered up her jacket, Dani knew inevitably that leaving would be her choice. “We can finish this another time.”

“Sure. We’ve got plenty of time to get to know each other.” She kissed Carmen’s lips one last time and smiled. “Don’t study too hard.”

Dani waited until Carmen’s car was out of sight before rubbing her hand across her jean-covered pussy which was wet from the thoughts that were burning in her head mere moments ago. They had been friends for awhile and now knowing Carmen was actually interested sent her lustful feelings into overdrive.

Dani drove home with her window down and ignored the frigid temperature because she needed to cool off. She didn’t live far from shopping mall, and the small house she owned near the college came into view as she turned down her street. It was the perfect place for her, secluded enough to give her separation from the dorms, but close enough she could still entertain friends on a regular basis. It was better than being cramped up in a small room with another person, there were times when she just really needed her space.

Max, Dani’s white Persian cat met her at the door waiting for his nightly dinner. She stopped long enough to scratch behind his ears as she bent down to gather her mail off the floor. She headed into the kitchen, tossed her keys and the few bills she’d scooped up on the counter and fed the cat that rubbed and purred against her legs.

Still wound up from her encounter with Carmen, Dani desperately needed to get off. A hot bath where she could relax and fantasize was just what she needed. With the cat content at his food dish, she slipped out of her shoes and moved quickly upstairs to the bathroom.

Dani turned on the faucet, steam instantly filling the bathroom from the scorching hot water, and poured just enough liquid soap into the tub to create soft vanilla fragranced bubbles. She breathed in deep as she stepped out of her clothes and into the bath, continuing to let the water run until it was close to spilling over the edge, and then slid down until only her face remained above the water line.

Thoughts of Carmen were in her mind as she lathered up her sponge and began rubbing her body. With each stroke of the sponge against her skin she imagined her hands on the other woman, gently massaging and touching her sensitive areas. When the soft material barely touched her chest, her nipples hardened instantly, and there was heat between her legs not caused by the temperature of the water. She was in lust, and determined that her desires would be sated no matter how much time she had to invest wooing the girl.

Dani ran a hand up her thigh and cupped her pussy. She thought of Carmen’s body, the petite frame with just the right amount of curves as she spread her lower lips and used her thumb to stroke her clitoris. Each swirl brought sensations deep within her to the surface.

Visions of Carmen’s naked flesh danced through her head as she moved her hand faster. Dani thought of Carmen in the black dress, her skin so soft and inviting to be touched. She imagined running her fingers up her legs, gently caressing her inner thigh and then stroking her wet pussy. Those thoughts had Dani’s temperature rising and her breath came more rapidly as she slipped a finger inside her own pussy.

She pressed her palm against her flesh, her thumb swirling faster against her clit, and added another finger as she lifted her bottom to push deeper inside. The heat of the water, mixed with the feel of her own fingers, pushed her towards the edge. She could feel little shivers beginning to work their way out from her clit and she sighed in pleasure.

Increasing the pace of her strumming Dani lifted herself higher and moaned as the orgasm began. Her pussy clenched around her fingers and she cried out, her body trembling for moments after.

It was as the trembling began to fade that Carmen once again filled her thoughts and Dani smiled. Carmen had given her the sign she’d been waiting for. Now she just needed to decide what she was going to do about it.

Chapter Nine

Carmen lay awake in bed unable to embrace the sleep she so desperately needed. She tossed and turned, while her body was on fire, thoughts of Dani raging through her mind. Seeing the other woman on a personal level, when she knew her feelings toward her were becoming more than friendly, had been such a bad idea. She could try to lie to herself, but she’d known what would happen before she even left house for the evening. Most would say it was just a kiss, but Carmen knew better. She’d felt the passion behind it, the desire and need filling her instantly. She’d needed to get away before she was unable to prevent anything else from happening, and used her midterm as an excuse because it was the best she could come up with in the moment.

Carmen moved onto her right side and pulled the covers around her body to make a tight cocoon in the bed. David was working later than usual, and his absence gave her more time to stare at the ceiling replaying the night’s events in her head. She’d never experienced an interest in another woman beyond friendship before, it just wasn’t something she would have imagined herself being into, but being with Dani made her see the world through a different set of eyes. Part of her wanted to keep a distance between them to ensure nothing more could happen, but a bigger part wanted to see if the feelings she was experiencing inside were real or simply based on the fact that things with David were still not good. In fact, they’d only gotten worse since the night Dani came over to watch a movie. His lack of affection towards her, combined with his missing enthusiasm over her new hair, added fuel to the fire inside her. Boredom had set in on their relationship, and the mundane was beginning to take its toll on her emotional connection with him.

Dani had come into her life at an opportune time and shown her that friends were sometimes the best medicine for a breaking heart, and they were the perfect cure for monotony. Carmen looked back on the past few months and tried to rationalize they were just two women hanging out and getting to know each other, but deep down she knew there was more building in their friendship.

There had been moments when she was sure Dani would try to make a move on her, but never crossed the imaginary line she’d drawn between them. She desperately wanted Dani to do something, anything to prove that what she was feeling inside wasn’t felt in vain. There were times when she wondered if she were reading into their friendship what she wanted to see, but there were small things that Dani did that helped prove what she’d already known, she was the object of her affection.

Carmen tried to be more relaxed about the situation and agreed to a shopping trip for the holidays, but she hadn’t anticipated feeling so flirty and affectionate. It really didn’t surprise her that the kiss finally happened between them, especially after not seeing each other socially outside of school since their movie night. What did come as a shock was how bad she wanted to be physical with her friend. Dani’s lips were soft, inviting, and it unnerved her. She wasn’t supposed to want a woman, not the way she wanted Dani. She thought of how she’d shivered when the other woman’s fingers barely touched her breasts. She remembered the tingling sensation which had chills caressing her skin again. She wrapped the blankets tighter, but it didn’t take away the desire that was coming to the surface as she lay alone in the darkened room.

Sleep just wasn’t happening, and her fear was that she would miss her alarm and be late for the next morning’s midterm. She hadn’t lied about the test, just about needing to study for it. One thing Carmen didn’t need was more study time; she excelled in all her classes. She hugged herself tight and closed her eyes.

Carmen continued to toss and turn, staring at the ceiling. If she couldn’t sleep, maybe she could relieve some of the sexual tension she was feeling, since David hadn’t touched her in weeks. Biting down on her lip, hesitant almost, Carmen slipped a finger in her mouth and then slid it beneath her panty line to stroke against her clit.

She sighed from that first touch and closed her eyes. She could feel the heat and wetness as she spread her lips and pressed her palm against her pussy, her thumb continuing to press down on her sensitive bud. She rubbed her hand up and down she slid a finger inside and began to think about Dani.

She hadn’t meant to make Dani part of the fantasy, but there she was, filling her mind as she stroked herself. It should have turned her off, made her want to stop, but instead she felt the heat rising. With her breath coming more rapidly with each stroke of her hand, Carmen knew she was in trouble.

As she climaxed, her body clamping tightly around her fingers, Carmen relaxed onto the bed. She was slightly embarrassed that it took thinking about a woman to get her to climax and rolled onto her stomach, closing her eyes again. She needed to force Dani out of her mind and allow sleep in, but that was easier said than done.

* * * *

“Well?” Dani startled her by sneaking up from behind and grabbing her shoulders as she sat in the cafeteria grabbing a quick bite before her afternoon class. “How’d the test go the other day?”

Carmen sipped her diet cola as Dani took the seat across from her at the small table, and felt herself blush. Visions of her thoughts from a few nights before filled her and inexplicably Carmen felt her nipples harden, her breasts become heavy and a strange tingling fill her. Why had she thought about the other woman as she stroked herself? Masturbating was something she rarely did anyway, and usually she thought of David. How could she have imagined caressing Dani’s nipples, running a hand over the other woman’s soft skin? It didn’t make sense and yet…. Carmen shook herself and smiled at Dani “I only missed one question.”

“Listen, about the other night,” Dani began, but Carmen reached out and placed her hand over hers.

“I don’t want to talk about it, okay?” Carmen wasn’t willing to meet her eyes and removed her hand almost immediately. “How did you do on your English exam?” She took a bite of her sandwich and noticed how Dani watched her mouth closely which both excited and made her nervous.

“Eh, okay.” Dani laughed. “I didn’t fail it.”

“Tell me you at least got a C.” Carmen knew English was Dani’s least favorite course.

“Actually, I got a B.” She laughed and Carmen’s eyes lit up with excitement at the shocking news. “Don’t look so surprised, I can do anything well when I apply myself.” Carmen understood perfectly the underlying message that was being sent in her direction and felt her cheeks redden again blushed.

She took another sip of soda and looked at her watch. “Gotta go, one last midterm and then winter break officially begins for me. How many more do you have?” she asked as she gathered up her lunch tray and bag.

“I’m finished.” Before she knew what was happening, Carmen found her back pressed against the brick of the building in the empty hallway.

“What are you doing later?” Dani looked in her eyes as her fingers crept up her side pushing her shirt just far enough out of the way to make contact with her skin.

Carmen felt her heart rate increasing from the contact, and tried to keep her breathing steady. “Nothing, David works.” She regretted letting Dani know she’d be alone, but the words had slipped out before she could stop herself.

“Come have a drink with me.” It sounded more like a command than a question and Carmen could barely respond with Dani’s fingers still stroking her bare skin.

“No, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Her voice a little shaky, Carmen still managed to look Dani in the eye. “I don’t think we should see each other for a while.”

“Is that really what you want?” Dani stepped closer and pressed her body firmly against Carmen and took her lips. “I don’t think it is.”

Carmen was unable to think. She couldn’t comprehend anything past Dani’s tongue gently caressing her lips. Hot all over, she was flushed with want. “I don’t know what I want.”

“Just one drink.” Dani’s hands moved up her sides slowly until she cupped her face. “Please.”

“Okay,” Carmen breathed out in a whisper. “Pick me up at seven.”

As Dani stepped back, before they wound up in another lip lock in the hallway, Carmen made her escape. She made it to class just in time to begin the test and knew she was red in the face. With her head in the clouds, how was she supposed to concentrate on history when all she could think about was what had just happened?

“Damn it, Dani,” she whispered under her breath as the professor set the timer. “Why can’t I get you out of my head?”

Chapter Ten

Dani pulled on her jeans and buttoned the fly, and then turned just enough to get a good view of her own ass in the mirror. “Looking good, Dani girl,” she said out loud to herself, moving her body from side to side.

She sprayed a generous amount of perfume on her chest and neck before slipping into her black satin bra and snapping it in place. Dani breathed in deep. The smell of the perfume was strong in the air as she pulled on a dark purple tank top and slid her arms into her favorite white cashmere sweater, buttoning it up almost the whole way. One last glance in the mirror and she was ready to go get Carmen for drinks.

As she drove across town, Dani reminded herself that Carmen needed to be slowly edged into everything she had to offer. It would be hard to tone down her ambitious behavior, but she’d been proving to herself for while now that it could be done. The last thing she wanted to do was scare Carmen off so soon after finally making progress in the right direction. If it was time Carmen needed, Dani was willing to invest it to get to where she wanted, sexing the hell out of her.

Dani parked her jeep along the curb in front of Carmen’s apartment building and heard the text tone on her cell go off. She glanced down and was instantly irritated to find a message claiming Carmen wasn’t feeling well and drinks would have to wait for another night.

Like hell, she thought. Two can play this game.

Twenty minutes later Dani pulled into a visitor labeled parking spot and killed the engine. She grabbed the bag of take out she’d fetched and climbed out of the jeep. Dani made her way inside the apartment complex, and knocked lightly on Carmen’s door. She waited, not satisfied until she heard footsteps approaching.

The door opened and Carmen stood in a pair of gray velour pants with a tight pink t-shirt clinging to her curves. Her hair looked slept on which should have been a turn off, but Dani found it appealing. Dani smiled and held out the bag.

“I brought soup.” Dani waited patiently to be invited in, thoroughly enjoying the shocked look on Carmen’s face. “You know, they say chicken noodle can cure anything.”

“You brought me soup?” Dani wasn’t sure if Carmen was about to laugh or cry and gently brushed against her fingers as Carmen took the take out bag from her outstretched hand.

Carmen moved out of the way and motioned for Dani to come in. Stage one complete. She followed Carmen to the kitchen where she began unpacking the take out bag while Carmen got dishes out of the cupboard. They worked well together and in a few short minutes were sitting at the table with soup, grilled cheese, and sodas.

“I’m sorry about bailing on you tonight,” Carmen said between bites. “I think all the stress of my exams finally caught up with me. My stomach is a mess.”

“It’s no big deal.” Dani spooned another mouthful of soup in. “Spending time like this is just as nice. You’re my friend first, Carmen. I will look out for you.”

Carmen stopped eating to stare at her, guilt written all across her face. “Okay, I admit that I’m not sick. Not in the ‘I need a doctor’ way.” She put her spoon in her bowl. “I spent all afternoon working myself up over going out with you. I think I made my stomach upset by over thinking this whole situation.”

Dani said nothing and simply sipped her soda.

“It’s just.” Carmen slumped her shoulders and let out a small sigh. “I’ve never done anything like this before, you know, with a girl. I’ve never had feelings like these.” She put her hands together and began fiddling with them on top the table. “I don’t know if I will be any good at pleasing you, and it makes me nervous.”

Dani reached across the table and laid her hand on top of Carmen’s to stop her from fidgeting. “Carmen, I would never ask you to do anything you aren’t comfortable with. If this is all too much for you just say the word and I’ll back off.” She rubbed her thumb across Carmen’s fingers. “Seriously.”

Carmen met her eyes and for a few moments they sat with their hands intertwined and stared at each other. Carmen made no attempt to pull away and allowed Dani to caress the back of her hands gently with her thumbs. Dani wanted to kiss away all Carmen’s fears but resisted the temptation to do anything more than hold her hands for fear Carmen would become a tense mess again.

“Do you wanna watch a movie?” Carmen pulled her hands away slowly and began cleaning up the table. “I was just about to put one in the DVD player before you got here.”

“Sure.” Dani helped clear the remaining dishes from the table and placed them on the counter as she’d seen Carmen do with the others, and then followed her into the living room. This is going to be harder than I contemplated, she thought as she watched Carmen bend over to place a DVD into the machine. A lot harder.

Dani became even more frustrated when Carmen chose to sit in the recliner rather than utilize the spot beside her on the large sofa. She crossed her arms over her chest.

“I don’t bite,” Dani said, trying to sound playful. Unless you ask me to, she thought but didn’t say out loud.

“Sorry.” Coming to sit beside her on the sofa, Carmen moved with a dancer’s grace.

Dani tried to focus on the movie, a romantic comedy that should have generated at least a few laughs out of her, but all she could focus on was Carmen so physically close and yet so far away emotionally on the sofa beside her. Dani slid her hand slowly over, unable to resist temptation, and gently picked up Carmen’s, intertwining their fingers as they had done at the table earlier. Carmen glanced down briefly at their hands, and smiled as she turned her attention back to the movie.

A few minutes passed and Dani edged closer on the sofa, moving their intertwined hands to rest on her thigh. Carmen surprised her by moving closer and pressed her body tight against Dani’s side. The need to caress her grew stronger with each passing moment, but Dani wouldn’t touch unless Carmen made the first move, and it seemed like she was content with snuggling for the evening.

Chapter Eleven

Fire raged across Carmen’s skin. Every inch of her touching Dani felt like molten lava and amplified her desire to press even closer. The heat pouring from the other woman’s body made her need to touch and be touched increase. Carmen licked her lips which tingled with anticipation as she thought about kissing Dani.

David wouldn’t be home for hours, and it would be so easy to give in to the temptation, but a small part of her was afraid of how far things would go. Dani had a way of making her forget who she was, and the responsibilities she carried in her life. In fact, Dani brought out a side of her that she’d kept under lock and key for a very long time.

“Can I get you anything?” Carmen said, barely above a whisper in an attempt to distract herself for a moment from her thoughts.

Looking at her with eyes that said you, Dani shook her head. Carmen knew the game well enough. Dani wouldn’t make the first move. If she wanted action, she’d have to be brave enough to ask for it.

Carmen had never been a sexually aggressive woman and found this part of their relationship slightly annoying. Part of her issue with David was that he didn’t show her any interest, and though she knew Dani was totally into her, Carmen wished the roles were reversed. She wanted to feel wanted, needed Dani to be the initiator, but what she wanted didn’t change what was.

Carmen turned her body so her face was mere inches away from Dani’s and sat for a few moments building up her nerve. Then, before she lost it, Carmen moved forward and brushed her lips against Dani’s. The shock was instant, electricity searing through her like wild lightning full of power. All her previous fears were thrown out the window, and she focused on what was happening, just wanting to feel.

Dani’s hands found her face and moved slowly and gently across her cheeks while her tongue pushed between soft lips to meet her own. The world around them seemed to disappear and the center of Carmen’s attention became how fast her heart was beating against the silence. Can Dani hear its erratic rhythm?

Carmen couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so caught up in someone and relished in the moment. Being with David was comfortable and routine, but this was sporadic, spontaneous on her part, and exciting. It made her feel sexy, and very wanted.

Dani’s hands left her face to stroke down her arms and in what felt like slow motion, found her hips. Dani moved back further against the pillows and guided Carmen’s body until she was straddling her lap. Carmen bent down, their lips meeting again with a hunger she didn’t even know she possessed, and when Dani grabbed her ass, kneading her fingers against the thin material of her pants, a soft moan escaped her lips. This had to be what true desire felt like, forbidden desire.

Nothing permissible could feel that good. David’s touch didn’t set her skin aflame, or leave a tingling sensation behind. Everywhere Dani touched made her yearn for more, her emotions escalating out of control.

When Dani’s palms moved slowly up her sides, her fingers pulling Carmen’s t-shirt up with them, Goosebumps covered Carmen's arms and her breath caught in her throat momentarily. Her nipples grew rock hard, pressing against the padding of her push-up bra. She lifted her arms above her head to allow Dani access to completely remove the shirt and noticed for the first time since the evening began that she was completely relaxed. Carmen wrapped her arms around Dani’s neck and leaned in for another hot kiss.

As Dani’s tongue took to exploring the crevice between her breasts, Carmen arched up to give her better access. Though she tried to keep her composure, her heart rate was increasing with every breath she took as Dani’s tongue swirled and lapped across her skin. When Dani’s hands moved to the clasp on her bra, Carmen grabbed her arms to stop her.

“Wait,” she whispered, her breath coming in short wisps. “I need a moment.”

It could have been that Dani didn’t hear her, or that she simply wasn’t listening as she undid the clasp in one easy motion. The looseness of her bra as the straps dropped off her shoulders had Carmen’s hands immediately moving to hold it in place. Dani pulled them away allowing the bra to drop down exposing Carmen’s taut nipples. Again Carmen moved to cover herself, but Dani intervened by dipping her head down to taste.

Carmen couldn’t stop the moan of pleasure that flowed easily from her lips and her cheeks grew warm. As Dani used her body like a smorgasbord for touching and tasting, she felt the liquid heat pooling between her legs. Dani held her tightly and devoured her breasts, taking time to tease and taste each one equally. Carmen, controlled by the urges racing through her, began moving her hips back and forth in a sensual rhythm.

Dani kept one hand firmly on the back of Carmen’s neck, fingers playing softly in her hair, and moved the other one slowly down the rest of her body to cup her pussy. The only thing separating Dani’s fingers from her flesh was the cotton of her pants. Carmen rubbed against her palm and Dani squeezed gently which was just enough to have Carmen reaching the first small peak, climaxing easily.

As Dani’s hand continued to move against her sex Carmen glanced at the clock behind them on the wall. Her body tensed, pleasure warring with panic.

Every cell in her body was screaming to get naked and let Dani finish what they’d started, but the reality was David would be home in less than half an hour and if he caught them like this…

“Dani.” She pulled at her hand, trying to get off her lap without falling on her ass on the floor. “Dani, we have to stop.” Carmen, suddenly embarrassed, grabbed her shirt from the sofa and pulled it over her head.

“Carmen.” Dani’s usually soft voice held an edge of frustration Carmen wasn’t used to hearing as she stood up and moved in front of her. “You’re driving me crazy.” She grabbed Carmen’s hand and pulled it against her own pussy where the wetness and heat was obvious through the jean material. “I want to fuck you.”

Carmen glanced at the clock again, toyed with the idea of them finishing, but shook her head. “David will be home soon. I can’t risk it. Things are already not good. Please understand.” She ran her hand through her hair and looked into Dani’s eyes. “Please.”

Dani’s expression softened. “No worries.” She bent down to pick Carmen’s bra off the floor, and handed it to her as she leaned in for one final kiss. Before Carmen could say anything else, Dani was out the door.

Carmen stood, bra in hand for what felt like an eternity and wasn’t sure how to feel. Her body ached with desire, and nothing short of a cold shower was going to bring it back to a normal temperature. Carmen almost ran to the bathroom as she prepared for her boyfriend to come home and prayed she wouldn’t talk in her sleep.

Chapter Twelve

Dani left Carmen’s apartment wound up and was unsure what to do with all her pent up frustration. It was unfortunate that Carmen clammed up when things were getting so hot and heavy between them, and Dani knew she could have persuaded her into finishing what they started. The problem was that she wanted Carmen totally relaxed when she came, not stressing over the fact that her boyfriend could walk through the door at any moment. She understood, but it didn’t make the situation any less irritating.

Dani needed a way to alleviate some of her own pent up sexual frustration and called an old friend as she climbed in the jeep, making arrangements to stay over. She might not have been able to get Carmen off, but there was no reason why she couldn’t find release. It wasn’t like Carmen couldn’t fuck David when he got home was it? Since her night with Natalie she’d been holding out for Carmen, but that was pushed to the back of her mind as she made her way across town with her sexual desire in overdrive.

Lexi’s house wasn’t far from the college, but it had been a while since they’d seen each other in person. Theirs had been a short romance, hot and full of passion, but ended when Lexi found Dani out with another girl and decided she couldn’t handle her fickle nature. They’d managed to remain friends and saw each other on occasion when the mood hit. When Dani saw her standing in the doorway wearing nothing but a pair of black panties and a short white baby doll top, she was very glad Lexi answered the phone.

Dani wasted no time getting out of the car and made her way quickly onto the porch. She wrapped her arms around Lexi’s waist and lifted her off the ground as she pushed them both inside and closed the door with her foot.

“I’ve missed you, Dani, baby,” Lexi purred, wrapping her arms around Dani’s neck as Dani eased her grip allowing her feet to once again touch the floor. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.”

“I know.” Dani nuzzled her neck, taking in the sweet scent of her perfume. “You have me all night. What do you want to do?”

“I think we both know what I want to do.” Lexi laughed and tugged on the back of Dani’s hair. “Why waste precious time playing games?”

Lexi led Dani to her room and locked the door out of habit before pushing Dani onto the bed. With her back against the pillows, Dani watched as Lexi climbed up and straddled her legs. Lexi lowered herself against Dani causing her back to sink further into the pillows and nibbled on her ear seductively. It felt incredible and Dani couldn’t think past Lexi’s tongue which was now trailing down her neck.

Lexi pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor beside the bed. She leaned back down and made sure her bare breasts brushed against Dani’s chest as she took her lips. “I’ve really missed you, Dani.” She sat back up and slid Dani’s sweater as far down her arms as it would go. Dani lifted up on the bed and helped Lexi to fully remove the cardigan and toss it on the floor as well.

Dani’s hands were on Lexi’s face pulling her down again, the kiss filled with passion as their tongues danced together in slow motion. Dani wrapped her arm around Lexi’s waist and switched their positions so the woman was beneath her on the bed. Lexi pulled at Dani’s tank top until it too met the other clothes that were beginning to pile up on the floor.

When she reached for Dani’s bra, Dani stopped her by pinning her arms above her head. “Not yet.” Dani worked her lips down Lexi’s neck until she reached her breasts. Dani touched and teased each perky mound equally, enjoying the sighs and moans coming from her.

With her hands freed, Lexi reached up and grabbed Dani by the back of the hair pulling her up for another heated session of tongue dancing and lip nibbling. Dani heard her heart beating faster and could tell Lexi’s arousal was increasing from the heat that was emanating from between her legs. That alone should have excited her, but Dani’s thoughts shifted abruptly to Carmen.

She wished it were Carmen instead of the voluptuous brunette beneath her on the bed. No more than wished… she needed it to be Carmen.

She pulled away from Lexi and sat up.

Breathing heavily, Lexi frowned, “Is something wrong?” She cupped Dani’s face with her hands and forced her to meet her eyes.

Dani knew Lexi wouldn’t understand, and she hoped there would be no ill feelings between them, but with Carmen filling her mind Dani couldn’t fuck her. Never in her life had she walked away from sex, especially not sex with a hot woman, but that was what she was about to do and the feeling unnerved her.

“I can’t do this.”

Lexi stared at her with disbelieving eyes as she pulled her clothes back on in a hurried rush. Dani could see the sting of rejection in her expression, and felt guilty for getting her so wound up. Hadn’t Carmen done the same thing to her earlier?

“I’m sorry, Lex.” Dani leaned across the bed and kissed her gently on the cheek. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” She knew it was a lie when she said it, but she said it anyway.

Dani drove home with the windows down and the radio off. She thought about turning around, but Carmen filled her mind again and she knew she’d made the right choice. The thought of one woman stealing her heart enough that she was willing to shut out everyone else sexually made her uneasy. Not sure how she was going to handle her newly discovered feelings of love and devotion, especially since Carmen was seriously involved with a man, Dani drove home completely frustrated and overwhelmingly confused.

Chapter Thirteen

Dani woke to the sound of someone banging on her front door and groggily grabbed a pair of pants off the chair beside her bed. She slipped them and left her room trudging through the hallway to see who was still obnoxiously beating their fist against the heavy wood.

“I’m coming!” she yelled, hoping they’d hear her over the noise and stop pounding. The closer she got, the more it made her head hurt. Dani slid open the chain lock and turned the knob. She opened the door with a jerk, ready to pounce on the person who dared to get her out of bed so early in the morning. What the hell?

“I know it’s early.” Carmen stood, poised to knock again, with a distraught look on her face. “I should have called first. I just need someone to talk to.”

Dani wiped the sleep out of her eyes and motioned for Carmen to come into the house.

“I brought you coffee.” Carmen held out a steaming cup with a shaky hand as she slid past Dani into the hall. Before it became a mess she’d have to clean up off the floor, Dani took the cup from her outstretched hand.

She hadn’t spoken to Carmen since the night at her apartment. Dani wanted to give her space, hoping she’d figure out what she wanted from their relationship, and she’d been overridden with guilt of spending the remainder of the evening in another woman’s arms. Carmen hadn’t called or stopped by, but now here she was looking like hell, and all Dani could think of was kissing away her problems.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong or do I have to pry it out of you?” Dani led her to the small sofa in the living room, hoping she’d feel more at ease sitting down.

“It’s just… I think that maybe—” A knock on the door interrupted Carmen.

Whoever it was kept banging just as Carmen had done minutes before. Dani stood up. “I’m sorry. Give me just a minute to get rid of whoever’s at the door.”

Carmen nodded and Dani left her in the living room as she headed out to the front door for the second time that morning. Something was definitely wrong with Carmen and she wanted to get to the bottom of it, but first she would have to take care of the other person at her door. She hoped it was a package she had to sign for or mail that was too big to put in her box. What she didn’t expect was to find Alyssa smiling as she held a bag of muffins and two cups of coffee.

This is horrific. Dani smiled, not wanting Alyssa to feel bad, but she didn’t care for people just dropping by unannounced. It could lead to sticky situations like the one she had just been entered into.

“You don’t seem thrilled to see me.” Alyssa pouted. “I left you a message telling you I was coming to town. I’m doing a photo shoot and the photographer gave us an hour break. I don’t know anyone I’m working with, and thought I’d swing by to surprise you.”

“It’s a nice gesture, but I’m…” Dani didn’t finish her sentence. The look on Alyssa’s face told her Carmen had stepped into the hall.

Alyssa looked Dani in the eye. “I guess that answers my question.” Alyssa shoved the coffee and muffins into Dani’s hands. “I’m really sorry I didn’t call first. I could have avoided feeling how I feel right now.”

“Alyssa, it’s not what you think.” Dani wasn’t sure why she said it. She didn’t owe Alyssa an explanation for anything since they weren’t together, but old feelings were hard to squash and it was never easy seeing your ex with someone new. She stopped trying to explain as Alyssa flicked her off and peeled out of the driveway. “So much for that.” She muttered under her breath.

“Friend of yours?” Carmen stood wide-eyed in the hall.

Dani sat the bag and coffee down on the small table by the stairs and ran a hand through her hair. She looked into Carmen’s eyes, not feeling like explaining. “I told you I would get rid of whoever it was, no worries. Let’s go talk about you.”

“Dani, was that girl your—”

Dani cut her off. “She is my ex-girlfriend. Now, can we please drop it?” She kept her voice even, but she could see the storm brewing behind Carmen’s eyes. “Please?”

Carmen’s face softened. “It’s none of my business.” She still looked pink and swollen around the eyes, and Dani decided to turn the conversation back on why she’d been so upset when she showed up.

“Tell me what happened that brought you to my doorstep this morning.” Dani reached down and took her hand as they sat once again on the sofa.

Carmen closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “It’s David.” She ran a hand through her hair. “I think he’s cheating on me.”

Dani pulled her into a hug, because she looked like she needed one. “I’m so sorry. Are you sure?”

Carmen pulled back and rubbed her eyes. “I came home from work early yesterday. There was a girl at our apartment. She was drinking coffee in the kitchen, and David was in the shower.”

Dani didn’t know much about David’s behavior, but she was pretty sure that having girls over while Carmen was at school or work was not normal. She knew she needed to keep Carmen calm, even though her own temperature was rising. “Did you ask him about it?”

“He said she was a friend from work.” Carmen’s rolled her eyes. “He told me I was overreacting and that she’d just stopped by for a ride because her car was in the shop.”

Dani clenched her fist in her lap. Men, in her opinion, always had an excuse for wrong doing in relationships and usually got away with whatever they were being accused of. “What do your instincts tell you?”

“That I need to start thinking about what I really want.” Carmen sighed. “I’m sorry to come drop all this in your lap. I should really get going.”

“Carmen, I’m here for you.” Dani leaned in, barely brushing her lips against the other woman’s. “No matter what.” She attempted to kiss her again, but Carmen pushed her hand against her chest.

“I can’t do this right now.” Carmen stood. “Friends first, remember. Right now I just need my friend.” Carmen left leaving Dani to ponder what she’d said.

Chapter Fourteen

Carmen carried her suitcase into her old room at her parent’s house and smiled. Everything was still the same as it had been when she’d left for college which she knew was because her mother hoped she’d hate being so far away and come back home. There was a time during her first semester at the university when that might have happened, but then David had suggested they move in together off campus and life fell into place.

Despite what was happening between them, she’d been a little disappointed that he wasn’t coming home with her for the holidays, they always spent holidays together, but being away from him for a few days might be what they both needed to get back on track with their relationship.

Her first instinct had been to dump him, to leave the apartment and him forever, but she hadn’t been able to prove that he was cheating and she didn’t want to jump the gun. The situation continued to eat at her more everyday, especially since she’d found his coworker in their kitchen, but his story was believable enough about that particular afternoon. It was the late nights and extra shifts he continued to pick up that were becoming monotonous. Eventually the truth would come out, it always did, and she wasn’t sure how she would handle things when it happened.

Carmen knew she couldn’t blame their deteriorating relationship solely on him and realized she was exploring other options while they were still together, too. With Dani it didn’t feel like cheating though, and she credited that to her being female. In her head, Carmen knew what she was doing was just as bad as what she was accusing him of, but in her heart it felt right. There was something about Dani, about their growing relationship that was special.

Carmen tossed her suitcase on the bed and unzipped the largest section, pulling out a bag of toiletries to take into the bathroom as she brushed David from her mind. She’d come home to get away from her problems, not to let them ruin her trip. The bathroom seemed small as she put her bag on the edge of the sink. It had been a blessing as a teenager though, not having to share the one in the hall with her brother.

Carmen unpacked the bag and attempted to keep her anger in check. David had barely spoken to her before she loaded up the car, and though she’d left a gift for him on the bed, there had been no package given to her. It was disappointing, not because she needed a gift but because she’d cared enough to make sure she left one behind for him and he hadn’t returned the gesture like she thought he would.

The smell of her mother’s sugar cookies drifted up the stairs causing her stomach to rumble, and she once again pushed David from her mind. It had been a long drive without stopping to eat since breakfast, and Carmen was famished. She zipped up her sweatshirt and made her way down to the kitchen where she found Dani laughing as her mother spooned another batch of dough onto a baking sheet.

She didn’t want to spend the holidays alone with her family, and asking Dani to join her for the holidays just felt right. They were friends first, and hadn’t stepped over that line since the day she’d gone to tell Dani about David’s behavior. She hadn’t wanted to make the drive alone either, and when Dani expressed the fact that she had no plans of her own, it was as if the trip together was meant to be. Carmen smiled, watching how easily Dani interacted with her mom.

“What’s so funny?” she asked, hopping on the empty stool beside Dani while picking up a freshly decorated cookie from the plate on the counter. No one responded, but she quickly noticed what Dani was laughing about. “Seriously, Mom? My baby album?”

“You were a cute baby.” Her mother smiled as she slid the cookie sheet into the oven. “I’m a proud mother.”

Carmen rolled her eyes. “She does this with every new person I bring home,” she whispered to Dani before viciously biting off the head of the gingerbread man in her hand.

“Relax.” Dani gently patted her leg nonchalantly. “Your mother’s right, you were a cute baby.”

Carmen laughed. “Yes, and I grew up to be a terrible mess.” Though she tried to hide it, an edge of sadness crept into her voice. She glanced out the window in an attempt to brush it off.

Her mother turned around, slipped off her oven mitt and frowned. “Listen, you know I don’t like to speak ill about anyone, but if that attitude is coming from the way David has been lately.” She put her hand on top of Carmen’s on the counter. “Well, don’t you let him break you down.”

“Mom…” Carmen began.

“I’m serious,” her mother continued. “There are too many other fish in the sea.” She turned to Dani and whispered. “I never really cared for that boy anyway.”

“I can hear you, mother.” Carmen tried not to get upset. She knew her parents weren’t David’s biggest fan, but she didn’t need to constantly hear about it. “Please don’t make me regret coming home.”

“Nonsense.” Her mother came around and hugged her. “There will be no more mention of him during your stay.” She pointed to the backyard which was covered with beautiful white snow. “Why don’t you go out and build a snowman.”

“Mom, we’re not little kids.” Carmen emphasized “not” as she reached for another cookie but Dani grabbed her hand and held it.

“Come on, Carmen. It’ll be fun.” Dani slid off the stool, pulling her down, too. “Where’s your Christmas spirit?”

Carmen wanted to argue, to stay inside the warm house and over indulge on the cookies, but Dani’s smile was irresistible and she couldn’t say no. “Okay, okay, but I need to get changed first.”

Dani nodded. “So, Mrs. H, we’re going to need a carrot, some licorice and an old hat. Think you can help us out?”

“Absolutely. Her mother moved to the cupboard and pulled out a bag of red licorice and tossed it to Dani. As she turned to get the carrot from the fridge, Dani grabbed Carmen’s hand and pulled her toward the stairs.

“What are you doing?” Carmen whispered as she allowed Dani to pull her up the steps.

Dani laughed, stopping outside the spare room she was using during their stay. “We can’t go outside without accessories.”

Carmen wondered if Dani could tell her mind had been in the gutter and felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She tried to take the focus off her dirty thoughts by looking down at her sneakers. “I think I brought boots. I know I have gloves.” When she glanced back up, Dani’s mischievous stare caught her by surprise. Before she had time to react, Dani pushed the door open and pulled her inside the guest room.

Dani pressed her back against the door and used their bodies to shut it. Dani’s lips were on hers before she had a chance to argue, and she realized she didn’t really want to protest. She liked the way Dani took charge and made her feel sought after. Carmen could over think it all she wanted, but the truth was that part of the reason she’d asked Dani to come to her parents was to give them a chance to have some uninterrupted alone time without the distractions of real life.

Carmen melted into the kiss, reaching up to fist her hands in Dani’s hair. Dani’s tongue trailed across her jaw and down her neck while her hands gently caressed her hips. The feel of her fingers on bare flesh as Dani pushed her sweatshirt up had Carmen’s temperature rising. Her mind was racing as she looked past Dani to the twin size bed that was perfectly made by her mother.

“Hey, uh we should get downstairs,” she whispered between ragged breaths as Dani’s hands continued to caress her skin. “My mom is expecting a snowman before dinner.”

“Okay.” Dani let her go and stepped back so she could move. “I’ll meet you out back in a few.”

Carmen nodded, her breath coming in short gasps, and exited the room quickly before Dani had a chance to change her mind about letting her go so easily. She slipped into her own room and threw herself onto the bed. “Oh Goodness,” she whispered to the air. “What is happening to me?”

* * * *

Dani sat down at the table next to Carmen. They’d spent hours playing outside building a huge snowman, followed by a snowball fight which she’d won. Though it had been tons of fun, she was thankful to rid herself of the chill with a hot shower and dry clothes. Now as Carmen’s mother sat the last bowl of food on the table, Dani realized just how hungry she was, too.

“Did that hurt?” Carmen’s brother Leo was pointing to her nose.

“Leo, don’t be rude,” Carmen’s father scolded.

Dani laughed. “It’s okay Mr. Hart.” She looked across the table at the boy who didn’t have one facial feature that matched up to Carmen’s. “No, it didn’t hurt.” She reached up touched the little diamond on her nose. “My belly button, well that one stung a little.”

Leo’s eyes went wide at the mention of her belly button which was completely covered, leaving all thought to his imagination alone. Carmen kicked her lightly under the table, a warning she assumed to change the conversation to something more appropriate and she had to stifle a giggle. Leo continued to stare throughout dinner, his high school aged baby face full of curiosity, and Dani figured she would probably be questioned more later when the parental figures weren’t present.

“Dani and I will clean up the kitchen,” Carmen volunteered. Her mother attempted to protest, but Carmen assured her they would be quick. “We’ll be done before anyone misses us.”

Though she didn’t look happy that a guest in her house was on clean up duty, Carmen’s mother smiled and went to sit by the fire with her husband. Carmen tossed a dish towel at Dani and began drawing water in the sink. Leo, Dani noticed right away, was hovering in the doorway.

“Leo” Carmen started without even turning around. “Go away.”

“But I just wanted to talk.” He frowned. “You don’t come home very often you know.”

“Please.” Carmen laughed. “You don’t want to talk to me. You want to try to hit on Dani.”

Leo cringed, his cheeks turning a bright crimson proving he was caught in his real intentions. Dani turned around so he couldn’t see her laughing and stared out the small window at the snowman that was illuminated by the moon’s glow across the lawn.

“Just one question?” Leo asked a huge grin on his baby face.

Carmen pulled the hose from the sink and turned it on him. Leo put up his hands and retreated out of the room. “Were you really going to hose him?” Dani asked curiously.

“If he didn’t move from that doorway I would have.” Carmen squeezed the hose and sprayed Dani lightly with water.

Without missing a beat, Dani reached into the sink and pulled up a handful of bubbles and rubbed them in Carmen’s face. She grabbed the hose before Carmen could spray her again and placed it back in the holder on the sink. Carmen was laughing so hard she snorted and that sent them both into another wave of laughter.

Dani noticed the mistletoe hanging above the kitchen doorway and couldn’t resist temptation. She darted across the tiles, pulling Carmen along with her. “Look up,” she whispered.

Carmen did and frowned. “My parents are right in the other room, and my brother could be lurking anywhere.”

Dani moved closer and placed her hand on Carmen’s lower back, pulling her closer so their bodies were tight against each other. “This won’t take long.” She leaned down and pressed her lips firmly on Carmen’s, happy that when she pulled back Carmen was smiling, at least until her brother rounded the corner.

“Leo.” She pushed away from Dani quickly. “Um, this is not what it looks like.” Carmen ran a hand through her short hair, completely flustered.

Leo stood watching carefully, but said nothing. “Hey, Sis, whatever you’re into is cool with me.”

“Please don’t tell Mom and Dad.” Carmen was obviously frazzled, and though Dani wanted to comfort her she knew it wasn’t the time to even attempt to make contact again. “Please.” She heard her ask her brother again.

“Its okay, Carmen. I won’t say anything.” Leo moved closer and put his arm around her. “Ugh, you are such a pig.” Carmen shoved him away with a smile on her face.

Dani wasn’t sure what to say, but knew she needed to be a little more careful since they were in Carmen’s parents house. No matter how wound up she was inside, things with Carmen were finally moving in the right direction and she didn’t want to ruin anything between them by letting her sexual needs get them into trouble.

“Are you guys done yet?” Carmen’s mother yelled from the sitting room. “We have a surprise for you.”

“Presents.” Leo grinned. “It is Christmas Eve you know.” He sped off in the direction of the sitting room leaving Carmen, whose entire face had taken on a deep crimson color, to turn and stare at Dani.

“I’m sorry.” Dani moved closer, but Carmen kept distance between them. “Carmen.” She reached out and pulled Carmen into a hug before she had another chance to move further away. “I wasn’t thinking.”

“Dani, I like you a lot,” Carmen began. “And I like what is happening between us, but I’m really confused right now about David and what I want.” She looked up into Dani’s eyes. “I know how you feel about me, but you have to give me a chance to see how I truly feel about you without so much pressure.”

You have no idea how I feel about you, Dani thought but didn’t say. Instead, she simply nodded and motioned for Carmen to lead the way to her parents. They could talk more later, after everyone else was sleeping.

Chapter Fifteen

Carmen couldn’t sleep, her body was tired but her mind was stuck in over thinking mode. She still couldn’t believe the way her relationship with Dani had gone from an innocent friendship to a lustful crush, if that was what she could call it. Dani was amazing, beautiful, and they were good together, but Dani was female and that was one of the main reasons holding her back from fully indulging in what she knew Dani wanted to do.

Now that her brother had seen them kiss in the kitchen, she was also filled with worry of what he would expect in return for his silence. Leo had never been known to do anything nice for her without cost. She hoped she could fill whatever order he gave, regardless of how tall it was. There was no way she wanted to break the news to her parents during the holidays that she might be bisexual. Her mother might understand, mothers tending to be the more accepting parent, but she wasn’t ready to risk ruining Christmas.

The truth was that she wasn’t one hundred percent sure how she felt about anything happening in her life. Though things with David hadn’t been good, there was still a small part of her that hoped he wasn’t cheating and they could get past her doubt in him. She did love him, even though the past few months had been ones filled with loneliness and hurt. He was her first real love, and she did hope they could get back to normal, back to happy.

Another part of her wished he was being unfaithful so she could be with Dani. They were good together, and if David was cheating it gave her a solid reason to leave that didn’t make her look like the bad guy. In her mind, Dani was a friend who she cared about and sometimes kissed, but it she didn’t even know Dani’s intentions and could be reading into that situation all wrong. She had a lot to think about.

Carmen ran her hands through her hair and shook her head. She needed some sleep before the house exploded with people the following day for her mother’s famous Christmas dinner. She slid off her bed and crept downstairs to make some hot tea in the hopes that it would help to relax her.

While the kettle perked on the stove she glanced at the mistletoe in the doorway. Her lips began to tingle as she thought of Dani’s pressed against hers and how she was swept up in the moment until Leo interrupted. A shiver weaved its way into her spine as the kettle whistled to signal it was finished. Carmen quickly removed it from the heat and poured the hot water into her mug. She tossed in a tea bag and stirred fiercely with her spoon.

She reached the top of the stairs, mug in hand and noticed Dani’s door was slightly ajar. Walking past, Carmen stopped outside her own door and backtracked to peer through the crack in Dani’s. Dani was squatting with her back to the door in a Yoga pose wearing nothing but purple panties and a tight t-shirt. Carmen should have walked away, but found herself frozen in place.

“Nice view,” Leo whispered from behind her and Carmen had to stop herself from freaking out and dropping the mug.

Whirling around to face him, Carmen gritted her teeth. “You stupid jerk. You scared me half to death.” She punched him in the shoulder and tried to once again relax.

“I want to talk to you for a minute.” There it was, exactly what Carmen had been waiting for from her brother. It was time to make a deal for his silence.

“Okay.” She moved quietly away from Dani’s door, sat her mug on the floor, and entered her brother’s room ready to face whatever he threw at her.

“Shut the door.” Leo sat on the bed and pushed back against the pillows. Carmen closed the door quietly and turned to face him with fear in her heart. “What’s the deal with your friend?”

“What do you mean?” Carmen kept her face straight.

“You know exactly what I mean.” Leo sat up straighter on the bed. “Are you guys a couple? Is that why you cut all your hair off, and she came with you instead of David this year?”

Carmen laughed. “No. We’re just friends, and David didn’t come because he has work.”

“Didn’t look like you were just friends in the kitchen or just now when you were watching through the crack in the door.” Leo grinned and Carmen frowned. “Look, it’s me Carmen. You can be honest.”

“Ugh.” Carmen sat on the edge of her brother’s bed. “It’s complicated.”

“Well, if you aren’t interested in her that way, how about putting in a good word for me.” Leo wiggled his eyebrows.

“Leo, little brother, not happening.” Carmen laughed. “You’re not her type.”

“Well, why don’t we go ask her and just see?” He made a move to get off the bed but Carmen pushed him back down.

“No.” She was getting mad. “Leave her alone, Leo. She’s a guest in this house.”

“Fine, whatever.” Leo stuck out his tongue. “What’s up with you and David?”

“I don’t know.” Carmen put her face in her hands and lowered her head to look at the floor. “Things aren’t what they used to be. He works all the time and I came home from work early one day and there was a girl in my house.”

“So you think he’s messing around?” Leo looked upset.

“I’m not sure. He’s just never home anymore and when he is, he sleeps.” Carmen’s shoulders slumped. “All we do is fight.”

Leo sat up and scooted closer. “If there’s anything I can do, like beat the tar out of him, just let me know.” Carmen laughed and he hugged her. “Go to bed. You look tired, and don’t worry I won’t say anything in front of Mom and Dad about your friend, but Carmen whether you will admit it to me or not, you are totally crushing on her.”

Carmen hugged him. “I don’t know what’s going on inside me right now. I appreciate your willingness to keep this all between us until I figure it all out.”

She closed the door quietly, picked up her tea and slipped into her room. “Did you have a nice chat with your brother?” Dani’s voice came from the darkness causing her to nearly drop her mug for the second time since she’d brought it upstairs.

Carmen flicked on the light and found Dani sitting cross legged in the middle of her bed. “You scared the shit out of me.” She sat the mug on her dresser and frowned. “I’m not fond of being snuck up on.” Dani, she noticed, hadn’t bothered to put pants on before coming into her room.

Dani laughed. “I was hardly sneaking. I walked right into your room. You just weren’t here to see me do it.”

Carmen tried to stay angry for the invasion of privacy, but couldn’t. The look Dani was giving her made it very hard to even keep a straight face. She sat the mug on the night stand and flopped down on the bed, laying her head on Dani’s shoulder.

“My brother is acting so weird.” She sighed, and Dani put an arm around her shoulders while her fingers gently caressed her arm. “He’s never been this nice to me. I just know something is up.”

“Or maybe he’s just growing up.” Carmen shook her head and Dani laughed. “Yeah, probably not.” Dani squeezed her tighter. “Look, don’t let it bother you.”

“That’s easy for you to say, he’s not your brother.” Carmen slid from Dani’s grasp and threw herself back against the pillows. She closed her eyes and breathed in deep. She felt Dani move off the bed and opened her eyes when she heard the lock click on the door. “What are you doing?” Sitting up on her elbows, Carmen looked at Dani who was approaching the bed again with a wicked grin on her face.

“I’m giving us some guaranteed privacy. I’ve needed to talk to you since the night David came home sick at your apartment.” Dani crawled back on the bed and slid beside Carmen. “I know you don’t need pressure right now and that’s not what I’m trying to do, but you need to know how I feel about you.”

Carmen felt her stomach muscles tightening. She wasn’t sure she could handle what Dani was about to tell her, and she had a feeling she wasn’t going to sleep anytime soon. “I know how you feel about me. You’ve made it pretty clear with your actions lately,”she whispered. “I’m not sure you actually need to say it.”

“Then I won’t talk.” Dani turned and grabbed Carmen by the hips, pulling her down on the bed so she could straddle her. Dani kissed her, the passion evident. Carmen sucked in her breath, but didn’t pull away. Though the kiss took her a little off guard, Dani’s lips were soft and warm and she couldn’t stop herself from giving in.

“Words are so overrated,” Carmen whispered. She wrapped her arms around Dani’s neck and pulled her closer. The feeling of the other woman’s body pressed against her own sent chills up Carmen’s spine, and she ran her fingers across the back of Dani’s neck as their tongues played a heated game of tug of war between parted lips.

“Dani, wait.” She grabbed Dani’s hair and pulled lightly. “Dani, I can’t do this.”

Dani lifted her head and Carmen saw her eyes were a little on the cold side. “Why?”

Carmen sighed. “I don’t know. It just doesn’t feel right here in my parent’s house.”

“That’s what makes it more exciting.”Dani smiled. “You know exactly how you feel about me Carmen, what you want, but you’re fighting it.”

“No, I...” Carmen paused. “I like this.” She motioned to the two of them. “What’s happening inside me is just so confusing.”

“I want you, Carmen.” Carmen bit her lip. “Tonight, just let me show you what being with me is like.” Carmen squirmed beneath her. “I promise, if it’s not enjoyable for you, we’ll remain friends and I’ll never cross the line again.”

Carmen wasn’t sure how to respond. She wanted to fight off the feelings that were surging through her at the thought of getting naked with Dani, but she couldn’t. The cold hard truth was that she was entirely curious about how it would feel. If Dani wanted one night to show her what she was all about, then Carmen would grant her one chance to prove that a woman could love her just as strongly as a man.

“Okay,” Carmen whispered.

* * * *

Carmen’s agreement was all Dani needed to move forward. She wasn’t entirely sure how she would have reacted if Carmen had actually said no. She liked to think they would have hugged, she’d have gone to bed frustrated, and that they’d pick up their friendship the next day like normal, but she wasn’t so sure it would have gone as smoothly as that.

Being in Carmen’s parent’s house made things a little complicated. Though she wanted to get hot and heavy and make her scream, she knew it was best to move slow and easy, let her feel without waking the entire house up. She was confident that this wouldn’t be their only time together, at least all her other lovers always came back for more.

Dani cupped Carmen’s face with her hands and started again with her lips, gently pulling on the bottom one with her teeth. “Take off your shirt,” she whispered, changing positions to allow Carmen to sit up.

“I’m not wearing anything under it.”

Dani could hear the nervousness in Carmen’s voice. She brushed her hand down Carmen’s cheek. “That’s kind of the point.”

Carmen blushed, but reached down and grabbed the hem of her shirt, slowly pulling the cotton material up and over her head. Her breasts were perky and the taut nipples made Dani’s mouth water with instant need. She pushed Carmen back against the pillows with her hands and straddled her body once more, dipping her head down to tease a nipple with her tongue.

Dan felt Carmen shudder and took more of her breast in her mouth, licking and sucking harder until she felt Carmen arching off the bed. She replaced her mouth with her hands as she trailed kisses down Carmen’s stomach, her mouth worshipping every inch of bare skin. When her tongue slid below Carmen’s belly button, Carmen grabbed her hair and pulled hard.

“Wait,” Carmen breathed. “I’m not ready for that.”

Dani didn’t argue. Instead she lifted up enough to remove her own shirt and then slid her body along Carmen’s, feeling her own excitement increase as her bare breasts brushed against Carmen’s warm skin. She pressed her mouth hard against Carmen’s lips and swallowed her moan.

Dani slid a hand between their bodies and cupped Carmen’s pussy, rubbing gently against her pants.

“Help me get these off,” she said between kisses.

Carmen lifted up off the bed and allowed Dani to slide her pants down and toss them on the floor. Dani’s hand found her pussy again and stroked her fingers up and down the thin material of her silken panties until she could no longer stand it.

“Dani,” Carmen breathed.

“Yes?” Dani asked as she moved to slowly slide Carmen’s panties down.

“I…” Carmen began but didn’t finish as Dani’s tongue took its first taste of her wetness. “Oh.”

Dani grabbed Carmen’s ass and squeezed while her tongue continued to lick and tease Carmen’s clit. She feasted upon the other woman’s arousal in slow motion, taking her time to savor each moan and sigh of pleasure Carmen released.

“Dani,” Carmen whispered. “Mmmm.” Carmen began to rock her body, and Dani could tell from the high pitch of her voice it wouldn’t be long before she hit her first orgasm.

Dani pushed two fingers inside and pressed deep. She continued to caress her clit slowly with her tongue. Glancing up long enough to notice Carmen’s hands were fisted in the bed sheets, Dani wanted to take Carmen over the edge, to feel her cum against her fingers, warm and wet.

She sat up so she could push deeper and faster as Carmen rocked her hips back and forth in perfect rhythm. Carmen’s eyes were closed and she was gently biting her lip. The sight of it made Dani’s heart race. She reached out, using her free hand to rub Carmen’s breasts which was just enough to send her over the first peak.

To stifle the moan caused by her orgasm, Carmen put the back of her hand to her mouth. She continued to rock against Dani’s hand slower and slower until Dani slid her fingers out and sat back to drink in Carmen with her gaze.

“You’re beautiful,” she told Carmen before bending down to kiss her gently on the lips. “Do you want me to stop?”

“There’s more?” Carmen asked, the shock in her voice evident to them both.

“I am far from finished with you.” Dani smiled. “But only if you want me to keep going.”

Carmen pushed herself up, and put her arms around Dani’s neck, pulling her down until she fell on top of her, their bodies pressed tightly together. Carmen took her lips and Dani could feel the heat behind it which told her Carmen was more than willing to have another round with her.

Chapter Sixteen

The house was filled with every good smell possible as Dani made her way down for breakfast. Despite the late hour she finally fell asleep in the guest room, she was totally refreshed and ready to start the day with Carmen and her family. As she turned the corner to enter the kitchen a hand shot out and pulled her into what she first thought was a small closet.

The soft click of the door being locked was all she heard before hands fisted tightly into her hair, pushing her back against what felt like a washing machine. She recognized Carmen’s soft vanilla scent as lips met in the dark. She wrapped her arms around Carmen’s waist and deepened the kiss.

“Good morning,” Carmen whispered pulling back briefly. She ran a hand gently up Dani’s cheek and cupped her face before taking her lips again.

“Good morning,” Dani said, unsure what to think about Carmen’s sudden change in behavior. It was wild and totally unlike her. “Why are we hiding out in here?”

“House is full of family already. I needed a moment, and I wanted to spend it alone with you.” Carmen moved closer and rubbed her body up against Dani seductively.

“If you continue to do things like that, we are going to spend much longer than a moment in here,” Dani said, once again wrapping her arms around Carmen’s small frame and holding her tight. “I wouldn’t complain, but your family might wonder where we’ve disappeared to.”

Being so close to Carmen in the dark room had Dani’s mind reeling with a million dirty thoughts all at once. It would be so easy to rip her pants off, sit her on the washing machine, and go down on her. She knew people filled the kitchen, just a few steps away, and that made doing it even more risky. Dani’s body trembled with anticipation as she grabbed Carmen’s hips.

“What are you doing?” Carmen asked as Dani lifted her up to sit on the washer. There was no hesitation as Dani grabbed the waist of her cotton pants and pulled them off in one swift motion, taking her silken panties with them. “Dani?”

Dani wanted to feel her breasts in her hand and pulled Carmen’s shirt over her head and tossed it on the floor with her pants. She moved her hands up Carmen’s stomach in slow motion, and was surprised to have her fingers brush against bare skin letting her know Carmen had neglected to put on a bra when she got up. The realization increased her need to touch and taste. Carmen leaned back on her hands, pushing her chest up to give Dani easier access, and Dani didn’t hesitate to move her body in between Carmen’s legs to feast upon the small mounds.

“What if someone tries to come in here?” Nervousness was evident in Carmen’s voice when she spoke, but Dani didn’t stop. There was no time to give into the fear of being caught; she was already swept up in the moment.

She swirled her tongue against Carmen’s nipples and felt the wetness of her own desire pooling between her legs. Hands took over where her lips left off on Carmen’s breasts, and as her thumbs caressed the taut peaks, her tongue trailed down Carmen’s stomach slowly. Every shiver and excited tremor vibrated against her lips as she continued to tease Carmen’s skin.

The sudden jerk of her hair being pulled as her tongue slid below the belly button had Dani looking up to find Carmen gazing down at her lustfully. “We should take this upstairs.”

“I like you right here,” Dani purred. She grabbed Carmen’s ass, sliding her tongue down lower and smiled when she felt Carmen’s body shiver from her touch. A soft moan escaped Carmen’s when she swirled her tongue slowly against her clit.

The sound of kids running in the hall outside the door was distracting and Dani knew they didn’t have all the time in the world to spend in the laundry room. It was a bit disappointing knowing she couldn’t thoroughly love Carmen’s body the way she wanted to, but she could still give her a mind blowing orgasm.

Dani slid her tongue down further and took a risk by licking Carmen’s ass which earned her another hard hair pull as Carmen sat up further on the washer. “Sorry.” The fear on Carmen’s face showed clearly and Dani figured venturing to that area would be for another time. She quickly retreated back to Carmen’s pussy, sucking on her clit while inserting two fingers deep inside her warm, wet flesh.

A sigh escaped Carmen’s as she lifted her hips higher to take Dani deeper. The need to remove her own pants and stroke herself was hard to resist, but Dani focused on pleasing Carmen and pushed her own needs aside. They could be sated later in the guest room with the toy she’d packed in her bag.

The sound of rapid breathing mixed with a few soft moans filled the silence in the small room, all sound from beyond the closed door forgotten. The speed of Carmen’s hips rocking against her hand increased and knowing she was on the verge of climax, Dani pressed deeper and harder against her core. Carmen shifted, her scream stifled by the arm she’d placed in her mouth, as Dani took her over the final edge of release.

One last lick to savor the flavor of Carmen’s climax and Dani came up to kiss her lips. She wrapped her arms around her waist and helped Carmen get down off the washer on shaky legs.

“I need a moment to get myself together,” Carmen whispered. “I bet I look a mess.”

Dani pulled her close and kissed her gently. “You look beautiful.” She squeezed Carmen’s still bare ass before bending down to pick up her clothes off the floor. “Merry Christmas.”

“I think that’s the best Christmas present anyone’s ever given me.” Carmen giggled, laid her clothes up on the dryer and pulled Dani close.

“Carmen, if you don’t stop touching me while you’re naked, I’m not going to be able to stop myself from taking you again.” Though Carmen probably thought she was joking, Dani was dead serious. Feeling Carmen’s naked flesh pressed against the thin material of her own pajamas was almost too much to bear.

While Carmen dressed, Dani cracked the door and took the opportunity of an empty hallway to come out of the room. She slipped into the kitchen where Carmen’s mother greeted her with a hug and began introducing her to the friends and family who were spread around helping to cook. She felt a little overwhelmed as she grabbed a mug of coffee and patiently waited for Carmen to emerge and rescue her.

* * * *

The dinner dishes were stacked on the kitchen counter in neat piles. Containers full of leftovers filled the rest of the empty space on the bar, sealed tight with lids or covered with aluminum foil. As the last guest was being walked to the door, Dani stared out the patio doors in the kitchen at the snowman still standing tall in the backyard. It was a very overwhelming day for her, not being used to spending the holidays surrounded by so many people, but it had been enjoyable.

Dani was deep in thought and didn’t hear Carmen come into the room. “Don’t worry. Leo has clean up duty tonight.” Dani’s jacket was pushed into her hand as Carmen’s arm wrapped around her from behind. “He’ll probably get out of it because Mom is picky about her special dishes, but it’s tradition to make him think he has to do it.”

Dani turned and smiled, holding her jacket up with a questioning stare. “What’s this for?”

“Let’s go for a drive.” Carmen zipped up her jacket and stood smiling. “I love to ride around and look at all the Christmas decorations.”

“Okay, but I’m driving.” Dani slid her arms into her jacket and grabbed Carmen’s hand, lightly squeezing before letting it drop back to her side. “I just have to run up and get my keys.”

Tossing a set of keys into Dani’s hand, Carmen giggled. “I knew you’d want to drive.”

“You did, did you?” A warm feeling spread throughout her knowing they were getting close enough that Carmen was comfortable with making assumptions. It was a new sensation for Dani to be willing to let that happen, normally this would be the point in a relationship where she would decide to bow out. Commitment was not her forte, but Carmen was different, special.

“I’m learning,” Carmen shot back with the same playful tone. “Don’t look so surprised, you’re not that hard to read.”

“Oh yeah?” A wicked grin graced Dani’s lips. “What am I thinking now?”

“That if I don’t get my ass moving in about three seconds, we’re not going to make it out of the house tonight.” Carmen laughed as Dani tapped her on the rear and led the way outside.

The night sky was clear and full of stars as they climbed into the jeep. “Maybe we should have warmed it up first?” Carmen’s teeth chattered as she pulled gloves from her pocket and put them on.

Dani did the same. Once her hands were tucked securely in the black fabric, she put the key in the ignition and fired up the jeep. Dani drove slowly and watched Carmen’s face light up at each house’s decorations. Almost every one they passed on the street was adorned in a colorful display of lights and yard ornaments, and she wondered if there wasn’t a little neighborly competition to be the most elaborate house on the block.

“I’ve done this every Christmas since I can remember.” Turning her face from the window, Carmen smiled. “When we were kids, my dad would drive us all around town like this. It’s so beautiful around here this time of year.”

“You sound like you really miss it around here.” Dani wanted to learn a little more about Carmen’s plans for the future and had a few questions she wanted to put out there. “Would you move back here, after college?”

Carmen frowned and rubbed her hands together. “I don’t know. I’d like to come back here one day. It’s so quiet, all the people are friendly and the schools are some of the best in the country, but David wants to live in the city.”

Dani gripped the steering wheel tightly in an attempt to keep her temper in check and focused on the road ahead and tried to keep her voice normal. “Why is your entire life based around what David wants?” She turned to meet Carmen’s eyes. “Have you ever really asked yourself when it’s your turn to get what you want, what you need?”

“We should probably head back.” Carmen avoided her questions and she saw a glint of moisture in Carmen’s eyes as she responded. “We need to start packing for the drive back tomorrow.” Carmen continued, but Dani wasn’t letting the conversation die so easily.

Dani pulled into a small park and found a well hidden spot surrounded by trees at the back of the parking area and killed the engine. “What we need to do is talk about this. We can pack later.”

Carmen fidgeted in the seat, looking out the window refusing to look at her. It didn’t matter how long it took, Dani was determined she was going to get some answers before the night was through. She needed to know if what Carmen was looking for was obtainable or if it was time to bow out of the game gracefully.

Dani reached out and touched Carmen’s cheek gently. “I want to know what makes you happy, what you want from life.” And if I can give it to you. Carmen continued to look out the window, and Dani wasn’t sure if Carmen was ignoring her or just being stubborn about talking. She cupped Carmen’s face with her hands and gently pulled, forcing Carmen to look at her. “I know you have a big heart, but it can’t always be about everyone else. You have to make yourself happy, too.”

“I’m really a simple person.” Carmen reached up and removed Dani’s hands from her face, turning her body so she was more comfortable in the seat. “I want a quiet office working at a small accounting firm, a little house that I can decorate any way I want, and someone to come home to every day that makes me smile.” Carmen slumped her shoulders and let out a small sigh.

“That’s not much to ask for.” Dani smiled and picked up her hand and squeezed.

“I could have that office after graduation if I moved back here. I might not be able to buy the house right away, but there are some cute ones for rent near my parent’s place.” Carmen stared out the front window of the jeep, deep in thought and Dani didn’t want to interrupt her. “I used to have someone to come home to that made me smile. David was so full of life and love for me. Now, I really just don’t know him anymore at all.”

“You sound like you’ve made up your mind about him.” Though inside she was screaming, yes, yes, yes, Dani kept her face sincere.

“I’ve never been a quitter, but things have gone from bad to worse lately.” Carmen glanced out the window and sighed again. “Now, with not knowing if he’s lying or not about that girl, I just don’t think I can be with him anymore.”

Inside, Dani’s heart was threatening to beat out of her chest. She could almost feel Carmen’s heart breaking, but the news was good for her. It meant there was a chance they could start building something very real together, and sooner than she had anticipated.

Unable to stop her mouth from opening, Dani blurted, “I have that extra bedroom at my house, two actually if you ever need a place to go.” It was the first time she’d ever opened her house as an option for someone else. It felt strange, yet exhilarating all at the same time.

“You would let me stay with you?” Underlying tones of shock were evident in Carmen’s voice. Leaning over she kissed Dani’s lips. “I wouldn’t invade your space, but the offer means more to me than you can know.”

“I’m serious,” Dani heard herself say. “My door is always open for you.”

Carmen scooted closer and cupped Dani’s face, kissing her lips softly. “How alone do you think we are out here?”

Dani raised her eyebrow and looked into a pair of brown eyes full of desire. “No one would see a thing.”

“Good,” Carmen purred. “Now, how far do these seats lie down?”

Chapter Seventeen

Carmen found the feeling of being in charge very exhilarating. It felt good to take control and be the one to initiate a sexual encounter. For the second time that day, she’d taken Dani by surprise with her spontaneity. Carmen could try to blame her sudden change in behavior on the magic of Christmas still floating in the air around them, that would be easy, but she knew better. The changes she was going through were caused by Dani being in her life, and it was a good thing.

Carmen found the knob on the side of the seat and pulled hard. The seat slammed back, throwing her back into a laying position. “Well, that answers my question.” She laughed, stretching her arms out above her head.

Dani didn’t miss a beat and quickly climbed over the center console to cover her body in one swift motion. Lips met in a heated rush, tongues sliding together in a seductive dance as the moon cast its silvery glow through the windshield. Carmen arched up and bent her left leg so she could firmly press her body tighter against Dani’s.

Dani grabbed her ass and ground hard between her legs sending chills across every inch of Carmen’s skin. Carmen wished she’d worn a skirt instead of her jeans and was anxious to feel Dani’s tongue stroke her bare pussy. Slowly, with skilled hands, Dani unzipped her jacket and flung it to the back seat of the jeep. With it out of the way her fingers could caress the skin of Carmen’s back as she reached beneath her shirt to undo her bra.

Dani removed her own jacket and sat as best as she could on her knees, still straddling Carmen on the jeep seat. “This is never going to work, but I have an idea.”

The door of the jeep opened, cool air rushing in as Dani slid out into the night. Carmen sat up and wrapped her arms around herself to attempt to eliminate some of the chill.

“Don’t worry, baby.” She heard Dani’s voice from the rear of the jeep as she the hatch was opened. “It’ll only be cold in here for a minute.”

Carmen turned to sit with her knees in the seat and tried to see what Dani was up to. “What are you doing back there?”

The rustling of Dani tossing things around was followed by the sound of the seat falling forward onto itself. “I’m making what we’re about to do much easier.”

Realization hit and a wicked grin spread across Carmen’s face. She stepped over the center console and crawled onto the newly fallen seat. She sat on her knees and helped Dani spread a blanket in the back of the jeep.

Dani latched the rear hatch from inside and turned to cup Carmen’s face. “Now, where were we?” she asked before taking Carmen’s lips, gently nipping the bottom one.

Carmen took the lead again, sliding her hands down and slipped them beneath the cotton shirt Dani was wearing. She gently brushed her fingers along the edge of Dani’s jean line before undoing the button and pulling the zipper down. As Dani’s tongue swirled against her neck, Carmen began moving the jeans slowly down her hips.

“You’re feisty tonight.” Dani’s breath was hot against her ear. “I like it.” Dani grabbed her wrists and pressed them against her sides, maneuvering her body until Carmen was staring at the roof of the jeep.

There was no time to think about how easily Dani managed to get the upper hand in the situation as Carmen’s pants were pulled off and tossed into the front of the jeep. Her pussy moist beneath the thin slip of red lace, Carmen sucked in a breath as Dani leaned down to kiss the skin just below her navel.

“How do you feel about toys?” Dani lifted her head to gaze over Carmen’s stomach and gently ran her fingers up and down her thighs waiting for an answer.

“Like sex toys?” Carmen was unsure where Dani was attempting to go with her questioning, and didn’t really know how much she wanted to indulge about her collection at home. “I’ve tried them a time or two.”

Carmen heard a familiar hum, and felt herself grow wetter with anticipation. As Dani ran the vibrator across her read end, her pussy became a blazing inferno of need. Wanting to feel the pulsation on her clit Carmen began removing her own panties.

“Anxious?” The sound of Dani’s voice was deep and husky, letting Carmen know she was fully aroused, too. “Tell me what you want, baby.”

Carmen kept silent, afraid of sounding stupid, as Dani took over, pulling her panties the rest of the way off. Dani wasted no time and pressed the vibrator to Carmen’s perineum. The sensation was more than stimulating, and as Dani moved it up and pushed gently inside her, Carmen arched off the seat.

It felt amazing as Dani teased her with quick strokes in and out, but nothing matched the sensation that surged through her when Dani pressed it to her clit.

“Oh.” An unfamiliar voice purred as wave after wave of pleasure rippled through her.

“Like that, do ya?” There was nothing mocking about Dani’s question, passion strong in her voice as she swirled the toy faster. “I want you to say my name when you come.”

“Mmm.” On the verge of climax, Carmen tried to hold back, not wanting Dani to think of her as poor sex partner. “Dani, I can’t take that much longer.”

“Let go, baby.” Dani slipped two fingers inside while the vibration poured through her. “I want to feel you come on my fingers.”

“Oh, Dani.” Climax took her and Carmen cried out, her body clenching tight around Dani’s fingers.

Carmen made no attempt to move until the last spasm subsided, and then lifted up on her elbows to find Dani staring at her, eyes full of heat.

Dani turned off the toy and tossing it onto the floor, before she finished removing her jeans and panties. She pressed Carmen back down against the seat and crawled on top of her, taking her lips. She took Carmen’s hand and moved it between their bodies, using it to spread her lower lips. Doing the same with her own pussy, she pressed their bodies tight, removed Carmen’s hand, and began rubbing hard against her.

Carmen felt the heat rise in her again, amazed at how quickly Dani could excite her senses. Everything she was experiencing was new, uncharted territory, and highly stimulating. Carmen gave into the sensations that were searing between her legs, meeting Dani’s rhythm by rolling her hips.

Carmen heard Dani’s breath coming in short, rapid wisps and knew she was enjoying every minute of their sexual encounter as much as she was. This only made Carmen’s own desire increase, and she sped up her pace, enjoying the feel of Dani’s pussy on her own. She grabbed Dani’s ass, fingers digging into her flesh, and pressed even harder against her.

“Mmm.” Carmen ran her hands down Dani’s back and dug her nails into her soft skin.

“Carmen, I want you to go over the edge with me.” Dani’s voice was barely a whisper, her breath hitching with each word.

“I’m coming,” Carmen cried out and Dani came with her. Wetness pooled between them in a heated rush, and Dani slowed her pace with each aftershock of pleasure until she lay still upon her.

“That was amazing.” Dani leaned up, Dani gently kissed her lips. “You are amazing.”

Breathless, unable to think straight, Carmen simply smiled.

***

“I want to make a stop before we get the whole way home.” Carmen’s voice was way too enthusiastic for the early morning hour. They’d left her parent’s house just after dawn on Friday morning to try to avoid as much congestion on the interstate as possible. Since Christmas fell in the middle of the week, they hoped most people would be staying to visit their families through the weekend, giving them less traffic to fight through. “There’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while now.”

Dani turned to look at Carmen, curiosity was written all over her face. “And that might be?”

“I want to get my eyebrow pierced.” Carmen giggled and pulled down the visor to look at herself in the mirror. “The question is which eyebrow would look better.”

“Do you really think going into your profession that would be the wisest choice for a piercing?” Dani wasn’t trying to sound like a parental figure, but Carmen was studying to be an accountant and Dani was pretty sure finding a job at a prestigious firm would be difficult with a facial piercing. Her nose ring was easy enough to remove, but an eyebrow ring would leave a scar behind. “Why not something a little more subtle and sexy, like your belly button?” Wiggling her eyebrows got a giggle out of Carmen from the passenger seat.

“You’re probably right.” Carmen sighed and looked out the window. “I will have to look professional, and if you think a belly ring is sexier, well that might have its own reward.”

Dani smiled and nodded. “I do.” She reached over to pick up Carmen’s hand and latched their fingers together. Dani was intrigued by the way it made her feel. “Now, why the sudden urge to pierce something?”

“I’ve always wanted to, and it’s the start of a new year in a few days.” Carmen shrugged and pointed to an exit up ahead. “Time to stop dreaming and start doing.”

Dani pulled off the exit and followed Carmen’s directions. They parked in front of a small diner. The food was greasy but good, and Carmen explained it was a favorite place to go whenever she was in the area.

“My mom used to get so mad when Grandpa Joe would bring Leo and I here as kids.” Carmen smiled.

“Why? The food is great and cheap.” Dani dipped a fry in ketchup before tossing it in her mouth. “What’s not to like?”

“Grandpa Joe always sugared us up before taking us back home.” Carmen laughed, clearly enjoying a memory. “Then Mom had to deal with us coming down off the high.”

“How did you guys get sugared up on burgers and fries?” Dani looked at Carmen with a raised brow.

Carmen flagged down the waitress and ordered something quietly. “First, Grandpa Joe always let us have cherry cola, the real kind with cherry syrup in it. Then we ate junk food, aka burgers and fries.” The waitress set down two pieces pie, and Carmen smiled as she motioned toward the plates. “But the best part was the chocolate pie he let us have for dessert.”

Dani picked up her fork and slipped a piece of pie into her mouth. It was definitely sweet, and she could understand Carmen’s mother’s distress of kids coming home after filling up on it. Savoring every bite, they sat together for another hour talking about their childhoods and enjoying the quiet of the small diner.

Carmen motioned for Dani to pull off at another exit on the interstate when they were almost home. After being taken through a series of twists and turns, Dani parked the jeep behind a building that looked like an art gallery.

“Where are we?” Dani was anxious to get home and a little frustrated with why Carmen felt the need to stop and look at paintings.

“The piercing studio.” Carmen beamed. “Better now than never.”

Dani laughed. “Well, lead the way then.”

Chapter Eighteen

Carmen knew David was at work, but slipped into the apartment quietly anyway. She couldn’t help feeling that it was a little disappointing David hadn’t made arrangements to be there to greet her, knowing she’d be arriving home early in the evening. It was almost as if he didn’t miss her at all, and the sting she felt inside was making it easier to finalize her decision to leave him.

Carmen was exhausted from the long drive home and just wanted to curl up in her own bed and sleep. She dropped her bags inside the door and slipped into the kitchen for a glass of water. Drinking slowly she noticed the fully decorated tree sitting in the corner of the living room beside the television. At least David made an effort for the holidays, but for who was the question. Certainly he wouldn’t have gone through all the trouble for just himself.

Frustrated, Carmen refilled her glass and walked to her bedroom slowly. She pushed the door open slowly, and went in, not bothering to turn on any lights. She sat the glass on the stand by the bed and turned to fall backwards on the bed. The pain of something hard poking her in the back was strong enough to have her sitting up and switching on the lamp.

In the middle of the bed sat a small wrapped box and a card with her name on it. She picked up the box and a lump of dread filled her heart. Ignoring the card, Carmen pulled the ribbon until it fell away from the package. She lifted off the lid, and nausea filled her stomach at the sight of the little velveteen box inside. She flipped the box upside down and the velvet covered box fell onto the bed. Bile rose in her throat as Carmen picked it up and flipped it open.

The diamond sparkled brightly even in the dim lit room. Tears filled Carmen’s eyes as her heart broke into a million pieces at the sight. She’d waited for almost two years for this moment, and now that it was here all she wanted to do was crawl into a hole. Things had changed and she no longer felt that what David was offering was right for her, but at the same time it made her sick to know she’d only hurt him with her answer.

She got past the initial shock and as she looked at the ring, Carmen realized David didn’t know her at all. The square cut diamond was beautiful, but it wasn’t at all fitting to her personality. She’d always expressed her interest in the classic style of a circular stone.

“Who leaves an engagement ring as a gift without proposing anyway?” Carmen said aloud to the empty room.

Carmen remembered the card and sat the open box on the bed so she could use both hands to open the envelope. A deep expression of love and devotion was written across the front, and inside David continued the sentiment in his own words. Though she knew he probably meant every word he wrote, it still didn’t change her mind.

Carmen curled into a ball, tears spilling down her cheeks, and cried herself to sleep.

* * * *

Carmen woke to the sound of someone rustling around in the kitchen. The smell of bacon sizzling was strong in the air as she sat up to stretch, thinking the previous night had been a dream until she saw the box which David moved to the stand beside the bed. She felt overheated suddenly and jolted from the bed, making it to the bathroom just in time to throw up.

She heard the loud thumping of David’s feet on the hardwood before he appeared in the doorway, and Carmen’s nerves took over. She wasn’t ready to face him, didn’t know if she ever really would be. With legs that felt like jello, she stood griping the sink for support.

“Are you okay?” David’s voice was full of worry. “You look really pale.”

Carmen wouldn’t meet his eyes, as she wiped her mouth on a towel. “I need to lie down. I’m going to go back to bed for a bit.”

David moved to help her, but she shied away from his touch, afraid that she would break if he continued to be nice. This was the old David, the one she fell in love with and she was fearful of falling for him again. Her stomach still a mess and her head spinning, Carmen made it back to bed. A quick glance at the clock told her she’d slept most of the day away. She closed her eyes and hoped when she opened them again things would be the way they were before she left for the holidays so she could justify her decision to move on.

Unfortunately, David didn’t give her much time to rest, entering the room less than a half hour later with a tray of hot coffee and dry toast.

“I thought you might want to start off with something light.” His smile was genuine, his eyes full of concern and Carmen felt the tears welling up.

“Thanks,” she managed to whisper, sitting up so he could place the tray around her on the bed.

“I see you got my present.” David glanced at the open box and looked at her face with a frown on hers. “You don’t like it,” he said flatly. “I told the jeweler it wasn’t the right one.”

“David.” Carmen reached to touch his shoulder. “It’s not the ring. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, evaluating our relationship, and I think you know this just isn’t working out anymore.”

David moved the tray to the floor and scooted closer on the bed to pick up her hand. “I know that I’ve been in my own little world for a few months now, that it seems like I’m never around, and I can only imagine what you’ve been thinking about where I’ve been.” He stroked her fingers gently. “I know things looked really bad the day you came home early and found Ellen here, but she truly just needed a ride.”

“David,” Carmen began, but he stopped her.

“I need to explain.” He waited until she sighed, and then continued. “I’ve been busting my ass working as many extra hours as Charlie would give me because I wanted to buy that for you without charging it to a credit card.” He pointed to the ring box.

“David, you didn’t have—” she tried again, but this time he put his finger to her lips.

“It’s not just the ring. I wanted to prove to them how dependable I was so they would allow me to move back to dayshift, knowing they could count on me if I had to pick up an extra shift or two sometimes to cover nights.” Carmen felt guilty for distrusting him and reached up to touch his hand that was still cupping her face. “I have to finish up this quarter on nights, but then I get to switch to days and we can get back to a normal routine.”

“David, that’s wonderful, but it doesn’t explain your attitude or how things have gotten so terrible between us.” Carmen frowned and brushed his hand away. “Changing shifts isn’t going to alter the distance that’s wedged its way into our life.”

“I know I’ve been a real jerk.” David attempted to touch her again and frowned when she dodged his fingers. “I have a lot to make up to you, and I’m trying. I haven’t just been busting my ass for the shift change, and I didn’t want to buy the ring outright so I wouldn’t have a bill, but because I needed a clean credit record.”

Carmen met his eyes with confusion in hers. “Why?”

A huge grin spread across David’s face, and Carmen saw the light shine behind his gray eyes. “I’m buying us a house. It’s a little cape cod, just past campus. It’s perfect for our first home.”

Carmen felt her chest tighten and laid a hand across her heart. “You’re buying a house?” She choked out.

“We’re buying a house.” David leaned in to kiss her lips, but she put up her hand to stop him.

“What?” There was an edge of anger to his voice as he sat back to look at her. “I’m trying to give you everything you’ve ever wanted, and you just keep pushing me away. I don’t understand.”

“You just don’t get it.” Carmen motioned for him to move and raced to the bathroom to throw up again. She felt overwhelmed, her mind racing as she tried to take in everything he’d just said to her.

“Are you pregnant?” She could hear the nervousness in David’s voice through the closed door.

“No,” she answered firmly. That would require you actually touching me she thought, but didn’t bother to say.

As she stood to wipe her mouth again, her t-shirt raised just enough to expose her newly pierced navel.

“When did you do that?” David’s eyes were wide as he glanced at the silver hoop.

“Yesterday.” Carmen felt weighed down and ran cool water on the towel, rubbing it on her face.

“I didn’t know you were into body piercings.” David sounded like he was upset and looked at the floor. “I’m really sorry I haven’t been around a lot lately. I guess I’ve been missing out.”

Carmen didn’t feel like having a conversation about her piercing or why she did it and attempted to move past him. “I need some air.”

David didn’t argue, and for that Carmen was thankful. She slipped on her jacket and grabbed her keys. Carmen left the apartment to go for a drive. She didn’t have a solid plan, but she always kept a fully packed overnight bag in her trunk.

* * * *

Glad to be settled after the long weekend with Carmen’s family Dani threw her laundry into the washing machine and switched it on. The trip had been more than enjoyable, but it was nice to be home, back to her bed and the quiet of being the only one in the house. She didn’t regret telling Carmen the door was always open, but a small part of her hoped their relationship wouldn’t come to that point too quickly. Mainly because she needed time to adjust to the fact that she loved someone enough to offer something so huge.

Dani knew Carmen was unhappy, but she also knew that leaving a long term relationship was hard. She didn’t anticipate Carmen running home to tell David it was over. In fact, she wasn’t even sure it would ever happen. The more time they spent apart, the better chance David had of winning her over again.

Still, getting used to the fact that she was openly pursuing someone, Dani flipped open her phone and looked at the picture Carmen’s mom took of the two of them by the Christmas tree. They were opposites where personality was concerned, Carmen being more reserved and Dani unable to control herself most of the time, but it worked. She slipped the phone back in her pocket and went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. The day was winding down, and before classes and work resumed at the end of the week, she wanted to spend the last few days of winter break relaxing.

Dani turned on the television and curled up on the sofa with an oversized fleece blanket and her coffee. It didn’t take Max long to find his way onto her lap, and as she flipped through channels he purred and snuggled against her.

Dani paused an old holiday film and rubbed behind the cat’s ears gently. “Did you miss me?” she asked him softly. “I missed you.”

Max looked up as if he understood, and Dani bent her nose down to touch his. “Isn’t this nice, Max? Just you and me and—” The sound of knocking stopped her midsentence. She looked at the cat, shrugged

Max mewed and hopped down to move toward the door. Dani sat her mug on the table and got up slowly, still wondering who might be calling at this hour. She took her time, wrapped in the blanket, and walked out in the hall to open the door just as the person on the other side knocked again.

“Lexi?” Dani looked at her friend with a questioning stare. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, that wasn’t exactly the reaction I was hoping for.” Lexi frowned and looked past Dani as if she were expecting someone else to appear in the hall. “Can I come in or should I leave?”

Dani stepped aside and motioned for Lexi to enter the house. She realized her original greeting might have come off rude, and softened her tone. “I’m not used to you just dropping by. Usually you call first.”

“I know.” Lexi moved closer, kissed her cheek, and smiled. “I came to town with some friends, and we were so close I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to see you. You left so suddenly the last time you were at my place, I thought we could try again.” She wrapped her arms around Dani’s neck and leaned in to hug her tight. Still confined beneath the oversized blanket, Dani loosely returned the gesture.

“Something’s different,” Lexi stated, pulling back to look closely at her. “What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing,” Dani lied, not wanting to indulge Lexi in her personal affairs. “I’m tired. I was just settling down to watch a movie.”

“Maybe I should call Tiff and tell her to swing back by and pick me up.” Dani knew Lexi was hinting around for an invitation to stay and she shook her head.

“No, hang out for a while.” Dani motioned to the kitchen. “Want something to drink?”

“No.” Lexi moved closer again, like a tiger stalking its prey. “I didn’t come here to watch a movie, or have a drink.” She leaned in and kissed Dani’s lips. “I came here to spend the night sharing your bed.”

The sexual attraction to Lexi was strong, always had been, and it was taking a lot for Dani to restrain herself from giving in. She thought of Carmen and the plans they’d made during their holiday together, and took a step back. Dani was unsure how to let Lexi down easy and without causing a fight, so she kept a good distance between them. “You’re welcome to stay and watch a movie, sleep in the guest room if you want, but that’s as far as tonight is going.”

Lexi looked as if Dani slapped her in the face, and could only stare at her. Something flashed behind her eyes and a huge grin spread across her face, confusing Dani. “Oh my God. You’re in love with someone.” Lexi laughed and put her hand on her stomach. “Who is she? Tell me everything.”

“Don’t be absurd, Lexi.” Dani knew the truth in her heart, but tried to laugh it off on the surface. “I’m incapable of loving someone else. I love myself too much, and you know I don’t like to share.”

Lexi raised an eyebrow. “You are full of shit, Dani. You’re totally head over heels for someone.” She crossed her arms over her chest, and continued to smile tauntingly. “Now, spill it. I want to know every dirty detail.”

“No. I’m simply winding down after a long weekend away from home.” Dani told lies she knew Lexi wouldn’t believe and yet she couldn’t stop herself.

“Please.” Lexi smiled and moved closer again and put her hand on Dani’s cheek. “It’s written all over your face.”

“I’m not in love with anyone, Lexi. I’m just tired.” Dani rubbed her temples, feeling the headache coming to the surface and looked at the floor.

“Then I’ll call your bluff.” Lexi moved with stealth speed and grabbed Dani’s hair, pressing their lips together savagely.

Dani pushed her away, on the verge of becoming angry. “Stop that.”

Lexi laughed. “Wow. I want to meet the girl who has you so wrapped up you’ve turned down an easy lay not once but twice now.”

“For the last time, there is no one.” Dani was frustrated, and shook her head. She looked up just in time to see Carmen standing in the open doorway and felt like an eighteen wheeler slammed into her chest. The look on Carmen’s face told Dani she’d heard enough of the conversation to be hurt and it made Dani feel like shit. The last thing she’d ever want to do was hurt her. “Carmen.”

“Not in love my ass.” Lexi said as Dani took off.

Chapter Nineteen

Carmen moved at full speed to her car while mentally scolding herself for being so daft. David was ready to give her everything she’d ever thought she wanted, and here she was running to someone else who couldn’t even admit they loved her. She knew Dani was right behind her, could smell her in the air, but Carmen refused to turn around as she reached for the handle on the car door.

“Wait.” There was sincerity in Dani’s voice as she placed her hands on Carmen’s hips from behind. “Let me explain.” Her voice was warm against her ear, and Carmen shivered in response to her touch. Carmen gripped the handle and began to pull it. “Please.”

“There’s nothing to explain,” Carmen whispered, still fully aware of the woman in Dani’s house who was probably watching them, and was angrier with herself than Dani. “It’s not like we’re a couple. You’re free to do whatever you want.”

“Carmen, I’m a very private person. I keep things to myself.” Dani lowered her voice to barely a whisper and Carmen found it hard to hear what she was saying. “I feel no need to tell Lexi about my personal affairs.”

“There’s nothing to tell anyway, right.” Tears filled Carmen’s eyes. “I’m sorry I came here tonight.”

“Please, don’t be that way.” Dani rubbed her hands up Carmen’s arms. “You know how I feel about you.”

“I thought I knew.” Carmen’s sighed and her shoulders slumped. “I should get back home to my fiancé.”

“Fiancé?” Carmen could hear the pain in Dani’s voice. Dani turned her body, forcing her to look her in the eye. “You’re engaged?”

“David asked me to marry him.” Carmen kept her answers short to avoid crying and glanced back toward the house to see if they were being watched, but the girl Dani called Lexi was nowhere to be seen. “I haven’t answered him, yet, but since I know now how you truly feel it makes my decision ten times easier.”

“Don’t.” Dani grabbed her face and kissed her lips. “Don’t say yes.”

“Why?” Unable to stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks, Carmen looked right in Dani’s eyes. “Give me one good reason to tell him no.”

“I don’t want you to get trapped in a marriage with a man who can’t give you everything you need.” Tears continued to spill down Carmen’s cheeks. “I think you deserve so much more than he can give you.”

“Is that all?” Carmen didn’t try to mask the hurt in her voice and reached for the door handle again. Her chest felt tight, and she needed to get away before she totally broke down.

“Carmen, I care about you.” Dani ran her hands down Carmen’s arms, attempting to soothe, but Carmen tensed from the anger building up inside her.

“Yes, Dani. I know you care about me.” She turned to face the woman she’d been willing to give up everything for and fought down the urge to lash out. “The problem is that I thought you felt the same way about me that I do you, but you don’t love me. You made that very clear.”

Dani pushed her back against the car door and cupped her face, kissing her tenderly. “Does that not feel like love to you?” Dani’s voice was a hoarse whisper, and though Carmen wanted to fight it, she gave into the kiss. “Isn’t it enough to feel it? Don’t marry David.”

“You say one thing Dani, but I heard you in there.” Carmen fought back the tears that were threatening to spill over again, this time in anger. “If you truly love me, you wouldn’t feel the need to lie about it to one of your old lovers. That’s what she is, right?”

“It’s complicated.” Dani looked toward the house.

“Not the right answer.” Carmen pulled her door open, but Dani stopped her from getting inside.

“Wait.” Dani tried to kiss her again, but Carmen pulled away, giving her no choice but to explain. “Yes, Lexi is an old flame, very old. We haven’t been together as a couple for years. She’s just a friend.”

“Obviously there’s still a connection there, Dani or you wouldn’t try to hide me from her.” Carmen pushed Dani away. “I really need to get going. I told David I was just going out to get some air.”

“Carmen, don’t leave like this.” Dani felt her own tears spilling down her cheeks.

“Dani.” Lexi’s voice was loud as she yelled from the porch. “Are we gonna watch a movie or what?”

Carmen motioned toward the porch. “Go spend some time with your friend.”

Dani glanced in Lexi’s direction briefly. “I didn’t know she was coming by. I was content spending my evening with Max.” Dani leaned down for one last kiss. “Call me when you get home. I need to know that you’re okay.”

Carmen nodded nonchalantly. “Sure.”

Carmen got behind the wheel, put on her seatbelt, and fired up the engine. A knock at the window had her pushing the button to bring it down. “One last thing.” Dani looked at her with loving eyes. “Don’t say yes.”

* * * *

Dani stood in the driveway until Carmen’s headlights were completely out of sight and ran her hands through her hair. Life was more complicated than ever, and for the first time since she’d chased Carmen outside, Dani felt the chill from the late night air. She folded her arms over each other and rubbed her hands up and down them as she headed back toward the house.

Dani picked the blanket up off the floor as she went inside and wrapped it tight around her body trying to chase away the cold. She heard Lexi humming in the kitchen, and moved in that direction to see what she was up to. Standing in the doorway, Dani watched as Lexi got down two mugs while a kettle of water perked on the stove.

“I thought you might need a little warming up,” Lexi said, turning her attention on Dani. “You still like extra marshmallows in your hot cocoa?”

Dani nodded and gave a half-hearted smile. Her original frustration of Lexi showing up out of the blue subsided, and she was glad she’d come by. As the whistle blew, Lexi picked up the kettle and filled their mugs. She stirred the cocoa slowly and raised an eyebrow in Dani’s direction.

“So, tell me about Carmen.” Lexi wrapped her free hand around Dani’s arm and led them both to the living room.

“How do you know her name?” Dani got comfortable on the sofa, curious.

“I have great ears.” Lexi winked and sipped her cocoa. “Tiff will be here in half an hour to pick me back up, so fill me in.”

“I don’t exactly feel comfortable talking to you about her.” Dani took a sip of her cocoa and frowned when the liquid burned her tongue.

“Please.” Lexi tapped Dani’s shoulder with her hand. “We were friends first, Dani. You can talk to me you know. I’m not the jealous type.”

Dani knew Lexi would badger her until she gave up some information, so Dani figured it might be time to share, to stop holding back. Maybe addressing how she was feeling out loud would even give her the answers she needed to outline what her next step with Carmen was going to be. She sat her mug down on the table and breathed out a small sigh.

“I can’t explain it.”

She got Lexi up to the most current events in her relationship with Carmen and then looked at her friend with sad eyes. “There is just something about her, and you know me.” She crossed her arms over her chest and settled back into the pillows on the sofa. “I’ve never wanted to settle down before. I’m not used to feeling this way. It’s scary.”

“I know. It’s not like you to turn down a hot roll in the bed.” Lexi laughed. “You sure you don’t want to sneak one last time in?”

Rolling her eyes, Dani tried to stifle a laugh. A horn honk from outside had Lexi up peeking out the window.

“That’s Tiff.” She rushed back to the sofa and hugged Dani tight. “I think it’s great you’ve found someone.” Lexi pulled back and looked Dani in the face. “Bad for me since I won’t be able to call you up for a booty call when I’m in the mood, but seriously Dani, I’m happy for you.” One last hug and she moved quickly toward the door. “Maybe we can do lunch or something.”

The door clicked as Lexi left the house and Dani sunk even deeper in the pillows. She’d anticipated a fight when she told Lexi they couldn’t sleep together. Instead she was greeted with happiness from the other woman, and that was something she hadn’t been expecting at all.

Still unsure what she was going to do, Dani turned the volume back up on the television. There was nothing like an old romance movie to stir up ideas in her head. With a couple finding a way through tragedy to be together, Dani slipped into a peaceful sleep with Carmen on her mind.

* * * *

Carmen pulled into the parking lot, and the first thing she noticed was David’s missing car. She glanced at the clock on the dashboard which told her it wasn’t time for him to be at work yet, and she felt a tightening in her stomach. She grabbed her purse and rushed upstairs to their apartment.

She opened the door hastily and noticed the missing Christmas tree right away. In the few short hours that she’d been out driving around, David had taken it down. A small tug of guilt pulled at her heart, knowing he’d only put it up for her to begin with, and he’d probably taken it down in anger.

Carmen dropped her purse on the sofa and walked through the kitchen toward the bedroom. Once there, she flipped on the light and was immediately stunned at how clean the room looked. Then her heart fell as she realized it was so organized because all of David’s things were gone. She rushed to the closet she flipped on the light, finding only her clothes remained.

Carmen dashed across the hall to the spare room where her fears were realized. The room was completely vacant. All his comics and collectibles were moved out. She trudged back across the hall, sat on her bed, and put her head in her hands. David was gone.

Her first instinct was to pick up the phone and call Dani, but Carmen knew that wasn’t her best option at the moment. She wasn’t entirely satisfied with how her visit had gone, and Dani was occupied with a friend. Plus, deep down she knew a small part of Dani would be glad he was out of the picture entirely, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to face that.

In her heart, Carmen knew she wanted things to end, but this wasn’t exactly how she had pictured it. A million thoughts began racing through her mind, like how she was going to afford the rent on her waitressing salary. She had enough savings to get through a few months, and after graduation she could go back home, but she didn’t want to deplete her bank account if she didn’t have to.

Carmen pulled her cell from her pocket and dialed David’s number. The phone rang until voicemail picked up. The sound of his voice brought tears to her eyes, and she tried to calm herself down enough to leave a message but was unsuccessful. When the phone beeped, she hung up. He’d see the missed call and if he returned her call, then they could talk. If not, she knew things were truly over between them.

She tossed the phone beside her on the bed. It seemed so ironic that she’d been planning to leave, but his leaving first left her feeling slightly broken. Carmen felt sick to her stomach. Thinking about being totally alone in the apartment was overwhelming and she felt the bile rising in her throat. She curled in a fetal position on the bed in the hopes the nausea would subside and forced herself to sleep.

Chapter Twenty

Dani drove to work and swore she saw David’s car parked in the motel lot off the main road in town, but he drove such a common vehicle she wasn’t one hundred percent the one she saw was actually his. She circled back around, unable to just let it go, and the comic lover bumper sticker proved the black sedan belonged to Carmen’s boyfriend. She parked her jeep beside his car and was struck by the fact that his entire backseat was filled with boxes, bags, and loose clothing. Red flags were waving everywhere around her, and Dani’s throat became dry as a desert.

She didn’t want him to come out of the motel and see her, even though she doubted he’d remember her, but Dani pulled out slowly and continued onto the antique shop. Roger was in a foul mood, but she brushed him off and started going through her opening procedures which mainly included getting the register ready for sales. She took her place on the stool behind the counter and sent Carmen a text asking if everything was okay.

Half an hour passed with no reply, which was unusual and Dani knew without a doubt something was very wrong. When Roger slipped into his office to run the morning paperwork, Dani picked up the shop phone and dialed Carmen’s number. It rang multiple times and finally voicemail picked up. She didn’t want to leave a message and hung up to try to focus on work.

By noon she was filled with worry to the point that her own stomach was a tangled mess of knots.

“What’s with you today?” Roger’s monotone voice came from behind her as she straightened a painted glass display. “You seem out of it.”

“I’m fine. Just a little worried about a friend.” She ignored the fact that he was still standing behind her and continued to clean in an attempt to keep her hands busy. “Do you mind if I take my lunch break soon?”

“No, go ahead.” Roger was watching her closely as she turned around to grab her bag. “Get yourself together before you come back. I can’t have you trying to sell stuff with that expression on your face all day.”

Dani hurried to the jeep. She had exactly one hour to get to Carmen’s, figure out what happened, and get back before Roger realized she was late. The need to fix things was just part of her nature and Dani sped down back roads to get to Carmen’s apartment as quickly as possible. With Carmen’s car parked in its normal spot, Dani attempted calling again as she climbed the stairs to the third floor.

“Carmen!” Dani beat on the door, refusing to leave until she saw Carmen and knew what was going on. “Carmen, open the door.”

The knob turned, and Dani heard the scrape of the chain being pulled from the lock before the door opened to expose a very red-eyed Carmen. Dressed in a baggy t-shirt and gaucho pants, her hair a frazzled mess on her head, Carmen looked like death worn over and Dani’s heart hurt just seeing the pained expression on her face.

“Can I come in?” Dani asked softly, barely restraining herself from grabbing Carmen and pulling her close.

Carmen stepped aside and motioned for her to enter the apartment. “David left me.” Tears filled her voice as she threw herself into Dani’s arms.

Dani squeezed her tight and was careful before responding. The last thing she wanted to do was say the wrong thing and have Carmen hate her for it. “I’m here.” She rubbed her arms up and down Carmen’s back while she shook from crying so hard. “Tell me what happened.”

“He was gone when I got home last night.” Carmen sounded awful, and was hard to understand between the uncontrollable sobs. “It’s not about him. I don’t want to be with him anymore, I realize that, but I didn’t want it to end like this, not with him hating me.” She clung tightly to Dani, the wetness from her tears pooling on Dani’s shoulders as her body trembled with each breath she took. “I don’t know what I’m going to do now.”

As thrilled as she was that David was out of the picture for the moment, Dani couldn’t help but feel awful. Change was never easy for anyone, regardless of who initiated it. “It’ll be okay, Carmen. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”

Carmen pulled away and flopped down on the sofa. “You don’t understand.” Tears still spilled down her cheeks. “I can get through the rest of this semester with what I have in savings, but after that…”

“Carmen, sweetheart.” Dani could feel her own heart breaking from Carmen’s agony and knew what she had to do. It was going to be a monumental moment for her. With clammy hands, she sat beside Carmen and picked up hers, latching their fingers together. “The offer to move in with me still stands. You don’t have to stay here by yourself, and you certainly don’t have to blow through your savings trying to keep this apartment.”

Carmen looked up, her cheeks bright pink and tear stained. “I couldn’t do that, Dani. I don’t make enough money to even cover half the rent somewhere.”

Dani brushed her thumbs across the tops of Carmen’s hands and smiled. “I own my house, Carmen. It was a gift from my parents when I graduated high school.” Carmen blinked back more tears. “My parents have more money than they know what to do with, and I wasn’t going to turn down free room and board, especially with no rules to follow.”

“But you’re graduating as soon as classes are over.” Carmen still looked baffled. “I have one more semester to go. Having me around, coming and going all the time would just be an inconvenience.”

Dani cupped her face and stared right in her eyes. “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to. Now, go pack a bag. You’re coming to stay with me, at least for a few days so you can get yourself together.” Carmen began to protest but Dani placed a finger to her lips. “I’m not asking, I’m telling. Now, go.”

“What if David comes back.” Carmen said. “I’m not ready to face him, and most of my stuff will have to stay here for now.”

Dani shook her head. “Carmen, I don’t think he’s coming back.” She pulled Carmen into another strong hug and felt her sigh. “Don’t do this to yourself, Carmen. You’re stronger than this.”

“Then why do I feel so weak?” Carmen pulled back, her doe eyes still moist from tears, looking at Dani for reassurance.

“Go pack a bag.” Dani repeated her earlier command. “I promise you’ll feel better when you get out of this apartment.”

Chapter Twenty-One

With winter break over, classes resumed right where they’d left off and Carmen was not in the right state of mind to deal with so much information. Though she was staying at Dani’s house, they hadn’t spoken much. Carmen knew Dani was trying to give her space, not make her feel suffocated, but the silence was beginning to bother her. Temptation to move back to her own apartment was high, but the thought of being totally alone there was reason enough to keep her in the guest room.

“Hey.” Dani’s knocked lightly on the open door before stepping into the room. “I thought you could use something to eat.” Walking into the room, she sat a tray of food down beside Carmen on the bed.

“Thanks.” Carmen picked up the bottle of cola and took a long swallow. “This class is kicking my ass.”

Dani picked up the book to look at the title and grinned. “Professor Littman, yeah she’s hard core. Great class though.”

Carmen frowned as she picked up a grape and tossed it in her mouth. “I have no clue what to write my final paper on.”

“Write it on overcoming the challenges of leaving a long term relationship.” Carmen’s frown deepened. “I’m serious. It’s a class all about Women’s literature. So feed off that. Show how strong a woman can be when she has to start over, and realizes she doesn’t need a man to be happy.”

“I dunno. That’s really personal.” Carmen tossed a grape in her mouth and thought about what Dani said. Dani was right, she was stronger, and she didn’t need a man to be happy. “It might just work.”

“Roger called. I have to slip into work for a few hours this afternoon.” Dani handed her a lanyard with a key dangling from it. “This is a key to the house so you can come and go as you please.”

There’d been no need for the past few days for her to have her own key, but now that their real schedules were getting under way it made sense. Carmen also knew it was a huge step for Dani to give it to her. Carmen took it slowly from her outstretched hand and smiled. “Thank you for everything.”

Dani leaned down and kissed her gently. “I shouldn’t be too long. Roger said he needed help moving some stuff from the storage room down to the selling floor.” She moved toward the door but turned around one last time. “How about dinner and a movie tonight?”

“I’d like that.” Dani disappeared into the hall, and Carmen reached down to pull her laptop onto the bed. She turned it on and waited for it to load up. While she ate her lunch, Carmen outlined her essay. Dani was right, writing about her personal experience would be ten times easier and make a much better paper, than if she simply picked a random topic to research.

Two hours into writing the paper her cell phone rang. Seeing a ‘D’ on the screen, and not taking the time to really look at who was calling, Carmen flipped it open and cheerfully answered the call. Immediately her heart filled with dread when she realized the person on the other end was not Dani, but David.

“We need to talk.” His voice sounded gruff, and Carmen wondered if he’d had as many sleepless nights since he left as she had. “It’s important.”

Carmen knew the only way she could talk to him without tears was to let anger take over, and she turned on her bitch switch. “So, talk.”

“I miss you. I miss us.” David sounded like a rambling fool. “I know that it was my choice, that I left, but I want to come back home.”

“I can have my stuff out by the end of the week.” Carmen kept her answers short and to the point. “You know I can’t afford to stay there, and so allowing you to have the apartment makes the most sense.”

“You’re not staying at the apartment?” Hearing the shock in David’s voice gave her a new sensation, gratification. “Where are you?”

There it was the big question. The one she’d been waiting for. David never took enough time to realize she actually had friends or a life past her relationship with him. Carmen felt more in control of her emotions and it gave her the strength she needed to get through the rest of their conversation.

“I’m staying with a friend.” He didn’t need to know all the details. “You’re welcome to move back, just give me a few days to get my stuff.”

“Carmen, I don’t want things to end this way.” Tears were clearly present when he spoke, and though guilt tugged at her heart for being cruel, Carmen knew it was the best way. “Doesn’t what we had mean anything to you?”

“Of course it does, David. You will always hold a special place in my heart, but you and I no longer make a good team.” Carmen sighed and just wanted to get back to her paper. Her newfound freedom was giving her fuel to write. “Let’s face it. We haven’t been good together for a while now.”

“Who is he?” Anger replaced grief and David sounded like a bull ready to charge. “Tell me who he is.”

“What are you talking about?” Carmen let his words sink in and had to stifle a laugh. “Seriously?”

“I’m not joking, Carmen. Tell me who you’ve been fucking behind my back.” His raised voice sent a chill down her spine. Carmen had never known David to be the jealous, aggressive type, but he was displaying those qualities now and she had to admit it was a bit frightening.

“Don’t be absurd,” she said. “Just because I don’t want to be with you doesn’t mean I’m trying to be with someone else.”

It was a complete lie. She was with Dani, enjoying getting to know each other. Sure her feelings had been hurt when Dani denied loving her to the unexpected friend, but they’d moved past that and she understood more after living with Dani about the need to keep things private. They were friends first, lovers second, and to her that was what being in a committed relationship, being in love with someone, was all about. The future and what it held was unpredictable and she was okay with that, too. Being with Dani showed her every single day that life didn’t have to be mapped out in some perfect little plan. It was better to live in the moment, and experience life to the fullest.

“I’ll find out,” David said, breaking her from her own thoughts. “When I find out who it is, well, it’s not going to be pretty.”

“Good luck with that since there isn’t anyone to find.” Anger was boiling in her blood at his stupidity. “I’m hanging up now. My things will be gone by Sunday and then you can do whatever you want with the apartment. I’ve already contacted Leslie to take my name off the lease at the end of the month.”

Carmen hung up before he had a chance to say anything else to upset her, and threw the phone down on the bed. What a jerk. She focused back on her laptop she continued to write her paper, words filling each page with a ferocity she didn’t even know she had inside her.

Her life was no longer David’s concern. She knew he was bluffing anyway, the things he said were simply because he was angry that he was on the losing end of the conversation. It felt good to stand up for herself, to make sure she was happy for once, and she could credit that to Dani.

She closed her eyes and let the feeling flow through her. To enrich her and excite her. Being with Dani was everything she’d ever wanted. They made a great time, knowing how to give space when it was needed and just how far to push the other to their limit when it was necessary. Carmen realized, now she thought about it, that she found loving a woman so much easier than trying to figure out and love a man.

“Love,” Carmen said out loud as she closed her laptop. Her cell phone beeped beside her, a text saying Dani was on her way home. Carmen knew just the way to show Dani she loved her, there was one final step they’d yet to take with each other and Carmen knew she was ready.

* * * *

Dani looked through the cases of jewelry and toyed with the idea of getting Carmen a small promissory token of friendship and love, a charm or a ring that she could wear. A small green clover caught her attention and Dani picked it up, rubbing it between her fingers. It was perfect, a sign of good luck and Carmen’s favorite color.

“Roger,” she called from the storage room. “How much for this charm and do you have a chain to go with it?”

Roger looked rather annoyed at being interrupted as he peered in from the doorway. “Pick a chain from the case out here and the charm is on the house.”

“You want me to pay full price for the chain?” Dani raised her eyebrow and gave her best you’ve got to be kidding look. “Try again.”

“Fine.” Roger came out to the sales floor. “You can have your normal discount on the chain, and I’ll still give you the charm at no cost since I’m such a fabulous boss.”

Dani smiled, trying to stifle a laugh. “Perfect.”

The selection of chains varied from thick to thin, long to short, and everything in between. Dani thought of Carmen’s petite frame and selected a short thin chain she imagined would lay perfectly between her breasts. She slipped the charm onto it with ease. Dangling it from her fingers, she couldn’t wait to get home and give it to her.

Dani hugged Roger, which got her a look of pure shock from his distinguished face, and slipped out to the jeep. She rushed home, excited to see the look on Carmen’s face when she gave her the gift. It was important that she liked it, and Dani actually felt nervous as she pulled into the driveway.

Dani headed upstairs when she heard soft music playing and found Carmen lying on the guest bed wearing nothing but a smile. The smell of jasmine was strong in the air, and Dani breathed in deep, trying to calm the fire that was burning in her belly from the sight of her girlfriend. Wasting no time, Carmen stood and crossed the room. She wrapped her arms around Dani’s neck and stood on her toes to kiss Dani’s lips with a heat Dani didn’t know she possessed.

The bag containing the necklace slipped from Dani’s hands as Carmen licked and nipped at her lips and tongue. Her nipples hardened instantly and she could feel the wetness pooling between her legs. Wondering where Carmen’s sudden burst of control came from, Dani let her fingers wander down to gently stroke her breasts.

Carmen stepped back and pulled her toward the bed. She slipped Dani’s t-shirt off with ease, and dipped her head down to lick the line of cleavage created by her push up bra. She slid her hands up Dani’s shoulders and down her back before she undid the hook and moved the straps slowly down Dani’s arms until the bra hit the floor.

“Carmen,” Dani said her name softly. “What are you doing, baby?” The last word came out in a rush of breath as Carmen took her breast into her mouth, teasing the nipple with her teeth and tongue.

“Loving you.” Carmen replaced her mouth with her hands and stroked her thumbs across Dani’s taut nipples while her lips ventured lower down her abdomen.

Carmen pushed her down on the bed and undid the zipper on her jeans, pulling them off as quickly as she could. She ran her hands up her legs and heard Dani suck in a breath when her lips touched just above her panty line.

“Carmen, you don’t have to,” Dani whispered.

“Shh.” Carmen cupped her pussy. “I’m ready.”

Carmen used her teeth to slide Dani’s panties down her legs. She trailed kisses across Dani’s warm skin as she worked her way back up. Dani’s body felt like it was on fire, never knowing Carmen to be so aggressive, but liking it.

As Carmen’s tongue delved into her softness, Dani felt the first wave of pleasure hit her instantly. She reached down to pull on Carmen’s short locks and felt herself climbing another peak as Carmen slipped two fingers inside her. She could smell the sex in the air, and rocked her hips against Carmen’s face as she swirled her tongue against Dani’s clit.

It was like nothing Dani had ever experienced. The sensations though familiar were so new, because this was Carmen loving her. Carmen pleasuring her with her tongue and her fingers, and Dani loved it.

She felt herself moan as Carmen turned her hand, sliding her thumb in her ass. The pressure was enough to send her careening into orgasm, her body clenching around Carmen’s fingers, a soft moan escaping her lips again.

Panting, filled with satisfaction, she relaxed into the bed, the tremors of her orgasm slowly subsiding. Never, not with any of her partners had she ever experienced such a mind blowing orgasm as the one Carmen had just given her.

She pulled Carmen on top of her, kissed her, and tasted her own flavor on Carmen’s lips.

“Where did you learn to do that?” she asked, running her hands down Carmen’s arms as they lay wrapped in the sheet together.

“I’m a quick study.” Carmen laughed.

Dani remembered the gift, and slid from the bed, receiving a questioning glance from Carmen who’d sat up to see what she was doing.

“I have something for you.” Dani picked the bag up from the floor where it had fallen when Carmen began their romp. “Close your eyes.”

Carmen did as she asked, and Dani pulled the chain from the bag. She crawled back on the bed behind her and slipped it around Carmen’s neck and latched it. The chain was the perfect length, the charm falling perfectly in line her cleavage.

“What’s this for?” Carmen asked, opening her eyes as she reached up to finger the charm.

“It’s a four leaf clover, your favorite color, and a symbol of good luck.” Dani reached down to touch it where it lay between Carmen’s bare breasts. “It’s a sign that good things are coming not only for you, but also for us.”

“I hope so.” Carmen turned and touched Dani’s face.

“I know so.” Dani kissed Carmen gently. She wasn’t entirely sure where life was going to lead them, but she knew deep in her heart that it was taking them together.

Epilogue

Snow fell in quarter sized flakes as Carmen made her way outside with a bag full of accessories. She smiled and looked around the yard at the snowman they’d successfully built in a half hour. They worked well together, a perfectly balanced team of sugar and spice.

She felt the blow of the snowball on her back, before she saw Dani leaning up against the big oak tree in her parent’s yard. She shook her head and laughed as she walked over.

Dani took the bag from her outstretched hands, and kissed her nose gently. “You’re such a girl. Your brother would have hit me back with a snowball.”

Laughing, Carmen reached down and picked up a chunk of snow with her hands. She smashed it in Dani’s face and turned to run. “I prefer close battle contact.”

“You fight dirty.” Dani laughed, wrapping her arms around Carmen’s waist and pulling her close. “I like it.”

Together they pulled the candy from the bag to bring the snowman to life with a creative face, laughing and smiling as they worked. They’d come a long way in a year, and being back at Carmen’s parent’s for the holidays was symbolic. It was the place where they’d really taken their relationship to the next level, discovering that love was underneath the lust, and building a snowman would be a yearly tradition for as long as they were able to do it. They finished quickly and stomped back inside, faces flushed, fingers chilled.

Carmen heard the gentle knock before Dani entered her room with a mischievous smile on her face.

“My parents are right downstairs,” she began but Dani placed a finger to her lips.

“Your parents have slipped to the store to pick up last minute supplies for the huge family dinner tomorrow.” Dani kissed her neck. “And before you ask, Leo is over at his friend Dave’s house.”

“Oh.” Carmen looked into Dani’s eyes which were filled with desire. “Whatever will we do with all our time?” She laughed as she put her hand on her chest and batted her eye lashes.

Dani pulled her toward the bathroom. “I was thinking a nice hot shower to warm us up.” Dani reached down and turned on the faucet, steam slowly filling the small bathroom as they undressed.

Carmen was certain the shower would be hot, with Dani nothing was lukewarm. It was all fire and passion and love. Yes, beneath all the heat and tangled sheets, love was what held them together and made them strong.

Dani pulled her into the shower’s spray and washed her hair with gentle hands. It had grown out quite a bit in the past year, and with the help of Dani’s stylist was cut into a choppy chin length style that suited her even better than the pixie cut.

Dani ignored the sponge and used her hands to lather soap all over Carmen’s body. Carmen poured the vanilla fragranced gel into her own hands and began doing the same to Dani, starting with her back. There was something very sensual about washing your lover, and Carmen felt the heat began to intensify within her when Dani’s hands stopped on her breasts.

Carmen reached behind her and grabbed Dani’s ass as Dani continued to stroke her breasts. Dani’s hands ventured lowered, stopping to gently pull on her belly ring before slipping between her legs. Carmen moaned as Dani’s fingers slid between her lips to stroke her clit.

She turned around so she could pleasure Dani at the same time. Taking a nipple into her mouth, Carmen used her tongue to swirl against it and smiled when Dani sighed with passion. Dani lifted her chin and kissed her.

Carmen followed Dani’s lead and inserted two fingers inside her waiting pussy. Together they touched and teased each other until climax took them both.

With love in their hearts, and an added bounce in their step, they dressed and made it downstairs just in time for dinner.

“How’s the house coming along?” Carmen’s father looked at them with loving eyes as they took their place at the table. “I hope Leo’s actually been helping over there and not getting in the way.”

Leo looked at his father with a hurt expression. “Dad.”

“Lighten up, son. It was just a joke.” Carmen’s dad laughed at Leo’s serious expression.

“Leo’s been great.” Dani smiled. “He agreed to help us design a border for the kitchen.”

“Carla, our family is turning out to be quiet talented.” He looked around the table and smiled at each one of them in turn. “The artist, the accountant, and the antique connoisseur.”

Carmen’s mother passed the potatoes and looked at her. “How’s the firm working out?”

“Great,” Carmen beamed. “John and Peter are so comical. They make working there a breeze.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Carmen’s mother wiped a tear from her eye. “It’s so good to have you home, and Dani, welcome to the family.”

It had been easy, telling her parents about Dani, and Carmen was so thankful they’d been okay with it. Dani was important to her, and they made a commitment to each other. Looking down at the necklace, she smiled. Life was really, really good.

The End

Evernight Publishing

http://www.evernightpublishing.com

www.kyeakle27.webs.com

Other Books by Kelly Yeakle:

Timeless

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue