The repetitive dinging drifted into her dreaming exploration of Lynette’s firm belly and the smooth skin over her hip. Her fingertips traced the valley between it and her thigh, toward the delicious destination of her wetness, slick with desire. Desire she’d ignited merely with her touch. Barb lay still and smiled as the dream faded under the insistent drum of the clock. She throbbed with longing and it was time to get up. It was her own fault for lying on the bed with Lynette. She could have stayed on the balcony, drank her hot chocolate, and read her book. Now she’d be uncomfortable for hours. She turned off the alarm as Lynette groaned and rolled over.
“Time to get up?” Lynette smiled.
Barb moved away slightly, afraid of what Lynette might see in her eyes. She cleared her throat. “I wasn’t sure how long you had, so I set the alarm.” She forced herself to lean away instead of pinning Lynette’s arms to the bed and… She mentally shook herself and swung her legs over the side of the bed with her back to Lynette.
“Thank you.” Lynette hugged her from behind.
“For what?” Barb took a deep breath.
“For giving me time.” Lynette kissed her shoulder and climbed out of bed.
Chapter 26
“That’s the last pan.” Lynette finished loading the dishwasher. “I’ll…” She spoke into an empty room as she turned and looked for Claudia. “I guess she had somewhere to be,” she whispered to herself. She grabbed her cleaning supplies and headed to the dining area to clean the tables. She started to wipe the first one and glanced at Barb’s table, hoping for one of her smiles. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Claudia sitting across from her with her hand on Barb’s arm. Why was she touching Barb? Feelings she couldn’t quite define took her unawares. It was like the first time she saw Claudia with Barb. Jealousy. She knew the term, and now she knew the emotion that went with it. She scrubbed the table and moved to the next one. She sprayed it with cleanser and used her last rag to scour it, and stomped to the kitchen. She leaned against the wall until her breathing settled. Claudia had told her she and Barb were only friends, so why was she touching her? “This is ridiculous.” She forced herself to walk slowly toward the table. Claudia had moved her hand, but she smiled at Barb and Lynette knew how charming her smile could be. “Hey there. I finished loading the dishwasher.” She looked at Claudia as she spoke.
Barb looked at her and back at Claudia.
“Great. I put all the food away, so I’m pretty much done for the day. I’ll stop in and double-check everything before I leave.” Claudia didn’t move after speaking.
Lynette finally looked at Barb, and her world settled. Barb had a way of making her feel as if she were the only one she ever wanted to see. Tears welled and she turned away. She couldn’t explain her possessive reaction to herself, much less to Barb.
Barb stood and took her hand. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
“Claudia was telling me about the cake she made for your aunt. It sounds pretty cool.”
“Have a seat.” Claudia pulled over a chair from an empty table.
The longer Lynette stayed, the worse she felt about her reaction. Should she apologize or ignore it? Barb and Claudia seemed oblivious, so she tried to relax and looked at Claudia when she spoke. “I peeked at it in the freezer. It’s beautiful. Thanks for making it.” She still didn’t understand her response to seeing them together, but Claudia was a good friend, and she wasn’t quite sure what Barb was yet.
“Do you want us to meet here tomorrow and follow you to your aunt’s?” Claudia asked.
Lynette thought for a moment. “Are you okay with that, Barb? You can follow me with your car.” She hoped Barb would object and want to ride with her.
“Whatever’s easiest. I’m good with that plan.”
“Okay. We’ll meet here and caravan.” She’d talk to Barb alone. If she rode with her, there’d be no chance of her going with Claudia. “Good night. I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” Lynette said as she left the building.
She drove home looking forward to telling Starr about her day and not feeling silly about it at all.
“Hey, Starr. Let’s go for a walk.” Lynette clipped on her leash and headed for the trail to the park. “How do you feel about Barb?” she asked as they walked. “I like her a lot, but I’m scared. I’m scared because of Ruth and because of Donna. I know. I know she’s not them. Barb is kind and gentle and solid.” She stopped and sat on a downed tree. “You’re not helping, sweetie.” She rested her hand on Starr’s back when she sat next to her. “I’m wrong. You’re always a help to me.” She wrapped her arms around Starr’s neck and hugged her. “I want to sleep with her. I want to have sex with her until we’re both exhausted.” She sighed. “I don’t know if that’s what she wants, but I think she wouldn’t say no.” Lynette stood and began the walk home. She didn’t have answers, but talking to Starr always helped her figure things out. Figuring out her feelings for Barb, however, was going to take more than one talk with Starr. A twig snapped nearby and she looked up, but there wasn’t anyone around. Still, that eerie feeling came over her once again, and with another glance around, she hurried home, making sure the door was locked behind her.
She finished a cup of hot chocolate and watched the evening news on TV before going to bed.
Lynette woke before her alarm and shook off the remnants of a dream she barely remembered. The lingering arousal convinced her that Barb played a starring role. She wanted Barb’s touch, but that wouldn’t be wise. She was tired of being scared of what she wanted due to a checkered past. And now she had someone who’d called her aunt looking for her, and she couldn’t escape the feeling that someone was out there, watching. There was no way she’d involve Barb with that. She rose and went to take a shower. She’d always thought of the shower as a private place she could be alone with her thoughts and feelings. Even in the cult, it was the only privacy she had for seven minutes a day. This morning she allowed herself a short fantasy of Barb since that was all she could ever have.
Barb’s fingers started with her head and slid across her shoulders, over her breasts, tickling her nipples, and gliding down her belly to her pussy. She squirted body wash on her hands and followed the flow of water with her hands. She leaned against the wall, closed her eyes, pictured Barb’s smile, and glided her fingers around her throbbing clit until it exploded in release. Her legs quivered and tears welled at the disappointment of being alone in her shower. Was this all her life had to offer? Fleeing fantasies and disappointment?
She dried off and settled her libido before getting dressed and making coffee. She took Starr out for a short walk and poured a bowl of cereal. She wanted oatmeal, but it reminded her of Barb sitting at her table sharing a breakfast. It seemed most of her thoughts revolved around Barb now, and she didn’t know how to get her out of her head. Or if she wanted to. But what would that mean when Barb’s vacation was over and she was alone again?
She finished her cereal at the same time as Starr finished eating and let her out while she gathered her purse and keys. She let her back in and headed to work. And to Barb.
Chapter 27
Shadows crept across the floor in a losing battle with the tendrils of light filtering into the room. Barb checked the time out of habit and turned her attention back to enjoy the early-morning peace. She’d left the balcony door open for fresh air, and the breeze mixed with the early sunshine reminded her of Lynette. Most things did since she’d met her. She’d felt the instant connection when they first met, and it had grown stronger in the days she’d been here. She got up and made herself a cup of coffee to take to the balcony. An unsettled knot formed in her stomach. She sipped her coffee and decided a run would help. She wasn’t used to the inactivity and extra food she’d been indulging in. She finished her coffee, changed into a pair of sweatpants, and made a mental note to check on her laundry as she left her room.
The road along the river was nearly empty, and she enjoyed the solitude as sh
e ran. The river flowed next to her as she fell into a rhythm and let her mind empty. She paused when she passed the point where she and Lynette had stopped to talk. Lynette filled her senses. The sparkle in her eyes when she smiled. The intensity in her expression when she spoke of her time in the cult. The softness of her lips when they’d kissed. The feel of her body pressed against hers. She nearly tripped and stopped running when she remembered the feel of her asleep in her arms. Vulnerable. Trusting. She shook off her ruminations and picked up her pace again. She crossed the street to head back to the hotel and passed the gift shop that reminded her of Lynette. She ran past the small restaurant where she’d gotten a sandwich and smiled at how familiar the place had become. She slowed to enjoy the growing heat of the morning sun. A few early risers ambled by, and she walked the rest of the way to the hotel to take a shower and head to breakfast. And Lynette.
Barb took her full plate to her usual table and stole glances at Lynette while she ate. She watched her work for a few minutes and caught her eye when she looked up. The blush that crept up from her neck to her cheeks made Barb want to stroke her cheeks. They’d definitely have to talk later. Barb finished her breakfast and waited until the last person in the omelet line finished before she approached her. “Do you have time for a muffin on the balcony before lunch?”
“I’ll make time.” Lynette grinned. “I’ll be over after I clean up.”
“See you there,” Barb said. She grabbed a cinnamon and a blueberry muffin on her way back to her room. She filled the coffeemaker with water, and fifteen minutes later, Lynette knocked on the door. “Glad you could make it.” She stepped aside to let her in.
“I couldn’t pass up coffee on the balcony. It’s become our thing, and I look forward to it.” She sat and picked up her coffee cup. “I was thinking of something. For tonight.”
Barb sat in the other chair and took a bite of muffin. “Okay.”
“I haven’t talked to Claudia yet, but I thought we could all ride together. I could drive and bring you both back to the hotel afterward. Claudia lives north of here and my aunt is south, and I’m in the middle, so it made sense to me.”
“It’s up to you, but that’s a lot of driving, isn’t it?”
“I don’t mind, but I’ll check with Claudia first.”
“Okay, but if Claudia lives north, she could probably drop me off on her way home.” Barb realized Lynette didn’t like that idea. Her scowl only lasted a few seconds, but it was there. “I’d rather ride with you, though.” She watched Lynette’s smile spread and knew she’d said the right thing. Lynette left and she went to check on her laundry.
She returned with an armload of clothes and put them away before changing and heading to meet Lynette and Claudia.
“Wow. The cake is beautiful, Claudia.” Barb helped Claudia and Lynette load the car. She had her gift wrapped by the hotel clerk and packed it carefully in her backpack. She began to step into the back seat of Lynette’s car when Claudia stopped her.
“You get in front. I’ll sit in back and keep an eye on the cake,” Claudia said.
Barb slid into the front seat and watched Lynette as she drove. She held the steering wheel at ten and two like she remembered from her own driver’s education class. She paid close attention to the road and other cars and all traffic lights and never looked away. “Did your aunt teach you to drive? You’re a careful driver.”
“Yes. Aunt Jen taught me to drive, how to use a cell phone, and what the internet was. I owe her my life.”
“I can’t wait to meet her. She’s got to be a very special lady.”
“She is. I’m glad you guys are with me. She’ll be thrilled to see that I have friends.” Lynette grinned and glanced at Barb quickly before turning her attention back to her driving.
Claudia was quiet in the back seat, and Barb watched the view out the window as they traveled. Lynette’s aunt’s house was nestled in a group of trees at the end of a paved road, and she waved from the front doorway when they arrived. She was a beautiful woman. Streaks of gray highlighted her brown hair, and her dark eyes sparkled when she smiled. “Welcome.” Her sundress flowed around her legs as she walked toward them. She had a willowy figure and was taller than Lynette, as well as bustier. She wrapped her arms around Lynette when she stepped out of the car.
Barb held the bag with ice cream and stood back with Claudia, who was holding the cake. She smiled when Lynette introduced her aunt as Jennifer Strams. She felt her regard her with the same intensity as Lynette had when they’d first met. “It’s nice to meet you.” She wasn’t sure how to address her.
“Please, call me Jen. I’ve heard good things about you, Barb. Come on. Let’s all go eat cake.”
“And ice cream,” Lynette said.
Claudia smiled and led the way.
Barb waited for Lynette and followed her into the cozy house. The first thing she noticed was the beautiful oil paintings on the walls. It was a single level two-bedroom, with a laundry room and an all-season room with a gas fireplace. It looked like perfect lighting for the paintings sitting on the easels lining one wall. Barb settled on one of the kitchen chairs and Jen offered drinks while Claudia set the cake in the middle of the table and lit six candles.
“Come on, Aunt Jen. Sit down and blow out your candles,” Lynette said. “Should we wait awhile? Are any of your friends coming?” she asked.
“No. I didn’t invite anyone. I wanted to have time with just you.” She smiled. “Six candles, huh? I have to multiply that by ten!” She chuckled and blew out the candles.
Lynette scooped ice cream, Claudia cut the cake, and Barb engaged Jen in conversation about her art. She set the gift she’d brought on the table in front of her.
“Oh. You didn’t have to get me a gift.” Jen’s smile and enthusiasm wiped away any doubt she’d like it. The photo Barb had taken in the cave highlighted the various formations and the water. Jen immediately hung it on one of the few empty spots on the wall in her living room. She rushed back and drew Barb into a warm hug. “It’s perfect. I love it.”
She didn’t miss the way Lynette looked at her, like she’d done something heroic, and it made her chest swell.
Barb relaxed after finishing the small glass of brandy Jen insisted they all have to celebrate. It was obvious Claudia knew Jen well, and she squashed the sudden surge of jealousy. Lynette and Claudia had been friends for years. Of course she’d have met her aunt. She focused on the fact that she was there now because Lynette invited her.
Chapter 28
“Thank you for helping me celebrate another birthday, honey,” Aunt Jen said. “I like your new friend, Barb, too. I can tell she’s taken with you. Does she treat you well?”
“I don’t know about all that, but she does treat me well and we’ve been on a sort of date.”
“A date. I’m so glad.” Aunt Jen wrapped her in a hug and squeezed her.
“It’s not a big deal. We wanted to get to know each other better.” Lynette knew her aunt would see through her rationalization.
“Whatever you say.” She smirked, then looked serious. “You go as slow as you need to. You deserve to be happy, and if she’s the one to make that happen, I’m all for it. You be careful driving and let me know when you get home.”
“I will.” Lynette waved and went to the car where Barb and Claudia waited for her.
“That was fun.” Claudia yawned in the back seat.
“It was,” Barb said. “Did you enjoy it, Lyn?”
“I did, but more importantly, Aunt Jen did. She loves a party. Thanks for joining me.”
The rest of the ride home was quiet except for the flip-flopping of her belly. Claudia fell asleep and Barb seemed content to ride in silence. Her aunt liked Barb, and she was an excellent judge of character. She trusted her aunt to know about people. Aunt Jen had never trusted Donna and probably wouldn’t have trusted Ruth either, if she’d ever met her. Thoughts of Ruth rekindled the fear of her aunt’s caller. If she was alive, it certainly
could have been her. She glanced quickly at Barb and caught her smiling at her. She felt the heat rise up her neck to her cheeks, and she shifted in her seat.
“That cake was outstanding, Claudia.” Barb turned to face her.
“Thanks. I’m glad it turned out so well. We might have to see if the boss will let me make it at work.”
“I’ll vote for that,” Barb said.
“I like that idea, too,” said Lynette. “Here we are.” She pulled the car into the hotel parking lot and stepped out of her car, glancing around. The staff parking lot was clear except for a couple familiar cars.
“Thanks for driving.” Claudia hugged her and Barb, who’d also gotten out of the car. She waved as she drove away.
“You be careful driving home.” Barb stepped close and cupped Lynette’s face with her hands. They were warm and gentle and Lynette leaned into her touch. “May I kiss you good night?”
Lynette smiled at the request and began to laugh when she thought back to the kisses they already shared. “You better.” She wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled her against her.
Barb’s sweep of her lips across hers, as light as a feather, sent a blaze of need to her core. Lynette murmured for more and Barb pressed harder and ran her tongue between them. Their kiss lasted long enough for Lynette to forget she wasn’t supposed to be doing it. She pushed Barb against the side of the car to feel the total body contact. Barb groaned, and Lynette realized she’d gone too far again. She stepped back, but Barb held her tightly against her.
“You’re doing it again.” Barb sounded as if she’d run a mile. “It’s okay. You’re not leading me on or being untruthful.” She released her tight hold. “You told me about Peter and Ruth. Peter is back at the cult or maybe dead. Ruth was an idiot to treat you badly. You’ve been totally honest, and I know what I’m doing. This was a kiss, Lyn. We are not having sex.”
Lynette blinked. “You don’t want to?” she asked.
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