Food for Love

by C. Fonseca

  Lili’s hands slid from her lower back into the top of Jess’s damp sport shorts. In their haste, there’d been no time to shed her shorts.

  Jess lowered herself onto her elbows, settling her hips between Lili’s thighs, and the warmth from Lili’s centre was slick against Jess’s stomach. Jess moved to create friction, eliciting a moan from Lili—a mixture of pleasure and frustration. Raw heat between them sizzled with each rolling movement of their hips.

  Lili grazed her fingernails up Jess’s spine to her shoulders and pushed, urging Jess to slide down her body, to where her need was greatest.

  Jess inched lower to Lili’s rib cage. A small tattoo in the shape of a delicate twig was underscored with the words, Thyme on my side. Jess smiled. It was corny, endearing—but at this moment, so not true. Lili wriggled under her, her breath short and fast.

  “Impatient?” Jess flicked her tongue along the tattooed skin and down, teasing around her belly button to the apex of her thighs.

  “Crazy,” she hissed, clenching her fist in Jess’s hair. “You’re driving me crazy.”

  Jess wanted slow and unhurried, but now was not the time for slow. She lifted her gaze, and their eyes locked in a moment of absolute awareness. She lowered her head. The scent of Lili’s arousal was intoxicating. She gripped her hips, holding her in place, and her mouth found her. Hot, silky smooth, and so sexy.

  Lili cried out. Or did she? It could have been one of those nosy seagulls swooping and calling overhead. It hadn’t taken long. Jess had her so fired, all it took was a few strokes of her skilful tongue before Lili came with a series of shudders. She drew one knee up to rest it against Jess’s shoulder. The slight position change and the increased pressure of Jess’s lips caused another more intense wave of pleasure to surge through her. Her muscles twitched as she tried not to move. With Jess’s head against her thigh, the brush of her hair and the tickle of her breath threatened to set her off again.

  She ran her fingers over Jess’s head, down to where a tangle of hair spilled over her shoulders. “Are you okay?”

  Jess moved her head and kissed her centre again. “Hmm…I am,” she said. “How are you?”

  The vibration of Jess’s voice against her sensitive flesh made her tremble. She squeezed Jess’s shoulder. “I think you should come up here—now.”

  “Is that you humming?” Jess asked. Lili could feel Jess smile against her skin.

  “No, not me.” Lili raised her head and squinted, temporarily blinded by the bright sunlight.

  Jess made one last sweep with her tongue, and Lili shivered as Jess rolled off her and stared up, shielding her eyes with her hand. “Oh. That’s the sound. What is that?” Jess asked. She dived across her, grabbed the other towel, and draped it over Lili’s exposed body.

  Lili wiped her hand over her face to get rid of the sand that fell from the towel. She sat up. “What? What is it?” She held the towel in place.

  “Don’t move.” Jess got to her feet, pulled her shirt over her crop top and shorts, and stood with her hands on her hips, glaring up at the sky. “It’s a bloody drone.” Jess shook her head.

  “A drone?” Lili brushed the sand out of her eyes and stared upwards. “A drone? You mean one of those things with a camera attached?” It circled above them, whirring and humming. It dipped closer and then steadily began to gain altitude and zoomed away. Dazed, she snatched her T-shirt that had somehow been part buried in the sand, drew it over her head, and dragged on her cargo shorts.

  Jess combed her fingers through her hair and fanned it over her shoulders. “I hate it when sand gets into my hair,” she muttered. “It probably does have a camera. Even the hobbyist drones have them.”

  “Shit.” Lili took her watch out of her shorts pocket and fastened it around her wrist.

  “Hey, don’t worry.” Jess calmly placed her hand on Lili’s arm.

  She glared at Jess. “That’s okay for you. You weren’t the one lying stark naked, exposed to the world.”

  Jess pulled Lili into her arms. “It was pretty high up. I don’t think it would have got a very clear picture, if anything at all.” She rubbed her hand up and down Lili’s back in a soothing motion. “Anyway, I had most of you covered. Literally.” She laughed.

  Lili lifted her chin from Jess’s shoulder and looked up at her. Jess’s golden skin was flushed from the sun. She flashed her dark eyes and fluttered those thick lashes at Lili. Her luscious, slightly bruised lips tilted in a cheeky grin. Lili sighed, remembering just what those lips, that mouth, had been doing a few minutes ago. She nodded and smiled somewhat reluctantly.

  “That’s better,” Jess whispered, tightening her arms around her.

  Jess’s phone pinged. “I wonder who that could be?” She reached for the safety vest, extracted the phone from the waterproof pocket, and checked her screen. Her eyes narrowed. “It’s a message from your mother.”

  “Oh. What does she say?”

  “She tried to ring you but couldn’t get through.”

  Lili reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “Damn. I forgot I’d turned it off.”

  “I think it’s okay. Helen is just reminding you she’s volunteering this afternoon.”

  “She’s at aged care today, helping with their bridge afternoon. I’ll just text.” She glanced at her watch. Crikey, where had the time gone? “If we hurry, we’ll just make it back before she has to leave.”

  Lili typed that they were on their way and hit send.

  The towels, water bottles, and sundry items were quickly gathered and placed in the bucket.

  “Jess, where are my swim shorts? I can’t see them.”

  “In the tub,” Jess said. “With the rest of the gear.”

  Lili picked up the bucket. “Okay, let’s go.”

  “Lili,” Jess said.

  “Yes?”

  “The kayak is still on the beach,” she said, holding out her hand. “Come on, let’s carry it up to Ben’s garage.” She pushed a strand of flyaway hair from her face.

  Lili dropped the bucket. “Damn, we really will be late.” She took Jess’s hand, and they ran towards the kayak as fast as they could on the soft sand.

  She gave a small squeal as she realised her selfishness and ground to a halt.

  Jess stopped and turned to her. “What’s up?”

  “I am so sorry, Jess. With that stupid drone, I didn’t even get a chance…you know,” she said sheepishly. She hadn’t even had the chance to undress Jess.

  Jess reached forward and placed her index finger on Lili’s lips. “It’s okay.”

  Lili grabbed her hand and drew it to her chest. “It’s so not okay. I want to.”

  Jess snaked her hand free from Lili’s grasp and ran her finger along her cheek and under her chin, tilting her head up. One eyebrow arched, and she leaned forward, giving Lili’s earing a light tug as she whispered, “Have absolutely no doubt I want it too.” Her breath tickled Lili’s ear. “I can’t wait to touch you again. I can’t wait for you to touch me.”

  A little dizzy, a little light-headed, Lili closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. Words failed her.

  “Let’s go. We really should hurry.” Jess laughed, dragging her towards the kayak. “Helen won’t be pleased with us if she’s late for her appointment.”

  Chapter 24

  “I know you said not to worry, but what if that drone took pictures of us on the beach?” Lili asked. “I just don’t want to appear on someone’s Facebook page, or YouTube.”

  Jess laughed, patted Lili’s knee, and returned her hand to the steering wheel.

  “Why are you laughing?” Lili wrapped her arms around herself. “Oh yeah, I forgot. Even if someone did get a picture, it would be the back of you, with your clothes on.” She gave a short laugh and shook her head.

  Jess was skittish and exhilarated from their morning together k
ayaking and from the great sex in the sand, but she had been thoughtless in her response to Lili’s anxiety. “I am sorry. I wasn’t laughing at you,” she said. “I can’t help feeling happy. I had a really good time, and I don’t want the drone incident to spoil it.”

  “I had a great time too,” Lili said. “I guess you’re used to cameras flashing and microphones pointed at you?”

  Jess nodded. “Not at first. With a father who often appeared in the newspapers and on television, I’ve learned to accept the paparazzi as part of life. When I was a naïve teenager, they tried and often succeeded to get to him through me. I discovered it was better to keep silent.” Otherwise, she would have suffered from his angry outbursts.

  “I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine how hard that must have been. But what about you? You’ve had your share of coverage in the news and on social media.”

  Jess stopped the Jeep outside Helen and Scott’s cottage. She engaged the handbrake and turned to Lili. “Yes, but being part of a team gives you a bit of protection,” she said. “As for the other stuff—the gossip and innuendo—I’ve had to develop a thick skin.” Jess reached for Lili’s hand. “I am sorry. It was inconsiderate of me to make light of the drone. I really hope it comes to nothing.”

  “It’s okay.” Lili placed her hand over Jess’s. “I overreacted.” She opened the passenger-side door, then suddenly turned back and kissed Jess on the cheek. “Let’s let it go and remember the awesome things about the morning.”

  “It was awesome?”

  She gazed at Jess for what seemed like forever. A wary gaze. “It was fun…and I’d like to do it again,” Lili said eventually.

  “I feel like there’s a but,” Jess said.

  Lili sighed. “As I’ve said before, I like you a lot. You’re incredible.” She looked down at her hands in her lap. “It’s been a while since…” She cleared her throat. “Since I’ve been intimate like that. You’re amazing, and I’d like to enjoy this for what it has to be—fun.”

  Jess was about to protest—wasn’t it more than just fun? But Lili held up her hand.

  “You’ll be going soon.” Her shoulders drooped.

  “Yes, but I—”

  “Are you two coming in, or are you just going to sit in the car?” Helen yelled from the porch.

  Lili jumped. She sprang out of the car and sprinted towards her mother. Jess closed her door and followed Lili at a more sedate pace.

  Helen was obviously ready to leave. She’d dressed smartly and held a carryall in one hand and a covered tray in the other.

  “Sorry, Mum. Have we made you late?” Lili asked.

  Helen turned to Jess and smiled. “I’d like to get going. I promised to partner Mrs Lang this afternoon, and she gets a bit anxious if I’m not there right on the button.” She held the tray aloft as Lili peeked under the gingham tea towel. “Savoury scones. I left a few on the kitchen bench in case you two came back hungry after all that exercise.”

  Lili coughed and looked sideways at Jess. “Thanks, Mum.”

  “Scones. I am ravenous,” Jess said. “Thank you, Helen.”

  “You’re welcome. I hope you both enjoy them.” Helen turned to Lili. “Are you okay, love? You seem a bit flushed. Did you get too much sun? Just because it’s only spring doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburnt.”

  “Yes, Mum. I’m good,” Lili replied quickly. “Maybe we were in the sun too long. What do you think, Jess?” Her lips twitched.

  Jess’s gaze settled on Lili’s smile. “We made sure you were well covered the whole time,” she said with a straight face.

  “Okay, ladies. I’m off,” Helen said. “Oh, and you know the rules, Lili. Don’t try and pry any information out of Ru about our shopping trip this morning. Enjoy the afternoon.”

  As Helen stepped past them and walked to her car, Aruishi raced through the front door and onto the porch to throw herself at her mother’s knees. “Mama, I missed you.” She peeked around Lili’s legs. “You too, Jess. I missed you.”

  Lili scooped her into her arms and twirled her in a circle. “We missed you too,” she said. “I’m hungry. How about you? Would you like to come into the kitchen and have one of Gran’s scones?”

  Aruishi shook her head. “No. It has that yucky cheese and olives in it. I already ate a special one with plain cheese. Peppa Pig is nearly finished. Can I watch the end?”

  “Okay, off you go, then. But we’ll head home after that. I need a shower.”

  Aruishi scampered back inside towards the sunroom. Strange noises—a xylophone and pig snorts—emanated from inside.

  “Ru hasn’t yet developed a taste for feta cheese or black olives. It’ll take time for her to realise how delicious they are.” Lili nudged Jess playfully. “I can’t believe you told Mum you were ravenous. She’ll think I never feed you.”

  Jess patted her growling stomach. “I am. Blame it on the sea air.”

  “Well, move along, then. Mum’s savoury scones are the best for when you’ve worked up a healthy appetite.” Lili smiled cheekily and started towards the kitchen, leaving Jess staring after her.

  She was all upbeat and flirtatious now, but Jess didn’t know what to make of Lili’s see-sawing mood.

  Lili persuaded Aruishi to take an afternoon nap so she’d be rested for Alex and Tash’s visit. The shopping trip into Geelong must have exhausted her, because she didn’t protest much. Jess seemed to have disappeared into her room while Lili settled Aruishi.

  She was just about to knock on Jess’s door when her phone rang. It was Owen with an update on their bookings for the next few days. The teachers from a school in Ocean Grove had chosen a four-course prix fixe menu for their principal’s retirement luncheon, and the restaurant was fully booked the next day for both lunch and dinner service.

  “Did you get my message? Are you okay with me placing Simon Emmett’s last-minute booking for six at the chef’s table?” Owen asked.

  “Yes, that’s the only option. We have nowhere else.”

  “Do we need extra staff?”

  “Not back of house,” she said. “Alex, Tim, and the apprentices will prep in the morning, and Nora and the kitchen hands will join us for the lunch service. If things go to plan, we’ll all get a chance for a break during the afternoon before dinner service.”

  “I’ve called in a casual to replace Haley, front of house.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, Haley’s part of Simon’s group, as is Jess.”

  Why didn’t she know that? “That’s right,” she said firmly, hoping Owen didn’t detect any surprise in her voice.

  They went over the finalised lunch menu before she forwarded it via e-mail to Alex and to the restaurant.

  In less than an hour and a half, Tash and Alex would arrive for dinner. Lili shut down her laptop and tiptoed down the hallway to the kitchen to gather the ingredients for the Balinese minced seafood satay and the simple accompaniments she’d chosen for tonight.

  Alex had offered to bring dessert, so that was one thing she didn’t have to worry about. She glanced at her watch. There was just enough time for that overdue shower.

  Lili avoided the bathroom mirror as she stripped out of her clothes and stepped into the shower. It wasn’t until she was under the gloriously steaming water that she noticed a small purplish bruise where Jess’s teeth had grazed her hip. The painless bite had been amazingly arousing. She ran her fingers over her mouth. Her lips were slightly swollen, and her overly sensitive breasts still marginally uncomfortable under the shower spray.

  She recalled Jess’s body arched over hers. The brush of her soft skin, the way her hands held her still, the heat of her mouth. Lili closed her eyes, relishing the subtle muscle ache and the tingling that coursed through her body.

  She flicked the temperature control and gasped under the icy water. She needed a wakeup call. It was only sex. Unbeliev
ably good sex—and she wanted more. It was like her body had woken after a long sleep. What was that saying about riding a bike? Once learned never forgotten.

  “Look, Tash, I don’t need the training wheels anymore,” Aruishi shouted. She did another circuit of the sun deck before jumping off her bicycle and propping it against the safety rail. She skipped over to where Tash and Jess sat at the wooden table.

  “It didn’t take you long,” Tash said. “Maybe you can help Alex when she actually starts using her new bike?” she added, loud enough for Lili and Alex to hear her from where they stood at the grill.

  Lili rocked back on her heels. “So, how long before you’ll be off your training wheels, Alex?”

  “I can help her. I have natural balance and dextree.” Aruishi spread her arms out wide and tilted from side to side with one foot in the air.

  “I think she means dexterity.” Jess laughed and took a sip of wine.

  “That’s what I said, Jess.” Aruishi reached out for Tash’s bottle of pale ale, but Tash was faster and lifted it to safety.

  “Oh no you don’t. I’m not contributing to the delinquency of a minor.” Tash placed the bottle out of Aruishi’s reach. “I could get you an apple juice or water?”

  Aruishi shook her head and leaned against Jess’s leg.

  “Ru, the food will be ready soon,” Lili said. “Please go and wash your hands.”

  “Why? Do I have to go now?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Aruishi played with Jess’s hair. “Does Jess have to wash her hands?”