by Maggie Brown
They lay silent, lost in the languid aftermath. Winter placed her head on her shoulder and fell asleep. Pandora draped her arm over her stomach, closing her eyes too.
Pandora lifted her head to glance over at the clock on the side table, trying not to disturb Winter who was snuggled under her arm. Five thirty in the morning—the city was beginning to stir. Already traffic sounds echoed in the distance. She cast her eyes over the naked body pressed into her, lingering on the soft swell of the exposed breast. Desire welled up in her again, but she bit back the temptation to stroke it. After another session of lovemaking in the middle of the night, Winter needed her rest. And she didn’t need to catch up on many of her missed orgasms in a single night. What a selfish idiot Christine had been not to realize Winter was a passionate woman who needed to be brought patiently into her sexual awakening.
She raised her head to find Winter’s eyes focused on her, the beginning of a grin on her lips. “Good morning.”
Pandora brushed her mouth over those lips. “Hi. I didn’t mean to wake you. It’s still early.”
“What’s the time?” Winter asked, rolling over onto her back with a lazy stretch.
“Half past five. Do you have to go to the office this morning?”
“Unfortunately, I have a meeting at nine which I can’t put off. And I have to get dressed at home, so I’ll have to get going by seven thirty at the latest.” She wound her arms around Pandora’s neck. “I wish I could stay and make love all day.”
“Me too. What say I join you in the shower before I get you some breakfast. You must be starving after no dinner last night.”
“Come on then, you gorgeous thing you,” Winter said with a little chuckle. “I am hungry, but not only for food.”
Pandora cupped her between the legs. “You’re insatiable. I’ve unleashed a sex fiend.”
Winter undulated against the hand, her eyes squeezed shut. “I think you have,” she purred.
“Then get thee into the shower, wench.”
Pandora slipped on her dressing gown, leaving Winter to dress while she prepared breakfast. She emptied a can of baked beans into a saucepan while she fried up some bacon. After popping bread in the toaster, she made two cups of coffee. When Winter wandered into the kitchen moments later, she handed her a cup. “It’s instant. Sorry…no coffee machine.”
“Great with me.” She leaned over the stove and inhaled. “I’m ravenous and the bacon smells divine.”
“Grab two plates and some cutlery. It’ll be ready in a sec.”
“Good. And while we eat, you can tell me all about yourself. We still haven’t got to that.”
Pandora cringed. How much could she say? She was bound by a strict confidentiality clause not to disclose any information pertinent to the operation, but she owed this woman some facts about herself. Any relationship had to be built on trust, and even though she would have to leave Brisbane, it was clear she and Winter were no longer casual. Last night sealed that. She would give anything to be able to date her like normal people and explore the attraction much further. But all she had left was six weeks—a lifetime commitment couldn’t be made in that time.
“My father was in the army, which meant we moved every couple of years,” Pandora began, images flashing through her mind like a video clip. Townsville, Cairns, Canberra. Different cities, same closed community life. “When he went on a tour overseas, we would be left for six months at a time.”
“Have you any siblings?”
“A sister, Emma, and a brother, Derek. I’m the eldest.” Pandora took a deep breath to go on to the next part. “When I was fifteen, Dad was killed in an accident. Nothing related to his work, just one of those random things. In the wrong place at the wrong time. Someone ran a red light and collected his car. He died instantly.”
Winter reached over and grasped her hand. “I’m so sorry, Pandora.”
“Yeah…well. It was a long time ago.” She pushed a piece of bacon around her plate, collecting her thoughts. A long time, but it still hurt. “My parents had savings, so we were fine for a few years. My mother moved us to Tasmania where she had been left her great-aunt’s house. She applied for a job in the bank. When I finished school, I went to Sydney to study singing at the Conservatorium of Music. I had been graduated for just over a year, trying to make a name for myself in the music world when the shit hit the fan. My mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer. My brother was still at high school and my sister studying first year physio, which meant I had to find a regular income to support the family when Mum went to hospital. Emma took a part-time job as well at a pizza parlour. We managed until she was on her feet again.”
A little frown creased Winter’s forehead, her eyes filled with compassion. “So you gave up your dream?”
Pandora ignored the clinging tendril of self-pity and shrugged. “I didn’t have any option. It was what it was.”
“How is your mother now?”
“She had surgery and chemo, and thankfully has been cancer-free since.”
“It’s wonderful that you’re back singing. You’re really talented,” Winter said with a smile. “I take it Pandora is your stage name?”
“It is,” Pandora replied, knowing where this was heading. She was in a quandary now. No way she could divulge her real identity, yet Winter deserved something. She fell silent, waiting for her to ask.
Surprisingly, she only looked at her, her intelligent eyes veiled, searching. Then when Pandora didn’t offer anything more, she said in a quiet voice, “I’m not stupid, Pandora. I’ve already worked out you have secrets. And I imagine there are other people involved, so you have to exercise discretion. I won’t pry…when you’re ready though, I’d like to hear the rest of your story.”
“Thank you,” Pandora murmured, profoundly grateful. “Not many people would be so understanding.”
“I handle sensitive material all the time. I know what it’s like to have to keep things to myself.” She cracked a smile. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not dying of curiosity.”
In spite of herself, Pandora grinned. “I bet you are. Now eat up…it’s nearly time for you to go.”
“That’s your fault for keeping me in the shower.”
“Ha. I didn’t hear you complaining.”
“God, no. Best shower I ever had.”
Pandora chewed her toast absently as she watched Winter. Like everything she did, she ate economically and neatly. Her gaze drifted down to her breasts, feeling a soft warm glow inside as she remembered last night. Deep pleasure radiated in her depths and her voice turned husky when she said, “I’d like to see you as much as possible in the next six weeks.”
Winter’s expression sobered, her eyes growing distant. “And after that?”
“After that I don’t know.”
“We’re going to get hurt.”
Pandora winced at the stark statement. “I know. Do you want to stop?”
“No. I’ll take whatever time we have.” Winter stopped abruptly and moaned. “Damn, I forgot I promised I’d go to that art thing with Veronica on Saturday.”
“I’m working Saturday, so go.”
“Okay. It’ll give me the opportunity to have a talk with her. She’s too nice not to tell her to her face that I’m not interested.” She cocked her head at Pandora, studying her face. “You have to say something to Jessie.”
“I took care of it last night.”
“How did she take it?”
“She was hurt.”
Winter looked a little sick. “Then I’d better have a word with her this week. She won’t be happy with me.” She cast a quick glance at her watch. “Now if I don’t go now I’ll be late. This client is a grumpy old fellow and a stickler for time.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Not in this you won’t,” she said with a smile, tugging the tie of her dressing gown. When they reached the door, she rested her head on Pandora’s shoulder. “You’ve changed me, Pan. After last night, I feel a differ
ent woman. Like I’ve turned into some exotic butterfly.”
“You always were one, you goose. I won’t be able to wait until I see you again. I’ll text you before I go to work,” Pandora said, pulling her close.
With a smile, Winter kissed her briefly on the lips, then disappeared down the stairs.
Her mind in a jumble, Pandora stared out over the railing.
Six weeks didn’t sound like a lot of time.
Chapter Twenty-five
For the next two days, Winter’s body was in a state of hypersensitivity. The numerous flirty texts from Pandora didn’t help. Very disconcerting to have erotic thoughts pop into her mind at inopportune moments.
A little before five on Thursday afternoon, she powered down her computer, impatient to be home to prepare for her date. When she exited the office with her handbag over her shoulder, Nancy tilted her head in surprise. “Are you off home already? I thought you were finalizing the Goodwin’s portfolio.”
“Um…I’m busy tonight. It’s not due until next week, so there’s plenty of time,” Winter replied, hating how she always felt the need to defend her actions to her super-efficient PA.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Nancy replied, then added with a knowing smile. “Have a lovely time.”
Winter grumbled as she headed for the lift. Brilliant. Could she have been any more obvious she had a date?
When she eased the Lexus into the parking bay, Jinx was waiting to greet her in the garage. Normally selective when doling out affection, he had been shadowing her every move since the party. This evening was no exception, dogging her heels as she changed, then following her to the kitchen. Finally, tired of nudging him aside, she gave him an extra tin of food to get him out from under her feet. As soon as he finished, she shooed him out the door. With a plaintive meow, he flounced off with his tail in the air.
The menu was an old favourite: sizzling Moroccan prawns, followed by citrus-poached pears. At the party, she’d taken note of Pandora at the smorgasbord, pleased to see she wasn’t a fussy eater. The opposite really. She’d piled up her plate with gusto, commenting when she saw a dish she liked.
Her thoughts drifted back to their lovemaking. Pandora was a great lover, sensing just what she had needed. Winter should have been mortified discussing her problem with her, but strangely, after the initial confession she had been pleased to get it off her chest. Suddenly, she felt really angry. For all those years, Christine hadn’t even attempted to help her. Instead, she’d added to Winter’s anxiety and misery with her self-indulgence and complete lack of empathy.
She should have left her well before she did. She grimaced. Right! Easy to say now. The woman had been a time bomb ready to explode if crossed.
Then she shook her head in disgust. Why was she even thinking about her ex? She was out of her life. Conjuring up an image of Pandora, she went back to cooking. Crooning happily, she made the marinade, put a good handful of peeled prawns into the mixture and put the bowl in the fridge. Satisfied, she went upstairs to shower. Once dressed, she looked in the mirror, giving herself a once-over before heading back downstairs.
She was putting the finishing touches to the dining table, when a knock sounded at the door. “It’s open,” she called out.
Pandora entered carrying a bunch of yellow roses and a bottle of wine. “Hi,” she said, smiling as she handed over the bouquet.
“That’s so sweet of you,” Winter said, and planted a quick kiss on her lips. She didn’t hide her admiration as she perused her outfit. Pandora looked superhot, a woman in charge in a white shirt unbuttoned to her cleavage, low slung jeans cinched with a leather belt, ankle boots, and a bomber jacket. Winter waggled her eyebrows. “Oh my. In that outfit you might score tonight.”
“Huh! You better feed me first, woman.”
Laughing, ridiculously happy, Winter replied, “There’s an opened bottle of wine in the fridge. Could you get us a drink while I get the couscous ready, please? Or a beer if you’d prefer. We’ll relax in the lounge before I put the prawns on. They won’t take long.”
“Okay,” Pandora murmured, stroking her lightly on the shoulder as she slipped past.
Winter dampened the urge to reach for her, determined tonight they were going to enjoy a relaxing meal instead of rushing off to bed. It was so long since she had prepared dinner for a real date, she wanted to savour the experience. She took the armchair opposite rather than join Pandora on the sofa. Her libido would take over if they touched, and she wanted to learn more about this beautiful woman.
“I take it if you have to leave Brisbane, then it’s not where you call home?” Winter began tentatively.
“Sydney has been my base for all my adult life. Most of my good friends are there. What about you? Were you brought up here?” Pandora replied, seemingly happy to share some information.
“Born and bred in Brisbane,” Winter replied, and relaxed back in the chair. So far so good. “Um…any exes back in Sydney?” When Pandora raised an eyebrow, she continued hastily. “Sorry…that sounded like I was prying. I was just wondering why you’re still single. You’re…well…such a good catch…so complete.”
Instead of laughing it off, Pandora blushed. “I’m not perfect by any means, Winter. No one is. I’ve plenty of faults.”
“Have you been in a long-term relationship?”
“Not really long term…no. I’ve dated plenty, but I’ve yet to find a woman I want to settle down with. That special someone who completely suits me, if you know what I mean.”
“I know perfectly well what you’re saying,” replied Winter. “You have to want the same things, be on the same wavelength to be really happy. My past relationship was a living testament of that. What we had was superficial and became toxic quickly enough. We weren’t a good match at all.”
“I travel a lot, which makes it difficult as well.”
“In Australia or overseas?”
“Both. Have you seen much of the world?”
Winter eyed her thoughtfully. Pandora had moved off her personal info quickly enough, which left Winter even more curious. Why did she travel so much? Pleasure or work? And why so secretive? She bit back the questions on the tip of her tongue, and replied mildly, “I backpacked across New Zealand with a friend after I finished uni. That’s the extent of my overseas experience. I’d love to see Europe, maybe Canada and the US. What’s your favourite place?”
“I’m going back to Paris one day. It’s the most romantic city.”
Spellbound, Winter watched the light of excitement in her eyes as she described the French city. Then when she moved on to other interesting places she’d been, she made Winter feel she was there seeing it with her. She had a way of taking her out of the commonplace with words alone. Winter wished for once she could just chuck work and go on a long holiday. Travel with Pandora to exotic places, share all the wondrous experiences together. To laugh and make love under some foreign sky, swim in an ocean on the other side of the world, walk the Great Wall of China, see the pyramids of Egypt, to have a life.
A hollow sadness seeped through her. Pandora would be gone soon enough, leaving her with only memories to keep her warm at night. She would be back to walking alone, being alone. But this time it wouldn’t be a relief, it would be purgatory.
“Hey,” said Pandora with concern. “Where did you drift off to?”
“Just imagining us travelling together,” Winter replied, not even attempting to keep the wistful tone out of her voice.
“It would be fun. Really nice.”
“Yes, it would.”
“I…”
“Don’t. I know it’s impossible. Come into the kitchen while I cook dinner.”
After getting another round of drinks Pandora perched on the kitchen stool. She sipped her beer, watching as Winter made the couscous then dropped the prawns into the hot oil. “That smells great,” she said enthusiastically.
Winter smiled, her dejection dropping away at the words. Regret could come later
—she’d face that when she was forced to. Pandora was here for another six weeks and that was all that mattered. Tonight they would have a delicious meal, maybe watch a movie, then go to bed and make love. Everything was perfect.
They talked random subjects as Winter tossed the sizzling prawns around in the saucepan for four minutes. Then after she spooned the couscous on the plates, she scooped generous portions on top, and decorated the food with a few sprigs of parsley.
“Right. Let’s eat,” she said. She gestured to Pandora to sit while she lit the candles.
“You’ve cooked this dish before,” Pandora commented when she took a bite. “It’s sooo good.”
Winter couldn’t help being flattered at the little tics of enjoyment Pandora was making as she ate. “I like to dabble in different recipes and spices. It’s one of my favourites.”
“Hmmm. It’s wonderful.”
Then Pandora did something Winter least expected. In the middle of a second helping, she began to talk about herself. The real Pandora emerged. She went back through her childhood: what it was like being an army brat, their homes, her siblings, their yellow Labrador, the time she nearly drowned in the creek behind the house, the school concert when she first sang in front of an audience. She elaborated on her close relationship with her father and his sudden death. How it devastated the family, and the battle they had to pick up the pieces and move on. And lastly, what she had felt like when her mother had become ill, forcing her to abandon her singing career.
When the words stopped abruptly at the loss of her dreams, Winter reached over the table and took her hand. “Thank you for telling me, Pan.”
“I don’t usually discuss my personal life. It always seems easier not to say anything.”
“Sometimes it’s good for peace of mind to talk to friends?”
“I know. But I’ve never met anyone I’ve really wanted to tell before.”
