by C J Murphy
“Kyo, go swim. Bandit, get over here now.” Jordan stood, one hand on her hip, the other pointing to a spot in front of her, as she tried an authoritative voice to get the black-and-white dog to obey. Bandit chased after Kyo in the water, and Jordan threw her hands up.
Noeul was nearly doubled over with laughter, as both dogs came out of the water and shook off all over Jordan. Kyo hadn’t completely rinsed the soap off her and patches of white foam now covered Jordan.
“Ugh, you two.” Jordan reached out and grabbed a crouching Bandit and pulled him by the collar as she began to lather him up. Kyo was now the instigator, and Jordan snapped her fingers, ordering her to sit and stay.
Noeul’s sides were hurting from watching the tableau before her. Bandit tolerated the scrub down much better than Kyo had. Before long, both dogs were swimming out in the deeper area where Jordan had thrown a stick. The tall woman stood with her hands on her hips, her T-shirt dripping. Noeul watched as she tried to brush off wet dog hair that clung to her arms and legs, spitting as she tried to wipe hair away from her mouth with the back of her arm. This only made it worse.
Noeul’s eyes widened, as Jordan reached down and stripped the T-shirt off her body, then slid down her shorts. Noeul licked her lips at the sight of Jordan in her jog bra and boxer briefs. She could hear the blood rushing through her own body. She expected Jordan to dive into the pool after the dogs. That wasn’t what happened.
Holy…shit!
Time crawled. Noeul heard the slow ticking of a clock, each second drawn out into two or three before the next ticked by. Jordan pulled the jog bra over her head and threw it down with her T-shirt and shorts. Her thumbs hooked the waist band of her briefs and pushed them down her long legs. The dark triangle at the apex of Jordan’s thighs was visible against the tanned flesh of her body. Lean muscle and flawless skin stood on display for Noeul, as Jordan raised her arms over her head in a sun salutation.
Noeul reached out a hand and placed it against the tree to steady herself. Her other hand was clamped firmly over her mouth. Jordan assumed the warrior pose, drawing one leg back, the other leg bent at the knee, her arms stretched out in front and behind her. As Jordan turned into another pose with arms raised, the full view of the phoenix tattoo was now on display. The tail feathers traveled around Jordan’s side and wrapped her breast.
Noeul was unable to draw a breath, as all sound, save the beating of her own heart, ceased to exist. Triceps and biceps were clearly defined, and Noeul admired Jordan’s toned obliques, abdominals, quads, and calf muscles. Jordan was a female Adonis standing in all her glory.
A shocking revelation hit Noeul. “Young, beautiful, intelligent…and wants me.” The words left her throat in a whisper, as fleeting as a snowflake landing on warm ground. Noeul watched Jordan stand upright and turn toward where she was standing. The tall woman spun back around and walked into the pool to disappear under the water.
***
Jordan broke the surface and whipped her head around to shed the water from her hair. She used her hand to wipe her face and enjoyed the feeling of the stray dog hair being washed away in the water. Both dogs swam around her and brought their stick to her in invitation. She pushed off the bottom and launched herself out of the water to throw the stick across the deeper part, near the falls.
The cool liquid felt good on her heated skin, as she dipped her head back under again. Her eye was drawn to a fleeting movement near the tree line. More than once, she’d felt like she was being watched. The flash of royal blue told her exactly who’d been watching. She dove back under and emerged to grab her clothes. She gathered them up and took them back into the water to divest them of the dog hair that clung to them. Her shoulders were above the water, as she dunked the clothes and swished them around.
She dressed sans her jog bra, choosing her John Muir shirt over struggling with a wet bra. When she exited the water, she made sure to keep her eyes down, partially to not embarrass Noeul and partially to keep her libido in check. Knowing that Noeul had seen her completely naked was a huge turn on. The dogs swam around a few more times before she whistled, calling them out of the water.
“Come on, you two, let’s go!” Jordan called more for Noeul’s benefit than for the dogs. She used the towel to somewhat dry herself and her clothes before signaling her four-legged companions to follow. She stayed far enough away so that when they shook, she would not be covered in dog hair again.
Drag your feet, give her enough time to get back and under control, Jordan. After a few minutes, she made her way back to the house with the clean, yet still wet, dogs at her side. Watching them play fight and chase each other was entertaining. The walk back had given her time to calm her own raging hormones. This whole letting Noeul set the pace thing was going to force her to take matters into her own hands soon, literally, if her mind continued to fantasize. The throbbing in her center grew more intense all the time. Even the cold water hadn’t settled her. Well of course not. How could it, knowing she was watching? Jordan shook her head to clear her lustful thoughts.
What she needed to do was go work in the greenhouse for a while, check on the plants’ progress and try a few things that had come to her last night while she was not sleeping. When she cleared the edge of the trees, she could see Noeul over by the vegetable patch. The path led near Noeul, so Jordan kept walking. She turned her attention to a lagging Kyo and Bandit.
“You two, go lie in the sun and dry out. Take a nap. I swear you’d better not get dirty again, or you’ll be sleeping outside.” Noeul’s eyes met hers. It was clear something was now present that hadn’t been there when they’d parted ways. It looked very much like desire. “We’re back. I think they’re tired enough to go to sleep and dry out. Bathing Kyo is like trying to nail Jello to the wall. It doesn’t stay where you put it.”
Noeul’s laugh came out almost as a bark, and both dogs lifted their heads before groaning and lying back down. Jordan watched, as Noeul’s eyes traveled up her body, stopping at her breasts where her nipples stood out starkly against the clinging wet T-shirt. She watched the woman blush.
Noeul dropped her eyes and picked zucchini and crookneck squash off the vines. She cleared her throat. “Uh, I hope you like stir-fry, because that’s what I’m fixing tonight.”
“I do. I’m going to work in the greenhouse for a bit. I'll do some weeding, and I’ll take care of the animals before I grab a shower while you fix dinner. I don’t think my dip at the falls removed all the dog hair.” She held up the wet, wadded up jog bra. “Do you need me for anything?”
Jordan watched Noeul’s eyes rise and settle on her breasts once more, before she shook her head and visibly swallowed hard.
“No, no I’ve got this.”
“Okay, see you in a bit.” Jordan moved past her, a huge grin covering her face, as she felt Noeul’s eyes on her. Just how strong are your roots, dragon?
***
Noeul stared at the retreating form in front of her. She shivered at the frisson of desire that jolted through her. Jordan had obviously noticed the blatant ogling of her breasts. The wet T-shirt clung to her body like a second skin and starkly displayed her erect nipples. Noeul shook her head, causing wisps of her hair to escape her ponytail and hang loosely in her face. Just looking at her is driving me crazy. I can’t imagine touching her. She closed her eyes and allowed Jordan to pass from view, before she pulled at the cuff, gathered her hair back, and shoved the pin through.
She stood, weighed down with produce bursting with the colors of the summer growing season. She loved the yellow squash, purple eggplant, red tomatoes, and white scallions adorned with long, green tops. The basket looked like she’d walked through the farmers’ market. She was pleased to know, all of it had been grown with her own two hands. Noeul decided that she could shower before she fixed dinner. She walked in the house and left the basket in the kitchen. As she headed to her room, she stripped off her clothes. Her fingers brushed her own taut nipples, eliciting an unintentional
gasp from her lips.
This is ridiculous, I’m like a horny teenager. God! I’ve got to get myself under control. Angrily, she turned the shower knob, then pulled clean clothes from her drawers while the water came to temperature. She removed the silver cuff and held it in her hand. It was still one of her prized possessions. On her way to the shower, she passed the dresser and caught a glimpse of her naked reflection in the attached mirror.
For fifty-five, Noeul knew she was in good shape. Her heritage had a lot to do with that. Her mother had aged beautifully, and Noeul was the spitting image of Mi-ya Scott. She stopped and leaned heavily on the dresser with both hands, as she examined herself critically. Small lines were starting to form. Her green eyes were still bright and, not for the first time, she offered up a few words to her father. “Thanks for my eyes, Dad.”
Her hair bounced against her back, as she stepped into the hot spray. She turned the jets to a fine, hard stream and allowed the needle-like pulsations to penetrate tired muscles. Tired, that’s all this is. No sleep last night has put me on an emotional roller coaster. She squeezed a small ribbon of shampoo in her hands and lathered her hair, as she enjoyed her favorite coconut and almond scents.
They were like an aromatherapy for her, something that calmed and soothed her. She applied a light layer of conditioner and worked it in. After a few minutes, she rinsed the long strands and luxuriated in the feel of it. Her hand reached for the bar of her homemade soap. She rolled it in her palms to create a thick, creamy lather that smelled of rich vanilla from the essential oils she’d added to her special mix. Her hands traveled over her body, washing away the sweat and grit. The soap also removed the smell of Athena from the trail ride home.
One errant brush across her nipples and they were instantly pebbled, standing up at her heightened state of arousal. Noeul groaned, as she lathered her hands again. Her eyes shut tightly, and flashes of Jordan’s naked body played across her closed lids. Oh God, I wanted to touch her. Jordan’s skin glistened from the water that shed off of her.
Visions of the fiery tattoo that covered her triangular back and the tail that caressed her breast flashed through Noeul’s memory. She saw those dark, fathomless eyes turn on that power to peel away every wall and barrier erected. Noeul dropped a shaky hand to her center and stopped short of circling her clit to relieve the agonizing pressure building between her legs. The temptation was too great, and she ran a gentle finger through her own wetness, gasping at the copious moisture she found. Startled, she withdrew her hands and placed them on the cool, tile wall. Her cheeks flamed at the thought of being aroused by anyone other than Aggie. My God, what am I doing?
Leaning her body against the cool tile, she cried. Cried it all out, the loss, the loneliness, and the longing. Noeul cried for what would never be again and what might be if she could only let go. What could happen if she took a chance and allowed Jordan into all the places that had lain dormant for so long? She cried until no more tears would come. She turned her face to the spray and let it all slide down her body, onto the floor, and circle the drain until it disappeared. Only then did she hear the music, the unique sound of Sophie B. Hawkins singing expletives over an unrequited desire to partner up.
Wow, that’s how I’m feeling. I couldn’t have nailed that sentiment any better if I’d written that myself. Even with the pulse-pounding desire she felt for Jordan, she wasn’t yet ready to commit her body. Her heart still teetered on the edge of yesterday and today. Climbing out of the shower, she dressed and made her way to the kitchen to start dinner. She passed by Jordan’s room and stopped. She rested her hand on the doorframe and listened to the chorus. She smiled when she heard Jordan singing along. She had an excellent voice, pleasant in that gravely Carol King-Bonnie Raitt way.
A quick turn and Noeul was walking toward the kitchen, rubbing her sweaty palms on her shorts. Sophie, you’re not the only one. I wish I was her lover.
***
Jordan wandered into the kitchen, her nose in the air. “My God, that smells incredible.” She enjoyed watching the smile envelop Noeul’s face at the compliment. “Ginger?”
“Good nose, it’s one of my mother’s recipes.”
Jordan sat down at the bar in front of Noeul’s prep station. She reached out and stole a long slice of red bell pepper.
“Hey you, you’ll spoil your dinner. It will be ready soon.”
“Can I help?”
Noeul quirked a smile. “Sure, if you come chop these crookneck squash into chunks, I’ll get the rice.”
Jordan went to the sink and washed her hands. Noeul handed her the knife, and she went to work on the vegetables left on the cutting board. She watched, as Noeul seasoned the boiling water and poured the rice out of a cloth bag.
Jordan threw a piece of broccoli in the air and caught it in her mouth. “How about we make that ice cream tonight? I’ve got a craving.”
Noeul shook her head at her. “You are such a kid. Yes, we can make the ice cream. Although, I might have to go back out to the garden if you keep eating the ingredients before we make dinner. Come over here and stir this while I cook that in the wok.”
Jordan traded her places, her hands resting lightly on Noeul’s hips as she passed by. As her pelvis brushed Noeul’s back, she felt the smaller woman shudder against her and heard a sharp intake of breath. As much as she wanted to explore the moment, she moved past Noeul and grabbed the wooden spoon to stir the small white grains around in the boiling water.
“Go ahead and turn the heat down and cover the pot.”
Noeul poured canola oil into the hot wok and added the fresh ginger. The sweetly pungent aroma filled the kitchen, as Noeul deftly stirred the aromatic root around the wok. She added the carrots and broccoli first, followed by the squash, peppers, and onions. She finished with the eggplant, sprouts, and tomato. The wave of delicious scents hit Jordan and made her mouth water. Both women laughed at the loud rumble that emanated from her stomach.
“At least I know you’re hungry.” Noeul pointed with her stirring sticks. “Grab a fork and fluff that rice a bit. I’ll get bowls.” Noeul removed the wok from the heat and grabbed two wide, shallow bowls. She handed one to Jordan and opened a sealed jar.
Immediately, a tangy smell hit Jordan’s nostrils. “Is that kimchi?”
Noeul smiled. “It is. If Mi-ya Scott served rice, we had kimchi. I think she’d have served it with every meal, because that’s how she grew up. Dad and I drew the line when she tried to serve it with spaghetti.”
Jordan couldn’t help but laugh as she screwed up her face.
Noeul pointed to the expression. “Exactly.”
The pair sat down at the table. Noeul brought over a bottle of white wine and filled a glass for Jordan, who accepted it with a grateful smile. Dinner conversation was light, as Jordan regaled Noeul with tales of cooking with her jida and her mother. They decided that the next night Jordan would cook dinner with some lamb that Noeul had frozen and some of the goat yogurt sitting in her refrigerator.
Once dinner was over, the pair set to making homemade ice cream. Jordan stirred the cream, sugar, and goat’s milk in a saucepan until she was sure the sugar was dissolved, following Noeul’s instructions to the letter. Once Noeul was satisfied with the consistency, she poured the mixture around the beater into the metal cylinder, while Jordan added the berries. They closed it up and placed it in the larger bucket, poured ice around the can, and added a little salt to the top. Noeul attached the cranking mechanism and they headed outside with the ice cream maker and the rest of the wine. Noeul fed the docile canine members of their menagerie, while Jordan began cranking the mixture with the bucket on a small table held between her knees.
“That kimchi was outstanding. I haven’t had that in years. Although I will say I’m glad you had some mouthwash available or you wouldn’t want to be within three feet of me.” Jordan watched Noeul’s pleased smile and vowed to compliment her as often as possible. She stopped cranking with her left hand and turne
d the bucket, so she could use her strongest arm, as the mixture started to thicken. Noeul added more ice and salt.
“I’m glad you liked it. Mom taught me to make kimchi, and it was always heavy on the garlic. Getting tired? I can take over.”
“Nah, I’m good. I started lefty so I can finish out strong. I can feel it getting thicker. Can I get a little more wine?”
“Absolutely. Tell me more about your adventure looking for me. Did you enjoy the places on the list?”
Jordan took a sip of her wine. “Havasu was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The water was gorgeous. Moose Lake was a challenging hike. Bandit would have loved that trip. I didn’t have him with me. The lake looked like glass, calm and serene.”
“It had to be freezing, given the time of year.”
“Oh yeah, I froze my ass off.” Jordan watched, as Noeul’s eyes traveled down her body. The sensation was like a caress, and her skin warmed. “New Orleans, that was an adventure. The food was unbelievable.” Jordan went on while she cranked the ice cream, describing her brush with the ghost in the guest house.
“I can’t imagine doing the list one right after the other. I took a bit more time in between. It had to seem like an Indiana Jones adventure.”
“I prefer Laura Croft, personally. You’re right, it was an adventure. The best part was finding you…made every blister and callus worth it.”
Noeul quirked a grin and blushed. She stood and reached out for the ice cream crank, “Let me see what the consistency is, we might be done.”
“I suspect it’s time to put the calories I cranked away back on.”
Noeul shook her head. “Let me take this in and go get spoons. I’ll be right back. Want to start the fire while I’m gone?”
“Sure.” Jordan watched Noeul rise and carry the ice cream maker back toward the house. She whispered to herself, as she watched the gentle sway of Noeul’s hips, “I hate to tell you, that fires already started and you’re the one who lit the blaze.”
