by Renee Roman
“There you are.” Ari took the gym bag from her and pulled her inside.
“Ari, I’d love to chat, but…”
“Oh, I can see you’re tired.” Ari poured her a tall glass of iced tea and set it in front of her. “I won’t keep you.”
Grateful for the quenching drink, she downed it, and then licked her lips. Ari made the best raspberry iced tea she’d ever tasted. “Good. I don’t know how long I’ll be upright.”
Ari held up a datebook. The page for the next month displayed several neatly printed entries.
“What am I looking at?”
Closing the book, Ari looked her over. “I’ve done it again, haven’t I?”
She didn’t know what Ari was talking about, which wasn’t a surprise considering the state she was in.
“You came home exhausted and I’m bombarding you. I’m sorry.”
Ari did look sorry, and Hudson regretted her inability to grasp what was so important. “It’s okay. Tell me what it means.” She pointed to the datebook.
“No, it’s not, but if you insist.” Ari’s eyes sparkled. It was easy to see she was excited.
Even though she was bone-tired, Hudson wanted to be excited for her. Ari’s animated expression drew her in and made Ari more attractive than her outward beauty alone.
“Two catering orders. Can you believe it?” Ari rested her chin on her palms. Her attempt at tamping down her enthusiasm was adorable.
“I’m not surprised at all. It’s what you’ve worked so hard for.” She stood and pulled Ari to her feet to hug her. Damn. She feels good. Ari trembled in her arms. She pulled back to create space between them.
“Hey, what’s this?” Hudson thumbed away the two wet trails from Ari’s cheeks.
A sob escaped Ari’s lips before she answered. “I had my doubts. First my father telling me it wasn’t worth my time, and then the loan denial…” Her voice trailed off into another sob. “There’s no one I’d rather share this minute with than you.” Ari attempted to smile despite the tears.
A hard knot of emotion formed in her chest. “I’m honored you chose me.” She forgot how tired she was. How annoyed she’d been when Ari dragged her inside. All she wanted to do was convince Ari how remarkable she was. It was time Ari enjoyed her success, no matter how small.
“May I take you on a date to celebrate?”
Ari cast her eyes to their joined hands. “You don’t have to do that.”
“You’re right, I don’t have to, but I want to. I want to be part of the celebration for how much you’ve achieved. And I intend to keep saying you have every reason to be proud of what you’ve accomplished.” The walls of her emotional prison were changing. Ari was proof that not all women were out to use her for selfish reasons.
“Is this a date-date, or a friend date?” Ari’s eyes bored inside, reaching her soul.
“Dating is a big step for me.” Hudson fought the fear gripping her heart. Ari waited for an answer. “Yes, a date-date. If that’s okay.”
“It’s very okay.” Ari took a deep breath before holding Hudson at arm’s length, wrinkling her nose. “You are going to shower first, right?”
Hudson’s clothes were wrinkled and were becoming stiff as they dried. She was a mess. “What? You don’t like the butch attire?”
Ari stepped closer, her mouth at Hudson’s ear. “I very much like the butch attire, and I plan on showing you how much with a very special dessert later.”
The desire she’d managed to tamp down throughout the day was back in full force. So much for physical exhaustion. Grabbing her bag, she headed for the door.
“Give me forty-five minutes to show you a different butch look.”
* * *
Ari fumbled with the necklace clasp. She shouldn’t be nervous. She’d been with Hudson dozens of times and, aside from the first few, she’d never been as anxious as she was tonight. Maybe it was the catering calls. It would be easy to blame the jitters on her worries about making ends meet. That would have explained a lot. But that wasn’t the real reason. Even though she’d admitted it was a big step, Hudson had asked her on a date. Hudson had no way of knowing it was a big step for both of them. Ari didn’t date. Oh, she had the occasional dinner companion. They were nice. Safe. Temporary. They didn’t demand much in the way of time, energy, or emotional investment. Just how she liked it. At least, that’s how she used to feel. Hudson made her feel differently about what she’d pictured her life would be like down the road. Hudson wanted a full life, but was scared to try again. Ari believed she had a full life, but she’d been foolish to think she didn’t want a partner to share it with.
What would a future with Hudson look like? Would there be room for careers, a social life, and possibly children? Did Hudson even want children? Did she? Without having any interest in a partner, she hadn’t given much thought to having a family, but along with other aspects of her life, change was coming. Her intuition told her a meaningful life meant growth and challenges, and she stood on the brink. Dating meant commitment. Commitment meant planning the future, and the future meant long-term. Would Hudson overcome her anxiety and find a way to let down her defenses, willingly entering a relationship on which to build a meaningful future?
And would she be willing to sacrifice some of her former notions about having to choose between her dream business and sharing a dream life with another person by her side?
The clock on the dresser glared at her. Hudson would be down soon. She needed to remember to relax and have fun. Tonight wasn’t a test she had to pass. It was about two mutually attracted women enjoying each other’s company with the possibility of amazing sex. I can do this. She smoothed the summer dress over her hips and slipped her feet into sandals. She sprayed cologne in the air, and then walked through it. She paused to glance in the mirror and admire the woman looking back.
* * *
The hostess led Hudson and Ari to a table for two tucked into a quiet corner of the eclectic restaurant located in the arts district of the city. It was early for the dinner crowd and she’d worried if it was a mistake taking a chef out for dinner, but she’d always found the food delicious and hoped Ari did, too. An expensive bottle of wine was already on the table, and she was glad she’d thought to order ahead.
Hudson’s heart beat loud in her ears. She’d argued with herself while she dressed. There wasn’t any reason to not date Ari, except in her mind. She needed to stop making excuses. So what if she’d been hurt. There were millions of people on the planet who had been hurt, and most of them went on to love again. She could, too. I won’t die from a broken heart. It was true. She hadn’t died. Even when she thought dying would at least end the torment, it hadn’t come to that, and it never would. If her two mothers saw how insecure she was being, they would tan her ass. They’d never worried about the effects a spanking would have on her mental health. Fortunately, she learned at a young age she much preferred praise and hugs over a swat on the behind for misbehaving. They gave her all the love and support she needed to have a happy, fulfilling life. If she didn’t take a chance with Ari, she’d be wasting all the sacrifices they’d made to give her the tools she needed to find her own happiness. Ari was kind, warm, and giving. She was also stubborn, independent, and tenacious. Not to mention beautiful with an infectious laugh.
“What are you smiling about?” Ari asked.
“How life can change in a heartbeat.”
Ari set her wine glass down. “Tell me.”
She leaned forward. “You are an amazing woman.”
“Thank you,” Ari said. “But what does that have to do with life changing?”
Hudson held Ari’s gaze. “A few months ago, you didn’t know me, and today here we are on a date.” She waved her hand between them. “Like I said, an interesting turn of events. Don’t you agree?”
“I’m not sure where this is going.”
“Exactly,” she said. “You had no idea we would develop an attraction for each other and become not only fr
iends, but lovers.” Wow. Did I just call us lovers?
Ari’s hand trembled as she reached for her glass and Hudson caught it. Their eyes locked. Hudson let go and waited.
“I have a confession to make. I was attracted to you before I asked you to be a tenant.”
Hudson felt disappointment clench her gut. Ari must have noticed her reaction and rushed on.
“I didn’t know we’d become romantically involved. I asked you to move in because I trusted my instincts. They told me you were a good person. You proved that when you said you would help with the house and the business.”
Hudson’s summation that Ari had been attracted to her was confirmed. Did that mean Ari’s intentions were less noble than she’d originally thought? She hadn’t been totally honest with Ari either, and that had to change.
“I have a confession, too.”
Ari’s eyebrows rose.
“I’m not who I appeared to be.”
Ari sat back, her hands dropping to her lap. “What are you saying?”
“My parents did a great job raising a happy, independent child. I grew up knowing life was meant to be a thrill ride. You take chances, get knocked down, brush yourself off, and get right back up. You haven’t seen much of that Hudson. The person I am on the inside has been in hiding for a while, and I’d like to let her out.”
“I’m not sure what to say. I know you’ve been through a rough time since Pam, but is there more?”
She placed her hand on the table hoping Ari’s would join hers. When it did, she ran her thumb over the smooth skin and continued. “It’s true I’ve had a trust issue, but that’s not who I am. I’m open and candid. I don’t hold back, and when I love, my love is fierce—a force to be reckoned with. Have you seen that person?”
“Not really.”
“That’s what I mean. In a big way, you’re responsible.” Ari blanched and tried to pull her hand back, but Hudson held on. “It’s a good thing, Ari. You helped me realize not all women are manipulative. Not all women see my kindness as something to be exploited. You set clear boundaries at the beginning, and I appreciated your understanding how I felt.”
Ari snorted. “I think those boundaries are kind of out the window at this point.” She glanced at their clasped hands.
Hudson chuckled. “There’s no regret here.” She remembered how she’d bolted from Ari’s bed and had to ask. “Do you have any?”
It was Ari’s turn to squeeze their joined hands. “Not for a minute.”
“Good.” Satisfied she’d made it clear how determined she was to be more like her former self, Hudson picked up the menu. “Shall we continue the celebration?”
* * *
The door swung open, and Ari almost fell inside she was laughing so hard. Hudson caught her by the waist and leaned against the doorframe.
“I can’t believe you said that.” Ari couldn’t stop giggling.
“I did.” Hudson started laughing again.
On the way home, Hudson had told her about her little confrontation at the restaurant. She’d gone to the restroom and received a disapproving glare from another patron. She hadn’t been sure if it was her androgynous looks or the clothes she wore, but either way she couldn’t ignore the insult. She’d caught the woman’s stare in the mirror.
“Like what you see?”
The woman had wrinkled her nose in obvious disgust. “How dare you dress like a man?”
Hudson told Ari a few months ago she probably would have left without saying anything. But not today. Ari thought Hudson had responded with the perfect comeback: “The same way you put on makeup to look like Mimi.”
The flustered woman had hurried out. Hudson was barely able to sit through coffee without making a spectacle, and she nearly lost it when the woman walked by their table.
Hudson pulled Ari closer and gazed at her mouth.
“You’ve certainly found your voice,” Ari said.
“She was rude and deserved it.” Hudson brushed her lips over Ari’s satin smooth ones. “Is that a problem?”
“No.”
Hudson pressed her thigh against Ari’s center and firmly kissed her, tracing the shape of her lips with the tip of her tongue. Hudson took her time exploring.
“Do you want to keep making out in the hall or would you like to get comfortable?” She fingered the edges of Hudson’s tie.
“I’m pretty comfortable right here.”
“I’m not sure if I like this new smartass attitude.” She took Hudson’s hand and unlocked her door. Once inside, she set the dead bolt and pressed Hudson against the wall, tossing her keys and handbag aside. The heat from Hudson’s body felt like being too close to a flame. Her skin wasn’t the only thing burning. The places Hudson’s hands touched her were scorched. Nerve tracks tingled along her arms and legs. Ari’s mind raced with what she wanted to do to Hudson, but it was all happening too fast even for her. Her pulse pounded at her temples. Hudson’s tongue found hers and danced along its edge. She couldn’t think, let alone breathe, and she pulled away.
Hudson whimpered. “I want you.”
She tipped her head, indicating Hudson should follow. She was too turned on to trust her voice.
They stood in the bathroom, and Ari turned on the shower before she faced Hudson, trembling at the sight of her. Hudson leaned against the doorway, hands in the pockets of her trousers and giving the illusion of a bulge. The image shot a streak of lightning through Ari. Hudson’s legs were crossed at the ankles. For all of her casual stance, Ari didn’t miss the heat burning in Hudson’s eyes as her gaze traveled down Ari’s body before returning to her face.
Hudson slowly unknotted her tie and pulled it from her collar in one fluid motion before letting it fall to the floor and stepping closer. Her nimble fingers made quick work of the buttons on her shirt, and then slowly pulled the fabric from her pants. Watching the scene unfold was an agonizing torture Ari willingly endured. Hudson slipped her feet from her shoes and unbuckled her pants. Ari consciously licked her lips as she reached back to find the zipper of her dress. Hudson shook her head.
“No. Mine to remove.” Hudson’s tone was firm. “Turn around, please,” she said in a gentler voice.
Ari had no idea what to expect. This was a much different Hudson than she’d seen during their previous intimacies. Warm hands rested on shoulders and moved down the length of her arms. A little tug started the zipper downward. Soft, moist lips touched the exposed skin. Hudson’s hands moved inside the material to cup her breasts; her hardened nipples pressed against the firm flesh of Hudson’s palms.
“You feel so good. We should have had dessert first.”
Hudson’s hot breath brushed against her neck. A gush of arousal dampened Ari’s panties. Hudson kneaded her breasts and kissed the edge of her ear.
“Are you ready for your shower?”
She held Hudson’s arm. “I don’t know if my legs will hold me.” Her eyes closed and she focused on Hudson’s seductive touch.
Hudson slid the dress down her arms and removed her bra. “They don’t have to. I’ll hold you.”
“Hudson…” Ari whispered.
“Mmm, I like the way you say my name.”
Hudson smoothed her palms down Ari’s legs, dragging her panties along the way. Ari turned around and saw undisguised desire reflected back at her, caressing her exposed flesh. Hudson led them into the warm spray of the shower, and then pulled Ari against her. With an arm wrapped around her waist, Hudson slid the other to her mound and cupped her, squeezing the flesh and sending a jolt of electricity through her body. The guttural noise from her throat was unrecognizable. Hudson’s lips assaulted her earlobe, neck, and shoulder. She yelped at the nip to her flesh.
“Did I hurt you?” Hudson’s hands continued to roam over every inch of her body, tweaking her stiff nipples.
“You surprised me.” She reached back and found the neatly trimmed triangle of soft, curly hair. Hudson backed away.
“I want this to be about y
ou. All about you.”
Hudson faced her and found her mouth, her pointed tongue snaking between Ari’s lips. Hudson explored every crevasse, deepening the kiss to the point she couldn’t breathe. She raised Ari’s leg and placed it on the bench, then kissed her until she was kneeling between Ari’s parted thighs. Hudson licked from her opening to her clitoris and back, each stroke sending a shockwave that threatened to buckle her knees. She found the thick head of hair, and she guided Hudson’s mouth to her sensitive nub. She was close to climaxing, waiting no longer an option. Hudson pressed harder, her tongue hitting the spot where she needed it most, and she trembled.
“Hudson,” Ari moaned.
Their eyes met and she couldn’t miss the yearning she saw. The shifting shades of gray were like a stormy sea. She looked on, helpless, yet wanting the waves of Hudson’s desire to bring release. Her clitoris turned to granite and the quivering in her belly traveled with lightning speed through her hot center, exploding in fireworks behind her eyes. She fought the urge to close them. She wanted Hudson to see what she did to her, but her control was slipping away. Crying out, her head arched back, and she gave her body over to her.
Hudson lapped the sweet juices flowing from Ari as she cried out. Her body shook as the orgasm coursed through her and Ari’s face was transformed from beautiful to stunning. A pink flush traveled up from her breasts to her cheeks, as though sun-kissed. Her chest heaved, and Hudson was mesmerized. She held Ari’s thighs to keep her from falling.
“Baby, I need to sit.” Ari’s trembling hand landed on her shoulder, urging her up.
The water had cooled, and she turned it off before grabbing a towel to gently wipe the droplets from Ari’s flushed body while supporting her weight, then eased her down on a stool.
