by Ashley Quinn
“You better get used to being topped sometimes,” Natalie teased. She sucked gently at the soft, sensitive area just behind London’s ear. “I like giving as much as I like getting. Or giving while I’m getting.” Natalie felt a small thrill as London met her lips with abandon and submitted herself to her.
Natalie gently guided London’s hand over her underwear. She slipped her own hand into London’s shorts and over the thin bikini briefs that were nearly soaked through.
“Do you feel what we do to each other?” Natalie whispered. She kissed further down London’s neck and shivered as the other woman’s fingers curled against her sensitive areas.
“Natalie...” London started.
She kissed the corner of her mouth. “Yes?”
“I...I want you,” London said between breaths. She arched herself against Natalie’s fingers, begging with her body for a closer touch. “I want you, Natalie.”
“You have to be quiet,” Natalie said with a smile. “Just focus on my body, your breath and my tongue against you.”
London groaned softly, closing her eyes, and then clapped both hands over her mouth. Natalie instantly missed London’s teasing fingers working slowly against her. She slid down her body, taking the quilt with her, and gently pushed London’s bra straps over her shoulders. She kissed along the inside of her breast and slowly ran her tongue over her nipple. Natalie smiled against the soft ivory skin as she listened to London’s breath hitch. She sucked her nipple into her mouth and let her tongue explore what London liked.
Natalie listened to London’s quickened breath and the rustling of sheets in her balled up fists. Slow and steady it is she thought as London arched her back against her mouth. Satisfied that she was quickly discovering London’s most intimate preferences, Natalie nibbled down the edges of her stomach and took extra care to brush feather-light kisses over the cuts and scratches on her left side.
Natalie slowly peeled London’s shorts and underwear off together. She breathed deeply, feeling the urgency between her own legs increasing as she inhaled the scent of London’s arousal. Natalie desperately wanted to take her time and tease London until her body exploded. She forced herself to take another deep breath.
She glanced up at London, her eyes closed and her nipples standing at hard peaks, and she momentarily lost her nerve. A thin, silvery slice of moonlight from between the threadbare curtains washed over London’s face and shoulders. She looks almost ethereal Natalie thought, mesmerized. She’s gorgeous.
“Hey, Moon Child,” she murmured as she dropped a kiss onto London’s inner thigh.
London’s eyes opened halfway. A slow smile lit her face as she met Natalie’s gaze. “What did you...”
I think I’m falling in love with you Natalie thought silently. Instead, she smiled back at her for a long, lingering moment. “You’re beautiful.”
Natalie eased herself between London’s thighs as she gently explored her labia and teased the tip of her tongue in slow, lazy circles around her entrance. London let out a small, muffled cry between her fingers as her breathing grew heavier.
Natalie’s tongue flicked over her as she slid her fingers over her hardened nipples. Slow and steady she reminded herself. Her tongue teased her most sensitive area, massaging and exploring, as London writhed against the bed. Her hands pressed against Natalie’s shoulders and her short fingernails dug into her skin, but London dutifully remained quiet.
Suddenly everything that Natalie was kissing and licking was flooded with sweet wetness. She braced herself as London’s hips lifted off the mattress and her body froze. She gripped Natalie’s arms tightly and then her pitched inhales became slow, deep breaths.
Natalie gently eased herself next to London and reached over to curl a sweaty lock of black hair behind her ear. She laughed in surprise as London kissed her. She let her deepen the kiss and explore her mouth. After a moment, London pulled back and smiled at her.
“What?” Natalie whispered.
“I can taste myself on your mouth,” London replied.
“You were really wet,” Natalie murmured. She watched as London blinked sleepily.
“Your fault,” London appeared to decide. Her voice grew thinner and Natalie knew she was fighting sleep. “You made me really wet.”
Natalie shifted on the bed and pulled London under the quilt with her. She spooned London’s bare back and wrapped her arm protectively around her middle. “We've always seemed to have that effect on each other,” she whispered. “You know it and I know it.”
Natalie felt London relax against her. She leaned over and kissed her earlobe. “Good night.”
London stiffened for a second and tried to sit up. “Wait, I want to...”
“I know,” Natalie murmured. She tried to ignore the throbbing between her legs. I might kick myself for this later. “And I know you’re exhausted too. We have all weekend together.”
Natalie felt herself fading into warmth as London relaxed again. Her own breathing slowed evenly and she was just about to fall into a deep, contented sleep when London’s low, lethargic voice cut into her consciousness.
“I love you, Natalia.”
CHAPTER 19
Natalie could feel her best friend’s wary eyes on her as she chopped onions and spinach nervously against a bamboo cutting board. She took a deep breath, avoiding Paula’s knowing stare, and dumped the contents of the cutting board into a pan. The vegetables sizzled in olive oil and Natalie poked at them with a spoon.
“Are you going to tell me what’s up with you this morning or am I going to have to drag it out of you?” Paula finally asked. She eased herself onto a stool at the breakfast bar.
Natalie glanced furtively at the closed door of the guest bedroom. London was still sound asleep. She could hear stirrings coming from the master bedroom and she knew her aunts were getting ready for the day.
“London told me she loves me,” Natalie finally murmured. She tried not to smile as Paula clapped her hands over her mouth.
“She did?” She asked with an incredulous grin. “Natalie, that’s amazing! I’m telling you, I have a good feeling about this one. The way she looks at you...It’s like you’re the only person in the entire world. You’re different towards her too. Like, you’re extra caring and loving with her. Tell me everything. How did she say it?”
Natalie bit her lip and then peered down the hallway. “That’s the thing...” she started hesitantly. “Wait, where’s Isabella?”
Paula blinked. “In the backyard with Niko. Why?”
“She told me she loves me,” Natalie started again. “But she was half-asleep. Or maybe partially unconscious, I don’t know. I don’t even know if she remembers saying it. Maybe it was just one of those things that slipped out because she was relaxed...”
Paula narrowed her eyes. “Wait a second, did you two...?”
Natalie blushed. “We were both exhausted and fell asleep quickly, but...”
Paula burst into laughter as she peeled a banana. “I knew it,” she replied. She held up a hand and shook her head. “Say no more. I know you too well. I knew there was a reason that you two took the bedroom at the far end of the house and Isabella and I slept in the room next to your aunts. You’re a sly one, mi amiga.”
Natalie’s blush deepened. “It wasn’t like that!” She protested and then quickly lowered her voice. “We didn’t plan for it to happen. It just sort of...did. Anytime I’m around her, I feel like a magnet. Like I’m being pulled to her and we have to be close.”
Paula rolled her eyes and bit off the top of the banana. “You’re so gay.”
“Anyway,” Natalie chose to ignore her friend’s ribbing. “I don’t know if she said it in the afterglow of the moment or if she meant it. The scary thing is, I want her to really mean it.”
“And you didn’t say anything back?” Paula asked.
Natalie shook her head miserably as she took a carton of eggs from the refrigerator.
“Natalie!” Paula’s eyes wi
dened and her mouth dropped open. “I guess you’ll find out soon enough. I thought I heard some movement coming from your room. If she’s acting strange or distant, you’ll know why.”
“Thanks Paula, that makes me feel a lot better,” Natalie replied with a roll of her eyes. She thrust the carton of eggs into her friend’s arms. “Crap, I’ll be back. I didn’t want her to wake up in the room alone. Can you crack some eggs into the pan? I’m making a breakfast scramble.”
Paula nodded and stood. “I can’t believe you’re putting me to work,” she grumbled jokingly and then paused. She turned halfway and took a deep breath. “Natalie, can I tell you something? I can see that you’re in love with her too. Anyone with half a brain can. You’ve always been a happy person, but honestly? I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen you smile the way you do with her. Love doesn’t have to be complicated. Just tell her.”
Natalie felt her face heat up as she turned back and gently opened the bedroom door. She slid inside the room and silently closed the door behind her.
London blinked sleepily. “There you are.”
Natalie knelt onto the bed and hugged her. She surprised even herself with how tightly she wrapped her arms around London. “I’m sorry,” she replied. “I wanted to make everyone breakfast before they hit the road. You looked much too comfortable and adorable sleeping, so I couldn’t wake you.”
London grinned and covered her face with her hands. “How could I not be comfortable sleeping when you’re next to me? Is everyone leaving early?”
Natalie fought the urge to crawl back under the quilt and relax the morning away with London. “Celia and Jane are heading back after breakfast and going straight to the bakery,” she replied. “They prefer not to keep it closed longer for a day or so. Paula and Isabella are heading back too. I think Paula mentioned something about her parents and Rudy’s parents visiting later with birthday cake and presents for Bella.”
She doesn’t seem to be upset Natalie thought. Maybe she really doesn’t remember saying that she loves me. Her heart inexplicably sank at the thought.
“Are you hungry?” She asked as she stood. “I’m making an egg and vegetable scramble. Something healthy to offset all of yesterday’s food.”
London smiled and gently pulled Natalie back down to her. “First, kiss me,” she murmured against the corner of her mouth. “One thing you should know about is that I do require good morning kisses.”
Natalie laughed and met her waiting lips. London cupped her face in both hands and deepened the kiss. Almost instantly, the all-too-familiar stirring began somewhere deep in her chest at the same time as it did between her legs.
I need to stop kissing her before I lock this bedroom door shut and make love to London all morning she decided. The idea sounded deliciously enticing, if not for four of her closest friends and family members also awake inside the house.
“Noted,” Natalie finally replied with a grin. “I happen to be a big fan of kisses myself.”
London reached her arms overhead and stretched. Natalie tried not to notice the teasing way that her t-shirt rode slightly up her stomach and exposed the tiniest hint of bare skin just above her belly button.
Paula’s right she realized. I am in love with her. I can’t even take my eyes off of her.
London sat up and smiled as she brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes. “So what sort of trouble will be causing the town of Haskell, Texas today?”
Natalie laughed again. “You’re in luck,” she replied. “The Tri-County Fair is this weekend. Three of the surrounding counties come together and put on a festival each year. I think you’ll get a kick out of it.”
“I’ve never been to a county fair in my life,” London admitted. “Do you think people will look at me strangely?”
“Doubt it,” Natalie responded with a smile. She sniffed the air and felt her stomach rumble at the unmistakable scent of cooked onions. “But first? In any good Texas household, we eat. Let’s go make sure Paula didn’t burn breakfast to a crisp. She’s never been one for cooking.”
Natalie felt an overwhelming sense of content wash over her as they walked casually into the kitchen and joined the others. London’s arm was loose around her waist and the smile she wore was open and sincere.
Something deep down tells me that London meant each sleepy word whispered into the dark.
---
London heard the county fair even before Natalie turned the truck down a dusty road between two brick buildings off of the main street. She leaned over in her seat and craned her neck to see where the loud music was coming from. Natalie pulled her truck beneath a wide yellow tent that took up nearly an entire city block. Rows of vehicles were neatly lined under the tent. Groups of people fanned themselves in the shade as they strolled toward a field just beyond.
“Is this it?” London asked. “Are we here?” I have so many questions she thought as she looked around. Namely, why is every other vehicle under the tent a pick-up truck? Did I miss some sort of truck convention memo? “Is that live music I hear or is there a D.J.?”
“We’re here,” Natalie confirmed with a smile. “Smells like they’re already barbecuing the first batch of brisket,” she commented as they wandered away from the truck. “As for the music, I’m sure it’s the same local cover band that they hire every year. They’re not bad, but I apologize in advance because you’re not going to hear much other than Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Florida-Georgia Line, maybe some Lady Antebellum or Little Big Town...” she paused as she caught London’s confused expression. “Um, country music.”
London nodded. “Got it.”
They walked closely together as they strolled through the fair. Rows of carnival games were set up along the right of the main thoroughfare while food and drink booths were arranged in squares down the left side of the grounds. Scarred wooden picnic tables, some with faded umbrellas, dotted the landscape behind the booths.
A semi-circle of carnival rides was set up at the middle of the far end, with a tall Ferris wheel its centerpiece. Kids chased each other from ride to ride and laughed loudly while the adults settled themselves at the picnic tables. The unforgiving sun beat down in waves of white-hot heat but didn’t seem to deter the four-person band playing on a small, makeshift stage near the rides.
London paused to watch as a skinny thirtysomething man in a sleek black Stetson sang an upbeat country song.
“Country girl, shake it for me, girl,” he sang with a low twang. He glanced at his bassist and grinned as he bopped with the beat. “Shake it for me, girl, shake it for me...”
London glanced at Natalie out of the corner of her eye. She nodded in time with the music.
“Do you like country music?” London asked over the guitars.
“What?” Natalie asked loudly.
“Country music,” London tried again as she pointed to the stage. “Do you enjoy it?”
Natalie blushed. “I liked it a lot more when I was a kid,” she admitted. “I’m more into rock, mainly classic rock, these days. But I’ll still turn up the radio for the occasional country song. And, besides, I still know how to line dance.”
London’s mouth dropped open at this new information. “Wait a second, you line dance?”
Natalie laughed. “When you’re a kid growing up in certain parts of Texas, you can’t not eventually learn to line dance. Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t done it in years but it’s like riding a bike. You don’t really forget.”
“Show me,” London replied, feeling a twinkle light her eyes. “Please.”
Natalie’s blush deepened. “Oh London, only you would think that’s something special,” she protested. “I haven’t line danced in years and I don’t even listen to country music very much.”
“But you said it’s like riding a bike,” London pouted. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen real line dancing, except maybe in the movies.”
Natalie grinned and shifted to wrap her arms around London’s waist from behind. She rest
ed her chin on her shoulder. “So if I show you, what do I get?”
London felt her cheeks redden. “What do you want?” She replied teasingly.
“Somebody’s sweet little farmer’s child, got it in her blood to get a little wild, ponytail and a pretty smile, roped me in from a country mile...” The lead singer continued to croon in the background.
Ain’t that the truth London thought ruefully.
“I’ll think of something,” Natalie replied with a quick wink. “Be right back.”
London watched curiously as Natalie walked to the stage. The band had just finished the song and paused to mop the sweat from their foreheads. The lead singer spotted Natalie and leaned over the stage. He cupped his hand around his ear as she spoke to him for a moment. She turned once to point at London and then he nodded and shook her hand.
“Dare I ask what you told him?” London ventured as Natalie stood next to her and refused to meet her eyes.
“I asked if they could play something that we could do a simple A-B line dance with,” Natalie replied. “I may have also mentioned that I’m trying to show off, Texas-style, for this beautiful woman accompanying me this weekend.”
London burst out laughing. “You did not!”
Natalie grinned. “Actually, what I’d said was that it was your first time here and you’re from Chicago, so I’m going to teach you how to line dance.”
London held up a hand. “Hold on, I never said I was going to...” The rest of her words were drowned out by guitars and percussion as the next song started.
“It’s easy, I promise,” Natalie called over the fast-paced country music. She grabbed London’s hands and squeezed them. “Just watch me for a minute.”
London crossed her arms and watched dubiously as Natalie took a few steps closer to the makeshift stage. She paused and nodded slowly in concentration. London studied her as her lips moved silently and she mouthed the count to herself.
