Where the Light Plays

by C. Fonseca

  Andi’s body tensed for a fleeting moment but offered no resistance. In rhythm with the music, their bodies moved together to the bouncing synths and the lengthy, high-pitched chorus. It was provocative and tempting, so seductive.

  When the tempo of the music slowed, Andi whispered, “Caitlin.”

  “I’m so glad you’re here.” Caitlin slid her hands down to Andi’s hips, hooked her fingers into the loops of her trousers, and drew her close. They danced effortlessly, curved together. The music pulsed like a heartbeat as the swell of her breasts pressed against Andi’s back. As she turned in Caitlin’s arms, Andi’s gaze swept over her. Caitlin’s body was on fire; pleasure sparked through her as Andi skimmed her fingertips lightly across her exposed skin, and she leaned in to place tender kisses along Caitlin’s collarbone.

  The song ended, and the DJ’s gravelly voice boomed through the room. “Pace, pace. Pace yourselves… This is a change of pace for all you romantics out there. You can do it, ladies… Show us you’re all a little ‘Human’ by Cristina Perri.”

  As the crowd on the dance floor stilled, Andi lowered her arms and began to walk away. Caitlin reached out and tugged lightly on Andi’s wrist.

  “Stay…please.”

  * * *

  Caitlin entwined their fingers and gently placed Andi’s hands onto her shoulders. Her hands moved to caress Andi’s waist and trace the contours of her body. Andi gazed into Caitlin’s stormy eyes. They were iridescent and flecked with every shade of blue.

  Lulled by the singer’s sultry voice, she rested her head against Caitlin’s shoulder. Her lips brushed soft skin, and her hands moved lower in order to outline the sensuous curves of Caitlin’s hips.

  “Andi…” Caitlin moaned. “If you keep touching me like that…”

  The song ended. Andi gasped as their bodies separated and the rush of air cooled the heat between them.

  Dazed, Andi led Caitlin to the bar where Ellie and a group of her friends were leaning against the stone-grey counter.

  Caitlin whispered, “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” She headed towards the restroom. Andi missed her already as she watched her walk away. A woman caught Caitlin’s attention, and she stopped at the group of sophisticated women who sat at an amoeba-shaped communal table.

  An attractive blonde rose to plant a kiss firmly on Caitlin’s lips. Andi observed the interaction between the two women until the blonde looked openly at her with a calculating stare that turned into an inquisitive half smile. Caitlin glanced in Andi’s direction and seemed to wink, but Andi couldn’t be sure from such a distance. Caitlin continued on her way to the restroom. The striking blonde did not follow.

  Ellie handed Andi a bottle of water. “I think you could use some rehydration,” she said and nudged her shoulder. “That’s not the kind of Irish dancing they do on Riverdance, is it?” She looked up towards the ceiling. “I thought the fire sprinklers were going to explode.”

  Andi held the cool bottle to her heated forehead. “She’s gorgeous, and I’m a goner.”

  “Hmm… Right on both counts, my friend,” Ellie said with a twinkle in her eye. “Are you coming back to Fitzroy tonight?”

  Before Andi could answer, Caitlin suddenly appeared at her side. Ellie blinked in surprise. Andi looked from Ellie to Caitlin. “Caitlin, this is my friend, Ellie Anderson. You talked on the phone a few weeks ago.”

  “It’s lovely to see you again, Doctor Anderson. I’m glad you could make it tonight.”

  Ellie tipped her head. “And it’s a pleasure to see you too, Doctor Quinn. I believe I should thank you for my ticket.”

  Andi rolled her eyes. “Okay, you two.”

  “Can I get you a drink, Caitlin?” Ellie asked.

  “Thanks, it was steamy on the dance floor. A sparkling mineral water would be grand,” Caitlin said.

  Ellie joined the drinks queue at the other end of the bar.

  Caitlin moved closer and pressed against Andi—every muscle in Andi’s body tensed with expectation.

  “There’s a blue Roadster outside with heated leather seats. Although I don’t think we’ll be needing them tonight.” Caitlin met Andi’s gaze, unblinking and fixed. “Come home with me,” Caitlin murmured.

  Andi swallowed hard and lowered her eyes. “I’d never turn down a ride in the Roadster.” She was nervous and dizzy; her entire body tingled. Caitlin’s hand rested in the small of her back, grounding her and spinning her out of control at the same time.

  Ellie returned and handed Caitlin a green-glass bottle of Pellegrino.

  “No, I won’t be returning to Fitzroy tonight.” Andi grinned and looked at Ellie’s new…friend, who stood near the bar. “Looks like you have your hands full anyway.”

  Ellie planted a quick kiss on Andi’s cheek. “Maybe. And maybe I’ll see you both at the barbecue tomorrow night?”

  Andi nodded. “I’ll ring you.”

  “Enjoy your night,” Ellie called.

  Caitlin grabbed Andi by the hand, and they headed across the barroom floor, towards the staircase, and down to the cloakroom.

  They stepped out onto the footpath, amid the noise and buzz of the one-in-the-morning crowd. As they approached the Roadster, Caitlin drew Andi against her, blue eyes half-lidded with desire. Andi trembled.

  “I want you so much, I can’t think,” Caitlin said.

  Her lips were soft, warm, and sweet. She glided her tongue along the edge of Andi’s mouth, graceful and teasing, until Andi yielded and parted her lips.

  A passing motorist leaned out of his car window, whistled, and hooted. They reluctantly drew apart.

  “Time to go,” Caitlin declared breathlessly, as she dashed to the driver’s side.

  CHAPTER 16

  Andi realised they had reached their destination when Caitlin drove into a laneway and a set of wrought iron gates automatically opened. Two sandstone columns flanked the gates, and the tyres crunched on the gravel driveway. Caitlin brought the Roadster to a halt at the rear of a large, imposing building. Maybe this was one of those old Victorian mansions that had been converted into apartments.

  “Andi,” Caitlin said as she turned the key and the engine purred gently to a stop. Before Andi could unclasp her seatbelt, Caitlin’s arm slid around her waist.

  “Um…yes?” Andi closed her eyes.

  “Are you okay? Do you feel alright about this?” Caitlin trailed her finger along Andi’s jaw and tilted her face until her stormy, blue eyes met Andi’s gaze directly. “You are so beautiful.”

  Andi could barely nod…barely breathe. Her stomach was in knots. “Yes,” Andi said. Her voice was nothing more than a murmur.

  “Thank God.” She exhaled. She seemed to have been holding her breath. Her mouth pressed against Andi’s trembling lips, at first gentle and unhurried. Caitlin’s tongue teased her lips. She pressed harder, and their kiss deepened. Caitlin’s mouth was warm and sweet and persistent—heat spread through Andi’s body as she returned the kiss. Suddenly, Caitlin moved away and pulled the key from the ignition. No way. She wasn’t going to let that kiss end. Andi grabbed Caitlin’s wrist and pulled her back to capture her mouth again. Caitlin moaned into her mouth and ran her fingers along her inner thigh. Andi gasped at the trail of fire Caitlin’s touch left in its wake.

  “Upstairs.” Caitlin’s words were issued as a plea rather than a request. Andi looked at her leg, expecting Caitlin’s fingers to have burnt through her trousers. She was aware only of her loudly beating heart and her desire for Caitlin’s continued caress.

  Caitlin opened the car door, stepped out, and collected her belongings from the rear seat. Andi followed, hands shoved deep in her pockets, and looked on as Caitlin swiped a card to disengage the electronic lock on the door.

  She looked around. What was this place? She bit her lip, overwhelmed by the sudden urge to flee. Before she had time to process how impossible that would be, Caitlin clasped her hand and tugged her inside the building.

  Light illuminated a large ves
tibule with dark linoleum flooring and stark white walls.

  Caitlin led her up a stairway that brought them to the first level. They walked through solid oak doorways, past ornate plasterwork, and under high ceilings. Her leather shoes squeaked on the highly polished timber floorboards.

  “Where are we?” Even though she whispered, Andi’s voice echoed through the empty landing. At the end of the hallway, they stopped at another door. Caitlin pushed buttons on an access panel, and the door opened. It relocked behind them with a loud clunk, causing Andi to jump. Caitlin flicked on a series of switches that lit the stairs and the space above them. Andi looked up into a black, cast-iron, circular stairwell with polished wooden treads. Stairway to heaven?

  A breathless whisper escaped Andi’s lips. “Do you live here?”

  Caitlin turned. Her hands came to rest on Andi’s hips, and she pushed her up against the closed door. Andi played with the hem of Caitlin’s blouse, and she trailed smoothly up to caress the swell of Caitlin’s full breasts.

  Caitlin kissed Andi, and her lips moved to Andi’s ear. The path of her tongue left Andi giddy, light-headed. “Not quite,” she whispered, and briefly gazed upwards. “Can you make it up the stairs?”

  Caitlin skilfully popped several buttons on Andi’s shirt with one hand, and her thumb brushed Andi’s overheated skin. Andi’s legs threatened to give way. She laid her forehead against Caitlin’s and drew her body close.

  “Maybe not,” she sighed. The butterflies in her stomach mixed with a surge of pure desire.

  Caitlin smiled. She took Andi’s hand, squeezed it reassuringly, and led her up the spiral staircase.

  * * *

  Caitlin stepped onto the landing and turned to find that Andi had stopped two steps below her. She dropped her bag, jacket, and keys on the sideboard and pulled Andi up the last steps and into her arms. “This is where I live,” she said.

  Andi’s jacket fell to the floor beside her. Caitlin walked her backwards, never losing contact. “This isn’t the right time for a tour, but if you need it, the bathroom is here on our left.” Caitlin leaned around the doorway and flicked on the light switch.

  “Yes, I do. I mean, I would,” Andi said, flustered.

  Caitlin released her reluctantly. Andi looked startled, and she held her arms tight across her middle, as if to protect herself.

  “There you go. Clean towels on the rack. When you finish, make your way through the magic wardrobe and into the bedroom.” Caitlin pointed to the door on her right. “I promise you there’s no witch on the other side.” Caitlin wriggled her eyebrows.

  Andi disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. Caitlin made her way to the guest bedroom ensuite. Andi was clearly nervous, but Caitlin wondered why she was so anxious. This was what she’d wanted, wasn’t it—Andi here, in her apartment? Caitlin put down her toothbrush and stared at herself in the mirror. Stay calm, Caitlin.

  When she returned, Caitlin lowered the lights in the hallway and passed through the wardrobe into her bedroom. Andi wasn’t there. She pulled the merino throw away from her platform bed. The room was ready, the bed adorned with smoky-grey Irish linen that softened the curved oak headboard. Where was Andi?

  She walked through to the open-plan living area. “Andi,” Caitlin called.

  Andi stood near the kitchen sink, glass in hand, looking dishevelled and alluring, her silk shirt unbuttoned to reveal a hint of sheer black bra and that unbelievable golden, smooth midriff. Caitlin took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

  “I was thirsty… I hope you don’t mind?” Andi held the glass aloft, perhaps as an apology for not being where Caitlin expected her.

  She looked sexy and strong, in bare feet, wearing a shy grin. Caitlin approached and placed her hands on Andi’s hips; her skin tingled. Her fingertips brushed Andi’s bare stomach, and a shudder moved through Andi’s body. Andi’s muscles tensed under her touch, and Caitlin inhaled sharply.

  “Are you okay?” Caitlin asked.

  Andi nodded. “Are you okay?” Her fingers traced a line along the outside of Caitlin’s sleeveless top and down her arms. Caitlin’s breasts swelled in response, her nipples tender even against the soft material of her bra.

  Caitlin lowered her hands to unfasten Andi’s trouser buttons. When Andi pressed her mouth into the hollow of Caitlin’s neck, it was her body that trembled. Andi tangled her fingers in Caitlin’s wavy hair and gazed into her eyes.

  “Bed now. Please.” Caitlin moaned.

  Andi followed as Caitlin led her into the bedroom.

  As Andi began to shed her clothes, Caitlin couldn’t look away. Andi stepped out of her trousers and placed them neatly on the chair. She removed her shirt, folded it, and put it with her trousers. Andi approached her, clad in boxer shorts and bra, and Caitlin worked to unfasten the buttons on her own garments.

  “Here let me…help you with that,” Andi said and placed her hands over Caitlin’s to ease the buttons through the fastenings, all the while edging her backwards, closer to the bed. Caitlin’s flared trousers fell easily to the floor, and she sat down. Andi picked up the trousers, folded them neatly, and draped them over the chair.

  Caitlin grinned. “Come here.” Impatient, she pulled Andi onto the cool linen sheets. Andi balanced her weight above Caitlin as she released the clasp at the front of Caitlin’s lacy bra with one hand. It fell away, and Andi moaned. Caitlin tossed it aside and pushed herself towards the head of the bed, taking Andi with her.

  They quickly discarded their remaining clothing. When the heat of Andi’s naked body pressed against hers, every muscle tingled. Andi’s hands were like magic, and all of Caitlin’s senses were on alert. Her body was the canvas, and Andi’s fingers brushed over her skin, gentle, yet with a confidence Caitlin hadn’t expected. She revelled in the luxurious sensations that flooded through her. Exquisite pleasure.

  She tightened her arms around Andi’s waist. They kissed, and Caitlin relished the lushness of Andi’s mouth. The plains and valleys of Andi’s sensual, lithe body fit with hers perfectly. She caressed along the silky contours of Andi’s back and her gloriously muscled shoulders and lower to her gently curved hips.

  Andi moved against her so lightly. Caitlin tightened her legs around Andi’s hips to increase their connection. She was astonished that Andi’s exquisitely delicate, feather-light caresses ignited her body so quickly.

  Flooded with warmth, she arched her back as waves of pleasure pulsed through her body. “Andi,” she whispered.

  Andi met her gaze, her eyes heavy and unfocused. Seconds later, Andi’s body tensed, her mouth opened, and she bit her bottom lip. With a shudder, Andi cried out. “Oh my God.”

  Caitlin tightened her embrace and held Andi protectively as her rapid breathing slowly returned to a steady pace. With one hand anchored on Caitlin’s hip, Andi gently rolled beside her. They lay side by side, arms and legs entwined.

  A gentle breeze from the open window above the bed cooled their heated, damp skin. Caitlin traced her palm along Andi’s body, exploring the curve of her hip and her finely muscled thigh. She laughed and pushed Andi onto her back.

  “You are amazing,” Caitlin said. She lowered her body between Andi’s legs. “You’re not tired, are you? Because I haven’t even started.”

  Andi pushed her hand through Caitlin’s hair. “No, I’m not tired.”

  “Well, let me see what I can do about that.”

  Caitlin stroked the back of her knees, and Andi squealed. “No tickling. I’m really sensitive. Please, anything else.”

  “Anything?” Caitlin raised her eyebrows, pursed her lips and blew a raspberry near Andi’s belly button. “I do love a challenge.” She moved further down the bed and gazed up at Andi. She kissed the slight flare of Andi’s hip. “Your body is truly a work of art.”

  “Caitlin…I don’t know if I can—” Andi whispered.

  “Really?” Caitlin exhaled slowly and gently bit the inside of her thigh. Andi shuddered, and Caitlin laughed. “I’m sure
I can change your mind. I’ve wanted to do this for so long. I’ve crossed the Atlantic…just to taste you.”

  “Help.” Andi moaned. She twisted her hands through Caitlin’s hair and held the back of her neck. Andi was so responsive to her touch. So receptive. Caitlin wanted to prolong their pleasure. She slowed until Andi lifted her hips and called her name. Caitlin increased her pressure, and within moments, Andi’s body arched and shuddered.

  When she eventually stilled, Caitlin slid up along Andi’s glistening body and kissed her tenderly. “Are you okay?” Caitlin whispered.

  Andi nodded, her eyes shimmering.

  Then she surprised Caitlin by flipping her onto her back and kissing her thoroughly.

  “My turn,” she said.

  Later, relaxed and heavy lidded—temporarily satisfied—Caitlin gazed at Andi sleeping. Her beautiful body gracefully curved towards Caitlin with one arm resting above the sheet, hand open. Her other arm curled with her fingers tucked under her chin. Her dark lashes fluttered in sleep. Caitlin’s gaze was drawn to the gentle rise and fall of her breasts.

  Asleep, she looked even younger. Andi shifted closer, as if seeking warmth, and Caitlin lifted her arm to allow Andi’s head to rest against her shoulder. She pulled the sheet up to cover them both and closed her eyes.

  She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this comfortable falling asleep so close to a woman.

  CHAPTER 17

  Andi woke with a start. Fine rays of early morning light filtered through the shutters inside high arched windows. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and watched dreamily as sunlight danced on the leaf motif of the feature wall beside the bed.

  She looked at the tangled sheets that half covered her body, aware of Caitlin’s hand resting lightly on her waist and the caress of soft breath on her shoulder. She sighed.

  Andi thought she’d been dreaming, but the ache in her abdomen and thigh muscles was a pleasant confirmation. It was real. She turned onto her side, careful not to wake Caitlin. Andi stared in amazement—in sleep, Caitlin was even more beautiful, so serene. Her soft, pink lips curved up at the corners. Her chin cupped gently in the palm of her hand.