Coalescence - SF3

by Meagher, Susan X

  "Now that I’d like to see," Jamie mused, with a cute grin on her face.

  "Well, they’re hardly any fun since they took out all the jungle gyms. Darned personal injury lawsuits."

  "Yeah, well, it was kids like you that caused all of those lawsuits, Buffy. Now get a move on, and come get me when you’re done."

  "Will do," Ryan promised, as she leaned forward for a kiss.

  "Be careful on the road," Jamie warned. "It’s clear now, but the fog can come in quickly."

  After Ryan had limbered up, she took off down the driveway, let herself out the small door in the large gate, and began to jog at a slow pace. There was a fairly steady stream of cars on the 17 Mile Drive, but the sound of the traffic was barely noticeable with the pounding of the surf in the background.

  If she has some time alone, she might be able to snap out of her mood on her own. I’ll see how she seems when I get back, and if she’s still standoffish I’ll try a more direct approach.

  She paid more attention to the pavement than the scenery, but she was aware of passing many beautiful estates as well as some more modest homes. Trashy little million dollar bungalows, she thought with a snicker, as she allowed herself to reflect on the tremendous wealth that Jamie’s mother must have. I’m not sure I was prepared for all of this, she thought. I hate to admit it, but I think Jamie’s right--we’re gonna have some issues about this. I hope I can be as easygoing about it as her father is. I wonder how he’d feel if he were in my position, though. I’ve got about 25,000 bucks to my name, which is more than I ever thought I’d have, but I’ll probably be in school for at least three more years. If I do go to grad school, I might have a hard time working enough to be able to pay my own way, and I don’t have any idea how we’ll balance things so I don’t feel like I’m being kept.

  She turned a corner and came upon a clear view of the majestic Pacific just as the sun peeked out from a large cloud. My God! she thought, as she skidded to an abrupt halt. No wonder the rich people live here. The dark sea crashed violently against the massive rocks that lined this section of coast. The rugged shore precluded any type of beach, and no one with a lick of sense dared go out onto the rocks. Ironically, these multi-million dollar homes had absolutely no access to the sea, though it was so very close. She took off again, surveying the homes she passed. She admired the way that most of the homes snuggled in amongst the trees, trying to achieve a natural look. The homes were, for the most part, large and rambling, but they really were not overly grand. Even Jamie’s home, while as large as any she had seen, was quite tasteful. It was set back far enough from the street, and was covered in enough mature landscaping, that it really did fit in to the more natural theme of the neighborhood.

  She had reached the guard station at the end of 17 Mile Drive. Since she had no identification with her, she thought it prudent to turn around rather than exit the compound. Crossing the street and running back up the other side of the drive; she stopped once again to gaze at the fabulous view for a few moments. Sea birds of all sizes and shapes were busily looking for food, their calls and songs just barely audible over the intense thrumming of the waves as they crashed against the cliffs.

  She started up again, spending a few minutes saying her usual morning prayers of thanksgiving. Little late for the morning prayers, Ryan, she gently chided herself. She realized with a laugh that she had so much more to be thankful for since Jamie came into her life that her prayers were taking up a lot more time. Small price to pay, she thought happily as she sped along the lovely drive. She thought about her mother and tried to imagine what she would think of Jamie. She was absolutely certain that her mother would love her, but she realistically assumed that there might be a little tension between them. Even though her memories of her mother were few, she had heard enough from her father and the boys to know how fiercely protective the small auburn-haired woman had been of her children. I think it would have been hard for her to let me go, she mused. I can’t imagine that mothers don’t have mixed feelings when their kids give their hearts to someone. And boy, mine is gone for good, she thought happily. She lifted her hand to touch the earring that Jamie had given her. This was so sweet, she thought. I should have known that she would figure out some way to make our honeymoon even more special. A more practical matter shot through her mind as she mused, I’d better make sure she has these insured. Even as she considered that thought, she had to admit that the monetary value on the earrings was not the important issue. Just like her mother’s wedding band, the sentimental value would be forever lost, no matter how much insurance money was received to pay for their replacements.

  As she drew near the house, she debated as to whether she should go further or stop. It had been 50 minutes, and she knew she had only done about seven miles, but she really wanted to go figure out what was going on with Jamie. She let her desires overtake her discipline, deciding that her honeymoon was more important than her fitness. After she punched in the code, the gate swung open and she trotted down the drive, taking in all of the beautiful plants and trees that graced the path. Looking up at the house, she wondered how many bedrooms it held. I hardly got a chance to see much of the place, she mused. Oh well, what we did yesterday was a lot more fulfilling than looking at decorating schemes.

  She took a detour into the pool house and used a towel to remove most of the sweat from her body, then jogged over to the tree house. "Anybody home?" she asked.

  "Come on up, Love," Jamie called down.

  Ryan hung her torso over the half-open door and said, "Do you welcome stinky guests?"

  "I’d welcome you if you were covered in…well…anything," she decided. "You always perk up my day."

  "Part of the job description," Ryan assured her as she climbed in. "Friend, lover, confidante, perker-upper."

  "You do very well at all of them," Jamie decided.

  "Thanks, Babe." Ryan placed her hand on Jamie’s thigh, but the small twitch that greeted her touch was not the reaction she was hoping for. She decided to be a little more direct, and see if she could make some progress with her obviously uncomfortable lover.

  "You know," Ryan said thoughtfully, "I think I need a confidante today. You in the mood?"

  "Of course, Honey, what’s wrong?" Concern colored her features, and Ryan sought to reassure her.

  "It’s not a huge thing. I just wanted to talk about yesterday a little bit. Is that okay?"

  "Sure…of course it is," Jamie said, looking like it was far from okay. "Tell me what’s on your mind."

  Ryan lay flat on her back and placed her feet on the floor, drawing her knees up in the process. She stared at the ceiling of the house, and was briefly distracted when she noticed that there were no cobwebs or other signs of insect activity. God, don’t tell me they make the maid come clean this place, too! Mentally shaking her head, she forced herself to focus and began, "I want to talk about how yesterday felt for me."

  "Okay," Jamie said, her voice now even quieter.

  "I…I was a little surprised at how powerful my feelings were," Ryan said carefully. "I mean, I knew it would be intense, but I wasn’t prepared for how overwhelming the emotions were." She turned her head and made eye contact with her partner. "Do you know what I mean?"

  "Yes, I do," Jamie replied, her voice no more than a whisper.

  Looking at the ceiling again, Ryan continued, "I’ve had great sexual experiences. None as great as yesterday, of course, but great, nonetheless. The thing is, I’ve never had sex with someone who loves me like you do, and it was pretty trippy."

  "Trippy?"

  "I’ve never felt that…exposed," Ryan decided. "I think that’s the word. I felt like I’d been stripped naked, emotionally." She turned again and locked eyes with her partner. "I actually feel a little bruised today…does that make sense?"

  The relief that flooded Jamie’s face was obvious as she nodded her head vigorously. "Yes, yes, that’s it!" she said excitedly. "I feel raw and exposed today. Like I let you see too m
uch!"

  "Yeah," Ryan said, "That’s a good way to put it. It’s like we each revealed ourselves so much, that it’s a little scary to be vulnerable again."

  "That’s it exactly," Jamie agreed. "I feel kinda shy around you."

  "Me too," Ryan said, lying just a little. "How do you think we can get over it?"

  The smaller woman pondered the question for a moment before coming up with a suggestion. "Maybe we need to pull back a little. You know…act like we had been before yesterday."

  "Okaaay," Ryan drawled, inwardly cringing, and feeling angry with herself for trying to play psychologist. "Do you still want to sleep together?" Her stomach clenched, hoping that Jamie didn’t want to pull back that far.

  "Oh, of course! I need to sleep with you."

  "Okaaaay." Slightly relieved, Ryan pasted on a smile and rocked a bit, trying to figure out a way into her partner’s mind. "How about kissing? Do you still want to do that?"

  A broad smile answered that query. "Always."

  Ryan rolled over and got to her hands and knees, crawling to her partner like a puppy. Tilting her head, she placed a light kiss on Jamie’s still-smiling lips. "Did that feel okay?"

  "Of course. That’s the level of intimacy I’m used to. You can go a little further if you’d like, though. We weren’t that sororal before."

  "Good point," Ryan said, as she sat down and scooted next to her partner. "Refresh my memory," she requested, sitting patiently with an impish grin on her face.

  Jamie smiled back at her, then did as requested. She leaned in and slid her hand behind Ryan’s neck, tickling the damp skin on her tanned neck as she did so. Pulling the grinning face forward a few inches, she placed a few light, but slightly hot, kisses on Ryan’s mouth. "Thusly," she declared smugly, sitting up when she finished.

  "Ohhh, I remember now," Ryan said slowly. "You have very good powers of recall."

  "Mmm-hmm," Jamie smirked, getting the idea that she was being set up, but minding not a whit. "Do you want to try for yourself, or do you still need help?"

  Ryan scratched her head and nodded a few times. "I’m not sure I have it yet," she admitted. "Maybe one more try."

  "Glad to oblige." Jamie repeated the demonstration, but this time the lesson lasted a bit longer than the previous one, and Ryan was seeing stars when she pulled away.

  "Woo," she breathed. "I’m amazed that I didn’t remember that."

  "Well, you are a little slow," Jamie reminded her. "But you have other attributes that make up for it."

  The dangerous right eyebrow twitched saucily, asking for specifics. "Hmm, these are very, very nice." Jamie trailed the tips of her fingers down Ryan’s muscled shoulders. "And you’re quite pretty in some lights." She tried hard to hold back a giggle. "You’re a decent kisser, too," she added as an afterthought.

  "Would you like a demonstration?" the deep voice, now filled with desire, asked.

  "If you want to," Jamie said, acting as though she could take it or leave it.

  "You don’t mind a little perspiration, do you?" Ryan asked as she leaned in close.

  Jamie filled her lungs as a blissful smile crossed her face. "It’s positively mouth-watering," she replied, meaning every word. Ryan’s body glowed with a thin sheen of sweat and, much to her surprise, Jamie found the scent heady in the extreme. The aroma reminded her of freshly turned topsoil, all rich and earthy, and she decided that she was overly fond of it.

  Grasping Jamie’s face with both of her hands, Ryan delicately nibbled on her lips, teasing every bit of skin until the pink flesh tingled with sensation. Her tongue traced all around the coral-tinted lips, causing Jamie’s mouth to slowly open to receive more of the tantalizing caress. Ryan took a deep breath, trying to fill her lungs with her partner’s sweet scent, then she let her tongue explore every bit of flesh that it could reach. In moments, Jamie was hungrily sucking on the deep pink visitor, pulling it into her hot mouth with unbridled lust.

  Both women began to breathe heavily as their mouths ground together, and before she knew it, Jamie’s hands were tugging at Ryan’s tank, trying to remove it from her body while their mouths were still joined. Ryan pulled away woozily and choked out, "Are you sure? This feels pretty intima…"

  Her question was cut off as Jamie grabbed the top and yanked hard, tearing it from Ryan’s body in one move. The wet sports bra was next, and Ryan let out a yelp as the tight garment was drawn over her breasts, but her cries were effectively silenced when Jamie hurled her body at Ryan’s, taking her down onto her back with a thud.

  Oh, boy, Ryan’s mind raced. Now what do I do? If we have sex now, I’m afraid she’ll be uncomfortable later. But if I tell her to slow down, I’m still serving as a member of the sex police, and I don’t want to do that anymore. Shit, she mused. This could have some unpleasant ramifications later, but I think I’ve gotta risk it. Besides, it feels fan-fucking-tastic!

  The little dynamo pulled away slightly and sat up just enough to be able to pull her oversized T-shirt from her body. Lowering herself again, she paused just inches above her lover’s supine body and started to move, gliding her breasts against Ryan’s, reveling in the feel of their sweat-slickened skin sliding sensually against each other.

  Ryan’s head was tilted back so far that her eyes were gazing vacantly at the wall behind her head, her dark hair splayed attractively against the worn floorboards. "Oh, God," she moaned, her chest rising as she took in a breath. "Feels so goooood."

  Jamie’s head was resting back against her shoulders, her eyes aimed at the ceiling. She moved slowly, deliberately, and her pace was unwavering. Her nipples were so rigid that they occasionally caught on Ryan’s equally firm points, and the resulting tugs made her grind her teeth in pleasure.

  Suddenly, she needed to see all of Ryan, so she lowered her body and rolled off her partner. Grasping the print shorts, she tugged them gently off her lover’s body and tossed them into the corner. The running shoes and short, thin socks were next; Jamie's own madras shorts soon joined these items. As the shorts came off, Jamie felt the knot in her stomach once again. She took a deep breath and tried to reassure herself, running her hands over Ryan’s body while she repeated the calming mantra. This is just you and Ryan, loving each other. There’s nothing to be scared about. Looking down at her partner, Jamie saw nothing but love and support and desire reflected back in those deep blue eyes, and the anxiety began to lessen. You can do this, Jamie. Touch her like you like to be touched. Watch her reactions. Her body is telling you everything you need to know. As her hands continued to move, Ryan’s actions gave credence to her thoughts.

  Her loving gaze was unwavering, and Jamie felt like she could peer right into her partner’s soul. The large, warm hands covered hers, silently supporting, but never directing. As Jamie’s hands began to roam once again, Ryan’s eyes fluttered closed, seemingly involuntarily. The dark beauty struggled to open them again, and Jamie realized that she was much more confident when their eyes were locked upon one another. Her touch became bolder, more assured, and she felt her excitement begin to build once again.

  Climbing astride her partner, Jamie’s soft blonde curls left a slick trail down Ryan’s belly as she thrust her hips gently against the softly moaning woman. Sliding farther down, she captured a firm pink nipple, raking her teeth over the tender flesh as Ryan grasped her head with both hands in an automatic gesture. The dark-haired woman didn’t guide the warm mouth that hovered over her; instead she offered the gesture to encourage Jamie, in essence showing her that her efforts were being very well received.

  The support that she felt from Ryan allowed the smaller woman to assert control, and in no time she seemed comfortable once again. Her newfound confidence allowed her to experiment. She switched back and forth between the nipples, driving Ryan nearly mad with the sensation coursing through her breasts. The dark woman felt every sharp nip shoot like a laser right between her legs, her thighs compressing rhythmically to enhance the feeling.

  Ryan’s head
was lolling on the floor, her moans and whimpers driving Jamie to increase the ferocity of her attack. She drew each breast into her mouth, pulling on the tender flesh with firm suction.

  Ryan could not stand much more teasing. Her moans slowly became words that caused Jamie’s heart to race in response. "Touch me," she gasped out. "Please, Baby, please touch me!"

  Taking pity on the moaning woman, Jamie moved her hand between Ryan’s legs and gasped as her hand nearly slid off the drenched flesh. "So hot," she breathed right into Ryan’s ear. "So wet."

  A shiver that ran from the back of Ryan's head all the way to her toes accompanied a tiny head nod. Her voice was weak and wavered a bit, but she managed to gasp out, "Pleeeease."

  Felling a stab of uncertainly, Jamie sought her lover’s assistance. "Show me, Sweetheart. Show me how you like to be touched."

  Ryan’s hand flew between her legs and slid into her own wetness just as Jamie’s had. Their hands worked together, teasing the soft skin simultaneously. In a matter of minutes, Jamie could feel her partner getting close as her breathing started to become labored, and before she knew it, Ryan was crying out loudly, startling the birds that had been peacefully nibbling from the birdfeeder attached to the side of the tree house. With the fluttering of the birds’ wings in the background, Ryan’s spasms began to still, until she was able to regain control of her body.

  "You frightened the wildlife." Jamie giggled as Ryan nestled cozily in her arms.

  "You’ve turned me into a noisy comer," she drawled lazily as her body tried to calm itself.

  "We’ll just have to make sure the children’s bedrooms aren’t too close to ours," she decided. "I don’t want them to think I’m hurting you."

  "That’s sweet to think about." Ryan sighed as she pondered the future. "Maybe we can tell them that we lift weights in the bedroom."

  "Well, we’d better have a lot of iron in there with the grunts you make, Buffy."