She slid down past Kris's hips until she was resting on Kris's thighs. She lowered herself until she was a few inches from Kris's still puzzled face. She smiled down at her and tilted her head to the right so that her hair fell to the side. She lowered herself even more and was now lying on top of Kris with her legs straddling Kris's.
Kris could feel her own heart thumping hard inside of her chest. At some point her shirt had ridden up to just below her bra leaving her stomach just as exposed as Jenna’s. With Jenna now lying on top of her, she could feel Jenna’s hot skin pressed against her own stomach. It sent chills up her spine while at the same time sending familiar warm sensations down below. The combination of the warm and cool together was almost more than she could handle right now. She ran her tongue over her parched lips and was about to tell Jenna she was uncomfortable when she felt Jenna’s lips against her left ear. It caused her to jump, and then she felt Jenna slide down lower. She tried to calm her breathing down before she hyperventilated. What’s happening? Is this still an act? Did everyone leave without me knowing? She peeked around Jenna to check, but everyone was still there watching with their mouths open.
Jenna had no idea what she was doing or what her next move would be. She knew now that Kris liked her as more than just a friend. She also knew she was starting to feel the same way towards Kris. She had never felt this way around another woman before, and hadn’t felt an attraction to any other woman since meeting Kris. She wanted to use this opportunity to test the water without anyone getting hurt as she headed deeper and deeper towards uncharted territory.
Kris felt Jenna’s lips slide past her ear and down her neck. She felt the hot breath from Jenna’s nose and lips as they grazed across her skin leaving her almost breathless. They hadn’t kissed or spoken a word to each other, but she had never been so aroused in her entire life. Jenna had her aroused, scared, confused, and embarrassed all at the same time. She thought once again about giving Jenna a signal, but it didn’t matter because she was no longer in control of herself. She was breathing so fast and so hard, she didn’t have any air left in her lungs to speak even if she wanted to.
Jenna looked up at Kris again. She leaned down with her hair falling around both of them like a curtain, sealing them off in their own little space that no one else could see into. “Are you okay? I’m just trying to entertain the girls.”
Kris wasn’t okay. She wanted it to be real. It felt real to her. How far would Jenna go? Would it turn into something real if the other girls left? It would be impossible to forget this ever happened. Before she responded, Jenna sat up and pulled her back up into a sitting position again.
Jenna motioned for Kris to pick up her feet, and she took a seat at the end of the couch. She placed Kris's feet in her lap and rested her hands on top of Kris's legs. She looked up to face the rest of the girls who were still in shock.
Kris looked to Allie for some sort of explanation of what just happened.
Allie shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. “I don’t smoke, but does anyone else feel like they need a cigarette?”
“Well, girls, did you learn anything from the lesson?” Jenna asked.
Erin was the first to speak. “I made plenty of observations, Doc. You pierced your belly button, you’re wearing black boy shorts under your scrubs, and you’re one crazy unpredictable woman.”
Everyone clapped and cheered.
“Ha, ha,” Jenna said. “Anything else?”
Kris felt her face turn bright red. She felt embarrassed and used by Jenna. She knew that she was the model, but she felt Jenna had taken it too far at her own expense. She felt like the joke was on her.
Jenna saw Kris's reaction and felt the muscles in Kris's legs tense up beneath her hands. She never meant to hurt her. Before this started she didn’t know how much Kris cared for her. She needed to take the focus off of Kris and place it on herself. She gave Kris's leg a reassuring squeeze and began massaging and caressing her calf.
Jenna surveyed the room. No one else had seemed to notice Kris's reaction. “Well, ladies, I tried to seduce Kris to show how your body responds to arousal, but it backfired.” Jenna hung her head down in shame. “Sorry, Kris, I guess I’m just not your type.”
Kris gave Jenna a playful kick. “Don’t worry, hon, I’m sure you’ll get better with practice.” She already felt better. Jenna was taking the attention away from her, and she felt her cheeks cool as her blush faded.
Jenna ran her finger along the bottom of Kris's foot causing Kris to jump. “Oh, really? It sounds like you should’ve been the one giving the lesson tonight.”
Kris pretended to look at her watch. “The night is still young.” She enjoyed this new flirting thing with Jenna, but she wasn’t sure if it was part of the show still. Either way, she didn’t mind it at all.
Allie jumped in on the fun. “Do we need to leave the two of you alone? Wear a ponytail next time, Jenna, so we can see better. What did she do to you, Kris?”
Kris smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “You know I’m not a kiss and tell type of girl.”
Jenna was happy to see Kris playing along. “Well, usually during sexual attraction your lucky partner's breathing and heart rate increases as you get closer and the anticipation grows.” Once again, Jenna’s mind drifted back to that day in the hospital.
Kris felt her cheeks flush. Does she know? It was like Jenna was describing everything that she had just experienced.
It was Danni’s turn to jump in. “That’s funny, because I watched Kris and that’s exactly what I saw.”
Kris shot a glance at Danni.
Jenna squeezed Kris's leg again feeling the tension beneath her fingers. “I’m glad someone was paying attention. Thank you, Danni.” Kris needed rescuing again. “It’s a good indicator of sexual attraction, but it’s the exact same response someone has when they’re scared.” Jenna looked at Kris and laughed.
Liz chimed in next. “Well, I saw the same reaction, and all I can say is Kris must’ve been horny as hell or terrified to death.”
Allie laughed. “Trust me girls, the look on Kris's face was priceless. She was more shocked and surprised than we were.”
Jenna was relieved Allie had jumped in to help out. “That’s the impression I got too. That’s why I said it backfired on me.” She looked over at Kris. “Care to ease my broken ego?”
Kris opened her mouth to speak, but then paused as if she was choosing her words. “No comment.”
Chapter Eight
After the girls had left it was pretty late, leaving Jenna and Kris alone to process their thoughts. Jenna didn’t know what to do or how to feel now that she knew about Kris’s attraction to her. She began cleaning up. There were only a few beer bottles, but she wanted to tidy everything up before going to bed. She wasn’t sleepy or tired, quite the opposite really.
Kris still didn’t know how much of what happened was a show and how much of it was real. She would get Allie’s opinion tomorrow. She grabbed Jax’s leash from the coat closet. “I’m going to take Jax for a walk and get some fresh air.”
Jenna came from the kitchen. “Do you mind if I tag along too?”
“Of course not.” Kris wanted to be alone with her thoughts, but she’d have to face Jenna at some point.
They walked along in awkward silence for two blocks in the welcoming cool night air. Both were consumed with their own emotions and feelings, but neither one was ready to confess how they felt. The ball was in Jenna’s court since she knew how Kris felt. She also was beginning to feel the same way towards Kris, but as far as she knew Kris had no idea the feelings were mutual.
It rained after the cookout leaving the streets wet. Steam rose from the pavement reminding Kris of the fog that was swirling around in her head. She still felt a little hurt by Jenna and what had happened, but every time she looked at her, the hurt was replaced by want. She wanted to be with Jenna for real. No games, and no audience. That was the real issue and she knew she couldn’t be mad at Jenna
for not feeling the same way.
As they were about to cross the street, Jenna stopped and turned to face Kris still standing on the curb. Since Jenna was a little taller than Kris, they were eye to eye. Jenna took Kris's free hand, holding it between both of hers. “I hope you aren’t mad at me. I didn’t mean to embarrass you or hurt you.”
The expression on Jenna’s face was sincere. Jenna tried to turn away, but it was too late. Kris’s heart melted when the streetlight reflected off the tears in Jenna’s eyes. She slipped her hand out from Jenna’s hold and placed it onto Jenna’s trembling chin. She turned Jenna’s head towards her as a single tear edged a patch down Jenna’s cheek. She wiped it away with her thumb.
Jenna’s eyes shut the instant she felt Kris's hand on her cheek. More tears welled up replacing the one that had escaped, which surprised her. She wasn’t an emotional person and had been taught to hide her emotions growing up. Her family was cold and never expressed their emotions or shown any love. She wasn’t sure what love was or if it existed. This complicated thing she felt between her and Kris, maybe that’s how love starts. Maybe the tears were because she was afraid of losing Kris and her chance of finally experiencing love, all because of a stupid game.
Jenna put her hand on top of Kris's. “I’m sorry Kris. I’m supposed to be apologizing to you and making you feel better. Instead, I look like a blubbering fool.”
Kris had no clue why Jenna was so upset, but she couldn’t bear to see her in so much pain. “You are blubbering a little bit, but you are certainly no fool, Jenna.” She felt her own eyes starting to fill with tears. “I did feel a little uncomfortable. I could’ve told you to stop, but I didn’t.”
Jenna wanted to confess how she felt, but it would only complicate things. They were developing a friendship, and Kris was her landlord. What if her position didn’t become permanent and she had to move? She didn’t want to find out what love felt like only to have it ripped away if she had to move again. For now, the most they could be was friends until Jenna knew for sure what path her life would take.
***
A light rain began to fall, and they decided to go back home before getting soaked. When they were halfway back, it started raining hard drenching them. They ran the rest of the way. Jax was enjoying the rain and the run, as Kris struggled to keep up with him. Jenna ran ahead to unlock the door and had towels ready for Kris and Jax when they got there. Jenna had just made it back out to the porch as Kris and Jax sprinted up the stairs.
As soon as Kris reached the top step, Jax pulled hard on the leash causing her to miss the step and fall. Jenna caught her before she hit her head, but she landed on both knees.
“Kris, are you okay?”
“I think so, but my knees hurt and I think I twisted my ankle.”
Jenna helped her up to one of the rocking chairs on the porch. “Stay right here while I get Jax dried off.” She used one of the towels to dry Jax, and she put him inside. She returned to Kris and put a towel around her shoulders and gave her another one to dry off with. “Do you think you can walk?” She helped Kris up to her feet.
“I can try.” Kris winced in pain as she tried to put weight on her right foot. “My ankle really hurts, and I feel a little nauseous.” She held onto Jenna for support.
Jenna noticed how pale Kris had become. She had seen that look several times. “Okay, sit back down and lean forward.” She noticed Kris's jeans were ripped over her knees. “Your color looks better now. Are you ready to try this again?”
Kris nodded.
“Let’s get you back up. Put your hands around my neck and don’t put any weight on your bad ankle.”
Kris stood up slow. “Thanks for taking care of Jax.”
“Of course. How do you feel now?”
“My right ankle and both knees are throbbing.”
Jenna put her arm around Kris's waist. “Put your arm around my neck and hop on your good foot.” She helped Kris hobble through the doorway to the kitchen. She pulled out a chair. “Sit down here and let me take a look.” She removed Kris's shoe and sock. Her foot and ankle were already changing color, but everything checked out okay.
“The good news is it isn’t broken. The bad news is you may have to stay off of it for a few days depending on how you feel.”
“That is good news, but I don’t like the idea of sitting around a few days doing nothing. I feel like a fool, falling on my own porch.”
Jenna laughed. “Trust me, I’ve heard worse stories than this. Now, let’s get you upstairs and out of these wet clothes so I can get a look at your knees.”
Kris stood up with Jenna’s help. “Call me old-fashioned, but I usually get dinner and a movie before letting someone undress me.”
Jenna grabbed Kris's waist again. “Well, we already had dinner and a show tonight, so I say it’s time to get those clothes off.”
They reached the top of the stairs with Kris hopping on her good foot and leaning on Jenna for support. She helped Kris into the bedroom. “You stand right there. Use the chair for support.” Jenna walked towards the dresser. “So, what would you like to change into?”
Kris hobbled towards Jenna and the dresser. “Thanks, but I can get it.” Kris opened a drawer and pulled out an old thin T-shirt and a pair of shorts.
“What’s wrong? Do you have something in there that you don’t want me to see?”
Kris hopped back over towards the chair with the clothes. “Maybe, but if I do, I will be sure to move it now so don’t get any ideas.” She pointed towards the door. “Thanks, I think I can handle it from here.”
Jenna put her hand over her eyes. “Go ahead and change. I promise I won’t peek.”
Kris shot her a disapproving glance and sighed. “Well, at least turn around and face the corner.”
Kris waited until she was sure Jenna could no longer see her. It was a little bit of a struggle and took a lot of maneuvering, but she managed to get out of her wet clothes and changed into dry ones. It had been a long time since another woman had been in her bedroom and this was not the way she had envisioned the next time would be. She took a moment to admire Jenna’s physique from behind. Her hair was wet and her soaked shirt and pants clung to every curve, allowing her to see the outline of everything underneath. She wished she could help Jenna out of her wet clothes and into the warm inviting bed that was between them.
“You can turn around now.” As Jenna turned around, Kris now had the complete picture without any blanks left in her imagination.
Jenna kneeled down in front of Kris, who was sitting on the edge of the bed. “I could’ve helped you. Let me take a look at your knees.”
Kris ran her hands up and down her legs. “Good thing I shaved today. I had no idea I’d have company tonight.” Kris liked flirting with Jenna, but she didn’t know if it would ever go any further than that.
Jenna looked up at Kris and winked. “I bet you say that to all the ladies.”
She examined Kris's foot again. It was a deeper shade of purple than before, but she expected it would be. She slid her hand up Kris's smooth calf and stopped at her knee even though in her mind she wandered up further without stopping. She blinked hard and tried to clear the thoughts racing through her head. She was aware that from the angle she was at, she would have a direct view up Kris's shorts, but she resisted the impulse. “I’ll get your knees cleaned up and you’ll be good as new. I’ll be right back.”
Jenna stood up and walked into the hallway. She grabbed a washcloth from the linen closet before entering the bathroom. She splashed cool water on her face to help clear her mind, but it was useless. There was no point in trying to deny it any longer, she was falling hard and fast for Kris. She didn’t want to deny it. She wanted to explore this newfound attraction to Kris, but she couldn’t. She needed to have patience and hope that the hospital would offer her a permanent position.
“Be right there,” Jenna called out to Kris. She ran the washcloth underneath warm water and returned to Kris. This time, she
slid the chair over to the bedside to tend to her wounded knees. Using a gentle touch, she cleaned her knees, which only had a few scratches. “Okay, time for bed. You get some rest, and we’ll see how you feel in the morning.”
Kris stood and let Jenna help her into bed. Kris could have taken care of everything herself, but she liked having Jenna take care of her. She was independent and never liked to ask for help, but she was enjoying the attention. Jenna took care of her without asking if she needed it and wouldn’t take no for an answer anyway. She could get used to having someone to help her, especially if it were Jenna.
“Thanks for everything. See you in the morning.”
“No problem,” Jenna said as she shut the door behind her.
Chapter Nine
The following weekend Allie stopped by to check on Kris while Jenna was at the hospital. “I see you’re getting around better,” Allie said as she followed Kris inside.
Kris rested her foot on the ottoman in front of the couch and removed her sock causing Allie to wince, as if she were the one in pain. “Trust me, it looks a lot worse than it feels.”
“I hope so, because that looks horrible. I’m sorry I haven’t been around as much. I’ve been busy at work, and I spend any free time I have with Danni.”
“I know how busy you are.”
Jenna's Awakening (Dr. Jenna Harper Series Book 1) Page 5
