Going on Red

by Lyn Gardner

It was a dare, and one Brodie had no intention of backing down from. While she was impressed by Kate’s quick thinking, making the non-existent argument all Brodie’s fault, by graciously accepting the defeat, Brodie would still get the win. She slowly lowered her face to Kate’s. “I’m sorry, darling,” she murmured, brushing her lips against Kate’s.

  Kate’s heart had begun to race the moment Brodie leaned down. She knew what was about to happen, and she also knew that there was nothing she could do to stop it, not that she wanted to.

  The kiss was soft and chaste, barely lasting a few seconds, but when their lips parted, they remained close, breathing in the scent of the other and forgetting they had an audience.

  “Dessert’s on the table,” Lucy chirped from the doorway. “And then Dad wants to take some pictures, so you’d best be prepared to say cheese…a lot.”

  ***

  There were already dozens of photographs displayed throughout the house, and as Kate smiled for the umpteenth time, she couldn’t help but wonder where these would be displayed. Just as Brodie had said, Kyle and Megan were at the center of everyone’s attention until they were safely tucked into their beds, and then it was Brodie’s and Kate’s turn. As Harrison took picture after picture, obviously thrilled with his daughter’s choice of partner, while their cheeks ached, the expressions Brodie and Kate wore were not false. Candid shots and those posed per his instructions filled the memory card of Harrison’s high-end digital until the clock struck twelve. Holding up her hands, Brodie put an end to her father’s enthusiastic photo shoot, and after kissing her family goodnight, she took Kate’s hand and led her upstairs.

  As they walked into the bedroom, Kate let out a deep breath. It had been a long day, and one Kate wouldn’t have missed for the world. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this comfortable in anyone’s house so quickly…and then she saw the bed.

  Brodie went to the dresser, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kate standing near the bed. “It seems I have you to thank for this.”

  Broken from her thoughts, Kate turned to Brodie. “What?”

  “This,” Brodie said, circling her finger in the air. “I talked to my dad earlier, and he said that once I told him I was bringing someone home with me, he decided my old room needed some redecorating, and lucky me, he took Lucy with him.”

  “Oh, I see,” Kate said through a thin smile. “Well, I think they did a good job. I like it.”

  “Yeah, me, too, now that the shock’s worn off,” Brodie said, opening a drawer to get some clothes. “I’m going to get ready for bed unless you want to use the loo first?”

  “No, go ahead.”

  “All right. I won’t be long.”

  Kate opened a drawer to get her pajamas, and finding herself staring at a small collection of Brodie’s lingerie, Kate slammed the drawer and opened the next. After pulling out a pair of light green silk pajamas, Kate plopped onto the edge of the bed, unable to rid herself of the images of lacy bras and black knickers while she waited for Brodie to reappear.

  With makeup removed, teeth cleaned, and her face washed, Brodie stared at her reflection in the mirror. “You’ve got this,” she said, and opening the door, Brodie stepped out. “All yours.”

  Kate raised her eyes and swallowed hard. Praying her cheeks weren’t heating as fast as the rest of her body, she muttered a quick “thanks” as she rushed into the bathroom and closed the door.

  ***

  Early morning light streamed through the window, and the smile Brodie had worn the night before reappeared instantly. When they had gone to bed, they discovered the mattress to be marshmallow soft. Since Brodie was taller and a few pounds heavier, the bed dipped to her side, and sometime during the night, Kate had rolled downhill. Warm puffs of air caressed her neck, and when she felt Kate stir, Brodie sighed. She didn’t want this to end…ever.

  Kate licked her lips, slowly awakening to face the day. She thought she must be dreaming, for she had never felt this content, and Kate snuggled closer to the warmth and softness.

  “Good morning,” Brodie purred.

  Kate’s eyes flew open and finding herself staring down the front of Brodie’s tank top, Kate closed them just as quickly. Assuming Brodie wasn’t the negligee type, Kate had expected her to emerge from the bathroom the night before wearing pajamas. They’d be either flannel or silk, and while somewhat worn, they’d be nonetheless, stylish. What Kate didn’t expect was the woman to come out wearing only a black tank top with knickers to match, and as if Brodie’s lack of clothing wasn’t enough to cap off Kate’s evening, the squishy mattress was. It was like sleeping on a feather pillow, and no matter how hard Kate had tried, she kept sliding into Brodie, who, in turn, sniggered at Kate’s predicament. Finally, exasperated by her dilemma, Kate grabbed hold of the edge of the mattress and held on for dear life. That worked…until she fell asleep.

  Kate had never been one to cuddle. She had shared her bed with men several times, but once the deed was done and urges had been satisfied, her desire to cling was right up there with BASE jumping. She had yet to meet a man who wasn’t a furnace, and between the hair covering their bodies and the stubble on their chins, she saw no need to sleep against sandpaper. But Brodie was soft, and Brodie was smooth, and Kate had wrapped herself around the woman like a snake.

  “Sorry,” Kate said, her cheeks reddening as she extracted her leg from between Brodie’s. “I never do this.”

  “That’s all right. I got used to it after about an hour or so.”

  “What?” Kate said, sitting up. “Are you saying I was…I was doing that all night? Why didn’t you wake me up or…or push me away?”

  “And why, pray tell, would I have done that?” Brodie climbed out of bed and headed toward the bathroom. “I think I’m going to take a quick bath,” she said, turning around. “Do you need the loo before I do?”

  “Um…no….uh…go ahead. I’m fine.”

  The bathroom door closed, and falling back against the pillow, Kate stared at the ceiling. The night before, Kate had allowed herself barely a glimpse of Brodie in her skimpy attire before rushing into the bathroom, but in the few seconds it just took Brodie to reach the loo, Kate didn’t only glimpse, she gawked. Brodie’s legs were long, muscled, and bronzed, and her hips, while slim, had just enough roundness to emphasize her gender. What Kate thought were bikini briefs were actually thongs, giving Kate more than an ample view of Brodie’s bottom, and the snug tank top did very little to hide the shape of Brodie’s breasts…or the woman’s arousal.

  Kate raked her fingers through her hair. She told herself this wasn’t who she was. She told herself this wasn’t who she wanted to be. She told herself she didn’t want the woman now naked and soaking in the tub. There was only one problem. Her body thought otherwise, and the result had already soaked through Kate’s knickers.

  Chapter Eleven

  Over breakfast, Brodie and Kate were told about the plans for the day. Since it was Harrison’s birthday, his sons were taking him out for a round of golf, and while the women were extended a half-hearted invitation, they all declined. Ominous clouds filled the sky, and the temperature was more in line with winter than spring, so as the men paraded out of the house with golf bags slung over their shoulders, the women happily stayed behind.

  With most of the preparations for Harrison’s party already completed, they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, and afterward, they settled in the lounge. While the children played, Kate, Brodie, and Lucy casually chatted as they wrapped a few remaining birthday gifts. Minutes after the last package was topped with a bow, the men returned, soaking wet and chilled to the bone, and as laughter erupted from the lounge, they grumbled and groused as they headed to their rooms for a much-needed wash.

  When planning the party, Ethan, Brodie, and James agreed that having a house filled with their father’s fishing and golfing buddies would end up becoming loud and crowded, and afterward, they’d spend hours putting the house back in order. So, they rented a small hall
in town, hired a caterer for the food, a bartender for the drinks, and a DJ for the music. Now, the only thing left to do was get changed, pack up the cars with gifts and children, and head to the venue.

  Brodie walked into the bedroom to find Kate standing near the wardrobe wearing a thigh-length, pale pink silk robe. “Oh, Christ, I’m sorry,” she said, closing the door behind her. “I would have knocked, but Lucy was right behind me.”

  Kate quickly confirmed the belt on her robe was securely tied. “Don’t worry about it,” she said, returning to scrutinizing the two dresses hanging in front of her.

  “Problem?”

  “I’m just trying to decide what to wear.”

  “Do I get a vote?”

  Kate glanced over at Brodie, hesitating for only a second before pulling out her choices and holding them up for Brodie to see.

  One was black jersey and the other red satin, and even though Brodie’s favorite color was black, she couldn’t take her eyes off the other. “Um…the black is more sedate.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “But the red is…uh…well, it’s quite stunning.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  Brodie managed to pry her eyes away from the dresses, and seeing Kate grinning back at her, Brodie lowered her chin. “I’m not helping, am I?”

  “No, you’re not.”

  “Right then. I’ll leave it up to you,” Brodie said, and reaching into the closet, she pulled out a long garment bag. “But remember this party is for my dad, and a lot of the guests will be old codgers.”

  Kate’s eyebrows knitted. “And your point would be?”

  “The red may be a bit more than they can handle.”

  ***

  “You look nice,” Lucy said, glancing up from the toddler on the floor when Brodie came into the lounge.

  Brodie’s smile was instant, for she had purchased her outfit with the party in mind. Even though she had a wardrobe filled with clothes, once she rummaged through it, new was the only option. Brodie’s standard work attire consisted of business casual tops and jeans or chinos worn to a softness only age can provide, hardly clothes appropriate for the occasion. Her clubbing clothes, on the other hand, were stylish and modern except painted-on leather trousers, snug sweaters, and blouses barely covering her midriff, while suitable for the clubs, were not suitable for father’s birthday celebration.

  Brodie had chosen a lightweight wool suit in her favorite color, and lacking the stiffness found in heavier materials, the soft fabric draped beautifully over her figure. As androgynous as it was feminine, the jacket was fitted, with notched lapels and a standing color, and the pleated trousers had just a hint of flare to the leg where it reached her ankle boots. The decision on which blouse to wear wasn’t made until a short time earlier. Brodie had purchased two, a basic black and a not-so-basic red. After seeing Kate’s choices, Brodie packed the black away for another day. They weren’t attending a wake, and at least one of them should have a splash of color. Even though the fire engine hue wasn’t one Brodie frequently wore, the provocative long-sleeved blouse had caught her attention in the store. Chiffon and shimmering, with a dozen cloth-covered buttons down the front, it was undeniable sensuous, even more so now since Brodie had chosen not to fasten all the buttons.

  “Thanks,” Brodie said as she sat on the sofa and crossed her legs.

  “So, where’s your other half?”

  “She commandeered the bathroom hours ago.”

  “She’s quite lovely, by the way,” Lucy said, dropping some things into Megan’s travel bag.

  Brodie smiled again. “Yeah, she is that,” she said, glancing at her watch. “And she also has no sense of time. I told the guys we’d be there early.”

  “Well, then I hope I was worth the wait,” Kate said, standing in the doorway.

  Brodie and Lucy looked over at Kate, and while one lost the ability to speak, the other did not. “Wow, look at you,” Lucy said as she picked up Megan and put her in the carrier. “Now, that’s what I call a party dress.”

  Brodie tried not to stare, and she failed miserably. Kate had chosen the red, and it was positively breathtaking. Trendy and ending just below the knee, the satiny, off-the-shoulder cocktail dress flattered every curve Kate owned. The sweetheart neckline accentuated her breasts, and Brodie’s mouth began to water as she imagined what remained hidden under the carmine fabric.

  Perspectives can change with time. Three months earlier, Brodie had leered at Kate from across an office, doing nothing to hide her perusal. It was blatant, and Kate had found it annoying. She didn’t any longer. Kate had seen the way Brodie had looked at the dresses. She had barely glanced at the black, but she had fixated on the red, seconds ticking by before she finally spoke again. Before Kate had closed the bathroom door behind her, her choice had been made. It wasn’t based on color, and it wasn’t based on comfort. It was based solely on the smoldering ardor she had seen in Brodie’s eyes.

  ***

  The party was in full swing by the time they arrived at the hall. The bar area was swarming with men in plaid trousers and sports coats while their wives, dressed in flowery spring garments, mingled like little bouquets around the room, quietly chattering on about this, that, and the other.

  Ethan emerged from the crowd to help Lucy with the children, and after Brodie handed off Megan’s carrier, she took Kate’s hand and led her to the main table. Voices quieted as they made their way through the crowd, but within seconds, the noise level increased, and the party continued. Harrison had never hidden his daughter’s preference, and most of the guests filling the hall assumed the two women walking to the family table were more than friends, and no one cared. If they had, they wouldn’t have been invited.

  It was a day of celebration, fun, and family. Friends toasted the birthday boy and unabashedly told stories about their mate, most of which were exaggerated by alcohol. Some laughed until they cried, some howled so loudly that all heads turned in their direction, and some sat silently, their faces redder than the wine in their goblets. Drinks were never-ending, as was the food, and it wasn’t until the sun began to set when the party slowed to a dull roar.

  Kate stepped out of the ladies’ room and did a double take when she saw Brodie standing just outside the door. “What? Did you think I’d get lost?” she said, giving the bodice of her dress one last tug.

  “No. I was just trying to protect you from the geezers.”

  “I think they’re harmless, sweetheart,” Kate said, smiling.

  Brodie knew it was just a slip of the tongue. An endearment uttered without thought, undoubtedly brought on by the day’s events. They had spent hours holding hands and hours acting like attentive partners, fetching drinks, and taking the occasional tidbit off the other’s plate. It was an award-winning performance, yet in Brodie’s heart, it was far from that.

  They walked back to the dining area, and stopping when they reached the door, Brodie scanned the room. “Harmless, eh? Do you see any man in this room you haven’t danced with yet?”

  Kate looked out across the expansive hall. “Maybe one or two.”

  “My point exactly.”

  “Are you jealous?”

  “What?”

  “You heard me.”

  “No,” Brodie said, lines forming on her brow. “Well…yes, I mean…I mean, no.”

  Kate snorted. “Which is it?”

  Brodie frowned. “Look, I’m not jealous, but as your partner, I should be. Shouldn’t I?”

  “You tell me. You’re the director. I’m just playing a part.”

  Before she could respond, Brodie felt a heavy hand on her shoulder, and turning around, she found her father standing behind her. His face almost matched the color of Kate’s dress, and if his smirk were any more lopsided, he would have been wearing it on his shoulder.

  “Are you ever gonna dance wiff your lady?”

  Eyeing her father, Brodie’s cheeks turned rosy. “I think my time will be much better spent getting you home. You�
��re pissed.”

  “So?” Harrison said, waving his arms about. “It’s my birfday, and I’ll do wha’ I want. I’m havin’ a good time.”

  “I’m sure you are, but tomorrow you’re going to have one hell of a hangover,” Brodie said, motioning toward the door. “So, why don’t you say your goodbyes, and I’ll take you back to the house?”

  “I’m not ready to go home, and yooou can’t make me,” Harrison said, poking his finger against Brodie’s bicep. “I’m gonna get meself another drink, and you’re gonna dance wiff Kate.”

  Brodie felt as if she’d been transported back to Outskirts, trying her best to get a tequila-laden Kate home while the woman refused to leave without a dance. Brodie sighed and looked at Kate.

  Kate tried not to appear too eager because she never thought she’d have this opportunity again. After spending the night at Brodie’s recovering from her hangover, when Kate finally returned to her own her home, bits and pieces about their evening at Outskirts had returned. Like a poorly edited movie, some parts were forever lost on the cutting room floor, but her dance with Brodie was not. At first, Kate was embarrassed and blaming her actions on the demon alcohol, she tried to explain them away. She told herself Harper was at fault. The intrusion of a friend far too clingy for Kate’s liking seemed like a great reason to have a few drinks, and the strength of the tequila had just helped dilute Harper’s existence. End of subject. Then she told herself she wanted to unwind after a long, hard week at work and one drink or maybe two had always done the trick before, and Kate had simply lost count. End of subject. Unfortunately, there was one teeny-weeny problem. Kate couldn’t come up with any plausible explanation as to why she had insisted on dancing with Brodie. She owned that decision lock, stock, and barrel, and she knew it. Kate also knew she wanted to own it again. She wanted to feel Brodie’s arms around her like they had been that night. She wanted to welcome the heat radiating from her body as they swayed to the music. She wanted to hold her so close that all others in the room would know Brodie was hers, and Kate wanted to inhale that insanely sensuous cologne…one more time.