“Sorry, I’m just ... nervous.”
Patrice touched her knee. “There’s nothing for you to be nervous about.”
“Says you.” Veronica took a deep breath. “Are you still angry with me?”
“No, I was never angry with you. Just ... hurt and disappointed.”
Veronica felt a pinch at the truth in her words. She was hurt and disappointed, too. In herself, and her choices. She meant to make better choices so she wouldn’t be disappointed in herself anymore. And perhaps find something she’d been missing for a while.
She pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. “Can you wait here one minute?”
“Sure.”
Veronica dashed into the house and lit the candles, then went back out for Patrice. She found her leaning against the car with her plastic bag in hand, staring up at the star-filled sky.
“Beautiful night.” Veronica’s heart was lodged somewhere up near her throat.
“Yes, it is. Is it safe to come in now?”
“Please.”
As Patrice walked toward her, Veronica noticed again how lovely she was. The curve of her cheek, the gentle sway of her walk, the very air around her was sensual. A trail of goose bumps marched up Veronica’s body, pebbling her nipples and pushing her hunger to the forefront.
Maybe it was because it had been so long since she’d been close to anyone, or maybe it was because she was so damned lonely. Maybe it was neither of those things. Maybe it was just time to find someone special again.
They walked into the house together and Veronica watched Patrice’s reaction carefully.
“Holy shit. What did you do today?”
Veronica closed the door behind her and grinned. “I went shopping.”
“I can see that. You’ve gone from frumpy gray to an explosion of color. I can’t believe it.”
Veronica looked around, pleased with her transformation of the room. Burgundy satin drapes, colorful pillows, a leather ottoman, dozens of candles, and a bunch of carefully placed decorations made the room warm, almost hot, whereas it was cold before. She’d known it was boring, but hadn’t realized how lifeless it was until recently. Until Patrice. Thank God there was a HomeGoods nearby, or she never would have found everything she wanted in one day.
“It’s incredible. Lovely. You should be proud of yourself.”
“Thanks. I am pretty proud of myself.”
Patrice felt the pillow nearest to her. “You surprise me, Ronnie.”
“I think I surprised myself.”
Veronica went into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of white wine and two glasses and a platter of fruit and cheese. “Would you like some wine?”
“Yes, please.” Patrice sat down on the sofa, still running her hand up and down the soft pillow. Veronica’s eyes followed the movement, and she forced herself to tear her gaze away. Now was the time to talk, the rest might come later. Patrice nibbled on some cheese and waited.
She poured two glasses and handed one to Patrice. After taking a fortifying gulp, she squashed the butterflies in her stomach and started talking.
“Most of my life has been controlled by others. My mother told me what to say, who to be friends with, what to wear, and who to be. I never realized that people lived differently than that. I went to college at a Christian school, again very controlling. When I finished school, I came home and lived at home and worked as an accountant for my father’s company.”
Another gulp of wine.
“I didn’t meet Orin until my parents approved of him. We had exactly six dates before he proposed, then a year later, we married. I never even went beyond a goodnight kiss until our wedding night. I was very blessed ... Orin was patient and wonderful. He taught me how to love, how to be affectionate, and open. When he died, I felt like my life had ended, too. Everything was so dark.”
Veronica finished her glass of wine and poured another.
“I forced myself to work, to eat, to bowl with my friends, but I wasn’t alive. Does that make sense?”
“I can’t say I’ve felt that depth of pain and grief before, but I understand.” Patrice’s blue eyes were full of sympathy.
“I didn’t realize how dark my life was, how low I had sunk, until I met you. You showed me what it’s like to live again. For that, I hurt you, treated you disrespectfully, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I also disrespected myself and the experience we shared.”
Veronica took a deep breath and let it out. “Wow, that was hard.”
They both laughed.
“Can you forgive me?” Veronica didn’t realize she was holding her breath until Patrice answered.
“Of course, Ronnie. I think perhaps you were more confused than anything. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me.”
Veronica’s heart leapt. “Oh, my God, I’m so glad.”
Patrice smiled. “Me, too.”
“There’s something I need to do. I’ll be right back, okay?”
Patrice nodded. Veronica leaned forward and kissed her quickly, then dashed from the room. It only took her a minute to change into the slinky red lingerie, then she walked back into the living room and watched Patrice’s reaction carefully. She wasn’t disappointed.
Patrice’s eyes widened and her tongue snaked out to swipe her lips. “You keep surprising me Ronnie.”
Veronica smiled. “I never had anything like this before. I ... wanted to feel sexy.”
Patrice set her wine glass on the leather ottoman and stood, then walked toward her. Veronica’s heart beat like a jackrabbit. When Patrice reached her, she slowly stroked her hand up and down Veronica’s bare shoulder. The caress notched her arousal that much higher.
“You look sexy. And beautiful.”
Veronica never felt sexy or beautiful, but to hear them spoken so honestly made her feel them for the first time in her life. She stepped forward and cupped Patrice’s face. As she lowered her lips, she closed her eyes and felt the softness, the suppleness of Patrice’s lips. She licked back and forth across her lips, tasting the wine, the excitement, the essence of Patrice. She throbbed low and deep in her belly.
“Teach me.”
Patrice smiled against her lips. “Never thought I’d be anxious to be a teacher.”
“Mmmm, I want to learn.”
Patrice took her by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “Yes.”
They walked into Veronica’s bedroom, hand in hand, and Veronica smiled again when she heard Patrice whistle. She had transformed her bedroom into a pasha’s palace. Complete with a circle of cushions on the floor, flickering candles, and gauzy drapes on each bedpost.
Veronica pulled off Patrice’s shirt, then cupped her breasts, rubbing her thumbs along the erect nipples. Veronica reached behind Patrice and unhooked her bra, slowly slipping it off her shoulders.
“They’re the color of peaches.”
Veronica leaned down and slowly licked each nipple, surprised by how addictive the soft skin was.
“I don’t think you need many lessons, Ronnie. You’re doing just fine.” Patrice’s voice was breathless. Veronica felt a surge of excitement that she had caused it.
Veronica unbuttoned and unzipped Patrice’s pants, then slid them down her hips, revealing a pair of pink lacy panties. She pressed her mouth against Patrice’s heat and breathed in her scent.
“Teach me.”
Patrice pulled her up and kissed her deeply, tongues dueling and twisting, so sensual, so hot. Veronica’s heart beat so hard against the red satin she thought it might burst from her chest. Together, they managed to pull off the red negligee, and they were both nude in moments. They lay back on the bed, still kissing, rubbing, and feeling each other from head to toe.
With Patrice’s soft hands guiding her, Veronica touched her partner all over. She kissed and nibbled her way around Patrice’s neck, down her soft shoulders, then her nipples. Patrice told her what she liked best, and Veronica listened and learned. She bit lightly, earning a moan from Patrice.
“You’re a quick learner.”
Veronica smiled and switched breasts, pleasuring Patrice until her nipples were proud and as hard as diamonds. Veronica slid her hand down Patrice’s belly until she reached her downy curls. She knew how to pleasure herself, so she did the same to Patrice, sliding and rubbing her clit, then pushing her fingers up inside her while her palm continued to circle her clit.
“Oh, yeah, that’s it.” Patrice pushed her heels into the bed and Veronica was inspired to continue. In for a penny, in for a pound. She lowered her head and tentatively licked Patrice’s pussy. She almost came off the bed and knocked her leg into Veronica’s shoulder.
“You keep surprising me.”
Veronica laughed. “I’m trying to. Please let me.”
Patrice nodded and Veronica lowered her head again. The musky smell and the tang of Patrice’s pussy inspired Veronica to lap at her while her fingers slid in and out of her slick hole. She suckled her clit and drew another moan from Patrice.
“Hell, girl, you are going to make me come.”
Veronica’s juices were running down her leg as her own excitement built. She suckled, nibbled and lapped at Patrice. She felt her tighten around her fingers and then she shouted “Ronnie!” as she convulsed and quivered, coming into Veronica’s mouth. The sweetness of her come surprised Veronica, and she continued licking her pussy until Patrice put one hand on her head.
“Come here, you.”
Veronica climbed back onto the bed and into Patrice’s arms. They kissed while their hands roamed.
“That was incredible.” Patrice’s blue eyes were full of languorous arousal. “I want to pleasure you, too.”
Veronica smiled. “We’ve got all night.”
“Do you have any toys?”
Veronica felt a blush creeping into her cheeks, but she responded honestly. “A drawer full.”
Patrice’s auburn eyebrows rose. “Another surprise. Can I see?”
Veronica nodded. They crawled over to the nightstand and she slid open the drawer. Patrice whistled appreciatively.
“My, my, what nice toys you have.”
“Thanks. I, uh, started collecting them and well, now I have a lot.”
Patrice grinned. “Let’s see how many we can use in one night.”
Veronica’s heart soared right along with her arousal. Her pussy throbbed at the thought of what lay ahead. Together, they would explore each other, their bodies, their hearts, and regain something they’d both lost. Life.
Chapter Eight
The warm sunshine spilled all over the bed and the two women sleeping within it. When Patrice woke, she snuggled deeper into Veronica. It was nice to wake up with someone, especially someone that you really liked. She had been completely surprised by Veronica the night before, by her actions, her new nightie, and especially her newfound courage in bed.
The sex toy collection was especially surprising. Who would have thought her little whitebread straight girl had such a hankering for naughty things? She grinned into the pillowcase and rolled over. Veronica was still sleeping, her brown curls mussed on the coral sheets, like a mermaid on an oyster shell.
She kissed her cheek lightly then hopped out of bed, determined to find some way to make coffee. Fortunately, it only took five minutes to locate the coffee and filters. She started the coffee maker, then looked in the fridge for something to cook for breakfast. Veronica’s refrigerator was like her lifestyle until now, Spartan and extremely organized. Eggs in the little egg thingy that no one ever used. Cheese and milk lined up like soldiers and fruit carefully set in the fruit drawers. Patrice grabbed the eggs and cheese, and a grapefruit and closed the fridge.
She yelped when she found Veronica standing in the doorway with a pink robe and a smile.
“Good morning.”
Patrice grinned. “Good morning.”
“Do you always make breakfast in the nude?”
Patrice looked down and laughed. “I forgot I was nude. Do you want me to change?”
Veronica stepped forward and cupped Patrice’s breasts, her fingers tweaking the nipples into points and sending shafts of arousal to her pussy.
“No, I like this outfit.”
“You’re getting awfully brave, Ronnie.”
Veronica took the food out of Patrice’s hands and set it on the counter, then drew her into her arms and kissed her like no one else on the planet existed. Patrice moaned and kissed her back, loving the feel of the nubbies on the pink robe as they rubbed on her bare skin.
“We’ll never get to breakfast this way.” Veronica chuckled against her lips.
“Mmmm ... I want you for breakfast.”
Before Veronica could react, Patrice knelt between her legs and nudged them open. She could smell her arousal and her own pussy heated. Patrice fastened her mouth on Veronica’s clit and gave her the ride of her life on her tongue. She didn’t let up when Veronica tugged at her hair and grabbed the refrigerator door. She suckled and bit and tasted until Veronica came like a tornado, clenching and gasping, shaking against Patrice’s mouth. Patrice gave her gentle licks until the storm had passed then stood and kissed her.
“God that was incredible, Patrice. I can’t ... it was ...”
Patrice hugged her tightly. “No worries, Ronnie. I understand.”
Veronica was trembling when she pulled back and looked at Patrice with her soft doe eyes.
“I think I like waking up with you.”
“Me, too.” Patrice hoped there would be more mornings together, but she wasn’t ready to say it out loud.
Veronica smiled. “Let’s eat so we can get to the alley and practice before the competition. I’ve got quite an appetite.” She waggled her eyebrows and Patrice laughed.
“Okay, you crazy girl. Make some eggs while I get some clothes on.”
Veronica squeezed Patrice’s ass and her tinkling laughter followed Patrice as she went back to the bedroom for her clothes. The sound made her smile that much broader.
* * * * *
They ate omelets and drank coffee in the sun-filled kitchen nook. Veronica couldn’t remember the last time she’d done that. Most days she ate in front of the TV or in the car. The table sat unused, as had most of the rest of the house.
“I have something for you.” Patrice wiped her mouth on the napkin and grinned mischievously.
“You do?”
“Yes, and it’s a surprise so you’ll have to close your eyes.”
Veronica grinned back. “Oh, I love surprises.” She closed her eyes and held out her hands. A soft kiss landed on her lips. “Nice surprise.”
“That’s not it. Hang on.”
Veronica heard the rustling of a plastic bag.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
Veronica opened them to find Patrice holding a shirt and capri pants on a hanger. The shirt was dandelion yellow with turquoise and orange beads sewn in a circular swirl in the middle. The pants were bright orange.
“Wow.”
Patrice grimaced. “You don’t like them. I bought colorful clothes because the black makes you look ... well, sort of like a little blackbird. With your coloring, bright colors would look so wonderful. See, I wanted to give you something that you didn’t have.”
Veronica stood and took the hanger from Patrice’s hands. “I love them.”
“Don’t say that to patronize me.”
“I’m not patronizing you, Patrice. I love them. I sort of got into the habit of wearing black and ... it became a crutch. I wanted to wear colors, but it seemed like the longer it went on, the harder it was and ... well I just kept hiding in my widow’s weeds.” Veronica hugged Patrice tightly. “Don’t worry. You gave me something I didn’t have.”
Patrice stepped back after a moment and wiped her eyes. “Whew. I need to go back to the hotel to shower and change.”
“You don’t want to shower here?” Veronica’s pulse jumped as soon as the words left her mouth.
The moment hung between them,
suspended. Patrice’s eyes darkened and she licked her lips. Veronica followed the movement with her eyes.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“I still don’t have any clean clothes.” Patrice was already following Veronica out of the kitchen and back into the bedroom.
“You can borrow something black.”
Patrice laughed and Veronica’s chest lightened. She was making fun of her own widow’s weeds, her prison for five years. It felt like an oppressive weight had just been lifted. When they got to the bathroom, Veronica went in first and turned the water on. She turned around and unbelted the pink robe, letting it pool at her feet.
Patrice slipped off her clothes and stepped toward Veronica. “I love the color of your nipples. They’re like raspberries.”
Veronica checked the water temperature, then turned the shower head on. She held open the curtain. “After you.” She followed Patrice into the tub then pulled the white curtain into place. Patrice stood under the spray, her arms hugging her middle, staring at Veronica.
“I’ve never taken a shower with anyone before.” Veronica admitted.
Patrice grinned and opened her arms. “Come here and get warm.”
They cuddled together under the hot spray, stroking and tantalizing each other. After wetting their hair, Patrice took shampoo and washed Veronica’s hair. Her strong fingers and light scratches felt wonderful. Veronica purred and leaned back into Patrice’s touch.
“Feel good?”
“Mmmm ... heavenly.”
“Turn around and rinse.”
While Veronica rinsed her hair, Patrice quickly shampooed hers, then they switched places, with a few bumps and a nervous giggle from Veronica.
Veronica watched Patrice rinse her hair, the soap and water sliding down her perfect body like a lover’s hands. Veronica put some shower gel in her hands, eager to be that lover and those hands. Patrice opened her eyes and smiled knowingly at Veronica, then moved out of the spray of the water and took a handful of shower gel herself.
Veronica started soaping Patrice’s body, letting her hands roam up and down while Patrice did the same to her. Soap soon covered both of them as they rubbed against each other, moaning, caressing, and teasing. Slippery fingers teased equally slippery nipples while thighs provided a slope for eager pussies to ride.
The Perfect Score 2 Widow's Weeds Page 6
