“Watch the last step.”
“Wow, we’re here already?”
“I think we set a record.”
I looked around. It really wasn’t as scary as I had feared. There was plenty of surface area so as not to risk falling over the side. “I wonder why there’s nobody here. It’s usually packed on a beautiful day.”
She shrugged. “Maybe the goddess is on our side.”
“Maybe, but it’s weird.”
“Do you have to stand so far away?”
I stepped closer. “To my knight in shining armor. My greatest gift. My love of life. My angel. My—”
“My sweetness,” Lacey finished. “My love knows no bounds. I am the richest woman alive because I have you. I love you with all my heart.”
“Me too.”
Lacey commanded Barrett to keep watch. “Be a good, brave bear and protect our den. Okay, boy?” She handed him a special T-bone that would last him for hours and set a water bowl by the steps.
“So, that’s your trick.”
“It’s not a trick. I figured he’d need something to eat. It’s not like he’s used to climbing this high.”
“Neither am I, but you’re not feeding me.”
“Who said I’m not?”
She whipped out a blindfold and before I knew what hit me, all was dark. “Hey, what the—”
“Be patient, my love, and you‘ll have your surprise.”
“How do you plan to get it up here?”
“You’ll see.”
“How can I see anything with this thing on?”
She brought me over to a rock and made me sit. Perhaps it was best that I was blindfolded after all. “Just give me a sec to inflate the bed.” I concentrated on the hissing sound of air as it filled the mattress. It amazed me how many sounds I identified while in total darkness, like the Stellar Jay’s harsh call. I could hear Barrett’s heavy, even breathing. Great. Our watchdog is sleeping on the job.
“Barrett,” I called, and he came over in a rush. I buried my nose in his fur. “Good boy. Mommy loves you, too.”
Lacey came around from behind, lifted me from my perch, and cupped my breasts. I automatically rested the back of my head on her chest. We rarely made love in the dark because I never tired of memorizing every inch of her, delighting in all the finery of her skin. Her fingers slowly undid the buttons of my shirt and unzipped my fly. She reached beneath my tank and squeezed my nipples. I sucked in my breath, covered her hands with mine, and willed her to reach lower still. She complied, lingering for a moment on my bare stomach, and then finally working beneath my briefs and into the depths of my desire. She pushed my pants and briefs to my knees. I lost my bearings and practically came on the spot, until I remembered where we were.
“Oh my God, Lace! What if someone comes up here right now?”
She placed light kisses above and below the cotton obstructing my view.
“Don’t worry so much. Barrett has us covered.” She turned me around and removed my shirt. I didn’t utter a sound save a soft moan when she lifted my tank.
“My boots,” I begged.
“In time. In time.”
How could she be this methodical when I was on the brink of bursting into orgasmic orbit? I didn’t have far to go, and just being on top of Moro Rock, I was almost there. How she managed the slow, steady pace filled me with envy. And longing. And frustration. But finally, the excitement of anticipation won out.
My pulse soared, my stomach did wheelies, and my legs buckled. She helped me sit atop the mattress and removed my shoes. She didn’t stop until I was completely naked. I found it titillating being this exposed in public. I even dared anyone to come and see what I had here. In fact, one of my fantasies was to come for a crowd. I chuckled. Like I’d ever really want that to happen.
“You’re shaking. I’ll get you a blanket,” she said.
“No, I want you to be my blanket. Please lay with me.”
“I intend to.” She cuddled closer. “Is this good?”
“Naked, please.”
“Oh, right.” The mattress bounced around as she got to her feet. I heard every last remnant of clothing being removed from her body.
“I have to see you in the sun.”
“Not yet. I intend to love every part of you and watch while you experience it with all of your senses except for sight. You’ll be amazed at what you can feel this way.”
“Is this the surprise?”
She chuckled in a way that made it even harder to wait for my treat.
Lacey was right, of course. We made love like it was the first time. The blindfold made it easy to forget about being blown off a mountain without a ’shute. My other senses were more aware of my surroundings; the fine scent of pine, the “Shaack, shaack, shaack, of the Jay,” and the feel of skin-on-skin. I climbed to new heights. I couldn’t imagine there was much higher that I could safely go. It turned out that Barrett didn’t bark once.
Lacey helped me dress and fed me bits of our customary picnic. I sniffed and then took a first bite of hollowed-out crusty bread filled with Brie, walnuts and apricot preserves. “Yum, this smells as delicious as it tastes,” I said, realizing I usually missed many of the details my nose captured.
She prodded through her bag for a corkscrew. “What have we here?” I heard her tap plastic and instantly knew she’d found the Tupperware container with my tiramisu. “Is this my favorite dessert?”
“Yes.”
“You’re full of surprises, too. Thank you.” She popped the cork of the champagne and handed me a glass.
I sniffed and the bubbles popped on my nose in a sweet wetness that tickled. Lacey moved closer to remove the blindfold. I barely had to squint. “It’s lovely up here, with the sky in various shades of red, purple and blue.”
“It sure is.” She looked exquisite, and knowing my girl well, I had a feeling something seriously monumental was up. My belly did a flip. My hands shook from nerves. She removed the glass from my tight grip and placed it beside hers. I thought I’d faint when she lifted my butt off the mattress. We stood death still, my gaze locked solid with hers.
I heard the slightest intake of her breath. Lacey was all that I loved, craved and cared about. At first, I couldn’t speak, but then I blurted, “I love you, Lacey. Please promise you’ll never leave me, ever.”
“And I love you, but what are you talking about? I have no intention of leaving. However, there’s something I need to say.”
If I squeezed my eyes shut to block it out, then I’d cry for real and that wouldn’t help. Instead, I searched her face for a clue, anything to put me out of my pain. All I witnessed was the endless love I always saw. She was still the Lacey I knew and worshiped with all my heart.
When she reached for our champagne, I relaxed a bit, but not by much. I gulped and coughed on the bubbles I’d inhaled into my lungs. A few tears escaped as she patted my back until the choking subsided. She refilled our glasses and warned, “Sip it, Sabrina. Please just sip.” I returned her smile. We raised our glasses. She spoke first, which was good, because I didn’t trust my voice.
“To my love of life,” she toasted, “Sabrina Ava Maria Alverez, who I hope to someday make my wife.”
I regained some of my composure. It was our ritual toast that meant everything was going to be all right. My mood became jovial once more. I breathed a sigh of relief at having survived yet another panic attack. “To you, Lacey Jane Anderson, for showing me the true meaning of love. You make me happy every day and in every way.”
“Sabrina.” She clasped my hand in hers and gazed into my eyes. “Will you marry me?”
Tears sprang unbidden and streaked my cheeks as I flew into her arms. When my glass fell from my grasp and shattered, I forgot to worry, for a change. I showered her face and neck with wet kisses until we were both laughing hysterically like two lovesick kids deliriously happy they were about to embark on their greatest adventure.
“Is that a yes?” she asked.
/> It took a while for me to get back my voice. I managed a tearful, “Yes,” through another flood of happy tears. “When?” I swiped at my face, suddenly wanting our wedding all planned out: yesterday. “We have to go where it’s legal. We have to get clothing. We need a clergy, a justice of the peace, and witnesses. “I practically sang out the list. “We’ll need flowers, invitations, food, music, clothes, oh, I said that already.
“Honey, you crack me up, but slow down. So, will you be my cherished wife?”
“Yes! Oh, yes! Let’s drink to it.” I glanced down. “Oh no, I broke my glass.”
“We can share mine.” That first sip was lush. This had to be the best anniversary thus far, and yet, I truly believed better times were still ahead.
Barrett started barking his fool head off.
”You can give mama away, Barrett. Would you like that or would you rather be the ring bearer?”
“I think he should be the flower girl,” Lacey said, and we laughed at his expense, but he was still too busy barking.
“It’s a good thing we dressed when we did,” I said, with a smug smile and a wink.
Lacey walked over to the summit entrance and removed the rope. When she turned toward me, her smile dazzled, and along with the setting sun, the breathtaking view brightened my world. “It seems we have company,” she announced and moved aside to let the others in.
I gasped. Truly shocked, shaken, awed, and every other exclamation of surprise imaginable, when our dear friend, Toni and her girlfriend stepped up first, followed by my mom, my siblings, Lacey’s parents, her coworkers, and even a few of my closet friends, all bearing gifts.
I stood with my mouth open in what was canyon like proportions.
“Congratulations, felicidades,” sang the most marvelous chorus I’d ever heard. My mom huffed and puffed, but she managed a pat and peck on my cheek before hugging her future daughter-in-law.
“What do you say we get married tonight, and then later we can make it legal in the Canadian Rockies—in Banff, like you’ve always wanted?” Lacey asked.
I looked over the edge and for once, it was inviting me, daring me to come closer to get a better view. With Lacey and Barrett guarding the fort, what did I have to worry about besides making them happy?
“I say yes.” I hugged her and then embraced each of our guests in turn. I was going to marry Lacey and have everything I ever wanted. Toni, an Episcopal priest, officiated our wedding right there on the top of Moro Rock.
The End.
About the Author
Cheri Crystal is a healthcare professional by day and an erotic romance writer by night. She was born and raised in New York and lives in the United Kingdom with her wife. Cheri began writing fiction in 2003 after reviewing for Lambda Book Report, Just About Write, Independent Gay Writer and other e-zines. Her short story collection, Attractions of the Heart, was a 2010 Golden Crown Literary Winner for lesbian erotica. Cheri is honored to be included in the groundbreaking anthology, Ageless Erotica, edited by Joan Price, with her tantalizing lesbian love story, “Better Than Vibrators.” In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, hiking, viewing wildlife, cooking, jigsaw puzzles and spending quality time with family and friends. Visit www.chericrystal.com and friend her on Facebook for the latest news.
Other Stories by Cheri Crystal
Award winning author of
Attractions of the Heart
Road Rage
Top Bird
Innocent Kiss
Exercise Dyke
The Ties That Bind
Does The Butch Come With The Recipe?
Campus Craze
Steam
Playing With The Band
Going Fishing
Consult My Pussy
Climbing Rocks
Mirror Image
Better Than Vibrators
Help Wanted: Clitoris Missing In Action
Taking Chances
Risky Pursuit
To learn more about Cheri, visit her at:
http://chericrystal.com/
and friend her on Facebook for the latest news.
Risky Pursuit Page 2
