Bonded Love

by Renee Roman

  “Thank you. When I decided I wanted a log cabin, I had a certain style in mind.” Blaze originally thought she’d sell it when she started the project but had fallen in love with the house and the landscape.

  The decor was a mix of rustic and modern. It suited her. At times she was modern in her way of thinking, old-fashioned in others. Like when she asked a woman for permission before kissing or touching her. It was something she’d taken a lot of ribbing for because it wasn’t in keeping with being what others considered as “butch” behavior. She despised labels. Nothing bothered her more than a lack of respect, in or out of the bedroom.

  “I’m glad you like it because it’s definitely me.” She took Trinity’s jacket. “Look around. I’m going to feed Baxter before she swats at me.” The feline wound around her legs, then stilled, watching Trinity from a safe distance. It wasn’t often she had company.

  Trinity bent down and she cautiously went to her. “Baxter, aren’t you a beautiful boy.” Baxter meowed loudly.

  She chuckled at the common mistake. “Actually, it’s she.” Trinity sat back on her heels. “It was a case of mistaken identity. I was told the kitten was a male, only to find out a short time later he was definitely a she, but by then the cat knew her name, so I left it.” She shrugged and continued mixing Baxter’s dinner. Trinity came closer.

  “I think her name is perfect. It’s androgynous, like her owner’s.”

  Just like when they’d danced, Trinity’s nearness stirred her. Not just her body. Trinity’s presence touched her deep inside, and the connection they shared was more than physical. It wasn’t logical, and it didn’t make sense. But it was true, nonetheless.

  “Now that I’ve taken care of my demanding wench, can I get you something to drink?” She met Trinity’s steamy gaze and fell into the swirling shades of green, dark as the forest.

  “Whatever you’re having is fine.” Trinity smiled and stepped back.

  Blaze tamped down the need racing to her lower extremities. She didn’t want to dull her senses. Not with Trinity, and not now that they were finally alone. She also didn’t want to rush things. She grabbed a couple of beers and handed one to Trinity. Blaze opened the double doors that led onto a wide covered porch running the entire length of the house. It was her favorite place to contemplate life, work out mathematical problems, and find her peace. But peace had eluded her lately.

  “This is breathtaking.” Trinity gazed out over the lush gardens lit by moonlight.

  “I think so, too.” She gestured to the wicker couch padded with luxurious cushions. “Let’s sit for a bit.”

  Trinity sat close and took a drink. “How long have you lived here?”

  Blaze took in the expanse of stars. Without city lights, they were thousands of twinkling pinpoints. “I finished about five years ago. It was a triumphant moment.” The feeling of accomplishment she’d experienced would likely be her “once-in-a-lifetime,” professionally. She’d love to build another, but she would never give up this house. It would be her family’s home when the time came. Family? She mentally tucked the word away for another time.

  “You built this?” Trinity’s amazement was apparent. “By yourself?”

  She felt a bit of the Carter pride rise to the top, though she tried to keep it in check. “My father and grandfather were both master carpenters. I followed in their footsteps. It’s why I was devastated by the news that my arm…” She trailed off, swallowing around the lump in her throat.

  “But you’ve healed. You’re back working, aren’t you?” Trinity touched her arm reassuringly.

  Blaze took a steadying breath. “Yes. I couldn’t imagine not doing what I love. Someday…” She didn’t finish her thought. The future didn’t need to be a topic of conversation tonight. “Anyway, I decided to push what I knew, and building this house was a learning experience like no other. My father taught me a lot during construction.” She shrugged. “Some was trial and error, but I got there.”

  “Tell me more.”

  She loved how sincerely interested Trinity sounded. “The house took more than two years to build. I lived in the garage during most of that time, making do with the basics, like a toilet and laundry sink. I’d do it again if the opportunity presented.”

  Trinity turned in her seat. “You’d sell your home?”

  Blaze smiled. “Never.” Trinity looked relieved. “This is my love. I don’t plan on ever leaving unless there’s no alternative.”

  Trinity went to the railing. Blaze liked the way the darkness silhouetted her figure. She stood behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist. She felt Trinity’s sharp inhale. “Is this okay?”

  “Yes. It’s nice to be touched.” Trinity shook her head. “That sounded weird and not what I meant.”

  “I’m a tactile person. Comes with the job.”

  Trinity laughed. “I imagine it does.”

  “I want to show you the front view.” They stayed close as she led the way along the porch and around the side of the house. Two steps led to the front porch and she leaned against the rail and pulled Trinity closer, pointing in the distance to a shimmering body of water that glistened with moonlight. “That’s Lake Champlain. My grandparents had a seasonal home there and I spent summers with them.” She was quiet for a moment. Her grandmother had died over a decade ago and her grandpa a few years later. Blaze was sure he’d died of a broken heart. She knew how that felt.

  “I like hearing about your family.” Trinity turned in her arms. “I’d like to hear more about you, too.”

  Her center became heavy as she stared into Trinity’s expressive eyes. “I don’t want tonight to be all about me.” She stroked Trinity’s thick, wavy hair, brushing it from her face before raking her fingers through the incredibly soft strands.

  “What do you want tonight to be?” Trinity caught her hand and pressed her lips to her palm.

  “About us and getting to know each other on an intimate level. If that’s okay?” If Trinity wasn’t ready, she wouldn’t continue, though what she wanted to do was to use everything in her power to convince her she could go slow. Right now, all Blaze could think of was tasting every part of Trinity.

  “I’d like that.”

  She let out a breath. “Are you sure?”

  “I am.” Trinity swallowed. “Take me to bed.”

  Blaze groaned. She hadn’t been sure where the night was heading, though she’d hoped. “Gladly.” She picked up their bottles and placed them on the counter. After closing the doors, she pointed up the wide planked stairs. “I hope you don’t mind the loft. If you prefer, we can go to the guest bedroom down here.”

  “The loft is perfect.”

  Once they were upstairs, the air was warm. She stood at the foot of her bed and tipped her chin at the expansive wall of windows. “I have the sun to wake me every morning. It’s why I chose this piece of land and positioned the house the way I did.”

  Blaze pulled Trinity into her arms, her mouth over her waiting lips. They were as soft as the first time and readily yielded to her. She took advantage of having a layer of clothes as a barrier between them, knowing once they were naked her restraint would dissolve. The tangy taste of beer lingered and she pressed her tongue inside, wanting to explore, wanting Trinity with a passion she’d withheld from others. They broke away and her chest heaved as her pulse quickened. Trinity’s arms circled her neck and pulled her down for another scorching kiss. Following the hunger that drove her need to satisfy not only Trinity, but her own growing desire to be touched, Blaze picked her up and moved her to the bed, then lay down beside her.

  Blaze ran her hand down the center of Trinity’s chest, lifting the edge of her shirt, and smoothing her hand over the silky flesh. “I want to touch you.”

  “Please.”

  Blaze snaked her hand between them, rubbing the seam of Trinity’s jeans against her center. Trinity whimpered and Blaze’s clitoris throbbed in response.

  She’d always been able to control her sexual
urges and take her time, but Trinity made her unable to restrain herself. She straddled Trinity’s hips and sat up, bringing Trinity with her. She inched Trinity’s shirt up and over her head to reveal a black lace bra, the cups overflowing. She held her breasts and ran her thumbs over the firm nipples, making Trinity moan.

  “I want to hear more. Do you moan when you come?” She kissed her mouth, then trailed her way down her chin and over her throat to Trinity’s earlobe, pulling gently with her teeth. She unhooked Trinity’s bra and kissed the skin beside the straps before moving them down her arms. She tossed the bra aside and pressed her lips to the dark pink areolas without touching the prominent nipples that tightened when she blew across them.

  “Blaze…” Trinity said, her hands on her shoulders.

  Blaze laid her down. “I am going to devour you.” She pulled Trinity’s jeans down her slender legs, worshipping every inch of revealed skin. She wanted to know every place on Trinity’s body that made her squirm or moan or hold her breath. Blaze was going to take her, and for reasons she couldn’t name, she was going to make Trinity hers. The shape of her…full breasts, womanly hips, and the slight rise of her lower belly…was female perfection.

  “Naked. Now.” Trinity tugged at Blaze’s top.

  Her steamy gaze made Blaze’s nipples harden and Trinity licked her lips. She leaned over to capture her mouth and shivered when Trinity’s tongue pressed inside, searching. Moisture pooled between her thighs.

  Trinity yanked at Blaze’s shirt, quickly working the buttons. Her breasts remained captured beneath her sports bra.

  “A little help here would be appreciated,” Trinity said in frustration, even though a smile played on her lips. She ran her fingers down Blaze’s abdomen and her muscles twitched.

  She stood and removed the rest of her clothes, wanting to be done with the layers between them. She wanted to hear Trinity moan in pleasure, scream in ecstasy, but a flash of doubt seized her. Unexpectedly, Blaze questioned if she’d know how to please her. Tonight wasn’t about sex, even when Trinity accepted the invitation, and she’d hoped they would end up in her bed. Her emotions were engaged just as much as her body when it came to Trinity. Finally, she stood naked with Trinity watching her intently. She’d gotten up on her elbows for a better view.

  “Come here.” She moved closer and Trinity brushed her fingers through her wet heat.

  Blaze gritted her teeth. She was frantic with longing, driven to feel more than just a fleeting touch. It was almost painful. She grabbed Trinity’s moisture-covered hand and climbed into bed until she was over her. She nuzzled along the tender flesh of her neck, nipping some spots and licking others. Blaze worked her way down Trinity’s flushed body, sucking on her nipples and trailing her mouth along her stomach before dipping into her belly button. Heat, electric and all-consuming, coursed through her. She was a hot ball of energy and the lightning show hadn’t even started yet. She stopped at the apex of Trinity’s thighs, taking her in. Her mound was covered in dark red tight curls trimmed back from her slit. Blaze settled between her legs and spread them wider, exposing her glistening center. When she inhaled, Trinity’s scent filled Blaze. She slid her index finger along the soaked folds before her tongue followed the path. Trinity tasted like clover honey. The sweetest she’d ever had.

  Trinity gasped. “Oh God.” She arched into her, but Blaze held her down.

  She had every intention of going slow. Of setting the pace and holding off Trinity’s orgasm as long as she could. No matter how much she wanted to see Trinity come and knowing she was responsible for her pleasure, she would take her time. And God, did she hope it wouldn’t be the last chance she got to do so.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The views from every angle of the home were breathtaking, though they couldn’t compare to Blaze when she’d stood next to the bed a few minutes ago. Her wide shoulders, well-developed arms, and trimmed waist were how she’d pictured her, and when she’d come closer so she could run her fingers through her soaked folds, she couldn’t stop from groaning as desire coursed through her.

  Now Blaze was licking her, making her crazy, and she wanted to do the same to Blaze. She focused on Blaze’s tongue as it stroked along her length, snaking inside her every now and again. She ran her fingers through Blaze’s thick hair and massaged the scalp beneath them, pressing Blaze closer. Her body jerked when Blaze swiped past her sensitive center.

  “I need to come. Please.”

  She brought her to the brink, then slowed again. “I like hearing you ask for what you need.” Blaze licked her again. “But you never have to beg.” Blaze followed her words by entering her with two fingers.

  Trinity raised her hips, driving Blaze’s fingers deeper while her tongue focused on her clit. Heat radiated outward from her center and her entire body tightened in anticipation of the orgasm that was so close she whimpered. Blaze kissed her inner thigh as she pulled out.

  “Come for me, baby.”

  Blaze drove inside again, filling her. Trinity’s body shook with the intensity of her orgasm. She felt a gush escape and Blaze greedily lapped at her while she called out her name again and again, making her throat raw. Blaze climbed beside her once she’d quieted and pulled her into her arms, cradling her and kissing her tenderly.

  “You are even more beautiful when you come.” Blaze stroked her arm and kept her close.

  “That was amazing.”

  Blaze kissed her again then pulled her on top. “I love how your body tells me what to do, even if you don’t.”

  She kissed her back as she gently pulled and tugged at one nipple, pressing her thigh between Blaze’s and rocking against her. Blaze grabbed her hips, pushing her up and down along her center. She raised up on her arms and watched Blaze’s face, her eyes hooded, knowing she was close and wanting to please her. “What do you need me to do?”

  Blaze’s unfocused gaze found her. “Hang on.” Blaze flipped them over and rode her thigh, using her elbows to support her weight. “You made me so ready, I’m going to come quick.”

  She moved her hand between them and held her fingers so when Blaze moved, Trinity stroked her hard clit. “Come in my hand.”

  Blaze groaned and dropped her head against her chest and ground harder. She felt the moment Blaze’s orgasm began and slid inside her. Trinity relished the tightness that held her captive. Blaze bit her nipple. She cried out in surprise as Blaze shook against her, moaning. After a few minutes, she stilled completely.

  “So good.” Blaze kissed her fully, bruising her swollen lips.

  Blaze moved to her side, resting her head in her hand, and ran her fingers through her tangled strands. They lay against each other and Blaze tenderly stroked her skin. The slightly rough pads of her fingertips were strangely soothing.

  “Can you stay the night?” Blaze asked.

  She hoped Blaze didn’t notice her stiffen. Trinity rarely stayed overnight; a rule she didn’t plan on breaking any time soon. She didn’t regret her decision to sleep with Blaze, but one night might turn into two, then another. She had to think about her promotion, and the demands it would entail if…no, when…she got it. She hardly had any time now, and when she got the new job, she’d likely have even less. As tempting as Blaze was, she couldn’t lose focus on her career, and it wouldn’t be fair to Blaze to pretend otherwise. Besides, they still hadn’t talked about dating or commitment, and she wasn’t about to be a U-Haul lesbian or one who lived with lesbian drama.

  “I shouldn’t. I have a lot to do tomorrow and it’s my only day for chores.” She knew it sounded lame, and she hated when women used mundane excuses to leave. She’d rather they told the truth. She looked up at Blaze’s questioning eyes. Eyes that already knew the truth. Honesty was always better. “What I said is true, but I also don’t do overnights.” She tried to sound nonchalant. “It’s not my thing.”

  Blaze brushed her fingers against Trinity’s cheek. “That’s a shame, but I understand. I normally don’t either.” She found her m
outh again. The kiss was slow burning and passionate, and Trinity almost changed her mind. Thankfully, Blaze was the more rational one.

  “Let me get dressed and lead you back down the mountain.”

  “You don’t have to. I’ll find my way.”

  “I know, but I need to know you’re okay.” Blaze shrugged. “Old-fashioned chivalry isn’t dead yet.”

  She cupped the back of Blaze’s head and pulled her down, wanting to feel her warmth and the passion she’d experienced between them. She made the kiss languid and hoped Blaze could tell how much she’d enjoyed their time together. Even though she wasn’t ready for their night to end, she was resolute in her decision to leave. Second-guessing reasons to stay would make her crazy.

  “Thank you for keeping my dream of a knight in shining armor alive.”

  Blaze’s face darkened for an instant, but it was gone so quickly she wasn’t sure it had even happened.

  “That’s just me.” Blaze sounded as though she were attempting to shrug off the compliment as she reached for her clothes, leaving her underwear and bra behind, and pushed her feet into her low boots.

  Blaze waited until she was dressed, then took her hand, and they walked down the stairs together. They stopped at the bottom, and she took the opportunity to tell Blaze what she needed to know. “I’m so glad I didn’t listen to DJ.”

  “What do you mean? When?” Blaze’s expression froze in confusion.

  “While you were at the hospital. I think it was the second day after your surgery.”

  Blaze’s jaw bunched. “What did she say?”

  Now that she’d mentioned the encounter, Blaze’s reaction confirmed what she’d suspected all along—that Blaze knew nothing of DJ trying to keep them apart. “First, she asked what I wanted from you, then she said it was best if I stayed away so you could concentrate on your recovery. And she hasn’t been particularly warm to me since.”

  Blaze’s face fell. “I assure you I never asked her to intervene.” She brought their joined hands to her chest. “I enjoy our visits.” Blaze kissed her knuckles. “Every single time we’ve been together has been wonderful.”