by Roslyn Bane
Kris knelt between Sam’s legs, ran her hands up along her smooth, strong arms and across her shoulders. She nuzzled into her neck, lips and tongue playing along the curves of her throat and at the angle of her jaw. Leaning forward, her tongue stroked one earlobe before gently drawing it into her mouth, toying with the gold stud in the lobe. Sam’s quick inhalation relayed her pleasure and the thrust of her hips, her growing excitement. Fingers tugged Kris’ hair pulling their mouths back together, and warm water coursed over them. Her hands slid over slick flesh exploring Sam’s subtle curves and eliciting murmurs of appreciation. Their mouths moved slowly against each other. Their exploration slow, unrushed, without demand or greed. Their discovery nourishing each other, healing, not devouring.
Sam broke the kiss, whispering, “Your knees must hurt, let me wash you.” She quickly soaped Kris’ upper body, lingered at her breasts, caressing each carefully, learning more about the sensitivity of the injured side. Sam reached her hands under Kris’ arms and gently helped Kris to her feet. She soaped her torso, letting the bubbles rinse away. Her hand moved between Kris’ legs, stroked gently, separating her before moving on. She soaped Kris’ shapely legs, and when she could reach no lower, she pressed a kiss to her belly and whispered, “You’ll have to finish.”
Kris quickly finished washing and made sure they were both rinsed. She shut off the shower and handed Sam a towel. She stepped out of the shower drying herself. She was aware of Sam’s eyes upon her, and of the fact that she hadn’t moved from the seat. Without saying a word, she handed Sam another towel and walked from the bathroom. She returned a moment later with the crutches. She positioned them next to the shower, leaned down and whispered, “Don’t take too long, I want you. I need you.” Her kiss was fierce and quick, and then she turned and walked away.
She sat on the edge of the bed, hoping she was right in assuming that Sam wouldn’t want help. That she would want, no need, to come out without assistance, the capable, strong lover. She was debating on getting up when Sam emerged, her eyes bright and focused. Kris smiled, moved up onto the center of the bed, and lay on her side. She patted the bed next to her. “I need you right here. I need to touch you.”
They lay side by side on the bed facing each other. Sam reached out and brushed a stray hair back from Kris’ forehead. She ran a finger down to the edge of her brow, and along her temple. She stroked across her high cheekbone and down along the side of her nose to her lips. She placed two fingers on Kris’ lips and traced them lightly. She rose up slightly before rolling on top, and covered Kris’ mouth, their tongues entwined as they started to move.
***
Sam lay awake as Kris slept next to her, an arm and leg draped over her. Her head rested on Sam’s shoulder, and her hair tickled her chest. Kris’ breathing was deep and slow, and Sam enjoyed the soft puffs of air that blew across her chest. She wanted to shift but didn’t want to wake Kris. They hadn’t spoken about the flashback earlier in the day, but Sam was worried. It seemed as if the injured child had set off this flashback. She remembered that Kris had said she was spending time at one of the pediatric clinics in town. Had something happened with a child? It would have to have been a villager.
Her heart gave a little lurch as she thought of what would have had to have occurred for it to have had such an effect on Kris. She seemed to have a lot of flashbacks or at least bad dreams. Several had caused her to get up and run, but Sam didn’t know if she was running to or from something. Regardless, she had bumped into things or fallen several times and received minor injuries. Lately, it seemed to be getting worse.
Kris murmured in her sleep and flinched. Sam stroked her fingers through Kris’ soft hair and nuzzled her head. Kris sighed and rolled over. Sam moved in against her, spooning her and quickly fell asleep.
***
Oh God, she’s stuck, her leg is stuck between those trees, and she’s bleeding. I have to cut it off. Oh God, I have to cut it off. She reached for the saw. She looked at Sam writhing in pain. “I have to Sam. I have to take the other one.” She removed the prosthesis from her leg, setting it aside carefully. “I’ll be quick.” She drove the scalpel in deep, quickly cutting through the tissues, blood spurted. She grabbed for the saw and turned it on. And the screaming started.
“Kris! Kris! Wake up.” Sam pushed at Kris trying to get her to move. Kris was kneeling astride her, facing her feet and squeezing her good leg with all her strength. She had already ripped the compression sleeve from her stump. Kris stiffened and muttered. Sam was able to scoot out from under her and turn on the bedside light. “Kris, are you all right?”
She looked around, dazed and confused in the unfamiliar room and the sudden bright light. “My God! Did I hurt you?”
“No. You just scared me.”
“I’m sorry. Oh, my God, I am so sorry.”
“Hey babe, it was a dream.” She didn’t like the way Kris looked. She was pale, and her skin damp with sweat. Her eyes appeared overly large, and her pupils were wide. Reaching out she took Kris’ wrist and felt her racing pulse. “I’m okay. Look at me, I’m good. Come up here and let me hold you. You can tell me what happened. Or not.” She saw Kris shake her head. “Do you want some water?”
“I’ll get it. I need to—” Kris bolted from the bed, banging off the door frame as she ran into the bathroom. Sam grabbed the crutches lying next to the bed. By the time she got to the bathroom, Kris was kneeling on the floor in front of the commode, vomiting. Sam retreated to get a washcloth. She wet it with warm water and went back to Kris. Sam wiped the back of her neck and handed her the cloth. Sam placed a towel over her shoulders to keep her warm, knowing the shakes were going to start.
“No.” Kris pushed to her feet and went to the sink. Sam watched her carefully. Her hands were shaking, and when she tried to squeeze toothpaste onto her toothbrush, it missed and went on her hand. “Shit.”
Sam moved to her, took both from Kris, applied the toothpaste to the brush, and handed it back to her.
“Do you need to take something?”
Kris met her eyes in the mirror and shook her head from side to side. She finished brushing her teeth and took a moment to wash her face. She accepted the towel Sam handed her. “I’m all right. It was a bad dream.”
“Not a flashback?”
“No. I dreamed I had to amputate your other leg. We were in the woods though, where we were today with the girl. It was…well, not good.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really. I would prefer to forget about it.” Kris shook her head and walked away.
“That’s your second one today.”
“No, it was my first. The other was a flashback, this was just a dream.”
“Don’t you think you’re splitting hairs? Besides since when do nightmares make you sick? That’s more consistent—”
“Sam, I know what the symptoms are! Now please stop! I don’t need a pill, and I don’t want to talk about it.”
Sam tightened her lips and bit down to keep from saying anything. She couldn’t take it personally. Kris was scared, that was obvious. Something with the child set her off today. She would make sure they took it easier tomorrow. “Okay. Let’s go back to bed.”
Sam sat on the edge of the bed, pulled on a t-shirt, and rolled on a new compression sleeve. She’d find the other in the morning. “Can I hold you?”
“Yes.” They arranged the pillows and Kris snuggled in against her. “Did I hurt you?”
“No.”
“What did I do to you? I need to know.”
“I woke up when you grabbed my unleg.” She heard Kris gasp. “You didn’t hurt it. You pulled off the sleeve, and started shouting and squeezing my other leg. You didn’t hurt me. You surprised me. What I was worried about was that you were going to take off running down the hall naked. I wouldn’t be able to catch you, and it would look mighty odd me chasing you down the hall on crutches naked too.”
Kris smiled against her shoulder and pres
sed a kiss to it. “That would be quite the scene. Thank you for helping me. Thank you for being here.”
“You’re welcome.” Sam reached over and turned off the light. They lay together in the quiet of the night, comfortable in the warmth of their bodies and eventually Kris’ breathing slowed into a deep, slow rhythm.
Sam was awake for a long time, keeping watch for a demon she couldn’t see and couldn’t fight. And as the sky started to lighten she fell asleep.
Chapter Forty-seven
KRIS STEPPED OUT OF the shower and grabbed both towels. She handed one to Sam and dried herself before grabbing her robe off the back of the door. She reached in and took the towel from Sam, who pulled her into an embrace, kissing her softly. “Your hands are magical.”
Kris nuzzled Sam’s neck. “Liked that, didn’t you?”
“I think that was pretty obvious. I plan on returning the favor.” The ringing phone interrupted her, “Can you get that?”
“Sure.” Kris hurried to the phone and after a few seconds brought it into Sam. “It’s Nancy. I’ll go make some breakfast.”
Sam’s eyes widened, and she blushed. She hurriedly finished pulling on her clothes before accepting the phone. “Hi, Nan. I’m doing well. Um, Kris. She’s a friend.” Sam cleared her throat. “Well, my girlfriend actually. I’ll do that. I’ll ask her. I promise. Love you too. Bye.”
Several minutes later Sam joined Kris in the kitchen. While they ate strawberries and bananas topped with yogurt Sam relayed her conversation. “Nancy wanted to know if I’m coming home for Thanksgiving, I haven’t been home for two years.”
“You should go.”
“She invited you too.”
“That would be great. My parents will be in Europe visiting some friends. The trip has been planned for months. I told them not to cancel it just because I was home. Visiting your family will be fun. I’d love to meet them.”
Sam looked down at the floor momentarily before lifting her eyes to Kris. “I’ve never brought anyone home before.” Sam felt the heat rise on her cheeks. “Are you sure?”
Kris moved to Sam and hugged her. “I can’t wait.”
***
Kris pulled the car into the driveway and shut it off. She took Sam’s hand in hers. “Are you okay? You look nervous. I should be the nervous one.”
Sam offered a small smile. “I’m fine. Thanks for driving.”
“My pleasure. It was fun with all the curves.” Their conversation was interrupted when the door opened, and a couple walked out. They both climbed out of the car. Sam hugged Jim and Nancy before introducing her foster parents to Kris. They enjoyed an early dinner of lasagna, salad, and homemade bread. After the dishes were finished, Sam showed Kris around the rest of the house, and they went for a walk in the surrounding woods.
As darkness descended, Sam and Jim went outside to start a bonfire. While Sam laid kindling in the ring, Jim sipped at his scotch. “I’m glad you could make it back to see us.”
“It’s good to be here. I’ve missed you all.” She looked up and into his eyes, stood up, and moved close to him. “There were a few minutes…in the desert…when I was afraid that I wouldn’t get to see you and Nan again.” Sam brushed at the tears that filled her eyes. “All I could think was that I wanted to tell you how much I love you two, and how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“Sam.”
“Please let me finish. I know I hurt you when I didn’t want you to come to Bethesda right away. I’m sorry for that. I needed some time to get my head around what was going on.”
“We understand, Sam. We spoke to one of the counselors while we were there. They explained to us that it’s common for that to occur. We miss you, Sam, but we understand what your career entails. Are you getting back to flying yet?”
“I’m trying, but it’s not going well. The odds are against me too. There are healthy pilots coming up all the time.” Sam took several deep breaths. “I’m not doing well in the flight simulator. I can’t get the pressure on the pedals right. I’m consistently missing my headings, and that can’t happen. Landing on a pitching deck is out of the question.”
“Is there anything you can do?”
“Just keep practicing in the simulator until I get a feel for the pedals. I can’t actually get in a bird because I’m not on flight status now.”
“Catch-22.”
Sam sighed. “Yeah.” Sam looked up when the door opened and smiled as Kris walked out, followed by Nancy. Her heart thudded in her chest, and she swiped a hand through her hair.
Jim followed her eyes. “Your Kris is very nice. She’s a doctor?”
“Yes, we met at Bethesda, when we had some sessions together.”
“She was hurt too?”
“Yes. Her arm was injured. I really can’t say more.”
“Of course not.”
Sam walked toward Kris, “What do you have there?”
“Cocoa with.” Kris handed Sam a steaming mug of cocoa spiked with spiced rum.
“Yum. Let’s sit down and enjoy this. Come on Nan, we’ve got a chair for you.”
***
Several hours later when the fire had died down to glowing embers, Kris yawned. “I’m sorry, we were up early for our flight, and had the delay. It’s been a long day.”
Nancy stood up, “Come on, I’ll take you up. Can you two make sure that fire’s out all the way before you come in?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Sam replied.
Kris followed Nancy inside and upstairs, when she stopped outside Sam’s bedroom Nancy opened the door. “Your bags are in this room. You seemed surprised that we would have you and Sam in the same room.”
“I…ah…wasn’t sure.”
Nancy walked forward and placed her hand on Kris’ shoulder. “We don’t stand for a lot of pretense in this house. You’re sleeping with our daughter, and it’s obvious you both have feelings for each other. Sam’s never brought anyone home before. She brought you home, and that means something. We want you both comfortable while you’re here. There are fresh towels in the hall bath. Sleep well. Wake up when you feel like it tomorrow.”
Kris smiled broadly, and bounced slightly on her toes, “Thank you. I’m so happy that you accept Sam and I, as we are. I appreciate that more than you realize. Good night.” As Nancy closed the door, Kris did a little happy dance.
***
Sam awakened slowly and smiled. Kris lay half sprawled against her body, their arms and legs entwined. Kris’ breath puffed across Sam’s chest stimulating her breasts. Kris repositioned and murmured, her hand cupping Sam’s breast. Oh God! Sam’s nipples pebbled and she tried to will away her increasing arousal. Kris muttered again and repositioned her hand now resting on Sam’s abs. Sam swallowed hard and whispered, “You’re killing me.” A few minutes later Kris awakened. “Morning.” She freed Sam from beneath her leg and reached up to kiss her, a soft, pressing of lips. “It was nice staying in here with you. It was sweet of your folks to do this.”
“It was.” Sam shifted uncomfortably.
Kris leaned up on her elbows. “What’s wrong?”
“I…oh God. It feels so good to have you lying next to me. Before you woke up, your hand was on me, on my boob. And on my stomach.”
“Okay. Oh…oh. So, you’re ready to go?”
“I need to shower.”
“Let me help you out. I’ll be slow and gentle. You can’t be as energetic or as vocal as usual. Pretend you don’t want to wake up children.”
“No.” Sam shuddered when Kris ran her hand down over her shoulder and across her collarbone, her touch sending heat into her core. “Oh, dear God. Yes. Please.”
Kris’ kiss was soft and teasing, Sam’s abdomen quivered under Kris’ soft exploration as her fingers drifted lower. Sam shifted, opening slightly to give Kris access. With a few gentle caresses Sam’s breathing quickened, and when her breath grew ragged, Kris kissed her thoroughly capturing her moan.
“Do you feel better now?�
�
“Mmhmm.” Sam’s eyes grew heavy.
“Go back to sleep. I’m going to go shower.”
***
Fresh from her shower and dressed in black jeans and a paisley print blouse Kris headed for the kitchen. Nancy was closing the oven door after placing the turkey inside. “Good morning, Kris. Would you like some coffee or tea?”
“Hot tea would be great. Something smells good.”
“There’s a breakfast casserole on the warming tray. Want to give it a try? It’s Sam’s favorite. She usually puts a healthy dash of pepper sauce on it.”
“That sounds good. How can I help?”
“For now, just sit down and enjoy the morning. There’ll be plenty to do later.”
***
Throughout the day Kris helped in the kitchen and enjoyed chatting with Sam’s mom. She didn’t think of Nancy as Sam’s foster mom, as she saw so much of Sam’s sense of humor and mannerisms in Nancy. As Kris watched Sam and her family throughout the day she had no doubt that Sam had grown up in a loving family that cherished her and fully accepted her.
Her foster sister, Lauren, regaled them with stories of celebrities and some of their antics she’d experienced as a talent scout in California before she returned home to work in the country music industry. Her foster brother, Justin, and his wife, Penny, doted on their baby girl, Madeline; and despite the extreme fatigue that came with being new parents, were fun. The football games were on but for the most part ignored, as the family celebrated being together for the first time in several years.
In bed later that night, Kris snuggled into Sam, “You have a wonderful family. This was such a great day, and we both have much to be thankful for. Thank you for inviting me.”
