by Roslyn Bane
Sam felt the anger rise up from deep inside, a thick bubbling rage that erupted within her, consuming her. “What do you mean? What are you doing?”
Kris’ eyes flew open, and she bit down on her bottom lip. She stepped back, and her hands moved up in front of her, shielding her, as she tucked her chin. “Please. Sam. You told me to take it off. I’m sorry.”
Sam put her hands to her own head and pulled her hair violently, trying to control her rage. Kris was afraid of her. She had been on edge since the police had taken Shelly away. Was Kris afraid that she was going to attack her? Force herself on her? Sam turned away and paced back across the room. She took several deep breaths, calming herself, tamping the sick feeling down, deep inside. Turning back she held her hands out, palms up, in front of her. “Kris, I’m not going to hurt you.” She bent over picked up the robe and extended it to her. “I’d never hurt you. I will never force you to do anything you don’t want to do. I’m sorry if you thought I would. I just wanted to show you something. Something that you’re not seeing.”
Kris stared at the robe and tentatively reached for it. She watched Sam closely before she took the robe and put it on quickly. She tied the belt and took a calming breath. “I’m sorry. Shelly coming here upset me more than I thought.” She wiped at her eyes. “I never used to be this weak, this scared.”
“You’re not weak. Stop believing the lies you’re telling yourself. You’re stronger than you think. I wanted to show you something, it’s important, but it can wait for now. I want to help you, I want to make you feel better. I don’t know how to do that without touching you. I don’t want sex. I want to hold you. Let me hold you. Please.” When Kris nodded and stepped to her, Sam muttered against her hair. “I’m not like Shelly.”
Sam hugged Kris as sobs wracked her. After the shudders stopped, Sam wiped Kris’ face with a cold cloth and kissed her on the forehead. “I will never hurt you. Let me show you something. Please take off your robe. Let me tell you what I see.”
Sam watched as Kris searched her face, and felt her heart leap when Kris tugged the belt open and let the robe slide to the floor again. Sam approached her slowly, and placed her hands gently on her shoulders, and turned Kris to face the mirror. She kissed one shoulder and then the other before she met Kris’ eyes in the mirror. She spoke calmly. “I see a woman who is stunning and strong.” She brushed her thumb along Kris’ high cheekbones, “I see your beautiful eyes, which are so observant. I see soft skin.” She stroked her finger across Kris’ lips. “I see beautiful, kissable lips.”
She stroked her hand over Kris’ shoulders, “Strong swimmers shoulders,” glided her hands down Kris’ arms, “well-toned, feminine arms, that hold her lover securely, skilled soft hands, that can save a life and thrill her lover.” Sam slid her hands back up, stroked along the sides of her breasts, causing her nipple to pebble. She placed her hand in the center of Kris’ chest over her heart. “A heart that beats strong and true. Which has seen horrors beyond imagination but still shows great compassion. A heart that was betrayed, but still has the strength and the courage to welcome another lover.”
Sam’s hands traced along Kris’ ribcage and across her abdomen. “Soft, smooth skin over firm taught muscle. Strong and feminine.” She rested her hands on Kris’ hips, “Lean narrow hips and a tight butt, the envy of many women and men. Strong thighs, capable of carrying great loads, and of holding a lover close, ensconced in ecstasy. You stood with me in front of a mirror and told me about what you saw. About how strong and brave I was. Let me tell you something, Kris. I see the same things in you.”
Chapter Forty-nine
“HERE WE ARE.” KRIS pulled onto a small gravel road, not much wider than a driveway. The tires crunched over the gravel and shells, and the trees and brush crowded the road. There were a few places where the lane widened marginally so two cars could pass but it would be a tight squeeze. The smell of the ocean on the light warm breeze enticed, and Sam jumped in her seat as two colorful birds flew by in front of the car.
“Were those flamingoes?”
Kris laughed. “Yeah. Some things never change. For as long as I can remember cars get dive bombed here. Every once in a while someone will run off the road trying to avoid them. Usually, they’re high enough to avoid getting hit.”
“Usually?”
“My brother got knocked off his motorcycle a couple years ago by one. He and the bird were both okay.”
“Is this a goat path?”
Kris smiled. “Actually, it’s the driveway. There are only three houses down this way. My folks and my uncle each own one. The third is owned by a family up in Maine. The grandparents winter over. We might meet them if they wander by. But the houses are laid out in such a way to be pretty secluded.”
Kris slowed and turned again. Sam hadn’t even seen the turn-off. They moved about a hundred meters down further and past extremely thick brush before it opened into a wide expanse of well-manicured grass and lush trees. The house rose up two stories, brilliant white with blue shutters and roof. A plantation style porch wrapped completely around the house. Rocking chairs and small wicker tables tempted visitors to sit and relax. Ceiling fans whirred quietly moving the warm air and ruffling the huge ferns hanging from the ceilings.
As they stepped up onto the porch, the door opened, and a woman their age ran outside and hugged Kris fiercely. “Welcome back. Your mother called and said you would be down for Christmas. I have things ready for you.”
“Thank you. Alannah, this is Sam.”
Alannah reached out her hand and shook Sam’s firmly. “It’s nice to meet you.”
They exchanged introductions and got a quick rundown of Kris’ progress and Alannah’s kids. After a few minutes, Alannah offered to make them fresh piña coladas while Kris showed Sam around.
“I have the waterfront rooms opened up but if you want I can get them all changed over. Will you need me through the weekend?”
“That won’t be necessary. It’s only the two of us.”
Sam was surprised at the appreciative look the woman gave her and the sly grin that crossed her face when she turned back to look at Kris. “Well, you give the tour, and I’ll get those drinks out on the deck for you.”
As they walked away, Sam looked back and saw the woman watching them with a broad smile on her face. “How long has Alannah worked for your family?”
“About ten years. She looks after the place for us. My parents occasionally rent it out. Alannah looks after it. She was in an abusive relationship. My mother helped her to leave, and they got her set up down here. Her kids are great.”
She looked down at her hand when Kris took it in hers. “She didn’t seem surprised that we were here alone,” Sam murmured.
“She wasn’t. Alannah will have no problem with us being here together. Unless something has changed, she’s been living with the same woman for about five years. She’ll give us plenty of privacy. Let me show you around.”
The downstairs was an open floor plan with Mexican tile flooring, brightly painted walls and oak trim. Oversized windows and glass doors allowed unobstructed views outside. Several small alcoves offered tucked away corners of privacy.
A wide stairwell led upstairs and opened into a large hallway. Four bedrooms were beautifully decorated with bright colors, deep seated chairs or loveseats and sturdy looking antique furniture. Queen sized beds were opposite French doors which offered a spectacular view of the gardens. Each bedroom had a private bath. “Kris this is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Thank you. It is a wonderful place. My grandparents, my mother’s parents, bought it cheap sometime in the nineteen sixties and spent a lot of time and money improving it through the years. They left it to my mother. My parents have continued to improve and modernize it. Let me show you where we’ll stay.”
Kris opened an oversized door that led into a huge room, the walls were white, and ceiling fans with coral blue blades stirred silently creating a gentl
e breeze. A king sized bed with a wrought iron headboard filled the center of the room. Coral blue subtly accented the room décor. Intricately carved wood armoires sat against the walls. Vases of fresh flowers filled each table. Wide plank wood floors glistened in the sunlight. Two sets of French doors led out onto a porch wide enough for a table and chairs and traveled the length of the building. A magnificent view of the water welcomed them, and a sailboat sat at a dock.
“My God, Kris. How can your parents not spend all their time in this amazing home?” Sam looked out at the ocean.
“They’re not ready to retire yet. They come down a few times a year. I was hoping you would stay in this room with me, but perhaps you want your own room?”
Sam turned around, stunned at Kris’ suggestion. When the corners of Kris’ mouth started to twitch, Sam grinned at her. “No, I intend to sleep with my hostess.”
“The other bedroom is similar to this one but done in a deeper shade of blue. It’s more masculine but still lovely. The bathroom is through here.” Kris opened the door, and Sam peeked in and saw an oversized shower, with multiple shower heads, a large Jacuzzi tub, and marble-topped counter. A separate vanity table sat with an antique chair nearby and held toiletries.
Sam shook her head, “I think this bathroom is bigger than my first apartment.”
Kris laughed, “I know it’s larger than mine was. Come on let’s go get that drink.”
Kris led her down a back stairwell, and they opened into a large airy kitchen with state of the art stainless steel appliances and a wide butcher-block island. A large square wooden table with glass inlay sat to one side of the room and was surrounded by eight chairs.
They walked out onto a back deck that faced west, and Kris pulled Sam into her arms. “I’ve been waiting to do this all day.” Her hands stroked the sides of Sam’s face, and she pulled her in close for a kiss that started lightly and quickly became hungry.
Sam moaned with the urgency of the kiss and the quick jolt to her stomach. She felt her core warm, and her heart stutter. She returned the kiss with equal fervor. Her hands slid down to Kris’ hips, and around to her butt to pull Kris closer.
“Well, now, that’s looking like a right steamy kiss. You might need more than one pitcher of these piña coladas to keep from igniting.”
Sam jerked back, but Kris held her close. “Thanks, Alannah.”
“Are you planning to stay in for dinner tonight or would you like me to get you a reservation somewhere?”
“I thought we would stay in tonight. We can grill something. How’s that sound?”
“Great. I don’t think I’m up for a late night.” Sam pulled away and reached for the drinks on the tray, handing one to Kris, before taking a sip of her own. “Ooh. That’s smooth.”
Alannah smiled. “I’m glad you like it. Fresh coconut makes the difference. I went to the market earlier. The refrigerator is stocked for a few days. I picked up some mahi-mahi. Would you like me to prepare some vegetables or a salad?”
“No thanks. We’ll take care of it.”
“I’ll be going now. I’ll be by around nine-thirty tomorrow morning. You two should be decent by then.” Alannah laughed as she walked away.
They spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the pool which somehow Sam had not initially noticed. They walked along the property and Kris pointed out some of the nesting sites on the grounds. She offered to take the sailboat out, but Sam declined. By late afternoon they were in bed and didn’t emerge until the sun was low in the sky. Standing hand in hand, naked on the balcony they watched the sun go down. Finally, they showered and went downstairs to cook dinner.
After dinner, they settled onto one of the leather couches and watched a movie. Snuggling in each other’s arms until soon the movie was forgotten and their clothes were strewn across the floor.
Chapter Fifty
SAM SAT ON A chaise lounge, her drink now melted and her book lying neglected on the ground. She smiled as she watched Kris approach. She is so beautiful. How did I get so lucky? Kris stopped ten feet from her.
“Are you rested?”
“Yes, I woke up about twenty minutes a…” She stopped talking as Kris pulled her top off, slid her bathing suit bottom off. Ooh, sweet Jesus. She swallowed and looked around. “What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Let me show you.” Kris picked a towel off the adjacent table, dropped it on the ground at the foot of the chaise lounge. She crawled up Sam’s body and pressed her mouth to hers. Sam’s flesh quivered as skilled hands deftly moved under her shirt and found her breasts, tweaking her nipples.
Sam’s nipples hardened instantly and her gut clenched when Kris tugged them gently, rolling them until she shuddered. She raised her arms when Kris lifted her shirt, before carelessly tossing it aside. Kris nuzzled her neck, slowly moving toward her mouth. The kiss was gentle, a soft caressing of lips, a teasing sweep of tongue, asking for entry. Sam opened her mouth and let Kris’ tongue sweep in and sensually moved against hers. They kissed until they were breathless.
“We should go inside.”
“No. Right here. Right now. No one is around.”
“Someone might…” She groaned as Kris nipped at her earlobe, and instantly soothed it with a gentle caress of her tongue. Her breasts swelled as hands lovingly stroked and teased. Kris moved lower, captured a taught nipple in her mouth, and teased it mercilessly. Sam moaned, and a dull ache began to grow deep within her.
Sam groaned as fingers stroked along her torso, her abdomen quivering as Kris moved lower. Kris used her tongue, leaving a moist trail on her stomach, as hands tugged at the snap on her shorts. Kris pulled at her shorts. “Lift up, Sam. Trust me.” Obediently Sam lifted, hissed softly as her shorts were pulled down and fingers stroked against her thighs leaving a trail of fire. She watched as Kris pushed the shorts aside, and used fingers and mouth to scorch a trail back up her legs and inner thigh. Her breath caught when Kris slipped her hand between her legs, cupping her, sliding against her wet sex.
“Oh God!” Tipping her head back she closed her eyes, enjoyed the loving strokes of talented fingers as they slipped along, caressing her folds. Her eyes opened suddenly when she felt Kris grab her by the hips and pull her down the chair. She sat speechless when Kris pushed her legs wide, carefully lowering her leg to the ground before she dropped to her knees. Warm hands, slid up her legs, teased across wet flesh. Her hips lifted automatically, and she groaned in frustration when hands stilled.
She looked at Kris, their eyes locking and she saw Kris smile wickedly, holding her gaze for several seconds until an unseen finger stroked across her clit. She groaned and saw Kris smile before she lowered her head. She moaned as mouth and hands worked together to bring her pleasure. Slowly and gently guiding her up. “Sweet Jesus,” she groaned as she neared peak, growling in frustration when Kris stopped.
Kris whispered, “Watch me. Keep your eyes open. I want to see you when you come.”
Sam watched as Kris lowered her mouth, but kept her eyes on hers. She saw the excitement in Kris’ eyes as she gave pleasure. Sam moaned, the sensations overwhelming her, but the eroticism of looking in her lover’s eyes as she knelt below her, pleasuring her, was shocking. Her legs started to shake, and her walls started to clench tightly around Kris’ fingers. With a slight twist of Kris’ hand, Sam erupted, a prolonged wave of pleasure rolled through her, and she shook with release, arching against Kris as a deep moan rumbled in her throat. Sam lay looking up at the sky, soaked in sweat, as she spasmed again with aftershocks. She looked down and focused on Kris as she continued to caress her, her eyes bright and her smile huge.
“What did you do? I’ve never come like that before.”
“Something I learned in medical school.”
“Oh really? And who taught that class?”
Kris laughed and pulled herself up to straddle Sam, “I paid very close attention in anatomy.”
“I’m so glad you did. If you ever need to study again let me k
now.”
Kris began to rock against Sam. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
***
Kris and Sam spent Christmas morning on the beach and exchanged gifts under a palm tree. Kris loved the triple braided gold necklace and the signed collection of mystery novels from a favorite author. Sam was speechless when she saw the itinerary for an adventure trip for two in the Grand Tetons.
Kris took them out on the sailboat that afternoon, and they dropped anchor in a shallow spot, where no one else was around and sunbathed nude. The radio played, and they drank wine. They made love on the deck and afterward to cool off Kris persuaded Sam to get in the water. Sam removed her prosthesis and back flipped into the water. Initially, she wore a life jacket, but after her confidence had grown, she took it off and left it onboard. Kris helped Sam climb aboard when they were finished in the water.
Back on board, Kris switched to drinking water and read while Sam fished. It didn’t take long before Sam caught a large grouper. Sam cleaned the fish and Kris went below to prepare dinner. They ate dinner on the deck, blackened grouper, a pasta and zucchini salad, and finished with a raspberry sorbet that Alannah had put in the small freezer.
They sailed back slowly so they could watch the sun going down and before the sky completely darkened they pulled up to the dock. Kris expertly jumped off the boat onto the dock and secured the boat. Sam climbed out a few moments later. They strolled hand in hand toward the house.
“I had a great time today. Thank you.”
“It was fun. I didn’t know you liked to fish. I can see about getting you with a guide.”
“Will you come?” Sam asked.
“I’d rather not, but if it’s something you would like to do that’s fine. Alannah and I can catch up.”
Sam looked at her, “You wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all. I want you to have fun.”
“I am.”
***
“I can’t believe how quickly this week has gone by. I admit I was a little worried about being down here for a week and not being able to do much in the water.”
