As they walked along, Catherine continued to carry the baby while she tried to reassure the worried parents. "I can’t tell you how precious she was during the entire trip," she reassured them. "She loved the plane and she slept perfectly. She was an absolute angel!"
Both Annie and Tommy smiled at the compliments, but it was clear that they were heartbroken by Caitlin’s snubbing. When they entered the coffee shop, Jamie took everyone’s order and went with Ryan to fetch the beverages. Tommy grabbed enough chairs for all, and Catherine sat down, still holding the baby snuggled into her chest.
Looking at Tommy and Annie with compassion, she revealed, "The exact same thing happened to me when Jamie was a baby. Regrettably, rather than just a few days, I was gone for two weeks when she was about 16 months old." She smiled sadly at the memory as she continued. "I don’t know how much you know about Jamie’s youth, but she was raised much more by her nanny that she was by me." Tommy and Annie nodded, even though they had not known this fact about their friend.
"The nanny assured me that it would not be too traumatic for her, so I went on my usual summer trip to Italy and left her at home with her father and her nanny. I hadn’t been gone more than two days before I realized what a mistake I had made, but when I called home they assured me that everything was fine. In a way, it was, and Jamie did just fine without me, but when I got home, she acted like she had never seen me before in her life! She had learned a dozen new words, and she was taller and heavier--she was like a different child!"
Jamie and Ryan came back to the table just then. They could tell that Catherine was recounting a story, so they slipped quietly into their chairs. "One of the worst mistakes of my parenting career was not the fact that I left her--I think she would have quickly forgiven me for that. But once I came back, I know that I shied away from her. It hurt me so much to have her ignore me that I just withdrew even further from her life. I allowed her nanny to have an even bigger role in her upbringing, which was a grave mistake that I will never forgive myself for." Jamie slid her arm around her mother’s shoulders, showing that she had fully forgiven her. Catherine smiled warmly at her daughter, blinking back a few tears as she said, "I’m sure Caitlin will get over being angry with you as soon as she gets home. But please try not to be angry with her for feeling a little abandoned."
Tears were falling down Annie’s cheeks as Catherine finished her story. Jamie was crying as well, and after sucking in a ragged breath, Catherine joined her. Annie started to sob in earnest as she saw everyone else in the same state.
The baby knew that something was going on, and she warily lifted her head from Catherine’s chest and cast a tentative look up. She paused for a moment, seeing both Catherine and Jamie crying, then she turned quickly, seeking out her mother. When she saw her sobbing, she burst into tears, twisting her little body as she held her arms out to her mother. "Mama!" she cried to force her attention. Annie looked up and caught sight of those big green eyes as another flood of tears overcame her. She reached out for the baby as Catherine leaned forward to deliver her. Caitlin collapsed onto Annie’s chest, crying softly and muttering, "Mama, Mama," repeatedly, her little voice strangled with emotion.
There was not a dry eye in the group by this time, with even Tommy surreptitiously wiping his eyes. Caitlin continued to stand on Annie’s legs and hug her, allowing both of her parents to comfort her. Jamie had wrapped her arm around her mother and was giving her a well deserved hug, very proud of her for sharing such a painful story. Only Ryan was left out, so she snuck her hand under the table to gently grasp Jamie’s thigh.
"Well, that’s not how I expected her first words to come, but they were sure welcome!" Annie gushed when she was composed again.
"That was her first word!!" Catherine cried. "Jamie! Get your camera. We need to record this moment!"
Jamie pulled her little camera from her bag and snapped a few pictures of a now beaming Annie and Tommy with their happy, verbal child.
"Don’t worry, Tommy," Ryan said knowledgeably. "I have a feeling that Dada is right around the corner."
"I’m not worried," he smiled, still fighting for composure. "If that’s the only word she ever says, I’ll be happy."
When everyone had dried their eyes, Catherine asked, "Back to work tomorrow, Tommy?"
"After a fashion," he replied. "Our house is a rental, and the landlord’s been after us to have the house exterminated. We decided this was a perfect time, so we let him do it while we were gone. We’re going to spend the next couple of days cleaning the place so it’s safe for the baby."
"That certainly doesn’t sound like much fun," Catherine said solicitously. "What will you do with her?"
"We’ll take turns watching her over at my mother’s house. We can’t have her near the place until we’re sure it’s safe."
Jamie leaned over and whispered something to her mother and then to her lover. She obviously got two affirmative responses because she quickly made her offer. "I propose you go back to Pebble Beach and get some bonding time in with Caitlin. If you spend three days playing with her in the pool, I guarantee all will be forgiven!"
"But Jamie, we can’t do that!" Annie protested. "Your parents want their house back for the weekend, and we’ve got to clean!"
"I don’t want the house back for the weekend," Catherine assured them. "I’m going to pack up and head off to Italy, so the house will be empty. I’d love for you to return to the beach."
"Ryan and I will recruit the rest of the family to help us clean your house," Jamie added. "If we get everybody over on Saturday, we can be done in a few hours. Please let us help you out. I really think Caitlin needs your undivided attention for a little while."
Tommy looked at Annie for just a moment before saying, "You’ve got a deal. I don’t know how we’ll ever repay any of you, but I think Caitie does need some attention, and her needs come first."
"Speaking of attention," Annie said brightly, "which one of you gave her this marvelous haircut?!" She ran her fingers through the pale blonde hair that attractively framed her little round face.
"Neither of us," Jamie admitted. "We took her with us when we got our hair cut on Monday. The fellow who cuts our hair is crazy for babies, and they both had a ball. I think we have to keep taking her there."
"Okay," Annie agreed, "But you have to let us pay for her haircuts. We can’t keep imposing on you like that."
"Be careful what you ask for," Ryan said mysteriously. "You may get it."
After many tears were shed they all said their goodbyes. Tommy and Annie insisted on taking Catherine home, and she happily agreed. "I get to spend a few more minutes with my little Cupcake," she whispered to Jamie as they hugged goodbye. She held Jamie out at arm’s length and said, "I’m sorry that I didn’t take you to Disneyland 20 years ago, but I’m so glad that you let me take you now."
"I know I had a better time than I would have 20 years ago," Jamie said, meaning every word. "Thanks for taking us."
Ryan came over and extended her arms, smiling when the older woman gave her the usual light kisses on the cheek. She waited until Catherine started to pull away, then wrapped her in her arms, resting her chin on top of her head as they hugged gently. "I hope you don’t mind, but I can’t stand those dainty little kisses. In my family we touch when we hug," she chuckled.
Catherine sighed, feeling her body relax into the warm embrace. "I could grow to like this, Ryan," she murmured into the soft cotton of the tall young woman’s blouse.
"That’s my plan," she admitted, releasing her with a little pat. Grinning down at her motherin-law, Ryan said, "Thanks for everything, Catherine. I hope this was the first of many trips we’ll take together."
"You’d be on Alitalia with me on Saturday if you’d say yes," the older woman chuckled, knowing that she would have a marvelous time if the young couple would accompany her. "I guarantee many, many future adventures, Ryan."
They snatched Caitlin away for a group hug as they each kissed her lit
tle blonde head. When she was returned to Tommy’s firm hold she snuggled her head down onto his chest and sleepily batted her eyes at her babysitters. Upon cue, she waved bye-bye as they parted ways, peeking over her father’s shoulder for one last look as the groups took off in different directions.
As the elevator transported them to their car, they leaned heavily against each other and the walls of the elevator. "I could sleep for a week," Ryan moaned.
"I could stay in bed for a week," Jamie purred as she stole a kiss.
"You have become my insatiable love nymph," Ryan chided her in a teasing tone. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Whatever you want," she promised. "As long as you start tonight!"
"No one’s here," Ryan marveled as they walked into the O’Flaherty home. "I mean no one. Not even Duffy!"
"Here’s a note," Jamie said, finding a pad on the dining table with a message in Martin’s neat hand. Reading it quickly she informed Ryan, "Your father says he’s taking Duffy out for his usual lengthy walk." Her face crinkled up into a grin as she said, "I think that’s code for the fact that he’s with your aunt."
"Yeah, Duffy’s getting a good deal out of this clandestine courtship. He not only gets to go on long walks with the two of them, he also gets to hang out at Aunt Maeve’s in the evenings. He loves it over there," she laughed. "He can usually find cookie remnants from Caitlin hidden somewhere."
"It’s only nine thirty," Jamie said. "Wanna stay upstairs and wait for him to get home so we can tell him all about the trip?"
"Yeah," Ryan said excitedly. "That’s a great idea. We can stay up for hours and hours…talking about every little detail. Then we can go downstairs and collapse before our heads hit the pillow. Good thinking!"
Placing her hands on her hips, Jamie stared at her and said, "Ryan O’Flaherty—I think you’re making fun of me!"
Wrapping her up in a tender hug Ryan said, "Not you, Honey. Just your idea. I have one thing…and one thing only on my agenda…and it doesn’t involve talking to my father or petting my dog, even though I love them both. I made you a promise this morning, Love, and I’m gonna keep it."
"Let’s see," Jamie said thoughtfully. "A promise…do I remember a promise?"
She tapped at her chin with her fingertip, finally nodding as she said, "That’s right! I remember a promise about you making love to me all night long…is that the promise you’re speaking of, Honey?"
"That’s the one," Ryan agreed, her eyes bright with interest.
"But, Honey," Jamie complained, pointing to her chest, "I’ve got my wings right here. You already pleased me thoroughly. Consider your promise fulfilled." She was clearly teasing as she struggled to keep her grin hidden.
"I had a nice time on the plane, too," Ryan agreed, her eyes roaming up and down Jamie’s body like a hungry wolf’s. "But that was a very small space, and I’m a very large woman." She was advancing on her partner as she spoke and when the smaller woman felt the dining table hit the backs of her thighs, she linked her hands behind Ryan’s neck and smiled up at her. "My needs…my most pressing needs…were unfulfilled," she said, her eyes now glittering with desire.
Maintaining her gaze, Jamie started to stroke her partner gently, starting at her shoulders and traveling down her arms, then her sides, and finally slipping down to her thighs. "Hmm…I don’t remember making a promise to make love to you all night long," she said thoughtfully. "I distinctly remember that it was a selfless act on your part."
"It was that," Ryan said, leaning closer and closer. She was less than an inch from Jamie’s mouth as she said, "You’re under no obligation whatsoever, Love, but I can’t tell you how much I’d appreciate a little attention. You got my motor running awfully early today, and that little interlude on the plane had me throbbing so badly I was weak-kneed. Have you no sympathy for a poor woman who’s just trying to get a little love?"
"Sympathy?" Jamie repeated thoughtfully, stopping to lick playfully at the outline of Ryan’s lips. "I wouldn’t say that my feelings could be characterized as sympathetic," she declared, shaking her head decisively.
"How would you characterize them?" Ryan asked, her voice gone husky with longing. She licked her lips slowly, hoping to entice her lover to bestow a little attention upon them once again.
Catching the not-so-subtle clue, Jamie closed her eyes and let her tongue slip from her lips to tease Ryan mercilessly. The dark woman let out a low growl, and Jamie regretfully pulled away to answer her question. "I’d say that my feelings could best be considered erotic…perhaps even wanton," she decided, a sexy grin stealing over her features. "I didn’t specifically promise to love you tonight, Sweetheart, but worry not. I have the most pleasant obligation imaginable," she reminded her. "I made a solemn vow to fulfill every one of your needs for the rest of my life." She wrapped her arms tightly around Ryan’s body as she whispered, "Let me fill your…need. In any way that pleases you." The deep, throaty growl and the lascivious look on her face turned Ryan’s legs to rubber, and the dark woman had to grasp the dining table to keep her balance.
Jamie grabbed her hand and tugged her towards the stairs, smiling to herself when she felt Ryan stumble a bit. Oh, she’s in quite a state, she smirked to herself. She’s at the peak of arousal when she’s not only slow-witted, but ungainly.
Locking the door immediately, Jamie set about undressing her partner, quickly stripping her out of her Hawaiian shirt and shorts. "I love summer," she said wistfully. "It’s so easy to get you naked."
Quirking a smile, Ryan reached out with trembling hands to return the favor, but her progress was abruptly stopped. "Unh-uh," Jamie said decisively. "You don’t need to do a thing…except relax and enjoy."
"Oh…" Ryan sighed, her eyes wide with gratitude. "You know just what I need…every time."
"I’m glad this is what you need," Jamie said as she pushed her onto the bed. "Because it’s definitely what I need." She turned and squatted down a little, presenting her back to her partner. "Pull," she instructed, indicating her zipper.
Ryan did so and tried to stop herself from drooling as she watched the small print dress fall from her partner’s shoulders. Constructed in such a way as to preclude the wearing of a bra, the falling dress revealed only a lacy white thong, devastatingly sexy on Jamie’s fit body.
She left the tiny garment on, since Ryan was particularly fond of thongs, and climbed on top of her. As usual, Ryan’s strong hands went to her favorite spot, the bare cheeks that peeked out of the lacy white material. "Do you have any particular requests?" the smaller woman asked lightly. "Because I have a burning need to do something that’s been on my mind since Sunday." She molded her body to Ryan’s, her face just a few inches above her partner’s moist lips. "I’ve thought about this every day…sometimes several times a day," she admitted. "Do you know what I’ve thought about, Ryan? Hmm?"
The dark head shook, her body thrumming with desire, her brain largely performing only routine maintenance functions as it prepared for the sensual onslaught.
"I’ve been dreaming of being able to taste you," she said with the sexiest tone of voice that Ryan had ever heard. "I think about how you taste and how you smell, and it just makes me wet." She captured Ryan’s open lips in a bruising kiss, her body squirming against her taller partner’s as a burst of sensation traveled down her spine. "Does that make you wet, too, Ryan?" she asked with the lethal combination of innocence and lust that drove Ryan absolutely wild.
The taller woman knew that her head was nodding, but she wasn’t sure she was the one nodding it.
Jamie started to move down the long body, not pausing long enough to kiss or touch any particular part, so intent was she in reaching her target. Her eyes were locked onto Ryan’s, the hunger she had for her plainly visible in her fervid gaze. As her head hovered over her goal, Ryan sat up just enough to be able to maintain their eye contact, putting a great deal of strain on her abdominal muscles. She still felt as though she was only partially in control of her movement
s, but something compelled her to summon the strength to support herself in order to see the look on Jamie’s face when she first tasted her.
She wasn’t disappointed when the blonde head dipped just enough to allow the warm, pink tongue to slip from her mouth and trail a gentle path straight up the center of her desire. Ryan’s mouth opened as her head fell back against her shoulders, but no sound came out. Jamie dipped her head again and again, laving every bit of slick skin with just the tip of her tongue.
After several more charged moments Ryan let out the breath that she had been holding, the force of her exhalation nearly ruffling Jamie’s hair. Her body sank back against the mattress, her senses too overloaded to be able to tolerate watching Jamie love her so determinedly.
Ryan was hurtling along at a much faster rate of speed than she wished for, but she knew that she had absolutely no choice in the matter. She wasn’t sure when her hands went to Jamie’s head and cradled it gently, but soon she was guiding the blonde head firmly, her hips pumping rhythmically as the silky tongue slipped across her throbbing skin.
Her climax washed over her body, seemingly starting at her toes and flying up to hit her hard, making her cry out loudly as she thrashed about wildly, holding onto Jamie’s head with all of her strength.
When the sensation began to ebb, she consciously willed her hands to release and begged, "Hold me?"
In a heartbeat Jamie was cuddled up next to her, holding her tightly while the spasms raced through her long form. Ryan continued to shudder strongly for a few minutes, her body so over-stimulated that Jamie was very careful not to move an inch.
Getaway - SF7 Page 14
