Exposure Season 1 e-1

by Tonya Muir

  "Hello, Pot, this is the Kettle." He raps his knuckles on the table, laughing at me.

  "I am not!"

  "None are so blind as those who cannot see. Or will not see."

  "Jesus, Robie, you make it sound like I’m in love with her or something."

  "Aren’t you?" He leans back in the seat, interested in my answer.

  "No!" I say too quickly. "God, Rob, I don’t know. I’m so confused. I don’t know if I’m coming or going anymore. Some days, I swear I can smell her on my clothing and it drives me wild. Other days, she can be Satan incarnate to me."

  "Oh, and you’re easy to live with."

  I put my forehead on the table and groan, mindless of the bad manners I am exhibiting. Mama would slap my head right now. Thank God I’m out with Robie.

  "Just relax, Harper. I think you’re the only two who don’t see how good you are together. Let it happen. And stop being such a scaredy cat."

  "I am not," I mumble.

  "Right. This from the one who’s never had a steady girlfriend. You’re so afraid of being caught in something you don’t want, you don’t know when you should surrender."

  "Are you a fucking psychiatrist or a lawyer?"

  "I’m your brother. Close enough."

  * * *

  Standing at the sink, I watch myself in the mirror.

  "Enjoying yourself?" Rene asks as she joins me and we have your typical reflection conversation. What is it about being in the bathroom that makes you do this?

  "Oh, very much, thanks for inviting me along."

  "Well, Robie and Harper didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time together last time she was home. I’m glad you came with us. She’s really enjoying herself with you here."

  "Oh, Harper can enjoy herself anywhere."

  "But you make it special for her."

  "You’re seeing things." I smile at her as I inspect my make up.

  "Uh huh." Rene sounds skeptical. "And you’re too busy trying to deny it." She gives me a wink and pulls open the door gesturing back to the dining area. "The best two things that the Kingsley family has to offer await."

  I turn and smile as I step past her.

  Bet mine is better than yours.

  Arrrgh!

  * * *

  After dinner, we drive over to City Park and park the cars on Wisner Boulevard. The night air is chilly and I glance down at Kelsey to see how she’s doing. She tends to get cold easily. "Need another jacket?"

  She smiles up at me. "I’m fine, thanks. It’s perfect out. Just cool enough to let you know winter is coming, but not too cold."

  "Good. Looks like Robie and Rene are up by the carriages. A carriage ride is really the best way to see the Celebration. The route is a couple miles long and there are over two million lights along it. I don’t like walking with the crowds, so this is the way to go."

  "It sounds beautiful."

  "It is. Our family loves coming here. A little later in the season there will be carolers in the park every night. It’s really special."

  "I never took you for someone who really gets into the holidays."

  "Oh sure, I’m a big kid at heart. Last year, Robie and I went and had our pictures taken with Santa. Mama had it up on the refrigerator for a long time with all the grandkids pictures."

  Kelsey is still laughing when we reach Robie and Rene. "Ready to go?" he asks. He is standing by a red carriage drawn by a white horse.

  "Sure enough." I give Kels a boost into the carriage, resisting my urge to pat her on the rear. Somehow, I doubt if it would be appreciated. I climb up and sit beside her, spreading a blanket over our laps and legs. It can get a bit chilly during the ride.

  I look down to see Robie and Rene engaged in a rather heated lip lock.

  Lucky bastard.

  "Ahem."

  Reluctantly, my brother disengages. "Tell you what, little sister, why don’t you two go on in this one? I think my beautiful bride and I will find our own carriage."

  "Or, better yet, a room."

  Robie sweeps Rene up in his arms and spins around. "Now that is the best idea you’ve had yet tonight, Harper Lee! We’ll see you tomorrow!"

  And they leave.

  I can’t believe it. He left me. Here. In a carriage. With Kelsey. In one of the most romantic spots in New Orleans.

  I’ve been set up.

  * * *

  As Robie and Rene leave, I get the strangest sensation we’ve been set up. I hear a little growl leave Harper’s chest while she watches them go.

  "Umm, it’s okay, you know. We can head home too, if you want," I offer. Home? When did it become home to you, Kels?

  "Oh no, Kels, that’s okay. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to miss this." She leans forward briefly and gives the driver the word. Then her eyes are back on me. They really are beautiful.

  I smile when the carriage starts forward. "Thanks."

  "For?" Her arm comes up to rest behind me, making the slightest contact with my shoulders.

  "For bringing me here and sharing all this with me. I know it’s special to you." I can’t take it anymore and I have to have some kind of contact with her. I take her free hand in mine, which is under the blanket. "That makes me feel special."

  "You are special."

  "Okay, who are you? And what have you done with Harper Kingsley?" I tease as I interlace our fingers. Her hands are warm.

  "Am I that bad?"

  "No," I admit quietly. "No, actually you’re not. I’ve grown pretty fond of you. I’m not sure when or how it happened, but I ..." I’m at a loss at what to say. I drop my head and shake it a bit.

  "Kels." She removes her hand from under the blanket and palms my cheek. "I feel the same way."

  I wish she’d tell me what it is then. Because I don’t know what to call it. Love? Lust? Affection? Friendship? Desire? All of the above? Or something else entirely?

  My eyes close and I lean my cheek into her palm. I don’t resist when she places her mouth close to my ear. "This is good, isn’t it?" she asks softly.

  I turn my face slowly, my eyes still closed, taking in the scent of her. As her lips graze my ear, I whisper, "Feels good to me. What about you?"

  I feel her nod and I can’t help but smile. God, I’ve wanted to do this all day. All I’ve been able to think about is that kiss last night on the porch.

  I want another kiss. I don’t care if we are out in public. Harper is certainly out in public, pun intended, so it doesn’t matter. I pull back and look into her eyes. She smiles at me, inviting me in, an offer I can’t and don’t want to refuse. I move forward and give her a light kiss. She returns it readily, her arm tightening around my shoulders, drawing me closer.

  Testing in progress here. Do not disturb.

  Oh, yeah, this is good. Oh … and firmer is good. I’m a big fan of firmer. A little moan. I’m not sure if that was her or me. Not that I care either way.

  "Kels," she whispers in my ear when our kiss is over. " You’re … umm … I mean … I’m ..."

  "Harper, we’re both a little unsure here, right?"

  She nods.

  "But we are obviously both attracted, right? I mean, we’re both sober and well aware of what’s happening."

  She nods again.

  "Then I think we should go with your life philosophy of ‘shut up and jump’. We’ll figure out what to say as we go down."

  She bursts out laughing. The double meaning of what I said strikes me right between the eyes. I can’t believe I said that.

  "You." She caresses my cheek again. I know it’s beet red, like the rest of my face. "Are priceless."

  "I am an idiot." Is there a rock somewhere nearby I can crawl under?

  "Oh no. No, you’re not." She leans in and kisses me again.

  Oh, this is good. I like ‘shut up and jump.’ We’re gonna have to come back to Celebration in the Oaks next year because I’m not seeing a thing.

  * * *

  We drive back to the house. I try not to grin like a fool
all the way there. I’m really sure about what I want, but I don’t want to push anything. I don’t want to make any assumptions. You know what they say about assuming. I’ve been there and done that, and would rather not do that again.

  I follow her through the front door, watching as she removes her jacket, her hands trailing slowly down it, before she hangs it on the coat rack. How does one become an article of clothing in your next life? Is that something you can request? I’ll fill out the paperwork in triplicate if need be.

  She turns and smiles as I remove my own coat. "Tired?" She takes my jacket and hangs it next to hers.

  "No!" Oh, that was subtle. Why not just start biting buttons? Geez, Kels, get a grip. "You?"

  "Not really." She sticks her hands in her trouser pockets and rocks back and forth a bit. "Cocoa?"

  "With marshmallows?"

  "With marshmallows," she agrees. Then she steps forward and wraps her arms around my waist, hugging me close and swaying slightly. "In front of the fireplace, in your room?" She leans close and gives my neck a little nuzzle. "Sound good?"

  "Uh huh," I choke out as every nerve in my body catches fire.

  "Okay, you make the cocoa and I'll get the fire started," she whispers with another little nuzzle.

  It's already started. Now, let’s hope I can find the damn kitchen.

  * * *

  When I get to my room with the tray, I find her placing a log in the fireplace. Oh Tabloid, nice setting: fire, soft lights, big, fluffy pillows on the floor with a couple of blankets. Hey, you know how to do romantic. Who knew?

  "You gonna stand there all night," she drops to the floor, "or come in?" She settles back against a chair, placing a pillow behind her.

  I know when I've been challenged. This is going to be fun. I settle down next to her with the tray, proud of myself for not spilling anything. I offer her a mug, which she sets aside immediately.

  "No cocoa?" I ask, a bit perturbed. Why did I just waste ten minutes downstairs making this if she doesn’t want any?

  "In a minute. Right now," she leans toward me, "I'm in the mood for something a little sweeter."

  Ah, you smooth talker, you.

  Not that I'm objecting in any way here when she kisses me again, but this friggin tray has got to go. I pull back and give a quick signal as I move the stupid thing.

  Ah, much better. Now I can touch too, which I do immediately when we resume our kiss.

  I run my hands up the front of her shirt as our kiss deepens. Oh yeah, this is very good. I feel her arms around me and I know I'm safe here.

  She breaks our kiss and begins a slow nuzzle of my neck. "No," she nibbles on my earlobe, "destroying this shirt. If," another nibble - I'm just going to be a little puddle on the floor if she keeps that up - "you decide you need to bite buttons or rip the material, let me know and I'll take it off."

  I laugh softly in between kisses. "Go for it." I give her a little assist by undoing the first two buttons. Before long, I find myself straddling her lap and sliding the shirt from her shoulders. It’s more convenient this way, I rationalize. I have to be close enough to help.

  She has great shoulders which are just begging to be kissed. And I am more than happy to do so. That’s the kind of girl I am.

  I feel her head shift to one side to give me more room. Her hands slide between us and I feel the buttons of my blouse being loosened. It's a good thing I don't have to move my mouth to let her slide my blouse from my body. I'd be really pissed if I had to give up this very lovely patch of neck. I've discovered kissing her right here causes some very interesting sounds from my partner.

  Great minds think alike. We reach around at the same time and divest one another of our bras. I glance over at the growing pile of clothing before she distracts me by running her hands up and down my back, pulling our torsos together.

  "You know what?" she whispers with a little kiss to my shoulder.

  How can she talk right now? Why does she want to? "What?" I growl.

  "I think we should move over to the bed."

  Ah, that’s okay. "Glad to hear it," I whisper back, mollified.

  She tightens her hold on me and forces herself to her feet, carrying me with her. God, she’s strong. And then it hits me: I'm in Harper’s arms and she's taking me to bed.

  She kisses me again as she carries me across the room. We are slowly moving from soft and romantic to something that is no doubt going to be mind blowing.

  I can enjoy mind blowing. Actually, I'd like to try mind blowing, just once. I could die happy. It'd take them a week to get the smile off my face. What a way to go.

  Speaking of going. How did she get my slacks and shoes off without my noticing? Kels, you think too much and ask too many damn questions. Go with this, nothing in your life has ever felt this good. You're lying in the most comfortable bed on the planet, very nearly naked, with the most beautiful woman in the known world leaning over you looking like she’s going to devour you any second. Go with it, for God’s sake.

  I open my arms to her. She sheds the rest of her clothes, and mine (what there was of them) then lowers herself down to the bed with me. Oh my God. Oh yeah, I'm gonna die a very happy woman tonight.

  Her hands are gentle, making a slow tour of my body. Her mouth is warm and soft as she proceeds to explore my neck and points more southerly.

  "God, Harper, I-" Oh, to hell with talking. I'm going to resort to moaning because she's driving me crazy, and my vocabulary has completely left me.

  She brings her head back up and I find her lips to engage her in a kiss. I shift to allow her to come to rest between my legs. Oh yeah, I like her there and she knows it. It’s rather obvious at this point. Our kiss deepens as I feel her move into me. That’s nice.

  I have to get to know the magnificent body in bed with me. Thank God, my hands agree and work with me on this one. I find every spot to be warm and firm and the most amazing thing I have ever touched. I can't help but arch my body into hers as we begin to move together.

  We are hungry for each other. We both want this. This is good. Very good. Very, very good. I love the feel of her, the scent of her. I love hearing her. Her voice only serves to excite me more, something I didn't realize was actually possible. I'm learning a few new things about myself tonight, too. Wonder how she'd take a polite request?

  "Down!" I demand, giving her a little shove. Okay, I tried to be polite.

  I hear her laugh. I didn’t find it especially funny. I have needs here. Big needs. Huge needs. A lifetime of need. She begins to move slowly down my body, kissing every exposed part she can find on her way. She's purposely trying to kill me.

  "Doucement, ma biche, doucement," she whispers against my belly.

  Patience, my ass, Tabloid, and don't waste the French on me. Unless it's in a kiss delivered about six inches further down from where you are right now.

  I can feel my entire body quiver as she touches me, kisses me. Oh, she really is good at this. She's got the torture thing down to an art. I guess practice really does make perfect.

  "Oh God!" It's out of my mouth before I know it and my hands tighten in her hair. My body is hers. She can have it.

  That's the kiss I was talking about.

  How can one person give another person so much pleasure? I can barely think as the room begins to sway a bit and I feel the edge moving closer like the ground is being pulled out from under me. My body tenses under her loving kiss and touch. Suddenly, my eyes snap shut and I can't stop the shuddering that has begun.

  "Harper!" I cry, knowing only her name at this moment. The lights explode behind my eyelids and I feel my body rise from the bed. I'm not sure how long I'm suspended there. White light tears through my mind as I settle back down. Breathe, Kels, breathe.

  I feel her pull me into her arms, her hands stroking my body, soothing it, relaxing it. As soon as I can see, speak, and find the top of my head, I'm going to repay her act of extreme kindness.

  "You okay?" she whispers in my ear. She is
holding me tightly and I never want her to let me go.

  "I'm better than okay. I'm delirious. You are – what’s the right word here? - phenomenal. Yeah, let's go with that one."

  She laughs and a smug expression steals over her face. "Glad you're pleased."

  "Pleased doesn't even begin to cover it. When we get back home, I'm insuring your mouth for a million bucks." I lift my head and smile down at her. I need to have another kiss. "Nope," I stammer as I pull back, "a million five."

  * * *

  "That kiss was only worth an additional half mil? I’m hurt," I tease.

  She smiles, her nose scrunching up in an absolutely adorable fashion. "Do you want to try again? See if you can do any better?"

  Oh, so it’s gonna be that way, is it? "I didn’t hear any complaints a moment ago. In fact, it was quite the opposite," I drawl, adding a dramatic whimper at the end which sounds remarkably like her a few moments ago.

  Suddenly, I have a feisty anchor straddling my body, her hands pressing down into my shoulders, her nose almost touching mine. I am, of course, distracted by other parts of her anatomy, which are tantalizingly close to me. "Oh, you are so full of yourself, Tabloid."

  "I’d rather be full of you," I reply, arching up into her, my hands sliding up to her waist trying to pull her down.

  "Stop it!" She slaps my hands lightly. Frowning, she takes hold of them and places them back down on the bed. "No distracting me."

  "All right, all right." I laugh. God, the look on her face is priceless. If I were a Twinkie, I’d be scared. Deciding to relax and see what she has in store, I fold my hands under my head to keep them from wandering.

  She sits back, her rear resting lightly on my thighs. "Where to begin?"

  "I have a couple suggestions."

  "Hush!" Kelsey trails a finger from the tip of my nose, across my lips, down my chin, swirls it in the hollow of my throat, before traveling down between my breasts. Arching her eyebrow, she dips the tip of her finger into my bellybutton and then tugs on my navel ring.

  Oh God. Come on, Kels, get on with it.

  "That was an interesting sound," Kelsey murmurs and tugs again.