Course of Action

by Gun Brooke

  “Annelie, how on earth could you remember? I told you about this when I was here to swim the first time.”

  Annelie bent down, resting her forearms on the door. “I remember everything you tell me.”

  Carolyn sat still for a moment and then smiled tremulously. “You do, huh?” Her voice was a mere whisper. After a few seconds her expression changed, and a hopeful gleam appeared in her eyes. “Can we go for a drive?”

  Jem had walked up to Annelie’s side. “I think you should. But there’s just one problem, Carolyn.”

  “What?”

  “You don’t have anything on but a swimsuit.”

  Annelie started laughing at the surprised look on Carolyn’s face as she looked down at herself.

  “Not a problem,” Carolyn insisted. “Two seconds!” She jumped out of the car, almost knocking the other women over in the process, and ran up the garden path and into the house. Before either of them had time to utter a word, she rushed back out again, ran down the path, and hugged Annelie fiercely. “Oh, I forgot…thank you, thank you, thank you!” Letting go, she disappeared again.

  “I think she likes it,” Jem offered. “I make this assessment despite her restrained and ladylike reaction.”

  Sending an elbow into Jem’s side for being a smart-ass, Annelie shook her head. “I hoped she’d be happy, but I had no idea she’d be this excited. Think my idea was a brilliant move?”

  “Yup, that, or she’ll expect childhood dreams to be fulfilled at the drop of a hat from now on.” Jem elegantly avoided elbow number two. “She damn near choked you—I think you must’ve picked the perfect present.”

  “Funny. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t mind fulfilling a few more dreams—if she reacts this way.”

  As they began to stroll toward the house, Jem glanced at Annelie musingly. “And all jokes aside, I really hadn’t expected Carolyn to be this…well, I guess, not blasé. Goes to show you should never assume.”

  “True.”

  To their surprise, Carolyn met them just inside the door in khaki shorts and a green tank top with the text “A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.” Her hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, still damp.

  Jem nodded approvingly. “Cool outfit, but you might need shoes.”

  “Damn!”

  Carolyn slapped her forehead and disappeared again, while Jem reached into her purse for her cell phone. “You two go ahead. I can let myself out when the cab gets here. If we keep her waiting, she’ll explode.”

  “I think you’re right. Here she is now.”

  “Oh, Annie, I can’t wait to drive that beauty,” she enthused. “Where should we go?”

  “You decide. It’s your car.”

  Hooking her arm around Annelie’s, Carolyn smiled brightly. “I’m going to have to pinch myself to really believe that.”

  “No pinching—can’t have bruises on Diana Maddox.” Jem grinned as she approached them. “The cab’ll be here in a few minutes, so you girls have fun.”

  Carolyn grabbed Annelie by the hand, pulling her toward the door. “Thanks, Jem! Bye!”

  Running down the path toward the car, Carolyn suddenly stopped, releasing her hands and pressing them over her mouth.

  “Carolyn?”

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “And yours. I had all sorts of reasons for buying it for you—but mostly, I just wanted to make you happy.”

  Not caring if anyone saw them, Carolyn turned around and hugged Annelie close. “And you did. You have no idea how much.”

  After they climbed into the vehicle, its new owner made the powerful V8 thunder. Carefully, she backed out into the cul-de-sac and turned around.

  “You buckled up?” Carolyn asked, winking at her lover.

  “Of course.”

  “Tweety and I are going to take you for a spin, baby!”

  Tweety? Baby? Annelie groaned out loud.

  Carolyn grinned broadly, slid the car into gear, and roared down the road.

  *

  Annelie turned off her computer and switched off the light in her study. Going through the e-mails marked “urgent” had taken longer than she expected.

  “Carolyn?” Annelie poked her head into the living room but got no reply. After a quick glance into the kitchen and the bedroom, she smiled knowingly and opened the front door.

  Carolyn was sitting on the top step of the four that led down to the driveway. Her eyes were fastened on the yellow car she had driven for two hours that afternoon.

  “Carolyn?” Annelie repeated, walking down the path and sitting down next to her. “Hard to tear yourself away from your new love?” she joked.

  Carolyn turned her head and smiled. “Yes. I still can’t believe you went to all that trouble. I wonder if you have any idea how incredible this is?”

  “I think I have some idea, but why don’t you tell me?”

  Scooting close, Carolyn sighed. “You know, when Daddy died I gave up several dreams. I lost some things, and some people, because I didn’t want to let Beth and John down or have them miss out on anything. Don’t get me wrong—I’ve never resented that—or them. It was my choice to make the sacrifices I did, and I’d make them again.

  “But you giving me the Corvette—it means a lot. I dreamed of so many things growing up, especially this car. But I denied myself such dreams. You’ve given me back part of my youth. Thank you.”

  Annelie swallowed hard, fighting back tears. She’d detected that the car was somehow important to Carolyn, but had no idea what it symbolized. Carolyn’s gratitude untied a knot deep inside that she had not even realized was there. Warmth spread through her veins as she regarded the soft expression on Carolyn’s face.

  “I’m glad you like it. I’m even happier I followed through on a spur-of-the-moment idea. As I said, I have several reasons for this gift, but most of all I wanted to make you happy. Honestly, when I drove the car home to you, I was afraid you’d think I was nuts.”

  “No, never. Nobody has ever done anything like this for me. Nobody. You’ve introduced me to more firsts than anyone else.”

  “I hope that’s a good thing.”

  “It is.”

  After a brief silence, Carolyn reached out and stroked Annelie’s arm. “It’s getting late. Want to go to bed?”

  “Yes.”

  They rose and went up to the house, switching off the lights and undressing in silence. Carolyn had put on one of Annelie’s T-shirts, and Annelie kept her matching La Perla camisole and panties on as they climbed into bed.

  Reaching out for Carolyn, Annelie nuzzled her hair, placing a trail of kisses across her smooth forehead and down her temple and cheek, only to find Carolyn’s mouth half open, ready to be devoured. She slipped her tongue inside and caressed its counterpart, which met hers eagerly. The kiss went on until they both were out of breath and began to tug at what little clothes they wore.

  “Please, let me…” Annelie whispered, pulling Carolyn’s shirt up. “I want to touch you.”

  Wordlessly, Carolyn pulled it up the rest of the way and over her head, then tossed it into the shadows. “Then touch me.” Her voice, a low purr, made Annelie tremble.

  Moving closer, half on top of her, Annelie felt Carolyn’s nude body. She let her hands move along the irresistible curve of her lover’s slender hips, up toward her chest. Annelie greedily filled her hand with Carolyn’s small breasts. The dark nipples pebbled into hard peaks, and Carolyn inhaled sharply when Annelie’s fingers tugged gently at them, molding them into even harder points.

  “Annie…” Carolyn arched into the touch. “More…”

  Not about to object, her own heart pounding hard in her chest, Annelie lowered her head and took one nipple between her lips. She sucked it deep into her mouth, letting her tongue work it relentlessly before grazing it with her teeth. Carolyn whimpered and moved her legs restlessly, as if trying to get closer.

  “Shh…” Annelie said around the wet, rigid nipple. “There’s n
o rush, Carolyn. Just relax and enjoy it.” She moved to the other nipple, rewarding it with the same attention. The incredible sound of the famous voice moaning her name over and over caused Annelie’s own body to respond. Moisture pooled between her thighs, and she knew she wouldn’t pull back tonight.

  She temporarily let go of the reddened nipple and moved atop Carolyn, careful not to place too much weight on her. Carolyn readily parted her legs, making room for her.

  “I want you,” Annelie whispered into the delicate ear beneath her lips. “If you want to stop, you have to tell me now.”

  “No, no, don’t stop. I’m on fire…burning for you.” Carolyn’s voice was barely audible. “I want you so much. But…”

  Annelie waited a moment, but when Carolyn didn’t continue, she supported herself on one elbow, tipped Carolyn’s head back, and looked into her eyes. “Yes? Tell me.”

  “I want you…but please, can I take your clothes off?”

  Annelie tried to moisten her suddenly dry lips. “Of course.” Sitting up, she pulled Carolyn with her. Annelie raised her arms, allowing Carolyn to pull the camisole over her head. Lying down in one fluid motion, she raised her hips, indicating with her hands for Carolyn to pull her panties off.

  *

  Carolyn watched as Annelie stretched out next to her, her hips elevated to make it possible for Carolyn to remove her last garment. With trembling fingers, Carolyn pulled at the hem of the panties, totally sheer except for a modest triangle of embroidered roses. She slowly slid them off the long legs that seemed to go on forever and tossed them on the floor, registering the fact they were damp from Annelie’s arousal.

  She looked at the soft shadows forming valleys and hills all over Annelie’s sensuous body. She had naturally pale skin, which tanned slightly in the Florida sun. Blond curls at the apex of her thighs made her catch her breath.

  “You’re so beautiful. It makes me nervous to touch you. I’m afraid I’ll do something wrong…even hurt you.”

  “You could never hurt me.” Annelie’s voice was low, trusting. “You can do anything you want. Touch me anywhere. Nothing is forbidden or wrong.”

  “You sure?” Carolyn bit her lower lip, wanting nothing but to explore her lover’s mysteries.

  “Very sure. I want your touch.”

  “Promise to tell me if I—”

  “Carolyn…I promise.”

  Reassured enough to move on top of her lover, Carolyn sighed in relief when she finally felt all of Annelie’s body against her own. They fit so well together, despite their difference in height.

  Carolyn placed kisses in a blazing-hot trail along Annelie’s neck, tasting the warm, damp skin. Tight nipples filled her mouth, creating a need to suck them hard, bite them, but she relented, merely licking them until Annelie arched her back, begging her to do more. Carolyn obliged, wanting to please. She let her teeth rasp over the sensitive skin, eliciting moans from Annelie at each touch.

  When both nipples were pink and raw from her lavish attention, Carolyn moved down and kissed the taut stomach, circling the belly button before blowing into it and making Annelie shudder. “Ticklish, huh?” Carolyn murmured. “Good to know.”

  She moved farther down, hesitant to touch the damp curls. Annelie trustingly parted her legs farther. “Carolyn, please touch me. Any way you want.”

  Lying along Annelie’s right side, Carolyn placed her palm against the warmth of her moist sex. Amazed at the familiar silky feeling, she moved her fingers while looking into Annelie’s eyes, searching for signs she was doing this right. Darkening eyes narrowed and full lips grew even fuller when she slid her fingers between the drenched folds to find the swollen clitoris.

  Gently, slowly, Carolyn circled it, spreading the wetness around the protruding ridge of nerves as she did when touching herself. Annelie whimpered almost inaudibly at the careful touch. Reveling in the feel of her, Carolyn slid her free arm under Annelie’s neck, pulling her closer as she kissed the damp hair at her temple. “There. Like that?”

  “Mmm…yes…and more.”

  Pleased she was on the right track, Carolyn tried to disregard her own aching body, aware of how utterly aroused she was. When Annelie pulled her legs up, involuntarily moving toward her hand, she hummed in response. “Yes, that’s right. Open up to me…” She moved her fingers down to find her lover’s entrance. Circling it, she felt Annelie turn toward her and hide her face in her neck.

  Taking this movement as a sign of approval, Carolyn slid two fingertips inside, delighted to feel Annelie’s muscles contract as if to draw her in. Though she had no idea where she found the courage, she plunged her fingers inside, careful not to let her blunt nails scratch the sensitive tissues.

  “Ah!” Annelie arched her back and placed her feet on the bed again, her hips undulating against the tentative hand. “Carolyn!”

  Resting on her elbow, making sure she held Annelie close with her left arm, Carolyn thrust her soaked fingers in and out, a variety of feelings rushing through her as she realized Annelie was about to come.

  When Carolyn felt a small, fluttering sensation around her fingers, she pressed her thumb against her lover’s engorged clitoris, rubbing it fiercely until Annelie gave a muted cry against her neck. Muscles clenched around her, over and over, and the slender body in her arms trembled long after Carolyn had gently extracted her fingers.

  Slowly, Annelie caught her breath, still clinging to Carolyn, who was rocking her. Feeling protective, proud, and almost giddy, she placed a series of kisses on the damp forehead beneath her. “You okay, sweetie?” she asked, her voice husky.

  “Mmm…more than okay. More like wonderful.” Annelie sighed, moving to look at Carolyn. “You sent me through the ceiling.”

  Still in awe at the experience of being able to drive this amazing woman over the abyss, Carolyn willingly spread her legs to accommodate Annelie as she settled between them. “Oh.”

  “Your turn,” Annelie murmured. “Your turn to go flying.” She slid an arm under Carolyn’s leg, raising it as she allowed her sex to rub against Carolyn’s.

  Carolyn felt her moisture blend with Annelie’s, and the aching need between her legs reignited, making her hips move. Annelie lowered her head and sucked a stiff nipple into her mouth, a hot sensation traveling along the sensitized nerve ends as she used her tongue relentlessly.

  Carolyn buried her fingers in Annelie’s hair, holding her close while murmuring her name. Soon she realized her lover was moving down slowly, placing open-mouth kisses along Carolyn’s stomach. When she reached the damp curls between Carolyn’s trembling legs, she spread them more, caressing the inside of her thighs. Moaning aloud in anticipation, Carolyn felt Annelie part her folds, and then a hot tongue was there, finding every inflamed nerve ending, not relenting until the fire consumed her.

  “Annie…oh, God…” Arching, Carolyn pressed against the greedy, loving mouth, wanting to experience it all. After a brief pause, which almost drove her insane, slow fingers entered her, pushing inside with gentle force as the agile tongue resumed its activities.

  Unable to hold back, and unsure if she was even supposed to, Carolyn let the waves wash over her, flood her system when she was tossed over the edge. Arrows of pleasure shot from between her legs, through her legs and stomach. Tugging at Annelie, she pulled her up on top of her, clinging to her lover as she kissed her deeply. Tasting herself on Annelie’s lips, she lost the last of her fear of inadequacy, in bed or otherwise—at least during this shared moment of safety, security, and intimacy.

  “Oh, sweetie,” Carolyn sighed as Annelie settled next to her, pulling up the sheets to cover them. “Annie…” She snuggled close, slowly catching her breath.

  Annelie stroked Carolyn’s hair and smiled faintly, gazing deeply into Carolyn’s eyes.

  “I’m not sure if what you’re looking for can be found in a person’s eyes,” Carolyn said.

  “So, what am I looking for?” Annelie frowned.

  “You’re looking for how I
feel, aren’t you?”

  Annelie looked caught. “I guess I am.”

  “Let’s do it this way. Let’s use words.” Carolyn cupped Annelie’s chin. “I’ve already told you I’m falling in love with you. It’s true, Annie. I love you.”

  Tears welled up in Annelie’s eyes. “Carolyn…” She coughed, blushing profusely.

  Carolyn winked at her. “Now, don’t choke. I’m not dangerous or anything.”

  “Yes, you are,” Annelie said, sounding serious. “You’re very dangerous to my peace of mind, my heart, and my concentration. Then again, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She paused and drew a trembling breath. “I love you too.”

  Carolyn leaned in for a kiss. “I’m glad. I think I knew, but I love hearing it.” She snuggled close again, getting comfortable against the pillows. “This feels so good.”

  Mimicking Carolyn’s movements, Annelie spooned behind her, nuzzling her hair. “I agree. I don’t think this bed has ever felt better.” She slid her hand down the curve of a hip. “I hope you’re not too tired.”

  “Still a little breathless, but not really tired. Why?”

  Annelie’s low alto voice reverberated against Carolyn’s skin. “I want you again.”

  *

  In a drafty trailer far from Annelie’s home, a thin, balding man raised a bottle of beer to his lips and sipped it while he kept his eyes glued to the old TV set. The beautiful blonde on the screen had changed from a scrawny, gangly child into a stunning woman. His lips parted in a smirk to reveal nicotine-stained teeth, and he gave a husky chuckle.

  “How about that. Little Annie grew up.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Carolyn’s hair fluttered in the wind from the open window as she drove toward a newly opened shopping mall. Handling the yellow vehicle as if it were an extension of herself, Carolyn looked more content and relaxed than Annelie had ever seen her.

  After a quick breakfast of Carolyn’s Royal Copenhagen coffee and toasted bagels with cream cheese, Annelie had announced she would take the day off and just be available via her cell phone.