by Tom Benson
Both women leant forward to empty sugar sachets into their fresh drinks. When they sat up and faced each other, there was a silence between them, but it wasn’t oppressive.
Heather said, “I suppose we should discuss your asking price for that third painting.”
Lauren believed in the maxim, nothing ventured—nothing gained. “It’s called The Banquet, so would it sound reasonable if I accepted your invitation to dinner?”
“I’d be happy to invite you out to dinner, but I couldn’t possibly consider that as payment.”
“Well, if the first time went well, maybe we could have dinner together again.”
“You remind me of somebody.” Heather smiled and arched a shapely eyebrow. “That woman I see in the mirror every day.”
* * *
The day after Heather’s visit, Lauren closed a sale for two of her paintings to one customer. It was a sizeable amount of money, and she was feeling on top of the world as she strolled around the gallery working out what to move into the two spaces which had just been made.
A tall, slim woman walked in and stood a few feet from the door.
Lauren turned when she heard the door close. “Good morning—”
“Hey, you’re looking good. How is business?” The woman embraced her friend.
“Becky … you look great—I thought you were in Amsterdam … your phone calls—”
“I’ve lived there for about three years, and I’ve only been back twice: a wedding, and a funeral.”
“You didn’t say in your last call that you’d be visiting.”
“I didn’t know until yesterday, so I thought I’d surprise you. Karl, my Dutch partner, works for a big design company and he’s here for a one-day conference, so I came back with him.”
“How did you find me here?”
“You’re famous. I saw your work online, and I had to make a detour to get here.”
Gordon came through from the office where he’d been making a few calls. He was introduced to Becky and then suggested the two women took time for a proper catch-up.
Lauren took Becky to a favourite place for lunch, and they chatted between mouthfuls.
Becky was able to bring her friend up to speed on somebody who pushed his luck once too often.
“You’ll remember Steve, and his desire to restrain somebody and provide them with a memorable sexual experience?”
“Yes, I remember him clearly—he’s why I ended up here. Do you know what he’s up to?”
“I can’t remember if it’s three years or four years he got. He eventually lived out his fantasy, but unfortunately, the victim was an off-duty policewoman. The only person in handcuffs was Steve.”
The friends had an hour of animated conversation which was better than brief phone calls. Lauren promised that one day she’d accept the regular invitation to visit.
Flirting and Seduction
Friday 7th May, 2004
It had been three days since Heather’s first visit to Gordon’s Gallery when she turned up in a taxi to pick up Lauren. Heather was wearing a dark blue velvet dress and black heels. Her dark hair was draped over her shoulders, and her jewellery was simple but stylish.
Lauren locked the gallery and turned. Like Heather, she’d worn her hair down, and the ash-blonde ringlets contrasted against the deep red of her dress. She climbed into the cab and both women complimented each other on their outfits. The pair were whisked into the centre of London to a classy restaurant.
When they were shown to their table, Lauren looked around at her surroundings. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, gold leaf decoration featured in the decor, and heavy velvet drapes hung from ceiling to floor.
“This place is a bit special, Heather, and I didn’t mean you to—”
“You are a bit special, Lauren, and please, do not hold back on your choices. I don’t come to places like this often, so I’m happy to pay on those occasions.”
While they ordered and waited for their first course the two women enjoyed a glass of wine. They talked about the weather, living in London, and life in general. It was during the casual conversation that something occurred to Lauren.
“I didn’t want to sound too inquisitive at our first chat, but I was wondering what you did for a living?”
“I’m a doctor.”
“Good heavens. I don’t know why it surprises me, but it does. When I think of doctors, I don’t think of somebody who looks like you.”
“Is it okay if I accept that as another compliment?” Heather laughed.
“Are you in a hospital or a surgery?”
“I was in a hospital for a few years, and then I moved to work as a GP in a surgery. I went back to university so I could specialise in psychiatry.”
“Wow—you must have brains to burn.”
Heather laughed again. “Hardly. It just takes a lot of determination and hard work.”
“Do you enjoy it more in the smaller unit?”
“I do, and most recently I changed again, moving to a private clinic.” She looked down at her drink for a moment. “Actually, during last week when I came to the gallery I was attending a Sex Therapy course.”
“Is it something you can talk about?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t mean as a patient—I’m aiming to gain another qualification. I’ve been attending the course for a few weeks, and it’s an area I’m interested in.” She paused. “For at least the next two weeks I’ve got studying to do and early mornings to handle.”
“If you don’t mind me saying so, the idea of you and sex therapy is creating some rather wonderful images for me.”
Heather laughed. “I don’t need my ego massaged again, but thank you, Lauren.”
“If you ever need your ego or any other part of you massaged—I’m available.” Lauren grinned.
Heather’s lips parted in a beautiful smile.
The waiter appeared at the table and served the first course, interrupting a silent communication between the two diners. He gave a bow and left them to continue.
“Before I forget,” Lauren said. “I know you have a lot on at the moment, so are you sure that next Friday is still okay to have your paintings delivered?”
“My course ends at lunchtime next Friday, so I’ll be stress-free by the evening. Delivery then will be great, but I wondered if you’d like to help me to set them up?”
“I’d be honoured, and it would be nice to know that they found a good home.”
“Well, if you’re free on Friday evening, I’ll have a taxi come and pick you up, with the paintings.” Heather leant forward. “No arguments—you have dinner at my place too.”
“This is turning out to be quite a dinner date, and now I’m looking forward to next Friday.”
As each course of the meal was enjoyed, the two women maintained a regular conversation, and while they had coffee afterwards, they ventured back to the topic which had united them earlier.
“Lauren, I never make assumptions about people, so I was hoping I could ask you something very personal.”
“Go ahead. I’ll trust you.” She smiled.
“Have you been with people of both sexes?”
“I have, and to satisfy the sex therapist in you, I’m bisexual?”
“Your candour is refreshing, and because it’s only fair to tell you—so am I.”
“Do you have a preference?”
“I do, but I’d like to tell you about my preference … maybe next week.”
Heather arranged for a taxi so she could escort Lauren home first.
“Thank you for a lovely night, Heather.”
“It was a great night, Lauren, and it was my pleasure.”
They kissed each other on both cheeks, and Heather winked. “Friday.”
* * *
.
Friday 14th May, 2004
Lauren climbed out of the taxi to find Heather approaching from the apartment block.
Heather paid the driver and thanked him before she turned to Lauren
and they kissed on both cheeks.
“Let’s get upstairs,” Heather said. “You’re looking beautiful.”
“It’s only a dress.”
“On anybody else, it would only be a dress, Lauren, but on you, it enhances what’s underneath.” Heather led the way to the lift and as she walked her short skirt flicked outward showing off her legs.
“This is a nice place you’ve got here, as they say in the movies.” Lauren laughed.
“Thank you.” Heather appraised her guest slowly and smiled. “If you’d like to unwrap those wonderful paintings and set them against the wall in the hallway, I’ll make a pot of coffee. We’ll have dinner in about an hour.”
Lauren carefully removed the protective packaging from the three large canvasses and set them out in a line against the wall. She gathered all the materials together and stuffed everything into a large recycling bag supplied by Heather. When she’d done, she went into the main living area, which was a kitchen, diner and lounge.
The two women sat in armchairs to enjoy their coffee.
“How was the end of the course?” Lauren said.
“Excellent, thank you, and I think it’ll be my last one for a while.”
“Will you stay on in the clinic, but now have more specialist knowledge, or will you move on?”
“I’ll stay there for a while yet, but I dream of setting up my own place.”
“Would you establish yourself with a regular clinic, or would you specialise straight away?”
“That, Lauren, is an excellent question. I’d like to specialise, but there are so many things to consider, like location, premises, staffing, and suchlike.”
“I hardly know you, but you give me the impression you’ll achieve your dream.”
“You have an uncanny ability to say the sweetest things. Thank you.”
The pair chatted for a while and then Heather excused herself to serve dinner. Conversation, while they ate, was minimal, and Heather opened a bottle of white wine to accompany the food. They finished the meal and returned to the lounge.
Heather said, “I thought we might have another glass of wine and relax for a while before we start working with the paintings.”
“That would be nice.” Lauren already felt relaxed, and her gaze continually returned to Heather. Yes, the woman was ten years or so older, but still one of the most beautiful Lauren had met.
“Are you okay, Lauren?”
“Yes, I’m sorry for staring, but I find you very attractive, and that’s not the alcohol talking.”
“Have you been with many female partners?”
“Not really, but I do know when I see a beautiful woman, and I’m looking at one right now.”
“So am I,” Heather said. “As soon as I set eyes on you in the gallery I wanted to be with you, but with a relationship comes responsibility, and that’s when it all goes wrong.”
“Not necessarily.”
Heather crossed her long, shapely legs and her hemline rode up. She reached to pull her dress down but didn’t—having noticed in her peripheral vision that Lauren was ogling her legs. “When you say, not necessarily, what do you mean exactly?”
“I know you’re a little bit older than me, but a long time ago I learned that if the ‘L’ word is left out of a relationship, two people can be with each other without stress.”
“You mean a sort of ‘no promises’ relationship?”
Lauren nodded. “I don’t know what you would expect from a relationship, but I wouldn’t want to cause you any pain.” She sipped her wine. “It’s possible to enjoy the physical aspects without the worry of hurting somebody.”
“I think you might be able to help me with my book.”
“Your book?”
“Yes. I’ve been writing it for a couple of years, and it’s near completion. I’ve interviewed men and women with all sorts of opinions on sex and relationships, but I’ve never met somebody of your age group who is so frank, and talks so much sense.”
Lauren smiled. “Have you got a title yet?” She smiled at her new friend.
“Sexuality, and Perceived Disorders. When I say I’ve interviewed people, I mean over about four years, so if you include my qualifications, I’ve done my research.”
“Some of that research must have been with one or two fortunate people.”
“There you go again.” Heather grinned. “When did you last have a physical relationship?”
“Last year I saw another girl for about six months, but she left the country in September. If it puts your mind at ease, I always go for a check-up when a relationship is over—I like to feel responsible, and available.”
“You are a very strange, perceptive, talented, and beautiful girl, Lauren.” Heather lifted her glass to her lips and sipped, but continued to gaze at her guest. “When you’re with another woman, are you inclined to take the lead, or do you like to be submissive?”
“If I were sharing your bed, I’d be fulfilling a recent fantasy to do either.”
“Would you mind helping me to hang a couple of paintings because I think I might need another early night?”
There was a tension in the air for the half hour it took to site and hang the three paintings. It was a highly-charged, but pleasurable pressure, because both women knew what lay ahead, and avoided accidentally touching each other—it would destroy the atmosphere they had created.
In the lounge the Greek orgy was positioned and hung on the main wall—it could be seen from the kitchen, breakfast bar, and, of course, anywhere in the lounge.
On the wall opposite the main window, a vertical canvas was hung, which featured a naked woman standing at an angle to the viewer. She had straight, dark, shining hair, and her brown eyes were almond-shaped. The woman was looking back over her shoulder so her beautiful face could be seen. Her left breast was in view and, of course, both of her perfect, taut buttocks.
Before she left the UK, Myleene had agreed that any other paintings created in her image could be sold, as long as they went to Lauren’s most discerning, special clients.
When the two women went into the bedroom with the third large painting, Heather was already happy about where the piece should go. The picture featured two semi-naked women, lying on grass, holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes, moments before they might kiss. Their full, womanly shapes were so realistic they looked as if the limbs might move.
“There,” Heather said, pointing to the main wall which faced her bed. “What do you think?”
“I agree,” Lauren said. “Of course, I will have to see it from the perspective of your bed.”
“Let’s hang it up, and then we’ll appreciate it and discuss it on the bed.”
Ten minutes later the two women were standing facing each other beside Heather’s large bed. They both stepped forward, reached out simultaneously and embraced.
“No promises?” Lauren said.
“No promises,” Heather whispered.
As their faces drew closer, the pair gave a brief smile, closed their eyes and kissed. When their lips met for the first time, it was a butterfly-soft touch, and then the women opened their eyes and looked at each other for a few seconds. They kissed again, but it was with a passion and eagerness known by those who’ve waited to be together.
Changing Fortunes
Heather eased down the shoulder straps of Lauren’s dress and helped her step out of it when it fell. She brushed her lips against Lauren’s left ear. “I want you naked … before you undress me … Lauren.” She moved to the right ear as she reached back to unclip the lace bra. “When I’m naked … I want you … to devour me … with your tongue … and your lips.”
Lauren stood there absorbing the sensation of being undressed and kissed by this beautiful woman and couldn’t wait to adore her statuesque body. Her lover squatted and removed Lauren’s shoes before then gently teasing down her underwear. There was a faint sensation as the tip of a tongue was slowly traced up the length of Lauren’s hot slit. She moaned s
oftly.
Heather stood, smiled and kissed Lauren on the lips again, but held her loosely by the waist. “Now … you … can … undress … me.”
Lauren slipped Heather’s straps over her shoulders. “Oh, Heather,” she whispered as the garment fell and Heather stepped out of it.
The dark-haired beauty smiled as she was slowly appreciated by her younger lover.
Lauren unhooked Heather’s bra to release breasts which made her own look moderate. She leant forward and sucked gently on one nipple and then the other before she squatted to remove the black high heels. When Lauren gently eased down Heather’s panties, she paused to look at the smooth, inviting slit, which was already showing the early signs of arousal. Lauren sucked for a few seconds on the engorged, protruding petals, and then completely removed the underwear.
The two women faced each other once again, but now, both were in their naked glory. They embraced and kissed passionately, gently pressing and rubbing their breasts against each other, and sending their fingers exploring. When the kiss ended, Heather smiled briefly and climbed onto the bed.
Lauren knelt beside her latest lover and began kissing her firm belly before working up to her impressive breasts. She teased, kissed and sucked on the erect nipples before moving up once again to kiss the goddess on the lips. The pair of them probed with their tongues and moaned softly as they recognised a kindred spirit. When Lauren set off to explore with her lips and tongue, she was in heaven, which is where she intended taking the woman beneath her.
While her lover worshipped her physically from head to toe, Heather lay panting and sighing as she felt her first orgasm build within. When her pussy lips were expertly kissed and sucked, it warmed Heather all over. She drew her legs back and let her thighs fall open further.
“Yess … yess … harder … please … suck harder … Lauren.”
For her part, Lauren was putting into practise the techniques she’d learned with each lover, and a favourite was taking the dominant partner to the point where she begged to have her orgasm. It was good, but it tended to take Lauren to new heights too. She sucked at Heather’s firm clit and then teased with the tip of her tongue.
