"Fucking militia," Felice pushed out. She tried to scream, but her lungs emptied. The sound of gunshot fire surrounded them. Her breath coming in hard gasps, she reached blindly for Celeste. "Do not let me die...Not here...Not in this."
The rain pounding, Celeste grasped Felice's hand. "I won't."
Eyes wide, Felice searched Celeste's face. "I wanted to go with you," she struggled out. "Meet your family."
Drenched, Celeste nodded. "You will." She pushed wet hair tenderly from Felice's face.
"Merde," Felice screamed. Gripping Celeste's hand, she writhed in pain. Her neck chording with effort, she shuddered, as she struggled to draw breath.
Freeing her hand from Felice's grip, Celeste threw open her medikit. "I think your lung's collapsed," she said searching through it.
"I can feel it," Felice squeezed out. "My lung," she replied watching Celeste tear the packaging from an oxygen mask. "It's leaking air with every breath." She reached up and tried to push away the mask Celeste was strapping to her ashen face. "I am," she sucked air in deeply, "suffocating."
Celeste pushed Felice's hand away. "It'll help you breathe."
Hands shaking so badly they belied her words, Celeste struggled to cover Felice's nose and mouth with the hard plastic. Ripping open the blood soaked front of blonde's white shirt, she looked at the hole and paled. Felice had a sucking chest wound.
Examining the entry hole, Celeste fought back panic when Felice coughed blood into the mask. Shaking hard, she wiped the rain from her eyes and focused. She needed to occlude the wound. There was no doubt the lung had collapsed.
The rain pouring down, Felice's' eyelids fluttered wildly. She gasped. Her throat opening fully, she sucked in air. Swallowing, she gagged on her own blood.
Celeste quickly dug through her medikit. She almost screamed with frustration when there was no occlude dressing. Needing something at least three times the size of the wound to prevent the dressing from being sucked in, she fought back the nausea when her eyes fixed on the plastic wrapping discarded from the oxygen mask. She grabbed it then shook it, emptying the gathered rain. She pulled tape from her medikit. Drawing in a shaky breath, she began to tape the plastic around the wound.
"It hurts likes fuck!" Felice shouted shaking violently.
Hands slick with blood and rain, Celeste struggled to tape the wound. Eventually succeeding, she taped the hole on three sides, leaving a flap to make sure that any air within the chest cavity was released when it pressed on the lung.
Felice pulled the oxygen mask down and whispered between breaths, "How long...do I have?"
Celeste looked at Felice, and tried to ignore the look of abject terror. Heart clenching, she opened her mouth but nothing came out.
"How long?" Felice gasped.
Celeste didn't answer. As doctors, they both knew that in emergency medicine, the first hour after a devastating injury is the golden hour when every minute counts in the battle to save a life. Survival depends on whether doctors can stabilize a patient during those sixty minutes, keeping the vital ABCs of major trauma clear and steady; airway, breathing, and circulation.
Celeste looked up. Momentary relief washed over her when she saw James with another field nurse run toward her. "Thank God, you responded quickly," she yelled at him.
Eyes wide, Celeste looked at the carnage around her; the militia had been brutal today. She and Felice were part of Medicines san Frontières emergency medical team. She had been here in Somalia for almost a year and Felice a few months. Their team arrived in the camp a week ago to treat what should have been basic problems within the compound, but the last few days, they struggled with the number of gunshot wounds.
"Tell me!" Felice gasped.
Celeste needed to get Felice to a trauma center, and onto an operating table. Convinced that some how she could pull Felice through, her throat squeezed tight and she whispered, "You've got time."
James dropped on his knees, and into a puddle beside them. "Jesus," he said staring at Felice.
Celeste glanced over her shoulder to the other nurse who was running to the injured young boy near her. Since, the team had arrived, the militia surrounding the camp made it clear they had a shoot-to-kill policy should any interns try to leave. To Celeste's utter despair, they were utilizing the policy liberally.
"What happened?" James asked as he stared at Felice, lying grey and in a crumpled heap.
"We were waiting for the helicopter to arrive," Celeste replied. "And he, "she indicated to the boy that the other nurse was working on, "ran toward us with a solider chasing him." Celeste dug through her medikit. "The maniac was firing at him. The only reason the bastard stopped shooting was when he realized his Captain was with us. "Rage etched her face. "But by that time Felice and the boy were down." She looked upward. "Where's the helicopter?"
"The helicopter was shot at on its way here. It caused some sort of mechanical failure." Rain flew off James's head when he shook it. "It's not coming."
"What?" Celeste said, looking at James in disbelief.
"It's gone," James replied slowly, as if fully absorbing what that actually meant.
"What are the options?" Celeste snapped.
"We can't stay. The soldiers are on a killing spree. It's no longer just about the people trying to leave the compound. They're killing at random." He searched through the medikit and yelled over a burst of gunfire." We have to evacuate by road. The ambulances are ready."
"Fuck!" Celeste shouted. "How many are down."
Eyes wide James looked at her. "Too many." He shook his head. "We can't take them all."
Aware of how poorly equipped the few ambulances were in this compound; Celeste fought another wave of nausea. She knew he meant that they should only take the ones who would survive the journey. The road blocks that the militia had set up between the compound and the hospital meant that getting there would be difficult.
James worked on Felice. "Her pupils are sluggish." He pumped up a blood pressure cuff then slapped a stethoscope on the crook of her arm. "How much blood has she lost?"
Hiding her fear, Celeste said in clipped, professional tones, "Too much." She quickly relayed Felice's vital stats. Once a person has lost twenty to twenty-five percent of their blood volume, the blood pressure will plummet and the body's organs will go into crisis and start to shut down. With the lack of oxygen and blood loss, Felice was struggling to stay conscious.
Celeste worked and talked. She prayed that the blast's heat had cauterized the internal wounds enough to keep the blood loss down. "She has a punctured lung. It's collapsed. I've plugged it. I'm getting a line in. There's a pressure dressing on her chest wound," she said opening an IV line.
"She's shocked already," James said letting the air hiss out of the cuff.
Celeste eyes widened. She thought back to the luxury of her internship where a number of people would work to save a shoot victim: doctors, nurses, x-ray technicians and a surgeon, all of them working to stop the internal bleeding. But here in Somalia, in the middle of a war, in this compound, she was now the lone doctor.
James grabbed Celeste's arm. "She's unconscious," he said beginning to panic. "We can't stabilize her here!" He hurriedly stood when the ambulance careered to a stop near them. "She's taken a K6 hit. We need to get her out of here fast."
Standing, Celeste gagged when bile swamped her mouth. She spat it out. Her hands balled into fists as the rain battered down. His words verbalized what she didn't want to hear, K6 meant Felice had been hit in the kill zone.
Chapter 2
Opening the door, Maggie yelled in surprise when a branch smacked her on the face. Spluttering, she stepped back and spat a leave out. "Josh, what the hell have you got there?"
"What does it look like?" Josh muffled from behind the large plant pot he was struggling to hold. "Here, grab the base and help me bring it inside."
Maggie opened the door wide and grabbed the base. "Jeez," she said struggling through the doorway. "Does, Amy think we live in the city park!" She moved backward. "Has nobody told her these things are meant for the outside?"
"It's for the new house," Josh replied, following her through the front door.
"Why aren't you going around the backyard?"
"I need a hand."
They made their way down the hall and out to the backyard.
"It's beginning to look like a safari park out here," Maggie said lowering the base. "Jesus, Josh. You should never have encouraged her to leave Scotland. Cold weather equals fewer plants."
"Well, she's here Maggie," he replied digging through the foliage to find her. "I thought you coming to Florida with her would keep her plant fetish under control."
Maggie rustled through the foliage to find him. She smiled. "Even I wouldn't tackle her when it comes to this stuff. She should have studied landscape gardening not bloody architecture." She straightened. "I thought you two were going to Irene's barbeque?"
"We are," Josh replied. Standing, he stretched his back. "But, Amy's got early bird syndrome. She wants to get things organized for the new house." He yawned. "She takes after her Mom that way."
"Yeah, let's hope that's the only thing she takes from Irene," Maggie replied, eyes narrowing.
Josh laughed then shook his head. "That's another grudge you can notch up against Amy's Mom."
"No kidding," Maggie answered as she walked into the kitchen
"Hi," Amy said, putting the plant pots she was carrying on the work surface.
"Hey, Jellybean." Maggie replied. "Have you any idea what time it is?" she asked looking at her watch. She smiled. "Didn't anyone tell you that weekends are specifically designed for bed and lots of sex?"
Amy smiled at her cousin. Maggie had a fiery mop of short red hair, and the most amazing green eyes. At five foot seven, Amy wasn't small, but Maggie's six foot frame easily towered over her, particularly when she wore her biker boots.
"I'm motivated to get out of bed Maggie," Amy replied, "because, in less than two months, I'll be married and moving house." She grinned. "Normally, when those two things collide there's a lot needing done."
Maggie shrugged and opened the fridge.
Amy eyed her cousin. "Just in?"
"Ermmm," Maggie replied hesitantly as she looked in the fridge. "Yes." Pulling out some snack food, she closed the fridge door. She looked at Amy and sounding sheepish added, "How did you know?"
"Amy smiled. "You're bed-head hair for one."
"Oh," Maggie replied. Grinning, she ran a hand through her disheveled hair.
Amy looked at her cousin and thought that no matter how carefully constructed Maggie's tomboy exterior was, there was no hiding her features she was a stunner.
"Bye," Josh said kissing Amy briefly.
Amy looked at him in surprise. "Where are you going?" she asked when he walked to the kitchen door.
"I'm going to meet up with my sister?"
"But what about the barbeque?" Amy asked.
"It's okay, hon," Josh said, leaning on the doorframe. "I'm just going to pick Celeste up, she's staying with Alex. We'll be at the barbeque by three, I promise."
Amy smiled at him. "Okay."
"See you later, Maggie," Josh called out as he made his way down the hall.
"Bye-bye, Joshie boy," Maggie called after him. She looked at Amy. "I didn't know his sister was here?"
Amy nodded. "She flew in a few days ago."
Taking a carton of apple juice out of the fridge, Maggie filled two glasses with juice.
"Thanks," Amy said taking a glass. "You're coming this afternoon aren't you?"
Maggie shrugged. "Maybe."
"No maybe, Maggie. We agreed."
Maggie pulled a face.
"Oh, c'mon Maggie," Amy said holding the cool glass to her forehead. "Don't pull this stunt on me. Not today."
"It's your mother," Maggie said leaning against the breakfast bar. "She's always interfering."
"Maggie," Amy replied putting her glass down. "She's not interfering. She just wants things to go smoothly. And today, she wants to get together to talk about the wedding."
Maggie scowled.
Wanting to ignore her cousin's unhappy face, Amy closed her eyes briefly.
"She's taken over everything," Maggie said before slugging three-quarts of her glass.
Amy tried another tack. "I need you there."
Maggie sighed. "How's the house coming along?" she asked, deftly changing the subject.
Amy raised her eyebrows. "Do you want the short or long version?"
Maggie half grinned. "A one liner, thank you."
"Brilliant."
"What are you like?" Maggie said then grinned fully. "It's only six months since we've moved here. Soon you'll be getting hitched, and all you can think about is brick and mortar." Maggie looked at Amy. "It's true isn't it, you're way more excited about building that house and your new job at that wee architect's firm than you've ever been about the wedding?"
Amy shrugged then smiled.
Maggie shook her head. "Unbelievable." "You know," she said. "I think Irene's a tad upset that I haven't decided want I'm wearing to walk you down the aisle."
"No wonder," Amy replied then grinned. "You keep insisting that you're going to wear some crazy outfit!"
"There's nothing wrong with an Elvis ensemble," Maggie said sounding indignant. "I keep telling you, it's not the outfit but the location that's the problem." She winked. "If you'd stuck with my original suggestion to get hitched in Vegas, my outfit would be perfect."
"Aye," Amy replied, her eyes wide. "And God only knows what outfit you would have chosen for me to wear."
Maggie wiggled her eyebrows. "Something definitely x-rated."
Amy tried to hide her grin. "Are you going to stop antagonizing her?"
"It's Irene's fault," Maggie answered, her face suddenly downcast. "She isn't happy that I'm giving you away. And she's seriously unhappy that I won't wear that stupid dress."
"You're only being asked to wear the same dress as Caitlin and Rosie."
Maggie leaned her long frame against the kitchen counter. "You're joking aren't you?" She stared at Amy then ran a hand through her fiery red hair. "You've seen the dresses haven't you?"
Amy nodded.
"Amy your wee sisters are kids. And when you're a kid, it's just marginally acceptable, to be dressed like a fucking fairy hanging from a Christmas tree!"
"Aw c'mon Maggie, the dresses are fine," Amy replied. "Admit it you're just phobic about having to actually put a dress on." She blew out her breath. "Please, Maggie. It's only for one day."
Maggie shrugged. "We'll talk about the wedding later."
"Why?" Amy asked.
"I need to shower and get organized for this thing today," Maggie replied moving toward the door.
Relieved, Amy smiled. "I'm glad you're coming."
Maggie stopped at the kitchen door. "Last to get ready has to make dinner every night this week." She grinned at Amy before tearing down the hallway.
"Hey," Amy yelled bolting after her. "No way is it going to be me this time!"
Chapter 3
"No. Not just now," Amy replied. "But I will in a wee while." She laughed when her half sisters, Caitlin and Rosie ran up to Josh and pulled on his hands.
"Josh," Caitlin said excitedly, jumping up and down. "Play with us?"
Josh raised his eyebrows at Amy a few times. "See. I told you I'm irresistible to women." He grabbed a gleeful Caitlin. "Especially to six-year old girls."
Whooping, Josh jumped with Caitlin into the pool.
Four-year old Rosie squealed with delight then jumped in after them.
Smiling, Amy watched Josh and the girls play.
"Amy," Maggie called.
Turning, Amy looked round to see Maggie on a sun lounger. Making her way over to her, she took the lounger next to her lanky cousin, and stretched out.
Passing, Irene caught Amy's eye and smiled at her.
Since Amy's mother found out about the wedding, she had taken charge of all the arrangements as any devoted parent does, but this new devotion struck a note of irony with Amy. It had been years since she had been close to her mother. They were, in fact, strangers. Ten years ago, Irene divorced her father and moved from Scotland to Sarasota with her new husband Bruce. Living in Scotland, Amy hadn't had much contact with her over in years. Sheer serendipity brought them together now.
"You know I'm only joking about the outfit," Maggie said passing Amy a beer. "Your Dad would have thought me wearing an Elvis outfit hilarious."
Amy drew in a sharp breath then briefly closed her eyes, hiding their bleakness. Last year her father died suddenly from an aneurysm, and as much as she loved Maggie. She still found it too painful to talk about him.
Opening her eyes, Amy looked at her cousin.
Maggie tilted her head and mouthed the word sorry.
Amy smiled then shrugged. "It's up to you Maggie. It's your choice what you want to wear, but enough with winding her up." She drank some beer. "I need you to get serious."
Maggie's eyes dropped to her beer bottle, she frowned then huffed a little as she peeled the label. "You know, I wish Irene hadn't taken over the wedding arrangements. She's taken it from small thing into the wedding of the bloody year." She ripped the label off. "She's totally ignored the fact that you wanted the whole thing to be low key."
"Listen," Amy said. "She's doing her best. You know I've spent hardly any time with her over the years. I'm twenty-four, Maggie. She's missed a huge part of my life, and you know better than anyone that there is a lot of -"
"I know," Maggie interrupted. "There are a lot of unresolved issues." She smiled apologetically. "And I know that I'm not helping the situation."
"This is her way of making up for lost time," Amy said. "And I don't have the heart to tell her that the wedding is getting out of hand." She fired a warning look at her cousin. "I don't want you telling her either." Amy's brow furrowed. "We're lucky she's doing it. I've got too much else going on with my job and the house." She tried to glower at Maggie but her voice held too much affection. "And you're no help."
"You know I can't stand the fanaticism that surrounds weddings." Maggie said. She drank some beer. "I know that it's good that she's organizing things." She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "And it's a relief she offered to deal with some," she bracketed her fingers, "of the wedding arrangements because you and Josh are so busy." She glanced sharply at Irene. "But, she's gone too far. She's taken over the asylum."
"I can't stand wedding mania either, but it's only going to be for one day," Amy replied. "And I need you to stop making such a big fuss."
Maggie didn't say anything.
Amy sipped her beer, aware that she shouldn't worry because regardless of her back chat, Maggie wouldn't let her down. "Anyway," she said. "I can't talk about the wedding anymore. I just need you to promise that you're going to work with Irene on this." She looked at Maggie. "Okay?"
Maggie nodded. "Okay. I'll try." She shrugged and spread out her hands. "But she's got to meet me half way." She threw Amy a warning look. "It doesn't matter what Irene says there is no way I'm wearing a dress. I mean it, Amy. You know how I like the rough and ready biker look." She ran a hand through her short, red hair. "I haven't worn a dress since I was at school, and even then it was a struggle to get me into one."
Taking a mouthful of beer, Amy swirled it around then swallowed. "Remember, it's only for one day."
Maggie nodded then looked over at Irene. "I still think it's weird that you end up settling in a place where your mother stays." She slugged some beer. "What do you think the odds are of that happening?"
"Maggie the odds aren't that great when my own mother gave Josh my number."
"Yeah," Maggie replied teasingly. "Like I said, she's always interfering."
Amy rolled her eyes.
"Anyway," Maggie said. "What I'm wearing shouldn't matter. All that matters is that on the day, the bride looks beautiful." She grinned. "And, you my beautiful younger cousin are gorgeous. You get more beautiful everyday. Do you know that?"
"Och, away you go, Maggie Forsythe," Amy replied. "Sweet talking me isn't going to work." She growled playfully. "You'll still need to sort things out with Irene."
"Okay, maybe I am trying to sweet talk you, Amy," Maggie replied. "But look at you." She threw out her arms. "You're sizzling hot."
Amy smiled but didn't bite.
"Honestly," Maggie said shaking her head. "Why do you think Josh is desperate to marry you?"
About to answer, Maggie held up a hand to Amy. Eyes dancing with humor, she said, "Look I know you've been going out with him for a while, but don't tell me he's getting hitched to you because of your personality or God forbid, your brains!"
Amy nodded then teased, "What else?"
"What else!" Maggie exclaimed. "You are arm candy, honey!" She pushed her shades down the bridge of her nose and eyed Amy. "What do you call a blonde with half a brain?"
Playfully, crossing her eyes, Amy replied, "Uh, dunno?"
"Gifted!" Maggie replied. Winking, she pushed her shades back up her nose.
Amy laughed.
"Make no mistake," Maggie said. "Your brain isn't the asset that he's after. " Nope. He's keen to nail you permanently because it's them other assets he wants." She rolled her hands in front of her own breasts then cupped them. "And, believe me, sweetie, he's marrying you because he wants them assets all to himself."
Amy grinned.
Maggie looked at her. "You've got a real sizzling pair of boobs there, Amy. And Joshie boy wants to be the only one who knows just how firm and pert they are."
"Maggie," Amy said laughing. "Enough!"
Maggie pointed a finger at Amy. "If I had tits like yours, I'd be published in every hot magazine there was."
Amy shook her head.
Maggie looked from Amy to Celeste. "Talking about great tits, she's something else isn't she?"
Amy looked over to where Maggie was indicating. She watched Celeste join Josh and the kids in the pool. She nodded.
"Didn't you meet her when she came to stay in Glasgow for a few days last year?" Maggie asked.
"Yes," Amy responded watching Celeste.
Shading her eyes, Maggie murmured as she looked at Celeste, "Ah. Now I remember it was the summer time?"
"It was her only visit to see Josh when he was there finishing his studies," Amy answered eyeing Celeste.
"I must have been hiking."
Amy nodded. Maggie was a keen hiker.
"Yes, I remember now," Maggie said opening another beer. "You two didn't get along. There was a bit of fracas wasn't there at the airport or something?"
"Hardly a fracas, Maggie," Amy said frowning. "We just didn't click, and before you ask," she raised a hand, "I'm going to make a real effort to get on with her this time."
Eyeing Celeste, Amy recalled the first time they met. She had been dating Josh for about a year and was as nervous as hell about meeting his twin. Back then, all she knew was that Celeste worked for Médecins sans Frontières, and although based in Paris, she seemed to be permanently on assignments.
Amy's eyes narrowed as she recalled the time that Celeste spent a few days with them.
Amy was nervous about meeting Celeste. Standing in the airport terminal, she watched Josh hug his sister, and was immediately fascinated by how strikingly similar she was in coloring and complexion to her brother. Dark haired, Celeste had that enviable type of shoulder length hair with a great shine. She was a few inches shorter than Josh's height of six foot two and her striking hazel-green eyes blazed with happiness as she smiled and kissed her brother.
Watching Celeste, Amy noted the strong chin, high cheekbones, and the small but noticeable scar that ran from the corner of her right eye to the tip of her cheekbone. She hadn't noticed the scar in the photographs but, in the flesh, it seemed only to enhance her sultry looks.
Releasing his sister, Josh turned to introduce Amy.
Squaring her shoulders, Amy sucked in her breath, only to let it out slowly when she saw a look of surprise flash across Celeste's face.
"Hi," Amy said holding out her hand.
Celeste took her hand, and looked Amy over. Although she was quick to hide it, it was evident that she was shocked by Amy's appearance. Blushing heavily, Amy realized that Celeste probably couldn't believe that this frazzled, bruised and battered creature standing before her was, in fact, her brother's fiancée.
Amy was in her final year at university studying architecture. The day before, she had completed her first project; a small extension to a farmhouse. When she was leaving, she made the fatal mistake of admiring the farmer's horses, telling him that she hadn't ridden since she was as a child. Back into the saddle, within minutes the gentle mare he told her to ride threw her then sauntered off to feed.
Feeling as if she had been beaten around the head a few times, Amy went along with the farmer when he insisted that she visit the hospital. Although the visit confirmed that nothing but her pride was seriously hurt, she promised as she left the ER nursing sore knees and a burst nose that nothing short of a frontal lobotomy would force her back in the saddle.
It wasn't until the next morning, staring at the mirror, that she saw the full impact of that evil little mare's antics. Mouth open, Amy eyed her cartoonishly bruised face, which reflected back an enormous black eye, a massive fat lip, and a nose so swollen, it could hide a small country.
Standing in front of Celeste, at the airport, Amy tried giving the brunette her most charming smile, but the swelling made it lopsided. She said with confidence she didn't have, "Nice to meet-"
"Hey, sis, I'm sorry we're late," Josh interrupted.
Staring at Josh, Amy wished for the zillionth time that she hadn't allowed him to talk her into coming this morning. They were late because up until an hour ago, she was under her bed cover refusing to come out. Eventually, Josh convinced her to come explaining that, as a doctor, his sister had treated all kinds of injuries, and she was hardly going to be fazed by a few bruises, now was she?
Boy was he wrong, Amy thought, as Celeste stared at the large purple swelling around her eye.
Celeste slowly dropped Amy's hand, "No problem, Josh."
Self consciously, Amy fingered the hem of her old loose-fitting sweatshirt, which was covered in paint. Although she was studying architecture, painting was her passion. Completely preoccupied with her face, she had forgotten about her appearance and, this morning, running late, had hastily thrown the first thing that came to hand. Suddenly embarrassed, by how shabby and how much of a bruiser she must appear, she clasped her hands tightly together.
"Did you get the number of the truck that hit you," Celeste asked.
Feeling fragile, and not sure if the comment held a little more teasing than sympathy, Amy frowned.
Josh laughed then winked at Amy.
Self consciously, Amy began to explain, "I-"
"I've really missed you, Celeste," Josh interrupted then beamed a huge grin at sister.
Amy closed her eyes briefly, and fought an unusual urge to whack him for being so bloody dense. He was completely oblivious to how awkward the situation was, and how bad she actually looked.
"I've missed you too," Celeste said then grinned at him.
Hugging her again, Josh whispered, "I can't believe it's been so long." He gripped her shoulders and looked at her. "I mean, you'd think we'd have seen each other more, with you living in Paris and me here finishing my PhD. I'd have thought we'd have gotten some time together!" He shook his head then let her go. "But, every time I try to catch up with you, you're off on some mercy mission, Nigeria for vaccinations then Honduras, then Nicaragua." Letting her go he ticked the various locales with his fingers. "Guatemala for the hurricanes." He shook his head. "Where are you going next?"
"Somalia."
"For how long," Josh asked.
"I don't know," Celeste replied. "It depends how long they need me."
He grinned then kissed her cheek. "What does it matter now, huh? You're here, and in one piece."
Celeste smiled. Well, some part of me is here" She frowned. "It seems that my luggage is winging its way somewhere else as we speak."
A small slight woman approached wearing an airline uniform. "Ms Cameron, it's not great news," she said looking at her watch. "Your luggage is scheduled to arrive in London in the next hour."
The airline official's cell phone rang, and she moved off without excusing herself. A low growl of frustration escaped Celeste's mouth. "In this current climate, how the hell is that possible. Josh," she said. "I don't care what happens with my luggage anymore." She eyed the official coldly. "It's taken me a very long thirty-six hours to get here. And I've had enough." Sounding resolute she added, "I need to get the hell out of here."
Startled, Amy watched Celeste turn and walk away. She blinked a few times when Josh pointed to the official. "Amy, could you give her my contact details?"
Astonished, Amy watched Celeste leave, and unable to believe that Josh would leave her alone looking the way she did, she crossed her arms and tapped her foot. "You've got to be joking!" She glared at him then pointed in Celeste's direction. "I know she's had a long journey but what kind of comment is that about a truck hitting me!" Amy asked. "Isn't she supposed to be in the caring profession for Christ sake?"
"Honey, please could you sort it out?" Josh put his hands on Amy's shoulders then slid them down her arms. Rubbing them, he watched his sister disappear. "Look," he said frowning. "It's obvious that because you're here, your injuries aren't that serious. She would have assessed that immediately."
Amy tutted and lowered her eyes.
"Celeste gets really cranky when she's lagged," he appeased then smiled at her as if the explanation excused his sister's behavior.
"I'll take her to the car and meet you out front in a few minutes, okay?"
Before she had a chance to respond, Josh was gone.
Fuming, Amy cursed them both as the airline official approached her.
Chapter 4
Dragged back, Amy blinked a few times. "What?"
"I said that Josh's sister is a looker, isn't she?"
Maggie watched Celeste talk with Josh.
A little surprised, Amy replied jokingly, "Why you interested?"
Maggie sniggered. "Cheeky." She rubbed her stomach. "You know my diet consists of hunky men."
"Sometimes," Amy said trying to keep the teasing from her tone. "I wonder."
"What do you mean?" Maggie asked, eyeing her over her shades.
Bingo, she's taken the bait, Amy thought. "Well, sometimes I wonder, you know, with your look..." Amy deliberately let her voice trail off.
"Oh c'mon," Maggie replied. "You're joking, right?" She slid her shades on top of her head. "Because I've got a bit of an androgynous look going on doesn't mean I'm into chicks."
Amy tried not to laugh and continued to tease. "You get offers?"
Maggie grinned. "Yeah, well. I'm over six foot, dress in leather and ride a motorbike, who wouldn't want a bite of me."
Amy laughed.
Maggie shook her head. "Women just don't do it for me, though." She slugged some beer. "Can you imagine the emotional baggage?" She rolled her eyes. "Good God, no way, guys are far less complex. They're easy to please, food, football and fucking, that's all they ever need." She eyed Amy then smiled wickedly. "It's got something to do with their brains being smaller than ours."
Amy grinned.
"Thank God," Maggie said. "I'm not into woman. Just having female friends is knackering enough."
Amy looked at the redhead. "How come?"
Maggie held up two fingers. "Two women equal two PMT's, and I know I'm as cranky as hell. Can you imagine doubling that? That would be a prison sentence for me, babe."
"But you live with me," Amy replied with a note of irony.
"Yeah, but you don't count, you're family."
Amy shook her head at Maggie's logic.
"Don't get me wrong," Maggie said. "I like to look at them. Who doesn't like to look at an attractive woman, especially one that has as much going on as her?" She pointed at Celeste. "But don't you worry," she said when Amy frowned. "I'm strictly the window shopping type. No touchy feely for me. In my book, she's strictly competition." She looked from Amy to Celeste then back again. "You could easily take her, though."
"Maggie," Amy said shaking her head in amusement, "When was the last time you had your eyes tested?"
"It's not fair," Maggie said. She looked down at her chest. "You two have it all." She sat up and waved a hand in Celeste's direction. "Great boobs, a washboard stomach, legs that Helen of Troy would have wept for." She looked at Amy and said accusingly, "And what do I get?" She threw her hands in the air. "No tits and red hair!" She sighed heavily then dramatically flopped back onto her lounger. "I've got all the luck of a three-legged dog."
Grinning, Amy shook her head. "I don't know what parallel universe you've been visiting recently," she said teasingly. "But my stats in no way match hers." She wiggled her eyebrows a few times. "And believe me, if you waxed that moustache of yours more often then life wouldn't be so hard."
Maggie quickly touched her top lip. "What moustache ya cheeky witch!"
Amy winked.
Maggie scooped out some ice from the cooler and tossed it at Amy.
"Hoy." Picking up a piece of ice that landed on her stomach, Amy sucked on it.
"Okay," Maggie conceded, as she looked Celeste over. "You don't have twinnie's stomach, but you could still take her on."
"Och. Enough, Maggie," Amy said then sipped her beer.
"She really does have good definition you know." Maggie looked at Amy. "I'm trying to get that kind of definition on my stomach."
"What's happened to you since we moved here?" Amy asked. "You couldn't care less what shape people were in before."
"Florida's what's happened to me, baby," Maggie replied. "Haven't you noticed that everything's big: big boats, big houses, big cars? The level of body consciousness is unbelievable. People here put a lot of time and effort into looking just right."
Amy smiled then said teasingly, "And that's justification for twenty-four-seven chat on the way everybody looks?"
Maggie retorted, "You'd be doing a lot of talking if your pussy had a permanent vacant sign hanging from it since moving here."
Amy almost choked on a mouthful of beer. "I don't think so, Maggie!" She wiped her mouth "If anything its seen serious action in the last few months!"
Amy, I mean it," Maggie said sounding genuinely taken aback. "You could give her a run for her money!"
Amy sipped her beer then looked at her cousin. "Maggie don't start." She lowered her voice. "I'm a living pin cushion at those dress fittings. It's not the thrill of my life standing in my bra and knickers being prodded, poked and aw'd and ah'd at by complete strangers."
Maggie sat up and reaching over, patted Amy's leg then said playfully, "Awww wittle bawby finding it all wittle too much do you?"
Amy's eyes narrowed, but her voice carried humor. "Just a totty, wee, tiny weenie, ever so small, miniscule bit."
Maggie laughed. "That much, eh?"
"That much."
"Listen, I know once upon a time, you were a skinny wee teenager, but you've blossomed. Look at you. You're absolutely gorgeous. Great body, beautiful face." Maggie reached out and touched Amy's ponytail. "Beautiful natural blonde hair."
Amy tutted and pulled her hair out of Maggie's hand.
"What do blonde's wear behind their ears to make them more attractive?" Maggie asked looking angelic.
Entering easily into their blonde and redhead jokes, Amy sat up slightly. "I dunno?"
"Their ankles!"
Amy laughed then followed. "Why do redheads wear underwear?"
Maggie smiled. "I dunno?"
"Cos they make good ankle warmers."
Maggie grinned. "Why do blondes' drive BMWs?"
Amy's eyes narrowed. She and Josh had just bought a BMW. She asked cautiously, "Why?"
"Because they can spell it!"
Amy stuck her tongue out and said mischievously, "How cute. Your nose wiggles when you talk. Go on, say something else."
Maggie laughed then pouting her lips, touched her nose. "No it doesn't ya wee witch." Raising her eyebrows and widening her eyes she asked dolefully, "Had enough little girl?"
Amy smiled. "Bring it on, baby!"
"Listen. You are beautiful you know," Maggie said sincerely. "You have great bone structure, and those amazing, big blues eyes of yours are like Bambi's." Maggie scratched her head. "Only his eyes might have been brown." She waved a hand dismissively. "The point is that you've got it all, sister and you don't even know it."
"Sister!" Amy laughed. "Your catching on to the lingo quick aren't you?"
Maggie chuckled. "When in Rome."
Amy drank some beer.
Maggie winked at her. "Och, well," she said. "Maybe in my next life, I'll come back as a blonde and make up for all your missed opportunities."
Amy smiled. Maggie was a great believer in the afterlife and through the years had adopted every new age theory going.
"What's she doing here anyway?"
"Who?"
Maggie looked at Celeste. "Twinnie."
Amy raised her brow. "Celeste," she emphasized the name. "Is here on a break, I think?" She frowned. "I get the impression she's had a bit of a rough time on her last assignment."
"What happened?"
"She was working in Somalia and something happened."
Maggie looked at her expectantly.
Amy held up her hands. "I don't know the details. You know Josh he's vague at the best of times."
"She's really has got some body on her," Maggie said holding up another beer to Amy.
Amy shook her head, and held up the half-full one she was holding. "She used to be a competitive athlete."
Maggie lay down and stretched out on her lounger. "What did she do?"
"Swimmer."
Maggie sighed. "I might have to move back to Glasgow after all."
"Why?"
"Whaddayathink," Maggie replied pointing at Celeste. "Soon my pussy will shrivel up and fall off if she's the type of competition I'm up against." She turned on her side and eyes widening, whispered, "Maybe I won't have any competition. Maybe she's into chicks?"
Amy spluttered her beer. "How does that one brain cell of yours manage to figure that out?" she asked wiping up the spillage.
"Hmmm. Let's see," Maggie replied looking over her shoulder at Celeste. "I can't see any rings." She looked at Amy then tapped her finger against her chin. "Haven't heard Josh or the family mention anything about her with any guys. Maybe she's gay?"
"She was married!"
"So?" Maggie replied as if Amy dragged her knuckles on the ground. "Sexuality is fluid, Amy."
"I take it from your little speech earlier, the one about you only being into hunky men means fluid for everyone except you?"
"Exactly," Maggie replied her eyes twinkling. "She might be a lesbian?"
"What?"
"You know, a gay lady." Laughter danced across her eyes. "Digs the labian vibes."
Amy half smiled then shook her head. "Yeah and maybe she's that new breed of lesbian." She looked at Celeste then crinkled her nose. "You know the straight kind."
Maggie chuckled. "What did one lesbian say to the other after sex?"
Amy looked at her cousin. "I dunno?
"It's true we do taste like Chicken."
Amy smiled then shook her head. "You're bad."
Maggie laughed. "Don't you get it?"
"Duh, I get it."
"How many lesbians does it take to change a light bulb?"
"Oh Maggie, enough already!"
"How many?"
Amy shrugged.
"Two," she answered. "One to screw in the light bulb, and the other to write a folk song about it."
Amy laughed. "Okay." She lowered her voice. "Enough with the lesbian jokes someone will hear us."
"She's left-handed you know."
Maggie was well known for her trivia knowledge and knowing that she was about to hear some statistical information, Amy lifted her brow. "So?"
Maggie's green eyes brightened. "Well," she replied. "Did you know that right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left handed people?"
Wondering where Maggie dredged this rubbish up from, Amy shook her head. "So?"
Maggie smiled indulgently. "So," she said sounding satisfied. "I will have the pleasure of knowing that there's a good chance that she'll pop her clogs before me."
Shaking her head, Amy looked at her lanky cousin. "You are too weird sometimes."
Changing the subject Maggie asked, "Are we still playing golf tomorrow with Josh and twinnie?"
Glad that Maggie hadn't given a long list of statistical information about left-handed people Amy nodded. Sitting up, she looked at Celeste. "Yes, tomorrow morning," she replied.
"Hopefully, if I can't beat her with the guys, I can beat her with a golf club."
"I hope your talking figuratively?" Amy said watching Celeste.
"Maybe," Maggie replied playfully. She yawned. "I think I need a nap." She closed her eyes. "I'm jiggered. Wake me up in an hour, please."
"Okay," Amy replied.
Listening to Maggie's breathing even out, Amy eyed Celeste and thought that Maggie was right, she was a stunner.
Amy caught her bottom lip when Celeste turned her head and looked directly at her. "Shit," she whispered.
Blushing furiously, Amy quickly lay down. Throwing her arms over her eyes, she groaned embarrassed that Celeste had caught her openly staring.
Chapter 5
"That's rotten that Josh had to work this morning," Maggie said dropping her golf bag at her feet.
"I know." Amy replied. "His boss called, wanted some financial information. Josh is working on a spreadsheet for him."
"To bad we're out here and he's cooped up."
Amy nodded. Since moving to Sarasota, Josh's work was beginning to seriously encroach on their personal life.
"Do you know that we've hardly played any golf since we got here?"
"I know," Amy replied.
"Do you know why that is?"
Amy shook her head.
"Men," Maggie whispered teasingly. "You're making far too much time for them. Well, one in particular."
"Me!" Amy replied loudly. Aware that Maggie had not stopped shagging since she got here, she replied indignantly, "What about you!"
"Ssshhh," Maggie said quietly. "Celeste's trying to play her shot."
Suddenly aware of Maggie's ploy, Amy blushed furiously. She looked over at Celeste and smiled apologetically. Maggie was an excellent golfer with a low handicap, and because Amy had a similar handicap, they often teased each other. It was routine for them to try anything to get an advantage.
Celeste smiled back at Amy then prepared to take her shot.
"That's some killer smile she's got."
Amy nodded as she watched Celeste take the shot.
"She's good," Maggie said watching the ball travel down the fairway. "You sure Josh was right when he said she hadn't played in while?"
"I don't know," Amy replied shrugging. "You asked him."
"Hmmm," I expected this round to be easy," she whispered. "I bet Josh a hundred bucks that I'd take her."
"Well there's you're answer," Amy whispered back then grinned. "Josh would never look a gift in the mouth."
Maggie glared at Amy.
Knowing that it was too good an opportunity to miss, Amy whispered, "C'mere. You've got something on your forehead."
Maggie took her cap off and moved closer. "What is it?"
Wetting her thumb, Amy leaned in, "Nearly there," she murmured rubbing Maggie's forehead.
"What are you rubbing off?" Maggie asked eyes widening.
"I'm rubbing off the fool sign you've got on that thick skull of yours."
Pulling back, Maggie growled. "There's still time you know."
The redhead reached into her bag and removed her driver then strode off.
Amused, Amy watched her cousin take a few practice swings. She smiled at Celeste when she approached and stood next to her. Since Celeste arrived home, Amy hadn't spent any time with her. If she was honest, she hadn't gone out of her way to be in her company.
Celeste stood beside Amy, but said nothing.
Feeling awkward, Amy watched Maggie prepare for her shot then surreptitiously eyed the brunette. Standing on the green, she thought back to the conversation she had with Josh's younger sister Sophie at the barbeque yesterday.
It was at the tail end of the evening. Amy was watching Josh and Celeste play the final set in their tennis game. She looked over to her cousin. Maggie and Sophie had been drinking beer all afternoon, and now, Maggie was stretched out on a lounger snoring. Amy grinned when Sophie staggered towards her. Noticing, not for the first time, how extremely pale skinned Sophie was for living in such a hot climate. Josh had mentioned that his little sister didn't like too much sun.
Sophie budged Amy up the bench. "Do you want some of my beer?" she asked waving her bottle.
Amy shook her head and held up a mug of tea. "I'm fine, thanks." She looked Sophie over, appreciating that she had that distinct ingénue look; small, with jet-black short hair and deep brown eyes. She was very pretty. At first Amy had found Sophie extremely hard work, noting that she seemed to prefer Maggie's company, but now they got on really well, and she really liked Sophie's quirky personality.
"How's the book coming along?" Amy asked. Sophie was in the process of publishing her first book. Amy had read it, and although she appreciated the writing, horror wasn't really her thing.
Trying to put her legs under the table, but was swaying too much Sophie reached out. Amy grabbed her, and quickly steadied her before she fell over.
"Fine," Sophie replied. Leaning close, she slurred, "Did you know that Celeste was married?"
Wondering where that came from, Amy blinked a few times. "Yes."
"Did you know that she was only married for one year?"
Amy nodded realizing that Sophie had caught Maggie's 'did you know' trivia. "I don't know that much about Celeste to be honest."
"Oh," Sophie said then waved a finger in Celeste's direction. "Well for the last two years she has worked for Médecins sans Frontières, and at twenty-nine she's among the youngest doctors out in the field."
Amy heard a note of pride in Sophie's voice. Thankfully, I know that much, she thought.
Sophie waved her hand. "She doesn't keep in contact with him anymore."
"Who?"
Sophie hiccupped. "Nick."
"Oh," Amy replied then carefully looking at her watch, wondered how long it would be before she could escape.
"Did you know that I had a major, major, major crush on Nick?"
Suddenly intrigued, Amy raised her brow. "No."
"In fact," Sophie slurred. "I would go as far as to say that I was in love with him." She swallowed. "You should have seen him, Amy." Her eyes lost focus. "He is, or was when I last saw him, absolutely gorgeous; tall, dark, you know, the usual, but he didn't take himself too seriously. The only thing he took seriously was Celeste." She prodded a finger in her sister's direction. "He was madly in love with her but she thought she'd made a mistake." She hiccupped. "A Pretty big goddam mistake if you ask me." She pushed a flop of dark hair from her face. "Anyways, he was devastated when they split, practically stalked her for a while. Tried everything to get the marriage back on track but it just didn't happen."
"Why did they break up?"
Sophie looked at Amy then shrugged. "All relationships end," she replied wistfully then hiccupped. "Did you know Buddhism teaches..." she trailed off then frowned. Tapping her head, she mumbled, "Something about doing yourself a disservice if you attach yourself to one thing or one person because everything changes and everything ends."
Not sure how she should take this information, since she was marrying Sophie's brother in two months, Amy resisted the urge to respond. Tonight, she didn't want to get involved in one of Sophie's philosophical discussions.
"Ultimately," Sophie said after a moment. "He changed, I guess. I think it all came down to the fact that he struggled at med school and when he flunked, he couldn't handle her success."
At that moment Bud, the Cameron family's St Bernard, decided to interrupt. Barking, he padded over. Looking for attention, he gently hit Sophie on the leg with his paw.
"You want something to eat, Bud?" Sophie asked. Swinging her legs from under the table, she added, "Don't worry Buddie boy, I'll feed you."
Swaying precariously, Sophie lost her balance. Keeling over, she took Amy with her.
Brought back when Maggie, unhappy with her practice swing cursed, Amy Absentmindedly rubbed the elbow that she smacked when Sophie brought her down. Her lips twitched, it was clear that Maggie's competitive streak was kicking in. Suddenly aware that she hadn't said anything to Celeste, and knowing that she should make the effort she asked, "Are you going to lunch with us at your folks after this?"
Celeste shook her head. "No," she replied. "I have other plans."
"Oh," Amy replied. Not able to think of anything else to say, she watched Maggie tee off.
"Uchhhh," Maggie cried out when the ball landed in the ruff. "Ya bugger!" Throwing her club down, she stormed past them muttering that she needed to pee and was going to find a bush somewhere.
Celeste raised an elegant eyebrow. "Is she always so sweet natured?"
Relieved that Celeste could see the humor in the situation, Amy nodded. "Yes, she replied. " Especially, when losing-"
"Money to Josh," Celeste interrupted.
"Yes," Amy answered in surprise. "How did you know?"
"I was in to sports in a big way when I was young, and Josh always liked to bet."
"Especially golf, by the looks of it."
Celeste nodded.
"Did Josh tell you that Maggie expected to win?"
Celeste smiled. "Yes."
"Oh?" Amy replied. Watching Maggie stride out, she realized that Josh and Celeste had stitched her cousin up. She asked, "Does he always get a return on his," she toyed with using the word setups, "bets?"
"Mostly," Celeste replied.
Suddenly aware that she was being teased, Amy looked at Celeste.
"How are you settling in now that you've moved here permanently?"
"Good," Amy replied. "I'm still missing home, but I'm getting used to it now."
"Missing anything in particular?"
"Yeah," Amy responded. "Sausages." She grinned. "I miss square sausages the most."
"Really?" Celeste said then laughed warmly.
"What do you miss when you're not in Paris?" Amy asked.
Celeste thought for a moment. "Lots of things, but mostly movies The French take their movies very seriously."
"Really?" Amy asked.
Celeste nodded.
"Sorry for the delay," Maggie said striding toward them. Picking up her club, she added, "Looks like the beers are on me."
Knowing she didn't have the heart to tell Maggie that she had been royally swindled, Amy just nodded, and trying to hide her amusement gave her cousin a comforting smile.
After the game, Amy and Maggie headed to Josh's parents for lunch as arranged. After lunch, Maggie left, telling Amy she had something on. Amy knew it was probably a date, and decided to wait for Josh.
Camille, Josh's mother, insisted that Amy relax by the pool. She must have fallen asleep, only waking when a shadow fell over her.
Opening her eyes, Amy saw Celeste. Sitting up, she smiled. "Oh. Hi." She looked at her watch then raised her hand to shade the sun. "I thought you had a lunch date?" she asked conversationally.
"A change of plan," Celeste replied. "My lunch date cancelled." She smiled down at Amy. "Something came up and Alex couldn't make it." She removed her sarong. "Have you met Alex?"
Eyes widening, Amy nodded. She watched as Celeste revealed a black bikini. She couldn't help but agree with Maggie, Celeste had an amazing physique. There was no doubt that she still had the build of a swimmer.
Amy eyed the brunette appraisingly, her midnight hair was off her face; her olive skin offset the clarity of her hazel-green eyes. Her eyes drifted down Celeste's body and lingered on her tanned chest and full breasts before moving to follow the outline of her defined stomach. She stopped at the small tattoo around her belly button. Intrigued, she studied its detail.
Celeste coughed politely.
Surprised, Amy looked up.
Celeste lifted her eyebrows inquisitively.
"Um," Amy uttered. Dismayed she was caught staring, her cheeks flared with embarrassment. "Yes," she said turning pink. "Yes. I've met Alex. He's a really nice guy."
Feeling exposed Amy hurriedly stood. Looking for a distraction, she picked up her tee shirt, and slipped it on before tightening her ponytail.
Moving closer, Celeste whispered in Amy's ear, "Your label's sticking out."
Amy almost choked on her tongue when Celeste's fingers lightly brushed the back of her neck as she tucked the label away. In complete surprise, she looked at Celeste, tingling coursed through her. Her blush deepened. "Thank you."
Celeste smiled.
Needing a distraction Amy asked, "Would you like a beer?"
Celeste nodded.
Amy reached into the cooler beside her, and opening a beer, passed it to Celeste. Trying to shake off her sudden nervousness she said, "Your Mom insisted that I relax with a few beers." She looked into the cooler. "She must think I've got a drink problem, there's a stack in there."
Laughing, Celeste settled on the lounger next to Amy's. Lying back, she drank some beer then sighed heavily. "Just what I needed." She placed the bottle on her stomach then looked up at Amy. "Join me?"
"Okay," Amy replied. Slowly, she sat down on her lounger then stretched out.
Celeste closed her eyes. "This is lovely," she said almost wearily. "It's moments like this that make me realize how much I really miss being home."
Amy nodded. "Yes, I know what you mean."
Celeste looked at her.
Feeling a sudden twinge of homesickness, Amy asked, "When where you last home?"
Celeste frowned deeply. "It's been too long."
"You must find it hard," Amy said peeling the label from her beer bottle.
Celeste nodded. "More and more." She watched Amy's fingers. "I didn't intend for it to be so long, but my work makes it difficult." She clicked her tongue. "I haven't really stopped for the last year."
Aware that something had happened in Somalia, Amy wanted to ask Celeste if she was okay, but instinctively she knew that questions like that would not be welcomed. "You'll be glad your home now," she asked lamely.
Celeste looked at her. "I..." she shook her head. Her face darkened.
"What?" Amy asked gently.
Celeste looked at Amy, and half-smiled. "It's complicated."
Somehow aware that Celeste's thoughts weren't in a good place, Amy changed the subject quickly. "I'm thinking of having a bachelorette party, would you like to come?"
"Mom mentioned that you were having it on vacation with friends from Scotland."
"Yeah," Amy replied as her fingers worked overtime shredding the label. "They're coming here first. I thought it would be a good idea to have one in Sarasota as well. You know, for the friends I've made here."
"I know that the Scots have a bit of a reputation when it comes to those kind of parties?" Celeste said her eyes sparkling with humor.
Amy grinned. "True," she replied. "But, don't worry. Generally only the bride-to-be is targeted for complete humiliation."
"I'll only say yes if there are no arrests on the night."
Amy laughed. "I can't promise anything other than I'll carry extra cash in case you need bailed."
"Celeste," Camille called out hurrying towards them
"Hi Mom," Celeste answered shading her eyes.
Leaning down, Camille kissed her daughter on both cheeks and taking her hand, tugged it. "Come I have something to show you."
Standing, Celeste smiled at Amy apologetically.
Watching them disappear, Amy sat up and rubbed her neck, surprised that it still tingled.
Chapter 6
Stopping beside her, he handed her a glass. Accepting it, she put the glass down on the polished floor.
Lifting her feet, Josh sat down then placed them on his lap. Leaning back, he took a long drink before placing his glass and sweets on the floor. Taking her right foot, he began massaging it. Amy groaned with pleasure and lifting her arms, covered her eyes. She loved it when he massaged her feet. Enjoying his skilled manipulation, she murmured approvingly.
As he worked on her foot, she thought about how this time last year, marrying Josh would have been the furthest thing from her mind. She thought about how dramatically her life had changed in the last twelve months.
When they began dating two years ago, neither expected the relationship to turn serious. Back then, Josh had come to Scotland to finish his doctorate in software and electronics, and his temporary status was half the appeal, she liked the idea that it wouldn't be long-term, but somehow their relationship went from casual to serious and last year, Josh made it clear that he wanted more. He wanted to make it permanent.
When he proposed marriage, Amy had refused, explaining that she wasn't ready, and, at the time, she wasn't. Although she wanted their relationship to continue, she didn't see the rush, but last year, her father dying had such a devastating impact that having permanency suddenly appealed.
"How's Maggie settling at the hospital?"
"She loves it," Amy replied. "She loves working with kids. I don't how she can do it, being a nurse and working with sick kids must be one of the most difficult jobs there is?"
"Totally," Josh said focusing on her foot. "Do you think that this whole situation about the wedding outfit with Maggie is more about getting at your Mom than the actual outfit?"
Amy lifted her arms from her eyes. Earlier, Irene had phoned and complained about how difficult Maggie was being.
"Since my parent's divorce," Amy said in way of explanation. "Maggie's never had time for Irene. I think she's hell bent on pissing her off as much as she can."
Amy tucked her hand behind her head. "There's nothing we can do. I mean, I'm not happy the way the wedding plans are working out." She moved her hand from behind her head, and rubbed her forehead. "But, we can't ignore the fact that she's trying her best."
Josh smiled. "I know you would like it to be much smaller, and it's not the wedding you want." He held up his hand, cutting Amy's response. "But we can't really let Maggie turn up in some crazy outfit." He rubbed her foot soothingly. "And she's more than capable of it. Do you want me to talk to her?"
Amy looked at Josh appreciatively. "No," she replied. "I'll do it. She'll only wind you up too." She wiggled her toes. "Anyway," she teased, "I'll have a good chat with her when we're in Barbados celebrating my last days of freedom."
Josh visibly relaxed. "Talking about celebration," he said. "I'm really glad you invited Sophie and Celeste out with your friends." He nodded. "I really appreciate it."
"Well you asked me to have a night here so that I could invite your sisters."
"I hope your night isn't too crazy." Josh said. "If I remember rightly your friends from university are pretty wild."
"We're flying out the next day. So, I don't think it'll be too crazy."
"It'll be good for Sophie," Josh said squeezing Amy's foot. "All she does is sit in front of her laptop. I want her to have a change of scenery, and get out of the routine she's gotten herself into lately." He lovingly rubbed up Amy's leg. "And, it'll give you and Celeste a chance to get along better."
Amy looked at him in surprise.
"I'm not that dumb you know," he said. "I know you haven't really hit it off with her since that time at the airport." He looked at her. "I'm not making excuses, but she was exhausted from the flight. You know there was a series of long delays. And," he added frowning. "I'm worried about her."
"Why," Amy asked suddenly intrigued.
"She still hasn't told me what has happened to her in Somalia, and I know it's serious." He rubbed the weekend growth on his face. "She'll talk when she's ready."
Amy smiled reassuringly. "You're right, it's time Celeste and I got over that hurdle. But," a note of humor crept in, "I still haven't forgiven you for dumping me at the airport that day."
"Honey, we're talking over a year ago," Josh said. "I thought it was ancient history." He leaned over, grabbed Amy's hand, and kissed it. "Didn't I make it up to you that night?"
"Ah. So that poor, pathetic performance," Amy teased, "was you making up!"
"Hmmm. Poor performance was it!" Josh reached over, and tickled Amy's sides.
"Josh!" Amy squealed.
Eventually Josh stopped. He picked up the remote control. Amy watched the flickering blue screen, and thought about her conversation with Sophie. Unable to resist finding out more about Celeste, she queried, "Sophie was talking to me about Celeste's marriage."
"Hmmm."
Wanting attention, Amy flopped her feet back onto Josh's lap.
"Uggghhh."
Wanting information, she asked, "You've never really told me much about that, or that her ex-husband was a loose canon?" She pushed a foot into his hands.
Josh sighed.
Typical bloke tells you nothing, Amy thought. "What's the story? What happened?"
Josh looked at Amy then picked up the remote control, and pressed the pause button. "Look," he said raising his eyebrows. "There's not much to tell. She married young, and the guy got too possessive."
Amy wiggled her toes. Josh grabbed a foot, and massaged a familiar tension knot with both thumbs.
"I didn't really know the guy. She met him at med school, and when they broke up, he was weird." Josh worked the knot out. "I think they broke up because eventually she couldn't move. At her graduation, he beat a guy really badly for giving her too much attention."
Josh stopped talking, and gave Amy's foot his full attention.
Wanting to know why this guy, Nick, would react like that, Amy pushed. "Why would someone do that?"
Josh looked at her as if she was dumb. "Have you looked at her, Amy?" he said releasing her foot. Leaning forward, he picked up his orange juice. "Nick couldn't accept that she got attention. And boy does she get attention."
Amy nodded. "I know what you mean, Maggie thinks she's beautiful."
"Just Maggie?" He queried. "Not you?"
"Okay," Amy replied. "I guess me too."
Josh raised his eyebrows. "She's got some kind of allure. When we were in high school, I was plagued with horny teenagers wanting to ask her out. She had the pick of the bunch, but she really only had time for her homo friend Alex."
"Josh!" Amy said, surprised at the uncharacteristic attitude. "C'mon you know better than that. Alex is a great guy."
Amy had met Alex several times over the last few months. She was aware that he was a childhood friend of Celeste's, and she had gotten to know him as he regularly visited the Cameron household.
Josh grinned. "Just teasing" He ran his hands through his hair then stifled a yawn. "Let's see," he said looking at Amy. "When Nick came along they were inseparable. At first nobody noticed that he had a real jealous streak because they were so close, but as time went on, they started to move in different directions. I used to wonder if Nick would have been so heavily involved in Celeste's life if her swimming career hadn't ended when it did." He drank some juice then smacked his lips loudly. "Back then, she didn't seem to have much time for anything else, but swimming and study." He looked at Amy. "Time's on short supply when you compete."
Amy watched with interest as sadness filled Josh's eyes.
"Her swimming career ended when she bust her shoulder pretty badly kayaking. It was a tough time for her." He lightly ran his finger down his right cheekbone. "And she was left with the scar as a reminder." He shrugged. "I think that Nick was nothing more than a distraction."
Josh, never one to be serious for long, looked at Amy. "You know," he said teasingly. "She's not only gorgeous one in the family. Raising his eyebrows, he lowered his voice, and eyed Amy. "The ladies find me irresistible."
"Oh," Amy said with a twinkle in her eye. "Don't you mean irritating as hell?"
"Now, Amy," Josh replied. "Do you want me to show you how irresistible I am?" He picked up her foot and began kissing it.
Knowing where it would lead and wanting the conversation to continue, Amy pulled her foot from him. Sitting up, she tucked it underneath her.
Miffed, Josh stretched his arms then sighed heavily. "I'm glad Maggie's gone out tonight. I've been looking forward to some time alone with you."
"Josh, don't change the subject on me. I'm interested in finding out about your sister."
"Oh c'mon, Amy, all I want to do is hold you and watch a movie! Is that to much for a guy to ask?"
"Tell me."
Josh sighed. "Okay, I guess I'm going to have to tell you something or you'll be at me all night like some old cackling witch."
"Oh, honey," Amy said fluttering her eyelashes. "Why do your compliments always get me right here?" She pressed a hand to her heart. "Tell me or else," she said lifting her eyebrows.
"Else what?"
"Or else no conjugals tonight, big boy."
"She hated anyone drawing attention to the fact that we were twins," Josh said quickly.
Amy laughed.
Josh winked at her. "And when she went to medical school, she didn't tell anyone because of the attention it would bring."
"Why?"
"Why are you so interested in her now?" he asked. "You weren't last year."
Amy stuck out her tongue. "C'mon, answer the question."
He shrugged. "People have a thing about twins." He leaned over the arm of the sofa and put his glass down then picked up the family-sized pack of sweets that he had brought in earlier. "Can we watch the movie now?"
"No, I want to talk."
"Oh, c'mon," he said. "I know you'll like it."
Amy ran her hand up Josh's thigh. "Is she like you?" she asked her voice low.
Josh groaned when she stroked him.
Amy smiled confidently. "Down boy." She patted his crotch gently before moving her hand away. "That's just a little taster of what's to come if you play ball."
"If you play with my balls again," Josh said in a warning tone. "Then later will be right now!"
Plucking the pack of sweets from him, Amy opened them then popped some sweets into her mouth. "You didn't answer my question," she said chewing. "Is she like you?"
Josh reached in, grabbed a handful of sweets then threw them into his mouth. "Maybe we fit the classic stereotype," he said chomping. "You know one outgoing, one shy. Who knows?" He shrugged. "Even when we were kids she hated attention, she always wanted to be in the background. When her swimming career was over, she didn't make a big deal about it, she just took up other sports. She even married Nick on the quiet. My folks were really pissed when she told them."
Amy prodded inquisitively. "So, she marries Nick without anyone knowing and then when things go pear-shaped, she joins Médecins sans Frontières." She reached into the pack for more sweets. "Why?" she asked before throwing some sweets into her mouth.
"Honey, we're not attached at the hip. Or as your cousin would like to think," Josh bracketed his fingers, "psychically connected."
Amy laughed. Only Maggie would try to convince the most logical guy on the planet that being a twin meant there had to be some psychic connection.
"You're cousin needs this examined," Josh said tapping his head.
"Well," Amy replied wryly. "That would make a change from everywhere else being examined every other week."
Josh shook his head. "Who's she's got on the slab now."
"Who knows, I only ever meet them briefly," Amy said then popped a sweet into her mouth. "They're usually on their way out the door when I meet them."
"I don't like that she brings strangers into the house."
Amy grinned knowing that Josh didn't approve of Maggie's sexual appetite. "Enough, let's get back to Celeste." Pushing blonde hair behind her ears, she leaned close and focused on Josh.
"God," Josh said looking at her intently. "You have the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen. They're not just blue. They're turquoise-blue. Do you know that?"
"So you keep telling me," Amy said then smiled. "Did Celeste join MSF to get away from Nick?"
Josh stared at her appreciatively then licked his lips. "God, you really are beautiful."
Amy clicked her fingers. "Stay with me Josh."
"I can't wait to marry you," Josh said. Pulling Amy close, he kissed her.
Josh," Amy whispered against his lips when he tried to deepen the kiss. "Spill the beans." She pulled away.
"She didn't join MSF right away," he answered. "She worked in Paris first." He grinned. "And no, before you ask, I don't think Celeste would run away from anything, particularly Nick." He picked up the remote. "Look, it's simple, Mom being French and Dad being Scottish meant we always had to split our time between both countries whenever we visited." He ruffled her hair. "Celeste has an affinity with France, and I've got more of a liking for Scotland because that's where gorgeous blonde lassies hang out."
Amy grinned. "More."
"When we were young," Josh continued indulging her. "Dad used to take us to visit Mom's family in Paris then his in Scotland, but when we got older, Celeste wanted to spend all her time in Paris. She loved my old battle-axe of a Grand-mère."
"Didn't you like her?" Amy asked in surprise.
"She was okay," Josh answered then frowned. "But, she didn't like my Dad." He looked at her. "She thought Mom had married beneath her."
Amy looked at him in surprise, this was the first time he had ever shared this with her.
"Working class, upper class shit that the older generation like to cling to." Josh shook his head. "No matter how hard Dad tried, she couldn't overlook where he came from."
Amy smiled. She thought it romantic the way that Josh's parents met. She remembered Camille telling her that when she was young, she danced with the Royal Ballet, and Josh's father worked construction. They fell in love, and have been together since. They moved to Sarasota when Josh's father got an opportunity to setup his own construction company with an uncle who lived there.
"My Grand-mère had money, and when she died, she left a big chunk of it to Celeste including a house in Saint Germain des Prés."
Amy blew out her breath. "You're Gran had a house there?"
"Yup."
"She didn't leave you anything?"
Josh smiled. "Nope. Apparently, I reminded her too much of my Dad." He shrugged. "To give her due, she wasn't that bad. You'd have liked her." He looked at Amy. "She was a character, and, God, did she love Celeste. She was apple of her eye." His finger hovered over the play button. "Enough yet?"
"Why did Celeste join MSF?" Amy asked.
Josh sighed then moved his finger away from the play button. "I don't think it's anything over complicated," he replied. "I think she joined MSF because she has a strong sense of obligation. I mean you have to care to go where she goes." He threw more sweets into his mouth. "You must, right?" he asked chewing.
Amy nodded. "But MSF is an international organization, Josh, she didn't have to be based in France."
"Yeah, well. Whatever."
"You've never asked have you?" Amy said looking at him with disbelief. "You've never asked your twin why she stays so far away."
"Amy," Josh said with forced patience. "Like I said, we spent a lot of our time over there. It didn't seem a big deal that she would want to live there. The same way it wasn't a big deal that I wanted to finish my studies in Scotland."
"Oh," Amy said realizing the logic.
Josh smiled at her then pressed the play button, signaling that the conversation was over. When the film started, he pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her. Amy contentedly snuggled into him before letting her thoughts turn to Celeste. Color stained her cheeks when she remembered how long the nape of her neck tingled after Celeste tucked in her label.
Chapter 7
Amy pushed her head into the car window beside Celeste and slurring like an exaggerated Sean Connery said, "Shanks for the lift, Irene." She put her thumb and forefinger together. "Are you sure you don't want to come in for a wee drink?"
Celeste watched Irene's eyes narrow. At the barbeque, last week, she noticed Irene flinch when Amy used her first name. She wondered if this appellation was something new.
"No sweetheart," Irene replied. "You better get to bed. You've got an early start in the morning." She hesitated, then put the car in park, got out, and made her way around to hug Amy goodnight.
Irene and Bruce had been friends with Celeste's parents for years. Until Josh started dating Amy, Celeste had no idea that Irene had an older daughter. When she queried her mother about Irene's relationship with Amy, she was told that it was too painful for Irene to discuss. Apparently, the divorce from Amy's father was so acrimonious he tried everything to keep Irene out of Amy's life. When she moved here with Bruce, who was born here, Irene was forced to leave Amy behind.
Celeste watched them. She had always liked Irene. In many ways she reminded her of her father, both carried the Scottish trait of speaking their mind, and both were industrious and hard working.
Looking at mother and daughter now, Celeste thought it was hard to believe there was enough of an age gap. Irene didn't look old enough to have a twenty-four year old daughter.
Celeste eyed Amy. She knew only to well that her brother had an eye for pretty girls and he had chosen well with Amy. She still regretted their first meeting, and hoped that her attendance tonight went toward healing the rift. That day, last year, at the airport, she had simply been over-tired. Hopefully, after tonight, they would draw a line under their initial meeting.
Amy's blonde hair caught Celeste's attention. Her thoughts turned sharply to Felice. She still found it hard to believe that a few weeks ago Felice had been happy and alive. Aware her mood was darkening, she swallowed hard. Not wanting to think about recent events, she focused on Amy. To say she was surprised when Josh told her he was ready to marry would be an understatement. Her brother was a player and never one for deep, meaningful relationships, but watching Amy, she easily saw the appeal.
Amy pulled out of her mother's arms. "Okeedokee," she said with a sloppy smile.
Realizing that the fresh air must have hit Amy, but unsure of how drunk she actually was, Celeste moved forward, and stood close to her just in case she keeled over.
Irene looked at Celeste. "I'm glad you're here tonight," she said then added in a teasing tone. "Did you see the amount of booze her friends managed to put away?"
Celeste's eyebrow quirked, but she said nothing.
"What a rowdy bunch your pals are," Irene said tucking a strand of blonde hair behind Amy's ear. "They weren't like that at your graduation in Glasgow, were they?"
Amy smirked and said as if hiding a secret, "Last year, you didn't get to see them at their best." Waving a finger at her mother, she swayed. "You and Bruce went back to your hotel before the party really started."
Eyeing Amy, Irene said, "It looks like the good doctor here will need to keep an eye on you. I saw you slamming Upside-Down Margaritas with your little helpers."
Amy shook her head and protested, "I've only had a few-"
"A few too many," Irene interrupted, filling the role of an overprotective mother nicely.
Amy frowned and began working out with her fingers how many drinks she'd had.
Irene raised her eyebrows at Celeste when Amy counted on one hand then moved to the other. "It's a pity Sophie pulled out of the arrangement tonight," she said watching her daughter's tongue stick out as she counted.
Not wanting to elaborate that Sophie pulled out of the arrangement once she realized that it would be a crowd of heckling girls, Celeste nodded and smiled at Irene.
"Seven!" Amy exclaimed. Hiccupping several times, she held all seven fingers high in the air.
Celeste tried not to laugh.
"Where is that over-bearing cousin of yours when you need her?" Irene asked eyeing her daughter.
Amy dropped her hands. Looking down, she shuffled her feet.
Irene moved closer. Lifting Amy's chin she said gently, "Nowhere to be seen that's where."
Amy pulled her chin from her mother's hands. Straightening her shoulders and looking defiant she said, "I wish you two would sort this feud out."
Irene, looking shamefaced, changed the subject. "Remember to give me a call before you catch your flight tomorrow. I know you're only going for a week, but you know the girls will be peeved if they miss saying cheerio to their big sister." She hugged her daughter again.
Over Amy's shoulder, Irene caught Celeste's eye and explained. "The girls always want to say bye even when she's staying overnight somewhere." She released Amy then tenderly smoothed the hair from her face. She gently took Amy's face in her hands, and added with a hint of pride and much affection, "Because they love getting to know their big sister and adore her."
Nodding her head vigorously Amy said, "I'll call them."
"Promise?" Irene replied fixing the dress strap that had fallen loose from Amy's tanned shoulders
"I promise," Amy replied. "What's the mating call of a blonde?" She asked Irene.
"What?" Irene replied in confusion.
"What's the mating call of a blonde?" Amy repeated.
"Eh...I don't know," Irene answered staring at her daughter.
"I'm sooo drunk!" Amy said then laughed heartily. She stopped suddenly when she realized that she was the only one laughing. "Don't you get it?" she asked them incredulously.
"Of course, darling," Irene said soothingly. Covertly, she winked at Celeste.
Amy looked at Celeste. "What's a redhead's mating call?"
Celeste tilted her head, "I don't know," she replied with amusement.
Amy grinned. "Has that blonde gone yet?"
Charmed by Amy's lame jokes and easy humor, Celeste laughed. Irene followed.
"Maggie," Amy said, eyes twinkling "is going to love that one."
Rubbing her daughter's bare arms and trying to keep a straight face Irene reminded, "You have a lot to do before you start your holiday tomorrow." She muttered. "Let's hope that cousin of yours remembers to find her way home tonight, and doesn't cause you or anyone else to miss their flight."
Irene turned to Celeste. "Please make sure she gets to bed at a reasonable hour," she said. "When she was a wee girl, I could never get her to sleep when there was something exciting planned for the next day." Irene kissed Amy's cheek then made her way to the car. "Goodnight Celeste."
Opening the car door, affection filled Irene's face when she looked at Amy. "Goodnight Jellybean."
Amy groaned.
Celeste nodded, and said her final goodnight to Irene.
Amy rolled her eyes as her mother drove away. Sometimes, Irene completely exasperated her. Unlike Josh's mother, Irene insisted on attending the night. Standing, waving goodbye to her mother, Amy admitted that it shouldn't have been a surprise to her, since Irene always liked being kept in the loop. When Amy told her that friends were visiting, Irene wanted to know who was coming, and every last detail about each of the girls.
"Jellybean?" Celeste asked teasingly.
Amy staggered a little. "Och, what a beamer," she replied. "Imagine being called Jellybean at my age."
"Beamer?" Celeste asked in confusion.
Amy looked at her. "Embarrassment," she explained, "Means red face."
"Why Jellybean?"
Trying to remember, Amy ran her fingers through her loose hair and ruffled it. After a moment, she grinned. "It was my favorite sweetie as a child."
Celeste smiled and turning toward the apartment block asked, "Ready?"
Amy nodded and together they walked the short distance to her apartment.
Outside the door, Amy dug into her shoulder bag looking for her key. She rummaged a little and unable to find it, sighed and chastised herself for carrying such a big bag.
Searching her shoulder bag, Amy was completely relieved that she was still standing. She had forgotten just how much her girlfriends were party animals. Even though they were due to fly out at ten tomorrow morning, there was no doubt, given their level of excitement that in all likelihood they would only be returning to their hotel rooms to change and check out.
Thankfully, Amy had managed to cut the night short. Tomorrow morning, she needed to do some checks at a client's site before leaving. Unfortunately, Saturday was the only day her client was free, and not wanting any complications while she was away, she had agreed to meet him on site at seven, which meant a six o'clock rise.
Fed up with searching, Amy stopped rummaging. Stifling a yawn, she held the handles wide then looked into the abyss. It was too dark to see anything, so she decided to rummage some more. Feeling a lump of steel in her hand, she energetically pulled it out of the bag, and staggered as she cried out, "Eureka!" Waving a metallic hair clasp, she veered to her left. "I've found it."
Quickly reaching out, Celeste helped Amy regain her balance.
Amy grinned at Celeste then shrugged apologetically when she realized that her hair clasp wasn't her apartment key after all. She rummaged some more.
Knowing how much of a good time her friends liked to have and forgetting that Celeste was watching, Amy thought about the condition that her liver would be in when she got back from her trip. She looked down at her stomach, and addressed her liver. "You," she slurred. "Little fella, don't need to worry. I'll make sure you we get into re-hab when we get back!"
"Do you need a hand?"
Startled, Amy looked at Celeste. "No," she replied. "I won't be a minute."
Glad that Celeste hadn't changed her plans when Sophie pulled out, Amy fought the urge to hug her for coming this evening. It was important she thought, nodding, that they get on. She took a moment to look Celeste over. With so much going on, she hadn't really had a chance to think about anything or really anyone else tonight.
Amy openly appraised the brunette. She liked the tight black sleeveless silk top that formed itself to Celeste's full breasts. Eyes widening, she noticed the matching black silk trousers. God, she thought. She always manages to look so damn hot. Amy looked Celeste over, taking in the silver necklace that rested against Celeste's tanned throat, then the other few pieces of jewelry, all expensive pieces, and all, equally understated.
Oblivious to the fact that Celeste was aware that she was eyeing her openly, Amy's gaze fell on her dark hair, and she studied the way it fell around her shoulders. Finally, her eyes focused on Celeste's lips, and she noticed not for the first time that Celeste had the most incredible full mouth. Finally, she looked into Celeste's eyes they were sparkling with humor.
Amy blushed deeply. It was clear that Celeste was amused at being her study. Sobering, she tried to cover her embarrassment by handing Celeste her shoulder bag." Could you look for the key, I'm not having much luck."
Celeste nodded then taking the bag, quickly retrieved the key. She unlocked the door then stood aside to let Amy enter.
Amy entered the apartment that she and Maggie shared, and switched the lights on. It still surprised her that Josh hadn't insisted on moving in with her. Instead, he suggested that they wait until after they were married. Amy found it amusing that although Josh liked a good time; a very good time according to some of the stories she'd heard recently. He was, at heart, she was discovering, a tad old fashioned.
Amy moved through the apartment. She dropped her bag then kicked off one then the other shoe as she went. She loved this place. It was airy and spacious. If they hadn't been building a home of their own, she would have convinced Josh to move in here with her. Walking into the living room, Amy asked Celeste if she would like a drink.
"Tequila with ice."
Heading for the kitchen, Amy called out over her shoulder, "Make yourself at home."
Chapter 8
Amy held up a glass. "I'm on the orange juice," she said sobering. "I have an early start tomorrow morning."
Silence fell between them. Tonight at the bar while she talked to Irene, Celeste watched, Maggie, to the loud cheer of friends, pull Amy onto the stage. She hadn't known what to expect as she watched them tune guitars they had borrowed. After a few songs, she was astounded by the sweetness of Amy's husky voice.
"You have a great voice, Amy," Celeste said. "I was blown away when I heard you sing tonight. I had no idea that you and Maggie played." She smiled when Amy blushed and asked, "Did you organize the acoustic set you played tonight?"
Tucking her feet underneath her, Amy responded shyly. "No. It was just pure chance. When Maggie saw the two guys playing the guitar, she asked if we could do a few numbers."
Celeste smiled. "It was great. I really enjoyed it."
Amy drank from her glass. "So, did Maggie bore you with her story?" she asked. "Did she talk about her band days?"
Hesitating, Celeste smiled. "She did get animated after you played."
Amy chuckled. "It wasn't much of a band," she said. "You know. Maggie used it primarily to pull guys, she loved the idea of performing."
Celeste's attention was caught when Amy put her glass on the floor, and sitting back, ran her fingers through her honey-colored hair. Raising an eyebrow appreciatively, Celeste asked curiously, "And what about you?
"I started off as her number one groupie," Amy replied. "I'd tag behind Maggie wherever she went. She couldn't shake me off, and the boys in her band took me under their wings and taught me to play guitar."
Instinctively, Celeste's eyes appraised Amy. She wore a thinly strapped black dress with a deep v-neck. The dress, she noticed, showed Amy's shape, and in particular her breasts off beautifully.
Amy laid her head against the cushioned sofa and continued to reminisce. "I hounded Maggie night and day to play in her band." She smiled. "And since I was tagging along with them, the boys eventually talked her into it. So, she let me play guitar." She laughed. "At sixteen, that meant the world to me. Back then I had little to work with. I wore braces and looked like a stick insect."
Celeste's eyes fell to Amy's breasts, and she fought the urge to say you don't have that problem now. "You're painting a really attractive picture here, Amy," she teased.
Amy laughed. "By the time I was eighteen, the braces were gone." She looked down and added playfully, "My boobs grew. Thank God!" She ran her fingers through her hair. "But, eventually, Maggie gave me short shrift. I was getting far too much attention for her liking. She told me that my studies needed to come first."
Amused, Celeste laughed. Enjoying Amy's intimacy, she asked, "So you never wanted to pursue a music career?"
Amy stretched, and Celeste's eyes fell involuntarily to her breasts.
"Yes, for a wee while," Amy responded. "Who doesn't carry dreams of making it big at that age?"
Celeste smiled. She liked the Scottish burr and huskiness of Amy's voice.
"I played in a band at university, but the chemistry was never right," Amy continued. "I guess I'd been spoiled. I loved the crack in Maggie's band. The boys were like brothers to me. It was all about having fun, a laugh, nothing more. I quickly lost interest in the new band I joined. They took themselves far too seriously."
Amy looked at her watch, and was shocked to see that it was nearly one in the morning. A twinge of regret shot through her that she was going to have to cut the night short. She really had enjoyed Celeste's company, but if she was going to get up early to meet her client, she really needed to go to bed now.
"Celeste, I hate to cut it here, but I really need to get some sleep."
Looking disappointed, Celeste nodded. "Yes, of course," she replied. "You've got an early start." She tapped her glass. "I'll finish my drink and follow shortly."
Amy said goodnight. Heading for the stairs, she hoped that Maggie wouldn't make too much noise when she got back, if she got back.
Deciding to quickly tidy her studio before going to bed, Amy headed for the room.
The phone rang.
God it's so late, Amy thought. She toyed with the idea of ignoring it, but curiosity got the better of her. Running down the hallway, she entered her bedroom and picked up the phone, it was Josh. Sitting on the bed, she regaled the highlights of the evening to him.
When Amy hung up, she toyed with the idea of leaving her studio until she returned, but experience had taught her that she loathed coming home to a mess. It'll only take five minutes, she reasoned as she padded barefoot down the hallway.
Opening the door of her studio, Amy started. Celeste was there. Shocked, she blinked several times and asked abruptly, "What are you doing in here?"
Unperturbed, Celeste looked at Amy for a moment. "Maggie briefly showed me this room when I got here, but I never got a chance to look." She picked up a paintbrush. "I've heard how talented an artist you are. Maggie said that it would be okay to look around. I hope you don't mind?" Putting the paintbrush down, she motioned for Amy to come into the room.
Hating the way that Celeste suddenly dominated her space, Amy wanted to say, Yes, I do bloody mind. This room was her inner sanctuary, and usually Maggie respected her space.
Biting back, Amy swallowed hard and entered. Closing the door, she rested against it and watched Celeste move around the room, examining a model build of the new house as well as other projects that Amy was working on.
"You're a busy woman," Celeste finally commented, peering through a window on the miniature house.
Color rose in Amy's cheeks as she watched Celeste touch her things. When she stopped at a painting Amy was working on, she cringed.
Celeste tilted her head to view the painting. "You seem to be a woman of many talents" she remarked.
Embarrassed, Amy slowly approached the brunette. Stopping beside her, she noticed she was bare foot.
"When did you paint this?" Celeste asked staring at the painting.
Inhaling deeply, Amy replied, "Uhmmm, a few weeks ago. The day of the barbeque at Irene's actually."
That day, Amy was unable to resist the urge to sketch Celeste. Since meeting her, she had mused at the similarities and differences between the twins, and that afternoon when everything had quietened down, an opportunity arose. With her little sisters in bed for their afternoon nap, Sophie and Maggie asleep on their loungers, the boys catching the end of a football game, her mother and Camille in the kitchen gossiping, she found Celeste alone at the edge of the pool, deep in thought.
Watching her for a while, Amy gave into temptation. Impulsively, she made her way to the children's room, and removed crayons and a sketchpad. Exhilarated on her return to find that Celeste was still in place, she positioned herself just offside of the brunette's vision, and quickly sketched her.
Watching Celeste look at the painting, Amy studied her profile. That afternoon, she remembered wanting to find out what was stronger between Josh and Celeste, their similarities or differences in looks and gestures. Instead, she captured something else, an essence that radiated from Celeste, something that surprised her - melancholy.
Turning her head, Celeste looked at Amy curiously then whispered, "I'm flattered."
To Amy's complete astonishment, Celeste, as if needing the closeness, hugged her.
Startled by the physical contact and unsure how to react, Amy placed her arms awkwardly around Celeste, and squeezing her gently replied, "You're welcome."
"I've never had my portrait done before," Celeste said, her arms around Amy.
"It was my pleasure," Amy responded. Feeling awkward and uncomfortable, she tried to fight the urge to pull away. Aware that she didn't want to over-react to an instinctive moment between them, she forced herself to relax.
"You caught me thinking of someone," Celeste said eventually.
Amy noted the rawness in her voice.
"I lost someone very special to me," she said her hold on Amy tightening.
Amy listened as Celeste inhaled deeply.
"Her name was Felice."
Unsure how to react but sensing that Celeste needed to talk, Amy waited for a moment, "What happened?"
Celeste hesitated, her hold loosening, she looked at Amy. "I probably don't need to tell you about the war in Somalia?"
Amy nodded. "I know what's going on."
Looking at Celeste, Amy remembered how Josh and his family freaked out when Celeste called to say that she was going to Somalia.
Celeste shut her eyes. "A few weeks ago, my team was sent to a camp." She wearily opened them. "It's a long story, but in short the camp was a compound, surrounded by militia, and the people inside needed treatment." She paused then sucked in some air. "I'm sorry, Amy," she said pulling away. "I don't mean to burden you."
Sensing that this need to talk was uncharacteristic, Amy quietly pleaded, "Stay. Tell me. I want to hear." She hugged Celeste, encouragingly.
Celeste lowered her long, dark lashes. "The militia saw the camp as a sanctuary for their enemies," she said. "Before we arrived they had already slaughtered many of them."
Amy shuddered unable to imagine the kind of violence that Celeste must have witnessed over the years.
Celeste frowned and pulled out of Amy's arms. "It was agreed that we wouldn't be harmed, and we were sent there to provide medical assistance."
Amy held her breath registering for the first time that Celeste was probably often in situations where she could be killed.
Celeste folded her arms. "We were told that thousands of displaced people were in the camp, but when we got there," her voice lowered as she recounted that moment. "It was like a ghost town." She frowned deeply.
Amy could barely imagine the fear she must have experienced about the fate of those people.
Celeste swallowed. "We couldn't find anyone. The place was littered with belongings, but it wasn't until we moved deep into the camp that we found them." She closed her eyes briefly. "Thousands of terrified people herded together." She looked at Amy. "Like sheep. All huddled along a ridgeline that ran through the camp."
Celeste held Amy's gaze. "We worked for days. The casualties were never ending. I had never seen anything like it. The injuries were horrific." She broke eye contact and shook her head. "We were only equipped for basic problems; dysentery, infectious bites, malaria, things like that. Anything more, the hospital in the city would treat." She bit her bottom lip. "The militia made it a rule that anyone caught trying to leave the camp would be shot." Her eyes closed. "But, people were terrified. Even knowing how dangerous it was, some people still tried to escape." She frowned. "We were completely powerless to stop them from being hunted down and killed." Her eyes darkened. "The soldiers weren't good marksmen. Even close, they could still miss. And if they managed to wound someone, they wouldn't waste bullets they'd just bayonet them to death."
Amy had seen news footage. Although appalled by what she saw, she realized that there was no way that she could ever comprehend what it was like to witness carnage like that first hand. She looked at Celeste with new eyes. It must have been soul destroying watching the lives of people she was trying to save, be so easily snuffed out.
"After a few days the militia went into a killing spree." Celeste shook her head. "The day that Felice was...killed, people were being shot all over the camp." Anger flickered across her eyes. "It was a hopeless situation. We weren't equipped to treat gunshot wounds. All we could do was gather up the casualties and have them flown to the hospital. Celeste's eyes widened. "We were waiting for the helicopter to arrive, this young boy," she shook her head. "He couldn't have been more than eight-years old, ran toward us screaming for help. There was a soldier chasing him. He was firing at him." Celeste's face tightened. "The boy ran toward Felice, ran straight into her arms, screaming for her to help him. It was only when the soldier saw an officer with us that he stopped." Pain tinged Celeste's tone. "But Felice and the boy were hit."
Tears stung Amy's eyes as images of this unknown woman, horrifically shot down flooded her mind.
"The helicopter had been shot at earlier, and couldn't land." Celeste continued. She swallowed. "Felice was in serious condition, and we couldn't treat her not at the compound. We needed to get her to the hospital." Her eyes widened. "But the road blocks that the militia had in place were a nightmare to negotiate through. An army officer tried to persuade our way through check point after checkpoint. I couldn't do anything. I was in the back of the ambulance with Felice and the others." A look of desolation crossed her face. "I did what I could but we weren't equipped." She closed her eyes. "When we eventually got through, it was too late." Her voice cracked. "We lost her." Her voice broke. "She fought so hard."
Amy pulled Celeste into her arms and hugged her. "It's okay," she whispered. "It'll be going to be okay. I promise, Celeste."
Celeste held Amy tightly.
Feeling her pain, Amy hugged Celeste, and shuddered at the horror of such an impossible situation. She understood loss. Her father's death had devastated her, but losing someone like that. She could not comprehend what it must have felt like to watch someone you cared for die before your eyes. Feeling a wealth of compassion for Celeste, Amy cupped her face, and looked at her intently. "You're safe here," she whispered. "It's okay to let go."
Leaning her head against Amy's, Celeste caught her breath.
Aware that she was probably one of a few people to see Celeste this vulnerable, Amy watched transfixed as tears slid down Celeste's face. Unable to resist, she caught one with her thumb, and rubbed it between her fingers.
Crying, Celeste leaned into Amy. After a few moments, she opened her eyes.
Grabbing a nearby rag, Amy gently dabbed Celeste's cheeks. She kissed her cheek tenderly. "Release is good."
Nodding, Celeste hugged her tightly. Loosening her hold, she said, "It was...unexpected."
Amy whispered, "I know."
They looked at each other.
Celeste cleared her throat. "Thank you." She looked at the painting, and changed the subject. "You can see my scar quite clearly."
Amy glanced over her shoulder. "Yes."
Celeste began to pull away from Amy.
Aware that Celeste was vulnerable, Amy decided not to break contact. Turning in Celeste's arms, she added, "It's good. Your scar, I like it."
Her arms hanging loosely around Amy, Celeste frowned.
Immediately embarrassed by how stupid that sounded. Amy added quickly, "I mean... I really like your scar because," she tried to justify. "It...It adds depth."
It was true, Amy did like Celeste's scar. When she had sketched Celeste's face, her hazel-green eyes were initially the dominate feature followed by her lips and cheekbones, but the small scar, somehow, inadvertently held centre stage. Looking at the painting, Amy contemplated why she liked it. After a moment, she realized that it was because it robbed Celeste's face of perfection, and somehow that pleased her, as her artistic eye always found imperfection more appealing.
Arms tightening around Amy, Celeste whispered, "But, still, you've made me look so...so..." She seemed to struggle for words as she looked at the painting. "Beautiful."
Surprised that Celeste would think anything less, Amy took a breath. "That's because you are beautiful." She turned her head to look at Celeste. "Very beautiful."
Their eyes locked.
Amy blushed when a stray thought crossed her mind of how good it felt being in this woman's arms.
Celeste kissed the top of Amy's head and whispered, "Thank you. It's a wonderful surprise."
Amy wanted to let Celeste know that it was good what they had just shared. "I'm glad you trusted me."
Celeste nodded slowly.
Watching Celeste, Amy focused on her generous mouth and full lips, then finally her eyes. Her lips parted slightly in surprise when Celeste bent her head, and kissed her cheek then her mouth. It was a gentle kiss, warm and sweet. One meant to communicate more affection than desire. One never designed to ignite the full-body hormone rush that exploded through Amy.
Eyes wide, lips tingling, Amy stared at Celeste. Completely overwhelmed by the unexpected intensity of her physical response, she whispered, "Did you feel that?"
Celeste nodded slowly. She sucked in air. "Yes," she answered huskily. "I did." Moaning lightly, she pulled Amy to her.
Heat rose within Amy. Her senses exploded when Celeste encouraged a full blown, open-mouthed kiss. Pressing her against the workbench, their mouths hot and demanding, Celeste hands moved urgently up Amy's rib cage. Kissing her deeply, she lowered the straps of her dress.
Dress falling to her waist, Amy moaned when Celeste cupped then caressed her bare breasts. Unable to focus on anything but Celeste's mouth and the incredible sensations exploding within her, Amy could do nothing but completely surrender.
Eventually, Celeste let Amy's mouth go. Sucking gently, she bit down the length of her neck. Leaving a trail of moistness, she nibbled her way down then back up.
"Oh God," Amy whispered. Her hair falling to the side, she allowed Celeste access. She gasped when a deep growl escaped Celeste as sucked on her neck.
Amy's groin clenched when Celeste hands worked on her very sensitive nipples. The more she caressed, the more Amy responded. Soon, her hips undulated.
Moaning, Celeste pulled Amy's dress up above her thighs. Pulling the silky brief's aside, she rubbed her thumb over her soaking clit.
Wrapping her arms around Celeste's neck, Amy moved against her hand.
Celeste moaned as she touched Amy.
Eyes rolling back, Amy groaned deeply.
Hissing out her breath, Celeste slid fingers deep inside Amy as her mouth slid a moist trail down her throat. Biting down on her neck, she thrust into her.
The combination of the sharp pain and the feel of Celeste drove Amy's hips forward. Crying out, her entire body flushed as she came.
Eventually, the pleasure coursing through Amy faded. Coming down, she opened her eyes. Looking at Celeste, she sucked in air. Slowly Celeste pulled away from her.
The cold air cutting across Amy's nipples focused her mind. Looking down, her brain scrambled. Dazedly, she pushed herself away from the workbench. Her dress still hitched up, the straps hung around her waist.
Breathing hard, Celeste leaned against the wall.
Unnerved, body shaking, Amy fled the room.
Chapter 9
"Ohmyfuckinggod."
Amy looked at the door and realizing that it was still open, rushed to it. Closing it, she then leaned her full weight against it, and felt for the key. Alarmed, she remembered it was on her dresser. Eyes widening, she realized that she had never used the key before.
Quickly retrieving the key, Amy tried to put it into the lock, her hands shaking violently, she dropped it several times before succeeding. Sighing heavily, she leaned against the locked door. Fixing her dress, the full force of what happened hit her. Shame filled her, and tears fell. Leaning against the door, she sobbed in disbelief.
"Amy, are you okay?"
Amy could hear the worry in Celeste's voice
Celeste repeated, "Amy, are you okay?"
Amy stood frozen.
Celeste knocked on the door. "Amy, please answer me."
Amy wiped tears away. "No, I'm not okay, Celeste. What happened is not okay!" She clenched her fists. "Okay!"
"Amy, I think we should talk. I-"
"I think its best that you go," Amy interrupted, wringing her hands together. "I don't think any amount of talking can explain what just happened."
Celeste turned the door handle.
Amy yelled. "For God's sake, didn't you hear me?"
"Amy, I want you to try and stay calm, and take deep breaths."
Amy paced the room. She was angry and confused. She needed time alone to think.
"Amy?"
"How am I supposed to stay calm, when I've never done anything," Amy stopped pacing and faced the door. "I mean absolutely anything like that before!"
A replay of what had taken place ran through Amy's mind. Clasping her cheeks, she tried to absorb the enormity of the situation.
"I know it's a shock Amy," The door creaked as Celeste leaned against it. "It's a shock for us both," she paused. "But I'm sure if we talk, we can sort this out."
Beginning to hyperventilate, Amy drew out her words. "We've just had sex Celeste. I don't think anything you propose can talk us out of that!" She stared at the door. "I can't deal with this...you..." She sucked in air. "With this right now!"
"Amy, open the door."
Trying to regulate her breathing, Amy leaned against the wall close to the door. "I don't want you here. Okay. There's nothing to say right now. I can't-" Her breathing to short, her words cut off.
Standing outside Amy's room, Celeste listened helplessly.
"Amy. Listen to me, take deep breaths." Aware that Amy was going into shock, Celeste injected authority in her voice "Amy, I'm happy not to talk just now." She tried being persuasive." But I don't want to leave you like this. It's clear that you are having an anxiety attack, and I have no idea if you have a history of this or if you have respiratory problems." Her tone precise, she added. "Amy, I need to know that you are not on any type of medication or suffer from any problems like Asthma?"
No response.
Celeste swallowed. Her own anxiety increasing, she tried again. "If you want me to go, I'll leave. But only once I know that you're going to be okay."
No response.
Her face pained and voice tight, Celeste leaned further into the door. "Amy, please. I need to know that you're going to be okay when I leave?"
After a long silence, Amy responded. "No I don't have a problem." Still struggling, she forced out. "I know what to do. I'll get a bag, and breathe into it." Celeste heard her suck air in deeply. "I'll be fine as soon as you leave."
Relief washed over Celeste. Leaning her head against the door, she responded gratefully, "Okay. I'm going downstairs to get my things, and then I'll go." She stroked the door. "It'll take me just a few minutes, I promise."
"Just go...please."
Pushing off the door, Celeste made her way to the room that she would have slept in. In the bedroom, she sat on the edge of the bed, and holding her head, wondered why the hell she hadn't seen this coming.
Rubbing her temples, she exhaled slowly and remembered the golf day with Amy. She thought about how aware she was of her, and that 'something' that passed between them when she tucked Amy's label away. Celeste looked at her fingers aware that on that day they had tingled for a long time afterward. Shaking her head, she blinked several times understanding that she wouldn't have seen it coming because since Felice's death she hadn't been thinking clearly.
Standing, Celeste looked at her watch, she didn't want to leave Amy, but medical experience told her that it was best. Picking up her hair band from the bedside cabinet, she caught her hair and tied it back. Realizing that she was barefoot, she picked up her overnight bag, and hurriedly stuffed items that she had removed earlier. She threw it over her shoulder, and quickly made her way to the living room to retrieve her shoes.
On the street, Celeste flicked her cell phone open and called a cab. Not wanting Amy to look out the window and see her hanging around, she gave an address two blocks down. Snapping her phone shut, she looked up, finding Amy's apartment window empty, she turned and walked down the street. Walking, her thoughts turned for the first time to Josh.
"Josh!"
Celeste's hands covered her mouth. Stricken to the core, her heart thudded hard against her ribcage. Tonight's events would directly impact her brother. The adrenaline coursing through her veins, forced her to speed up. Oh my God, she thought. Her stomach churned. "Jesus, Josh," she whispered. Her stomach lurched. "Sweet, beautiful, adorable Josh," she muttered. Her stomach heaved. "How could I hurt him like this?" Her vision blurred when an image of Josh flashed through her mind.
Halting, Celeste placed a trembling hand against the nearest wall and, unable to control her physical reaction, threw up.
Amy could hear a noise in the distance. It took a while, but finally, she realized that a phone was ringing. Stirring, she looked at her watch, but couldn't see it properly. Groaning, she squinted at the blurred numbers, which eventually came into a hazy focus and read seven-thirty. She sat bolt upright, lurched forward, and frantically reached for the ringing phone.
"Hullo," A gruff voice said at the other end.
"Hello, Mr. Dreyfuss," Amy said trying to hold back the panic in her voice as she realized with dread that she had stood up her client. She ran a hand through her hair and pulled the bedclothes around her, then profusely apologized. She explained that it was her bachelorette party the night before, and it hadn't ended as quickly as she hoped.
To Amy's relief, here client showed some sympathy, and was happy to discuss the salient points of the project.
The line dead, Amy stared blearily at the receiver for a while before slowly placing it back on its cradle. Sinking into the bed, she pulled the covers over her head and groaned. Throughout the entire conversation she was bombarded with flash backs from the night before. To her utter humiliation, during the call, she knew for sure that she had tutted in the all the wrong places. She was even sure she had said 'shit' once.
Oh God, Amy thought. He probably thinks I have Tourettes. She groaned in despair. Covering her eyes with her arms, she whispered, "What have I done?"
The sun pouring in through her bedroom window, and in need of some air, Amy threw back the bed sheets and absorbed some of the sun's energy. After a few minutes, she checked the time then forced herself out of bed. Heading for the shower, she hoped that Maggie was back, and organized.
In the shower, Amy turned up the temperature. Leaning against the tiled wall, she let the water rain down on her.
Unable to believe that she had let last night happen, Amy groaned. That she had cheated on Josh was unbelievable. With a woman was incomprehensible. Not just any woman, she reminded herself, but her future sister-in-law. She groaned. She could not have been more shocked if was someone was to tell her that her brain had been missing for the last twenty-four years.
Feeling sick, Amy leaned her head against the wall. The now familiar feeling of panic welled up inside as she asked herself for the hundredth time, "How could you have let that happen?"
Unable to answer the question, her head hung forlornly, Amy finally accepted that she didn't have an answer.
Turning off the shower, Amy got out, toweled herself dry then quickly dressed. Brushing her hair, she froze when she heard a knock on the door. Her heart pounded when the door handle turned.
"Amy?"
It was Maggie.
Sighing with relief, Amy quickly unlocked the door. Glad to see her cousin and needing some comfort, she pulled Maggie into her arms and hugged her tightly. "You look like hell," she said releasing her.
"Thanks, I love you too."
"What time did you get in?"
Apparently, too hung over to ask why the door was locked, Maggie looked at her watch. "Errrmmm, about now," she replied sheepishly. Groaning, she moved toward Amy's bed. Lying back, she croaked, "Surely, there must be a better way to start the day!"
"Are you organized?" Amy asked briskly approaching her.
Maggie peered through one eye and muttered, "I'm ready whenever you are Jellybean."
"I did all my packing yesterday."
Maggie sighed. "I thought I was to meet you at the airport?"
Amy's pulse quickened. "Aye, well change of plan." Pulling Maggie up off the bed, she added, "Let's get the hell out of here."
Amy groaned when she entered Maggie's room. Her cousin was anything but organized. The room was chaos.
Maggie flopped onto her bed.
"Where is it?"
"What?" Maggie muffled from under her pillow.
"Your suitcase!"
"Under the bed."
Finding Maggie's suitcase, Amy threw it open. She opened a couple of drawers, and threw whatever she could find into it. Aware that the redhead was particular about what she wore, Amy smiled briefly, knowing that Maggie was in for a shock when they got to Barbados.
While helping Maggie get organized, Josh then Irene called. Amy struggled to speak. She kept each conversation brief, hoping that they would think that she was too excited about the trip to chat for long.
"Are you ready?" Amy asked when the taxi arrived.
Maggie nodded wearily.
"Let's go."
Soon they were at the airport. To Amy's relief, when they arrived, her friends were all nursing serious hangovers, which meant they were too tired to give her much attention. It wasn't until they were boarding the plane that Maggie finally remembered about Celeste staying over.
"Did you get a chance to chat with twinnie last night?"
Amy tensed. The color drained from her face.
Frowning, Maggie looked at her. "I hope everything was all right? I know you've found her a wee bit awkward."
Amy looked down and muttered, "Everything was fine."
Maggie persisted. "Where was she this morning then?"
Wanting to end the conversation, Amy replied, "She left early." Leaving no room for Maggie to ask further questions, she called to her friend Islay, who was preparing to sit in the seat across from her, and asked, much to Maggie's confusion, if she would like to sit next her.
Chapter 10
"Hi honey."
Amy rubbed her forehead, relieved that it was Josh. Closing her eyes, she exhaled slowly. Since that night, last week, Celeste had haunted her thoughts. On the one hand, she was relieved that she was here in the Caribbean and out of reach, but on the other she desperately wanted to resolve it, whatever 'it' was with Celeste, and get back to her life. So far, there had been no communication.
"Hi Josh," Amy replied trying to clear her mind of images of Celeste.
They briefly chatted about some issues that Irene was having with the wedding arrangements. Amy said her goodbyes. Each time they spoke, guilt filled her, and left her throat as dry as a bone. Thankfully, her friends thought that her distraction was just a bout of pre-wedding jitters, but Maggie was a different matter. Maggie had picked up that something was wrong Amy's stomach lurched. Suddenly nauseous, she headed to the bathroom. When she eventually came out of the bathroom, Maggie was there.
"That's the third morning this week that you've thrown up, isn't it?"
Wiping her mouth with a tissue, Amy nodded weakly.
Maggie hugged her. "C'mon," she said with a note of concern. "I think you should go for a wee nap."
Amy nodded, and headed for her bed.
"Wake up, Jellybean."
Amy blearily opened her eyes.
Maggie looked down at her.
"Hi, Amy said sitting up. " What time is it?" she asked rubbing her eyes.
Maggie looked away at the alarm clock. "It's let's find out time," she replied. Producing a package from her pocket, she rattled it.
Amy squinted at the package. "What's that?"
Nudging Amy over, Maggie sat beside her. "A pregnancy kit."
Color drained from Amy's face. Groaning, she lay back down. Covering her eyes with her arms, she whispered, "Impossible. I'm always very careful."
"Amy, you've recently changed to a new pill and because your body reacted badly you had to come off it," Maggie said gently removing Amy's arms from her face.
Amy's voice grew huskier than normal. "I can't be?"
"Jellybean," Maggie said softly, "you've been off the pill for two months." Trying to make a joke of it she added, "I know you're blonde, but is that really an excuse?"
Tears welled in Amy's eyes. "I'm just about to start my career. Having a baby right now is not part of the plan."
"Men, what are they like?" Maggie said stroking Amy's hair. "Didn't you tell him you like your eggs unfertilized?" She shook her head. "If Josh didn't want to use protection, you should have put a staple through his nob." She smiled. "He'd have got the message pretty quick that you weren't ready for the pitter patter of tiny feet."
"Look, Maggie," Amy protested. "Do you think I'm daft or something? Believe me," she added indignantly. "We used protection!"
Maggie rattled the package. "Let's see if it was effective then." Raising her eyebrows challengingly, she asked, "You scared?"
Amy nodded.
Maggie cajoled, "Why did the blonde stop taking the pill?"
Amy shook her head.
"Because it kept falling out!"
Unable to help herself, Amy smiled.
Humor danced across Maggie's eyes. "Why don't blondes use vibrators?"
Amy shook her head.
"Because they chip their teeth!"
Amy couldn't keep the grin off her face.
"Well Jellybean," Maggie said standing. "If you used protection then it's highly unlikely." She held out her hands. "But, we need to be sure."
Amy threw the bed sheets back and took her cousin's hands. "Maggie," she said standing on shaky legs. "I'm ninety-nine point nine percent sure that I'm not pregnant!"
"Then, it'll do no harm to round it up to a hundred then."
Amy lowered her dark blonde eyelashes.
"Jellybean," Maggie said firmly. "One way or another we're going to find out. And it's better now rather than later." Handing Amy the pregnancy kit, Maggie shooed her into the bathroom. Pulling the door closed, she leaned against it. "I'm here if you need me."
After a few minutes, Amy opened the door. Taking her hand, Maggie led her into the kitchen.
"Well?"
"I didn't look," Amy replied shakily. "Can we have a cup of tea first?"
Nodding, Maggie sat Amy down at the breakfast bar before putting the kettle on.
After her third cup of tea, Maggie said, "You should go and check."
Amy nodded but didn't' move. "I just remembered something."
"What?"
"A couple of weeks ago," Amy replied eyes downcast. "We were out with friends, and Josh was up for celebrating..." Her voice trailed off.
"And?"
"And, we ordered champagne."
"How much did you have?"
"Just a few glasses."
"How many, Amy?"
"I don't know," Amy shrugged there was four of us."
"And?"
"And, I can't really remember. But, I could've sworn that we used protection." She rubbed her forehead. "But now, I'm not so sure."
"Hmmm." Maggie looked at Amy then nodded toward the bathroom.
Amy nodded her head, but didn't move. The thought of being pregnant terrified her.
Maggie nodded toward the bathroom again.
Amy sighed. "Will you go?"
Maggie looked at Amy for a long moment then headed for the bathroom to retrieve the results. Returning, she gave Amy a little smile. "Well, Jellybean, didn't I tell you on your twenty-first birthday to stick to chocolate." She looked down at the results in her hand. "It doesn't get you pregnant, and you don't get hairs in your mouth when you eat it!"
Covering her mouth, Amy burst into tears.
"Awh, c'mere," Maggie said holding out her arms. "It'll be all right, petal."
Chapter 11
Amy wondered what to do, and decided to look the house over thoroughly. She wandered around the interior and thought about how tough this, her first real project, had been. The project was over-budget, and six weeks late, but given all of that she thought, taking an appreciative look at her designs, it was worth it.
Amy smiled when she heard a car coming up the drive. Thinking that Mike hadn't taken the afternoon off after all, she made her way out of the house and onto the front porch. When she got there, she froze, and her heart almost leapt into her mouth when she recognized Celeste's car.
On her return from the Caribbean, a few weeks ago, Amy had mentally prepared herself, even psyched herself up for some sort of 'show down,' but to her surprise there was no contact whatsoever from the elusive Doctor Cameron. All she knew was what she had gleaned from Josh's increasing complaints that Celeste was never around.
As the weeks passed, with no word, Amy eventually rationalized her bizarre encounter with Celeste. Although she couldn't fully explain why it happened, she had read somewhere that a woman's hormones tended to be all over the place when pregnant, which led to erratic behavior and mood swings. With some relief, Amy decided her encounter with Celeste was down to nothing more than a hormonal blip.
Drawing in breath, Amy watched Celeste get out of the car and look around. Accepting that a conversation with the brunette was long overdue, she unconsciously firmed her chin then squared her shoulders before making her way down the stairs.
Approaching Celeste, Amy couldn't help but admire her outfit. She wore a tight fitting white shirt, which showed off her tanned complexion and sleek, black trousers. She's so incredibly beautiful, Amy thought fleetingly. Since their first meeting, Amy had admired Celeste's style, particularly, the way she used a rich color palette to bring together fabric and textured clothing. No synthetics for this girl, Amy thought. Stopping in front of the brunette, she noticed that her hair had been re-styled. Normally longer, it was layered, and a few inches above her shoulders. Overall, Amy thought, she has that French chic look nailed.
Closing the car door, Celeste was surprised by the rush of desire that swept through her when Amy stopped in front of her. "Hi Amy."
Amy frowned. "Hi. What brings you here?"
Taking off her shades, Celeste looked at Amy. She liked her style, and fully appreciated the yardstick sexiness of her look. Amy's white tee shirt accentuated her full breasts and her boots and cut off jeans showed her shapely legs off to their maximum. Ignoring the sudden charged air between them, and fighting the urge to touch Amy, Celeste abruptly looked away. She took a moment before meeting Amy's intense gaze. Slipping her shades on top of her head, she replied, "I know it's...unexpected, but I spoke to Josh on the phone this afternoon, and he mentioned that you were here and since I was in the neighborhood, he suggested that I stop by and see the house." She pulled away from Amy and walked toward the house. "This is quite spectacular, how about a tour?"
Moving a few steps closer, Amy eyed Celeste. "Okay."
Celeste walked toward the house. At the top of the stairs, she stopped and looked back in surprise, Amy hadn't moved more than a few steps. She gestured with her hand for the blonde to follow.
Amy didn't move when Celeste made her way toward the house. Instead, she watched her. She had always known that Celeste was an exceptionally beautiful woman, but now she wasn't just admiring the way she looked. Now, she realized, stomach knotting, she was responding to it.
When Celeste looked back at her enquiringly, Amy smiled briefly. Swallowing hard, she followed.
Amy showed Celeste around. Initially, she found it difficult to focus on anything other than the physical proximity of the brunette and how her body was reacting to her closeness, but as the tour continued, her enthusiasm, and Celeste's easy manner eased her tension.
With a little coaxing, Amy showed Celeste the design plans for the house, explaining her inspirations, and detailing what was still to happen.
Coming close to Amy, Celeste looked at the plans. "Josh mentioned that the house was being put forward for an award because it may be the model house for green homes in Florida."
Amy blushed. "A lot of that's down to your Dad, Celeste," she replied. "I owe him big time. I would never have managed without his considerable help. He gave me a crew, and he was the one that negotiated this acre of infill redevelopment."
"Yeah, he's a generous guy," Celeste said. "Tell me about the green aspects of the house."
"Well, Amy began. "Most of the house is built from materials from the local area. We've recycled construction waste onsite to create our own mulch. We've saved and transplanted trees, including live oaks and magnolias, and where possible used engineered lumber made from shredded wood or junk trees," Amy looked at Celeste, and catching her eyes blushed. "I'm sorry, I could go on forever."
"I want to hear more," Celeste replied leaning against the kitchen counter. "I'm impressed. This place is something else."
Amy watched Celeste's shirt pull against her breasts as she rested her hands on the counter. "There's a whole-house vacuum and there's automatic faucets."
"Sounds great, Amy."
Suddenly aware that she was staring at Celeste's chest, Amy focused quickly on the floor. Embarrassed, she cleared her throat. "Uhmm, and the bamboo flooring is renewable, maturing in five years rather than the typical thirty for traditional wood."
"Sustainability, I like it," Celeste said staring intently at Amy.
Color flowed to Amy's cheeks. She locked eyes with Celeste.
"Tell me more."
"Ermm, there's also cork flooring through out, which is harvested without harming the plant. The lighting," she added feeling flustered as she flicked a switch on and off, "uses less energy, generates less heat, and lasts longer than normal lighting." She pointed upwards. "There's high-efficiency air conditioning."
"It's wonderful," Celeste responded quietly.
Amy's pulse picked up. Needing to put some distance between them, she said, "Let me show some more." Quickly, she led the way through the house. "The pool uses natural salt for purification, taking away the need for chlorine. The photovoltaic heater will warm the pool with solar energy." Feeling calmer, she raised her eyebrows and smiled. "You really don't want to get me started."
"I want you to continue," Celeste responded. "I mean it, Amy. This is amazing. Of course I'm interested."
Unable to resist, Amy detailed as she walked back to the kitchen, "The appliances are all designed to be energy saving" She pointed out. "The refrigerator, dishwasher, range, oven, microwave, top-loading washer and dryer, ceiling fans etcetera, will ultimately be up to twenty percent more efficient than conventional ones."
Celeste looked at Amy for a long moment.
Aware that she sounded like some sort of energy saving zealot Amy said, "You get the gist living in this type of house is really all about using resources and energy wisely."
"I didn't realize you were such a green ambassador?"
"This place means a lot to me," Amy replied genuinely, delighted that Celeste liked it. "I wanted the house to blend with its natural habitat, but I also wanted it to be sensitive... environmentally." Amy blushed. "My father," she said looking at Celeste and wondering fleetingly if they would have got on. "Was a keen environmentalist and many of the green elements I've incorporated," she pointed to several areas on the plans, "would be constructs that would have met with his approval."
Celeste moved closer to Amy. "I'm sure your father would be as amazed as I am," she said gently. "I love this house. It seems to reflect a lot of your personality, and probably his too." She touched Amy's arm reassuringly. "There is no doubt that you have a real talent. That's evident in your art, and in the design of this house."
Aware of the searing heat of Celeste's hand on her bare skin, Amy took a deep breath.
"Do you find it completely different from what you would have built in Scotland?"
Eyes wide, Amy nodded. Aware of nothing but Celeste's touch, she swallowed. "In some ways it's very different, and in some ways not," she said to keep from pulling her arm away. "Everything tends to be big in scale in terms of the size of property. Homes here are notorious for having small garages and limited storage space.
"How so," Celeste asked, her hand still burning Amy's skin.
"Uhmm," Amy muttered, and fought the strong urge to pull her arm away from the intense heat. "Builders are sneaky and save on construction costs by making closets, attics, and garages smaller. With not very many basements because of the sandy soil and wet conditions you get huge houses with no storage."
Celeste smiled then asked, "Is there more?"
Suddenly aware that Celeste was engaging her but keeping conversation away from anything too personal, Amy pulled away. "Loads and loads more," she replied. "But I won't bore you."
They looked at each other for a long moment.
Celeste moved closer, "Amy, I want to-"
Amy jumped when her cell phone burst into life. She looked at Celeste, and tried to communicate her regret as she answered it. "Hello," she said her eyes on Celeste.
"Hi, Amy, it's Mike. Look I'm sorry I wasn't there but -"
"Mike," Amy interrupted watching Celeste pick up her car keys. "Look, don't worry about it," she said hastily. "We'll talk about it tomorrow. I'll call you. Bye." She hung up.
"Amy, I have to go," Celeste said. Frowning, she looked at her watch. "I'm meeting Alex at three." She motioned to her car. "Would you walk with me?"
Amy lifted her brow in surprise at the sharp sense of loss. Nodding, she murmured, "Sure."
They left the house, and walked to the car in silence.
"I also need to finish packing," Celeste told her stopping at her car. "I'm leaving for Zaire tomorrow morning."
Amy's jaw slackened, and a wave of concern washed over her. Only this morning, she had listened, in shock, to a news broadcast about the violence in Eastern Zaire. She wanted to reach out to Celeste and tell her not to go. To her surprise, she had to physically hold back and bite her tongue from saying the words, "Don't go." Instead, she stared at Celeste. God, how can she do it? The news reports said that over a million refugees were caught up in the violence. I should stop her. What if I never see her again?
Amy's eyes searched Celeste's face, and her mind worked frantically. Suddenly aware that she was staring, she looked away, and focused her gaze on the house.
Celeste watched her.
Amy knew that when Celeste had come home recently she had confided in Josh that she was taking time out, that she was contemplating leaving Médecins sans Frontières as her last field trip had been traumatic. Josh didn't know the details, as Amy did, but he was delighted that Celeste intended to settle here in Sarasota. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, Amy thought how devastated he and his family would be at the news. Opening them, she turned her head to Celeste and asked huskily, "I thought you had finished with MSF?"
Smiling poignantly, Celeste whispered, "So did I."
"When did you get the call to go?"
"A few days ago."
Amy felt strange. All sorts of emotions were running through her. She was having difficulty fighting off the need to slip her arms around Celeste's slim waist and hug her tight. Instead, she wrapped her arms around herself and fought the desire to tell her not to go. She even tried to joke, "Helluva way to get out of a wedding invitation?"
Celeste half-smiled and eyeing Amy, she replied, "Perhaps."
"I take it you won't be coming back," Amy paused, "for the wedding I mean?"
Celeste moved forward slightly.
Amy could see that she was struggling to say something.
Celeste raised her hand as if to touch Amy's face, hesitated, then dropped it. "No," she replied. "No. I'm sorry. I won't be back for the wedding."
Turning from Amy, Celeste opened the car door, got in, and closed it. She rolled down the window. "I hear congratulations are in order."
Not grasping what she meant, Amy looked at Celeste quizzically then briefly closed her eyes. Unlike, Amy, Josh was completely thrilled by their unexpected pregnancy. The thought of being a parent blew him away, and he wanted to tell the world. With a lot of effort, Amy had reined him in and asked him not to tell anyone until she passed the three months stage. Why Josh? Why did you have to tell her for Chrissake? Why did you have to tell Celeste of all people?
Amy stepped closer to the car, and placed both hands on the car door. "When did Josh tell you?"
Starting the engine, Celeste looked at Amy. "A few days ago."
Amy looked at Celeste. "When will you be back?"
Celeste half smiled. "I really don't know." Her eyes lingered on Amy's lips. "But it's unlikely that I'll be back anytime soon."
"How long?" Amy asked frowning.
Searching Amy's face, Celeste replied finally, "It's a promoted post, and the first year's mostly fieldwork. The overall assignment's for three years, possibly more."
Amy flinched. "You took an assignment for three years!" She bit down on her bottom lip to stop saying anything more. Acutely aware that she didn't want Celeste to leave, Amy's pulse began throbbing in her neck. An unexpected wave of fear washed over her. Where Celeste is going is dangerous, what if something happens to her?
Amy cut off any further thoughts. Get a grip, she told herself. This is for the best. Her internal voice rationalized, she's doing the right thing. The reason for her leaving might be unsaid, but you both know why. That night should never have happened. This way, both of you can have distance.
Amy sighed. Even though she understood the logic, her thudding heart was telling her something else. She looked into Celeste's eyes. Unintentionally, she leaned closer, and thought how easy it would be to kiss her.
Celeste brought her face closer just as Amy's inner voice told her to back away. Remember, Josh? The man your about to marry. He is her brother for God's sake!
The reality of the situation hitting home, Amy dropped her hands. She looked at Celeste then stepped back from the car.
Celeste dark eyes searched Amy's face intently. Eventually, she nodded as if in acceptance. She slid her shades over her eyes, and drove off.
Amy watched Celeste's car disappear. We should have talked. We should have talked about what happened, and together tried to put some rationale to it. Maybe then, she wouldn't have had to leave.
Feeling empty, Amy walked back into the house, and collecting the drawings put them away. She left the house, got into her car and drove home, no longer in the mood to talk to anyone.
Chapter 12
"You shouldn't have let Maggie go home," he said petulantly.
"Oh, c'mon George, stop being a big baby," Amy replied. "She's my cousin not an indentured servant. She can take as much time off as she wants."
That morning, George had almost passed out when Amy told him that Maggie wasn't back yet, and Josh was unavailable.
"When is she due back?"
"At the end of the week."
Two weeks ago Maggie left to visit family, and the mornings had been nothing but a complete nightmare. Since having the twins, a small army was required to mobilize getting them out the door.
Thankfully, Maggie offered to help them when the boys were born, supposedly taking a leave of absence from her nursing job until they found a suitable nanny, which Amy realized three years in, wasn't going to happen anytime soon.
"Couldn't you have talked her into coming back earlier?"
"Look George, I've already explained to you that Maggie has decided to extend her stay. Okay?" she added, getting annoyed that George seemed convinced she wouldn't manage to get the boys out the door this morning.
"Yes. Okay, but you know that this meeting is very, very important for the firm. If we clinch this deal we're on the map."
Smiling sweetly at her children, Amy watched them dip their sliced pieces of toast into their eggs while she explained to George once again that nothing, absolutely nothing, would make her late for the meeting at nine o'clock sharp.
Placating George, Amy watched Ryan, the more precocious of the twins, pick up a piece of toast, dip it into his egg, and prod it before chewing on a corner. Reassuring her boss, she abruptly stopped talking, when a bit of chewed toast flew through the air, and hit her white silk shirt dead center.
Amy's mouth dropped open. Transfixed, she watched the toast slurp down her front, halt briefly, then flop down onto the tiled kitchen floor. Stunned, she dropped the phone. Mouth hanging open, she looked down at the mess. Exasperated, she shook her fist in frustration at her son. "Ryan, you little shit," she wanted to yell but managed to hold back.
Ryan and Christopher giggled.
Controlling her temper, she fumed. "Right, that's it!"
About to march out into the hallway and along to Josh's office, Amy paused, when she heard a small voice. Realizing that George was still on the line, she scrambled for the phone, mumbled something then hung up when he let out an astonished gasp.
Looking at the boys, Amy repeated. "Right that's it!" Turning, she strode toward Josh's office.
Josh had organized an early morning conference call to finalize the arrangements for an up and coming software release. For the last few years, he had been working for a software company. He often tried to explain to Amy what he did, but she couldn't help but glaze over whenever he fell into technical jargon. She understood that he worked in software development and knew that it had something to do with robotics, but the dynamics of what he was doing seemed to change constantly. Often, he was working on several prototypes. She did try to show interest, but his work just didn't do it for her. Although she used computer-aided design for work, the thought of sitting day after day staring at a computer screen filled her with dread. She needed air and lots of activity.
Storming down the hall, Amy looked at her watch. "Bloody hell," she said realizing that if she didn't get out of the house soon, George would serve her up on a platter. As she approached, Amy noted that the office door was closed. Normally, it was left ajar for the boys to have access, but a few weeks ago they had brought home two Golden Retriever puppies, Mac and Flynn, as a surprise for the boys, and it was to keep the pups out that Josh now kept the office door closed.
At the end of her rope, Amy burst in regardless. "Josh, will you help me?" she cried out. "Not only do I now need to change my shirt, but every single morning since the pups arrived it's been a complete nightmare getting the boys away from them into the Jeep, and out to kindergarten. Normally, it wouldn't be a problem, because you're always there, but this morning," she bellowed. "It's a different matter!"
Josh sprang out of his chair. A look of bewilderment crossed his face. Looking at his wife, he spoke briskly to his team. "We need a twenty minute break guys. I'll call you all back." He hit a button and ended the call.
Josh quickly followed Amy as she marched down the hallway. They stopped in their tracks. Amy gaped in horror; Ryan and Christopher were rolling around the kitchen floor playing with the puppies. The clean outfits that she had just put them into were covered in breakfast and puppy slurp.
Throwing her hands in the air, Amy looked at Josh in exasperation. "Look at them!" Looking down at herself, she gulped. "Look at me!"
"Amy, why didn't you put the dogs out in the yard?" Josh asked, rallying the pups and putting them out into the newly fenced portion of the backyard.
Amy tutted. "I was about to," she replied. "But the phone rang."
Josh slid the glass panel closed then clapped his hands. "Right boys, move it!"
Amy left the kitchen and hurried upstairs toward their bedroom. Sliding back the doors to her wardrobe, she remembered George's astonished gasp when she hung up on him. He was terrified that something would go wrong this morning. "So far, he's right!" she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "Everything is going tits up this morning."
Reaching for a shirt, Amy cursed Maggie for leaving, Josh for having his meeting this morning. Pulling the shirt from its hanger, she cursed the alien children that had arrived since those puppies had come. Hurriedly, she put on a white cotton shirt, and tried to button it. Having difficulty, she gave up when she glanced at her watch. Quickly, she made her way downstairs.
Amy paused outside the kitchen. Raising her eyes to the ceiling, she begged, "Please. Don't let this day get any worse!"
Squaring her shoulders and firming her chin, Amy headed back into the war zone. Once in the kitchen, she looked around her and smiled delighted that at last there was some semblance of order.
Pleased that most of the remains of the boys' breakfast was removed from their outfits, Amy knelt down to straighten their hair. She kissed them, and for the first time that morning, the knot in her stomach loosened.
Josh pointed the two boys toward the door, and tried to lead them out. Wanting to say a final goodbye to the pups, the boys clamored between Josh's legs, trying to get to the back door.
Josh sighed, and giving up on trying to walk the boys out, he hoisted Ryan over his left shoulder then picked Christopher up, and tucked him under his right arm. He turned to Amy. Puffing his chest, he warbled Tarzan's jungle cry.
Startled, the twins fell silent then broke into fits of laughter.
Amy chuckled then called out as she tried to button her shirt, "My hero."
Josh laughed. Turning toward the door, he announced, "Celeste was supposed to be here this morning to help you out with the boys because I knew I would be tied up." He frowned. "It's not like her to be late."
Abruptly, Amy stopped buttoning her shirt. Unsure if she had heard him right she said, "What?" Heart thudding, she waited, watching Josh struggle to hold the boys.
Getting a better grip, Josh replied teasingly, "Remember, my twin? She's coming over this morning."
Trying to absorb the news, Amy blinked a few times, and confirmed slowly, "Celeste. Your sister is coming over here, this morning?"
Josh answered just as slowly, "Yes. That's right. My Sister, Celeste, is coming here."
Still blinking, Amy confirmed, "She's home?"
Losing his hold on the wriggling boys, Josh replied distractedly, "Yeah."
Eyes widening in shock, Amy thought in alarm, Celeste is coming here. She can't be. Sucking in air, she squeezed out, "What do you mean Celeste is on her way over? I didn't even know that she was home!"
Grabbing the work surface, Amy breathed in deeply. This can't be happening, not today. Not when it's vital that I have a clear head.
Smiling, Josh tightened his grip on the boys then looked at his wife. His smile faded when he saw Amy struggle for breath. He let the boys slide down him then quickly he made his way to her.
"Honey?" Josh said grasping Amy's shoulders. "Amy?" His grip tightened. "Calm down," he instructed. "Take a few deep breaths."
Amy inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly.
"That's it," he said. "Nice and slow."
Sensing an opportunity to play with the pups, the twins slid the glass panel back, and slipped out into the backyard to find them.
Feeling light-headed, Amy closed her eyes. Even after all these years, the mention of Celeste's name generally gripped her. Never mind the thought of actually seeing her. She looked at Josh. He can't have just arranged for her to come over like it was something she did all the time.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me she was on her way over this morning?"
"Celeste's here to spend time with the family," Josh replied, taking Amy into his arms. "She intends to stay with my folks for the next few months."
Amy stared up at him. "But why didn't you tell me? I could have prepared something!"
"What?" Josh frowned. "What would you need to prepare?"
"I," Amy tried to think. "I don't know." Her eyes searched the room looking for a clue. "Something!" she added. "There's always something to prepare."
Confusion flickered across Josh's eyes at Amy's logic. "Look honey, what's going on? I've only ever seen you like this once before, and that was on our wedding day when I thought you were going to run out on me." He kissed the top of her head comfortingly. "I didn't know that she was coming home until a few days ago, and I didn't tell you because I thought it would be a good surprise. Listen, it's not a bad thing. We really do need help with the Terrible Two. It'll be a nice surprise for the kids."
"Josh, how can it be a surprise when they don't even know her." Amy pushed out of his arms, and made her way to the large open glass panel leading to the backyard. Huh, she thought. If you knew what happened between us then for sure that would be one helluva surprise.
Shouting to the boys to hurry up, Amy turned to Josh. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Shrugging, Josh threw his hands out questioningly. "What's the big deal, Amy?" he asked frowning. "I thought you would be glad to see her. She's only visited once since we had the boys, and you didn't see her then because you were visiting family with Maggie."
Amy knew he was right. Although she hadn't seen her, Josh had several times. His job increasingly took him abroad. Whenever he could, Josh met up with his sister.
Amy's Aunt, Maggie's mother, died suddenly a few years ago. When Amy called home after the funeral, she was told that Celeste had made an 'impromptu' visit to see the boys. An impromptu visit, my arse, Amy thought at the time. From that moment on, she decided to reciprocate by deliberately avoiding anything that would involve taking an interest in Celeste. Up until now, that arrangement had suited her just fine.
Obviously surprised by Amy's reaction, Josh continued to appease. "She's only coming this morning because I asked her to help me with the kids. I thought I would mention to her, after discussing it with you, of course," he mollified, "about staying here for a few weeks instead of at my folks. It would mean having an extra pair of hands here while Maggie's away, and a little female company amongst all these guys. I mean even the goddamn pups are male."
When Amy didn't respond Josh added, "To be honest, honey, I really miss her, and want her around."
Embarrassed at her over-reaction, Amy ran her fingers through her hair. Keep it together, she thought. There's too much else going on this morning.
Trying to calm her beating heart, Amy breathed in slowly then distractedly shouted again for the boys to hurry up. She focused on Josh. "Of course it's okay to have your sister around," she said removing her hair band from her wrist and this time efficiently tying her hair back. "I know how important Celeste is to you, but...well...it's not like you to make arrangements and not let me know?"
Puzzled, Josh looked at her. "Amy, she's my sister," he said frowning. "I didn't think it would be a problem?"
Ashamed that he had no clue why she was upset, Amy blushed and feeling guilty, assured him, "It's not."
His voice softened, "Look honey, it makes sense. Maggie isn't here and everyone else is on vacation, your folks, my folks." He smiled. "No one else is around. Even Sophie cleared out frightened that we might ask her to help." Shrugging, he held out his hands. "Celeste's here, and for now has plenty of time on her hands." Clearly unsure why Amy was so resistant to his sister helping out, Josh's frown deepened. "And until Maggie gets back, she'll be a great help around here." His frown cleared. "You know it makes perfect sense."
Unable ever to explain her reticence, Amy conceded. Nodding, she smiled at Josh.
Grinning, Josh moved toward Amy to hug her, just as Amy lurched forward, thrown completely off balance by the force of two strong puppies hurtling past her.
Josh grabbed Amy, steadying her.
Amy gasped as the pups, with lolling tongues, clambered up her legs looking for attention. Amy's jaw dropped. She watched in horror as they slapped morning dew, mixed with mud, all over the cream skirt of her brand new designer suit.
Unable to believe the number of things that were going wrong this morning, Amy looked at Josh. "All right. Okay, Josh." Reaching for a damp cloth, she began desperately wiping down her skirt. It didn't make a damn bit of difference.
Gritting her teeth, Amy muttered, "God give me strength!" With the last vestiges of control, she grabbed her suit jacket and workbag. "I need to get to work. Could you please get the boys' organized, and into the Jeep before I lose it completely!"
Moving out of the house quickly, Amy threw her stuff into the passenger seat. Pulling baby wipes from the Jeep, she frantically tried to remove the muddy paw prints. For better advantage, she unzipped her skirt, and tried to remove the marks of a disastrous morning.
Josh successfully managed to get the boys out of the house, and into the Jeep.
Working at getting the marks out, Amy listened to Josh chat to the boys as he fastened them into their seats. Her lips twitched then she grinned when she heard the boys' laugher as Josh tickled them senseless.
Not happy with the results, but desperate to escape before Celeste arrived, Amy stopped wiping down her skirt. Thank God, she thought, there's a spare suit at the office.
Amy held her breath when tires crunched their way up the driveway. "Shit," she muttered.
Holding her loose skirt in one hand and baby wipe in the other, Amy felt a tinkle on the nape of her neck. She turned around slowly, and watched Celeste get out of her car. Celeste was dressed casually in jeans and a black tee shirt with her hair in a ponytail. Still as beautiful as ever, Amy thought.
Their eyes locked.
"Hey Cel," Josh said. Sweeping his sister up in his arms, he hugged her tight.
Chapter 13
"I know it's only been two months, since my last trip to Paris, but it's great to see you here at last." Josh said letting Celeste go. He looked at Amy. "Believe it or not, I've worked very hard to get her here."
Celeste smiled. "I'm glad to be here."
Over the last few years, Celeste's job had been more than demanding with little time to visit home. But, if she was honest, it had taken her a long time to accept what had happened between her and Amy. The betrayal factor alone had kept her away, so much so that she had only come home once, in the last few years, and only when she found out that Amy was out of the country.
Fortunately, for Celeste, her parents enjoyed traveling, so she had seen them often.
Looking at Amy, Celeste was forced to admit that back then she wasn't comfortable with the idea of meeting up with her 'sister-in-law'. But now, four years on, she was home for a couple of reasons, one of which was to bury the past with Amy.
Breaking out of Josh's embrace, Celeste approached Amy. Her voice full of warmth, she whispered, "Hi."
"Hi," Amy said lifting her chin. Her voice guarded, she replied, "It's good to see you."
Celeste nodded. "And you," she replied. Stepping closer, she did something that surprised even her; she took Amy's hand and squeezed it.
A look of surprise flitted over Amy's face. Quickly, she pulled her hand back, and spoke to Josh in an urgent tone. "I am so late," she said. "And there is no way I can drop the boys off, and get to my meeting on time."
Sensing the panic in the air, Celeste offered, "If it helps, why don't I take them?"
Josh and Amy looked at her. With relief, Josh replied, "Great idea, sis."
Amy swiveled her skirt around, and buttoned it. Hurriedly, she thanked Celeste before fetching her workbag and suit jacket from the Jeep. Quickly, she said goodbye to the boys, got in her car, fastened her seatbelt, and started the engine. She pulled out of the garage. Rolling down the window, she said her goodbyes.
See you later, hon," Josh said. Reaching in through the open window, he kissed Amy lightly on the lips.
Celeste looked on amused when Amy blushed heavily, and said, "Thanks for your help, Celeste"
With humor, Celeste looked into the blonde's vivid blue eyes and nodded. "You're welcome, but Amy, you should know," she moved her hand up and down her front area.
Looking confused, Amy frowned.
"You're..." Celeste pointed at Amy's breasts.
Amy looked down; her wrongly buttoned shirt was gaping open at the cleavage. She turned bright red. "I'll sort it later," she said, Smiling awkwardly, she revved the engine, and drove off.
Waving goodbye, Celeste wondered why Josh hadn't told Amy that her shirt was wrongly buttoned. She watched him wave goodbye then smiled knowing full well that her brother was mischievous enough to let his wife go to work without telling her that her shirt was undone.
After Amy's car disappeared from view, Josh turned to Celeste. "Let me re-introduce you to the Terrible Two." Pointing both hands at the Jeep, he spoke as if narrating for an old western movie. "You might have served in battle-torn countries, dodged bullets, survived hurricanes, and saved countless lives. But," his voice timbered as he took her hand and pulled her gently toward the Jeep, "I'll be amazed if you last a week with these two."
Enjoying the mischievous glint in Josh's eyes, Celeste winked at her brother and laughed freely when he dropped her hand, and beating his chest, roared. She grinned when she heard gleeful giggles coming from the Jeep.
Chapter 11
Amy smiled widely at Celeste. "It's great to be home."
Celeste glanced at her watch. It was nine o'clock. She smiled warmly at Amy. "Here have this." She handed her a glass of red wine.
Celeste picked up her own wine and took a seat on the sofa across from Amy. For the last two weeks, Amy had worked late most evenings, and for the last few days was locked up in business meetings with a bunch of solicitors in New York finalizing, according to Josh, a lucrative and long-term contract.
Celeste watched Amy as she sat contentedly on the sofa, with Christopher in her arm, gently rocking him to sleep. Ryan was already sound asleep with his head on Amy's lap. As it was Friday, the boys were allowed to stay up later than usual to welcome their Mom home.
Celeste smiled as she watched Christopher fight to keep his eyes open.
Taking a seat on the sofa beside his family Josh asked, "Are you hungry, honey?"
Smiling, Amy shook her head. "No thanks, I ate earlier. " She sipped her wine. "Has Maggie called? I haven't managed to get hold of her in the last few days."
Josh chuckled. "Every friggin day." He raised his eyebrows. "Hasn't she tried to call you on your cell phone?"
"Yes," Amy replied, her husky Scottish burr lilting in Celeste's ears. "But because of the length of time the meetings went on, I kept missing her." Amy looked at Celeste, and included her in the conversation. "Apparently, some old friends have paid a surprise visit from New Zealand, and because Uncle Jim's feeling better, she's taken off into the hills with them, but it's practically impossible to get a signal there."
Josh nodded. "She talked to Celeste recently."
"We spoke yesterday," Celeste said making eye contact with Amy. "She knows you're due back this evening, but she wasn't sure if she would catch you tonight as she's off to bag her last Munro."
Celeste's eyes widened with pleasure when Amy smiled at her. She held her breath when Amy bent her head, and brushed her lips over Christopher's forehead.
"Maggie is a keen hiker and has bagged all but a few of the Munro mountains in Scotland," Amy explained. "Munros are climbed by hikers with near-religious fanaticism, and Maggie's dedicated. "I'll give her that." Looking at Celeste, she added with a touch of humor, "She bags those things with the same kind of dedication that wee, spotty adolescent comic collectors have."
Celeste smiled at Amy's description of Maggie. Sipping her wine, she listened as Josh questioned Amy about her trip. Unobserved, she allowed her expression to become vulnerable. Exhaling slowly, she carefully appraised Amy, liking her professional look. Amy looked great in her white, long sleeved cotton shirt with onyx cufflinks, and smart tailored black trousers with heeled shoes. Celeste looked at Amy's suit jacket. She liked the way that Amy had thrown it over the sofa when she arrived home.
Drinking from her glass, Celeste watched her brother and his family. Six months ago, having a family was the last thing on Celeste's mind, but while working in Sierra Leone recently a four year old boy, Daniel, had come to her attention when treating his mother who was dying of aids. His grandparents were old and given the crisis wouldn't be alive much longer. This meant that Daniel, and his four-month-old baby sister were vulnerable.
Years of experience, meant that Celeste was fully aware of how bleak there future was without a family to protect them. She had seen it before, been exposed to similar types of situations over the years, but this time, it affected her. Normally there was some sort of network of extended family for the children, but not this time. This time there were no relatives, the orphanages where their only hope, and for most a grimmer life did not exist.
Daniel was extremely bright. Something about the boy and his vulnerable baby sister touched Celeste. When she made the decision to plan for a future that included them, she was surprised at how certain she felt that she was doing the right thing. She thought of Felice who had told her often that it was only a matter of time before a child would reach in and touch her heart. She smiled ruefully, as always Felice was right.
Focusing on Amy, Celeste's fingers tingled when Amy laughed at something Josh said. Her pulse quickened when he reached out and let Amy's dark blonde hair loose. Celeste's eyes widened appreciatively when Amy's hair fell around her shoulders. She focused on Josh, and watched him look adoringly at his wife. Her eyes narrowed, and her stomach twisted as new feelings of jealousy swamped her.
Surprised and frightened by the intense emotions running through her, Celeste stood, putting her glass down, she excused herself, uttering as she left the room that she had an early start.
Startled, Amy watched Celeste leave. Concerned, she queried Josh, "Is she okay?"
Josh squeezed Amy's shoulder. "Nothing's wrong with her," he replied. "She's got something on in the morning."
Amy smiled up at Josh then sipped her wine.
Over the last two weeks, Amy had noticed that Celeste singularly sought out Josh's company. It warmed her heart that they were so comfortable and good fun around each other. The boys too, Amy admitted, adored their aunt, her lips quirked knowing that the reason was mostly due to Celeste giving into the boys' every whim.
To Amy's surprise, Celeste was a fabulous cook, and was only to happy to prepare meals for them most evenings. To her further surprise, Amy realized she liked having Celeste around; she was easy company.
Josh stroked Amy cheek lightly. "There's been a change of plan."
Surprised, Amy looked at him. "What?"
"I won't be able to come with you to my folks tomorrow."
Seeing the disappointment in her eyes, Josh explained there was a problem with the software due for release.
Amy sighed then listened patiently as Josh explained the situation, telling her that it would take a maximum of two to three days to sort out. This week, they had planned a break as Fraser and Camille were returning from their tour of Australia.
Amy really liked Josh's parents, and over the last few years had developed a strong relationship with them. She loved that they doted on the children. Recently, the couple had chosen to retire and move to Jacksonville; a few hours drive away. Fraser preferred the North of Florida as the climate was different, and the winter months tended to be chilly with easy access to places like Atlanta. The attraction he told Amy when she queried was being able to escape to the mountains in August when tourism got heavy. The couple promised that it wouldn't impact on time with the children, and to date it hadn't. All it meant was that the kids tended to spend the entire weekends at their grandparents.
Josh looked at Amy. "Thank God, Celeste's been here over the last two weeks," he said rubbing his forehead. "Given the pressures you've been under and the problems with the software release, we would've really struggled if she hadn't been." He stood then picked Ryan up. "Why don't we turn in?" He looked at Amy amorously. "Let's put the boys to bed and," his tone suggested something, "have an early night."
Too lost in thought to notice his intent, Amy nodded then stood. She thought he was right that overall, Celeste had turned out to be a great help. Although she would never be a patch on Maggie, she had in a short space of time, become invaluable. But, Amy reflected as she hugged Christopher to her, although Celeste was friendly enough, there was a definite distance between them. Celeste only seemed to relax fully when her brother and the children were around.
Following Josh as he headed for the boys bedroom, Amy resolved that what happened between them, if not forgotten was now very much a part of the past. Celeste, she concluded thankfully, was only here to strengthen her relationship with her brother and build a relationship with the twins.
Moving through the house, Amy felt for the first time since Celeste's arrival, a great sense of relief. She began to hope that their 'encounter' was behind them, and hoped that with a little work a friendship could be encouraged.
Chapter 14
"I promise no more than three." He kissed Amy then headed for his car.
Amy waved goodbye and wondered absentmindedly if that was all Josh did - sort software glitches. She was sure that the company he worked for would never release this software, as there always seemed to be a problem with it. When she told him that grumpily, this morning, he laughed and told her that the business he worked in meant that even when it was released they would still have problems.
Closing the door, Amy frowned. A befuddled look crossed her face. She didn't understand how his company could spend so much time and money sorting something that probably would need to be sorted again when released anyway. In her business, when you built something, you tried to ensure that it was built right first time.
Amy smiled at the ruffled sight of Celeste, and the two boys coming down the stairs. Moving toward the kitchen, she called over her shoulder, "Let's have a decent breakfast before we head out this morning."
Eventually, after a few false starts and lots of running around, Amy and Celeste managed to pack the Jeep with the boys, the puppies, and their accoutrements, and get going. Amy laughed at Celeste's incredulity over the amount of stuff they needed to pack.
The excited noise, during the drive, from the boys about seeing their grandparents encouraged the pups to bark. Within the hour, Amy watched Celeste reach for some headache tablets.
On arrival, Celeste asked, "How do you cope?"
The boys asleep, Amy started to unload quietly. She looked at Celeste in surprise then teased, "Ask my therapist."
Celeste teased back. "You're a Scot, Amy. The protestant work ethic doesn't allow time for a little therapy surely?"
"Okay, You got me there. Only therapy I get is retail, and that's usually in the boys' department."
Celeste helped Amy unload the Jeep. "This is good. I need the practice. Motherhood is seriously tough."
Amy looked at her quizzically. "You want to share something?"
Celeste shook her head. "No jumping to conclusions, Amy. It's not what you think?" Her eyes twinkled. "Forget the twenty-six miler," she said heaving a bag out the back of the Jeep. "There should be a platinum Olympic award for endurance for motherhood, don't you think?"
"You're not kidding." Amy replied. She smiled. "Especially with my two ragamuffins."
"Are you planning any more?"
"What!" Amy exclaimed. "You have met my kids haven't you? She laughed. "Don't you know what motherhood does to a woman?"
Celeste smiled. "You want to tell me the horror stories?"
Amy grinned. "Just remember at the thousandth story you asked first, okay?"
"Remind you at the thousandth story, go it."
"Where do I start?" Amy said scratching her head, "Oh yeah. A couple of weeks ago, Josh and the boys met up with me when I was finished at a hair salon I use. We made plans to take the boys somewhere that afternoon. When I went to pay, Ryan decided just at that moment to release some pent up energy, and run amok. Josh gave chase, of course, and I got so distracted that instead of asking how much it was for a shampoo and blow dry, I asked how much it was for a shampoo and a blow job."
Celeste grinned.
"A blow job, Celeste." Amy turned beet-red. "I asked my hairdresser how much for a blow job."
"Wasn't on special that day I take it?"
"Blow jobs aren't a service they offer apparently."
"Celeste laughed. "Okay point taken. Note to self, Amy would rather hit her head until unconscious than have any more kids."
"You've got it." Amy looked towards the house. "You sure your folks said they wouldn't be long at store? They haven't decided to run out on us have they since the last time they had the kids?"
"Nope, from what I've heard Mom's over insisting Ryan eat his veg."
"He puked you know."
Celeste smiled. "I know." She tried not to laugh. "He puked in a restaurant, right in her lap."
Amy nodded. "He had the cheek to insist that he told her carrots made him sick."
"They're here," Celeste said as her parent's car pulled into the drive. "If you want them to hang around, don't ask for a blow job anytime soon."
Amy smiled. "It's a deal, but only if we both make an effort to check the oven for teddy bears, next time your Dad volunteers to make brownies."
"Who was it?"
"Chris. He thought the teddy would help his Papa with the cooking."
Celeste grinned. "Insurance job?"
Amy nodded.
"You gotta deal."
Getting out the car, Camille called out to them.
Amy smiled. "You get the boys, I'll get my in-laws."
Once they unloaded the Jeep and settled in the house, Fraser showed the boys a collection of kites.
"I've brought some kites back for the boys," he said showing Amy kites from large to small.
"They look great" Amy replied, pleased and grateful that Josh's parents were such a thoughtful couple. Wherever they went, they always returned with wonderful gifts for the boys.
"Kite flying was a childhood hobby of mine," Fraser said unraveling the string from a small kite. "I know these days, kids are into everything hi-tech, but nothing can beat feeling the wind in your face and flying high. What do you say boys, wanna go fly a kite?"
As Ryan and Christopher whooped with excitement, Fraser encouraged everyone onto the beach.
The afternoon was fun and passed quickly. Amy didn't quite master kite flying, but enjoyed it anyway. Eventually, they decided to quit when the boys began squabbling, and the pups more than once brought them all crashing down.
Back in the house, there was a toss up on who would prepare lunch. Fraser lost the toss and given his history of burnt food, even the boys sighed when they discovered Papa was cooking.
Amy was preparing the boys for their afternoon nap when Celeste mentioned to Camille that she was going for a swim. Camille looked at Amy. "Why do you not go too?" she asked. "I will put the boys to bed."
Amy looked at Camille. "I thought you were helping Fraser cook?" She raised her eyebrows teasingly. "Or is food poisoning on the menu?"
Camille laughed. "Non," she replied. "We have now agreed on a barbecue, and Fraser thank God does know how to flip a burger."
Amy shrugged her shoulders and turning to Celeste asked, "Is that Okay?"
Celeste nodded.
Amy said enthusiastically, "Can we try the kites again? Let's take the big kite. I'd like to give it another go."
Celeste smiled, and picked up the kite that earlier Amy had difficulty with. Together they strolled onto the beach.
Removing her shorts, Celeste challenged Amy. "First to swim to the buoy can forget eating Dad's burgers and have take out."
"You're on," Amy replied. Stripping off furiously, she raced after Celeste.
After their swim, which Celeste won by a mile, she flew the kite demonstrating to Amy how easy it was.
For the last two weeks, Celeste wore her hair in a ponytail, but today was the first time she wore it down. Amy noted that she had pulled back the top and sides of her hair into a braid; the rest hung below her shoulders. It was much longer than she remembered, but the shine, was still as deep.
"So, do I really have to eat your Dad's home cooking?" Amy asked. Stretching out on the sand, she propped herself up on her elbows.
The kite flying high, Celeste pulled the chords together, "Yup," she replied. "Unless you have a talent that you can show me?"
Amy blinked. "Like what?"
"You know useless talents like whistling through a curled tongue, wiggling your ears, standing on your head, juggling with your feet, that kind of thing."
Amy laughed. "I don't think I can do any those. How about vacuuming and using a dust buster at the same time?"
"Maybe," Celeste replied then grinned.
"What can you do?"
"I can do the alphabet backward and forward."
"I see," Amy replied enjoying the challenge. "Uhmm..." She raised her eyebrows. "Okay, I carry a huge cache of commercial jingles in my head, particularly ones aimed at kids under five."
"Wow." Celeste laughed. "Now that is useless." She squared her shoulders. "Okay, I can contract my eye muscles and make them shake."
Amy clapped her hands. "No way."
Celeste nodded. "Yes way."
Amy grinned. "Show me."
Celeste fluttered her eyelashes then demonstrated.
Amy laughed hard. "Okay, you win."
Celeste smiled. "Good, because wiggling my ears is something I only do as the last resort."
"No way."
"Yes way."
"You can wiggle your ears?"
"You betcha."
Amy pouted. "I'm going to have to eat your Dad's food, aren't I?"
"Awh, poor baby," Celeste teased. "Don't forget there is a doctor in the house if things get serious."
Amy stuck out her tongue.
Celeste laughed.
After a few moments, Amy pointed to the kite. "You're good at this."
A slight wind pulled Celeste. She struggled, but kept her balance. "Dad loved taking us kite flying as kids," she said gaining control.
"Did you ever try it with one of those bike things?" Amy asked. "You know the ones that the kite pulls along."
"Nope," Celeste replied maneuvering the kite.
Amy's eyebrows rose delicately, when she noticed that certain movements forced Celeste's black bikini top to push her breasts up and forward.
"But, now he's bought these, I reckon it won't be long before Dad will have one." Celeste yanked her left hand down forcing the kite to come back to her.
Standing, Amy moved close to Celeste. "You're probably right," she said enjoying the easy banter between them. "Now he's retired, your Mum's going to have one helluva time trying to stop him filling the house with unnecessary objects."
"You're not kidding," Celeste replied. Clenching her teeth, she tried to stop a gust of wind pulling her several feet.
An unexpected pleasure filled Amy. Her stomach tightened as she watched Celeste gain control.
"You want to try?"
Moving closer, Amy replied challengingly, "Had enough?"
"Maybe," Celeste replied. She tilted her head then grinned.
Disarmed by Celeste's killer smile, Amy blushed furiously.
"The wind's getting up," Celeste said looking around her. "If you don't want to be dragged across state, you'd better hurry."
"I'm ready to take the reins, Captain."
"How confident are you?"
"So, so," Amy answered. "It probably would help if you showed me."
"Okay," Celeste replied opening her arms. "Come here."
Not hesitating, Amy moved into Celeste's arms. Encased, she looked at the brunette expectantly.
"Amy you need to turn around," Celeste said playfully.
"Uh...Yes. Of course," Amy replied, cringing.
Celeste positioned herself behind Amy. Close enough for Amy to feel the warmth emanate from her body, but not enough to touch.
"If you can manage, place your hands under mine," Celeste encouraged.
Amy squeezed her hands into the space that Celeste made on the handlebars.
Celeste rested her hands lightly on Amy's fingers.
Breathing in deeply, Amy caught the musky scent of Celeste's perfume. Color heightening, she waited for her next instruction.
"Ready?" Celeste whispered into Amy's ear.
Neck tingling, Amy replied in an odd sort of breathless voice. "Yes."
"It's all yours," Celeste said pulling away.
Chapter 15
Celeste looked Amy over in her bikini. She noted that her blonde hair was richer with color than she remembered. She could see the changes in Amy's body from having the twins; her breasts were still as firm, but fuller, and her hips carried a roundness that hadn't been there before. She realized that Amy was skinny before, but now the new curves really brought out her beauty. She was stunning.
Celeste's eyebrow lifted and her stomach tightened when Amy's nipples stiffened with the cold. She groaned inwardly when her stomach clenched, and a spasm ran straight to her groin.
A sudden gust of wind grabbed the kite. Soaring up, it pulled for release. Celeste watched Amy hang on as it dragged her on its path to freedom. Quick to her feet, she chased after Amy and grabbing her, successfully brought her and the kite down.
Laughing they collapsed alongside each other.
Turning on her side, Celeste watched Amy. She smiled, adoring the husky sound of the blonde's laughter.
Eventually, Amy controlled her mirth. "Thanks," she said then smiled. "If only we had done this after we'd eaten your Dad's barbecue."
Arching an eyebrow, Celeste looked at her. "Why?"
"Given his cooking, a hurricane wouldn't have lifted me off my feet."
Propping her head on her palm, Celeste said with some amusement, "Believe it or not, Mom has repeatedly tried to teach him the basics, but I think he kind of likes the reputation."
"What reputation?" Amy asked trying to untangle her hands from the chords of the kite.
"He's the bad boy of cooking."
"What?" Amy replied. "You mean instead of a life of notoriety through bar brawling, booze and broads," she teased. "He's built his reputation on being lethal around...kitchen utensils?"
Celeste laughed. "Give him a frying pan," she watched Amy try to untangle her hands. "He'll cause havoc wherever he goes."
Blowing a strand of hair from her face, Amy looked up at Celeste and with big blue eyes pleaded, "Help me, Celeste!"
Celeste grinned. "I thought you'd never ask." She reached down, and with one hand quickly untangled the chords.
Once loose, Amy sighed and rubbed her hands together in relief.
Reaching down, Celeste brushed strands of hair from Amy's face. Her fingers lingered on Amy's cheek.
Their eyes locked. Stomach knotting, Celeste whispered, "Amy."
Gripped by a powerful need to touch her, Celeste slowly rested her forehead on Amy's. Craving touch, her nipples hardened and her groin pulsed. It would be so easy, she thought wanting to devour her, so easy, just one kiss.
Eyes wide and barely breathing, Amy lay perfectly still as a barrage of emotions, and excitement swept through her.
Celeste's forehead touched hers. This feels good, Amy thought through a haze, so good.
Lifting her head, Celeste whispered, "I want to kiss you." She swallowed. "I need to kiss you."
The raw want in Celeste's voice brought Amy thudding back to reality. She tensed. Oh God, she thought. Remembering the only one other time in her life she felt this terrified, or this aroused was with this woman, she whispered, "We can't." Her stomach churned with desire. "We can't do this. Not again."
"I know." Celeste groaned. "God, don't I know it!" She pushed away from Amy. Sitting, she hugged her knees.
"Celeste, I-"
"Go, Amy."
Sitting, Amy looked bleakly at her. "Celeste, I want-"
"Please, Amy."
"I-"
"Go!"
Lost, Amy moved closer, and touched Celeste's arm.
Celeste moved quickly. She stood. "I'll go before we do something we'll regret a second time."
Stricken, Amy watched Celeste walk away.
An hour after Amy's return, Fraser Cameron watched his daughter come off the beach, smile at him briefly, then go directly to her room.
After ten minutes and no appearance, Fraser knocked on her bedroom door. He was unsure why she hadn't come back with Amy, and felt slightly uneasy that something had occurred between them. Amy had been exceptionally quiet since her return.
When Celeste opened the door, he noticed that she had changed into a pair of denim shorts and a black v-neck tank top. Even though she looked tense, his heart swelled with pride that he had created such a beauty. He reached out to embrace her and whispered in her ear as he rubbed her head, "All right pumpkin?"
"Enough, Dad," Celeste said affectionately. "I'm not a kid, you know?"
"I know," he replied then smiled. Even though Celeste was thirty-three, he often forgot himself, and treated her as if she were still nine years old. He chuckled and picking her up, swung her around.
She smiled when he put her down. Pleased that the tension had left her face, Fraser took his daughter's hand and led her out to the patio and toward the still smoking grill where he showed her a plate that was piled high with burnt food. "I've saved some for you," he said with pride.
Celeste looked at the plate and lifting her eyebrows looked at her father. "Dad," she said teasingly. "It's a grill. You know the simplest method of cooking since humans harnessed fire. How do you still manage to do this?" she asked pointing at the plate.
"Okay," he answered admonishingly. "Okay. I know it's bad. But you're the one with the passion for cooking, not me."
Wrapping her arms around him, Celeste whispered affectionately, "I love you Dad, but I think it's better I eat out. In fact, I think you should fight the urge to cook in future."
Fraser smiled. Unable to read her expression, he watched her look over at Amy, whose full attention was on the boys. Ruffling his dark grey hair, she said restlessly, "I'm going to go out." She gave him a brief smile before turning to go.
"Okay, Pumpkin," he replied then watched her leave. He picked up a burnt burger, and chewed on it. Out of all his children, Celeste was the one that he worried about most. She was the most complex.
There was no doubt that Fraser was proud of his daughter. When she told them that she wanted to be a doctor, he was delighted. When she volunteered to work in such extreme conditions, he was devastated.
Fraser blamed a lot of her need to get away on her ex Nick. He shook his head ruing the day that she ever met that boy. If he was honest, there was nothing wrong with Nick apart from a strong jealous streak that was exacerbated because the boy wasn't a good match for her.
Clearing the grill, Fraser knew what she needed. She needed to find what Josh had. She needed to find someone that she couldn't control, that was her equal. She needed someone who could see the inner not just the outer beauty. She needed to fall head over heals in love, he decided.
Not knowing what he could do, Fraser closed off the grill. He admired what Celeste did. Over the years with Camille he had traveled many times to where she was based, and seen first-hand how vital her services were. Although he had nothing but the utmost respect for her, he couldn't deny that he wanted her here. He wanted his little girl home, close to her family. He wanted her back where she belonged.
Fraser smiled and thought comfortingly that at least he and Camille did as much as they could to support her. Over the last six years, they worked hard at fundraising for wherever Celeste was. He raised his eyebrows and stopped chewing, he thought, six years. God, is that how long it's been? He shook his head, and frowned when looked over at his wife, acknowledging that although Camille said little, she worried terribly that something might happen to Celeste.
Bud, the family dog, padded over breaking his concentration.
Fraser lowered the plate in his hand. The dog sniffed the plate then promptly turned up his nose.
Chapter 16
Somehow, the boys seemed to sense her animosity, and instinctively tried hard to annoy her.
At twenty-seven, Sophie still lived at home. She told Celeste that she didn't see the need to move out as she had all the mod cons and twenty-four-seven service from their folks. Their mother, Celeste realized, did everything for Sophie, and her sister good-naturedly milked it to the fullest.
Sophie was definitely a nocturnal creature. It was, according to Sophie, more conducive to support two of her favorite habits; booze and cigarettes, and since she could only get Camille to agree to one part of the day when she could indulge in both wholeheartedly, evenings it seemed suited them both.
Celeste knew that their mother was relieved that it was more cigarettes than booze, but that didn't stop her worrying about Sophie's lifestyle.
That night when everyone retired, Sophie encouraged her sister to a nightcap on the beach. Celeste took a bottle of tequila, and Sophie took a pack of cigarettes along with a notepad in case an inspirational moment should strike.
Bud trailed along with them.
They settled on the sand, lit their cigarettes, and took a few slugs of tequila in silence.
Sophie poured tequila into her hand for Bud. "I thought you didn't smoke?"
"I don't," Celeste replied. She took a drag. "I just like the occasional one." She took another. "I thought you hated tequila?"
Sophie smirked. "Yeah, but that was when I was vegetarian."
Celeste's eyebrow quirked, she looked at Sophie in confusion. "What?"
Sophie poured more tequila into her palm, and explained as the dog slurped enthusiastically. "You know the worm thing."
Looking at her sister, Celeste laughed heartily. "God I've missed your wackiness," she said laying back.
Sophie lay back too.
Watching the night sky, they drank tequila.
After a while Sophie asked, "What's going on with you and Amy?"
Surprised, Celeste lifted her head and looked at her sister. Realizing that the tension between them was probably obvious, she replied. "Well. You know. We're just not getting along right now."
Sophie sat up. "No," she said propping herself up. "I'm talking about the sexual tension thing."
Celeste sat bolt upright. "What?"
"Well," Sophie replied as if stating the obvious. "I've seen the way you look at her, and it isn't with sisterly love that's for damn sure."
"Sophie, what planet are you on?" Celeste retorted. "Somehow, you're confusing real life with those goddamn seriously warped books you write."
"They're horror, Cel," Sophie replied sitting. She picked at the black polish on her fingernails. "Good old fashioned, blood curdling horror books." Lighting another cigarette, she added before throwing back some tequila, "Healthy as hell if you ask me."
Bud burped and hit Sophie's leg with his paw for more tequila.
Celeste lay back down. Lifting her head, she watched Sophie pour tequila into her palm. Bud slurped it before settling down next to her. "You indulge him too much," she said. "I'm surprised he's not on a pack a day."
Sophie looked at her. "Cigarettes aren't his thing. He prefers cigars." She patted Bud's head, "Cuban mainly, and the occasional joint."
"You're joking, right?" Celeste said knowing that her sister was capable of anything.
Sophie raised her brow and holding Celeste's gaze replied, "Yes."
Celeste grinned and letting her head fall back, dragged deeply on her cigarette.
"I've just finished reading a book on incest." Sophie said drawing a heart in the sand.
Celeste sat up. She looked at her sister in disbelief. "It isn't incest."
"Ah," Sophie exclaimed as if unearthing the culprit in a murder mystery. "So, you admit that it's not purely platonic?"
Irritated, Celeste frowned. "No!"
Sophie smirked with satisfaction then explained her deduction. "There is a palpable tension between you and Amy, and over the last few days, she has done her best to ignore you and, in recognition of her remoteness you've removed yourself from the situation by spending most of your time exploring the beach a few miles off."
"Ergo, Inspector Clouseau there's sexual tension in the air?" Celeste responded, her lips twitching.
As if deciding something, Sophie eyed her sister for a moment then dragging heavily on her cigarette said in her best Garboesque voice, "No dahling, because I saw you both romp on the beach the other day."
Groaning, Celeste lay back and covering her eyes uttered, "Sophie, what has gotten into you? Lifting her hands from her eyes, she asked defensively, "Why are you spying on people?"
Ignoring Celeste's accusation, Sophie responded, "No, Cel. What has gotten into you?" She ran an arrow through the heart shape. It pointed straight at Celeste. "This is Josh's wife you're messing with!"
Sitting up, Celeste watched Sophie inscribe her own, and someone else's initials in the heart shape.
"I've been having an affair," Sophie confided.
Relieved that her sister had changed the subject, Celeste teased, "You must still be in therapy to reveal that?"
This tickled Sophie, she laughed. "Yes actually, I am, and guess what?" She leaned forward. "I'm having an affair with my therapist!"
Celeste's mouth slackened. She starred at sister. "You're kidding?"
"There's real chemistry."
"Seriously, you're kidding?" Celeste said then grimaced.
Sophie shook her head. "I'm serious."
"I can't believe it!"
Sophie threw up her arms. "Why?"
"Why?" Celeste stared at her sister then shivered. "Because banging old ladies is gross. Jesus, Sophie, isn't she in her seventies?"
Sophie looked at her sister wickedly. "It's not a she, it's a he. A very young, fit he."
Celeste chuckled. "What happened with the woman?"
"She dumped me."
"Why?"
Sophie grinned. "For consistently setting low personal standards and failing to achieve them."
Feeling the tequila kick in, Celeste burst out laughing, Sophie followed. It was a few minutes before either caught their breath.
Celeste lit the cigarette that Sophie passed her.
Sophie slurped from the bottle then wiped her hand over her mouth and asked, "When did you become a rug muncher?"
Shocked, Celeste gagged on the smoke she was inhaling and coughed furiously.
Rushing over, Sophie slapped Celeste hard on the back while holding the bottle to her mouth instructing her to swig.
Eventually, Celeste got her breath back.
Sophie returned to her spot.
Bud growled when Sophie flopped down beside him.
It took a few moments before Celeste's face returned to its normal color.
"I was only joking." Sophie said. "I want you to tell me." She leaned in earnestly. "I really want to know what's happening between you and Amy."
Red eyed, Celeste looked at her sister and said hoarsely, "I thought your crystal ball would have told you that already?"
"It doesn't take a crystal ball. You just need to see the way you look at her."
Celeste slugged tequila and coughed slightly. For a moment, she thought about denying everything, but her sister was like a dog with a bone, so she decided to be vague. "Something happened a while back, before they got married." She waved a hand in the air. "It was," her heart tightened. "It doesn't matter." Wanting to change the subject, she passed the bottle. "You're latest book is pretty horrific."
Evidently pleased, Sophie chuckled. "Thanks."
Propping herself on her elbows, Celeste fell into familiar territory. She teased her sister. "Is your shrink treating you because you're a natural candidate for de-selection?"
Sophie smiled sweetly. "Yeah, it's hard to believe that little ole me beat a million other sperm."
Celeste laughed.
"It's because I'm fuckable and tax returnable," Sophie said. "He charges me for the sessions, but we agreed I was only billable for one of the two sessions a week. He says it makes the accounts look better or something." She wrinkled her nose. "But I go along with it because I get a thrill knowing we go," she bracketed her fingers, "Dutch. You know women's lib and all that."
Celeste nodded. "Is it serious?"
Sophie half smiled then shrugged. "I've done it again."
Celeste raised her eyebrows in concern. "It's okay."
"I've been here before." Sophie dragged on her cigarette, "I'll hurt myself again I'm sure." She put a hand on her heart and swooned, "I love him with all my heart, dahling." She rubbed out the heart shape in the sand and sticking out her chin added with a note of defiance, "It won't be long before he dumps me. Once it becomes too ordinary or once he believes he's sorted out my many neuroses." She looked at Celeste. "You know, he's a man of integrity. He likes to think he's on the job when he's doing the job." She winked. "If you know what I mean!"
"Are you okay with that?"
Sophie looked at Celeste. "It'll end somehow." She shrugged. "These things never work. He likes being married with a family. He gets his kicks out of fucking his patients." She passed the tequila. "Back to you. So, when did you get the hots for Amy?"
"Sophie," Celeste replied in exasperation. "There is nothing between Amy and me!"
"You bet that half French froggie ass of ours there is!"
"No there isn't," Celeste retorted.
Sophie leaned back on her elbows. "Well, if that's true, why have you kept your distance for so long? Why were you two practically making out on the beach like two teenagers in love?"
Looking hard at her sister, Celeste decided there was no point in denying it. "Doesn't the idea of me being attracted to Josh's wife freak you out a little Sophie?"
Sophie shrugged, and said a touch philosophically, "Everyone's on a journey, Cel. Yours just might be a little more convoluted than most! Still, back to you, what do you think Amy will do?"
"Why Amy?" Celeste asked raising her eyebrows. "Why not what I want to do?"
Sophie laughed then drawled, "I already know what you want to do, sugar!"
Impatiently, Celeste ran her fingers through her hair, "It doesn't matter."
Sophie said quietly, "I'm here for you."
"Yes, okay. I admit it," Celeste said then sighed heavily. "The reason I stayed away is because of Josh and Amy. Because," she hesitated, "of who she is."
"Who knew this would happen to you, perfect child?"
Celeste half smiled. "Not another swan song, Sophie."
"Oh c'mon Celeste, you know me, swan songs are my specialty."
Celeste smiled.
"Back to you," Sophie said. "And Amy."
Celeste ran a pile of sand through her fingers. She rested her chin on her knees. "How do they explain things away in the movies; a moment's indiscretion, it finished before it began."
Sophie lilted, "If all that we get we just borrow. If all we then make is just sorrow. C'est la vie," Sophie smiled. "Listen," she said comfortingly. "I see that it isn't all one way."
Celeste gave her an inquisitive look.
"I've been watching how she looks at you. It's clear to me that she's attracted to you."
Her head getting fuzzy, Celeste squinted slightly. "So, what are you telling me? That it's all right to make a move on Josh's wife!"
Sophie spread her hands out. "No!" she replied emphatically. "No! Of course not! C'mon, Celeste, giving you my permission even for me would be a little weird! But there's a connection between you and Amy."
Celeste shook her head.
Sophie shrugged. "Maybe you and I are destined to share the same fate, loving someone else's man," she arched her eyebrow, "or woman in your case?"
Feeling the rawness of Sophie's words, Celeste responded haughtily, "I'm not in love with her." The tequila kicking in fully, she added wryly, "Just very, very, very attracted to her!" Leaning forward, Celeste looked at her sister. "A few years ago, I met someone."
"Boy or girl?"
"Girl."
"Pre or post Nick?"
"Post."
"Did you two get it on?" Sophie asked eagerly.
Celeste eyed her little sister. "Get back to your bridge, you evil troll. Your powers don't work here."
Sophie laughed. "Sorry. Blame the voices. I just do whatever they tell me."
Celeste grinned.
"Was it love?"
Celeste's grin slipped away "Maybe," she replied. "It's difficult to say, it was all so new."
"New in terms of being with a woman?"
"Yes," Celeste pushed her hands through her hair. She sighed. "I guess at college I flirted with the idea, but with Felice..." her voice trailed off.
"What happened?"
"She was killed."
Sophie caught her breath. She looked at Celeste with surprise then honest regret. "I'm sorry."
Celeste nodded slowly. "Me too."
"Why have you never told me this?"
Celeste looked at her sister. She shook her head. "I couldn't. It was too painful."
Sophie eyed Celeste for a while. "Amy, where does she fit in?"
"I don't know," Celeste said. "All I know is that one day I meet my brother's bride-to-be and you're right, I get the hots for her! "She shook her head. "What the hell is all that about. I must be fucked up?"
"Rebound?"
Celeste shook here head. She smiled sadly. "Maybe I need an appointment with your therapist?"
"Nope," Sophie said looking her sister up and down. "Don't you get it yet, sis. Nobody can resist you, not even Amy." She shook her head. "It wouldn't be long before he'd be offering you three maybe five weekly sessions!"
"Dire n'importe quoi!"
"Garbage my ass," Sophie replied. She clicked her tongue. "You're oblivious, aren't you?" She sighed. "That's what makes you so attractive, Cel." She threw out her arms. "The fact that you're beautiful and you don't give a shit about it."
"Give it a rest, Sophie. Not you too."
Sophie laughed. "Fortunately, you've got an amazing personality. So," she shrugged. "As always, I'm prepared to forgive you for not giving a shit for some fucking reason."
"You're drunk."
"I know."
Celeste swigged some tequila. "I don't like it."
"I know."
"Why am I attracted to her?"
"She's hot," Sophie replied. "You're a dyke. The stars shine a night. It's the way things are." She shrugged. "Accept it."
Celeste shook her head.
"Maybe it's a lot to do with your work."
Confused, Celeste looked at her sister. "What do you mean?"
"It makes you see things differently."
"Pardon?"
Lighting the last cigarette, Sophie mumbled something.
"What are you saying?" Celeste asked as Sophie inhaled deeply.
"You see all sides of humanity."
Celeste shrugged.
"With your job you see extremes of human nature, right?"
"Peut être"
"There's no maybe about it." Sophie looked at Celeste. "You go to places where there's war and famine, and all sorts of shit like that."
Knowing that her sister was more than capable of going off on a tangent, Celeste frowned, and tried to figure out what Sophie was telling her. Not sure what she was getting at, she lifted her eyebrows. "And?"
"And, I guess, in some ways it's a privilege to get to see all sides of humanity."
Now completely confused, Celeste asked, "What are you getting at, Sophie?"
"What I'm getting at Celeste," Sophie replied. "Is that where you've been, gives you clarity. What you've seen means that you don't care about the things that someone like me or most people I know care about."
Confused, Celeste replied slowly, "Okay."
"I mean, you don't give a fuck about the rat race or things like material gain or what people think."
Still confused, Celeste looked at Sophie.
"Few of us will leave a legacy," Sophie said looking at Celeste intently. "In a hundred years, who'll give a fuck about what we did, what car we drove, what house we lived in, how we worked, what principles we had? Who'll know or even care about what or who we were. A hundred years from now, no one will care."
"This is all very profound, Sophie, but-"
Sophie interrupted. "But because of what you do. It makes you understand what's important. Makes you understand your own mortality, Celeste. Makes you understand that in reality rules don't mean shit."
"What's your point, Sophie?"
"The point," Sophie replied scrunching the empty cigarette pack. "Is that it makes you less frightened to pursue what you want?"
Suddenly curious, Celeste tilted her head.
"Conforming isn't what you do anymore. You might have taken your time to come back home, but I know you. I know you play down what you feel for Amy. And I can see you're fighting it." Sophie drew in her breath then exhaled slowly."You want to go after her. You want-"
"Enough!" Celeste said raising her hand. Beginning to feel more than a little queasy, she swallowed hard.
Sophie looked at her sister then stood. "I'm going for more cigarettes. Do you want anything?"
Celeste shook her head then looked up at the night sky.
Drops of light rain fell on Celeste's face, sitting up she groaned and held her head. Feeling woozy, she squinted at her watch. Sophie had left over an hour ago.
Celeste tried to organize her thoughts, but the rain began to fall heavily. Standing, she ran to the summerhouse. Once inside, she loosened her wet clothes and rummaged around for a towel. Finding one, she threw it over her head, and began drying her hair. Bending, she loosened a lace on one of her sneakers.
Chapter 17
As a mother-of-two, normally Amy would be asleep before her head hit the pillow, but for the last few nights, unable to forget the incident with Celeste, she had found it almost impossible to sleep, generally tossing and turning until morning. Tonight, too restless to even try, she decided that she needed on a late night walk to tire her out, only to get caught in the sudden downpour.
Amy jumped in shock when she saw Celeste.
Startled, Celeste looked up at Amy. Trying to stand, she caught her lace on her watchstrap. Shaking her arm, she tried to release it.
Transfixed, Amy watched Celeste teeter then lose her balance and fall. All tangled up, Celeste spread across the rug, her body going in one direction, her head the other.
Amy rushed to her rescue.
"Are you okay"
"What do you think?"
Amy tried not to laugh. Seeing the normally cool, calm Celeste thrash around the room and fall flat on her ass was priceless.
Tangled on the floor, Celeste glared up at Amy. "It isn't funny!"
Helping her, Amy replied soothingly, "I know. It was just so... unexpected."
Once free, Celeste shot up. The speed of her action caused Amy to stagger back and fall against the wall. The air rushed from her lungs when Celeste's full weight fell against her.
Celeste took full advantage of her position, leaning back only slightly she positioned her hands on either side of Amy's head, trapping her. She looked Amy over carefully then fixed her with a gaze. Hiccupping, she pouted her bottom lip.
Amy's head dropped and she tried to stop her laughter. She struggled but unable to stop, it bubbled over. Eventually, gaining some control, she lifted her head and looked directly into Celeste's frowning face. Clearing her throat, she tried to look serious. She inspected the light swelling. It was evident from the reddening on Celeste's temple that she would have a mark tomorrow.
Gently, Amy said as if talking to one of her sons, "You'll have wee mark tomorrow, but nothing to worry about."
Celeste gave Amy a lazy smile. "What are you doing here?"
Suddenly aware of how close they were, Amy straightened, and placing her hands against Celeste's shoulders tried to push her away. Instead of moving, Celeste astonished Amy by pressing her gently against the wall.
Looking into troubled blue eyes, Celeste grasped Amy's right hip.
Surprised, Amy exhaled sharply then sucked in air when Celeste hand ran down the side of her wet denim cut offs.
Looking intently at her, Celeste whispered, "Do you remember that night, in your apartment?"
Speechless, Amy stared into Celeste's dark eyes.
Celeste leaned in. Amy felt her hot breath on her ear. "I do."
The hairs on the back of Amy's neck stood.
Hesitating briefly, Celeste let her fingers trail down Amy's bare thigh then slowly back up, stopping only when she reached the hem of Amy's cut offs. Making eye contact, her hand slid further up her thigh. "In fact, I've never managed to get it out of my mind."
Amy closed her eyes and swallowed hard. Her eyes flew open and widened in shock when Celeste's fingers began an exploratory journey up and down the length of her thigh, climbing higher each time.
"When I look at you," Celeste whispered. "I want to see my brother's wife, but I don't. All I see is someone I want."
Amy caught her ragged breath; Celeste was stroking the top of her inner thigh.
Breathing heavily, Celeste leaned her head gently on Amy's. "I know it's selfish," she said lifting her head when her hand reached its target. "I know your Josh's wife and I shouldn't touch you like this, but I'm finding it harder and harder to fight this."
Groaning, Amy involuntarily pushed her hips forward. Dismayed by her body's betrayal and attempting to fight her growing desire, she pleaded, "Celeste. I'm begging you-"
"Begging me to what?" Celeste asked studying Amy intently. "To stop?" She lowered her dark lashes. "It doesn't feel like you want me to stop."
Ashamed by the extent of her arousal, Amy's face suffused with color.
Celeste started the slow trail again. Looking deeply into Amy's eyes, she brushed her lips over her mouth. "I know," she said throatily. "That tomorrow we'll want to deny this ever happened, but tonight Amy," she whispered, "I need you."
Lifting Amy's tee shirt, Celeste stroked her stomach.
Amy's nipples stiffened in response. Closing her eyes briefly, she shivered with pleasure.
Celeste brushed her lips over Amy's mouth again then asked with a note of vulnerability, "Do you want me?"
Amy's stomach flipped, her insides tightened, a bolt of desire shot down her spine, but she said nothing.
A shock of electricity ran through Amy when Celeste kissed her. She swallowed visibly when the brunette slowly withdrew her hands, and pulled away.
Unable to hold back any longer, Amy surrendered. Shaking heavily, she ran her tongue over her lips before hungrily reaching for Celeste. "Do I want you," she replied huskily as she gripped Celeste's arms and pulled her close. "God, I want you so badly, I can barely breathe!"
Celeste knew from the moment they fell against the wall that she didn't care about the consequences. All she cared about was how good it felt to have Amy against her. Never breaking eye contact, and wanting to rip away anything that was between them, she quickly undid the top button of Amy's cut offs. Loosening the rest, she pushed the denim over her hips and down her thighs. They dropped to the floor.
Impatiently, Celeste kicked the shorts out of the way. Placing a hand against the wall, she slipped the other between Amy's thighs, urgently seeking her warmth.
Amy groaned. Celeste closed her eyes briefly. Amy was so wet she knew instinctively that she would come quickly. Wanting to keep the moment alive, she teased Amy slowly, touching her everywhere but avoiding her swollen clit.
Amy moaned. "Don't tease," she said in frustration. Spreading her fingers through Celeste's hair, she yanked it gently.
In response, Celeste pinched Amy's clit.
Amy spread her legs and groaned for entry, "Inside. Please. Go inside me."
Celeste moaned, but held back.
"I need you inside me, Celeste!"
Celeste slowly pushed inside her.
Amy moaned loudly and placing both hands on Celeste's shoulders rocked her hips to relieve the increasing pressure. "More!" she groaned spreading her legs further.
Pushing in deeper, Celeste caught her breath when Amy lips brushed over her neck. She whispered. "Please."
A groan left Celeste's throat. Her thumb pressed against Amy's clit, she increased speed. Placing her lips gently at the base of Amy's neck, she bit.
Amy's surged forward and cried out, "Yessssss... Aaaaaggggggh!"
Celeste closed her eyes and worked Amy until her hips surged forward one final time.
A deep groan left Celeste's mouth. On fire, she instinctively took Amy's hand and placed it between hers thighs. Holding it tight, and still inside Amy, she moved against her. Already driven over the edge with Amy's repeated moans, within seconds, she came.
Breathing heavily, Amy tried to move, but Celeste, catching her own breath, pushed Amy's shoulder firmly against the wall. Shaking her head, she made it clear that they weren't going anywhere. She watched the color drain from Amy's face.
Breathing heavily, Celeste faced the truth; her desire for this woman was beyond anything she had ever experienced.
"Celeste, I-"
"Ssshhh," she whispered kissing Amy's neck.
Celeste wondered what the connection was between them. Like Amy, she didn't want this. She had plans that involved her staying here, being close to her family, but she couldn't go on like this. She couldn't continue to feel this intense yearning. They needed to do something.
Celeste finally accepted that the only thing to do was to burn this attraction out. Slowly, she removed her fingers and half smiled when Amy let out a sigh of relief.
When Amy tried to straighten, Celeste pushed her fingers back inside. She gently thrust then slid her thumb over Amy's clit. She watched with pleasure, Amy's eyes widen with surprise, narrow with protest then finally fill with need.
Amy's hips pushed forward then back meeting Celeste's rhythm. Her head dropped to rest on Celeste's shoulder.
Celeste pushed into Amy and knew by her response that already it wouldn't be long. Her own desire was also building quickly. She closed her eyes, and tried to find the strength to stop. She desperately needed to leave Amy hungry for more.
Celeste felt Amy's insides contract.
Amy pushed her face into Celeste's neck, and moaned as she worked toward orgasm.
Celeste slowed.
"Don't stop," Amy muffled. "Oh God, I can't believe what you do to me. I need you. Don't stop. Please."
When Amy next pushed her hips forward, Celeste slipped her fingers out. She pushed away.
Head snapping back, Amy looked at Celeste in shock. Her arms reached out, but Celeste quickly moved out of reach.
Amy's arms fell to her sides. Straightening, she leaned against the wall and looked at Celeste with confusion.
Celeste watched Amy struggle to regain some composure. She waited until she had her full attention then moved toward her. Raising her left hand, she looked at the glistening wetness on her fingers. "I wonder what you taste like?" she asked running her wet fingers along the inside of the Amy's lips.
A look of horror crossed Amy's face. She spat the taste out. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she stared at Celeste in shock surprise.
Stepping back, Celeste smiled at her. She placed all three fingers into her mouth and sucked on them.
Turning, Celeste left the summerhouse with the glorious image of Amy's jaw gaping open and raw desire pooling in her eyes.
Walking toward the house, Celeste was fully aware that she had unleashed something in them. She only hoped it would be quickly satisfied for both their sakes.
Chapter 15
Amy woke with a start when the boys jumped on her bed. They shouted excitedly. "Daddy's here, Daddy's here."
"Wowwhhh," she said. Sitting, she hugged the boys to her. Teasing them, she kissed their faces all over and at the same time tried to stop Christopher's hands from pulling on her hair. She didn't succeed.
Josh smiled and watched fascinated as Amy carefully unraveled her hair from Christopher's small pudgy hands. Entranced, he watched his wife successfully remove her hair from their son's clutches. Reach out the bedside cabinet and retrieve a hair clasp. The action caused the bed sheet to fall away and reveal her firm and full breasts.
Surprised that she was nude, Josh's heart jack hammered. He watched her straightened up, pull the bed sheets around her, pile her honey dew hair up, and clasp it.
Josh smiled when Amy lovingly lifted Christopher up and cuddled him to her. He grinned when she rubbed her nose with his, and looking at his boys, felt proud that they were a good mix of their parents. They had his dark hair and complexion, but Amy's fine features, and their green eyes a mixture of theirs.
Wanting Amy up, Ryan jumped up and down on the bed. "Mommy," he said, "Daddy's here...Daddy's here!"
Amy reached out a hand to stop Ryan.
Christopher noticed Josh and squealed, "Daddy."
Josh entered the room and made his way to the bed. Grabbing both boys, he ruffled their dark hair playfully.
"Jossssh," Amy said in frustration as he messed their hair.
The boys yelled, "Oh Mom!" as she tried to sort their unruly mops. They wriggled away, rolled off the bed, and began play fighting on the floor.
Squinting, Amy looked at the clock. Her eyes widened in surprise, it was ten in the morning. She looked at the boys; they were fully dressed. Camille must have decided to let her sleep in this morning.
Amy tensed when Josh sat beside her. Her stomach tightened as last night's encounter flooded her mind.
Josh sighed and reclined against the headboard. He ran his hand down Amy's bare back, resting it lightly at the base of her spine.
Unable to stop herself, Amy stiffened when his hand moved around her waist and up toward her breast. Turning to face Josh, she whispered, "Not now."
"I know, honey," he said stroking the side of her breast lightly. "I can take them downstairs?"
"No...it...it would be too obvious."
"When?" he asked, removing his hand.
Amy visibly relaxed. "Soon," she replied then swallowed. Turning, she hugged him tightly. "I'm so happy to see you."
Josh wrapped his arms around her.
She snuggled into him and asked, "Everything sorted?"
"Yeah," he said pulling her closer. "I...." Josh's words were lost as he nuzzled into Amy's neck.
Amy pulled away and turned to look out the window. "Look how beautiful the morning is," she said wanting to get up. "Let's get ready for the beach. We'll have some time together tonight."
Josh looked at her then smiled. "Okay," he said sounding satisfied. He then herded the boys out of the room.
Amy watched them leave. Her heart sank. For the first time since knowing Josh, she dreaded the thought of spending time alone with him. Not wanting to think anymore, she threw the duvet back and headed for the shower. Opening the glass panel, she stepped inside and turned on the spray, letting the cool water hit her, she tried to block out the memories, but couldn't. Unable to stop the vivid replay of the most intense orgasm of her life, she groaned and rested her head against the tiled wall. Last night, she knew she hadn't been aware of anything. Not who she was or what she was doing. She was only aware of Celeste.
Closing her eyes, Amy groaned when her groin throbbed at the memory of Celeste coming. She pressed her head hard against the tiles aware that one light touch would make her orgasm. Anger flared up inside her, wrapping her arms tightly around herself, and tried to block out of the image of being with Celeste.
Amy moved from the wall and leaned her head against the shower glass, realizing that from her response last night, she was completely powerless around Celeste. Mentally, she grappled with the knowledge that Celeste, if she decided, could break down any barrier she put up. She bit her bottom lip hard as her mind movie reeled the encounter. She thought about telling Josh, as she had intended on her wedding day then grimaced, remembering that all she succeeded in doing that day was seriously hyperventilating.
Pressing her head against the glass, Amy realized that she couldn't tell Josh. Divorce would be inevitable. Josh would never live with such a betrayal. Who could? Straightening, she thought about what her father went through. Turning off the shower, Amy swore resolutely to herself that no matter what, nothing would ever happen with Celeste again. She and Josh would never become a divorce statistic.
Not wanting to think any more than necessary, Amy dried herself then threw on a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. Tying her hair back, she straightened her shoulders then headed downstairs.
Entering the kitchen, Amy was filled with dread at the thought of seeing Celeste. Eyes focused on the steaming coffee pot, she headed straight for it, and poured a cup.
Camille entered the kitchen, "Bonjour, mon chéri," she said brightly. Coming up to Amy, she kissed lightly on both cheeks.
"Are you hungry?" she asked affectionately.
Amy's stomach turned. She shook her head.
"Feeling slightly the worse for wear, no?"
Blushing, Amy stared into her coffee mug.
"Qui?" Camille teased moving toward the coffee pot.
Amy watched Camille take a China cup from the cupboard, and pour a small cup of coffee.
"Celeste mentioned that you stayed up very late last night."
Amy choked on her coffee.
Camille looked at Amy. "Are you all right?"
Amy gulped the coffee down. "I'm fine. The coffee is...stronger than I expected."
"That's strange. The coffee measure is the same as always. You have never had a problem before?"
Amy shrugged.
Camille carefully placed two sugar cubes in her cup.
"Celeste said that you needed to sleep this morning," Camille said stirring her coffee. "Do you realize that she left early?"
Amy shook her head, and gave her coffee cup her full attention.
"Oh," Camille replied with a note of disappointment. She leaned against the kitchen counter. "She did mention something about going to see Alex."
Amy didn't say anything.
Camille held her cup in both hands. "I asked her what could be so urgent that she must leave so soon." She raised the cup to her mouth. "She said something about making up her mind?" Camille looked at Amy for a moment before sipping her coffee. "I do not understand why she is so secretive. Do you?"
Desperate to give nothing away, Amy shook her head slowly.
Camille took another sip of coffee then grumbled, "I mean what is it that she is making her mind up to do?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Keep a baby, because she is pregnant?"
Amy gulped. Pregnant!
Gesturing grandly, Camille continued, "Is she making her mind up to bring not a boyfriend, or fiancée but a husband home to meet her parents, like she did with Nick?"
Amy's eyes widened. Husband!
Camille put down her cup. "I don't know what is going on?"
Amy blinked a few times before realizing that everything Camille had said was conjecture.
"Merde," Camille sighed. "Je ne le comprends pas?" Nodding her head, she arched an eyebrow, and looked at the door. "Zzzooommm," she added with some annoyance. "She was out of the door before I could ask her."
Looking at Amy, Camille's tone changed to one of curiosity. "Anyway, she specifically said to give you a message that she will see you soon."
Amy shivered slightly, Camille's mannerisms reminded her so much of Celeste.
"What does she mean by that?"
Amy shrugged. A fleeting sense of relief that Celeste wasn't here washed over her, but aware of how sharp Camille was and intent on not giving any indication of her inner turmoil, she responded nonchalantly, "I don't know."
"Do you know what," Camille said looking at Amy, a hint of pain showing in her eyes. "I cannot understand what Celeste wants!"
Amy eyes opened wide. You and me both, she thought.
Camille sighed. "I worry for her." She lowered her head. "She has an honorable profession, and I am so proud of her. But it is all consuming, and that worries me."
Amy held her breath it was unusual for Camille to confide in her.
"I do not expect anything. But I hope," she looked at Amy. "I only hope that she will find someone special." Camille moved closer to her. "I want her to be happy like you." She smiled. "I want her to settle down and have children. I mean," she clicked her tongue. "She is in her thirties now." Camille shook her head. "But when I ask her, she is always so...vague." She gently rubbed Amy's cheek. "It is a mother's instinct to want her children to settle down and be happy. You know that now that you are a mother." She lifted her eyebrows, and looked at Amy. "I think she trusts you. I know she is fond of you."
Amy visibly swallowed. Unable to keep eye contact, she bent her head.
Placing a hand under Amy's chin, Camille lifted it, and regarded her. "I know she confides in Josh," she said quietly. "But he is as closed mouth as she is. Will you at least talk to Celeste about what her future plans are?"
Desperately uncomfortable, Amy quickly nodded then pulled away from Camille. For something to do she refilled her cup, and attempted to change the subject. "Where's Sophie?" she asked then closed her eyes realizing that was a big mistake.
"Mon Dieu!" Camille uttered then went off on a tangent about how Sophie probably wouldn't surface until noon and that she, too, needed to find herself someone to love. Camille concluded. "If they were only a little more like you, Amy then I would be a happy woman!"
Blushing, Amy bowed her head in shame. If only you knew Camille, she thought. If only you knew.
Amy listened to Camille's chatter for a while before looking out through the patio doors. She watched Josh play with the boys. They're your priority, she told herself.
Watching her husband play with the children, Amy's world slowly righted itself.
To Camille's evident surprise, Amy hugged her then kissed her cheek. She whispered, "Merci."
Sounding slightly confused Camille replied as she hugged Amy back, "You're welcome, mon chéri." She stood back. "You must eat, darling." She looked her daughter-in-law over. "You have always had a lovely figure, but you will get scrawny if you do not eat."
Amy shook her head. "I'm fine."
"Mmmm, I know what you working mothers are like; busy, busy, busy. All work and no play, huh!" Camille rolled her eyes disapprovingly then clicked her tongue. "But listen to me, you need to eat." She opened the fridge. "Now let's see what we can get you for breakfast."
Chapter 18
It was early Friday morning, and they were driving to the Keys to spend the weekend with some friends.
Bemused, Celeste watched Alex carefully un-wrap a sandwich from his well-stocked picnic basket. She shook her head when he offered it to her. Food, she thought swallowing a bitter taste in her mouth, was the last thing on her mind.
Celeste watched Alex bite into his sandwich. He groaned loudly with satisfaction. She laughed softly. She adored Alex. Ever since they were at grade school, they had been close, and, now, he taught English literature at their old high school.
Alex ate his sandwich and chatted. Celeste half listened. Normally, she would have enjoyed this journey, but today too much was on her mind. She couldn't go on like this, she realized, not after the summerhouse a few nights ago. She needed Alex help rationalize what was happening. Deciding to confide in him, she said quietly, "Alex..."
Alex stopped chattering content that Celeste was now relaxed enough to talk. Since she had arrived a few days ago, it was clear that she was completely preoccupied.
"Yes."
Celeste gave him a quick smile, drew in a breath then proceeded to tell him everything. When she finished, they drove in silence for a while.
Alex wasn't surprised that Celeste was attracted to women. He had always thought it since they were teenagers, and he was to this day sure that her marriage to Nick only happened because he was the first guy that she was really attracted to and, even then, the attraction didn't last too long.
Alex remembered how shocked he was when Celeste announced to him over dinner one night that she had secretly married Nick. Although stunned, he gave her words of support, but knew immediately that it was a mistake. It wasn't until much later that Celeste admitted that the only successful thing about the marriage was the wedding day.
Amy! He thought in shock. My God, she's into Amy!
Although, Alex had his suspicions about Celeste's sexuality, he learned early in their friendship that Celeste was the type that you couldn't probe for information. She would only tell you what she wanted you to know when she wanted you to know it. He always knew she would talk to him when she was ready. Sitting in the car, he asked a question that had been on his mind for a long time.
"Tell me about Felice?"
Celeste looked at him.
"Was there something going on between you two?"
"Yes, Alex," Celeste replied. "There was something between us."
"I thought so."
Celeste frowned. "But, we didn't get much of a chance to explore it fully."
He smiled sadly. "I understand."
Alex understood that Celeste had gone through a rough time when Felice died. He also knew that she worked in conditions he could barely fathom. Celeste rarely spoke about her work, and they never discussed her personal life too much because he instinctively knew that when they got time together, which wasn't often these last few years, she needed him to be upbeat.
Sucking, in his breath Alex exhaled slowly. "I should have realized something was wrong when you took off before the wedding?"
Celeste glanced at him. "What else could I do?" Her hands gripped the wheel. "When I found out she was pregnant. Well." She sighed. "There was no other option. We couldn't take it any further." She looked at Alex, "And, if I'm honest, I wasn't ready to explore any more than a one time event. Felice had just been killed, and emotionally, I was a mess."
Alex screwed up his face and thought that it had been so a 'one-time event' it scared her enough to stay away for years. He sighed. Seeing Hailey's comet, he knew, was a one-time event, this thing with Amy he wasn't so sure where it would end.
"And now?"
"And now it's different."
Alex wondered how it would have been if Amy hadn't been pregnant. Maybe they would have gotten together. He realized it didn't matter now, his job, as her friend, was to discourage her from making this mess any bigger than it already was.
Celeste glanced at Alex before focusing on the road. "Are you going to say anything?"
"I really love you, Celeste. But no matter how you look at it, she's your brother's wife, your sister-in-law." He tapped his head. "The mother of your blood nephews, that alone should set off major leave well alone warning bells in your head?"
"Jesus, of course it does!" Celeste bit back. "But I've explained to you what happened-"
"I know," Alex interrupted. "But tell me have you been with another woman apart from Felice," he hesitated. "And Amy?"
Celeste nodded.
Pleased, Alex smiled. He knew that in the last few years, Celeste had barely been in a country were defining her sexuality was important. Getting on with saving lives was the important thing, but it was reassuring that she'd been with other women. Less chance of fixating, he thought.
"Good, then let's me make it easy. This weekend, you can have whatever and whoever you want." He smiled broadly. "Let me tell you, sweetie. You can have your pick." He shook his head when Celeste opened her mouth. "Except, you know who!" He clapped his hands together. "Anyway, you've told me how you feel, but what about Amy? What does she feel? I mean surely she must be confused?"
Celeste didn't respond.
"What's Amy's take on all of this?"
Celeste gave him a vulnerable look.
Alex sighed. He was going to have to be gentle with her. "Okay. Do you want the long or short version of what I think?"
"The short."
Alex decided to be brutally honest. "Fucking your sister-in-law is wrong." He ran a finger down his palm. "Let's have a look through the moral code chart." He tapped his palm. "Coveting your brother's wife. Now where would that be?" He hummed for a moment. "Yup, found it." He looked pensive. "It's where I thought it would be." He clicked his tongue. "It's right up there on the priority list. That," he said showing Celeste his empty palm, "is an all points bulletin. Catch-em and hang-em, it says here."
Celeste shook her head.
"She's married, Celeste. To your friggin' brother," Alex said. Flipping the visor down, he checked himself out. "In my book that means very fucking messy." He flipped the visor up, and wanting to get his point across added. "If I know Amy, this will be tearing her apart." He raised his eyebrows. "I'm assuming you know the baggage between Amy and her mother?"
Celeste sighed heavily.
Knowing his words were hurting her, but knowing she needed to hear the truth, Alex continued, "According to Maggie, Amy has never forgiven Irene," he bracketed his fingers, "for having an affair. The very same affair that caused her father to fall apart leaving Amy to pick up the pieces. Hence, the reason that she has never forgiven Irene. Ergo any psychologist will tell you she is an A-one classic type. That's the type that place serious, and I mean serious, emotional trappings on being in a monogamous relationship."
Alex drew breath, and waited for a moment. "I really am being serious. I know you've been away and I know what I'm saying might hurt you, but you've still been on the same planet, right?" He looked to Celeste for acknowledgement. She nodded. "So you do know about the issues she has with Irene?"
"Yes."
"Then you must know that the only thing you've truly been fucking is her mind?"
Celeste winced. Her shoulders stiffened. "Is that what you think? That I'm playing a game?"
Alex shrugged. "Well what else can it be? Look at you." He opened his hands. "You're gorgeous. You could literally have anyone you wanted." He shook his head. "Don't you think that it's more than a little fucked up that you chose to ignore all the unattached, solvent, solid in the head, good lesbian citizens of the world, and go for what should be the most unobtainable woman on the planet to you?"
Celeste breathed in deeply then exhaled. "It's not like that," she responded. "In all honesty, Alex, I have never been so attracted to anyone the way I am to her." She glanced at him. "And I know exactly who she is." She shook her head. "I know that it is completely inappropriate for this...it...whatever it is between us to happen." Her grip tightened on the wheel. "But, Goddamit, I want her."
"Want?" Alex said waving a hand in the air. "So what, Celeste? There isn't a day goes by that I don't want Mr. Richmond, our old sports teacher. But that doesn't mean I'm going to hunt him down and break up his marriage!" Although, Alex thought dreamily, with those thighs, I might if I thought I had a chance. "It's a crush Celeste," he added dismissively. "Nothing more. You'll get over it."
Celeste, staring ahead, replied firmly, "It's more than that."
Alex bowed his head. She was right, of course. It had to be much more than that. This kind of thing was definitely not her style. But, he thought. This is some serious shit, and the repercussion could be horrific.
Alex loved the Cameron family like his own and the last thing he wanted was a meteoric rift if the family found out, and he knew for sure that they would find out if Celeste didn't stop this. Whatever else, he decided that she needed a reality check. He said quietly, "What about Josh?"
Celeste visibly paled.
Alex hammered home. "It would destroy him if he ever found out!"
Celeste nodded. "I know."
Alex meant to whisper dramatically but instead hissed. "Are you prepared to take the risk?" He raised his eyebrows, but Celeste completely ignored his dramatic flair.
Celeste exhaled deeply. "I want to say no." She glanced at him. "But I don't know anymore." She focused on the road. "I honestly don't know what to do."
Alex touched her arm. Jeez, she has it bad, he thought. "Darlin, it's simple. You need to find a new playmate. I only wish that you had told me all this a few years ago. Then, you wouldn't have had to deal with it on your own. I would have introduced you to a few bombshells, and let me tell you, one touch of their buzzzzoms," he put his hands about a foot out in front of his chest to emphasize his point, "would wipe your hard drive clean of any memory of blondie."
Celeste laughed. "Alex," she said shaking her head. "Are you sure you're an English teacher? You're beginning to sound more like the wayward kids you teach at high school."
He smirked. "You gotta' move with the times, baby."
Alex watched Celeste shrug a few times, obviously trying to relax.
"Alex, I'm not trying to fuck with her mind." She shook her head "I can't explain it."
"No need sugar," Alex replied patting her on the shoulder. "I was saving this for later." He reached into the picnic basket at his feet, and brought out a bottle of champagne. "Let me explain it to you," he said removing the foil. Putting on his best air steward voice, he announced as he popped the cork, "Welcome. Welcome from Closetville to Pinksville, USA." Stretching out his arms he shouted, "Pinksville welcomes you with an open heart and hopes you enjoy your very long stay."
Alex slugged from the bottle then unceremoniously wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Celeste looked at him in surprise.
"WHAT!" he said looking at her. "One of us has to celebrate at your coming out party."
Celeste glanced at him. "You," she said pointedly, "Can shove Pinksville straight up your ass."
Slugging some more from the bottle, Alex smacked his lips together. Sniggering, he replied eagerly, "Tonight, baby, I intend to!"
Chapter 19
"That's a deal," Celeste replied smiling warmly.
"And next time you see your brother," Charlie, Marie's husband said hugging Celeste. "Tell him I'll be in town in a few weeks, and I'll be calling him for a round of golf."
"Goodnight, guys," Alex said. Impatiently, he pulled on Celeste's arm. "I'll see you both when I'm next down. And remember." He huffed as Celeste resisted. "Give little Charlie a kiss goodnight from me when you get home."
That evening Alex had insisted that after their meal they go to a gay bar, and now he wanted to go to a club. Their old school friends, Maria and Charlie made their excuses, needing to get home to let the babysitter go.
"Okay, Alex," Marie said warmly. "I'm sorry we can't come to club. But, hey, having a kid means that you forfeit that after midnight pass."
"Don't worry," Celeste said holding her ground as Alex pulled. "You're not going to miss anything other than Alex doing his ugly sister act if he doesn't get his way."
Alex stuck out his tongue, "Whatever, Cinderella! The night is young, and I'm out to find my Prince Charming."
Trying to ignore Alex pulling on her arm, Celeste kissed the couple good night, promising to call them soon.
Walking away, Alex excitedly explained that he had arranged to meet a dark haired sports teacher he had met in the bar earlier.
"When?" Celeste asked in surprise. "You were with us all evening."
"Cruising, baby, is an art form." He eyed a guy as he passed them by. "It takes practice. But once you've got it nailed, you'll never look back."
"Alex," Celeste said shaking her head. "What has happened to you in the last few years?
"Cock, sweetie." He grinned. "I can't resist it." He looked at Celeste mischievously. "At the end of the day, I guess I'm just a good old fashioned meat and two veg kinda guy."
Celeste smiled then quirked an eyebrow in surprise at the hungry look in Alex's eyes as a leather-clad guy over took them.
Once in the club, Celeste settled on a sofa and let Alex fight his way to the bar. She looked out to the dance floor and felt the buzz from the wine at dinner, and the tequila shots at the bar. Letting the warm, fuzzy alcoholic haze wash over her, she leaned back then stretched her long legs out. She closed her eyes. No sooner had she closed them than Alex roused her. Handing her a drink, he budged her up the sofa.
Full of energy, Alex tapped her leg. "Let's hope he's here," he said loudly in her ear before scanning the whole area.
Celeste closed her eyes.
Alex shook her, and began a conversation that would get her attention. "Okay, I accept that you are very, very physically attracted to Amy. I can see why. She's hot." He looked at her. "There is no doubt that she is one seriously gorgeous girl."
Celeste looked at him.
"Don't you think?"
"Of course."
"Let's see," Alex said. Holding out his hand, he began ticking off his fingers. "She has bone structure that I would mortgage my home for." He looked at Celeste. "She's blonde, a natural one at that. She's got those amazing blue eyes." He rubbed his forehead. "How would you describe the color?"
"Turquoise blue," Celeste responded. "Turquoise is the word you're looking for."
"Yes." Alex said. His eyes twinkled mischievously. "She has great tits. I mean really, really great tits." He smiled wickedly. "Have you noticed that?"
Celeste raised an eyebrow, and fought hard not to grin, but she couldn't resist. "They should be asset tagged."
Alex laughed. "Yeah," he said slapping his thigh. "They'll be well up on your register." He wagged a finger. "But, look around you, honey, there's a lot of candy in the store tonight."
Celeste sat up, yawned then stretched. She wondered if she could excuse herself soon, and asked absentmindedly, "Is that a challenge Mr. Forrester?"
"Uh-huh," Alex replied then waved to someone at the bar.
Celeste looked over to where Alex was waving, and watched a dark haired woman make her way over.
Once she got closer, Alex budged Celeste up, and motioned for the woman to join them. Seated between them, Alex looked at Celeste then smiled. "I would like to introduce you to an old friend of mine, Robin Fernandez."
The phone ringing Celeste, lying on her stomach, pulled her hand out from under the pillow and reached for it. Unable to find it, she lifted her head only to let it flop down when a blinding pain shot through her temple. "Uurrgghh," she moaned. But to her annoyance, the phone continued to ring.
Lifting her hand, Celeste tried again. Eyes closed, feeling tentatively around, she patted the air. Eventually, remembering she was in a hotel room, she unwillingly opened one eye, blearily found what she was looking for, and croaked into the receiver, "What?"
Alex cooed at the other end, "Morning sweetie. Thought I would give you a morning call since you were so, so, so tight last night."
Celeste tried to make out the time on the nightstand, but couldn't focus. Her other eye refusing to open, she managed to squeeze another sound out of her voice box. "What time is it?"
"It's time to tell you what happened last night, sweetie."
Celeste's mind drew a blank. She vaguely remembered going to a club, and drinking lots of tequila. She groaned and tried not to think any more as it made her head hurt. She murmured, "Where are you Alex?" Remembering, she asked, "Did you find your teacher?"
"I'm next door. And no honey, I didn't find him, but I didn't go home empty handed." He laughed then added wickedly, "And neither did you!"
Just as Celeste was about to ask him what the hell he was talking about, a hand snaked across her back, and rested on her shoulder. Stunned, she froze.
Like a sinister voice-over in a horror film, Alex whispered into the phone, "Yes Celeste. Eventually, I managed to prize that gorgeous hot blooded Latina off you long enough to get us all into a cab."
Shocked, Celeste didn't move or say a word. Lying prostrate, she felt light kisses feather their way down her back. She gulped when the full weight of a body pressed into her and a female voice moaned in her ear, "Good morning, darling. Do you have any idea how wonderful you were last night?"
Celeste stiffened further when hips pressed into hers, and started to move.
Alex knew from the moment that Celeste picked up the phone, because she didn't cuss him out, that she didn't have a clue that she was sharing her bed. He heard her sharp intake of breath. But you know now, he thought. Don't you honey! "Where's Robin?" he asked mischievously.
Celeste didn't say a word.
Alex couldn't help but find the whole situation highly amusing. He asked teasingly, "Is she next to you?"
Celeste replied slowly, "Uh-huh."
"Where?"
Celeste didn't reply.
Not thinking that she really was, Alex asked, "Is she on top of you?"
Celeste whispered, "Uh-huh."
Putting his hand over the receiver, Alex laughed hard. He could only imagine what Robin was up to. He removed his hand and whispered, "Celeste, let me tell you a little about the woman that's on top of you." He dragged out the words 'on top of you', taking real pleasure in them. "Her name is Robin Fernandez and she's very beautiful."
Alex paused for a moment when he heard Robin moan. He grinned before continuing with her resume. "She's twenty-nine years old, and a Gemini. So don't let her get pissed at you. She's a lawyer, a very successful one at that, and she comes from old money. She is very solvent, very stunning, a very sharp dresser, and sharp talker. She's very particular about who she wants. And she very, very, much wants you." He coughed lightly. "As I'm sure you realize."
"Je ne le crois pas!"
Alex chuckled "You better believe it, sweetie."
"Comment est-ce c'est arrivé?"
"Well, it happened because there was wine, song, and serenade. Need I say more?"
"Je ne me souviens de rien."
"I'm not surprised you can't remember a thing. We were all pretty drunk-"
"-Raccroche le téléphone, Celeste," Robin said.
Celeste exhaled sharply. "Fuck."
Alex sniggered when he heard Celeste cuss.
Robin murmured, "Hier soir était stupéfiant."
Listening, Alex thought that if their night was that good then he should definitely hang up the phone, but feeling a twinge of guilt that he had been more than a little involved in orchestrating the events of the evening, including getting Celeste tight, he lingered. Then about to hang up, he heard Celeste whisper, "Alex!"
Hearing the panic in her voice, Alex felt a wave of guilt knowing when he called Robin yesterday afternoon that the moment she saw Celeste, she wouldn't be able to keep her hot Latina hands off his friend. He pressed the phone to his ear listened then smiled. It was obvious that Robin was having a good time, but he couldn't be sure about Celeste. Deciding to put her out of her misery and come to her rescue, he whispered heroically, "I'll be there in two ticks."
Celeste put the phone down slowly, not able to believe that some stranger was on top of her grinding. She squeezed her eyes tight, and tried to recall what happened after they left the club. Everything too hazy, she opened her eyes, and sucked in air.
Robin murmured sensuously in her ear.
Smooth, Celeste thought. At any other time being told that she was the most beautiful woman ever would be a huge compliment. Particularly given that it was first thing in the morning, she was bleary-eyed, and her breath could knock out a rhino.
Robin kissed the nape of Celeste's neck.
Celeste tensed.
Robin was making her way down Celeste's back when the door rattled.
Jumping out of bed, Celeste grabbed for something to cover herself. Quickly, she headed for the door, and threw it open to a grinning Alex.
"Breakfast, anyone?" Alex squeaked when she grabbed him by the collar, and pulled into the room.
In the bathroom, getting dressed, Celeste almost throttled Alex when she heard him ask Robin to join them for breakfast.
During breakfast, Robin asked if they would like to go sailing with her that afternoon. Alex immediately jumped at the offer, and because they had nothing planned, and short of being rude, Celeste accepted her invitation.
The afternoon was a strange experience for Celeste. Robin's touch was intimate throughout the day, but she was having difficulty remembering the night before. Although her memory was returning, right now, snippets of Robin literally ripping her clothes off were all she had.
It had been years since Celeste had been that tight. Head slightly sore, she recalled a clear memory of Alex toasting her return. She frowned, remembering many celebratory toasts. Realizing there was a constant supply of tequila, she looked Alex aware now that it was deliberate.
Alex smiled at her sweetly.
Celeste smiled back. Surprisingly, the afternoon wasn't a complete disaster. She was actually enjoying Robin's company, and the fifty-foot Catalina yacht that her family owned was nothing short of spectacular. Celeste loved sailing. It had been too long since she had felt the thrill of the waves.
As the afternoon progressed, Alex, to Celeste's annoyance, got more irritating. He couldn't understand why she wasn't salivating over Robin and, at every opportunity, he urged her to give Robin attention as if expecting that somehow her attraction would flit from Amy to his friend.
Whenever Alex got the opportunity, he whispered background information on Robin, affirming every so often that there was no way Celeste could turn someone like her down.
To placate him, each time she caught Robin's eye, Celeste would oblige and focus on her half-hoping as he did that something would be set alight.
When they docked, Robin asked if they would join her for dinner. Not wanting a repeat of last night, Celeste quickly declined, and, true to form, before they parted, Alex utilized his matchmaking skills and invited Robin to Sarasota for a weekend.
Driving home, Celeste glanced at Alex in the passenger seat. She smiled when he snuffled then snored. Looking at the road ahead, she focused on the journey home, and her thoughts turned to Robin. Alex was right of course. Robin was beautiful, and extremely entertaining, but, unfortunately, she did nothing for Celeste. If anything, being with Robin only made her want Amy more.
Driving home, Celeste began to formulate a plan.
Chapter 20
"Close your mouth, Amy." Maggie replied. "Haven't I already told you that for me every rule in the book can be broken, except," she wagged a finger, "speaking with your mouth full?"
Amy swallowed, grinning, she shoved the last of her toast in her mouth, and garbled, "Howth could I forgeth?"
Maggie growled playfully.
Chewing heartily, Amy swallowed then smacked her lips together. She looked over at Josh, who was on the phone, and mouthed that she had to go.
Standing, Maggie moved toward her cousin. "C'mere, you," she said. "You haven't had a moment, since you won that contract, have you?" Reaching out, she took Amy's face and held it gently in her hands before pinching her cheek affectionately. "You clever wee rascal, you!"
"Ouch...Steady," Amy said rubbing her cheek. "Maggie, I-" she stopped short when she eyed the time on the kitchen clock. She grabbed her suit jacket "I've got to go!"
Moving to the breakfast table, Amy reached for her workbag and hurriedly kissed the boys and Josh goodbye before whizzing out the front door.
When she arrived at the office, everyone, and everything was in a state of frenzy. Since the news of winning the biggest contract the firm had ever had, everything it seemed had gone to hell in a handbag.
"Morning," Wendy, the office secretary said brightly as she followed Amy into her office with a steaming hot cup of coffee.
"New color?" Amy asked closing the door.
"Yup," Wendy replied with some pride. She held out the cup to Amy. "I thought it was about time that blondes' moved over, and let the good times role with us brunettes."
"Is that so," Amy replied, accepting the much-needed caffeine. She eyed her friend's jet-black hair, and asked teasingly, "Got fed up with that green tinge did you?"
"Huh!" Wendy replied. Touching her hair, she growled. "Look, no one told me that my hair would react to chlorine when we went swimming that time."
"It turned that color because normally the only pool you go anywhere near," Amy replied teasingly, "is the one that the swingers throw their car keys into."
Wendy tried not to laugh. "Thank God it's only ever happened one time."
"Is that so?" Raising her eyebrows, Amy examined the top of her friend's "What's that green bit on top of your head now?"
"What!" Quickly grabbing for the reflective coffee coaster on Amy's desk, Wendy peered at it. "What's wrong this time?" she asked, fingering her roots frantically.
"My mistake," Amy said. "It's just the light."
"You bitch."
Amy winked.
Wendy fixed her hair back into place.
Amy stopped dead at her desk. There was a pile of paperwork on it. "Don't tell me that this has gathered since yesterday?"
"It's from George," Wendy replied. Her dimples showing, she grinned gleefully.
"He phoned this morning to tell me he was going to Miami to tie up some of the legal odds and ends with the new contract," Amy said. She put down her cup and pointed at the pile. "He asked me if could handle some of his stuff." She eyed the pile suspiciously. "But I didn't expect that much."
Amy regarded her desk gravely before looking at Wendy who at only five foot teetered on her four-inch heels. Tutting and feeling defiant, she stuck out her chin. "There's no way I'm working this weekend because of this." Blowing hair out of her eyes, she added resolutely, "Absolutely no way."
"Is that so?" Folding her arms, Wendy gave Amy a look that told her she didn't believe a word.
Deflating quickly, Amy sat then slumped in her chair. She pushed it away from the desk. Spinning, she tried to focus on a spot on the ceiling. "It's right about now," she said despondently. "That I'm beginning to feel like an over-worked mule."
"No kidding," Wendy replied taking the seat opposite.
Feeling dizzy, Amy stopped her chair. Her face draining of color, she gripped the side of her desk.
"You okay?"
Head spinning, Amy muttered, "Too fast." She put both hands on the sides of her head. "Are my eyes spinning?"
Wendy eyed her. "Aren't they always?"
Amy stuck out her tongue.
"How many times do I have to tell you that you're way too old for that?"
"Yeah, yeah." Amy sucked in air then exhaled heavily. "Do you know that I've barely been home before midnight this week?"
Wendy wagged a finger. "You, my friend, will insist on winning big contracts." She leaned her ample bosom over the lip of Amy's desk, and patted her hand. "Now we can either talk about you working your ass off or get on with the day."
Her color returning, Amy smiled weakly. "You chose."
Wendy winked. "Let's go over your schedule, we'll sort something out."
Amy nodded. Straightening, she pulled her chair in. "Time to be professional."
"It's a new concept for you I know, but we're progressing."
Amy raised an eyebrow at her friend. Picking up her pen, she flipped her desk diary open. She looked at Wendy. "I've no choice, I'm going to have to work late tonight, aren't I?"
"Fraid so. But, if it's any consolation, it's something known as overtime, and we do get paid for it."
"Duh, really?"
Wendy feigned sympathy. "You'll be glad to know that you won't be the only overworked old ass here tonight."
Amy's lips twitched. "I said mule you battleaxe. Not ass, overworked mule!"
Wendy's eyes glittered. "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever!"
Amy sat back. "Maggie's going to kill me. She's seeing lover boy tonight." Suddenly curious, Amy sucked on her pen. "Did you do know that Maggie has been seeing someone steady for the last few months?"
Maggie first met Wendy shortly after Amy began working for George Shaw and Partners. Maggie told a thoroughly amused Wendy that the author, JM Barrie, created her name for his Peter Pan novel. They had been friends ever since.
Wendy straightened her grey top. "Of course I know she's dating."
"Oh, great Oracle," Amy replied. Bowing her head, she fanned out her arms in worship.
"Strange how you keep forgetting that."
"Have you met him," Amy asked closing her desk diary.
Wendy shook her head. "Nope!" Her mouth turned down. "And I don't think I'm going to meet him anytime soon because from what I hear," Wendy leaned in and whispered, "he's a pint-size version of Maggie." Her hand gestured quickly around her face. "You know, red hair and freckles." She leaned back. "I hear you have the honor of cooking dinner for them next Saturday night." She grinned then teased, "Send Maggie my condolences. If she needs a ride to ER, tell her to give me a call."
"Why don't you come?"
"What!" Wendy replied with alarm. She shook her head. "Honey, there is not enough danger money in the world that would convince me to dine at your house when you're cooking!"
Amy grinned. "I take it that's a no then?"
"Yes that's a no!" Wendy shivered. "Do you remember the last time you enticed me to yours for dinner?"
Amy nodded a little too eagerly before turning down her bottom lip in an attempt to look shameful.
"You put so much paprika and God knows what the hell else in that Indian dish," Wendy said glowering. "I lost my voice for a week!"
"How many times do I have to say sorry?" Amy responded, trying not to laugh. "I was trying to impress you."
Wendy shook her head.
Amy nodded hers vigorously. "I misread the recipe."
"Misread my ass," Wendy replied. She ran her fingers through her tangled black hair. "You did it deliberately. You wanted to take the competition out!"
Amy laughed. "In case you haven't noticed, wee yin. I'm off the market." She eyed her friend playfully. "But, if I wanted to take you out my diminutive friend, "I'd put a wee bit of cheese in a mouse trap, and you wouldn't resist!"
Standing, Wendy glowered. "I may be small." She sliced the air with her hands karate style. "But I warn you, I'm lethally packed."
"Ain't that the truth," Amy said. Picking up the phone, she dialed home. "Hi Maggie," she said leaning back. "I was wondering..."
Eventually, Amy managed to persuade Maggie with a promise to help paint her apartment if she stayed a few extra hours until Josh got home. Hanging up, she sighed heavily.
"Oh, that must have hurt," Wendy said rubbing her knees. "All that groveling can't be good for the knees."
Looking at Wendy's grinning face, Amy stood. "Ready Cruella?"
Wendy stuck out her tongue.
Ignoring her, Amy led the way to the boardroom for the first round of meetings.
Chapter 21
"Okay," Amy replied taking the glass of wine Josh offered. She sat down then stretched out on the sofa and smiled, delighted that her working week was finally over.
Amy listened to Josh and the boys move around upstairs. He was running their bath while the boys ran the length of the hallway. The familiarity of the routine soothed her overworked mind. Wiggling her toes, she luxuriated in the warmth of the sofa, and let her thoughts turn to Maggie. Amy hoped she wasn't too peeved with her for ruining her date tonight. Sipping her wine, she wondered what this new guy was like.
Listening to the noise upstairs, Amy relaxed fully and let her thoughts return to her cousin. As far back as she could remember Maggie had never taken relationships seriously. She had left a string of broken hearts behind claiming that she was far too much of a free spirit to settle down, but this new guy appeared to be different. So different that next weekend, Maggie was bringing him around for the family seal of approval.
Amy laid her head against the arm of the sofa, and thought how much of a struggle the last week had been. She was thankful that work was demanding as she was still reeling from her experience with Celeste. The lack of contact had left her fretting. So much so, that over the last week, she had broken her fair share of dishes, dropped things, and tripped over almost everything that wasn't nailed to the floor.
Amy thought pensively about how Josh and Maggie had picked up that something was wrong, and had begun to ask probing questions. So far, she thought with relief, she had managed to throw them off the scent by putting everything down to pressure at work with the new contract.
Amy sighed then sipped her wine. She smiled when she heard Josh chase the boys out of the bathroom and into their bedroom. She listened to the familiar shrieks of protest then thought for the thousandth time about Josh and tried to fight the guilt. She closed her eyes understanding that Josh considered the fidelity key to a successful relationship.
Amy knew with near certainty that Josh had never been with another woman since they gotten together. She remembered back when she first met Josh. A few months into dating, he had refused to see anyone else even casually. At the time, she had found it endearing. He was so attractive that at the beginning even her friends batted their eyelashes at him. Even now, when Josh turned on the charm, he could still make a die-hard like Maggie go weak at the knees.
Amy jumped slightly when Josh touched her shoulder.
"The boys are in bed."
Amy smiled up at him.
He reached for his glass of wine and moving to the opposite end of the sofa, lifted her feet. Sitting down, he settled them on his lap. "Thank God it's the weekend," he said raising his glass to his mouth.
Amy nodded, enjoying the sense of familiarity as they often sat like this in the evening.
"I'm glad you've managed to get home at a reasonable hour tonight."
Amy smiled. "I'm glad too. This won't be for too long."
"I hope so. Are you hungry?"
"No." In truth, Amy hadn't felt hungry for days. "I'll get something later."
He rubbed her foot. "Are you sure your okay, honey? You just don't seem your normal self."
"Yeah," Amy replied bristling. "I'm fine."
"Okay, but you'd tell me if it was more than just work, wouldn't you?"
Tensing, Amy held her breath, and nodded slowly. "Uh-huh." She sipped some wine.
"I'm concerned, Amy. I haven't ever seen you this preoccupied." He smiled then added teasingly, "Or go through so much crockery."
"Don't worry," Amy answered. Forcing down her growing panic, she breathed in slowly. "I'm fine. It's nothing that I can't handle."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," she replied, relieved that he accepted her answer. "I promise that everything is going to be fine."
For the next few hours, they relaxed, and caught up on the week's events.
Josh poured the last of the wine into their glasses. Feeling sleepy, Amy said, "We've got a busy weekend ahead. We should head off to bed. I promised Maggie that I would help her paint her apartment on Sunday."
"Sunday?" Josh replied in surprise
Amy sighed. "I know."
"Why the sudden urge to decorate now?"
"I'm not sure. But it may be something to do with the new man in her life."
Moving up the sofa Josh said in a low voice, "I was hoping that we would have a quiet weekend, just you, me, and the boys."
Before Josh reached her, Amy quickly threw her legs off the sofa. "Tomorrow will be quiet," she replied standing. "Next weekend is the busy time. Remember, your Dad will be through next Saturday to take the boys back with him. And he's booked a game of golf in the morning with you."
"What's he taking the boys for?"
"Josh," Amy replied in frustration. "Don't you ever listen to a word I say?"
Josh shrugged.
"So that we can have a quiet night with Maggie and her new man."
Josh stood and smiled when Amy went through a list of things they had to do. As she talked, he took her hand, and led her to their bedroom.
In the bedroom, Amy decided not to attend to her usual ministrations. Instead, she quickly undressed, slipped on a tee shirt and pajama bottoms, and tucked herself under the bed sheets. It was almost a week since they had returned from Josh's folks, and she had managed to hold Josh off telling him that she was exhausted.
Feeling anxious, Amy curled up into a ball. She knew she couldn't keep making excuses. It wouldn't be long before he suspected something was seriously wrong. She shivered. Right now, making love to him was the last thing she needed; Celeste was too fresh in her mind.
Tonight, Amy had bitten back several times from asking directly about Celeste. Josh was so full of the software problems that the night was taken up by his work.
Amy was nervous about making love with him tonight. She could count on one hand the number of sexual encounters she had had before Josh. Although, she had to admit, their lovemaking had become routine, until now, she hadn't really given it a second thought. She still found Josh very attractive, and although he might not be the most adventurous in bed. Overall, neither was she, or so she had thought.
Amy thought about Maggie and how different she was. Maggie was sexually adventurous, and loved nothing better than to share her sexual exploits with her. From Maggie's complaints, Amy had decided that she and Josh were fairing well. But now, everything had changed. Celeste had opened a need, and Amy was afraid that this time she wouldn't be able to put it back in the box.
Four years ago, Amy had experienced the same kind of thing, but back then, she was sure that it was a fluke, all to do with her hormones. She had put it down to everything other than an actual attraction and, after a while, it faded into a memory. But, now there was no denying it, she was sexually explosive around Celeste. If she was honest, it left her confused and quite terrified.
Amy listened as Josh cleaned his teeth, and considerately shaved his stubble. Knowing what was to come, she buried her head into the pillow and sighed heavily.
Josh put out the bathroom light and quickly got between the sheets. He snuggled into Amy's back, and placing his hand on her breast, groaned. Amy felt him harden. Biting her bottom lip nervously, she lay still and listened to him whisper how much he loved her. As he nuzzled his face into her hair, she could feel his erection grow and press into her back.
In a way, Amy was relieved. Realizing she wanted everything to return to as it was, she turned to face Josh, and whispered, "I love you too, baby."
Chapter 22
Maggie opened the front door. Standing barefoot in crumbled shorts and a tee shirt, she gave Amy her most beautiful smile. "Come in Jellybean, she said standing aside.
During breakfast, Maggie detailed all the things she wanted done.
Amy looked at her cousin, and wondered what had come over her. "You really want to gut this place, don't you?"
Maggie looked at her. "Uh-huh, courtesy of a sweet cousin who knows all the right people and who can get all the right materials on the cheap!" She raised her eyebrows expectantly.
Amy smiled.
Maggie wanted to start by freshening up the living room with a lick of paint. Amy thought amusedly, that it was all to do with her new man. Excitedly, the thought hit her that Maggie might actually be seriously considering settling down. Although Maggie gave her all to everything she did. There was no getting around it, she liked the idea of a temporary status, and deliberately avoided responsibility in case the notion took her to leave. If she wanted to take off right now, she could. Since Amy could remember, Maggie had been like that.
When Amy was a teenager, spur of the moment, Maggie took off traveling. It was two years before she saw her again. Even though they had kept in regular contact, she had gone through her parents split without her. Although she played it down, Amy desperately missed her, and knew that Maggie had sensed this. Since, Maggie had stayed close to her.
After breakfast, Maggie handed Amy a paintbrush, and they got to work. Maggie talked animatedly about her new beau, insisting that he wasn't her usual type. Describing him as quite small, sprightly, sporty with no beard, muscles or anything like that.
Amy noticed with amusement that her cousin was becoming quite flushed as she talked.
"You know," Maggie said looking at her. "He's nothing special to look at, but he just has that zing. You know that extra edge that no one else has had for me in years. And," Maggie stopped painting. She put her brush down, and came close to Amy. "The sex is terrific. I mean he might be a wee bloke, but he more than makes up for that somewhere else." She winked. "You should see the tadger on him!" She held out her hands then stretched them to about a foot.
Amy eyes widened. "No way."
"Aye, okay," Maggie replied. Shrugging, she brought her hands a fraction closer. "Maybe that's a wee bit of an exaggeration."
Amy smiled. "You're a dirty minx, Maggie Forsythe,"" she said teasingly. "Do you know that?" She tutted and shaking her head added, "I swear to God, you're obsessed with sex. You're like a pig snorting around for it all the time!"
Amy moved around the room snorting.
Maggie laughed. "Hey," she said playfully. "Don't knock the animal world. Did you know that a pig's orgasm can last for thirty minutes? And that lions can mate over fifty times a day when the lioness is in heat." She contemplated this. "I'd still want to be a pig in my next life though, quality over quantity always counts wouldn't you say?"
Amy shrugged.
"Anyway," Maggie said scratching her backside idly. "Did you know that the oldest pig in the world lived to the ripe old age of sixty-eight?" She lifted her eyebrows. "And no wonder. I would want to go on for as long as possible if my orgasms lasted that long." Before Amy could say anything, Maggie continued, "And did you know that the pig is rated the fourth most intelligent animal? And that it's physically impossible for them to look up to the sky. The same way that it's physically impossible for a human to lick their elbow!"
Amy's head began to spin. She shook it. "Enough!"
Maggie asked teasingly, "What about you, quality, or quantity?"
Maggie was always ribbing Amy, and trying to find out about her sex life. To tease her cousin, Amy always resisted telling her anything. She avoided the question. "Maggie, if it gets serious do you expect the sex to stay that good over the years?"
Maggie laughed. "Jesus, I hope so. What else are men good for?" She looked at Amy. "You know, to be honest, I've only ever felt this once in my teens, but never since." Maggie waved her paintbrush. "I'm in my thirties, and everybody keeps saying that the right one will come along. But to be honest, I was beginning to think it was never going to happen!" She laughed excitedly. "All those years, and not even a teeny weeny snifter of love, and, as you know, I've had my fair share of blokes, and some I've seriously fancied."
Amy raised her brow. "Shouldn't you have fancied them all?"
Maggie grinned. "Well, maybe," she conceded. "The point is that I've had great sex, some very bad sex, and some very weird sex." She scratched her head. "Or was it sex with weird people?"
She looked at Amy. "Anyhow, to be honest, I just thought the love thing wasn't for me. That I had grown cynical or something." She smiled. "What I'm saying is that I think it's rare to meet somebody who you really connect with in every sense, who knows what you're feeling, and can almost read your mind." She smiled. "That's how I feel about Sean. I mean he's wee." She threw up her hands oblivious to the paint splattering everywhere. "And God knows he's puny. He has just about all the physical attributes that I wouldn't normally go for."
Watching her cousin, Amy realized that most of their time today would be spent cleaning up spillage if Maggie kept throwing her arms out.
"I mean the shocker for me," Maggie continued, "is that I actually fancy somebody with red hair! But this wee bloke just presses my buttons. I mean we really have something hot. And even though he's the polar opposite of what I'm normally attracted to, the chemistry is amazing between us. I mean I just want to jump on his bones every time I see him. And his personality, well, I just love it. We share the same sense of humor and the same interests. He's an expert on the Guinness Book of Records you know. He knows every wildest and weirdest achievement in history. And there is loads I've still to find out about him."
Amy groaned inwardly. Oh my God. What a pairing, she thought. She looked at Maggie's smiling face. Sounds like you're really serious about this guy?"
Maggie looked at Amy shyly. "I think he's the one."
Amy dropped her paintbrush into the pot, and went to her cousin. Delighted, she swept Maggie around. They laughed and hugged. Both excited at the thought of Maggie being in love.
Eventually they stopped, smiled at each other, and got back to work, but Amy still wanted Maggie to answer whether she expected that kind of passion to last. After their lovemaking last night, she had lain stiffly in Josh's arms listening as he whispered how much he loved her in her ear. Shame washed over her. During their lovemaking, Celeste had been the only thing on her mind.
Amy needed to know how quickly sexual passion like that dies. She waited a few minute then asked again, "Do you expect it to last?"
"What?" Maggie asked painting enthusiastically.
Amy stopped painting and turning looked at her cousin. "The zing," she replied. "The sex being great. The need to jump on his bones every time you see him. Do you expect that to last?"
Maggie looked at Amy and laughed. "No. Not forever," she replied. "But it's a bloody good start."
For the first time ever, Amy let a crack show. "Josh and I have never had that," she went to wave her hands and remembering the paintbrush, dropped it into the pot, "passion."
Maggie stopped painting.
Just tell her! Amy thought. But she froze knowing that there was no way, even if Maggie threw her on a torture rack, she would never say that she had experienced that zing with someone else.
"The passion?" Maggie replied looking at her cousin curiously. "What do you mean?"
Amy sighed, knowing she couldn't let it drop, she desperately needed to speak to Maggie somehow. "Well, I don't think Josh and I," she hesitated. "I don't think Josh and I have ever shared what you're talking about." She rubbed her forehead, unaware that she was smearing paint across it. "You know that zing thing." Suddenly feeling exposed, she justified quickly, "I mean I fancy him, who wouldn't. He's gorgeous. And the sex...has always been... good." Or so you thought, her inner voice quipped.
Amy couldn't hold back from exploring further. "But it lacks something." Maybe I'm confused, she thought. Because Josh and Celeste are similar? Maybe I'm attracted to Celeste because of Josh.
Suddenly aware that she had her full attention, Amy looked at Maggie. She struggled for words and eventually muttered, "It lacks something, and I don't know if that something is easy to have, or if it needs some work, or that we can't have it because it's never been there and never will?"
Go on tell her, Amy's inner voice said. Tell her it's because you've experienced what she described with someone else, and that you desperately want it to be with Josh.
Maggie put down her paintbrush. Going to her cousin, she hugged her then held her at arms length. "Jellybean, are you all right?" she asked with concern. "You've never mentioned this before?"
Amy shrugged. "I know, but everyone assumes that Josh and I are idyllically happy and we are." She added reassuringly when Maggie frowned, "We are a happy couple, but we have our problems. You know, like everyone else."
Maggie smiled. "Jellybean, now listen to me," she cupped Amy's face. "You'll not hear me say this often but in your case, that ring on your finger does not mean," she drew out the word, "suffering." She looked intently at Amy. "Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find a man who is kind, sensitive, fun, and very good looking?"
Amy shook her head.
"Well, it's practically impossible. And when you do, they are usually a little light on their loafers and know more about kitchen appliances than you do!"
Amy's lips twitched.
"What you and Josh have is brilliant. He adores you," Maggie said reassuringly. "And let me tell you passion isn't everything, I've road tested enough models to know that the fun is only in the first few spins. Once you pop the bonnet, there's always something that you need sort out, and I expect the same with Sean. Whereas Josh, he's a brilliant bloke. There's nothing that needs changing with him. He'd give you anything, and you both live for each other."
Maggie hugged Amy tightly then looking at her admitted, "I want what you've got, Amy. Sex like everything else gets ordinary, but what you've got is real! Do you know how many women would chew off their right arm to have what you've got?" She looked at her cousin. "Do you think all couples are banging away having great sex all the time?"
Amy looked at her questioningly.
"The reality is that for most it's all about cleaning up after the kids, doing the dishes, cleaning the house. Fighting for the remote control for the telly is about the only action that most couples get. That's real life, Amy," Maggie said reassuringly. "Relationships like anything else in life are hard work, and like everything else they have their peaks and troughs." She rubbed her hands up and down Amy's arms then hugged her, and finished philosophically, "Everything gets ordinary eventually, Jellybean."
Suddenly feeling much better, Amy smiled then laughed. "Aye, she replied. Pulling out of the embrace, she pinched Maggie's cheek. "You're right let's get back to work and crack on." Her eyebrows rose. "I'm looking forward to meeting Superman next week."
Maggie laughed. "Well," she responded. "You'll be meeting a wee, skinny red-headed version of Superman." Turning shy, she added, "But he's my Superman."
Chapter 23
With an expensive one-off designer shoe firmly in his mouth, Mac scampered out of her bedroom. Nails scraping, he scurried across the wooden floor, and fled down the hall into the guest bedroom.
"Jesus," Amy shouted. "I can't believe it!" She yelled after him then gave chase.
Running into the guest bedroom, Amy frantically looked around. Dropping to her knees, she crawled toward the bed. "Why aren't you," she mumbled, "like movie dogs; cute and compliable?" She peered under the bed and gasped, Mac was making a meal of her shoe.
Amy made a swipe for him. "Mac, get your wee boney arse out of there!"
Since the dogs arrived, Amy had picked up and put out of reach every chewable item from the teething pups. But, several sneakers; two remote controls, and several dog training classes later, proved that they were a long way from getting the boisterous pups fully under control. To make matters worse recently and, for no apparent reason, Flynn had taken to peeing on the floor whenever the doorbell rang.
Growling, Amy lunged. "Mac, give it back!" She flayed her arm around, and touched the edge of the slavered shoe. "Uggghhh" She pulled back, her fingers were dripping. "Yuck!"
Amy grabbed for the first thing she could find to wipe her fingers clean. "Mac," she said eyeing him, "I've reached rock bottom with you, buddy, and I'm starting to dig!"
Growling, Mac shuffled to the far corner then shot out from underneath the bed. Whooshing past, Amy made a grab for him and missed.
Panting, Mac stopped at the bedroom door, and eyed her.
On her haunches, Amy glared at him.
Mac eyed her triumphantly.
"Mac," Amy yelled as the brown butt sauntered out the door. "Get back here!"
Pulling herself up, Amy gave chase. Running out of the room, she reeled back when her foot slammed against the corner of the doorframe.
The doorbell rang.
"Fuc-Umph," Amy slapped both hands over her mouth. The pain excruciating, tears filled her eyes.
"Oh Flynn, what the hell has got in to you peeing everywhere, man!" Amy heard Josh call out from the hallway.
Holding her foot, Amy hopped around. After a several whispered expletives, she tentatively placed her stubbed toe on the floor. Hobbling to her shoe rack, she picked out a pair that would accommodate her now very swollen big toe.
It was Saturday evening, and finally Amy was about to meet Sean.
Amy saw Josh quickly clean up Flynn's mess as she hurried downstairs.
Opening the front door, Amy welcomed both Maggie and Sean into the house. She hugged Maggie then shook Sean's hand, and kissed him on the cheek.
"Welcome," Josh said shaking Sean's hand.
Amy took their gifts of flowers and wine, and Josh led them into the living room.
After drinks were organized, they settled into a comfortable chat. Josh directed most of his conversation to Sean. Soon, they got onto the topic of motorbikes, and bike racing.
Josh winked his approval at Maggie.
Maggie beamed with pride.
The rest of the evening slipped away easily, with only a few embarrassing stories regaled by Amy and Josh about Maggie.
"I'm just setting the record straight," Amy said finally, when Maggie took a playful swipe at her.
Once Josh discovered that Sean was a poker player, the cards were out and the stakes set.
"I suppose we'll be staying?" Maggie said to Sean.
Sean gave Maggie a slight shrug and a huge grin in response.
Amy could easily see the appeal. He's cute, she thought.
Amy and Maggie played poker for a while, then quit graciously. Yawning, Maggie stood saying she was ready for bed.
"Me too," Amy responded standing.
Josh looked up at them. "We'll have just one more hand." He winked at Sean.
"One more, Josh," Maggie warned. "Or your head will be loosened from your shoulders if you keep my man up too late."
Sean beamed a smile at Maggie.
Amy and Maggie left the boys chewing on cigars.
Amy said in a hushed voice as she closed the door, "Josh, what's he like, trying to play with the big boys. He doesn't even like cigars."
Making their way up the stairs, Maggie grabbed Amy's hand. "Sean loves me," she sang quietly. "He can't get enough of me."
"What? He loves you!" Amy teased. "Even though you refuse to separate those eyebrows?"
Maggie snickered. "Have I told you that being a crabby bitch is part of your charm?"
Amy grinned.
"He loves me because," she wiggled her eyebrows, "I have tapped into a source of power that most women don't even know exist!"
"What?"
"Pussy power!"
"What!" Amy said pointing a finger at Maggie's crotch. "That old ginger minge of yours actually has power?"
Maggie laughed. "Absolutely."
Both sniggered. "When are the boys being dropped off?" Maggie asked.
"Probably, late morning."
"So does that mean we get a wee extra hour in bed then?"
Amy chuckled then hugged her cousin goodnight. "That," she said conspiratorially, "can easily be arranged."
Maggie grinned. "With his big willie and my magic minge, we'll probably need an extra hour and a half."
"You're something else."
"Horny, and can't get enough of it, I think is the correct response."
"See you in the morning." Amy said. She turned and walked down the hallway.
"Not too early," Maggie said as Amy opened her bedroom door.
Amy smiled sweetly. Not too early, I promise."
Chapter 24
After her shower, Amy made her way downstairs to prepare breakfast. Heading for the kitchen, she realized how quiet the house was without the boys. She entered the kitchen. The doorbell rang just as she picked up the phone to dial her in-laws, and check what time they would be arriving.
Amy opened the door and her eyes widened. Celeste and the boys were standing there. Her heart jack hammered
Celeste smiled. "Are we in time for breakfast?"
Amy's jaw slackened at the sight of the unexpected visitor. Unprepared, she lurched backward when the boys launched themselves at her.
Celeste quickly reached for Amy and steadied her.
Instinctively, Amy pushed her away. Bending down, she wrapped her arms around the boys almost protectively. She hugged and kissed them then fixed their hair, enjoying the sense of relief that her sons were back in her arms.
Not wanting to let the boys go, Amy straightened and held their hands. Unwilling, to make eye contact with Celeste, she looked down at her boys and asked, "Are you two hungry?"
Celeste smiled. "Last night," she said looking at the boys with affection. "We baked cakes." She lifted her gaze to Amy. "Well, they were cup cakes designed for precocious three-year-olds. And, no matter how careful we were," she teased as she looked down at them, "we still somehow managed to get covered in egg yolk and flour. But," she produced a tub from her bag, "we've saved some for Mom and Dad, haven't we guys?"
Amy couldn't help but laugh with Celeste when the boys told her with their chests puffed out how great they were at baking.
Celeste raised an eyebrow, smiled and explained that they had started out with eight cup cakes this morning, but now they were down to two. "Which," she said putting on a stern voice, "had to be rescued from these two little misfits."
"Morning," Josh said sleepily as he pulled open the front door.
Amy looked at him, and realized with surprise that she must have stepped out rather than inviting Celeste in.
The boys squealed at the sight of their Dad, and hurled themselves at him.
Enjoying their display of affection, Josh laughed and gathering them easily in his arms swung them around.
Amy tried not to think about Celeste standing so close and instead focused on her husband and children. But tension quickly building inside her, she decided she needed to get away from Celeste. She excused herself, and made her way to the kitchen.
Busying herself preparing breakfast, Amy heard Maggie before she appeared. She smiled happily when Maggie let out a raucous laugh.
The couple entered the kitchen, and sat at the breakfast table.
"Service," Maggie called out. Smiling, she raised her hand, and clicked her fingers.
Amy threw the kitchen towel over her arm, and snapped her heels together. "What can I get for you this morning Madam?" She bowed her head slightly. "Sir?"
Sean grinned.
Maggie beamed a smile and winked at Amy. Snapping open the morning paper she replied, "Orange juice to begin with, I think."
"Of course," Amy answered.
Josh and Celeste had taken the boys and the pups around the back of the house. The glass panel was open, and as Amy poured juice into the jug she watched the adult twins play with her boys and the pups. Holding the carton, she thought how similar Josh and Celeste were. She blushed when she realized how intimately she knew them.
Amy watched Celeste hold Ryan as Josh ran around them with Christopher on his back. They looked the picture of happiness.
"Amy," Maggie said. "Are you going to ignore me all morning?"
Startled, Amy looked at Maggie then blinked in confusion. "What?"
"What do you mean what?" Maggie replied in surprise. "I've only had to repeat myself twice."
Looking for support, Maggie turned to Sean but he was staring at Celeste.
"Sean," Maggie said. She looked at Amy when she got no response then repeated. "Sean."
Sean looked at Maggie. "That's Josh's sister, right?"
Maggie's attention focused sharply on her boyfriend. Obviously picking up something in his voice that she didn't like, she said, "Used to be his brother until the op. He, sorry she's, making the change quite successfully, wouldn't you say Amy?"
Maggie's eyes never left Sean's.
Unsure of what to think, Sean looked at Amy for confirmation.
Unable to resist, Amy nodded then put her finger to her mouth and said in hushed tones, "It's a sensitive subject though. We've not to talk about it until the stitches come out."
Maggie pointed to Sean's groin then sliced her hand through the air. "Imagine your pride and joy gone."
Sean shuddered.
"Apparently," Maggie added with a note of regret as she continued to stare at Sean. "He had a big one too."
Sean looked wide-eyed at Maggie, "No way." He looked at Amy.
Amy nodded.
A look of absolute horror crossed Sean's face. Reflexively, he placed a hand between his legs.
Maggie was the first to laugh. Amy followed.
"Duh...isn't it obvious that she's his sister? If I said she had a third leg you'd believe me." Maggie reached for a glass of juice. "Why do you want to know?"
Sean looked at Maggie then Amy and said half jokingly, "Because she's...a...a looker. She must have guys crawling all over her."
At that, they all turned to look at Celeste. He's right, Amy thought. She looks stunning. Celeste was pushing Ryan in his swing. She was dressed simply, all in black: black jeans and tee shirt, her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She was fresh faced, full of smiles and her eyes sparkled. Amy dragged her eyes from Celeste's mouth.
Annoyed that Sean was paying Celeste attention, Maggie's eyes narrowed. If they could Amy was sure her ears would have flattened.
"How bad mannered can you get!" Maggie said. "Wasn't it just this morning, that you only had eyes for me?"
Sean smiled. "True," he replied. Obviously feeling that he could win some ground he added, "That's because you're beautiful and smart."
Maggie looked at Amy. "Just as well opposites attract!"
Bewildered, Sean held out his hands. "What have I done?"
Maggie stared at him.
"C'mon, baby" Sean said taking Maggie's hand. "I'm a man and she's a beautiful woman. What do you expect?" He stroked Maggie's hand. "What else do you want me to do?"
"Admitting you're an asshole would be a good first step," Maggie replied. Getting off the stool, she flounced out of the kitchen,
"Jesus," Sean said. "Ain't she a ray of sunshine?" He looked at Amy. "What happened there?"
"Hurricane Redhead happened."
Sean grinned. "I like it. Hurricane Redhead she certainly is." He shook his head. "Women!" he said. "Can't live with them and," he laughed. "Yeah, I guess that's it," he said going after Maggie.
Amy smiled, suddenly feeling confident that Sean was more than capable of handling Maggie.
Making breakfast, Amy heard her children whoop with laughter. A wave of panic hit her. Her chest tightened. A sense of helplessness filled her. She thought about how she should be able to enjoy her family being together, but she couldn't. Tears filled her eyes.
Amy lifted her head, inhaled deeply. For the next half hour Josh, Celeste and the children played outside. Although she could hear them, she never once looked in their direction.
Eventually, Maggie and Sean returned. Amy lifted her eyebrows when Maggie grinned at her. She looked at Maggie's hair. It was clear by how disheveled it was that she was more than appeased.
"Happy now?" Amy asked, handing Maggie plates to put on the kitchen table.
Maggie purred.
Sean winked at Amy.
During breakfast, the chat around the table was amiable. They discussed the following Saturday where they would be celebrating the boy's birthday at Josh's parents.
The phone rang and Josh answered it. "Dad says he's organized a round of golf next Sunday morning and wants to know if you would be interested?"
Sean nodded eagerly, obviously enjoying being included.
Chewing on a piece of toast, Josh winked at Amy. Putting his hand over the receiver, he said to Maggie, "Dad must think its love."
Maggie looked at Sean.
Sean went bright red, but he didn't break eye contact with Maggie.
Maggie smiled at him. "Can you tell you're Dad that Sean arriving a little later, he's picking up his new bike." She looked at Amy. "Why don't we have a round on Sunday as well?" She looked at Celeste. "You're welcome to come too, if you're free."
Celeste smiled. "Thanks," she replied appreciatively. "I might just take you up on that."
Before finishing the conversation, Josh asked his Dad to organize a round for all of them. When he sat down, he looked at his sister. "Talking about being free," he said reaching for another slice of toast. "What are you up to these days?"
Celeste explained that she would be starting a new job, a short-term contract at Sarasota's local Memorial Hospital in the acute emergency ward. She told them that she had just signed for a rented apartment.
On hearing Celeste's plans to stay, Amy sucked in her breath. Unable to believe it, she briefly closed her eyes.
Josh was full of smiles. "Well done, sis," he said. "It's great news that you're planning to stick around."
Josh asked her what she was planning to do with her house on Lido Beach then explained to the table that Celeste had bought the house with her ex-husband, Nick, when they first got married, and that she now had it as part of her divorce settlement.
"But back then, Celeste was too restless to enjoy it," Josh finished. "She needed to get out and explore the world."
Amy watched Celeste's eyes narrow slightly as Josh discussed her freely.
"What's happening with the tenants in Lido beach?" he asked pouring coffee into his cup.
"They have another year to go," Celeste replied holding out her coffee cup for a refill.
"Do you intend to move in once they leave?" Josh asked before slurping his coffee.
"Yes," Celeste replied. "I intend to move back in as soon as they leave. But in the meantime, I've rented an apartment close to the hospital, but it needs some work done to it."
Josh grinned and threw in. "I'm sure Amy can help you out there. She's helping Maggie decorate her apartment."
Amy sighed inwardly. Since sitting down, she hadn't said a word, and had successfully managing to avoid direct eye contact with Celeste by giving all her attention to the boys.
Annoyed that Josh had volunteered her services, Amy focused on her husband and said sharply, "Josh, I'm not an interior designer." She looked at Celeste and finally made eye contact. "If it's decorating tips you're after then you should speak to a decorator." She paused then added, "If it's more than that then Celeste I'm sorry but you should really speak to your landlord."
Surprised at Amy's response, everyone stared at her.
After a moment, Josh retorted, "Amy, I think it would be good to give Celeste a little guidance. You are, after all, the architect in the family and it would be nice if at the very least you could have a look around."
A moment of awkwardness fell around the table. Even the boys were quiet.
Aware that everyone was staring at her, Amy gripped the sides of the chair. She knew she should back down and agree to help Celeste out or questions would be asked. Causing a scene or bringing attention to either of them was the last thing she needed, but Amy couldn't help herself. She looked directly at Celeste and inhaled. "I'm sorry, but I think you should look elsewhere. There's nothing I can do for you."
Still holding the piece of toast to his mouth, Josh sat back and gave his wife an incredulous look, clearly unable to believe that she was refusing to help his sister.
Amy pushed her chair back then stood. "If you'll all excuse me, I've got plans to look over for work."
Without a murmur, everyone watched Amy leave the kitchen.
Chapter 25
Amy grinned when the office door opened, and Wendy poked her head around. "Just in time," she said gripping the arm rests of her chair. "I'm starving. Do you fancy going out for lunch to that new Thai restaurant around the corner?"
Still holding the door, Wendy smiled and said lyrically, "Nope, I don't think so."
Wendy never refused food, especially hot spicy food. "What?" Amy replied amazed. "Even if it's my treat?"
"Thanks for the offer, but I might have to take a rain check." Wendy moved into the room. "You have a visitor."
Often Maggie brought the twins to the office for a surprise visit.
Amy looked expectantly toward the door, but to her astonishment, her cousin didn't stride in with the twins in tow. Instead, Celeste appeared, smiling at her.
Amy's jaw dropped open, and she stared at Celeste.
Wendy coughed politely. She looked at Celeste. "She's having a blonde moment. Earlier, she got stuck on escalators for hours when the power went out."
Amy's eyes swung to Wendy.
Wendy raised her eyebrows at Amy.
Silence.
"The doctors," Wendy said to Celeste with a teasing tone, "have confirmed that she does still have the power of speech."
Celeste smiled.
Amy blushed. She hadn't seen Celeste since she left shortly after breakfast yesterday morning. When she left, a very upset Josh confronted Amy about her behavior. Eventually, she won him over by saying that with the pressures of work, she didn't need additional work. She further placated him by promising that she would speak to Celeste and sort things out.
Amy stuttered in surprise, "C...C...Celeste!"
Celeste nodded in response. "Amy."
Amy swallowed. "It's...It's good to see you."
Wendy watched in amazement when Amy began to fidget. Pulling at the sleeves of her shirt, she then ran a finger along the back of her shirt collar.
Looking at Celeste, Wendy wondered what the hell was going on. Whenever she visited the Cameron household, Josh and his folks often mentioned Celeste's name, but until today, she had never met the 'altruistic' Doctor Celeste Cameron who devoted her career to the needy.
As a devoted fan of any tv program that involved anything medical, particularly forensic and most detective series, Wendy felt more than qualified to understand the difficult situations that international relief workers such as Doctor Cameron placed themselves in. She openly admired anyone who devoted their career and life to such a difficult task. Celeste was no exception, but Wendy had to admit, that the photographs that Josh had shown her of the good doctor did not do her justice.
Looking at Celeste, Wendy suddenly felt the additional thirty pounds that she was intent on losing, albeit for the last two years. She sucked in her belly then quickly exhaled realizing that holding it in would force her double 'f' cup to blot out all light coming through the window.
Wendy looked at Celeste's dark, glossy hair and automatically fingered her own black fast-becoming-brittle-from-over-dyeing hair. She looked down at her gray suit, and felt every inch like her dowdy great-aunt Tilly, who even at her best dressed, wore nothing but gray flannel, which matched her gray hair and overall gray appearance.
Tonight, Wendy decided resolutely as she looked Celeste over, she was going to strip her wardrobe of anything gray and renew her gym membership. Nothing, she promised herself, but a silver bullet would stop her.
Full of new conviction, Wendy let her thoughts turn to Amy and watched with fascination, her friend's evident agitation. Amy always carried an air of confidence both in her personal and professional life, to see her un-nerved was surprising.
Wendy looked at Celeste. It was obvious that Celeste's visit wasn't a happy one. She wondered what bad blood was between them to make Amy react like this. She made a mental note to call Maggie later, and press for some juicy gossip.
In an attempt to bridge the awkwardness, Wendy turned to Celeste and asked if she would care for any refreshment. She automatically rattled through a well-recited list of beverages from decaffeinated, de-fattened, de-bunked coffee to a weird sounding Chinese herbal tea that their boss was crazy about.
Celeste shook her head. "No. Thanks." Looking at Amy, she said enquiringly, "Hopefully, I have a lunch date?"
Amy's color increased. She tried to speak but dried up.
Interesting, Wendy thought.
"I'm happy to take a rain check on lunch, Amy," Wendy said. She looked at Celeste. "I've got too much work on now anyway." She smiled wickedly knowing she was about to say the last thing Amy would ever expect to hear. "You know me busy, busy, busy!"
Amy looked at Wendy for a moment then smiled.
Wendy could tell it was forced.
Celeste grinned. "That's settled then." She looked at her watch then at Amy. "I took a chance, and booked a table."
Amy didn't move.
Wendy looked at Amy, and noted that her jaw was slackening again. Amused, she said to Celeste, "Another blonde moment."
Celeste looked at Wendy with amusement.
The attacks can be often." Wendy said as she pressed a hand to her chest. "But, we've learned to cope." She turned to Amy and whispered, "I think that means you need to get a move on."
Amy visibly swallowed before clearing her throat. "Yes. Of course," she croaked. "Lunch shouldn't be a problem." She looked down at her desk. "Can you give me a few minutes to get organized?"
"Yes," Celeste replied courteously. Looking at Wendy, she asked, "Can I use the restroom?"
Wendy nodded then left the room with Celeste. Keen to get back to Amy to find out what was going on between her and the doc, she quickly directed Celeste to the restroom. On her way back, Wendy wondered if she could wangle an invitation over to Amy and Josh's one night when the doc was there, and entice her to tell some stories.
Knees weak, Amy slumped in her chair unable to believe that Celeste had shown up here, at her office. Heart thudding at the thought of spending the next hour or two alone with her, she picked up her pen, and chewed on the lid.
Amy thought about pushing Wendy to come with them, but that idea made her uncomfortable. Celeste was too unpredictable, and Wendy was a natural inquisitor. A few cleverly placed questions and it wouldn't take her long to figure out what was going on. Anyway, she resolved as she threw down the mangled pen, she and Celeste needed to talk. It was time to find some closure.
Amy's eyes widened when she recognized the now familiar signals her body sent her whenever Celeste was around. The sudden dampness between her thighs making her uneasy, she shifted uncomfortably.
Amy wondered with embarrassment if she was turning into some kind of sex maniac. Frustrated and not wanting to think too hard, she closed her eyes. But, within seconds, she was out of the chair.
Her pulse throbbing painfully, the ache in her groin growing, Amy moved toward the window, and taking deep breaths tried to ignore the strong arousal. Looking out, arms folded, she anxiously observed the view, but the ache grew as images invaded her mind of that night in the summerhouse.
Wanting to run for the hills, Amy leaned her forehead against the window, and in quite desperation groaned.
"Wow," Wendy said entering the room. "Doctor Cameron, I presume?"
Nodding, Amy's head squeaked as it moved up and down the window.
"I thought so." Wendy replied nodding satisfactorily. "You can see the resemblance to Josh." She let her tongue hang out of her mouth. Holding her hands in front of her, she panted like an eager pup. "Woof. Woof. Woof."
Lifting her head off the glass, Amy looked at her friend.
"Bet you all the guys get a jumbo-sized hard on when they see her in her whites." Wendy said enviously. "Out there saving lives in war torn and dangerous situations." She spun around. "Here comes Doctor Cameron to the rescue!"
Burling, Wendy sang, "Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman-"
"-Wendy," Amy cut in. "Don't be daft. She doesn't talk much about her work."
Wendy's twenty-a-day habit made her wheeze. Coming to a stop, she staggered. Holding her head, she replied disbelievingly, "Oh, gimme a break. Surely, she talks about her work. After all," Wendy motioned a few karate moves with arms then feet, "she's an all-action hero."
Amy pursed her lips. Looking at the door, she whispered when Wendy attempted a high kick. "Wendy! Get a grip."
Wendy did another karate chop then another high kick, which wasn't high given her chubby thighs. After her third kick, she clutched her backside and yelped. "I've pulled something."
Grimacing in pain, Wendy teetered dangerously on her heels.
Impatiently, Amy reached out and grabbed Wendy just as she was about to fall over.
Flushed, Wendy straightened, holding her left buttock, she put a hand on Amy's shoulder. "I'm sorry," she said trying to catch her breath. "You know how much I love all that crap," she shook her head," saving lives, fighting against the odds. I know that what she does is probably more terrifying than anything I'll ever experience in my lifetime."
Smiling briefly, Amy gave her friend a conciliatory nod.
Letting go, Wendy shoved her hands on her hips and whispered as she eyed the door, "So, what the hell is going on between you two?"
Amy groaned, wishing not for the first time that Wendy was as attentive about her work as she was regarding other peoples' business.
"Nothing," Amy muttered.
"C'mon," Wendy said impatiently then turning her head to look at the door whispered, "It's evident that you're seriously pissed at her." She rubbed her buttock. "A brief teeny-weeny summary will do."
"Look. We just don't get on, that's all," Amy said. "There's no major drama. No need to call CNN."
A hurt expression crossed Wendy's face.
Amy lowered her eyes and offered, "I just happen not to get on with all of my in-laws."
Wendy sighed. "Tell me about it, babes," she said sounding appeased.
Amy half smiled. Wendy hugged her then let her go.
"They shouldn't only say in the wedding vows to love and honor," Wendy said. "They should also tell you that behind every great man there is a whiny-in-your-face-never-to-let-up friggin mother-in-law." She looked at her friend sympathetically and patted her shoulder. "That's why I'm divorced." She held up two podgy fingers. "Twice!" Wendy rubbed her nose. "I know only too well about the in-laws." She winked at Amy.
Not wanting a discussion, Amy nodded.
"Is she single?"
Amy blinked. Color crept into her cheeks. "Why do you ask?"
"Whaddya think, Sherlock?" Wendy replied. Grasping Amy's ponytail, she pulled it gently. "It really is true, isn't it, toots?" she said then teased her that being blonde meant Amy's cerebral activities left a lot to be desired.
"What are you getting at?"
"Well, Colombo," Wendy replied then smiled. "If she is single and you two kiss and make up," Amy felt her color deepen. "She'll no doubt come to our monthly girl-only nights out. Which as you know," Wendy said with some pride. "Maggie and I have a one hundred percent record of scoring." Her mouth turned down. "Well, not-so-much, Maggie anymore. But," she looked at the door, "if sizzle sister comes along there'll be no guarantees."
Amy grasped her hair from Wendy's fingers and stuck out her tongue just as Celeste entered the room.
Embarrassed, Amy went to her desk, picked up her bag, and said rather too cheerfully, "Ready?"
Celeste nodded.
Together, they left the office.
Seated in an Italian bistro a few blocks from her office, Amy felt the tension turn up a notch in her body. The thought of eating made her stomach turn.
"Wendy's quite a character."
"Yeah, we're good friends," Amy replied. "But when, Maggie and Wendy get together, it can be quite the double act."
Celeste nodded then looked at Amy. "Thanks for taking the time."
"You're welcome," Amy replied. Her voice slightly high, she cleared her throat. The waiter appeared at their table. She ordered by rote, paying little attention to the menu that she normally enjoyed perusing as this was one of her favorite places to eat.
Celeste ordered her food, and a bottle of red wine.
Once they ordered, silence.
Amy thought, damn it, she isn't going to speak. Eventually, to break the silence and to keep the conversation light, she asked, "Are you coming to the boys' birthday party at your folks this weekend?"
Camille had insisted that they throw a party for the boys' birthday, and had spent the last few weeks organizing a fun packed day.
Celeste's eyebrow rose. "Are you asking me, Amy?"
Amy's eyes narrowed. "No, Celeste. I'm simply inquiring."
"Yes, I'll be there."
Silence.
Eventually, Amy was forced to ask, "Why are you here?"
Just as Celeste was about to answer, the waiter appeared with their bottle of wine. Amy silently tapped her foot, and waited impatiently as he carried out the usual ministrations of pouring wine. He waited for Celeste's approval before filling their wine glasses.
When the waiter left, Celeste spoke. "I'm here because there is a strong attraction between us, Amy. And we need to," she paused, "address it."
Blindsided by the forthright statement, Amy blinked several times.
Celeste picked up her glass and sipped from it. She placed it back on the table then smoothed the white linen around it. "I've thought of nothing else but what to do since that night in the summerhouse," she continued. "I can't continue to stay away. My family is here and already I've stayed away too long." Looking at Amy, she arched an elegant eyebrow. "We've tried to ignore it. But that," she said tilting her head, "doesn't work."
Amy blushed. Unconsciously, she ran her hand up and down the stem of her glass of wine and listened nervously.
"The only viable option," Celeste said watching Amy's hand. "That I can see is that we burn this attraction out. With a little discretion, we can dissipate it safely, and no one need ever know."
Stunned, Amy looked at Celeste in disbelief. "Are you crazy?" she eventually asked in astonishment. "You're talking as if this is some kind of science project." Her color deepened. "Discretion...Dissipate." She shook her head. "You talk as if having an affair is the answer." She swallowed hard. "And what do you mean, no one need know? I'll know." Amy leaned forward, jaw clenched, blue eyes darkening, she added, "Do you really have any idea what you're asking?"
Suddenly aware of her surroundings, Amy picked up her glass and sipped from it slowly. Carefully, she looked around. It was a popular place with busy lunchtime traffic, and low concerto music. Thankfully, no one was paying them any attention. Trying to rein in her growing anger, she put her glass down and leaned in. "I don't want this to go any further." She looked at Celeste. "You must know I love Josh? That I'm happily married?"
Celeste's features didn't move. "Let me clarify, Amy," she said with an edge to her voice. "I don't intend that we destroy your marriage." Her voice softened. "Whether you like it or not, something has happened between us. I wanted to believe that it was no more than a fluke, that it was arbitrary." Leaning in, she put her glass down, and stroked the stem as she held Amy's gaze. "It's definitely not a fluke." Her voice grew intimate. "I'm attracted to you. And I can't stop it," she reached over the table and stroked Amy's hand. "Or ignore it."
Amy jerked her hand away. Her heart raced. Aware that her temper was building, she took a moment. "You don't seem to get what I'm actually saying to you, Celeste." Her shoulders stiffened. "I don't care what you can't hide. I value the life I have and some sort of liaison with you is not part of it." She couldn't help but look around her before fixing her eyes on Celeste. "There is no way that I'm going to jeopardize everything I have to satisfy what is no more than a basic biological itch." She looked into brunette's eyes, and wondered why this woman affected her so. "Why Celeste?" she asked. "Why me when you can have anyone?"
"Don't you think, I've asked myself that same question a thousand times already," Celeste looked at Amy intently. "All I know for sure, Amy, is I've been left hanging since that first night in your apartment. I need to feel right again. I...we need this to happen."
"I can't believe you want to have an affair!" Amy said in disbelief. "Do you know what you're asking?" Amy placed both hands on the table. "What about morals and integrity, and caring about family. What about all those things that are supposed to matter?"
Celeste frowned. "They've been compromised already, Amy."
Amy shook her head, and leaned back. Feeling suddenly exhausted and overwhelmed she said, "I just don't understand it."
"The last thing I want to do is tear our family apart, and we won't if we're careful. This...attraction...is strong, too strong to keep fighting it." For the first time, Amy heard a note of vulnerability in Celeste's voice. "I've stayed away for years because of it. How else can we move past it?"
With those words, Amy realized that they were both trapped, caught in this strange world of desire. A thought crossed her mind that maybe had they met first things might have been different, but aware that there was no going back, she quickly closed the door on that thought.
Deciding she'd had enough, Amy said, "No matter how we rationalize it, it's wrong. I couldn't live with myself, to deliberately do this to Josh would be unforgivable. I'm sorry." Pushing back her chair, she picked up her purse. "But I can't."
Celeste pushed back her own chair, and stood. Grabbing Amy's hand, she pulled her close.
A surge of electricity shot up Amy's arm. Her eyes widened in surprise.
Celeste looked into Amy's eyes. She gently stroked her thumb across the back of her hand. "Do you feel that?" she asked as her other hand slid around the nape of Amy's neck and pulled her close.
Amy only hoped that to the casual onlooker it seemed nothing more than an affectionate goodbye.
Celeste's warm breath caressed the side of her face. She whispered into Amy's ear almost hungrily, "This can't be ignored, Amy. If we don't do something about it, it will only intensify."
Amy's nipples hardened. The ache between her legs grew. She pulled away easily, but the hairs on the back of her neck crackled. Realizing how much she wanted this woman, she looked at the brunette and unable to hide her vulnerability asked, "And when it's over, Celeste?" Her voice broke. "When you've finished with me?" She looked at her. "Who will pick up the pieces then?"
Celeste dark eyes gazed back, but she didn't answer.
Turning, Amy strode out of the restaurant.
Chapter 26
Today, after their disastrous lunch, when she got back to the office, Josh called her to ask if she had met with Celeste. He queried whether Celeste had taken her to the Italian restaurant that she liked, and most importantly, he wanted to know that they had sorted things out.
Unable to tell him the truth, Amy cut the call short telling him that she had a meeting to attend, and would talk to him tonight. After she hung up, she realized that this was no way to handle things. Knowing that she couldn't continue to be on 'red alert' every time Celeste was around, she recognized that things would go from bad to worse if they didn't find a resolution.
Unable to concentrate on her work, Amy stared out the window. She knew for sure that they couldn't go on like this. Particularly, now that Josh had a heightened awareness of the situation. If the tension continued between them, it wouldn't be long before everyone noticed it, and began drawing their own conclusions. Accepting that they needed to speak and find some sort of closure, she decided to call Celeste, and ask if they could meet to discuss the situation.
On the phone, Celeste readily agreed to meet, but asked if Amy would come to her apartment as she was cooking for friends that evening. Amy hesitated about the location, but reasoned in her mind as they talked that they weren't animals, surely they could rise above this?
Amy agreed to meet with Celeste at her apartment. When she hung up, she felt confident that all that was required was some common ground, which they would surely find if they talked.
But now, standing outside Celeste's apartment, talking things through didn't seem such a good idea after all. Amy was losing her nerve. She moved away from the apartment door, turned, and made her way to the elevator. When she pressed the 'down' button, her cell phone rang.
Quickly, Amy rummaged through her shoulder bag, and retrieved it. Maybe, she thought, it's a client, and I'll have to go. Smiling hopefully, she flipped the receiver open and whispered, "Hello?"
Amy turned slowly when Celeste's apartment door opened.
Smiling, Celeste spoke into her phone. "Hello," she said hanging up. "When I dialed your number, I heard a phone ring. Glad you could make it."
Amy didn't move. Unsure of what to do, she continued to hold the phone to her ear. The corners of Celeste's mouth quirked. Lifting her hand, she motioned for Amy to come in.
Amy slowly closed her phone, and entered. Closing the door behind her, she hesitated for a few moments before following Celeste's receding figure into the kitchen. She stopped at the kitchen entrance, and watched Celeste examine the wine rack.
"Would you like a guided tour?" Celeste asked over her shoulder.
Amy shook her head. "No." Her nostrils flared when the exotic smells coming from the marinating meat on the counter filled them.
Celeste removed a bottle of red wine from the rack.
"What are you cooking?"
"Vietnamese," Celeste replied uncorking the wine.
"Oh...Nice."
Celeste removed two glasses from the shelf, and placed them on the counter. "I spent a few months touring Southeast Asia a few years ago," she said pouring wine into a glass. "I fell in love with the place and, in particular, the food."
"You like cooking don't you?" Amy asked recalling the meals that Celeste had prepared for them during her stay.
"Very much," Celeste replied. "If you don't want to look around maybe you'll join me?" She held out a glass of wine.
Amy shook her head. "No," she replied. "I've got the car."
"One glass, Amy," Celeste countered dryly. "Not the bottle."
Amy's face reddened.
Celeste held the glass of wine in her hand, and raised an eyebrow. "It might help relax you."
Annoyed, Amy retorted, "I am relaxed."
"Are you?" Celeste replied. She pointed to Amy's hand. "Then why do you keep flipping the receiver on your cell phone?"
Unaware that she was, Amy stopped immediately.
"Look, take the glass. Then it's up to you whether you drink it or not. Okay?"
Amy nodded, and took the glass.
Celeste poured wine into the other glass then brushed past Amy, and made her way into the lounge.
Amy had no choice but to follow.
Standing barefoot, Celeste looked out the large bay window.
Amy stood behind her.
As the moments ticked by, Celeste continued to look out the window.
Amy feeling increasingly awkward took a gulp of wine then another before carefully placing the glass, her cell phone, and car keys on the coffee table. Putting her shoulder bag down, she braced herself. "Celeste we need to talk," she said. Taking the bull by the horns she added, "I've tried to explain to you that I can't embark on...on..." she paused. "I can't do what you suggested at lunch today." She hesitated when Celeste turned around and looked at her. "Regardless of what the reason is or how," deciding the best tactic was honesty, she dropped her eyes and finished, "attracted I am to you. I simply can't."
Waiting for a response, Amy lifted her eyes and looked at Celeste.
Celeste held Amy's gaze. "Amy, do you want it to continue for years?" she asked putting her wine glass down. "Because I can assure you it will. Whether you like it or not, this thing between us is not going to go away."
Amy countered, "This is just chemistry we're talking about, right?"
Celeste didn't respond.
Amy carried on, "We don't need to behave like animals. Surely, we can control our basic biological urges?"
"Is that right, Amy?" Celeste responded quietly, dangerously. She stared at Amy with a look of smoldering desire; a look that made it clear exactly what she wanted. "Then let's put it to the test."
Celeste moved quickly into Amy's space. The look on her face was one of intense hunger. Taking Amy's left hand, she placed it directly on her breast.
The move unexpected, Amy tried to pull her hand away, but Celeste held it. She laced her fingers through it then manipulated both their hands.
Amy felt the full weight of Celeste's breast. Surprised by the sensual feel and softness, her heart tried to beat its way out of her chest when, nipple hardening, Celeste groaned.
Immediately, all the fight left Amy.
While Celeste worked their fingers over her breast, her other hand unbuttoned her top.
Amy's head spun. She drew in a deep breath. She was scared. What Celeste was able to stir in her was frightening. Who this woman was should have stopped her dead in her tracks, but it didn't. Eyes wide, she watched the final button pop open.
Celeste lifted their entwined hands and slowly ran them down her throat, past her cleavage and all the way down her stomach. Stopping at the belt around her black jeans, she slowly moved their hands back up.
Amy's eyelids fluttered closed.
"Look at me," Celeste demanded, her voice thick.
Amy opened her eyes wide. She was mesmerized.
Celeste dropped her own hand.
An intense wave of desire permeated through Amy. Instinctively, she returned to Celeste's breast, and cupped it. Feeling its weight rest in her hand, she ran a thumb lightly over the nipple, and watched it stiffen.
Celeste gasped.
Amy watched Celeste's eyelids grow heavy. Enthralled, she fondled Celeste's breast, and watched her reaction.
Groaning, Celeste's dark hair wisped over her bare tanned shoulders as she slid off her top.
Amy looked at Celeste. Noting her strong shoulders, full breasts, she whispered, "You're breathtaking."
To Amy's surprise, Celeste blushed and bowing her head replied, "Thank you."
Their eyes locked. A moment of intimacy passed between them. Amy dropped her eyes to Celeste's breasts. The urge to take a nipple into her mouth too strong, she placed her hands on Celeste's hips, and lowered her mouth. Taking, Celeste's nipple between her teeth, she felt the areola pucker. She bit gently before suckling.
Celeste gasped. Her body arched then shuddered. Amy smiled faintly. The move was obviously unexpected.
Growling lightly, Celeste loosened Amy's hair and running her fingers through it whispered, "I've always loved my breasts being touched, Amy, but never more so than now."
Her words made Amy's groin spasm.
Placing her thigh between Amy's for balance, Celeste rested her hand on the back of Amy's head, and pressed her closer.
Captured, Amy listened to Celeste's labored breathing, taking intense delight in hearing small gasps whenever she ran her tongue around her nipple. Confidence growing, Amy sucked in as much of Celeste's breast in as possible, her tongue loving the weight of it as she suckled. Unconsciously, she pressed down on Celeste's thigh. Slowly, she began to grind.
Before long, Amy felt strong demanding fingers tug her shirt from her trouser suit. With a sense of urgency, Celeste unbuttoned some then impatiently ripped the rest open. Running her hands up Amy's stomach, she cupped her breasts.
A bolt of electricity hit between Amy's thighs forcing her to press her clit down hard on Celeste's thigh. "Uggghhh."
Removing her leg from between Amy's thighs, Celeste whispered, "Slow down."
Amy almost dropped to her knees at the loss. She removed her mouth from Celeste's breast and whispered throatily, "But I'm almost there!"
"I know," Celeste said stroking Amy's hair. "But I want you to touch me."
Celeste quickly unbuckled her belt then unbuttoned her jeans, pushing them, and her black satin briefs down over her hips.
Gripped by a strong wave of arousal, Amy watched Celeste undress.
Standing naked, Celeste slid her arm around Amy's waist. With her other hand, she took Amy's wrist, and guided her hand. She whispered, "Touch me."
A jolt of reality hit Amy when Celeste parted her thighs. Although Amy had been with Celeste, and the thought of touching her intimately flashed through her mind a lot, recently, all the time, in fact, if she was honest. The reality of actually touching her flesh there, here, now, was quite different.
Amy tried to pull her hand away, but Celeste held her wrist. Firming her grip, she parted her thighs further, giving full access.
Amy whispered, "I don't know if I can do this Celeste?"
Celeste spoke urgently into Amy's ear, "I need to feel you touch me, like this, now, Amy. I have waited so long. I can't wait any longer."
Breathing heavily, Amy tried to pull her hand away, but Celeste pushed her wrist further between her thighs.
Their eyes locked. Amy sucked in her breath. She tensed when a film of wetness formed over her fingers. To her surprise, Celeste's wetness felt sensual. She rubbed her thumb over her fingers, and let out her breath.
Celeste looking vulnerable, and shaking slightly pleaded, "Please, Amy. I can't wait."
Amy's knees weakened. She ran her fingers down the length of Celeste's clit then explored her.
Celeste pressed her head into the side of Amy's and wrapping her arms around her murmured, "I need this. I need you." She caught the tip of Amy's earlobe with her mouth, and suckled it. "I have thought of nothing else," she said nuzzling Amy's neck. "You're on my mind. You're the only thing on my mind."
Rocking her hips, Celeste ran her tongue along the outside of Amy's ear then caught the tip again and suckled.
Shuddering with pleasure, Amy closed her eyes, lost to the sounds of Celeste moaning, and the feel of her. Breathing heavily, she listened as Celeste built to orgasm. The sensations running though her were overwhelming. They were buzz...buzzz....buzzzzzzz...
Amy's eyes snapped open. It took her a moment to realize that the buzzing noise was her cell phone. "Oh God!"
"Ignore it," Celeste said desperately. "Keep going. Amy, don't stop!"
Amy tried to pull away.
"Amy, don't!" Celeste cried out.
Amy forcibly pulled away.
"Fuck!"
Moving quickly to the coffee table, Amy snatched up her phone. Wanting to stop the ringing and not thinking clearly, she answered it. Turning, she saw Celeste press her hands between her legs, trying to stop the loss of her orgasm.
Clearly too late, Celeste growled loudly in anger.
"Hi... Amy?" Josh said.
Placing a shaking hand over her eyes, Amy couldn't believe it. Why did you answer the phone, she chastised. Feeling dizzy, her pulse thrummed loudly through her ears.
"Amy?" Josh said sounding perturbed at the silence.
Amy tried to control her breathing. She looked at Celeste bent over, and turned her back. "Hi...Josh?" she meant to say, but the sound coming out was more of a strangled squeak.
"Amy, are you okay?" Josh asked quickly.
Swallowing hard, Amy replied, "Yes." She cleared her throat. "Yes. I'm fine."
"Okay," Josh said with a note of relief. "Honey, I'm calling to let you know that I'll be working late tonight."
Cradling the phone and trying to button her shirt, Amy mumbled distractedly, "Oh. Okay then."
There was a moment of silence. Josh obviously expected her to ask why he would be working late. "Where are you, honey?" Not waiting for an answer, he quickly followed, "I tried you at home, but Maggie said that you were putting in an extra hour, so I called your office but Wendy said you'd gone already."
Amy stiffened, shocked that Josh was phoning around looking for her. She stopped fumbling; her hands were too shaky, and buttons were missing anyway.
Taking the phone off her shoulder, Amy held it with both hands. "I'm just on my way... I was... uhmmm... I got caught up and... uhmmm...." She couldn't think. "Oh, Josh you know what Mondays can be like... they can be so... unpredictable...I thought I had to work late, but then... I didn't ...uh...you know, have to work late." she finished weakly. Straightening, she cleared her throat then pressed the phone to her ear. "I'm just on my way home right now."
A voice in the background called to Josh telling him that the meeting was about to start.
"Okay." Josh called back. "Amy, honey, I've got to go," he said hurriedly. "We've hit a problem so I don't know how long I'll be, but kiss the boys goodnight for me, Okay. I love you."
Amy exhaled. "I love you too."
The line went dead.
Standing, with her back to Celeste, a wave of crippling guilt passed over Amy. Josh thought that she was on her way home to their boys.
Spinning round to face Celeste, a flush of arousal gripped Amy at the sight of the brunette naked. Down girl, she told herself when her flush deepened. She scrambled to pick up her things from the coffee table. She threw over her shoulder as she hurried toward the door, "Gotta go."
"Amy," Celeste called as she followed her. "Amy."
The blood pumping so hard through her veins, she was sure that her head was about to explode, Amy threw the front door open.
"Wait!"
Not turning around until over the threshold, Amy replied, "What?"
"Your buttons," Celeste said pointing to the misaligned buttons on Amy's blouse.
Looking down, Amy pulled her suit jacket closed.
Celeste's hands reached out.
"I can manage," Amy said pushing Celeste's hands away. She eyed Celeste, and tried not to look at her nakedness. "Don't you feel ashamed?"
Celeste smiled painfully and whispered, "More than you'll ever know, Amy." She shook her head and repeated. "More than you'll ever know."
Not sure what to believe, Amy spun round, and quickly made her way to the elevator. Too impatient to wait and desperately needing to escape, she took the stairs.
Chapter 27
Following the path around the side of the house with Camille, Amy half smiled to herself, pleasantly surprised by the number of kids who showed up.
When Camille mentioned having the party at their house, Amy was reticent. Back home no one would dream of traveling for a few hours to get to a kid's birthday party. An hour would be stretching it, but Camille had argued that long journeys were the norm here, and that the boys had as many friends in their grandparent's neighborhood as well as their own. So, Amy organized a bus and the kids and parents came along, thankfully.
Amy breathed in deeply, and for the first time that day, felt the tension inside her wane a little. This morning, when she woke, she desperately wished that she hadn't arranged to spend the weekend at her in-laws or agreed to have the birthday party. Lying in bed, she had desperately wished that it was just her and Josh celebrating the boys birthday on their own.
Drawing, alongside the pool, Amy smiled at Maggie, who was lying on a lounger. Maggie called out to her and indicated for her join her. Needing to put some cream on Ryan's increasingly red ears, Amy pointed to her son then picked up a bottle of sunscreen.
All week, since Amy's outburst with Celeste last Sunday, Maggie had pestered her asking her what was wrong. Keen to avoid any personal chat, Amy had been vague, blaming her behavior on pressure at work, but she knew that it was obvious to her cousin that she was having problems.
Amy felt a pang of guilt that Maggie was confused then felt instant relief that she had been savvy enough to ask Wendy not to mention Celeste turning up at the office. Thankfully, since Wendy had 'previous history' as she put it with her in-laws, she readily accepted that there was tension between Amy and Celeste.
Amy told Wendy that Celeste's visit was an initial step toward bridging the 'divide', and had asked her not to tell Maggie about the visit explaining that Maggie would put the spotlight on this 'tentative step', and probably cause more harm than good.
Unfortunately, and to Amy's amusement, the request didn't sway Wendy's need to gossip, but a blatant bribe of dinner at an expensive restaurant of her choice had her capitulate immediately.
Picking up Ryan, Amy took him into the shade. He squirmed, trying to get out of her hands and back into the pool with his father, but she held him tight. Maggie approached as Amy applied sunscreen on his ears. Sitting beside them, she began telling Ryan that today he and his brother were sharing their birthday with at least nine million other people in the world.
Amy looked at Maggie. "Why are you telling him that? she snapped. "This is his day. Who cares if nine million other people share it?" She stood. "Anyway, how do you expect him to understand that?"
Maggie looked at her cousin in surprise. "Well," she replied. "You'd be surprised how clever kids are. Did you know-"
"For God's sake, that's enough!" Amy interrupted her voice low.
Maggie's brow furrowed deeply, but she said nothing.
Without another word, Amy walked away from Maggie and taking Ryan over to the side of the pool, put him into the arms of his father.
Josh asked her to join them, but Amy made an excuse telling him that she needed something from the kitchen.
Feeling annoyed, Amy marched into the kitchen, yanked open the fridge door and reached for a carton of juice. Closing the door, she strode over to a cupboard, opened it energetically, reached for a glass and slamming it on the counter, poured juice into it. Wanting to vent more of the tension within her, she banged the carton down and looked around for something else that she could bang hard.
Amy stopped herself. Breathing in deeply, she lifted the cool glass and held it her head. She closed her eyes, and let the coolness bring her temper down. She sighed in frustration. Since her visit to Celeste's apartment on Monday, she'd been an emotional wreck.
Opening her eyes, Amy watched Maggie through the window playing with the kids in the water. Immediately she felt guilty. She knew that Maggie would be upset. She shouldn't have barked at her like that, but this whole thing with Celeste was driving her crazy. She sipped her juice and watched her little sisters, Rosie and Caitlin, jump into the pool. Unbidden, her eyes trailed over to Celeste, who was sitting on her lounger talking to Sophie.
After the night at Celeste's apartment, Amy received an envelope. Thankfully, it was clearly marked private and confidential, and sealed well. Otherwise, Wendy would have had her sticky little mitts on it. When Amy opened the envelope, there was a key to Celeste's apartment with a note attached to it; a quote from the poet William Blake: 'Those who restrain desire do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained.'
Amy's blood had boiled when she read the note. Immediately, she ripped it up, then threw it in the trashcan. She looked at the key for a long moment then threw it in the trash too.
Rubbing the glass down her cheek, Amy looked Celeste over. Immediately she felt a strong tug of desire. Ashamed, she turned her back on the window. Putting down her glass, she tightened her ponytail, and thought about the trip here this morning.
When they arrived, Josh had gotten out and let the boys, and the pups out of the Jeep. Alone, Amy for a few seconds had to fight the urge to get into the driver's seat, and drive like a bat out of hell out of there. Instead, she got out the Jeep when Fraser and Camille rushed out of the house, and called out their welcome.
To Amy's surprise, Sophie approached and gave her a hug.
Hugging her back, Amy saw Celeste's bare feet first. Her eyes slowly moved up to her cut offs, and widened when the slinky red bikini top came into view. Immediately, raw desire tugged at her. Her heart jackhammered. She leapt out of Sophie's arms, terrified that her sister-in-law would feel her heart thudding. Why, she thought in frustration, in something so simple, does she have to look so hot, dammit?
Celeste stopped in front of Amy and smiled warmly. "Hi, Amy," she said then casually moved over to Josh, giving him a hug before picking each of the boys up and swinging them around.
Amy's eyes darkened. She watched Celeste with her boys, acting as if there was absolutely nothing going on.
When Alex came out of the house, Amy's eyes brightened. Over the last few years, she had gotten to know him well, and really enjoyed his company.
Alex hugged her tightly.
Pleased, Amy hugged him back then caught her breath as it suddenly hit her that Alex knew. Withdrawing slowly from the hug, she smiled apprehensively up at him and tried to read his eyes. She couldn't. Instead, trusting her instinct that he knew, she whispered, "I'm glad you're here."
Alex smiled and taking her hand, squeezed it reassuringly.
Once they unpacked, and were settled, Celeste asked if the boys wanted to go for a swim. They squealed and instinctively looked at Amy to make sure it was all right. She laughed at how excited they were. "Okay, let's go and get you both changed." She looked at Celeste and warily told her, "They'll be two minutes."
Amy took the boys to their room to change them.
Ryan wasn't happy.
"Mom," he protested. "No! Don't want to!" he said pulling at the armband that Amy was putting on.
"You know, Ryan," Amy said patiently. "I don't think your Aunt Celeste will take you swimming without them." She began to slide the armband off. "But if you don't want to wear them, I can just tell her that you'll go swimming another time."
Ryan's face fell. He quickly conceded, "Okay."
Amy smiled, knowing that there would have been a battle of wills if she had insisted, but at the mere mention of his Aunt Celeste, he gave in. She stopped smiling, suddenly reminded that Celeste's influence wasn't just with the boys.
"Are you okay, Amy?" Camille asked interrupting Amy's thoughts.
Dragged back, Amy looked at her mother-in-law in surprise. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Good," Camille replied as she removed a bottle of Chardonnay from the fridge then uncorked it."
Amy watched Camille take two glasses from the shelf.
"It is just that you seem a little on edge," Camille said pouring wine. "I noticed that you have not been able to settle at all today."
"Oh...Yes, I suppose I have been a little preoccupied," Amy said trying to think of an excuse. "It's hectic at work and sometimes it's hard to unwind if you've had a busy week. By tomorrow I'll be fine."
Camille held out a glass. "Here, have this. It will help you unwind, no?"
Smiling, Amy accepted the glass.
"If there is anything that you want to discuss then please talk to me," Camille said softly. "I am concerned that you are unable to unwind because of problems at work. Sometimes it helps to unburden oneself."
Amy smiled, "Oh Camille," she replied reassuringly. "It's nothing, you know." Sipping her wine, she added apologetically, "I'm sorry if I've worried you. I didn't intend to spoil your day."
Camille reached out and touched Amy's cheek. "No, my darling," she said. "You do the opposite. You bring happiness here always." She smiled. "That is why I noticed that you are not your normal self. Just take care. There must always be a balance, hmmm."
Amy smiled encouragingly. "I'll try."
Thankfully, for Amy the rest of the afternoon and evening settled into the harmony of gentle chat with occasional boisterous behavior from the kids.
After the evening meal, Irene decided it was time to go home, and left with the girls.
Waving goodbye with the rest of the family, Amy returned to the dining table on the patio, and started clearing up.
"Chéri, you have done enough," Camille said. She suggested that someone else tidy up.
Amy smiled at Camille but needing time to breath, insisted that she clear up.
Taking hold of the twins' hands, Camille said firmly, "Right boys your mama needs some quiet time, so let us get you into the bath and to bed."
The boys cried out in unison, "Oh no, Grand-mère. No!"
"Here," Alex said picking up some glasses. "Let me give you a hand."
Amy smiled happy to accept his offer.
Halfway through tidying up, the sound of a motorbike filtered through. Sean must have arrived Amy realized. She decided to give Maggie and Sean a little time together before going out to welcome him.
Amy smiled when she heard Camille shout for her boys to come back. She laughed, not surprised that the little toe-rags had escaped the clutches of their grandparents. Since discovering that Sean owned a motorbike store, the boys adored him.
Amy stopped laughing when Celeste entered the kitchen. Her heart started to pound.
Celeste opened the fridge door, and took some beers out.
Trying to ignore her, Amy filled the dishwasher then set the cycle.
Closing the fridge door, Celeste turned and asked Amy if she needed a hand.
Taken aback by the suggestiveness in the brunette's voice, Amy looked at Celeste then at Alex to see if he had noticed. Her heart sank. Her suspicion confirmed, it was clear Alex knew.
Blushing, Amy watched Alex give Celeste a withering look. She bowed her head. It was evident that he knew exactly what was going on.
Celeste repeated her question, but Amy didn't respond. Instead, about to make her excuses and leave she hesitated when Sophie entered the kitchen. Sighing with relief, she leaned on the worktop, and asked Sophie how her book was coming along.
Sophie grimaced as she fished out a cigarette from her pack. "Everything is fine, but I've hit a problem with some of characters. I've used all my favorite methods of killing in my previous books." Placing the cigarette in her mouth, she patted her jacket pockets. "Normally," she added looking around the kitchen. "My characters die horrifically, one-by-one."
Amy watched the cigarette bounce up and down as Sophie spoke.
"I need to decide whether or not to wipe out an entire family," Sophie said chewing the end of the cigarette. "But, it would take away the blow-by-blow account that I enjoy detailing in gratuitous fashion. But for my readers, who know my style, it would be unexpected."
Amy paled when Sophie explained some of the ways that her characters might die. Listening, her frown deepened, and she wondered if Sophie's therapy sessions were actually doing her any good.
Celeste interrupted. "Do you need a hand, Amy?"
Amy shook her head, and asked Sophie, "Have you met Maggie's boyfriend yet?
Amy froze when Celeste put both hands on her waist, and leaning forward allowed the whole of her upper body to press into her. Her mouth touched her ear. "Do you mind moving so that I can get the bottle opener from the drawer?"
Stunned, Amy moved away quickly. "No, of course not."
Embarrassed, and trying to hide her anger, Amy quickly muttered that she was going to see the new arrival before hastily retreating from the kitchen.
After Amy left the kitchen, Sophie looked at her sister for a long moment then asked, "Cel, can you check to see if there is a lighter in the drawer as well?"
Celeste found a box of matches and gave them to Sophie, who headed through the patio doors.
When Sophie left the room, Alex looked at Celeste. "Oh my God!"
"Don't start Alex."
Alex shook his head. "I'm beginning to wonder if body snatchers have visited your home recently."
Celeste looked at him.
"What do you think you were doing there?"
Celeste didn't answer.
"For Chrissake Celeste," Alex said. "That was cruel! It was obvious that you were hitting on her." He shook his head. "Why did you do that in front of Sophie and me?"
Opening the beers, Celeste passed Alex one. She took a mouthful from her own bottle. Swallowing, she looked at him. "Because Sophie knows that I'm interested in Amy."
Alex spat out his beer. Wiping his hand over his mouth, he stared at Celeste. "Good God, the plot thickens." He shook his head. "Darling, one thing I can guarantee if you keep those public displays up, she won't be the only one!"
Celeste swallowed some more beer.
Sighing, Alex took a cloth and cleaned up his mess. "Seriously Celeste, what has happened to you?"
"Look, Alex," Celeste replied sounding tired. "If this was an impulsive notion, of course I would fight it. If this were something I could ignore, then of course I would ignore it. I'm neither impulsive nor blasé about life or, more to the point, what is happening here."
Alex looked at her. "But you're still prepared to take a huge risk?" he asked sounding confused.
"Alex it is more of a risk if we do nothing about it," Celeste replied with frustration. "Amy feels this...attraction... as much as I do. It has been there for years. I-" Abruptly, she stopped talking and looked at Alex.
To his astonishment, Alex watched a look of utter helplessness cross his friend's face.
Eventually, drawing in a breath, Celeste finished, "Yes." She looked at him. "The answer to your question is yes." She added bleakly, "Yes, I'm prepared to take the risk."
Startled by the aching pain in Celeste's eyes, Alex blinked a few times He groaned inwardly, finally accepting what he had known all along. Shit, he thought. She's not heavily smitten; she's over the cliff in love.
Feeling a wealth of compassion for his friend, Alex pulled Celeste into his arms and hugged her. He started to speak, wanting to tell Celeste that this was wrong, that she needed to stop this, but he stopped. His innate honesty prevented him from allowing Celeste to accept all of the responsibility for this. He had watched Amy for much of the day and whenever she thought Celeste wasn't looking, she watched her. After today, he knew the feelings weren't one way.
Alex said quietly knowing it was true, "I know it's hard, sweetie. But you're right, she's definitely attracted to you." He held her shoulders, and looked at her. "I can see it in her eyes, in the way she watches you." Hugging her, he whispered, "But be careful, Celeste. For God's sake be careful."
Camille popped her head through the patio doors. "Come you two," she said. "We have a guest."
Taking Celeste's hand, Alex led the way out and around to the driveway.
After the introductions, Alex watched Josh slip his arms around Amy's waist, and hug her tightly as he spoke to Sean. He noted, not for the first time, that they were an exceptionally good-looking couple.
Alex sighed inwardly. He hated this. Over the years, he had come to really like Amy. God knows what she's going through right now, he thought. He looked at Josh. He had always had a soft spot for him. More than a soft spot when he was a teenager, he admitted. He watched them aware that they looked every inch the perfect couple.
What a mess, Alex thought. Turning slightly, he looked at Celeste. His heart sank. Her face was darkening at the sight of Josh and Amy in a loving embrace. What a fucking mess, he thought.
Chapter 28
This morning, Amy had gotten up early, keen to get away and be with Maggie for a couple of hours. She still felt bad for her emotional outburst yesterday. Maggie meant the world to her, and although she couldn't bring herself to tell her the truth, she was going to do her damndest to make sure that she didn't pull her cousin into this emotional roller coaster ride. She was going to do her best to resolve this...thing...with Celeste.
Maggie was about to take her shot, and trying to distract her, Amy teased in a low voice, "Are you sure Sean's tadger is as big as you say?"
"Ssshhh, ya wee witch," Maggie replied as she lined up to take her shot.
Amy breathed air deeply into her lungs. It was a beautiful Sunday morning. She smiled remembering how Maggie, during the first four holes, had tried to find out what was going on with her, and what was wrong with her yesterday. Thankfully, she tenaciously stuck to her mood being down to nothing more than having too much work on.
Once Amy allayed Maggie's fears that it was work causing her distractions, they chatted easily. At every opportunity, when she wasn't teasing Maggie, Amy encouraged her to talk about Sean, which wasn't difficult given that he was her current pet subject.
As the round progressed, Amy felt the tension leave her for the first time in weeks. She loved being with Maggie and, more than anything, loved the sense of balance her cousin brought to her world.
That afternoon, Maggie decided to ride back to Sarasota with Sean on his new bike. They sneaked away during the boys' afternoon nap.
When the couple said they were leaving, Amy, restless, itched to go too. She was desperate for this weekend to end. Already, she had packed everything into the Jeep in readiness for their journey home, but she was forced to wait until Josh's parents returned from their afternoon walk with the dogs.
Josh, much to Amy's frustration, had promised his parents that they could wake the boys, and say their goodbyes on their return.
Finishing her second cup of coffee, Amy looked out to the patio. For forty minutes, Josh and Celeste had been playing the same game of chess. When Celeste stayed with them for those few weeks, she and Josh played chess regularly. Usually, Josh conceded within twenty minutes, often earlier.
Amy smiled faintly as she watched Alex. He was sitting close to Celeste, flicking through a magazine. She could see that he was completely bored, but still he waited patiently for the game to finish.
Amy looked at Josh then at her watch then tapped her foot lightly. "C'mon," she said under her breath. It was at least five minutes, she noted as she looked at her watch again, since Josh had made his move. "C'mon," she whispered. "Hurry up and make your move Celeste."
Looking at the clock on the wall, Amy watched the seconds drag by. She bit her bottom lip, and decided that as soon the game was over, regardless of the promise Josh had made, they would wake the boys, and go.
Amy waited another few moments, but still Celeste didn't make her move.
Desperately wanting to go home, Amy moved through the open patio doors, and approached her husband. "Josh, I-"
Josh held his finger to his mouth, "Ssshhh. This is a crucial move."
Silenced, Amy stood beside him.
Josh smiled up at her and pulling her close, put his arm around her waist. Amy unintentionally stiffened.
Celeste looked at Josh then at Amy. "I have to be in New York next weekend," she said. "I'm giving a lecture on feeding centers that MSF run in Darfur." She lifted her eyebrows. "And I noticed that there is an art exhibition by Julie Shelton Smith." She smiled at Amy. "Josh told me some time ago that she is one of your favorite artists. I thought you might like to join me?"
The unexpected invitation left Amy struggling for something to say.
Josh piped up, "That sounds like a great idea, Celeste. It's only recently that she's been spending more time in her studio." He looked up at Amy. "Maybe it'll give you a little inspiration!" He added enthusiastically, "I think it's a great idea, honey. How about you?"
Amy hesitated. Annoyed that Josh was unwittingly being duped, she struggled for a reason not to go. She looked at Josh, then Celeste. "I'd like to think about it," she replied frowning. With no intention of accepting, she added, "I'll need to look at my schedule."
Josh tightened his hold on Amy's waist. "Oh come on, Amy. You'll really enjoy it, and I can manage the boys for a weekend."
Josh surprised Amy by placing a light kiss on her tee shirted stomach.
Amy watched Celeste's eyebrows draw together.
Looking up at Amy, Celeste said, "Surely, Amy. You wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to see your favorite artist?"
"Maybe next time," Amy replied eyeing Celeste coldly.
Josh looked at Amy. "No, I insist," he said his tone firm. "A weekend break is exactly what you need. You've been working far too hard over the last few weeks." Sounding concerned he added, "You need some time out. You need some retail therapy. You can go shopping, let your hair down. Catch up on girl chat."
Amy's was aware that Josh couldn't understand why there was tension between her and his sister. Wanting some form of reconciliation between them, he would see the trip as an ideal opportunity for them to spend some time together, and get to know each other 'properly'.
Josh beamed a bright smile. "Who would make better company than my beautiful sister?" he said. "She'll happily look after you."
Eyebrows lifting, Amy blushed. Josh, she thought ashamedly. That's exactly the problem. Your sister wants to look after me, just not quite in the way you imagine.
Mistaking Amy's silence, Josh smiled. "Great." He looked at Celeste. "She's going, sis."
Celeste smiled sweetly. "Good." She made her move.
Even though Josh had her in check, Celeste took his white queen with her black knight, her own queen and bishop already positioned to ensure that he had no place to move his king.
"Checkmate," Josh said good-naturedly then toppled his king. Laughing, he pulled Amy onto his lap and kissed her.
Annoyed at Celeste's obvious game playing, and Josh for being so easily duped, Amy pushed against him, and accidentally knocked over the glass chessboard. The board and many of the pieces shattered when they hit the ground.
Upset at her clumsiness, Amy shot off Josh's lap, and bent down to pick up the glass.
With speed, Celeste reached down and grabbing Amy's wrist said harshly, "No, Amy. Leave it!"
Confused, Amy looked at her. "Why?"
Loosening her grip, but keeping a hold on Amy's wrist, Celeste looked up. "Josh, can you get something to clear this up?"
"Sure," Josh replied, and moved quickly toward the kitchen.
Alex, obviously sensing a storm brewing decided to follow him.
Her eyebrows raised Amy repeated, "Why?"
"Because," Celeste answered. "It's broken glass for God's sake!" She looked down. "Lots of broken glass." Her brow furrowed. "You're only going to hurt yourself if you try to pick it up with your hands."
Pulling her wrist free, Amy replied angrily, "Hurt myself!" She lowered her voice. "Don't you think manipulating Josh by organizing this trip is exactly what is going to hurt me?"
"We need time to talk, Amy."
Amy stood and Celeste followed. "Fuck you mean?"
Celeste reached out, and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Amy's ear. "No," she answered her eyes troubled. "I mean talk."
"Why don't you go away like you did last time?"
"I'm staying, Amy."
"You don't care do you?" Amy spat out. "You don't care about the damage that can be done?"
"I do care, Amy," Celeste replied, running her fingers lightly over Amy's jawbone.
Amy shook her head. "You don't."
"Believe me I care," Celeste said with a note of vulnerability. She dropped her hand. "I care very, very much."
Amazingly, with that look of vulnerability, Amy's anger disappeared. Her pulse picked up speed as memories of their last encounter flooded in. She gazed at Celeste. Her eyes focusing on her full mouth, she unconsciously took a step closer.
"We need time to figure this out," Celeste said watching Amy carefully.
Always fascinated by the fullness of Celeste's mouth, Amy's hand, of its own volition, reached out, and brushed fingers over her succulent lips.
Celeste's eyes widened. Without hesitation, she captured the tip of Amy's index finger in her mouth then groaned lightly.
Amy closed her eyes briefly when Celeste sucked her finger into her mouth. Breathing heavily, her mouth parted, she focused on Celeste's mouth. Desperately wanting to taste it, she leaned in to-
Amy jolted back when Josh's laughter broke through her haze. She pulled her hand away quickly.
Josh appeared first through the patio doors, chatting to Alex about the weekend football scores.
Shocked at what she had been about to do, Amy backed away from Celeste. She turned toward Josh. Stiffly, she listened to their conversation. At any other time she would have found their chat seriously amusing as Alex didn't know one end of a football from the other.
Alex had made it known to Amy that he had no interest in sports at school. Amateur dramatics was his thing, but recently, since dating a sports teacher, he embraced all things 'athletic' with relish.
"Are you okay, honey?" Josh asked rubbing Amy's arms.
"Yes," Amy answered unsteadily.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," Amy said clearing her throat. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Good," Josh replied. He looked at the ground. "Let's get this mess cleared up."
Chapter 29
Sitting in the hotel bathtub, Amy pressed all the buttons several times over, completely tickled by the change in the swirl of the water. Eventually, she sank back into the froth of suds, and relaxed into the gentle swirl. Exhaling slowly, she decided that it was about time they upgraded the bathtub at home.
Picking up the soap, an image of Celeste dropped in her mind, and she blushed. Amy still couldn't believe that she almost kissed Celeste last Sunday. Soaping her breasts, she accepted that it was now riskier to keep Celeste at arms length than to try to sort out what was happening between them. Pooling some bubbles in her hand, she reassured herself that she had done the right thing by coming to New York with Celeste. Although they hadn't discussed anything yet. This trip was all about sorting things out.
Blowing bubbles out of her hand, Amy thought about their arrival this morning. She squirmed slightly, and her color deepened as she recalled the relief she felt when the clerk handed them separate keys. Dipping further into the bath water, Amy realized that she had been worrying needlessly about what kind of weekend they were going to have. Bringing her toes to the surface, she wiggled them then sunk further into the tub, embarrassed that she hadn't fully trusted Celeste when she said she wanted this weekend to talk.
Pressing a button for more hot water, Amy reflected on her day with Celeste. After checking in, they dropped their luggage off then went shopping. In the afternoon, Celeste took Amy to a well-known art store where she thumbed her way through the stock before leaving with a bag of supplies.
Amy raised her brow in surprise, and admitted that she really found the brunette intriguing. Celeste, she discovered, in the art store, to her surprise, knew a lot about art. But, Amy reconciled, that shouldn't come as a surprise, given the amount of traveling she's done over the years. After the art store, they stopped for coffee. Keeping the conversation light, they talked freely about things that influenced them. Probably for the first time, Amy realized, she was getting to know who Celeste was.
When they returned to the hotel after six, Amy stood outside her room door, and smiled at Celeste's light teasing that they needed to be ready for seven sharp as they were seeing a show then going for something eat. Amy was well known for her timekeeping.
In the room, Amy slipped off her shoes. Entering the bathroom she smiled, the bathtub was huge. Hesitating at the door, she looked at it, and couldn't remember the last time she'd opted for a bath instead of a shower. She bit her lower lip gently. Reaching for the shower knob, she decided that she didn't have time then hesitated. The urge to soak too much, she impulsively pressed down the stopper, and ran the hot water tap.
Humming, Amy undressed. Eying the various bath salts as the tub filled, she tied her hair up. Stepping into it, she smiled as she luxuriated in the enormous tub. Sinking in, she inhaled deeply the smell of the herbal-scented suds. Several strands of hair escaped the hairclip when she lifted her head to glance at the clock on the wall. Closing her eyes, she laid her head back and thought, just a few minutes.
Amy's eyes flew open when a noise penetrated her psyche. Sitting bolt upright she looked around dazedly. Blinking, it took a few moments for her brain to register where she was, and a few more for her to distinguish that the noise.
"Shit, the phone!"
Amy shot out of the tub. Soaking wet, she skidded a few times as she hurried toward the phone. Picking it up, her jaw dropped when a side-door opened.
Unaware that there was a connecting door, Amy's eyes almost popped out of her head when Celeste entered her room.
"I heard the phone ring," Celeste said looking Amy over. "I thought that you must have fallen asleep."
Embarrassed, Amy blushed all over. It took a moment for her to figure out where the distant voice was coming from. Remembering, that someone was on the line, she quickly put the phone to her ear.
Hello?" Amy said eyeing Celeste.
"Hi, Amy?"
Feeling the heat of embarrassment creep up her neck, Amy replied. "Hi."
"Everything okay, honey?"
If you consider standing naked and dripping wet in front of your-always-amorous-sister okay, then yes, I'm okay, Amy thought. Frantically, she scanned the room for something to cover herself with. She eyed her weekend bag at the far end of her room. There was nothing.
Josh repeated, "Is everything okay, Amy?"
Amy tugged at the bedspread. "Yes..." she said grunting. " Yes. Everything's okay."
Tucked firmly under the mattress, the bedspread refused to budge.
"How's...things... with... you?" Amy puffed.
Celeste moved toward the bathroom.
"Fine," Josh replied then asked, "Honey, have you been running?"
"No," Amy wheezed. "I'm... just... trying... to... get... ready."
"We're missing you," Josh said sounding confused that his wife was panting. "I'm just about to put the boys to bed, and they want to say goodnight. Here I'll let you speak to them."
Approaching Amy, Celeste stood in front of her with a bath towel.
Amy took the towel then stepped back. She let out a silent yelp when the bedside cabinet jabbed her leg. Clutching the towel, she smiled weakly at Celeste. Mumbling her thanks, she unintentionally looked Celeste over. Her dress sense was impeccable. Usually, she wore her hair in a ponytail, but tonight, it was down. Its length made it curl slightly as it fell around her shoulders.
Appraising her, Amy caught her bottom lip. Celeste's expensive white linen trouser suit and camisole top looked stunning. This girl, Amy thought as she caught more of her lip really did have an incredible physique; lean, sleek and full breasted. Her eyes widened when she realized that the camisole, Celeste was wearing, was almost sheer. Pulse rising, she swallowed. Aware that there was no way she would get through the evening with that as a distraction, she held the towel tightly, and indicating with her head. "Shouldn't you button that?"
Celeste looked down and smiled. "Yes," she replied. "I was about to when the phone rang."
Relieved, Amy forced herself to focus when she heard her son's voice.
"Hi Mommy," Christopher said. His voice trembled. "Mac bwit me!"
Wondering why Josh hadn't mentioned this earlier, Amy frowned. "Are you all right baby?"
Celeste motioned to her watch.
Tensing, Amy ignored her.
"Yesth," Christopher replied, his lispy voice sounding brave. "But it urts."
Concerned, Amy reassured. "It's okay, baby. When Mummy gets back, she'll kiss it all better. Okay?"
Christopher sniffled, but didn't reply.
"Sweetheart is Daddy there?" Amy asked. She could hear slight rustling, and smiled knowing he was nodding. She imagined him standing there with a little petted lip, miffed that his Mummy wasn't there to soothe him. She asked again, "Chris, can you pass the phone to Daddy?"
Christopher said nothing.
Aware that Christopher didn't want to give up the phone, Amy's mouth quirked, and she asked again, "Chris, can I speak to Daddy? Just for a moment then I'll come right back to you, baby, I promise. I just need to speak to him quickly."
Christopher sniffed and replied reluctantly, "Okay, Mommy."
Unaware that she was focusing on Celeste, Amy looked at her worried face.
Josh spoke into the receiver. "Amy, honey, it's nothing," he said reassuringly. "Mac nipped him because Chris," he said sternly, obviously directing his next words to their son, "would not stop pulling on his tail! Even though," he reprimanded, "he was told to stop." Josh added softly, "Amy, don't worry about it. The reason I didn't mention it was because there wasn't a mark and he didn't even make a peep. This is the first I've heard out of him all day about it." He chuckled. "Chris is looking for sympathy, honey, and he knows right where to get it."
Immediately, the tension left Amy. She smiled at Celeste reassuringly. "Okay, that's a relief," she replied. "Can I speak to him again?"
Waiting for Josh to pass the phone back to Christopher, Amy knew that she needed to distract her son from focusing on her being away. "Hi, Chris," she said and tried a different tack. "Now Chris, Mummy needs you to be a brave boy, just like you always are, and look after Daddy. Do you think you can manage that? It's a big responsibility, but I know you can do it."
Amy smiled confidently at Celeste and waited for his response. Christopher loved nothing better than being told he was a brave boy.
"Okay, Mommy," Christopher replied quickly.
When she heard the tinge of pride in his voice at being given the task, Amy winked at Celeste.
Celeste quirked an eyebrow then tilted her head enquiringly.
Amy blushed, completely disarmed that such a small movement was so charming.
Celeste lifted her hand, and tapping her watch showed Amy that it was six-forty-five. Amy nodded then put her head down to stop any further distraction. She spoke to her son. A few moments later, she lifted her head in surprise when the connecting door closed.
Amy chatted with Christopher then Ryan briefly then said goodnight to Josh. Quickly dressing, she applied some light makeup then let her hair fall around her shoulders. Her outfit was a black thinly strapped dress that hung just below the knee. The dress accentuated the fullness of her breasts, and hugged the curves of her hips. It also showed off her shapely tanned legs, enhanced by three-inch heels.
Looking in the mirror, Amy gave herself a once over. Not bad for a mother of two, she thought as the door clicked shut behind her.
Chapter 30
Amy's smile broadened when she fondly remembered seeing the opera in London with her father. She almost laughed when she recalled leaving the theater with her Dad so choked with emotion that she couldn't speak throughout the twenty-minute taxi ride back to their hotel.
Warmed by the memory, her eyes still closed, Amy dropped her head slightly. Biting lightly on her bottom lip, she thought back to the restaurant.
The restaurant that Celeste chose on 54th Street was a blend of South East Asian and French food. Amy was surprised that although the restaurant was opulent the dining room was large and noisy. She was secretly pleased when Celeste arranged for a recessed booth, which muted the noise.
That evening, they talked easily about the types of food and wine they enjoyed. Amy wasn't surprised, that Celeste had an eclectic taste given her passion for cooking. When they ordered, she went with Celeste's recommendation, and chose the restaurant's signature dish.
Amy opened her eyes when the elevator stopped to let out a passenger. She smiled briefly at Celeste then closed them again, and thought back to their conversation at the restaurant. She remembered how explorative Celeste was with her, drawing her out throughout the evening and into conversation. She blushed as she recalled Celeste's subtle compliments about her outfit; her hair, her eyes, even her perfume. Throughout the evening, she wanted to return them, but couldn't. She was too shy, and unused to receiving such sincere compliments from another woman.
To Amy's surprise, during the meal, she confided that her father had planned that when she finished university they would travel extensively, visiting every continent and many countries.
Leaning her head back against the elevator wall, Amy recalled the evening.
"Vietnam," Amy told Celeste wistfully, "was one of the countries my Dad wanted to visit."
"You must miss him terribly?" Celeste said lifting her glass of white wine.
Holding the fork to her mouth, Amy looked at her sharply.
Unperturbed, Celeste returned her gaze as she sipped her wine.
Amy was unsure if Celeste could ever understand such a loss then she remembered Felice, and realized that Celeste's own life experience, her work as a doctor with MSF, positioned her perfectly to understand.
"Yes," Amy replied. Losing her appetite for what had been a delicious dish of lobster with Thai herbs, she put her fork down and pushed the plate away. "Every day," Amy added with a note of longing, "I miss him everyday."
Amy wiped her mouth with her napkin.
Celeste put her glass down. Leaning in, she brushed Amy's cheek lightly with her fingers, and said in a low voice, "Tell me about him."
Amy shrugged. "There is so much to tell."
Leaning back, Celeste encouraged. "Tell me why he wanted to visit Vietnam?"
Amy hesitated. She looked at Celeste. For the first time, in a long time, she wanted to talk about her father. "He loved Vietnamese architecture," she replied.
"Why?"
Amy shrugged. "I think for him, it expressed a combination of natural balance and harmony."
"I love Vietnamese architecture," Celeste said softly. Looking into Amy's eyes, she added, "Did he plan to see the Giac Lam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City?"
"Yes," Amy answered her eyes bright. "That was specifically the one he intended visiting on our trip to Vietnam."
"It's wonderful Amy," Celeste said softly. "It's considered to be the city's oldest pagoda."
Amy nodded. "I know." She looked at Celeste for a long moment. "It was nice of you to let me spend so much time in the store with me today."
"I enjoy being with you, Amy." Celeste said. She smiled contentedly. "Watching you flick through books that have influenced your work, and your art."
Celeste's eyes carried a depth of warmth that lulled Amy. "I had no idea until today that you were into architecture or art."
"Yes." Celeste replied.
"Tell me about your trip to Vietnam."
Amy's appetite returned when Celeste talked about travels. She listened, and was surprised at not only Celeste's knowledge of Vietnamese architecture, but the breadth of her knowledge of some of the most treasured architectural sights on the planet.
Amy lost herself when they discussed the treasures they would like to see from the lavish Meenakshi Temple in India to the obscure Solovki Monastery in Russia.
Eventually, when there was a lull in the conversation, Celeste said softly, "If we are to do this, Amy, I think we need some conditions."
Lifting her coffee cup, Amy hesitated before asking, "What do you mean?"
"I mean," Celeste replied spooning sugar into her cup, "that we both agree that on a time limit."
Befuddled, Amy slowly put her cup down. "Time limit?"
Holding Amy's gaze, Celeste said patiently, "It must end, Amy. That's the whole point of this exercise."
Swallowing, Amy repeated, "Exercise."
"Affair, Amy," Celeste replied as if clearing up a mystery.
Amy shook her head, "But it hasn't even started-"
"-It has," Celeste said her eyes shining darkly. She added almost soothingly, "Amy it started a long time ago."
Amy watched the steam rise from her coffee cup, and tried to absorb Celeste's words. Eventually, she looked at her and asked openly, "You really believe we should do this, don't you?"
Holding her gaze, Celeste answered, "Yes."
Amy exhaled. She was in conflict. She was seeing different sides to Celeste, and there was no doubt, as this weekend was proving that she was a complex and multi-layered person.
"Why does someone like you," Amy asked. "Who has experienced so much, and who understands the types of adversities that life throws at people-"
"Amy," Celeste interrupted. "What I do is a job that's all."
Amy shook her head and said firmly, "Oh, I think it's much more than that, Doctor Cameron."
Evidently amused by the use of her formal address, Celeste's lips twitched. "I have the same weaknesses as the next person."
Looking at Celeste, Amy went for what she hoped was her Achilles heel. She raised her eyebrows and asked, "What about Josh. Do you care about him?"
Celeste eyes narrowed. She leaned in. "Of course I care about him."
"Then for his sake, don't you think we should stop this?"
Leaning back, Celeste answered almost wearily, "Do, you think we can?" She held Amy's gaze. "Do you want to have years of this?" she asked. "Do you want it to be knotted in our stomachs whenever we see each other?" Her eyes sparked. "To be there in every look we exchange, in every accidental touch-" She stopped when Amy lifted her hand to show her wedding ring.
"Regardless," Amy replied. Leaning forward, she lowered her voice. "I'm married."
"Do you think that's enough?"
"I believe in monogamy."
Celeste quirked an eyebrow. "Your beliefs haven't stopped you so far."
Amy's heart thudded. The lines of the poem flashed through her mind, 'Those who restrain desire do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained.'
"In most parts of the world, Amy, sexual desire is a fact of life," Celeste said lifting her cup. "In some cultures, people aren't expected to suppress their needs. Desire is an acceptable part of being alive. In societies where power tends to pass through women, women sleep with whoever they want, but the more developed cultures become, especially when it comes to property, the more the rules become one-sided."
Amy raised her eyebrows.
"Property," Celeste continued. "Is generally passed through the male lineage, and because it's important to know who the father of a child is from a property perspective, men tend to continue being promiscuous, and women tend to be guarded...sexually."
Amy frowned. "Look, Celeste. I understand that you might have a different perspective on things, given your exposure to different cultures, but whatever you say it still doesn't normalize it for me. We're living in the twenty-first century, and I buy into monogamy."
Looking closely at Amy, Celeste said openly, vulnerably, "All I want is for this ache to stop."
Surprised, Amy blushed.
"I want it to stop. It's draining me, Amy." She leaned back. "I can't think straight. I want it to stop because the real truth is I don't want years of this."
Amy drank from her cup. "Given time, it will die."
Celeste shook her head. "This type of attraction doesn't die." She looked at Amy. "Emotions are complex. People can carry throughout their lives, and take to their grave feelings for their unrequited first crush."
"Shucks, I'm your first crush?"
Celeste smiled. "No, but consider it a metaphor for the unrequited."
Amy held Celeste's gaze for a long time then surprised herself by asking, "How can we make it stop?"
Celeste closed her eyes briefly. "Have you heard of the fantasy theory?"
Frowning, Amy shook her head.
"For a fantasy to exist, desire needs absent objects. Desire can only support itself with fantasies."
Amy tilted her head. "Meaning what?" she asked intrigued. "That the moment you get something you normally can't have, you don't want it anymore?"
Celeste nodded.
Amy thought back to something that she had read somewhere about people only being truly happy when thinking about their future happiness. How bizarre life really is? she thought as she looked at Celeste.
"So," Amy said. "What you're saying is that if we were to do this, we would turn desire into reality, and lose interest?"
"Yes," Celeste responded.
Amy exhaled. She caught her bottom lip. Her commonsense screamed indignantly, No way! While her baser instincts yelled out hungrily, yes. Say yes.
Celeste took Amy's hand. Holding it, she gently stroked the back of it.
Be strong, Amy told herself. You came with her this weekend to end it. So end it, but gazing into Celeste's dark eyes, Amy couldn't. Her stomach fluttered. Why can't you? Her inner voice answered readily. You want it to happen as much as she does. You want her. Accept it you want her bad.
Amy immediately thought of her mother. It won't make you like that, her inner voice appeased. She left her family. If you keep the arrangement simple, it will be over before you know it, and you won't have years of this. You'll be able to put it behind you, just like you did last time with her.
Looking down, Amy watched Celeste's thumb stroke the back of her hand. The complete sensuality of her touch ricocheted through her brain.
"I want no emotional involvement." Amy said. "I don't want to discuss my relationship with Josh." Leaning in, she added protectively, "I want it understood there is no future for us." She swallowed. "Four months, no more."
Celeste leaned in and placing a hand lightly around Amy's neck, searched her face intently. "Okay," she replied. Pulling Amy close, she gently kissed both her cheeks before placing her brow briefly on hers. "Let's go," she whispered.
The elevator silently slid to a halt. Opening her eyes, Amy leaned off the wall. When the doors opened, Celeste held out her hand. Aware of the stranger still in the elevator, but unable to resist, Amy took it. She walked with Celeste along the corridor.
Standing behind Amy, Celeste waited patiently as Amy ruffled in her small purse for her key card.
Amy placed the card in the door lock. She stood hesitantly when the door unlocked.
Obviously sensing Amy wrestle with her conscience, Celeste placed her hands on Amy's hips, and pushed her forward gently.
Immediately, Amy's pulse sped up in response to Celeste's touch. Letting go of her doubt, she entered her room.
Feeling the effects of the wine from dinner, but needing a little courage, Amy decided that a nightcap was justified. Turning to Celeste, she asked if she would like a drink.
Celeste nodded. "Tequila," she replied removing her shoes.
Handing Celeste a glass, Amy watched her wander barefoot to the window and look out. Watching her, Amy wondered if Celeste was nervous, and decided no, the cool, calm doctor never got her feathers ruffled.
Closing her eyes, Amy took a large swig from her glass, and swallowed. Eyes flying open, she reflexively spluttered and gasped for air.
Moving to the mini bar quickly, Celeste pulled out a small bottle of mineral water, opened it, and handed it to Amy.
After a few gulps of water, Amy smiled ruefully. "Thanks." She coughed. "Whisky," she offered hoarsely. "I'd forgotten it has a real kick."
Celeste quirked an eyebrow then drank slowly from her glass.
Sipping water from the bottle, Amy watched Celeste drink and wondered, not for the first time, what it would be like to taste her mouth again.
At one point this evening, when they were dining, Amy had found it hard to believe that, given their encounters, they had never kissed since that first night.
Watching Celeste drink from her glass, Amy remembered noticing her full mouth when they first met. Although Josh had a similar mouth, somehow, Celeste's mouth seemed much more provocative. Standing there, Amy suddenly realized that everything she found facially attractive about Josh, Celeste seemed to amplify, and not the other way around.
Putting her glass down, Celeste approached Amy. Removing the bottle from her hand, she brushed hers lips over Amy's before whispering, "I really enjoyed this evening." She added throatily, "All night, I have wanted to kiss you."
Groaning, Amy placed both hands at the nape of Celeste's neck, and kissed her teasing mouth hungrily then deeply.
Opening her mouth, Celeste ran her tongue along Amy's lips before slipping it into her mouth. She moaned lightly when Amy wrapped her arms around her waist, and kissed her intently.
Dropping her hands from Amy's head, Celeste placed them on and her hips and pulled her close. After a few moments, she broke the kiss and leaning her brow against Amy's, whispered, "I don't think I can wait any longer."
Impatiently, Amy moved her head, seeking Celeste's lips. She tangled her fingers in her loose hair, and kissed her hard.
Eventually breaking the kiss Celeste murmured, "I need you, Amy." Taking her hand, she led her to the bed.
Chapter 31
Surprised by the unwanted jealous streak, Amy's jaw clenched. Looking at the brunette, she gave into her craving, and moved to stand in front of her. Smiling, she realized that with her three-inch heels, and Celeste barefoot, they were at eye level. Possessively, she placed her hands on Celeste's hips and pulling her close, kissed the hollows of her shoulders before finding her mouth.
After a few moments, Celeste pulled her mouth away. Evidently pleased at Amy's newfound enthusiasm, she murmured, "Chéri, we've got all night."
Amy slowly placed her hands on Celeste's breasts. Groaning, she closed her eyes and allowed her senses to focus on the pleasure of touching this woman, this way. She frowned slightly when a strange feeling washed over her of needing this intimacy. "I love touching your breasts," she whispered opening her eyes.
Inches apart, Amy watched a gamut of emotions cross Celeste's face. Impulsively, she placed her hand between Celeste's thighs, and using her fingers separated her drenched lips.
In response, Celeste's lungs emptied. Her dark eyelashes fluttered closed. She sucked in air then moaned as she gripped Amy's shoulders tightly.
Keeping her hand on Celeste's breast, Amy began to explore.
"Oh my God," Celeste said. Hips rocking, she tucked Amy's hair behind her ear then slipped an earlobe into her mouth. Working her tongue around Amy's ear, she made deep noises of deep pleasure as she wrapped her arms completely around her.
Breathing shallowly, Amy stroked Celeste's clit.
Arching, Celeste rapidly moved her hips back and forth. She whispered, "Yes...Amy."
Amy's throat tightened. She increased the pressure and whispered, "Come for me, Celeste."
Celeste's head snapped back. Groaning deeply, she climaxed. Slowly stilling, she held Amy tightly and whispered, "So quick with you, always."
After a moment Celeste whispered as she unzipped Amy's dress, "I want to see you."
Slipping the thin straps slip off Amy's shoulders, Celeste kissed the length of each before pulling the straps fully down. Letting the dress fall to her waist, she looked openly at her.
Breathing heavily, Amy could see by the response in Celeste's eyes that, already, she was hungry for more.
Celeste's hands moved to Amy's breasts. "You are so beautiful," she whispered.
Amy gasped when her breasts filled Celeste's palms.
"I've wanted to touch you like this all day," Celeste admitted planting small kisses on Amy's face. "I've re-lived that first night in your apartment over and over," she murmured. "Re-lived the feel of you. You would have thought that it would have faded by now," she confessed. "But for the last four years it has driven me crazy."
A surge of exhilaration shot through Amy. She closed her eyes, and smiled at the idea of Celeste being driven crazy by thoughts of her. Her eyes popped open when Celeste ducked her head, capturing one then her other nipple greedily.
Amy groaned loudly.
Dropping to her knees, Celeste pushed Amy's dress down further, exposing her stomach and hips.
When the cold air hit the wetness around her nipples, Amy was suddenly and acutely aware of their sensitivity as they stiffened in need of attention.
Hungrily, Celeste trailed kisses along Amy's stomach then prodded her tongue into her belly button.
Not able to resist any longer, Amy touched her own breasts. "Mmmm," she uttered, head falling back in deep gratification.
Celeste lowered Amy's dress over her hips, and dropped it to the floor. Lacing her fingers along the inside of her black briefs, she moved them down. Once past her hips, eyes half-closed, she leaned in, and caught Amy's scent. A low growl escaped her. Quickly, she pulled Amy's briefs the rest of the way down.
Realizing what Celeste was about to do, uncertainty swept through Amy. She stiffened.
"I want to taste you," Celeste said looking up at Amy.
"Celeste! I...I... don't know if I want this...I don't know if I'm ready for this," Amy stuttered
"Amy," Celeste replied with a hint of impatience. "Do we have to fight every time?" Resting her forehead between Amy's thighs, she nuzzled her face into her and whispered seductively, "You smell ready."
Groaning Amy's world ground to a halt. Embarrassed, she covered her face with her hands.
Loving her softness, Celeste pressed further into Amy, and kissed around her thighs. She inhaled deeply, and tried to fight the animalistic need that filled her.
Amy dropped her hands to her side. "Celeste," she said earnestly. "I mean it...I don't like it... this."
Celeste stopped nuzzling, and resting on her heels continued to stroke up and down the length of Amy's thighs. Looking up, her chest constricted at the sight of Amy standing fully erect, breasts full, nipples hardened, face flushed with excitement. The beauty of this woman overwhelmed her.
Feeling her control break, Celeste groaned, gripping Amy's thighs, she said in exasperation, "Amy, do you want me to beg? Tell you that I can't stop thinking about you? That I can't eat. I can't sleep?" Her grip tightened. "Tell you that I can't think straight since that night in the summerhouse?" She stopped and bending her head exhaled heavily before looking up. "Amy," she added vulnerably, "Do you want me to tell you how much I need this? How much I need to... to touch you, to taste you?"
Looking down at Celeste, Amy's hands gesticulated as she tried to find the words. Unable to find them, she shook her head and insisted, "I'm sorry. I'm just... I'm not ready."
Celeste placed her fingers between Amy's thighs, and touched her. Lifting glistening fingers, she replied softly, "I think you are."
Amy gasped. "I-"
Celeste touched her again.
Sucking in air, Amy closed her eyes briefly then looking at Celeste nodded her consent.
Still resting on her heels, Celeste gently lifted each of Amy's heeled ankles and slipped her briefs off. Looking up at Amy, her breath caught again at the glorious sight of this woman, naked. Deeply moved at how vulnerable she seemed, she watched Amy's hands protectively cover her breasts.
For a moment, Celeste considered taking Amy to bed, but even that slight delay was too much. With her hands, she put pressure on Amy's thighs to separate.
As her thighs opened, Amy's body tensed. Celeste looked at Amy and moaned; her clit was engorged, wet, and glistening.
Her need to taste Amy overwhelming, Celeste hungrily licked along the outline of her inner lips catching the drops of her. Driving her tongue between them, she ran it back and forth, across, down, and up the length of her. Repeatedly, she did this letting the taste of Amy drive her wild until eventually she took her clit fully in her mouth and sucked on it repeatedly, nibbling and flicking it over and over with her tongue, continually swallowing with pleasure as Amy's hips rocked back and forth.
"Oh God...Celeste," Amy uttered.
Celeste's excitement went into overdrive. Enthralled by the taste of Amy, the intimacy of her actions and unable to contain her own excitement, she touched herself as she slipped a hand between Amy's thighs.
Amy almost choked when Celeste's fingers entered her.
Celeste held back a smile when Amy's full weight bore down on her shoulders. She tried to stay off the edge until Amy climaxed, but the sound of her moaning, and the feel of being inside her drove her frantically.
Amy's hands moved to Celeste's head. "Celeste. Oh God. I...I-" Her words stalled. Leaning in, she rose erect on her toes. Her body arching, her orgasm hit.
Celeste almost withdrew in surprise when her mouth filled with fluid, but the force of Amy's orgasm pushed her on.
Amy's head fell back. She rocked her hips and pressed down harder, begging Celeste to keep going, until finally she slowed.
Leaning her head into the softness of Amy's thighs, the unstoppable welling-up of her own deep climax overtook Celeste.
Panting, Amy pulled away from Celeste. Trying to catch her breath, and unable to believe the way this woman made her feel, she made her way to the bed. In the beginning, Josh had tried going down on her lots, but eventually she discouraged it. She tended to labor to reach orgasm, and it always felt awkward. Never, ever, ever had it felt anything like that.
Amy looked at Celeste, and frowned when she saw her mouth and chin dripping. Confused, she sat. Her frown deepened as she watched small rivulets glisten down Celeste's throat, trail past her breasts, and slide down her stomach. Suddenly aware of how wet the insides of her own thighs were she gave Celeste a worried look.
"Oh God," Amy uttered eyes widening. "What have I done?"
"It's not what you think," Celeste replied softly, wiping her mouth.
Amy visibly paled. "What then?"
Looking amused, Celeste explained gently, "You came in my mouth, Amy."
"Huh?" Confused, Amy stood then sat, then stood again.
"Some women, when they climax, release a little," Celeste said looking down at herself, "or a lot of fluid." She added reassuringly, "That's all it is, Amy."
Cheeks stained with embarrassment, a sense of amazement filled Amy at how truly alien her body was to her. Unsure of how to feel, she sat then looked down at the floor.
"Amy."
"Yes." Amy responded dazedly.
"I take it you've never experienced that before?"
"What?"
"That type of physical response when you've climaxed?"
Still dazed, Amy looked at Celeste. "Are you sure it's what you say, and that I didn't, she closed her eyes, "You know," she struggled for the words.
"Yes, I'm sure," Celeste replied. Trying to hide her amusement, she schooled her features. "Are you sure this has never happened to you before."
Amy opened one eye and peered at Celeste. "What are you doing to me?"
Celeste smiled, then growling seductively moved toward Amy on all fours.
Suddenly aware of the strong musky smell of sex, feeling exhausted, and uncomfortable with what had just happened, Amy quickly pulled the sheets from the bed, and slipped under them.
Celeste stood. She smiled. "Okay, maybe a shower is a better idea."
Worried that Celeste might suggest they have a shower together, Amy tucked the sheet around her, and shaking her head said, "No. Honestly, I'm fine."
Celeste looked at Amy for a moment then headed for the bathroom.
When she heard the shower run, Amy exhaled in relief, and closed her eyes.
Amy's eyes flew open a few minutes later when Celeste, still naked, approached her with a damp cloth, and a towel. Standing over her, she indicated that Amy lose the sheet.
Amy clutched the sheet closer. She looked up, "Celeste thank you. But honestly, I...I can manage."
Placing the cloth and towel on the bedside cabinet, Celeste gently tried to remove the sheet from Amy's grasp. "Trust me," she said with a glimmer of humor as Amy held on tight. "I have an excellent beside manner."
Amy groaned and thought, Why didn't I just have a shower? In no position to argue after what just happened, she let Celeste pull the sheet down.
Sitting mid-way down the bed, Celeste reached for the cloth and tenderly wiped Amy down.
Entranced by the intimacy of Celeste's actions, Amy watched her use the cloth.
"Did you mean it?"
"What?" Amy asked slowly relaxing under Celeste's ministrations.
"That you have never come like that?" Celeste asked, gently toweling Amy dry.
Amy tensed. "I...umm..." Blushing heavily, she struggled to find an answer. How could she explain that although she was a married, twenty-eight year old mother of two, she had never experienced anything like that before? "Don't think so," she finished quickly.
Celeste looked at her for a moment. "I think you would have noticed. Don't you?" she asked. Finishing, she stood and returned to the bathroom.
Unable to cope with all the strange emotions coursing through her, Amy pulled the sheet up, and curled into a fetal position.
Celeste returned and sitting on the bed stroked Amy's hair, and asked softly, "Why do you think you've never experienced it before?
Sighing, Amy closed her eyes. "I don't know," she answered after a while.
"Did it frighten you?"
Eyes wide, Amy confessed, "I don't know what's happening to me."
Celeste's eyes filled with warmth. "Don't be scared, Amy," she said gently. "It's perfectly okay."
Amy closed her eyes and sighed. "Why do all doctors say that?"
"What?"
Amy rolled onto her stomach. Burying head into her pillow, she mumbled.
Celeste laughed. "I don't have a clue what you just said."
Amy lifted her head, and looking over her shoulder. "Why is it that all doctors say that it's going to be perfectly okay." Feeling less unnerved, Amy teased. "Why does every person in the medical profession have sentences with the word 'perfect' in it? She mimicked. "Oh, Mrs Cameron don't worry although you have two over-grown gremlins stuffed up inside you, it's fine to be overdue. It's all perfectly normal."
Celeste laughed lightly. "Caesarean wasn't an option then?"
Amy shook her head. "And a big fat bribe didn't work either." She smiled. "Mrs Cameron, you might have been in labor for more than your body can take, but it's all perfectly fine. And no, we can't give you more drugs, no matter how much you beg or try to bribe us."
Celeste grinned. "The boys didn't want to come out."
Amy smiled. "Nope. They hung in there until the final hour, and then some." Yawning, she rubbed her shoulder. "I'm tired."
Celeste moved closer, "Are your shoulders stiff?"
Amy nodded.
"Let me take care of that."
Going to the bathroom, Celeste returned with a bottle of lotion. She positioned herself over Amy then pulled the bed sheet down. Straddling her hips, she poured cream down the length of Amy's spine.
Surprised, Amy yelped at the sudden coldness.
"Feel good?" Celeste asked, running her hands over Amy's back.
Amy groaned in pleasure.
Celeste smiled as she massaged Amy's shoulders. She worked the knots at the base of her neck before running her thumbs up and down her spine.
"When was the last time you had a back massage?"
Amy mumbled, "To long to remember."
"You should make it a priority. You have great posture, but you're back is full of tension knots."
Amy groaned as the tension seeped out of her. "Is that an order, doc," she asked then groaned loudly when Celeste worked the knots out from under right shoulder blade.
"Yes," Celeste replied then frowned. "You're muscles are really tight. You need to find time for this."
Amy winced when Celeste worked at a particular knot. "In case you haven't noticed," she said. "I'm a working mum with two little monsters; two hairy dogs, a husband, a cousin who I hardly see because she's in love. An over-worked and over-wrought, boss. And, just now, for a while," she threw a look over her shoulder, "a very demanding you."
"Ssshhh," Celeste responded. She moved Amy's head to center position then ran her thumbs down her spine, stretching it. "To enjoy this thoroughly, we need quiet."
"Expert are you?" Amy mumbled.
"Mmmm," Celeste murmured. "Nothing can beat a massage. When I can, I make time for it."
Amy nodded then relaxed completely.
Celeste worked on Amy's back for some minutes then said in a thoughtful tone as she worked her thumbs into the base of her spine, "I'm sure I can re-write my brief, and fit Masseuse along with lover."
Lover! Amy eyes shot open.
"You're stiffening up," Celeste said. Bending, she kissed between Amy's shoulder blades. "Try to relax. Let your mind free."
Not wanting to analyze anything, Amy forced herself to relax, and let her mind drift.
"How does that feel?" Celeste asked after a few minutes.
"Good," Amy responded drowsily.
"Just good," Celeste said seductively. "Are you sure?"
Feeling Celeste's breasts press into her back. Amy replied, "Wonderful."
Celeste kissed along Amy's shoulder. "I would like to sleep with you."
Looking over her shoulder, Amy's body tingled at the idea. But if what had happened earlier was a sign of what was to come she didn't think she could cope. This whole thing was still too new. She stuttered, "I...I... don't want to do... for us to have... anymore tonight!"
"No." Kissing Amy's cheek, Celeste replied reassuringly. "Not to make love. Just share a bed, to hold you."
Still shocked by what happened earlier and too tired to think coherently Amy clumsily replied, "I don't think that's a good idea. Sleeping together is... a... an intimacy I want to keep for Josh."
Celeste's stiffened, then quickly moved off the bed.
Amy rolled over to face her.
Her eyes darkening, Celeste glared at Amy. "A simple no would have done, Amy."
Amy's heart gripped convulsively, she whispered, "I'm sorry."
Her apology fell on the closing door of the connecting room.
Amy rolled over. Closing her eyes, she listened as the key turned in the door.
Chapter 32
Leaving the store, Amy continued to be plagued as the most inconsequential act prompting a replay. Outside, little bits of Celeste surrounded her as many women carried similarities in their hair, their height, their shapes, their legs, their smiles, their eyes, their brows, their breasts. All indistinctive to Amy on their own but, this morning, they formed a powerful collage of sexual potency.
Driven to distraction, Amy found solace in Rizzoli, a bookstore near Fifth Avenue, renowned for its architectural collection, and waited it out until it was time to meet Celeste for lunch. She just hoped that the arrangement still stood. Early this morning, she had knocked on the connecting door, but there was no response.
Arriving at the restaurant, Amy was surprised when Celeste introduced Susan, a friend who also worked for Médecins sans Frontières. Susan, apparently was joining them for lunch.
At just over five foot, Susan was slim, pretty with short brown hair, big green eyes, and as Amy was about to find out, an enormous personality.
During lunch, Susan told Celeste that she wouldn't be going on another assignment. "I've always found it easy when I get home after a mission, but this time, it's different." She sighed, "I won't be going back." She shrugged. "I'm burned out."
Touching Susan's arm, Celeste said, "Have you talked to anyone about this?"
"Yeah, I've gone through the usual channels," Susan replied nodding. "But it's not working this time." She clasped Celeste's hand, and smiled. "It's time for me to move on," Susan said. Turning her attention to Amy, she said, "Do you know anything about Médecins sans Frontières?"
Swallowing, color swamped Amy's cheeks. Shaking her head, she wiped her mouth with her napkin. "Not that much."
"Oh," Susan responded then straightened her shoulders. "Well, I might not be able to tell you the true meaning of life is, but as far as I'm concerned," she tapped the table. "It is the simple things that give life meaning." She looked at Amy. "What do you think are most people's goals?"
Blindsided, Amy stopped chewing on her food. She shook her head. "I don't know."
"It's chiefly a desire for happiness." Susan leaned forward. "Now, it might not be in everyone's power to be happy, but it's in everyone's power to be good."
Amy raised her eyebrows at Celeste.
Celeste winked at her.
"Okay," Amy responded slowly.
"And that's why people work for organizations like MSF. You know people who work for MSF work in extreme condition," Susan said then sipped her wine. "At first I found it really difficult to adapt to some of the horrific sights, you get to see." She looked at Celeste. "You know what I'm talking about."
Celeste nodded.
"But somewhere along the line you deal with it. You deal with the violence, the disease, the starvation, the death..."
Celeste hadn't told Susan or anyone that the reason she was home was to set the wheels in motion to adopt Daniel and his sister. She hadn't told her because the adoption process was a long haul with no guarantees, and Susan, although a good friend, was not known for holding her tongue. It was, Celeste had decided, better to keep everything under wraps until she was sure.
"So, what are your plans, Celeste?" Susan asked curiously.
"I've just started working in Sarasota at the Memorial Hospital, and I haven't any set any definite plans, yet." Celeste glanced at Amy. "It all depends on how certain things work out."
Susan laughed. "What!" she exclaimed. "You're not considering dumping the gorgeous Dr Laura Selby are you. According to Ritchie she's pining desperately for you."
Celeste swallowed hard when Amy's face darkened. She looked at Susan and said softly, "As I said I haven't made any plans yet."
Stunned, Amy's body tensed. Feeling anger sweep through her, she stood. "Excuse me; I need to use the restroom."
In the restroom, Amy splashed water on her face and whispered, "Jesus. This woman is a complete stranger!" She gripped the sink. "Who else does she have stashed away? She looked at her reflection. "It doesn't matter," she told herself. "What you have with her is short-term arrangement with no emotional involvement. Its better that someone else is in her life, makes it less complex for you."
Returning to the table, Amy heard Susan chastise Celeste. "You are such a dark horse, Celeste," she said. "Don't keep Laura hanging too long. She might be crazy about you, but she's nobody's fool."
Celeste looked at Susan. "Let's talk about something else."
Susan shrugged. "Okay, but you know Ritchie would willingly die for a lick of her cherry."
Celeste laughed. "Wouldn't you be a little put out if he were licking any cherry other than yours?"
"Ah, Ritchie," Susan said clapping her hands. "My beautiful boy!"
Stunned, Amy listened as Susan released the most incredible high-pitched laugh. Shocked, she resisted holding her ears.
Cutting the laughter short, Susan said in a hushed tone, "Actually, I have a little confession." Susan leaned in. "We are here for two reasons." She looked from Celeste to Amy. "First, Ritchie's meeting the folks. And second, we're here to buy an engagement ring." She clapped her hands. "We're getting married!"
Good God, Amy thought. This woman is like a performing seal on helium.
"Can you believe it?"
Amy's face paled when Susan laughed again. Appalled, she looked at Celeste.
Celeste shrugged then congratulated Susan.
The lunch and Susan's long story about the lead up to Ritchie's proposal seemed to drag on for hours. After shredding her napkin then everything else possible, Amy had had enough. "Do you mind if we get the bill?" she asked Celeste wearily.
Celeste nodded.
Amy caught the eye of a passing waiter.
As they prepared to leave, Celeste invited Susan to the art exhibition they were attending that afternoon.
Amy's heart sank. She managed to nod reassuringly when Susan whispered, "Is that okay?"
They caught the subway to Brooklyn. Sitting on the train, Amy tried to work up some enthusiasm for the show. Once there, she wandered off on her own for quite contemplation. The gallery was spacious, but it seemed that wherever she stood she could hear Susan's laughter.
Eventually, Amy accepted that the only thing she could concentrate on was Celeste, and her temperature rose when she looked Celeste over. She wore a crisp fashionably cut light blue suit. The jacket had slick lapels and flap pockets. She wore it buttoned with a hint of cleavage; it fitted perfectly. Her trousers were long, lean and minimum, and her shoes low-heeled. Amy imagined her this morning delivering her lecture to an entranced audience.
Amy sucked on her bottom lip. She oved the way Celeste's hair was caught up at the back, fixed with two small intertwining latticed chopsticks. The style lent elegance to her look, and length to her neck. With her long dark fringe falling seductively over her face, she was fully aware that Celeste was a complete knockout.
Susan smiled as she passed Amy, heading for the restroom.
Amy's stomach knotted as Celeste approached her.
Celeste stopped in front of Amy, and stroked her arm. Her fingers ventured upward and dangerously close to Amy's breast. She whispered her mouth coming close to Amy's, "Are you enjoying the exhibition?"
"Yes," Amy croaked. Unconsciously, she licked her lips in anticipation.
"There's a problem with the restroom," Susan said returning.
Amy swallowed in relief. Her knees weakened when she realized that she would have kissed Celeste openly if she had wanted.
Amy shook her head slightly, and wondered what the hell kind of person was she turning into.
Chapter 33
Standing outside the gallery, filled with a sense of excitement when Susan said she had to be on her way, her libido revving, Amy looked at Celeste and entertained the thought that if they hurried, they might just have time to get back to the hotel, and make love before attending the show that evening. It appeared that Celeste had other ideas. Not only did she encourage Susan to spend the afternoon with them. Right there, outside the gallery, she asked if she and Ritchie would like to join them, and see the show.
After dropping the bombshell invitation, Celeste looked at Amy and smiled sweetly.
In disbelief, Amy stared at Celeste, and just managed to quash a sudden urge to stomp her foot in frustration.
"Is that okay with you Amy," Susan asked.
Amy smiled graciously. "Of course Susan," she replied hiding her growing anger. "Both of you should join us."
Smiling, Susan hurriedly pulled her cell phone out of her purse and hugging Celeste then Amy told them that they had no plans for the evening, and that she was sure Ritchie would be delighted.
When Susan hugged her, Amy didn't know whether to laugh or cry. All she knew was that her need for Celeste was in overdrive, and she couldn't do a thing about it.
Rubbing her brow, Amy listened to Susan prattle on about how much Ritchie would love to catch up with Celeste and how much he loved the theater, and that she would call the theater first to check the availability of tickets.
Eventually, to Amy's relief, Susan pressed digits on her phone, turned then walked on.
Watching her, Amy realized that Susan hadn't stopped talking in hours. She must be on crack cocaine to be as hyper as that, she thought. Dragging her eyes from Susan, she looked at Celeste.
Celeste lifted her dark eyebrows and asked innocently, "What?"
Amy folded her arms. She looked at Celeste, and felt her temper rise dangerously close to the surface. She couldn't believe that she was going to have to spend another minute with Susan never mind a whole evening, and God only knows what Ritchie was going to be like.
Amy watched amusement register in Celeste's eyes. Looking down at her shoes and deciding to play it cool, she shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing."
"Okay," Celeste replied then stretched.
A fireball hit between Amy's thighs when she watched Celeste's jacket ride up, and show off her stomach. She fought an overriding desire to drop to her knees, and run her tongue over it.
Celeste laughed.
Amy blushed knowing that the Celeste had picked up her thoughts.
Celeste looked at Amy. "I'm glad," she said folding her arms. "That you don't mind my friends spending the evening with us. Because for just a second. Just a teeny, wee second, I thought that you might have wanted tonight to be just the two of us?" She reached out and stroked Amy's face. "But then I thought surely not. No, that would be far too intimate for Amy, wouldn't it? After all, intimacy is not part of the arrangement," Celeste purred. "Is it?"
Amy didn't respond. Instead, she watched Susan gesticulate madly for their attention.
Celeste smiled when Susan gave her the thumps up.
Dreading the next few hours, Amy closed her eyes.
Turning her back on Susan and positioning herself in front of Amy, Celeste said quietly, "Saddle your broomstick, Amy. Tonight, you're in for one helluva ride!"
Amy stared at Celeste. This was a deliberate act of sabotage. They could have had a great evening together, but Celeste was punishing her for her comments last night. She smiled and thought, I know just how to play your little game.
Checking over Celeste's shoulder, Amy could see Susan was still on her cell phone. Too annoyed to worry about the passing crowd, she lifted her hand and stroked Celeste's cheek then ran it down her throat, sensually over the lapel of her jacket. She moved her hand back up, then down Celeste's throat until she reached the gentle swell of her breasts and, for the first time that day, feeling calm, she smiled flirtatiously.
Pleased, Amy watched Celeste's pupils dilate, and her skin color deepen. "Oh, I don't think it'll be all that bad," she replied throatily as she ran a finger over Celeste's bottom lip.
Celeste's eyes widened.
Amy almost laughed when a moan escaped Celeste's mouth. Hearing a low wolf whistle from a passer-by, but not caring, Amy moved closer to Celeste, lifting her head she whispered in her ear, "You'll just owe me," she said then bit Celeste's earlobe.
Celeste yelped.
Amy titled her head, and batted her eyelashes innocently.
Holding her ear, Celeste's features darkened. She pulled Amy to her.
Amy realized by Celeste's expression, that she was about say something very colorful.
Thankfully, Susan rush towards them.
Pulling away from Celeste, Amy smiled mischievously. "I think you'll have to hold that thought."
That night, unbelievably, for Amy, things got worse. There was no doubt that Susan and Ritchie were a double act. Ritchie, if it were possible, spoke even more than his girlfriend did. After the introductions, the couple spent most of their time squabbling for airtime.
Amy didn't utter more than a few words the whole evening.
At the show, Ritchie positioned himself next to Amy, and to her frustration revealed little bits of the story line during the performance. After the show, she couldn't believe it when Celeste invited the couple back to the hotel for a nightcap. It was after midnight when they left.
Alone, they rode the elevator in silence. When it stopped at their floor, Celeste got out first, and walked briskly ahead. Amy followed a few steps behind.
Feeling shell-shocked, Amy rested her head against the door of her room. Suddenly aware that Celeste was speaking, she lifted her tired head and smiled. Apologizing, she asked Celeste to repeat what she had just said.
"I have a headache. I think its best that we get some rest," Celeste repeated, sliding her key in the door, she added, "It's been a busy weekend, and I have a few errands to run before we leave tomorrow afternoon."
Surprised, Amy watched Celeste unlock her door quickly, then enter without a backward glance.
Throwing the covers off, Amy tried to stop thinking about what happened this evening. She forced herself to clear her mind and focus on getting some sleep. After a few minutes, like a wayward child, she kicked her legs out. Regardless of how angry she was with Celeste's game playing, right now, if she walked into the room...into her bed... she would forgive her anything.
Staring at the connecting door, Amy willed Celeste to walk through. Several times, she got out of bed and made her way to the connecting door, only to turn back having lost her nerve.
Unable to sleep, Celeste tossed in her bed. Restless, she thought over the events of the day. Meeting Susan was unexpected, and had brought a reminder of the life she had before Amy consumed it. Tonight, she had needed some distance from Amy. If she was truthful, she was still smarting from her comment from the previous night.
Unwilling to explore why she feeling so put out, Celeste closed her eyes. She groaned when Laura flashed into her mind. She hated this part. Every time she got involved, which was rare, the relationship seemed to move faster than she ever wanted it to. She hadn't thought about Laura that much since coming home, but this morning when she checked her email, there was one from the younger woman detailing that she would be traveling from Sudan to attend a conference in Boston next month, and wanted them to spend time together.
Celeste felt ashamed. She knew Laura didn't understand her cooling off. Although she hadn't said as much, she could tell by her email that she was hurting.
Since her marriage ended, Celeste had intentionally never been seriously involved. She had hoped that the time apart would cool things between them, but she now realized that Laura was in much deeper than she had thought. She needed to make it clear that it was over and soon.
Trying to settle, Celeste punched her pillows into shape. Throwing her head on them, she forced her eyes closed. Immediately, an image of Amy lying next door naked flashed. No matter how she tried to change it, the image was always of Amy naked and enticing.
Determined that she wasn't going anywhere tonight, Celeste clenched her jaw, and pulled the covers around her. After what felt like hours, she turned and looked at the clock, it had barely moved. Her determination crumbled.
Unable stay in her bed, in her room, any longer, Celeste threw back the covers, and headed for the connecting door. There was some natural light filtering through when she opened it. Her eyes adjusting, she swallowed when she saw Amy lying on her back with the covers off, naked and asleep.
Groaning inwardly, Celeste told herself that if she had any willpower, she would turn and leave. Unable to, she justified, as she slipped through the door, that needing some sleep, she would just lie beside Amy.
Slipping into the empty side of the bed, Celeste lay still. She thought about turning her back, but somehow couldn't. Instead, she closed her eyes, and let Amy's breathing lull her to sleep.
Within minutes, Celeste's eyes flew open when, still asleep, Amy's hand rested on her inner thigh. Groaning at the razor sharp heat the light touch generated, Celeste felt the fight leave her. Sitting up, she slipped her tee shirt off.
Slowly, Amy opened her eyes and whispered, "Celeste?"
Celeste smiled. She loved the sultry quality of Amy's voice. The seductive huskiness and Scottish burr. She lightly kissed Amy's lips. "You're not easy to wake," she said then smiled.
Still sleepy, Amy whispered, "Mmmm. My stomach flipped just then when you kissed me." Looking at Celeste, she said in surprise, "I've never had that before." Amy held eye contact with Celeste for a long moment. "I missed you."
Catching her breath, Celeste's stomach clenched.
Amy uttered a groan of pleasure when Celeste's naked body moved on top of hers, then urged her legs apart. She eagerly opened and spread her thighs wide, wrapping her legs around Celeste, giving her complete access.
The feel of Amy was exquisite. Celeste wanted to savor this; being here, caught, watching this beautiful woman give herself freely. Looking deeply into Amy's eyes, she felt a deep connection.
"Why didn't you tell me about Laura," Amy asked.
Celeste sighed. "I didn't tell you because it's nothing."
"Do you have feelings for her?"
Celeste whispered. "Some." She frowned. "But not enough."
"Have you had many lovers?" Amy asked. "Woman lovers I mean?"
"A few."
"Felice?"
Celeste nodded.
"Where did she fit in?"
"My first."
"Oh," Amy said. "That explains a lot."
"What?"
"Your vulnerability that night"
"The night in your apartment?"
"Uh-huh."
"I didn't mean for it to happen."
Amy nodded. "I know. Neither did I."
Celeste moved to Amy's side.
"Is that really why you stayed away for so long?" Amy asked looking at her.
"I should have come home earlier."
"But you didn't because you though this might happen?"
Celeste nodded. "But I hoped it wouldn't."
"What are we doing?" Amy asked. "You're involved. I'm married and we're doing this." She shook her head. "What does that make us?"
"Confused," Celeste offered. Smiling slightly, she kissed the tip of Amy's nose.
Amy laughed. "Okay, agreed," she said looking at Celeste. "Confused is definitely where I'm at."
Celeste looked at Amy intently. "But I know now that when it comes to you, I'm not confused."
Amy frowned. "But when it comes to you, I am."
Celeste pressed a finger against Amy's lips when she formed another question.
Amy raised her eyebrows, and looked at Celeste enquiringly.
Wanting to change the subject Celeste said, "I think Susan and Ritchie really like you."
Slowly, Amy removed Celeste's finger from her lips. "No kidding. Why did you want to spend so much time with them?" she asked frowning.
Celeste smiled, and thought back to the look on Amy's face when she had asked Susan to spend the afternoon then the evening with them. She decided to confess. "I hadn't intended for it to happen, but out on the field, Susan is a great antidote to the grim day-to-day situations that we face. I genuinely have a soft spot for her."
"But she laughs like a hyena for God's sake." Amy said her face showing annoyance and amusement at the same time.
"I know," Celeste replied then smiled. "But the qualities that you might find...unappealing are the same qualities that often get many of our team through the day." She stroked Amy's cheek. "Susan is larger than live, and I love her for that."
Amy tutted. "I guess so." She frowned. "But it doesn't explain why we had to spend our entire evening with them."
Celeste smiled at Amy's petulant lip. She did feel slightly guilty that Amy had struggled through the evening. She had built a friendship with the couple separately, but meeting them as a duo for the first time would drive anyone crazy.
"Is it enough to accept that the chance of it happening again is highly unlikely?"
Amy looked at Celeste. A strange almost wistful expression crossed her face. She nodded.
"Did you enjoy the exhibition today," Celeste asked.
"Amy shrugged. "I couldn't really focus."
Celeste nodded. She knew that at the gallery Amy couldn't focus. The few times that the art work absorbed Amy, Celeste watched her, adoring what she saw. She recalled Amy's outfit: a light cashmere v-neck sweater that showed the swell of her breasts beautifully. With her washed-out jeans and her hair down, Amy carried that look of sophisticated casualness that only artisans, and the city chic get away with.
Celeste whispered, "At the gallery, you looked beautiful."
Surprise then pleasure filled Amy's face as she looked at Celeste.
"More than once, I had to stop myself from going to you and wrapping my arms around you. I especially loved it when a piece of work intrigued you," Celeste said brushing her lips over Amy's. "You would tuck your hair behind your ears, fold your arms and tilt your head, just so," Celeste titled her own head to show Amy. "Then you'd catch your bottom lip, and fully absorb the canvas."
Amy looked at Celeste. Eyes lids heavy, she whispered, "Kiss me."
Ignoring her request, Celeste placed her full body weight back on Amy. Taking her hands, she brought them to the edge of the bed. Pinning Amy down, and keeping eye contact, she pushed her hips into her.
Amy gasped then tried to capture Celeste's mouth. But each time, Celeste teasingly pulled away.
Eventually, Amy let out a low moan of frustration. "Stop teasing Celeste. I need you to kiss me really, really badly!"
When Celeste didn't respond, Amy struggled to break free of her grip, but Celeste held her easily. Enjoying her struggles, she continued to pull away each time Amy tried to kiss her.
Amy pleaded, "Kiss me Celeste... Please."
"Not yet."
Celeste's eyebrows rose when she felt Amy's wetness began to cover her lower abdomen. She whispered seductively, "You're a hungry little tiger, aren't you?"
Amy growled then whispered, "Hungry isn't the word I have in mind. Try craving." Her eyes narrowed. "I'm craving you. I need a fix. I need you Celeste." Groaning, Amy's head fell back. Her sable lashes fluttered closed. She finished almost unwillingly, "God, how I need you."
For the second time, Celeste's stomach clenched.
Frustrated, Amy lifted her head. "Please," she begged. "I need to taste you." Her hips surged. "I've needed you like this all day."
Wanting to cherish the feel of Amy trembling underneath her, Celeste slowly put her lips to Amy's and lightly kissed her.
Impatient, Amy pushed her tongue into Celeste's mouth. Groaning, Celeste succumbed and kissed her deeply. After a few long moments, she stopped and watched the tip of Amy's tongue edge out to lick her lips. Quirking an eyebrow, she leaned forward and captured it.
Amy eyes widened in surprise
Holding Amy's tongue between her teeth, Celeste sucked it into her mouth.
Moaning, Amy closed her eyes.
Celeste smiled, her mid-drift was now covered with Amy's juice. Enjoying the slickness, she seduced Amy's mouth, taking her tongue as far as possible into her own mouth.
Moaning, Amy's hips undulated eagerly.
Stilling, Celeste removed her mouth.
Lifting her head, Amy groaned into Celeste's throat. "Don't stop."
"Ssshhh."
Amy's head dropped back, closing her eyes a sigh escaped.
Celeste watched Amy, adoring her yellow mane, her high color, and her soft moist pink lips. She waited for Amy's breathing to quiet, for her body to still before catching her lips again.
Gently, Celeste began thrusting her hips as she explored Amy's mouth fully.
Amy pulled her mouth away. "Bite...me," she said gasping between words.
No longer able to resist, Celeste placed a hand between Amy's thighs, and touched her clit. She kissed down her neck, and at the base, bit hard.
Amy bucked underneath, heels digging into the bed. Crying out, she shuddered long and hard as she climaxed.
Celeste couldn't help but be amazed at how quickly Amy reached orgasm, and how intense they tended to be. Breathing heavily, she slowed her movements as Amy stilled. The strength of Amy's orgasm filled her with a sense of elation. She loved the feeling of being here, in bed with the woman she adored. It felt as if this was her rightful place.
Celeste didn't want it to be over so soon, but she couldn't hold off any longer. Urgently, she placed Amy's hand between her thighs, and closing her eyes moved against her.
Feeling the first twinges of her orgasm, Celeste opened her eyes to look at Amy. A strong image of Josh making love to Amy pierced her. A shock wave hit her when she realized that this is how incredible Josh must feel when he made love to Amy. Her mind grappled. A new emotion ran through her, one of raw naked resentment.
Celeste's stomach churned as jealousy rode through her body, just as her orgasm pushed through. She had no choice but to ride with it. Afterward, breathing heavily, she collapsed on top of Amy.
Chapter 34
Listening to Celeste gulp for air, Amy's groin clenched as she replayed Celeste building to orgasm. "That was amazing," she said stroking Celeste's hair, unable to believe how quickly her own desire was building. After a moment, she frowned. Sensing something was wrong, she asked, "Are you okay?"
Lifting her head, Celeste frowned. "I..."
To Amy's complete surprise, Celeste began to cry. Shocked, Amy put her arms around her comfortingly, and held her tight.
Stroking Celeste's silky dark hair until she quieted, Amy lifted her face and kissed her gently. "Sleep with me," she said tenderly. "I want to hold you tonight."
Nodding, Celeste slid off Amy and lay on her back.
Turning on her side, Amy wondered why she was so upset. Reaching out to stroke Celeste's cheek, fascinated, she watched her take control of her emotions.
Eventually, Amy whispered, "When was the last time you cried?"
Wiping the tears, Celeste laughed and sounding slightly self-conscious answered, "When I first started with Médecins sans Frontières, I cried all the time." She smiled weakly. "I used to cry out of frustration, in anger, in empathy at the situations people often with no control found themselves in, but the last time," she said looking at Amy, "was with you."
Amy kissed Celeste tenderly. "Why did you join MSF?
Celeste looked at Amy for a moment. "I joined MSF for a simple reason, I wanted to help." She turned her head away, and fell silent.
Amy whispered, "Tell me."
Celeste smiled. "My family and friends have concocted a myriad of reasons. But the simple truth is that I joined MSF because when I was eight years old, I watched some TV documentary on international relief." She looked at Amy. "It was as if a light went on in my head and I thought that's it, that's what I want to do."
Amy smiled when Celeste laughed. "That year," she shared. "I plagued my parents for a doctor's uniform, a hospital play set and everything medical, but within a few years some new fad came along, I quickly hung up the stethoscope, so to speak."
Celeste turned to face Amy. She placed a hand on her face.
Amy smiled, enjoying Celeste confiding in her.
"But," Celeste revealed," the seed was sewn. It wasn't until I left medical school, intending to work here." She stopped talking and focused on Amy's lips. Cupping her face, she rubbed her thumb seductively over Amy's bottom lip.
Not wanting to get side tracked, and knowing that Celeste didn't talk about herself much, Amy grasped the brunette's hand and said eagerly, "And,"
"And," Celeste answered teasingly, amusement flicking across her eyes. "When I graduated, a friend gave me a book on the founder of Médecins sans Frontières and when I read this incredible book, I remembered that was why I went to medical school in the first place."
Amy smiled at her. "As simple as that?" she whispered. "No big complicated story?"
Looking at Amy, Celeste whispered, "Yes." She kissed her. "As simple as that."
Amy smoothed Celeste's hair from her face. "I cry at the drop of a hat," she shared. "Even more since I had the boys."
Celeste placed a hand where she had bitten Amy earlier and stroking the faint marks asked, "Have you always needed that to bring you to orgasm?"
Surprised by the question, Amy drew in her breath. Realizing that Celeste was vulnerable, she made the decision to answer her. "No," she replied. "I have never needed that...before...before... you."
Celeste hesitated then asked, "Why do you like it now?"
Amy looked at her. "I like a lot of things I didn't know I liked."
Celeste repeated, "Why that?"
Amy gave it some thought. "I think I like it because the first night it added something." She eyed Celeste. "I'm not into pain or anything like that, you know."
Celeste laughed. "I know. That's not what I'm asking." She ran her fingers along Amy's neck and shoulder, and asked curiously, "Added something. What?"
Amy's pulse quickened, her stomach tensed, she groaned. "It added something to my orgasm."
"Do you ask Josh to do it?"
Amy eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Does he?" Celeste asked eyeing her intently.
Amy hesitated. "No."
"Why?"
Amy stared at her.
Celeste repeated, "Why?"
Unsure of where this line of questioning was going, Amy replied slowly, "Because I don't want him to."
Amy noted relief flicker across Celeste's features.
"Why do you think that is?"
Amy shrugged and hesitated. Should we be discussing this? she thought. Hadn't we agreed that this was a no go area? Hadn't they agreed that they wouldn't talk about Josh never mind how they made love. Amy frowned unsure if Celeste was looking for affirmation that her lovemaking was different or better than Josh.
Celeste asked again.
Licking her lips, Amy thought that it would be an act of betrayal to admit that her sexual need for Celeste was now much stronger than for Josh. She cringed at the thought of discussing how she and Josh made love. The reality of who Celeste was in relation to Josh was always lurking around in her mind. It's bad enough what you're doing, her inner voice muttered. Don't start comparing notes.
Amy closed her eyes, she wanted to be honest with Celeste but she couldn't. She decided not to respond.
Celeste cupped Amy's breast lightly, and began kissing her throat.
Opening her eyes, Amy moaned. She was being driven to distraction by this woman. She was feeling hot, very hot. To her surprise, she really had to fight the urge to place Celeste's hand between her thighs.
Celeste asked again, "Why?"
Unwilling to give a detailed response, Amy muttered, "Josh and I...it...Well...it's just different."
Celeste pushed. "Why is it different?"
Trying to put her off, Amy whispered, "Celeste, I can't talk to you about that." Her jaw clenched. "I need you to touch me."
Celeste pulled away.
Not able to stand the thought of Celeste leaving, Amy grabbed her hand, and placed it back on her breast. She mollified, "Celeste, we agreed not to discuss this."
"I can't touch you," Celeste replied pulling her hand away. Her eyes vulnerable, she added, "Until I know."
Closing her eyes, Amy fought with her internal voice, which cautioned her to say nothing. Worried that Celeste might leave and the need for her to stay too strong, she stuttered, "Celeste...I...Josh and I...we've...I've never felt...." She sighed and ignoring the warning bells in her head said, "I've never been this...." She didn't know what to say. Blanking her mind, she let the words form. "I've never been this sexual with him, with anyone." Her brows rose. "It seems I have no control over my body when it comes to you."
Amy's internal voice choked with disappointment.
A look of satisfaction flickered across Celeste's eyes. Reaching out, she stroked Amy's face. "Tell me what it feels like."
Amy whispered, "Why don't I show you?"
Celeste kissed Amy deeply then replied stubbornly, "Tell me."
"Och." Annoyed, Amy threw herself flat on her back.
Celeste rose on her elbow, and propping her head on her hand, drew her thigh over Amy. Deliberately, she made a show of pressing her breasts into her, as she stroked up and down Amy's trembling stomach.
Eyes smoldering, Celeste waited for a response.
Annoyed, Amy huffed. "You're enjoying this," she said kicking her feet out.
Amy knew that Celeste was using her prowess over her. Her internal chatter turned up the volume and told her to back away, to stop the conversation, stick to the arrangement, avoid the emotional detail otherwise closure would be difficult. She opened her mouth to tell Celeste, that she'd had enough and wanted to sleep, but instead she whispered, "I'll tell you if you touch me?"
Amy's inner voice sighed.
Celeste ran her fingers lightly down Amy's hips, down her leg and up the inside of her thighs.
Instantly, Amy opened her legs to allow her access.
Celeste stroked Amy's clit lightly, teasingly.
Amy groaned.
Celeste's hand stilled. With her head resting on her palm, she leaned her face close to Amy. "Tell me," she whispered.
Amy entwined her fingers in Celeste's hair and pulled it in annoyance. "For God's sake, stop this!"
It was obvious that Amy was close to losing her temper, but Celeste insisted. "Tell me."
Amy continued to wrap Celeste's hair around her fingers, tightly.
Celeste's hand moved and rested lightly on Amy's stomach.
Amy wanted to scream with frustration, but instead uttered, "The first time with you," Celeste moved her hand lower. Amy sighed heavily when she touched her. "It should have hurt, but it didn't." She let go of Celeste's hair and reached for her breast, stroking her nipple she muttered, "It seemed so..."
Celeste groaned. Her breath caught when Amy pinched her nipple. "No, Amy," she said pushing her hand away. "No distractions. Answer the question."
Ignoring her, Amy continued to cup and stoke her breast.
Celeste slid her fingers inside Amy.
Amy's hand abruptly stilled. She drew her leg up when a jolt passed through her. Moving her hand to grasp the bed sheet, she closed her eyes and pumped her hips.
Celeste slid out of Amy and began stroking her clit slowly, lightly.
Amy's eyes opened slowly. She focused on Celeste.
Celeste purred. "You were saying?"
Amy murmured, "Uhmmm... It seemed to heighten my orgasm." Letting go of the bed sheet, Amy pulled Celeste until their lips touched and whispered, "And make it more-" She abruptly stopped speaking when her groin clenched.
Celeste's hand stilled.
Amy groaned. "Powerful," she finished then sighed. "There's never a mark... Uggghhh." Forcing herself to speak she pleaded, "Please, Celeste. Go inside me again." She kissed her hungrily.
Celeste pulled her mouth away. "Not until you tell me," she replied dancing her fingers lightly around Amy's clit.
"Uhmmm," Amy said quickly. "Highly aroused." She whispered against Celeste's mouth. "My orgasms are powerful with you. Aagghh." Celeste's teasing was unbearable. She begged, "Inside me please. Please, Celeste"
"Tell me more."
Amy didn't want to talk anymore.
Celeste hand stilled.
In frustration, Amy covered Celeste's hand with her own. Desperate to keep the momentum, she pressed both their hands into her clit. She stared at Celeste and her voice deadly serious said, "Please, Celeste...this is torture."
Celeste moved Amy's hand away then rubbed her thumb lightly over her clit, keeping her on the edge.
Amy's hips rose high with each slight touch.
Celeste asked, "Why do you think there is a such as strong sexual attraction between us?"
Amy didn't respond.
Celeste stilled her hand.
Amy continued to move her hips.
Celeste asked again, "Why?"
Amy stopped moving and looking directly into Celeste's eyes said in anger, "Celeste, I really don't know. All I know is that right now I need you." Her tone becoming desperate, she whispered, "Baise moi sil vous plait!"
Celeste groaned heavily. Wanting nothing more than to grant Amy her request and fuck her, she stretched out, and pressed her full length into her. With her fingers, she opened Amy up, and slid inside. Sliding down, she anchored Amy's thigh between hers then took a nipple in her mouth, and bit it lightly.
"Celeste I-"
Amy's words were cut short when Celeste pressed into her. She groaned heavily when Celeste flicked her nipple back and forth with her tongue. "Oh God."
Celeste gasped when Amy pushed her thigh into her, rubbing it deliberately against her clit. Groaning, she made her way up, and kissed Amy deeply, her tongue thrusting into her mouth. Eventually, the kiss slowed and stopped. Their eyes locked. Breathing each other's air, Celeste rode Amy's thigh as she thrust into her.
"Oh God..." Amy arched against Celeste.
Celeste could barely catch her breath. Keeping eye contact, she moved against Amy, sweat formed between them.
"Uhhh." Amy hands tightened on Celeste's head painfully.
Overcome by the sensation of feeling Amy's internal muscles contract, Celeste groaned into Amy's mouth, and told her how much she loved being inside her.
Breathing the same air, Amy pulled on Celeste's hip, pushing her thigh into her hard she whispered, "Come with me."
Celeste's eyes shuttered down. Amy's words drove her over the edge. She threw her head back. Their movements frantic, hips moving in motion, they cried out, bodies arched, they came hard.
Slowly, Celeste kissed Amy's throat and lips. She kissed her gently until she calmed.
"I want to touch you," Amy said. Breathing deeply, she slid Celeste's hand from inside her. Moving onto her side, she pressed Celeste flat on her back then quickly buried her fingers deep inside her.
Surprised by the maneuver, Celeste moaned.
Holding her gaze, Amy slowly moved inside Celeste.
Celeste's eyes widened when Amy slid down her. She moaned when hot, wet lips sucked on her clit.
After a few minutes, Amy kissed Celeste's clit gently. Looking up at her, she whispered, "Are you ready?"
Celeste groaned and tried to focus. "Yes...."
"Not yet," Amy said. "Don't move your hips until I tell you."
With difficulty, Celeste stilled her hips.
Amy reached up, and cupped Celeste's breast. "You have the most beautiful breasts," she said pulling on a nipple and pinching it.
Celeste moaned and thrust her hips forward.
Amy stopped touching her. "Don't move until I tell you."
Celeste's breath caught. Her muscles trembling inside, she whispered, "I'm not sure how long I can hold on."
"Not yet," Amy replied. Thrusting gently, she explored as she kissed her way up to Celeste's throat.
"Amy, baby...Please," Celeste whispered with quite desperation.
"Don't move, Celeste," Amy said her voice low and charged with sensuality.
Completely surprised by Amy's abandonment, Celeste surrendered entirely.
Amy changed pace from slow to fast then back again. She bit Celeste lightly on her stomach, her shoulder, her side, and the gentler thrust, the gentler the bite, the deeper the thrust, the harder the bite. Some were created to leave their mark, but all were deliriously hot and designed to bring Celeste to the edge, and tear her back.
Celeste tried to hold on, but she couldn't, her voice rose, "Now...I need to come now...Please." Celeste convulsed forward then juddered. "Please."
"Not yet."
"Please," Celeste said her voice ragged. She placed her hand over her clit.
Amy whispered, "Touch. But don't" she warned, "move your hips."
Celeste's slid her fingers through her inner lips. Her mouth opened, and she sucked on her bottom lip as her groin tensed sweetly in gratification.
Amy positioned herself between Celeste's legs. "I want to watch you," she said running her hands up and down Celeste's inner thigh slowly.
Groaning, Celeste's eyelids closed.
"Look at me."
Slowly opening her eyes, Celeste focused on Amy.
"Don't move your hips," Amy instructed excitement tingeing her firm tone. "Touch yourself slowly."
Nodding, Celeste swallowed visibly then moaned repeatedly as she tried to follow Amy's instructions. Eventually, unable to stand the intensity she said in a strangled voice, "Now, Amy!"
Smiling wickedly, Amy slid her fingers deep inside Celeste. "Not so easy, is it?"
Leaning over Celeste, and holding her gaze, Amy thrust inside her.
Blood pounded in Celeste's ears.
"Tell me what it feels like?"
Celeste tried to focus on Amy, but was forced to close her eyes. Sweet revenge, she thought. Certain that she would pass out, she groaned. She couldn't stand it. Consumed by a rush of excitement so strong she could barely draw breath, she forced out, "I can't...."
Amy increased her speed and said huskily, "Look at me Celeste."
Celeste eyes opened.
"Are you ready?"
Celeste nodded.
"Then come for me, darling,"
Celeste's groin exploded. "Uggghhh..." she cried out. Closing her eyes, she stretched out taut as Amy thrust into her. Within seconds, she released a long wonderfully slow, strangling guttural cry as her orgasm swept through her.
Sucking in air it was a few moments before Celeste slowly opened her eyes.
Looking at Celeste hungrily, Amy moved on top of her. Gripping Celeste's left hand, she pushed it between her own thighs. "Now, Celeste," she said urgently. "Now!"
Amy kissed Celeste passionately. Their teeth gnashed together with the intensity of the kiss.
Celeste ran her fingers over Amy's clit and stroked it. She groaned when Amy shuddering, thrust her hips forward and instantly came.
Exhausted, a deep laugh of pleasure escaped Celeste when Amy slumped on top of her. Tenderly, she wrapped her arms around her.
Eventually, Amy slipped off Celeste, and moved to her side. Throwing a leg, over Celeste's lean thigh, she muttered as she positioned her head comfortably on Celeste's breast, "Don't move." She yawned. "I want to sleep with you like this."
Celeste smiled when Amy mumbled sleepily, "You're insatiable."
Kissing the blonde head, Celeste responded affectionately, "You too."
Amy chuckled. "So it seems."
Celeste listened to Amy's breathing even out. She felt fully awake. More awake than she had ever been. Tonight, everything had shifted for her and she had needed answers. The image of Josh making love to Amy created a tidal wave of emotions inside her. Cuddling Amy, she touched the light perspiration on her back, and felt a protectiveness that she had never experienced.
Celeste bit her lip pensively understanding that she wanted more than the physical, she wanted the emotional feedback. She looked down at Amy's sleeping face and quashed an urge to wake her, and ask what she felt about what was happening between them. She wanted her to talk about what it meant to her.
Celeste fought the urge to wake Amy, and tell her that she was scared of losing what she didn't have. That she didn't want it to end, that the thought of it tore her apart.
Exhaling, Celeste finally acknowledged that she was deeply in love with Amy. Holding Amy tightly, terror swept through her when she realized that she could never have her, not only had Amy made that clear that there was no future for them, but Celeste could never ask for anything more than what they had. Anything more would be impossible, as openly loving Amy would tear her family apart.
Chapter 35
Thinking she was wrong, Amy turned the radio volume up again and continued to dig knowing that if it was Irene, she would know come to the backyard.
Picking up the distinct albeit faint, but definite, sound of the doorbell, Amy heaved a sigh of frustration, and got up to answer it. Making her way through the kitchen, she headed for the front door.
Hearing the clear, distinct sound of the doorbell as it rang again. Amy hurried. Opening the door, she saw that it was Celeste. Without a word, she turned around and headed back out to the garden.
Returning to her spot, Amy got on her knees to weed.
"Amy we need to talk."
Amy stopped digging. "Oh really, Celeste?" she replied color creeping in her cheeks. "We need to talk about what exactly?"
Celeste moved closer. "We need to talk about last night."
Amy sat back on her heels. "Okay let's talk!" she said. "Who should we talk about first? Let's see, Laura?" She shook her head. "Oh that's right you've dumped her haven't you. Maybe we should talk about your new girlfriend, Robin? Or maybe your other shag, me your brother's wife!" She stood up. "God I don't know what to admire most your audacity or your stamina?"
Celeste lifted her hands then dropped them. "She's not my girlfriend," she replied moving to stand in front of Amy.
"Are you sure about that Celeste?" Amy asked peeling off her gloves. Scrunching them, she threw them into the refuge bag. "Because from where I was sitting last night, I could have sworn she was."
Amy looked at Celeste. She gritted her teeth. It was driving her crazy the thought of Celeste with someone else.
"Do you have any idea the dangerous position," Amy said as images of Celeste touching Robin Fernandez flashed through her mind. "I've put myself in over the last four months?" Her stomach churned. "Celeste, what is wrong with you? We are having a fucking affair, and I'm trying to keep my sanity together by keeping hold of the darkest secret I have ever had. And you come waltzing into the restaurant last night with your bit of fluff and sit with us, and let her drool all over you!" Amy threw up her arms. "What am I supposed think? That it's a joke. That it's all a bit of fun to you." She stared at Celeste, and memories of the previous night flooded in.
Last night Amy and Josh dined out in a newly opened restaurant in South Venice. Josh had arranged for a work colleague and his wife to dine with them. They were new in town. When they arrived at the restaurant, they were seated in large sofa made of antelope skin. Amy liked the look and feel of it and mentally positioned it in various rooms in the house. They hadn't been in the restaurant for more than five minutes before Josh became agitated, and decided to call their guests. He was a real stickler for good timekeeping.
While he called, Amy sipped her gin and tonic and perused the menu on her knee.
After directing the lost couple, Josh hung up the phone and slid close to Amy, putting his arm around the back of the sofa he pulled her into him. "They took the wrong turn," he said. "They'll be here any minute." He kissed her mouth lightly. "Have I told you how beautiful you look this evening?"
Amy smiled and nodded. She had bought a new outfit; a tight fitting low cut cream dress and new shoes, three-inch heels. She had bought them when she was out shopping with Maggie earlier that week. She had dithered whether or not to buy the dress, as it was more risqué than what she usually wore, but Maggie had encouraged her.
Getting ready, Amy was pleased that she had bought it. Ever since her return from New York, she was increasingly feeling adventurous, and the outfit reflected that. When Josh saw her in the new dress, it had taken all her powers of persuasion to get him out the door.
Josh murmured, "Do you know how fantastic you look in that dress? I can't wait to get you home tonight," he said then kissed her.
"Hi"
Amy broke the kiss and looked up, color drained from her face. It was Celeste.
Josh, resting his hand on Amy's thigh, grinned up at his sister. "Hi Cel," he replied in surprise. "You got reservations here too?"
Celeste looked at Josh's hand then directly at Amy. "Yes," she answered eyes ablaze.
Josh looked around him. "That's great," he replied trying to catch the eye of the Maitre d'. "We're waiting for another couple, but we can easily organize for you to join us. He caught the Maitre d's eye and gestured to him. "Who are you with?"
Amy stared at Celeste in shock, unable to believe that Celeste was standing over them. She took in a sharp breath when a beautiful, dark headed woman approached them. Standing next to Celeste, she linked her arm through hers.
"Robin," Celeste said, "I would like you to meet my brother Josh and his wife, Amy."
"Amy?"
"What?" Amy replied. She picked up her garden tools then looked at Celeste. "Is she your lover?"
"No," Celeste replied
Amy looked at Celeste for a moment and sounding unconvinced asked, "Maybe not. But you're not denying that you've slept with her?"
Watching Amy, Celeste thought back to yesterday.
Since the trip to the Keys, Robin had telephoned a few times, but Celeste had made it abundantly clear that she wasn't interested in pursuing anything other than a friendship.
Robin had originally arranged to spend this weekend with Alex, but Alex had bowed out with a lame excuse, leaving Celeste with no choice but to entertain her.
When Robin arrived, yesterday morning, Celeste picked her up from her hotel and they spent the day shopping. She had to admit she did enjoy Robin's company; the air always seemed charged with energy around her, and she had attitude; swinging her hips when she walked as if she had game plan for every step.
Celeste couldn't help but admire the women, she knew exactly who she was and where she was going.
As it turned out, Robin had expensive tastes, and throughout the day Celeste watched her swipe her credit card until it was threadbare. More than once Robin offered to buy her an expensive gift, and regardless of how often she refused, Robin, it seemed, was only ever used to getting her own way. She insisted to such a point that Celeste's mood darkened, and she cut their shopping spree short.
When Celeste dropped Robin off at her hotel, she refused her not so subtle advances to join her for a drink in her room. Instead, arranged to pick her up later that evening.
Brought back when Amy angrily pushed past her, Celeste grabbed Amy's arms, and held her tight.
Amy looked at her and with a deep note of despair and asked, "When?" She tried to pull away. "It doesn't matter. I don't want to know."
Celeste held her. She opened her mouth about to explain when Amy broke in,
"Don't bother answering," Amy said angrily. "There's probably a string of us." Her head dropped. "Why is such a game to you, Celeste?" she asked accusingly. Lifting her head she added, "How could you Celeste? For God's sake isn't it complicated enough?"
Celeste shook Amy gently, aware that the pressure of hiding their relationship over the last four months was more than getting to her. She explained, "Listen to me. There is nothing going on with her or anyone." She desperately wanted to tell Amy that her night with Robin was a mistake. "Amy, it was one night. It was a-"
Amy pulled out of her arms and slapped Celeste hard across the face.
Staring at Amy, Celeste moved her jaw back and forth. Unable to believe that in less than twenty-four hours she had received two of those.
Moving her jaw, Celeste was reminded of the one that Robin had given her last night.
At the restaurant, during the meal, Josh had asked how they knew each other. Celeste explained that Robin was a friend of Alex and she was playing host, as Alex was out of town.
To Celeste's astonishment, Robin let out a deep throaty laugh and clasping her hand, looked at Josh then directly at Amy, and almost purred. "Yes," she said winking at Amy. "It's just as well because you know the old adage; two's company and three's a crowd."
Not amused, Celeste quickly removed her hand and said coldly before changing the subject, "I don't think that applies here."
From then on, the rest of the evening seemed to unfolded like a nightmare. It wasn't so much what Robin was saying, her innuendos were cleverly disguised, but it was the subtleness of her challenging looks at Amy that caused Celeste concern.
Josh, thankfully, didn't appear to pick up on anything. For most of the evening he chatted to his colleague and his wife, who were also software engineers, about some new prototype about to be released.
When she could, Celeste cut the evening short.
Once in the car, Robin, to Celeste's surprise, seemed content to sit quietly.
When they pulled up outside her hotel, Celeste reached over Robin, and opening the passenger door said quietly, "Out."
Robin looked at Celeste intently for a moment before slapping her hard across the face.
Shocked, Celeste put her hand to her face. Looking confused, she asked, "Why?"
"That, my friend, is from your brother for fucking his wife." Robin got out of the car.
Celeste rubbed her cheek. "How did you know?"
Robin grimaced. "Well," she replied. "Was it the fact that you could barely keep your eyes off of her? Or was it the fact that your little plaything seethed the entire evening?" She half smiled. "Or maybe I knew because the night we spent together, you called me Amy." She laughed when Celeste's eyes widened. "Oh don't worry, your brother, the fool, doesn't have any idea yet that you two are love sick puppies. But, it won't take him long to figure it out if you don't show a little more discretion, and learn to hide it better."
Before closing the car door, Robin leaned in and across the seat, bringing her face close to Celeste's she whispered, "I really, really like you Celeste. When you tire of her, give me a call. There is a real spark between us."
Robin kissed Celeste softly on the mouth before closing the car door.
Moving her jaw, Celeste watched Robin, swing her hips for all she was worth.
Brought back, by Amy trying to pull out of her arms, Celeste refused to let her go. She held her fast.
Amy leaned in and nipped Celeste's bottom lip, hard.
Celeste yelped, but she kept Amy close. "I was confused and drunk, Amy. It was a mistake," She sucked on her lip.
"When?"
"It doesn't matter."
"When?" Amy insisted as she tried to pull out of Celeste's arms.
"Before New York," Celeste replied holding Amy tight. "Before we agreed."
Relief filled Celeste when she felt Amy relax a little.
"She's Alex friend," Celeste added. Deciding not to mention that he had bailed out on her this weekend, she added, "She would have been with him this weekend had he been here."
Amy stilled.
"There's nothing between us."
"Is that so," Amy said eyeing Celeste. "Something tells me that she wouldn't agree with you on that one."
"There's nothing."
"She wants you."
"But I don't want her."
Amy looked at Celeste. Her eyes closed briefly and she whispered, "Maybe you don't want her...right now." She shook head. "Why am I torturing myself?" she said sounding confused. "It doesn't matter."
"Yes it does." Celeste placed her hands on either side of Amy's head. "Listen to me, it matters. You matter. Believe me there has been no one else." Celeste brought Amy's mouth to her and kissed her. Immediately, she felt the fight leave Amy.
They kissed intensely.
As if needing to re-stake her claim, Amy pulled Celeste's top out of her shorts, and ran her hand urgently up and down her back before unclipping her bra, and cupping her breasts.
Celeste groaned when Amy said, "Inside. Now!"
Irene entered the house, surprised that the front door was open. Carrying plant cuttings for Amy, she made her way through the house to the garden. She entered the kitchen and put the cuttings on the work surface.
About to shout out hello, Irene was surprised when looking out, she saw Amy and Celeste in the backyard, arguing. Frowning, she watched.
Irene couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could tell that it was an intense argument. She watched her daughter peel off her garden gloves, and yell something at Celeste.
Unsure of what to do, Irene watched them argue. Unable to believe her eyes, she watched Amy slap Celeste hard across the face.
Irene moved forward only to stop when Celeste pulled Amy into her arms. She moved forward again, when Amy tried to pull away, but Celeste held her tight.
Irene gasped when Celeste kissed her. Stunned, her hand flew to her mouth when her daughter kissed Celeste with a hunger that astounded her.
Swiftly, Irene turned her back on them, and left the house. She got into her car and sat for a moment trying to gather her thoughts. Her baby girl. My God, she thought in shock Amy with Celeste!
Irene rested her head on the steering wheel. She had always considered Amy and Josh an extremely happy couple and never once thought there was a problem with their marriage. To see Amy kiss Celeste, like that, completely floored her. Why? she thought. Why has this happened and how long has it been going on?
Feeling a sense of dread wash through her, Irene couldn't believe that her daughter and Celeste were... She couldn't bring herself to put a name to it. Needing time to think, she started the car and drove to the beach.
Watching waves crash against the rocks, Irene decided that she needed to find out what was going on. The best place to start, she thought, was with Celeste who she knew, after speaking to Camille, was working this evening. Whether Celeste liked it or not, Irene decided she was going to pay her a visit.
After a few pleasantries with Celeste, Irene said, "This morning, I saw you and Amy together," she hesitated. "You kissed."
Celeste sat back in her chair. When paged earlier in the hospital that she had a visitor, the last person she expected to see was Irene.
Irene continued, "To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I've always thought that Josh and Amy were happy. It has never entered my head that she needed something outside her marriage with a man never mind," she stopped, looked at Celeste and added gently, "a woman."
Feeling extremely uncomfortable, Celeste lifted her coffee cup and drank from it.
Looking solemnly, Irene asked, "What's going on Celeste?"
Gathering her thoughts, Celeste continued to drink her coffee.
Irene waited.
Celeste knew that she owed Irene some kind of explanation, and deciding to be frank. She looked at Irene. "We're involved."
Irene sat back. "When? Why?"
Celeste looked at Irene, and wished she could have spared her this. Over the last few months, Amy had confided about her past, about how difficult it was not having her mother in her life. She knew that they were building a relationship, and was only to aware how much Amy loved getting to know her younger sisters.
"We have been together for some months," Celeste replied. "Why? Well, the simple truth is that we've been," she paused when Irene's face paled. "We've been attracted to each other from the beginning."
Irene looked at Celeste. "I didn't even know you were gay." Her eyes narrowed and she said pointedly, "How did this happen?"
"Irene this has not been easy for either of us. If I told you how hard we tried to fight it." Celeste looked at Irene intently. "I haven't been home in four years mostly in order to try to put some distance between us. But, when I came back it... well..." Celeste struggled she didn't want to explain too fully. "We couldn't stop it."
"Four years ago?" Irene said astonished. "And now?"
Celeste frowned. She looked at her pager when it buzzed. "It seemed simple. A brief affair would burn it out." She stood. "I need to go."
Irene grabbed Celeste's arm and looking up asked, "And for you, Celeste. Has it burned itself out for you?"
Surprised by the softness in Irene's tone, Celeste looked at the older woman.
Irene sighed then asked with a note of sincerity, "Are you in love with Amy?"
Celeste meant to shake her head and say no, but instead she nodded. She said slowly in recognition of the truth, "Yes... Yes, I've been in love with Amy for a very long time."
Irene looked at her intently. "And Amy?"
"I don't know how she feels."
"Does she know how you feel?"
Celeste looked at Irene quizzically.
"Have you told her?"
"No," Celeste replied. "And she doesn't want to know." She picked up her empty coffee cup and crumpled it. "We agreed this would happen for a brief time only. Amy has it planned out. Soon it will be over." She looked down at Irene and exhaled deeply. "I know you must think that I am an appalling person. Josh is my brother. Believe me, Irene I had no choice. I love Amy and I...couldn't fight it any longer."
"I understand, Celeste," Irene said looking up at her with a pained expression. "I understand only to well. I still carry the scars from decisions I've made." Still holding Celeste's arm, she asked, "But if you knew you felt this way why didn't you continue to stay away. Why come back?"
Celeste's eyebrows drew together. "I couldn't stay away for ever. I have plans. And," she hesitated, "when I came back I had convinced myself that it had passed. I didn't recognize that it was love."
"What are you going to do now?"
Celeste's voice broke slightly and raw pain flashed across her eyes when she replied quietly, "What else, but stick to the arrangement."
Turning, Celeste walked away from Irene.
Chapter 36
Amy felt a twinge of guilt, Josh was in Seattle for a few weeks, and wouldn't be home for the weekend. Although her work load was heavy, the reality was that her client wouldn't be in town until next week, but unable to resist the opportunity to spend a few days with Celeste, she had let her cousin think that she needed to work this weekend.
Standing at her car, Amy searched through her bag for her car keys. She scratched her head; she could have sworn that she had picked them up from the office. Emptying the contents out on the ground, she searched through the pile.
A hand tapped her shoulder.
Losing her balance, Amy toppled. Sprawled against the car, she looked up to see her mother.
"For God's sake Irene," Amy said. "You almost gave me a heart attack." Not having a clue why her mother was here, and why she looked so serious she asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Amy we need to talk," Irene replied helping Amy up.
Looking down, Amy saw all her things scattered around her feet. Sighing, she bent down to gather them up. Packing her shoulder bag hurriedly, she promised herself that she was going to stop using bags that could easily hide small countries. Collecting the last item, she looked up at her mother and asked with concern. "Is everything okay? There's nothing wrong with Bruce or the girls is there?"
"No. Everyone is okay," Irene hesitated. "It's about you and Celeste, actually."
Standing slowly, Amy spilled her gathered contents as she stared wide eyed her mother.
Loosening Amy's frozen grip, Irene removed her empty bag and bending, gathered everything again. "We need to talk."
Jaw loose, Amy silently watched Irene quickly throw everything into the bag. Blood pounding in her ears, her mind worked frantically. Oh my God, she thought. She knows! How does she know? What does she know? Who else knows?
After gathering everything, Irene stood and looking at Amy said gently, "The park is close by. Let's find a quite spot there and talk."
Stunned, Amy followed her mother as she headed quickly toward the park.
After they settled on a park bench, Irene always a straight talker explained how she knew. Amy sat quietly, and listened. Unable to make eye contact, she looked straight ahead. Color periodically stained then drained from her face as Irene explained what she witnessed yesterday.
Head bowed, Amy felt ashamed. Her jaw dropped fully when her mother told her that she had met with Celeste.
Not ready to talk to Irene about Celeste, Amy asked her mother for the first time, "What happened between you and Dad?"
Irene's jaw slackened in surprise. She realized that her daughter had never really asked her about her marriage. Why now she wasn't sure, but she responded, "Amy we were young, so very young. I was only fifteen when I fell pregnant with you and I was only sixteen when we married. I was a wee lassie. I didn't know my own mind. What child does at that age?" She shook her head. "When I was younger, there was an extreme amount of pressure put on me to marry." Irene ran her fingers through Amy's hair. "Don't get me wrong, Amy. Your Dad was a good man. Not much older than me and he stood by me the whole time."
Irene looked at Amy and felt a surge of pride that they had produced such a beautiful daughter. She rubbed strands of Amy's thick honey hair through her fingers. "The one good thing to come from our marriage was you, Jellybean." She reached out touched Amy's chin. "But like all childhood crushes it quickly passed. I wasn't in love with him, Amy. And as time passed, I loved your Dad more as a friend."
Frowning, Amy pulled her chin away.
"Please believe me Amy," Irene continued, "I tried. I tried really hard." She grabbed Amy's hand, and held it tightly, "And for a while I convinced myself that I did. But when I met Bruce, it was right; us being together was right. I couldn't have continued to stay nor lie. I was thirty-years old. Only thirty years old," Irene said her eyes wide. "Just a year older than you are now with a fourteen-year-old child. Too young to sacrifice my happiness, and I hoped against hope that because you were a teenager, you would have had some acceptance."
Irene looked up to the sky, "But your Dad was a stubborn man and once the dye was cast he put ideas in your head." She looked at Amy and added fiercely, "The wrong ideas that turned you against me. And no matter how hard I tried I couldn't convince you otherwise." Her eyes pleaded. "Jellybean, please understand that even if Bruce hadn't come along, I couldn't have kept up the pretence. Although I tried to convince myself, I knew that the only reason I had stayed so long was because of you."
Tears formed in Amy's eyes. Irene choked back her own. Removing a hankie from her pocket, she wiped away the tears that were falling from her daughter's eyes and asked softly, "Are you in love with her?"
Amy lowered her head and whispered, "No."
Irene said tenderly, "It's not a crime to fall in love, Amy." She squeezed her hand. "Baby, you must go with your heart. People who have lived their lives will understand why." She tried to emphasis. "The point for you is that everything has changed. You can't maintain what you have with Josh. If you do, you are being less than honest with him, your children, and yourself. At least give him the chance to meet someone who truly loves him."
Amy eyes widened. She looked at Irene in surprise then shock. She said stubbornly, "But I do truly love him and he loves me. I can't leave him. Do you have any realization the devastation you caused?" Her eyes narrowed. "You ruined our lives," she said anger edging her tone. "You left me, Dad. Your family. Everything. For what?"
Amy stopped when she saw Irene become upset. "Look Irene," she said her tone softening. "I know that you're happy and believe me I'm happy for you. But you have to understand I watched Dad change. You were the only one for him and you turned your back on him. He never recovered after you left, you know."
Irene knew that she shouldn't be shocked at Amy's outburst. It was no surprise to her that Amy still carried a lot of anger. Even now, regret still burned inside about the divorce, and how it devastated Amy.
Even though Mark was dead, Irene still found it difficult to forgive him for poisoning Amy's mind against her. She shook her head. "But think about it. Your Dad was in his early thirties when we divorced. He was a young, good-looking guy, with a good business head on his shoulders. He was an engineer with a successful business. He could easily have found love. But he chose not to. He was angry, Amy. Angry that I had audacity to leave him for someone else-"
"-You brought shame to his door."
Irene drew back in surprise. The harshness of those words she realized, as she shivered slightly, was straight from her own father's lips. She steeled herself and continued, "I fell in love, Amy, and there is no shame in that. The only thing that I regret is that I lost you," she moved closer. "Amy listen to me, Mark's heart wasn't in our relationship. He knew that there had never been real passion between us. We were friends and he knew it."
"But that was enough for him," Amy replied angrily.
Irene sighed. "I know." She wondered how she could reach Amy. "But you're a grown woman now. And," she hesitated. "You now know the difference."
Amy looked at her sharply.
"Settling wasn't for me and it shouldn't be for you."
Confusion crossed Amy's face. "I like my life." She bowed her head. "I liked what I had with Josh." She lifted her head to look at Irene. "And we had more than a friendship! There was nothing wrong with our relationship."
Irene was sure that Amy was unaware that she had switched tense. "If it's causing you so much pain, Amy," she hesitated. "Why are you having an affair?"
Amy flinched and looked away. "I know what we're doing isn't right." She gave Irene a sideways look and added wryly, "What an understatement." She looked at her feet. "But I can't stop it." She lifted her chin. "Because... because..." she shook her head, then whispered defeatedly, "God, I don't even know why anymore."
Irene watched the conflict, it was evident that Amy didn't want to explore or give an explanation more than she already had. Instead, Amy threw a barbed comment.
"How ironic, don't you think that the old adage is true? Like mother, like daughter. Here I am about to discuss my adulterous affair with my adulterous mother!"
Irene had come too far to allow Amy to push her away. She winced at Amy's comment but carried on. "Does Maggie know?"
Amy looked at her for a moment then sighed. "No. Thankfully, she doesn't."
"So, I take it that you haven't spoken to anyone about this?"
Amy looked at the ground. "No."
Irene moved closer. "Amy you desperately need to talk," she said. "You are so like your father; always bottling things up." She smiled. "When you were a wee girl you used to go and hide yourself away. I used to have to hunt the house high and low to find you, and then I would have to bribe you out of your cubby-hole with sweets." Irene chuckled. "Jellybeans would always entice you out of anywhere."
Amy smiled. "They still do."
Irene laughed. She looked at her daughter. You were my pride and joy, she thought. You still are. Amy took her blonde hair from her father, but apart from the hair coloring, Irene knew she looked a lot like her. "Amy I'm here to help you. Talk to me."
Amy's next question made Irene reel.
"Why did you let me go?"
Irene sucked in air. Amy had never looked so vulnerable. Suddenly, overwhelmed with sadness, and knowing that it had taken a lot to ask, Irene closed her eyes for a moment. "I never wanted to leave you," she replied. "I love you. You are my wee girl and I'll always love you. When I was pregnant with you I was so scared." She confided. "I didn't have a clue what was happening to me, and my Dad was so ashamed of me when he found out. Well you know why, A Presbyterian Minister and an underage pregnant daughter are not a match made in heaven." Irene laughed, then shook her head and recalled. "Teenage pregnancies' were something that he preached from the pulpit about."
Irene sighed and thought back how her father was never the same with her, and the loss of his love still hurt even now. "I married your Dad to please him. I got married to please everyone," she admitted. "And because I was scared." She tightened her grip on Amy's hand. "The day I turned sixteen, my Dad married us." She looked at Amy and said in way of explanation. "I honestly didn't have a clue what was happening. It was only the moment that I held you," she reached out and smoothed Amy's hair from her face, "that I knew everything would be okay."
Irene looked at her daughter pensively, and thought back to when Amy found out about Bruce, she built a barrier that kept her out, and even though they had been extremely close, she was never able to breech that barrier, no matter how hard she tried.
"When Bruce came along, I tried so hard to make you see that it hadn't anything to do with you," Irene's face filled with sadness. "But Mark was terrified that I would try to take you away so he went to great lengths to ensure that you were going nowhere."
Amy looked at her mother and with a heavy heart, accepted that what she said was true. Even after her affair had become public knowledge, and Bruce had returned to the States when his contract ended, Irene stayed even though he insisted she go with him. She stayed even when Amy's grandparents rejected her, stayed when her friends rejected her. She remembered her trying desperately hard. Amy realized that Irene stayed until she rejected her.
Sighing, Amy thought back. Irene was right, she realized. Her father was terrified that her mother intended to take her away. Amy remembered the many times that he would quietly talk about Irene's betrayal and how when Amy married, she would never be capable of doing such a thing.
Irene pulled Amy into her arms and hugged her. "I'm here for you, Jellybean. And you never know maybe your adulterous mother can be good for at least one thing," she said kissing Amy's head. "Listening to you."
She's right, Amy thought. I desperately needed to talk.
Moving out of her mother's arms, Amy drew breath. After a moment, she looked at Irene, and eyes wide, explained that apart from a few teenage crushes she had never even thought about being with a women.
"You're not attracted to women normally?"
"I didn't think so." Amy looked at her mother. "But, I must have been. You can't just suddenly switch, can you?"
Irene shook her head. "I don't know, but I don't think attraction is necessarily always based on what gender you are. Sometimes, it simply comes down to what the other person makes you feel. She looked at Amy. "I guess the real question is what does Celeste make you feel?"
"I don't know," Amy answered shaking her head. "At first I thought it might have something to do with Josh." She looked at Irene. "You know something to do with the strong resemblance. But now," she bit her bottom lip. "I know it has nothing to do with him. It's her. I'm attracted to her." Amy looked at her mother. "Something happened before the wedding."
"What?"
Amy hung her head. "I didn't want it to happen you know."
"What?"
Amy rubbed her forehead. "I can't explain it." She looked at Irene and frowned. "Not so that you would understand. God," she shook her head, "Even I still don't understand it."
Amy stared into space.
"Amy?"
Amy sucked in air. "I just couldn't stop myself." She closed her eyes. "I couldn't resist her." She looked at her mother. "Somehow when we began this, I thought it would fade." Her hands clenched. "I desperately wanted it to fade."
Irene shook her head. "I'm not sure if that was a good game plan."
Amy half smiled. "No, it wasn't. But, I thought that because she hadn't been around for four years, that I would be able to put it behind me." Amy smiled briefly. "And get on with my life." Determination crossed her eyes. "And that's exactly what I intend to do." She looked at Irene. "I'll get back on track."
"What do you mean?"
Amy looked at her mother. "I mean it has to end. After this, I'll put it behind me like I did before."
"Celeste is in love with you Amy."
Amy looked at her mother for a long moment. "She said that?"
Irene smiled and without hesitation answered, "Yes."
Heart pounding Amy asked, "She actually said she loved me?"
Eyes widening, Irene looked at her. "Amy why else do you think you'd put yourselves through this?"
Surprised and not knowing what to think, Amy looked at her mother and tried to absorb her words.
Touching Amy's hair, Irene said tentatively, "I'm beginning to think that you don't know how you truly feel," she looked at her. "Celeste loves you, Amy. After seeing you together and what you've said just now, I'm in no doubt that you feel the same way." Irene closed her eyes and sighed. "But you can't be with the both of them. If you stay with Josh, then your life might not be empty, but you will be denying yourself the most important thing in life."
Amy looked at her mother.
"Being with someone you love, Jellybean. "
Amy shook her head. "But I don't intend to be with them both. I intend to be with Josh."
Irene looked away and brushed a tear from her eye. "Maybe I'm to blame for you seeking security and comfort from a man so similar to your father."
Blindsided, Amy raised her eyebrows in surprise. She didn't think that Josh was anything like her father. "What do you mean?"
"Josh is dependable," Irene revealed. "Amy, he's the type of man that you can always rely on. He's solid. He makes you feel safe. Just like your father."
Shock crossed Amy's face.
"In my experience, life has a strange way of showing you what is real," her mother continued. "When you make a decision to settle for second place, it bites you on the bum and reminds you that it isn't going to be that easy." She looked at Amy for a moment. "I can't say anything other than I know that Josh will survive, the children will survive."
Amy looked at her mother and words of reinforcement spilled from her lips about how much she loved Josh and the children.
Irene sighed. "You are so like your father," she said shaking her head. "You've got that steely determination in your eyes. Amy, I'm pleading with you to realize that you can't stay in a marriage when it's clear you're in love with someone else." She added slowly, "Because you have some sense that you are righting a wrong. It was me who left your father. Not you!"
Amy shook her head. "I'm staying because I love Josh. I'm staying because it's the right thing to do. I could never leave Josh for Celeste, never."
Irene was frustrated. Amy wasn't prepared to accept that she had put herself at terrible risk to be with Celeste. She pushed. "Do you love her?"
Amy didn't respond.
Determined, Irene repeated, "Do you love her?"
Amy looked at her and said as if the suggestion was absurd. "No! All that's between Celeste and I is...." she dried up. She looked at Irene. "I...There's... "
Irene watched Amy struggle to form the words.
Amy stopped and took a deep breath. "There's..." she dried up again.
"I....aagghh..." and again.
Irene wanted to tell her about love. That instead of fencing you in, it sets you free. She wanted to tell her that it was like giving birth to a live, but instead of you feeding it, it fed you. But, instead she said, "Let your heart speak, Amy."
Amy shoulders slumped. "I can't stop thinking about her. I can't eat. I can't sleep. I can't seem to function very well unless she's around me." She straightened and looked away. "It doesn't matter, I've no intention of breaking up my family."
Frustration crept into Irene's voice. "But Amy if you accept that you love her then you can't stay with Josh just because of the boys."
Amy looked at Irene and replied angrily, "I don't accept anything! And of course I can stay in anything as long as my family stays together! Look," Amy said moving her hands and moving her feet. "I'm not in a ball and chain. I'm happy!"
Irene looked at her daughter sympathetically. "People who are happy do not have affairs."
Apparently, unable to argue with the simple truth, Amy looked at her mother intently. "I'll get over Celeste, and things will be all right eventually. They'll sort themselves out."
Irene looked at her daughter, and was reminded of the fourteen-year old, frightened child she left behind. It was clear that Amy was frightened now.
Irene moved closer, and taking her child in her arms whispered, "I'm here for you." She hugged her tightly. "I'll always be here for you."
Chapter 37
Amy felt a twinge of guilt, as she waved them goodbye, that Maggie thought her entire weekend would be taken up by work. But her guilt didn't last; she was too excited about spending time with Celeste. Throughout the last four months, they had only ever managed to spend a few hours with each other on a weekly basis. This would be there first weekend, since New York.
Josh had called this afternoon from Seattle during a break from a round of meetings. He was keyed up. The company he was working for had decided to pull out of software development and had offered him and a few of his colleagues the opportunity of a management buy-out. This round of meetings was designed to whip up investor interest. She had smiled when he told her that this was it the big break.
The doorbell rang. Straightening her top, Amy looked in the mirror to check that she looked okay. Feeling the familiar tightness in her stomach, she ran downstairs. Not wanting to appear too keen, she stopped at the bottom step, gathered herself then made her way slowly to the front door. When she opened it, Celeste was standing there, wearing dark jeans and a low cut cerise sleeveless top.
Eyes wide, Amy followed Celeste's long legs up over her waist only to halt at her protruding nipples, which, bra-less, stood proudly out. Amy's stomach knotted when she registered that Celeste's hair was down. Celeste had a tendency to wear her hair up. A few months ago, Amy told her that she liked it down and ever since Celeste wore her hair down when she was around her.
"Hi," Amy said. Giving Celeste an impatient smile, she hurried her into the house.
Celeste barely had time to close the door behind her and put down her weekend bag, along with some grocery bags before Amy pushed her up against the wall.
Unusually, Amy hadn't seen Celeste the entire week. Desperately wanting to taste that teasing mouth, she kissed her hard. Celeste responded with the same ardor, and kissed her deeply.
Loosening Amy's hair, Celeste let it spill over her fingers, before running her hands over Amy's black cashmere top searching out the swell of her breasts.
Amy groaned when Celeste found her prize, and too impatient for niceties said huskily, "I want you." Pressing Celeste into the wall, she whispered, "God, how I want you."
"Not here," Celeste murmured, between kisses.
Amy looked at her then nodding, took Celeste's hand and led her to the guest bedroom.
Once in the room, Celeste kissed Amy everywhere. Undressing her, she registered that Amy's movements were slowing, and began to work quickly. Celeste had over the last few months seen Amy like this a few times, and discovered to her great pleasure that Amy only became languorous when she needed to come quickly.
Lying on the bed, Amy murmured her eyes half closed, "Hurry."
Heart pounding at the sight of Amy naked, Celeste hastily undressed. Groaning, she threw a thigh over Amy's hip. Lowering herself, she positioned her clit over Amy's.
Groaning loudly, Amy's eyes lost focus then closed.
Celeste pressed into Amy. This was a relatively knew position they had found. "Amy look at me," she whispered.
Amy slowly opened her eyes, and reaching up cupped Celeste's breasts. Celeste smiled knowingly. Amy was fascinated with her breasts and whenever they made love, to Celeste's amusement, she gave them her full attention. She particularly, liked to knead them when coming.
Pressing down, Celeste groaned. She loved this, adored the sensation of sensitive wet flesh against sensitive wet flesh. She wasn't surprised anymore by how quickly she was ready to come. Often just touching Amy was enough to make her want to. Her breathing shallow, Celeste slid back and forth. Her eyes rolled back when Amy moaned loudly. Breathing heavily, she watched as Amy built to orgasm.
Gasping, Amy whispered. "I missed you." She stroked Celeste's nipple. "I couldn't think of anything else since I woke up this morning," her breathing deepened, "but being with you like this."
Celeste listened as Amy told her how much she needed her, needed this. She adored Amy's 'love chat'. Amy often mentioned how it took her by surprise her need to vocalize her desire for Celeste during their lovemaking.
Watching Amy, Celeste smiled secretively knowing that over the last few months, Amy was discovering much about herself.
The fire building inside her, Celeste let out a low moan and needing release, pressed into Amy, and brought them to orgasm.
Slowly, Celeste climbed off Amy, and positioned herself next to her. Stretching out, she sighed luxuriously then pulled Amy to her, and hugged her tightly.
Amy laughed and cupping Celeste's face whispered, "I have some fresh food, and a few appetizers laid out in the kitchen for us, you know."
Celeste quirked her eyebrow. "Well, I don't know about you," she teased, "but I've worked up an appetite." She let Amy go then leapt out off bed. Standing, she held out her hand. "Let's go eat, I'm famished."
Amy looked Celeste over. "Later," she said seductively. Sitting up, she pulled Celeste to her. "We'll eat later. Right now," she whispered as she kissed Celeste's shoulder. "I'm hungry for something else."
It was much later before Celeste convinced Amy out of bed.
The next day, Celeste and Amy spent the morning in bed chatting and making love. By late afternoon, Amy insisted that Celeste 'model' for her. She had over the last few months talked Celeste into allowing her to sketch her in various positions.
Smiling, Celeste stretched out only to happy to indulge Amy's every whim.
Eventually in the early evening, Celeste coaxed Amy out of bed, and out for a stroll.
Outside, the beach was quiet, and the evening sky bright blue with no clouds.
"Have you spoken to your Mom?" Celeste asked as they walked along the beach.
Amy looked at her, and folding her arms replied, "Yes. But I'm not ready to talk about it."
Celeste nodded.
They walked along the beach for a while. "Susan called me yesterday?"
Removing her flip-flops, Amy held them in one hand. "How is she?" she asked as they walked.
"She's fine," Celeste replied taking Amy's free hand. "They've set a date."
"Oh," Amy said in surprise. Looking around, she pulled her hand away then placed a flip-flop in each. Suddenly taking a great interest in the water pooling around her feet with each step, she asked, "When?"
Celeste stopped walking.
Amy stopped beside her, and not looking at her, flicked wet sand with her toe.
Trying to hide her irritation Celeste kept her voice even, "The beach is empty."
"I'm sorry," Amy responded, trailing her toe along the sand. Not looking at Celeste, she added, "I can't."
After a moment, Celeste sighed then nodded. "I know." She walked on.
Amy quickly followed. "When are they getting married?"
"In a few months," Celeste replied. "But Ritchie isn't happy because the date coincides with the rugby world cup."
"He likes rugby?" Amy asked in surprise.
"Yes," Celeste replied.
"I never got a chance to tell him I'm a rugby fan." Amy chuckled. "I think we were still working through his teenage angst that night." She looked at Celeste then grinned. "Maybe he was saving that little nugget for the next session...I mean...eh... the next time we met."
Celeste laughed, and not able to resist pulled Amy to her. "Felt like a therapy session did it?"
Amy smiled and nodded. "A bit." She looked at Celeste. "He can really talk, you know." She winked. "I mean really talk."
Celeste leaned her forehead against Amy's and teased, "It's a tough world out there, kid."
"Yeah, yeah," Amy replied. Casting her eyes around, she pulled out of Celeste's arms, and walked on. "Did I tell you that Maggie's thinking about proposing to Sean?"
"No!" Celeste answered walking alongside. No longer surprised that Amy confided in her she asked, "I bet you told her that you thought it was too soon?"
Amy stopped walking and stared at Celeste, her mouth hung open slightly. "Am I that transparent?" she managed eventually.
"I hate to break it to you," Celeste said as she reached out and smoothed windswept hair from Amy's face. "But when it comes to those sorts of things you're a bit old fashioned."
Amy stared at her. "Hell, no way am I old fashioned."
Celeste raised an eyebrow challengingly. "Okay," she replied. "I bet you told her to give it a year. Settle in. See what he's like first."
Amy's eyes widened. "How do you know that?"
Celeste smiled. "I bet you even went as far as to say that the reason she should wait a year was because she was impulsive by nature, and she should listen to the voice of reason. Your reason."
Amy swallowed. "I...Well...I didn't say that exactly. Not in so many words." She scowled. "How did you know?"
Celeste laughed then winked at Amy before walking on.
"I didn't say it like that," Amy said catching up. "I just asked why she was in such a rush."
Celeste looked at her then raised her brow.
"Okay," Amy said nodding her head. "Okay. Maybe, I did say she should wait." She squeezed her thumb and forefinger together, "a wee bit." She pulled on Celeste's arm for her to stop. "What's wrong with a little patience," she asked. She threw out her arms. "Why is everybody in such a rush?" She stared at Celeste. "For all we know, he might be a complete fruit cake."
"What and Maggie isn't?" Celeste asked laughter dancing across her eyes. "Admit it, Amy. You don't want her to rush."
"Why aren't you being supportive," Amy huffed then folded her arms.
"Because," Celeste replied as she reached out and rubbed Amy's arms. "Maggie could line a runway with the number of lovers she's had," she said. "She's been in the dating game for a long, long time." She pulled Amy to her. "She knows better than anyone what the real thing is when it comes along." Just like I do, she thought, and just like you would if you opened your eyes.
At that moment, Celeste desperately wanted to kiss Amy, but knew the blonde would literally pass out if she tried. Increasingly, over the last few months, Amy was wary of them being seen together in public, and worried often about how tactile they were. It amused Celeste that no matter how 'on guard' Amy was, she was unable to hide the hunger in her eyes when they were together. Celeste knew that sometimes the intensity of that hunger frightened Amy.
"So, you think she shouldn't wait?" Amy asked.
The need to kiss her strong, Celeste sighed. "Let her do what she wants," she replied. "Maggie's a big girl."
"Josh doesn't think she should rush either."
To stop herself from kissing Amy, Celeste stretched. Whenever they debated, which was often given that Amy was very bright, to her amusement, when Amy was pushed into a corner, she would occasionally defend her point of view by saying that Josh thought that way also.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Celeste replied then walked on.
"You think we're wrong?" Amy asked walking alongside.
"Not necessarily, but I think Maggie knows her own mind."
After a moment, Amy placed her hand on Celeste's elbow. Celeste watched uncertainty show in Amy's eyes. She caught her bottom lip, and bit it lightly.
Smiling reassuringly, Celeste took Amy's arm and folded it through hers.
"Do you think I should encourage her?" Amy asked.
Celeste walked in contemplation. "I think you should give Maggie whatever support she asks for."
Amy looked at Celeste then nodding said, "Maybe your right."
Celeste smiled at her. "Trust her, Amy."
Amy nodded then smiled. "Okay."
Holding Amy's arm tightly, Celeste headed for a quiet bay she knew. When they arrived, she rested against sheltered rocks, and pulled Amy to her. Sliding down the rock, she wrapped her arms around Amy. They settled to watch the herons and egrets stalk the beach.
"I love this place," Amy said. "This is a magical place to watch the world go by." She looked over her shoulder and, eyes glowing, said to Celeste, "It's especially beautiful today."
Eyes locking, Celeste nodded.
Amy smiled then snuggled in.
Hidden by the rock, they watched a dog and its owner run past. Amy whispered, "Do you know, that I didn't know the inside joke about Bud?" Wide-eyed, she turned her head to look at Celeste. "Nobody told me that the family dog was a 'talker'."
Celeste snuggled her head into Amy's neck, and buried her laughter.
Amy chuckled. "Just after I moved here, I went for a walk along the beach at your folks, and he tagged along. I didn't know that when he wanted to play, he would show me by gnashing his teeth and growling." Amy tried pushing Celeste out of her neck. "Most dogs just drop the ball and wag their tails."
Laughing, Celeste buried her head further into Amy's neck.
"And," Amy added as she pushed Celeste gently from the crook of her neck. "Nobody told me," she bracketed her fingers, "that the more excited he got, the louder he 'talked', and the more teeth he displayed." She looked at Celeste. "So, when he dropped the ball in front of me, and I picked it up to throw it, he started gnashing his teeth like a deranged loony!"
Celeste laughed hard.
Amy laughed. "I didn't know that it was his act. I didn't know that he was saying, 'Yeah, yeah, lady. C'mon, hurry up and throw the ball. Instead, I translated it as move, and I'll kill you. So, I didn't move." She grabbed Celeste's hand, and brought it close to her heart. "I thought my heart might beat out of my chest. I stood frozen with my arm in the air for ages until Bud got fed up and wandered off."
Eventually, controlling her laugher, Celeste cupped Amy's cheek. "I can't believe that nobody told you." She tenderly kissed one cheek then the other before locking eyes. "God, I adore you."
Chapter 38
"Sit," Celeste said when Amy entered the kitchen. She pointed to kitchen stool at the breakfast bar next to where she was cooking. She poured a glass of red wine. "I'm going to cook for you tonight," she told Amy handing her a glass.
"Don't you want me to help?"
Celeste smiled. "I want you to sit there and talk to me."
Amy looked at Celeste seductively, "Just talk?" she asked. "Not touch?"
Celeste lifted her eyebrows. "For now."
Amy stuck out her bottom lip.
"Put that away," Celeste said eyes dancing. "Don't you want to know what's cooking?"
"Yes," Amy replied then sipped her wine.
"Tonight, I'm going to whip up an extravaganza of risotto and nuggets of langoustine tails followed by a to-die-for chocolate dessert."
Amy eyes opened wide. "I don't have anything like that here."
"I know," Celeste replied opening the fridge. "I brought the stuff I need with me."
"Oh," Amy responded. A look of pleasure crossed her face as she sipped her wine. "I wish I could cook," she said watching Celeste. "I can barely boil an egg." She sucked on her bottom lip for a moment. "Maybe, I should stop being a takeaway queen, and sign up for a cookery class."
"Maybe," Celeste replied as she stirred the risotto. "Doesn't Maggie do most of the cooking?"
"Yeah, but she's not much better than me." Amy smiled. "And fortunately, three-year olds don't have much taste so they don't notice how bad our cooking is." She laughed. "We don't have to force feed them just yet."
"I thought Josh cooked?"
"He does, but he's not much better than me either. The chicken he cooked the other night was so tough it asked me if I wanted to fight."
Celeste laughed. "You might not be able to cook, but you are one helluva of an artist." She looked at Amy. "How's the painting coming along?"
Amy swallowed a mouthful of wine then licking her lips, put the glass down. "Well," she replied, tucking her hair behind her ears. "I bought a six-foot canvas."
Focusing on the risotto she was stirring, Celeste asked, "Why?"
"Because, I want to give you something as a parting-"
Celeste looked up sharply, and not wanting to hear it said, "Don't." Her eyes pleaded. "Please, not tonight."
Amy looked at Celeste then nodded. She picked up her glass and twirled the wine for a while, then eyed Celeste. "I got it because I want to paint you naked."
Celeste stopped stirring the risotto. "You're joking?"
Amy shook her head and pointed at the risotto. "Keep stirring."
"I'm flattered," Celeste said as she stirred. "But really," she stopped stirring, and stared at Amy in disbelief. "Are you crazy?"
"Of course not," Amy replied then laughed.
"Don't you think that it would be highly inappropriate for you to have a painting of me draped over something," she looked down at herself, "naked?"
"The bed," Amy responded with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"What?" Celeste asked raising her eyebrows in confusion.
"I want to paint you buck naked, stretched out on the bed." The tip of Amy's tongue slid out and touched her top lip. "I'd paint you lying there, with no inhibition, disheveled from our love making; heavy-eyed, full-breasted, and sated."
Celeste stared at Amy for a long moment then blew out air before shaking her top, allowing some cold air to circulate.
Amy laughed. "Feeling the heat?"
"Yes," Celeste replied. Walking around the breakfast bar, she took Amy in her arms, and kissed her passionately.
"Isn't risotto tricky to cook?" Amy mumbled against Celeste's lips.
"Mmmm," Celeste answered letting Amy go.
Celeste returned to the stove, and stirred the risotto before throwing in the langoustines. "I would love nothing more than for you to paint me." She looked at Amy as she worked. "But it's more than a little dangerous, Amy."
"I know. But, I want to." Amy looked at Celeste for a few moments. "You're a painter's dream, you know. You're a beautiful sassy, sexy Goddess."
Celeste stared at Amy then looked at her wine glass. "It is only one glass you've had so far, right?"
Amy laughed and held up her glass. "So far." Sipping her wine, she gave Celeste a sultry look. "Let's play our game," she said. "I thought up some more things I like."
"More?" Celeste's lips twitched. "Okay."
"You first."
Celeste looked around then held up the wooden spoon. "I like kitchen utensils."
"That's lame, Celeste!"
Celeste laughed. "I know, but I'm not in the zone yet." She eyed Amy playfully. "Anyway, just go with the moment."
"Okay," Amy replied wiggling her eyebrows.
Celeste smiled. "I like...Uhmmm...Sleeping out, under the stars in the desert in a sleeping bag with the wind howling around me."
Amy gave Celeste a cheeky grin. "I like sun-ups then I like to sleep late."
"I like sun-downs." Celeste responded then grinned. "I particularly like seeing the sunset over different horizons."
"Hmmm," Amy replied. Over the lip of her wine glass, she eyed Celeste. Sipping some wine, she put the glass down and circled the rim with her finger. "On your own Miss Cameron?"
Their eyes locking, Celeste replied as she stirred. "Maybe."
Amy smiled then caught her bottom lip, and thought for a moment. "I like making hot drinks on cold nights."
Celeste raised an eyebrow. "I like taking cold swims on hot nights."
Amy picked up her glass. "On your own Miss Cameron?"
"Maybe." Celeste responded then smiled fully.
Amy eyed Celeste for a moment then raising her eyebrows said provocatively, "I like making love with a brunette who has a body to die for."
Surprised, Celeste sucked in air, and held it for a moment. "Isn't it my mind you're supposed to adore?" she asked eventually.
"Celeste," Amy said putting down her wine glass, and stretching out a hand. "I hate to tell you this," she cupped Celeste's right breast. "But guys definitely have a point when they say that the brain over breast argument will never win." Stroking Celeste's nipple, she smiled seductively.
Celeste groaned then teased, "Jeeze, Amy, and here I was thinking that all this time it was my conversation that titillated you?"
Amy grinned.
Celeste pulled away then growled playfully. "Amy, if you want to eat tonight. You'd better stop teasing me, or I'll switch this off, and we'll finish what you've started," she pointed to the door, "in bed."
Sitting back, Amy put her hand to her mouth and pretended to zip it. She picked up her wine glass. "Not another word."
Celeste lifted the spoon to Amy's mouth. "Taste."
Amy's eyes widened with pleasure as she chewed. "Mmmm." She swallowed then licked her lips. "It's delicious."
"Let's eat," Celeste said. She switched off the stove, and served up their meal.
"I'm starved," Amy said as they sat at the kitchen table. She picked up her fork, and tucked into her dish.
Celeste sat next to Amy, and not wanting the evening to end, closed her eyes, and tried to savor the moment.
Amy slowly stopped chewing. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Celeste replied opening her eyes.
"Then eat." Amy picked up her glass, and took a mouthful of wine.
Celeste nodded. Shaking out her napkin, she dropped it on her lap.
"This is gorgeous," Amy said. "You really are a fabulous cook."
Enjoying the compliment, Celeste smiled. "Thank you." She picked up her fork, and began to eat.
"I dug out my guitar, just like you asked," Amy said.
Celeste smiled. "Would you play it for me tonight?"
"Hmmm," Amy said as she chewed. She swallowed then asked mischievously, "What do I get in return?"
Lifting her eyebrows, Celeste looked at her challengingly. "I might reciprocate and play violin for you next time at Mom and Dad's."
"What?" Amy said holding her fork midway to her mouth. "You play violin?"
Chewing, Celeste nodded.
"God, I can't believe you sometimes," Amy said lowering the fork. "Why haven't you told me?" she asked. "I can't believe that from all the discussions we've had about music, that you've never mentioned to me once that you play violin?"
"Amy," Celeste said with a note of exasperation. "I've never mentioned it because until recently I hadn't played since high school. And anyway it was all down to Sophie digging the violins we played as kids out of the attic."
"Oh," Amy replied. "So, it was Sophie that encouraged you then?"
"Yes," Celeste said then smiled. "But, now I'm beginning to regret it, because Mom and Dad want us to play whenever I drop by."
Amy laughed. "Sophie's trying to get on their good side?"
"Hmmm," Celeste replied as she chewed her food. "She's hoping that all her late night exploits will be forgiven."
Amy smiled. Pushing her food around her plate, she asked, "Why did you marry Nick?"
Surprised at the change of subject, Celeste paused then put her fork down. She wiped her mouth with her napkin. "I didn't know you were curious about that."
"You hold back a lot," Amy replied picking up her wine glass.
Celeste looked at her. "Not when I'm with you."
Amy blushed then quickly took a mouthful of wine.
Celeste smiled provocatively.
"Amy's blush deepened. " But, there are things that you never discuss."
Celeste eyed Amy. "Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you."
Amy swirled the wine in her glass for a while.
Celeste encouraged, "Amy, what do you want to know?"
"I'd like to know things like why you got married," Amy replied. "And why you decided to come home now." She looked at Celeste. "I've been trying hard not to ask you these questions but," her eyes widened, "I can't help it, I want to know everything." She studied her glass. "I want to know everything about you."
Celeste sighed inwardly. She was aware that over the last few months Amy had tried to hold a part of her back, mostly by not exploring Celeste's personal life too deeply. Although there discussions were extensive, Celeste had gone with the flow, never forcing anything, always allowing the direction of their conversations to shape naturally.
Celeste looked at Amy. How could she tell her that she didn't often let people in? How could she even begin to explain that every moment, of every day she wanted her, craved her in fact? How could she tell Amy the core things about why she married, that she chose to return now because she was hoping to adopt without first telling her the things she knew Amy didn't want to hear; that she loved her.
Amy looked at her. "Why did you marry?"
"I married Nick because I fell in love with him." Celeste answered looking at Amy. "Or I thought I was in love with him." She drank some wine. "When I was a teenager, I was painfully shy."
"Yes, Josh said as much." Amy nodded. "And I can see it sometimes."
Celeste swirled the wine in her glass. "Nick somehow understood that, and he helped me overcome it to some degree. His personality was big enough for the two of us." She looked at Amy. "You would have liked him. He was easy company, full of fun, and I didn't have try too hard when I was around him."
"Why marry. Why not just go out with him?"
"If I'm truthful, I think I just needed to let lose." Celeste smiled. "And he was the first real taste of freedom I had." She drank more wine then sat back. "Between training and studying, I hadn't time to really let go." She stared off. "And Nick was captivating. Full of live, impulsive. Everything about him seemed fast paced, chaotic, all about chasing the moment. Whereas everything in my life was planned. Everything was based around my swimming. What time I got up, how many days I trained, how many training sessions I had in a day, for how long. What I would eat, when I would sleep, when I would study." She looked at Amy, the corners of her mouth quirked. "The list is long."
Amy reached for her wine glass then sat back. "He was the opposite to everything that you were at the time?"
Understanding that Amy wanted to know, Celeste nodded. "I liked him. I liked his passion."
"And when he asked you to marry him?"
"I just went with it." Celeste said. "Swimming was over," she touched her right shoulder. "And it was the nature of how we were together, to just go with things." She smiled when Amy's eyebrows lifted.
"Where is he now?"
Celeste looked away. "I don't know. We lost contact." She shrugged. "We were kids. His parents were divorced, and moved out of state just before we met." She looked at Amy. "Which probably goes a long way to explaining why he was desperate to marry, he needed something solid and secure in his life. He was an only child with no close ties."
"Apart from you?"
Celeste didn't answer.
"What would you do if he came back?"
Celeste eyed Amy curiously. "Why?"
"Just wondering," Amy replied. "You wouldn't be tempted to," she hesitated, "reconcile?"
Recognizing a note of jealously, Celeste hid her smile, and toyed with teasing Amy. She opened her mouth then caught the serious look in Amy's eyes. "No," she said as she eyed her appreciatively. "I know what I like now. My tastes have matured."
Amy looked at Celeste. "Is that so?"
"Yes," Celeste replied softly. "That's definitely so." Taking Amy's hand in hers, she added. "Eat."
That evening, lying in bed with Amy, feeling filled and content, Celeste sighed. She had amongst the small gifts that she had brought and given Amy over the weekend a final surprise. Most of the gifts were things that she couldn't resist buying when they inspired thoughts of Amy, which were constant these days, but this one was special.
Celeste got up and left the room, returning with a package. Sitting, she handed it to Amy.
Sitting up eagerly, Amy took the shoe-sized package. Looking at it, she turned it around in her hands a few times. She smiled excitedly and shook it. Hearing it rattle, she asked, "What is it?"
Thankful it wasn't fragile, Celeste tried to hide her enthusiasm. "Open it."
Sitting straight, Amy tucked her legs underneath her.
Celeste moved closer. She caught her breath when Amy tucked her hair behind her ears, and gave the package her full attention. She loved Amy's little idiosyncrasies. Like the way she tucked her hair behind her ears when she needed to focus, or rubbed her forehead whenever she was about to say something serious. She particularly loved the way she said 'of course,' whenever she was caught off guard, but the one that made her knees weak, always, was when making a decision, Amy often caught her bottom lip in contemplation.
Reaching out, Celeste smoothed Amy's tussled hair then let her fingers trail down to her full breasts before drawing a finger slowly around and over the nearest nipple.
"Now, now. New rule," Amy said removing Celeste's hand. "When you bring gifts, you've got to wait."
Un-wrapping her package, Amy smiled widely when Celeste huffed at her.
Opening the box, Amy's mouth hung open. She dropped the bundle as if it had burnt her fingers. Looking at Celeste in bewilderment, she blushed deeply. Staring at the contents of the box then at Celeste, she stuttered, "You've...You've got to be joking right?"
Amy stabbed at the strap lightly with her finger. Obviously repulsed but curious at the same time, she picked it up, and said as if she was holding something macabre. "I've never actually seen one of these in the flesh," she lifted her eyebrows, "so to speak."
Intrigued, Celeste watched Amy.
Holding it high, Amy stretched out a strap and said in amazement as she studied it, "It's very real looking isn't it?" Her expression changed quickly from amazement to alarm. Raising her eyebrows, a touch of panic tinged her tone, "You don't honestly expect me to wear this thing, do you?"
Celeste had bought it earlier that week. It had been on her mind for many months, since that night in New York, in fact. Amused, she stretched out on the bed. "I think that I was expecting to wear it."
Amy looked at her "What!" she said in astonishment. "I can't take that!" her eyes widened. "Jesus, Celeste, that thing is huge! Much bigger than..." her voice trailed off. A deep color suffused Amy's face. She stared at Celeste then nervously threw the object on the bed and said with some alarm, "The thought of using something like that has never even entered my head." She leaned over to where she had thrown it, and pushed it off the bed.
Seeing she was upset, Celeste reached out and pulled Amy down on top of her. Feeling the tension in her body, she wrapped her arms around her, and held her tight.
Chapter 39
Pleasure that she should be having with Josh, Amy thought guiltily. She tried to ignore her inner voice when it told her that it was much more than physical.
Since her talk with Irene, Amy hadn't stopped thinking about what it all meant. Focusing on Celeste, she said gravely, "I don't think we'll be using that. I mean what has gotten into you!" She pushed away from Celeste, and sat up. "I mean why you want to wear...a...a... dildo! I don't understand it?" She threw her hands in the air, and moved off the bed. "Isn't what we have good enough?"
Reaching out, Celeste grabbed Amy's arm. "Ssshhh." She pulled her into her arms. "It's okay. It's okay."
Eyes wide, Amy asked, "Why, Celeste. Why?"
"Because," Celeste replied as she held her, "I want to know what it feels like to share this part of you, to be inside you. I want to watch you move underneath me, and know that I'm inside you."
Frowning, Amy said in growing confusion, "You have been inside me! I don't need that." She pointed to the empty space on the bed. "I just need you."
Stroking Amy's face, Celeste rubbed her nose against hers. "I want it," she said. "I promise you it will be a very sensual experience." She kissed Amy gently. "Can you trust me?"
Amy's frowned deepened. She said nothing, but her stomach flipped at Celeste's plea. Celeste was intoxicating and Amy knew if she pushed, she wouldn't have the willpower to resist any of her demands.
Celeste kissed her deeply then whispered, "Trust me, Amy."
Catching her bottom lip, Amy thought about how this was the one area that was exclusive to Josh and how he had something that up until now Celeste could never give her. Amy realized, stupidly, that she had believed that somehow she would never be able to compare them.
Now there is nothing, no matter how flimsy that I can keep for him alone, Amy thought. Lifting her hand, she rubbed her forehead, and looked at Celeste.
Looking for an answer, Celeste raised an eyebrow then did the one thing that Amy could never resist. She whispered, "Please."
Amy bit her bottom lip then sighing in defeat, nodded.
Celeste slipped off the bed, to where Amy had pushed 'it' off, and slipped it on.
Amy watched with fascination, and had to stifle a laugh at how ridiculous Celeste looked. She raised her eyebrows in surprise when Celeste opened a small bottle, and watched in shock as she applied lubricant.
What the hell have I let myself in for? Amy thought, her mouth hanging open.
"It comes with it," Celeste said her eyes twinkling as she applied the lubricant liberally.
Amy snapped her mouth shut when Celeste approached, unable to believe that she was actually going to allow this woman to put that thing inside her.
When Celeste slipped onto the bed and lay down, Amy looked at her, and thought if it is a floorshow you want, then a floorshow is exactly what she's going to get!
Sitting up, Amy straddled Celeste, and suppressed her laughter when the brunette looked up at her in surprise.
Amy looked down at Celeste. It was rare that she was immediately ready for entry, usually she needed some foreplay, and even though Celeste had used lubricant, Amy knew the girth on the thing between her thighs was certainly something that she wasn't used to. Lifting her hips, she positioned herself over Celeste's new toy and held it to the entrance of her labia.
Celeste caught her breath. A look of astonishment then pleasure crossed her face.
Amy stopped. She looked down at the woman beneath her. The incongruity of Celeste's breasts and the thing between her legs made her feel strange. "This is weird," she said pulling back a little.
Celeste rested her hands on Amy's thighs and stroked them. "A good weird? she asked her eyes full of desire.
Amy looked at Celeste. A deep need gripped her. "Yes," she replied huskily. "A good weird."
"Amy I-"
"Hush," Any said. Looking into Celeste's eyes, she lowered herself slowly. Closing her eyes, she let out a loud groan half in pain and pleasure as she slowly pushed past the band of muscles. Opening her eyes, Amy looked down. She