Finding Love Down Under

by Jay, Donna

  The fact such a simple act put Zoe’s mind at rest made Claire’s heart soar. She hoped her next words didn’t blow it. “So, have you ever been to a party where they have a host?”

  On her way to the bathroom, Zoe stopped midstride and pivoted on her heel. “You mean like a Tupperware party?”

  “Something like that.” Claire suppressed a smirk. “Try again.”

  The ceiling light caught on the metal clasp of Zoe’s cosmetic bag as she held it in the air. “A makeup party?”

  Claire knew she should just tell her, but she was having too much fun. “Getting warmer.”

  Zoe looked up as if the answer might be written across the ceiling. She tapped her lip. “Let me see.” She snapped her fingers. “I know. A designer clothing party?”

  Claire shook her head trying not to giggle.

  “A liquor party?”

  Unable to contain herself, Claire burst out laughing. “Close.”

  Zoe harrumphed and folded her arms under her breasts. “Are you laughing at me?”

  “Oh, goodness, no, doll.” Claire swiped at her eyes, trying to regain her composure. “It’s just the way you said lick-her party.”

  Eyes big as saucers, Zoe’s mouth fell open. “Did it really sound like I said, lick her?”

  No, it didn’t but she blushed so prettily, it’d been worth teasing her. “Not really but like I said it was close. We’re going to a sex toy party.”

  Zoe fiddled with the bag in her hand. “I can never tell if you’re toying with me or not.”

  It took everything Claire had not to chuckle at Zoe’s choice of words. She pulled out a chair at a small round table up against a wall. “Sit.” She gestured to the chair opposite.

  Once Zoe was seated, Claire took Zoe’s hand in her own, like a friend offering comfort to another. “It’s a party plan, with adult toys. My friends are a hoot so it should be a blast. You don’t have to buy anything. I’ll look after you, and, if you feel uncomfortable just say the word. We can leave anytime?”

  Zoe squeezed Claire’s hand. “Thanks for telling me. I’m not a fan of surprises. I’ll wear plenty of concealer.”

  It was on the tip of Claire’s tongue to tell Zoe she didn’t need to wear makeup. It seemed like a shame to cover such flawless skin. However, if doing so offered Zoe a sense of comfort, Claire wasn’t about to stop her.

  As far as war paint went for Claire, a lick of lip gloss and a touch of mascara to enhance her brown eyes was all the makeup she wore around friends. Since resigning from her position of receptionist at a busy retirement village, she certainly didn’t miss having to wear makeup five days a week.

  Chapter 11

  Just as Claire had promised Zoe, her friends were a wonderful bunch of women. Most appeared to be in their mid to late twenties, and all of them welcomed her with open arms, literally. Zoe wasn’t used to such touchy feely people. After what she’d been through the last night with Sam, it should have freaked her out. But Claire wasn’t Sam and somehow Zoe knew deep in her heart, Claire would never let any harm come to her. She’d proved as much at the café. Sam had tucked tail and within twenty-four hours of Zoe refusing to reply to her text messages, Sam hadn’t tried to contact her again. Whether she was still in the Hawke’s Bay region or not, Zoe had no clue nor did she care.

  A burst of hysterical laughter erupted in Janie’s living room, banishing all thoughts of Sam. Zoe’s gaze landed on two of Claire’s friends attempting to deep throat a double ended dildo. They could barely wrap their lips around the flesh-coloured monstrosity.

  Claire stood leaning against the kitchen counter, her ankles crossed, glass of wine in hand, an amused sparkle in her eye.

  A woman sitting beside Zoe, Sheryl from memory, nudged Zoe’s shoulder. “You should order one of those.”

  Trying not to gag on the potent smell of rum thick on the woman’s breath, Zoe discreetly swatted the air under her nose. “Thanks for the suggestion, but I don’t have a use for one of those.” Did she have lesbian written all over her face or what? She didn’t have to wonder for long.

  “Oh, aren’t you here with Claire?”

  Not sure where Sheryl was going with this, Zoe nodded yes.

  Sheryl continued. “It’s the first time I’ve seen her with another woman since she broke up with Amy. The witch.” Sheryl gritted the last two words out. Then she pointed toward Claire, who was sipping her wine and talking to her best friend.

  Sheryl leaned in close. “I assumed you two were an item.”

  Her warm breath on Zoe’s ear sent an icy shiver up Zoe’s spine. Before she could panic and bolt, the next words Sheryl uttered rendered Zoe immobile.

  “She’s hot for you, I can see it in her eyes.” She lowered her voice as if the words were for Zoe’s ears only. “Claire’s a good woman, with a gentle soul, once you break through the tough exterior. Give her a chance.”

  On that note, Sheryl stood and tottered off, swaying dangerously on five-inch heels. Zoe glanced over to the kitchen. When Claire shot her a saucy wink, Zoe’s cheeks blazed. Which was crazy considering she was surrounded by half drunk women, double ended dildos, paddles, handcuffs, fetish wear, and just about anything else you’d expect to find in an adult store or online.

  For a brief moment, Zoe wondered why Claire hadn’t enlightened her that she too was gay when Zoe made her own confession. In hindsight, she’d been so defensive, no wonder Claire hadn’t come clean.

  Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach when Claire’s words tumbled through her mind. “I’m not conceited enough to think you’d even be attracted to me.”

  Now that she thought more about it, perhaps Claire had been testing the waters. Zoe cringed when her clipped response came back to her. Exactly. If that didn’t sound like a brush off, she didn’t know what did. She’d as good as said she wasn’t attracted to Claire. It was the furthest thing from the truth and the last thing she’d meant.

  In the next heartbeat, her mind flashed back to their stop at the waterfalls and hope flared in her chest. She now knew she hadn’t imagined the look of desire swimming in Claire’s eyes when she’d jumped down from the rock. The intensity of Claire’s gaze had rooted Zoe to the spot. She’d barely been able to breathe, let alone move, until the campervan had pulled into the parking area and broken the spell.

  A loud thwack echoed around the room. “Attention, ladies.”

  Zoe looked up to see the hostess standing in the middle of the room smacking a paddle against the palm of her hand. A thick set woman with mousey brown hair, sparkling blue eyes, and an infectious smile, strode over and waggled her backside in front of the hostess.

  Anticipating the thud of a firm spanking, Zoe sucked in a sharp breath. Her cheeks heated wondering if anyone had witnessed her reaction. All eyes were fixed on the hostess, all except for one set. When Zoe glanced toward the kitchen, her eyes locked on Claire who stood scrutinizing her.

  Embarrassed, Zoe wanted to look away, yet for some reason she couldn’t. And, like an invisible force drawing them together, or maybe that was wishful thinking on Zoe’s part, Claire sashayed over and plopped down into the seat recently vacated by Sheryl. The heat of her body warmed Zoe like an electric blanket.

  The fruity aroma of sparkling white wine assailed Zoe’s nostrils when Claire leaned close and whispered into her ear.

  “You okay, doll?” She squeezed Zoe’s thigh.

  Feeling bold, Zoe rested her hand on top of Claire’s. People assumed they were an item anyway. “Yeah, I am. Better now that you…”

  Before she could finish her sentence, the room went black. Zoe’s heart raced and she panicked when she realised someone had come up behind the sofa and slipped a blindfold over her eyes. The sound of laughter faded behind the blood roaring in her ears. Adrenaline surged through her veins. This couldn’t be happening. Not again. No way, she wouldn’t let it. She trusted Claire, but then she’d trusted Sam too.

  Trying not to hyperventilate, Zoe clutched the elastic band o
n the blindfold and tugged. “Get it off, get it the hell off me!”

  And just like that, it was gone. The room was deathly silent, all eyes locked on Zoe, shocked expressions on everyone’s face.

  Embarrassed didn’t even begin to describe how she felt, Zoe was mortified. Her reaction couldn’t be easily explained away. Much like a horror movie, Zoe prayed the sofa would open up and swallow her whole.

  Claire stood and addressed the person behind them. “Didn’t you know Canadian’s believe its bad luck to wear a blindfold in a room full of people? Strange, but true.” She slumped back down, picked up a glass of wine off the glass topped coffee table, and resumed conversation as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. “So ladies, who’s buying what?”

  Everyone started talking animatedly again, crisis averted.

  A whirlwind of emotions swirled through Zoe making her chest tight. Embarrassment over the way she’d reacted. Extremely thankful for Claire being so quick on her feet and diverting any awkward conversations. And annoyed with herself for jumping to the wrong conclusion. Claire and her friends had shown her nothing but kindness, and she’d acted like they were thugs out to get her. The shame of it all made her want to curl up and cry.

  The chirp of a phone made Zoe glance up. Her gaze landed on the wall-clock. It’d just gone nine-thirty, early to most partygoers. However, she couldn’t wait to get out of there but also didn’t want to ruin Claire’s night any more than she already might have.

  A tall and elegant redhead, Kate, dropped her phone into her handbag. “That’s me, I’m out of here. Apparently Zac won’t settle for Daddy.”

  Sheryl guffawed. Staggering on her heels she bent down and plucked up a crop. “Did you order one of these?” She tapped it across her palm. “You need to teach that man of yours who’s boss, girlfriend.”

  Laughing, Kate shook her head. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Then she did a tour of the room and hugged the remaining guests. When she embraced Claire, Claire spoke into her ear. Kate nodded vigorously, took a step back, and fished around in her shoulder bag.

  With a determined look in her eye, Claire crooked a finger at Zoe, beckoning her forward. “Come on, Kate’s offered to drop us off at the hotel. It’ll save us a cab fare.”

  A high-pitched squeal, like someone passing gas, drew their attention back to Sheryl. Once she finished forcing air out between her lips, she cupped her ear. “What was that? Tight arse.”

  Claire punched Sheryl in the shoulder. “You’re such a dork. No wonder I love you.” Then she planted a quick peck on her friend’s cheek. “Stop by anytime you’re passing through Hawke’s Bay.” Claire reached for Zoe’s hand. “We’d love to have you. I’ll put you to work for the day. Then we’ll see who’s screaming for bed by nine.”

  The look of approval on Sheryl’s face, when her gazed landed on Zoe’s hand in Claire’s, made Zoe want to never let go.

  Like a ghost, Janie appeared from out of nowhere and pulled them in for a hug. The side of her body pressed against Zoe’s. Hip to tummy. Zoe almost sang for joy when she didn’t feel threatened by such intimate contact with a person she’d only just met.

  Chapter 12

  The minute they stepped through the hotel room door, Zoe sensed a change in Claire’s mood. The happy-go-lucky attitude from moments earlier had evaporated, an unasked question taking its place in her intense gaze.

  As much as Zoe planned on explaining things to Claire, she wanted to gather her thoughts first. “I need to wash my make-up off.” Zoe picked up her toiletry bag.

  A kind smile softened Claire’s features. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

  After closing the door behind her, Zoe scrutinised herself in the mirror. The harsh glare of the bathroom light made her skin appear paler than normal. The bluish hue reminded her of someone in need of a doctor. The thought made her stomach lurch. Would Claire think she was sick and recommend a good psychiatrist?

  By the time Zoe re-emerged, Claire had changed out of her jeans and shirt and wore tan pyjama pants with a tiger striped top.

  “My turn.” She breezed past Zoe, toothbrush and toothpaste in hand.

  While Claire was in the bathroom, Zoe slipped into her knee length nightie and pulled her black satin robe on over top. Despite the comfortable temperature of the room, nerves threatened to make Zoe break out in a cold sweat. She wanted to bare her soul to Claire, but was afraid of Claire’s reaction.

  The seconds ticked by. Claire seemed to take longer than necessary to brush her teeth, yet not long enough, because all too soon she stepped back into the room and Zoe could no longer avoid the inevitable.

  Claire eyed Zoe up and down as she walked toward her. “Nice get up. I wondered what you wore to bed.”

  The cheeky grin on Claire’s face let Zoe know she was trying to lighten the mood. For a brief second, Zoe entertained the idea Claire might have forgotten the incident and they’d simply climb into separate beds and forget it. She wasn’t so lucky.

  Claire’s expression turned serious. “As you know, I’ve had a few drinks.”

  Zoe nodded, unsure of Claire’s point. She didn’t expect others to abstain because she’d chosen to for the time being. In fact, it was rather comical watching other people’s drunken antics while she was completely sober.

  Claire sat on the queen-sized bed, opposite the one Zoe had claimed, and patted the spot beside her. “I’m sober enough to know I didn’t imagine your panic attack tonight. I no longer believe you’re afraid of the dark.”

  Feeling sheepish, Zoe sat beside Claire. Rather than meet her gaze, she fiddled with the tie on her robe. “I never said I was afraid of the dark.”

  “No, you didn’t. I wrongly assumed. But, Honey…” Claire put her finger under Zoe’s chin and forced her to meet her gaze. Tenderness shone in Claire’s eyes. “I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s going on. I’ve seen that utter look of fear on your face once before, and I don’t like it.”

  There was no need for Claire to spell out the last time she’d seen the look on Zoe’s face. Only one person had the ability to provoke so much fear in Zoe it overrode rational thought. With her heart pounding against her ribcage, Zoe inhaled a deep breath, blew it out between her lips, and took a giant leap of faith.

  ***

  “It was a Thursday night.” The memory made Zoe shudder. “The other girls we lived with were out. Sam had the night off work so we had a few drinks.” She left out the part how she often got horny after a glass or two of wine. “We decided to make the most of having the house to ourselves.”

  The way Claire watched her, hanging onto every word, made Zoe feel embarrassed about what she was about to admit. Something she hadn’t told another soul. “Can we dim the lights, please?”

  Claire did one better, she turned off the overhead lights and flicked on a wall mounted lamp above the bed. Zoe focused on their seated shadows cast across the floor. “I like certain things; things other people find weird. Like the women at the party who made jokes about people who got off on being spanked. Sam liked the same things I did. In hindsight, it’s one of the reasons I fell for her so fast.” In the dim light, it was difficult to read Claire’s expression. However, Zoe was fairly certain it wasn’t judgement.

  Claire put a reassuring hand on Zoe’s arm, her fingers warm and soft. “You’re doing well, keep going, doll.”

  “She tied me up and spanked me.” God, it had been so hot, the lick of the crop, firm hands soothing the burn. Fingers dipping in and out of slick folds, tapping her clit. Pinching nipples, hands, everywhere. Then lips on hers, hot, hard, needy, probing. “I had a blindfold on. She…. she kissed me.” Zoe bit back a sob.

  Claire continued to offer comfort, running her hand up and down Zoe’s arm. The look of uncertainty on her face didn’t surprise Zoe. So far it sounded like a girl’s wet dream. It had been hers, for a while.

  Struggling to hold her emotions in check, Zoe spoke around the lump constricting her
throat. “My hands were loosely tied together with a scarf. I panicked and told her to untie me, to get the blindfold off. Sam… Sam told me to calm down she’d release me in a second. I slipped my hand out of the scarf and yanked the blindfold off.”

  A tear trickled down Zoe’s cheek, the same as it had the night in question.

  Claire pulled her close and stroked her hair. “It’s okay, I’ve got you, doll.” A tissue appeared from somewhere and was placed in Zoe’s hand. “I’ll get you a glass of water.” The mattress shifted as Claire braced herself to stand.

  “No.” Zoe grabbed Claire’s hand. She needed Claire’s strength, her earthy scent, to keep her grounded.

  “The taste of beer lingered on my lips.” Zoe let out a humourless chuckle. “Sam didn’t drink beer.” It had been the moment Zoe knew something was terribly wrong. “The first thing, or should I say person, I saw when the blindfold came off was our roommate, Emma.”

  Zoe’s stomach churned recalling the smug grin on their roommate’s face. A girl she barely tolerated. Whenever Sam worked nights, she’d hit on Zoe. On more than one occasion Zoe had informed Emma she was a one-woman woman and to stay away or she’d tell Samantha. Most people didn’t want to fuck with Hurricane Sam. However, apparently the two of them had become pals and cooked up a plan.

  “She shared you with another person, without asking first?” Even though Claire asked the question in a soft voice, the incredulity in her tone was unmistakable.

  Finally, Zoe dragged her gaze off the floor up to Claire’s face. Her eyes were full of compassion and brimming with unshed tears, which caught Zoe off guard. It was as though Claire was experiencing the betrayal first-hand.

  “And you know what the kicker was?” Zoe snorted through her snotty nose.

  The pad of Claire’s thumb circled the back of Zoe’s hand. “What she did is inexcusable. I can’t imagine it getting worse.”

  Unable to hold Claire’s gaze, Zoe stared at the beige carpet. Tears rolled down her cheeks and dripped onto her bare knee.