by Karen Legasy
“I feel the same,” Marlee said. “It’s like we’ve been waiting for each other all along.”
“What if we’d never met?”
Marlee put her sunglasses back on. “Why couldn’t we have met sooner? Life’s like that, don’t you think? Things sometimes happen where you just have to go with it because it was meant to be.”
“I’ve always hated just accepting things for what they are,” Abigail said as they resumed walking. “It goes against my better judgment and that’s why I spend such long hours in the lab. I need to see clear pathways to mapping genomes and understanding how connections are made through the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. I wish I could relate some of that thinking to what’s happened between us.”
“It sounds pretty obvious to me,” Marlee said. “The strong chemistry between us has to be in our matching genetics. As for the environmental factors, I had to come to Australia so we could meet.”
Abigail stopped and lowered her sunglasses to look at Marlee. “You’re brilliant.”
“I told you our genetics match.” Marlee smiled. “I have another brilliant idea. Let’s head back to our room and share a piece or two of that orgasmic cake I’ve been promising.”
“Lead the way, please.”
Chapter Forty
“Are they ever cute.” Marlee bent over to pet two grey tabby kittens playing outside the lobby of their luxurious apartment rental near the beach. “I wonder who they belong to.”
“They’re yours if you want.” The woman who’d checked them into their unit appeared from around the building.
“Oh, I couldn’t.” Marlee straightened up. “I’ve just moved here from Canada and have enough going on in my life right now.”
“How old are they?” Abigail picked one up and smiled as she kissed its head.
“Almost three months and way past time for them to find a new place to live.” The woman flicked the toes of her sandals against the cement footpath, as though clearing out sand. “There were four of them altogether, but the orange boys went first. These are two little sisters.”
“What are their names?” Marlee reached for the other kitten and cuddled it against her chest.
“Whatever you want,” the woman said.
“They’re cute.” Abigail put hers down and brushed her hands. “I hope they find a good home.”
“They love it here,” the woman said, “but they won’t be kittens forever and the place isn’t big enough for them and their mother once they grow up. A loving home is just what they need.” She paused, looking between Marlee and Abigail. “I’d better go back to work. Let me know if you’d like them.”
“Have you ever had a cat?” Abigail asked as they made their way to their unit.
“I sort of did once when one of my girlfriends moved in with hers for a few months. It was a grey tabby too, and I fell in love with it. The hardest part about ending that relationship was letting go of the cat.”
“Why didn’t you get one of your own then?”
“I don’t know.” Marlee unlocked the door and they entered the bright living area of the luxury unit that put her shabby little apartment in Sydney to shame. Even the smell was fresher, with its lemon furniture polish aroma shouting out that it had just been cleaned, and the glass doors to the large private balcony embellished with plants for their own personal jungle.
Marlee kicked off her sandals. “One of my girlfriends was severely allergic to cats, so I didn’t want to ever be in the position of having to end a good relationship over a cat.” She laughed. “Even though I hung on to a bad relationship longer than I should have because of one. Go figure, eh?”
“My crazy Canadian girlfriend.” Abigail pulled her into an embrace and they shared a lingering kiss. “I’d never risk losing you over a cat.”
“Do you like cats?”
“I don’t mind them,” Abigail said. “My work’s always been so intensive. I’ve never thought about getting a pet because I’m too busy to look after it the way it should be cared for.”
“I like that you look after people through your work,” Marlee said.
“So do you.” Abigail rested her head on Marlee’s shoulder. “Our work is similar in that respect. Helping people, like you’re helping me now.”
“I haven’t done anything to get you and your company out of this mess. What if I can’t save you?”
“You’ve already helped me so much more than I could have ever hoped for.” Abigail gave her another lingering kiss. “You awakened my senses and brought me to discover sexual bliss, a crucial part of me that was missing.” She chuckled. “I realize how empty my life was.”
Marlee brushed her lips over Abigail’s and smiled. “You helped me with my own discovery too. I’ve never known this kind of ecstasy with another woman.”
“Are you still sure about quitting your job to be with me?”
“Positive.” Marlee kissed Abigail’s nose.
“I imagine it’s not easy being a police officer, especially when you see things no person should have to witness.”
“Yes.” Marlee sighed as her eyes drifted to the far wall and a framed print of a colorful parrot in a rubber tree. “It’s not easy sometimes, that’s for sure.”
“I’d like to know more about who you are as a police officer and what you’ve experienced on your job.” Abigail rubbed Marlee’s forehead. “You look so sad right now. What are you thinking about?”
“Something I’ve been trying to put behind me, but I think it’s one of those calls that’ll be with me for the rest of my days.” The memory was still so painful.
“Tell me about it.” Abigail took Marlee’s hand and led her to the couch. She put an arm over Marlee’s shoulder as they sat. “Go ahead.”
Marlee took a few deep breaths, fighting back tears as she realized that if it hadn’t been for this call, they’d probably never have met. “About a year ago, I was the first responder at a horrific accident scene. A mother and her five-year-old son were crushed to death in their small car.” She paused to swallow, the burnt stench of the deployed airbags and spattered blood still so vivid.
“They were on their way home from the grocery store.” Her throat constricted as she fought back a gag. “It was a stupid accident that never should have happened. The driver of the truck was a young university student stoned out of his mind. He swerved into their lane and barely suffered a scratch. How do you make sense of something like that? Why do some people die and others walk away?” A tear trickled down her cheek.
Abigail tightened her grip and caressed Marlee’s arm. “I ask myself the same thing all the time. Why does cancer kill so many people, but let others survive? Or even leave many untouched?”
“At least you can offer hope when there’s none. I had none to offer the wailing father and husband when he arrived at the scene. It was so heartbreaking to see his loss and pain.”
“You were there. It takes a lot of courage to respond to tragedy and that in itself should give hope.”
“How can it give hope when your family has just been killed?”
“By caring. Hope for everyone starts with someone else caring.” Abigail’s voice had a soothing effect. Simple words, but she said them with such conviction.
Marlee looked for a tissue. She still couldn’t get that father’s face out of her mind. The demand for answers where there were none. “You make it sound so simple.”
“That’s because it is. Caring has to be one of the simplest things to do in this life.”
“But it can be hard too,” Marlee said. “I stopped caring about a lot of things after that day. I cry every time I think about it and I’m sure it’s why I ended up in Australia. Everything in life began to bother me. My job, my history of unsuccessful relationships, and my personal unhappiness brought me here in search of myself. I put all of my energy into surfing, as though mastering it would help me find my way.”
“How ironic. If it wasn’t for your misfortune with surfing, we
never would have met.” Abigail kissed Marlee’s cheek.
“Thank God I sucked at it and you came along on that nice boat of yours to save me.” Marlee leaned back into Abigail’s arms. It felt good to be there. Safe. “Even when you’re not working, you help others. I was hopeless until you came to my rescue.”
“Now I’m hopeless too,” Abigail said. “Hopelessly in love.”
“How romantic.” Marlee smiled. “I think it’s time to change the subject to something more fun because this is supposed to be a vacation.” She fondled Abigail’s fingers. “I love your painted nails. They’re so sexy and feminine in that nice purple.”
“Good segue to another topic.” Abigail chuckled. “The color’s violet, to be exact. Have you ever painted yours?”
“I might have tried once or twice when I was in high school. I like yours, especially with them being nice and short under that polish.” Marlee gave little kisses to Abigail’s fingers.
“Would you like me to paint your nails?”
“Hell no.”
Abigail laughed. “That was quick. I guess it’s a no-go for a personal pedicure then too.”
Marlee looked at Abigail’s matching painted toenails. “I’d be happy to do one on you, if you’d like. I’m sure I could do a good job because I’ve been known to give awesome foot massages.”
“Really?” Abigail swung her feet into Marlee’s lap. “I’d love to have my feet rubbed right now. And I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m getting aroused at the thought of you massaging them.”
“It must be our genetics working together again because I’m getting aroused too and they’re not even my feet.” Marlee giggled as she began to caress Abigail’s toes.
“I love the way we’re exploring each other.” Abigail moaned. “Your hands are divine wherever they touch me.”
“If you think my hands feel good, just wait until you feel my tongue all over you after this.”
“I can hardly wait.” Abigail pulled her feet back and jumped on top of Marlee. “I want to devour you right here and now.”
Marlee smiled. “I like that my doctor lover is reading my mind.”
“Yes, it’s all in the genetics. I can feel it in my genes.”
“I want to feel it in your jeans too.” Marlee reached between Abigail’s legs. “Whoops, you’re wearing shorts. Guess I’ll have to wait.”
Abigail giggled. “I love how you make me feel and am so ready for your orgasmic cake.”
“So am I. Will you join me for a shower as an appetizer?”
Chapter Forty-One
Marlee closed her eyes and savored the moment as she bit into a fresh strawberry. It was sweet, juicy, soft, and best of all being fed to her by Abigail.
“Would you like another bite?” Abigail dangled the fruit just above Marlee’s mouth as the two of them lounged naked on the hotel bed.
“Yes.” Marlee opened her eyes and smiled. “Then I’d like to taste you.” She wrapped her lips around the berry and gently sucked it from Abigail’s fingers, squishing it with her tongue and slowly swallowing the sweet pulp.
They’d been feeding each other cheese, crackers, and strawberries, as a prelude to the lovemaking Marlee promised would take their sex to the next level. Marlee watched as Abigail’s pupils dilated each time Marlee’s mouth covered a strawberry then leisurely tugged it away from its stem. She finally set the bowl of fruit on the side table then wrapped her body around Marlee. “I think I’m finished with the appetizers. Shall we move on to the main course?”
“I like a woman who knows what she wants.” Marlee smiled as she swallowed the last of the pinkish pulp.
“What I want is for you to show me what you mean by the next level, including what could be dirty with something that must feel so good.”
Marlee’s head rolled back in laughter. “There’s nothing dirty about what I have in mind. Some might consider it a little X-rated, two women pleasuring each other like we’re going to, but it’s definitely a good, clean, fun way to heighten sexual intimacy. Let me show you.” Her tongue began a trail from Abigail’s lips down to her neck and shoulders. “Lay back and enjoy while I continue this journey on downward.”
Abigail’s uneven breathing increased as she rested her head on the pillow and put a hand on Marlee’s head. “I’m afraid you might drown if you go down too far.”
Marlee chuckled. “So you’re that wet, eh?”
“Don’t laugh.” Abigail smiled and tapped Marlee’s arm. “No one has ever done this to me before.”
“Me too.” Marlee’s soul danced as they shared an intimate gaze. “I’m so drenched in you, Ab, and I still can’t seem to get enough.” She licked Abigail’s lips. “I want you to relax and enjoy. There’s no need to worry about me drowning because you’ve already proven yourself more than capable of rescuing me.”
Abigail moaned in pleasure as Marlee’s tongue mapped pathways all over her body, meandering from the peaks of her swollen nipples, across her pulsating stomach, down each arm and leg to her fingers and toes and finally toward the depths of her arousal.
Marlee listened to Abigail’s uneven breathing and felt her writhing body succumbing to the passion. To know she was giving her lover so much pleasure brought Marlee a sense of fulfillment that went to the depths of her core. She felt euphoric as her tongue reached its target and Abigail’s hips thrust upward until her orgasm erupted in a sustained burst that culminated with a soft wailing. Abigail’s hips finally dropped back to the sheets.
“Oh my God.” Abigail’s arm flopped over her brow. “You’re amazing.”
Marlee sat up and reached for a towel. “You’re the one who’s amazing.” She wiped her face and shoulders. “I’m so hot for you. Look how I’m sweating.”
“Come here while I catch my breath.” Abigail motioned for Marlee to lie with her. “It’ll be your turn soon.”
“Relax and savor the moment for now.” Marlee rested her head on the pillow, basking in her own joy at knowing Abigail seemed to be so gratified. “There’ll be lots of time for me later.”
“Are you sure?” Abigail rolled to Marlee and kissed her. “I want you to have pleasure too.”
“Oh, I just did. Did I ever.” Marlee held Abigail’s face to hers. “Maybe I didn’t wail or moan like you, with my mouth being occupied and all, but you wouldn’t believe how much pleasure it gave me to do that to you, Dr. Abigail Taylor.”
“Well now, Sergeant Marlee Nevins.” Abigail grinned. “Are you going to deny me my own opportunity for that?”
“Of course not.” Marlee kissed Abigail’s nose. “But I want this to be about you for now.”
“Then I need to at least touch you and give some release.” Abigail reached down and began to caress Marlee. “I’d never expect you to make a big sacrifice like forgoing an orgasm for me.”
“No sacrifice is too big for you.” Marlee moaned. “I would do anything for you.”
“I know. And I for you, my love.”
* * *
They walked into town for a late dinner at one of the restaurants. Their stroll along the streets and across the bridge into the commercial part of Merimbula was pleasant, but would have been better if they’d felt comfortable holding hands. Especially since Abigail had to grab Marlee a few times before crossing the street.
“I keep forgetting which direction the cars are coming from,” Marlee said as they stood at an intersection. “It’s like watching a tennis match.”
“Always remember to keep an eye to the right before stepping into the road,” Abigail said. “We’ll have to get you out for more walks so you can get the hang of it.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it.” Marlee followed Abigail as they finally crossed the street. “It’s like you already have driverless cars here. I don’t know how many times I’ve looked at passing vehicles and there’s nobody behind the wheel.”
Abigail laughed. “I guess it would seem that way to you.”
“I keep thinking
dogs and kids are driving too when cars whiz by. Isn’t it enough everything is upside down here that you don’t have to complicate things more with putting your cars on the wrong side of the road?”
“Are you trying to tell me we’d be better off in Canada, with all of its snow and miserable weather?”
“Hey, our snow is nice and the weather isn’t that bad.” Marlee brushed up against Abigail. “I’m just teasing. I love it here. I could live anywhere as long as it’s with you.”
“That’s good to know. I might have to move my business somewhere else, maybe the States, if things don’t get sorted out here soon.”
“Really?”
“I don’t know.” Abigail sighed. “Probably not. I won’t leave Josh and I couldn’t take him as far away from home as that. I’m getting fed up and frustrated, though.”
“Things will work out,” Marlee said. “As long as we’re together, I can handle anything.”
“Me too.” Abigail smiled.
They continued along their way, wandering up and down streets in search of a suitable place to eat until Marlee spotted a silver BMW sedan zooming past that resembled Tyler’s. By the time she looked at the correct driver’s side, only a profile was visible as the car sped away. Short hair, sunglasses resting on the top of the head, and shoulders about the size of Tyler’s.
“It can’t be him.” She stopped, confused as her heart started to pound. She grabbed her phone in case she’d missed a message from him. Nothing.
“What’s up?” Abigail put a hand on Marlee’s arm. “It can’t be who?”
“Tyler. I think he just drove by.”
“He’s not supposed to be here. Are you sure it was him?”
“No.” Marlee shook her head and looked around. “I must have been mistaken.”
“It’s been a long day,” Abigail said as she checked her phone. “Let’s just grab a pizza and take a cab back to our unit.”
“If it was him, I’m sure he would have told me.” Marlee put her hands on her hips and stared into the distance.