by Maggie Brown
In the starry night, the party was in full swing. After he disappeared into the crowd, she skimmed the groups for Winter.
She wasn’t far away, with Jessie and Veronica at the drinks’ table. When their eyes caught, the smile that blossomed made Pandora immediately feel hot and needy. She craved to connect with her so much it hurt. She pointed to the door to the house. Winter nodded and turned to speak to the two women. Veronica inclined her head after a quick glance in her direction, but Jessie clutched Winter’s arm, muttering something in her ear. Clearly annoyed, Winter shook her head with an unmistakable air of authority and pulled her arm free. She ignored any further protest, her attention focused on Pandora as she moved off to where she waited.
A calm slid over Pandora as the brown eyes gazed into hers.
“Let’s go inside,” Winter murmured. And without another word, she reached down to firmly interlace their fingers. When they’d moved into the house, she kicked the door closed.
The thud caused Pandora’s heart to give a little stutter. “Michael got the message,” she forced herself to say, but talking about him was the last thing she wanted to do. Not with Winter standing so close and looking at her with such quiet intensity. She was desperate to close the gap, to take her in her arms. Done trying to restrain herself, she reached out to run her knuckles gently over her cheek. The fragrance of a heady perfume mixed with Winter’s unique scent flooded her senses as she took a steadying breath. Somewhere at the back of her mind a warning sounded that this was not the time or place, but she was beyond reason now.
Winter looked just as out of control, her heavily lidded eyes smouldering. “Come with me,” she whispered hoarsely. “There’s a room down the hallway.”
Pandora followed her past the lounge to a door next to the stairs. Winter flicked on the switch, lighting up a cosy vintage-style bedroom with floral curtains, a tiffany lamp and antique polished wood wardrobe and drawers. The queen-sized bed was covered by an embroidered white bedspread and a number of multicoloured throw pillows.
“Nice,” she murmured.
Winter gazed at her, her irises dancing with golden highlights. She clicked on the lock. “It was the maid’s room years ago, now a guest room. Please kiss me. I haven’t been able to think about anything else for days,” she said huskily.
Nipples tight in anticipation, Pandora shivered. With a low hum, she pressed close to Winter and brushed her mouth over her temples, her eyes, the hollows beneath her cheekbones. She worked her way down until finally, possessively, she claimed her mouth.
At once Winter responded eagerly. Her fingers buried into Pandora’s hair, the tugging sending little tingles down Pandora’s spine as the kiss deepened. Pandora pulled back a little to stroke her top lip with her tongue, and then the bottom before she teased it inside her mouth. When Winter groaned, she pushed it in deeper, filling her. Then with a steady rhythm in sync with their rocking bodies, she slipped her tongue in and out. Heat surged through her as the ache in her groin intensified.
Soon though, the room began swimming and Pandora realized she’d forgotten to breathe.
Coming up for air, she said, “You taste so good. So good.”
“So do you,” purred Winter. She grasped the back of her neck to pull Pandora’s lips to hers again.
On fire, Pandora devoured her mouth, pressing for more bodily contact. When Winter began to scrape her nails on the exposed part of her back, goose bumps sprang over her skin. Relishing the tingling sensation, she ran her hand over Winter’s shoulder to her chest and cupped a breast. It made a perfect handful. Through the silken material, she could feel the nipple tightening. She pinched it and rolled it between her fingers.
Her hand itched to pull off the dress and feel the skin underneath, to touch her all over. But this wasn’t the time or place. When they went to bed the first time, she wanted it to be memorable. Wanted her to feel special. Pandora buried her face in her neck and whispered. “I want to make love with you but we can’t now. Not here.”
“I know,” murmured Winter. “Let’s lie down and just cuddle for a while. I really, really want to kiss you again.”
Without any more words, they stretched out on the bed. Winter inched forward until they came flush together and then they became lost in their kisses.
When Pandora pulled away to stroke her face, Winter’s gaze locked on her lips again. “You’re such a good kisser.”
Pandora needed no second invitation, lowering her mouth again. When Winter began to run her palm over her upper arm, Pandora couldn’t help flexing her muscles.
“You must really work out. You’re so hot,” Winter said as she melted into her.
“Uh-huh,” Pandora murmured, slipping her hand to the curve of her breast.
Suddenly, a text buzz sounded.
They jerked apart. Pandora peered at her watch, then winced. “We’ve been here nearly three quarters of an hour.”
“Damn. That’ll be someone wanting to know where I am,” Winter exclaimed.
“Calm down. Just say you were showing me through the house and we got talking.”
Winter pulled a face as she rifled through her pocket for the phone. “Yeah…right! I’m going to have to go out there with lips like puff balls and we were talking?” She pulled it out and looked at the screen. “It’s only Mum. She wants me to cut the cake before Grandma goes home.”
“There…see. No one even noticed we’ve been gone.”
“Jessie would have,” Winter said morosely.
“And Veronica.”
Winter gave her a sideline glance as she slipped off the bed. “You’re not jealous of Veronica, are you?”
“Maybe a little. She obviously likes you.”
“Don’t be. If I haven’t made it clear enough it’s you I prefer, then I don’t know what we’ve been doing for the last three quarters of an hour.”
Pandora captured her hand and brought it to her lips. “Next time I want you to spend the night with me. Would you like to come to my place tomorrow night for dinner?”
Winter looked at her with a shy smile. “I’d love to.”
“Then it’s a date. I guess we’d better get back.”
“Wait a minute,” said Winter, opening the door a fraction. “I’ll just have a peep to see if the coast’s clear.”
Pandora watched with amusement as she poked her head outside. It had been years since she’d had to creep out of a girl’s room.
“All clear,” said Winter with a touch of relief in her voice. She grasped Pandora’s hand and squeezed. “Come on.”
When the back door came into view, Winter turned to face her, her eyes bright. “One last kiss before we go? I shall hate seeing you with Jessie.”
Inhaling deeply, Pandora caught her in her arms. She didn’t want to go back outside—she wanted to go back to the room with Winter. Kissing hadn’t been enough—her body was craving more. She closed her eyes and crushed her mouth to hers with all the pent-up emotion she carried inside. Winter sank into her, returning the kiss with equal fervour. But when they broke apart, she felt Winter stiffen in her arms. She turned her head to follow her gaze.
Standing at the door was a woman who had to be Winter’s mother. She was dressed in a coffee-coloured dress that fell over her trim figure to mid-calf. Her silvery-blond hair was gathered in a loose bun just like Winter’s, and her facial structure was much the same, only fuller. This stylish woman was Winter in thirty-some years.
But she wasn’t looking at her daughter with any maternal pride at the moment. She was staring at her as if she’d grown three heads.
That wasn’t the worse of it. There was another woman standing at her side, with a furious expression on her face. If looks could kill, Pandora would be dead.
This one she recognized.
Michael’s mother.
Chapter Twenty-three
“Not you too, Winter?” Gussie cried out.
Winter groaned, hurriedly stepping forward in front of Pandora. Shit! Just
her luck! She schooled her features into nonchalance and ignoring the remark, smiled as they approached. “Hi, Mum, Aunt. I was just coming to see Grandma. Where is she?”
“On the patio talking to Fay and Veronica. You know how she enjoys hospital gossip. Your father’s going to take her home shortly,” her mother replied, her expression now more curious that incredulous.
Winter couldn’t help chuckling. Her mother’s mother, a former nurse, would be in her element with the two doctors. Then she was brought back to earth when her mother cleared her throat and looked over her shoulder at Pandora.
“I’d like you to meet Pandora,” said Winter, remembering her manners. “Pandora, this is my mother Joyce Carlyle, and,” she flicked a nervous glance at her aunt who was looking frostily at them, “Gussie Hamilton, my aunt.”
Pandora seemed perfectly comfortable as she gave them a friendly smile. “Hello, ladies. It’s lovely to meet you both. I can see where Winter gets her looks, Mrs Carlyle. And Michael too, Mrs Hamilton. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d better get back to the party and leave you three to talk.” She gave Winter’s arm a squeeze, “I’ll see you later,” and then without another word, disappeared out the door.
Winter blinked at the speed of the departure. Talk about deserting the sinking ship.
“Well,” said her mother, eyeing her speculatively. “You’re full of surprises tonight. I thought she was with Jessie.”
“I’m not going to discuss it, Mum. It’s my business.”
“Of course it is. I’m just glad you’re finally having a social life again. And what an exciting life it is. Both women are lovely.”
Red spots blossomed in Gussie’s cheeks. She looked like she was going to have a stroke. “You call that slut lovely, Joyce? She not only has her claws into my son, now she’s got your daughter in her snare.” She glared at Winter. “I thought you would’ve had more sense.”
To Winter’s surprise, her mother crossed her arms and glared at her sister. “That’s enough, Gussie. If anyone was a nasty woman it was Christine Dumont. I’ve waited years to see Winter happy, so leave her alone. As for Michael. You’ve spoilt the boy and he needs a good talking to. Anyone can see he’s far too immature for a woman like that.”
Gussie’s mouth thinned. In the awkward silence, Winter realized it was up to her to smooth things over or there would be a row. Both sisters were as stubborn as each other. “It’s fine, Mum,” she said, making calming gestures with her fingers. “Pandora had a long talk with Michael, and he’s not going to the Silver Fox again. He’s also promised to leave her alone.”
Gussie gave a harrumph but didn’t comment.
“That’s a relief,” said Joyce. “Thank goodness she was able to talk some sense into the boy. Now let’s go outside. It’s time to cut that cake.”
Grateful for her support, Winter headed for the door. “I’ll get Grandma.”
The old lady was leaning on her walker with Fay and Veronica next to her. “Winter. Everyone’s been looking for you,” she said.
Winter coughed self-consciously as all eyes focused on her. “I had a few things to attend to, Grandma,” she said vaguely. “You’re nearly ready to go?”
“It’s my bedtime, dear. Your father is dropping me home. It’s was a wonderful party.” She looked at her with a twinkle in her eye. “You’re certainly glowing tonight.”
Winter grimaced. There was no putting anything over the old girl. With an ingrained sixth sense she seemed to know exactly what was going on with every family member. She hoped she didn’t catch a whiff of Pandora’s scent as she pecked her on the cheek.
A small smile played on the old lady’s lips as she patted her hand. “Come and have morning tea with me one day soon, my dear. I’m sure you have lots to tell me. Now, cut that cake.”
After her father did the honours with a few words and she thanked everyone for coming, Winter sliced through it with a flourish to the raucous chorus of “Happy Birthday.”
Then after she helped him shepherd her grandmother down the pathway, she took the glass of champagne Fay offered her with a grateful, “Thanks.”
“I saved a bottle. The whole lot went in no time at all.”
“It’s a very nice champagne,” Veronica said. “I don’t think I’ve tasted one so crisp.”
Winter acknowledged the compliment with a smile. “I can’t claim credit for the choice. It was a gift from a client who owns a vineyard in the Barossa Valley. I’m not much of an authority on wines, but he certainly was an expert. It’s delicious. I’ve been saving the bottles for a special occasion.” She looked across at the crowd who had launched into exuberant party mode and said dryly, “It looks like it went down well.”
“Champagne always gets the crowd going quicker than any other alcohol,” said Veronica. “It’s the fizz. The carbon dioxide in the bubbles speeds up absorption in the digestive system.”
“Spoken like an anaesthetist,” said Fay with a chuckle. “Have you had something to eat, Winter? We’ve had ours.”
“No. I’d better get a plate before the sweets are brought out. Shall we join Jessie’s table over there?” She perused the yard as she sipped her drink. “Where’s Alan?”
Fay flicked her head at a group of men near the bar and smiled fondly. “Discussing football of course. What else? He’ll come over when he’s ready. I’m dying to sit down.”
“Okay, I’ll join you all in a minute,” Winter said and headed to the buffet.
Focused on the assortment of dishes, her heart gave an almighty leap when a familiar voice purred in her ear, “Dinner looks great. I’ve already had a scrumptious entrée.”
Winter choked, nearly dropping the plate. “Shush, Pandora!”
The reply came back barely louder than a breath. “But I’d prefer ice-cream to lick.”
So would I.
“Behave. You’re getting me worked up again,” she admonished in an urgent whisper.
An eyebrow arched. “Am I now?”
Noticing that a couple of curious faces had turned their way, Winter shifted a respectable distance apart and said louder, “Try some of the egg pasta salad. It’s one of my favourites.”
“Right,” Pandora replied, heaping a spoonful on her plate, then lowered her voice again. “How did the inquisition go?”
“Coward. You certainly disappeared quickly enough.”
“I call it a tactical retreat. I’m neither brave nor a fool.”
Winter tried to suppress the laugh, but it still came out in little snorts. “I don’t blame you. They can appear intimidating if you don’t know them. Wait till you see all five sisters together.”
Pandora screwed her face up in horror. “That sounds totally scary.”
“Nah. They’re harmless, though they do like to gossip. Tell one something at breakfast and the lot will know it by lunch.”
“So…you haven’t answered the question. What did they say?”
“Mum was fine. She never pries, in fact, she stood up for you.”
“Really?”
“She just wants me to be happy.”
“And she actually approves of me?”
“Just let’s say any woman will seem a saint after Christine. She didn’t like her.”
Pandora stopped ladling out the rocket salad and gazed at her with compassion. “When we’re alone again, I’d like you to tell me all about that relationship.”
“Some things need to be forgotten,” Winter replied firmly. She imagined it was the last thing Pandora would want to hear about. There were a few things she had never told anyone and it would be too hard dragging up the past.
“Hmmm. Maybe…but it’s also therapeutic to talk about things,” said Pandora. “What did Gussie have to say?”
Winter shrugged. The last thing she wanted to do was to repeat the words and upset Pandora, so she merely said, “As much as I’d expected. She still harbours resentment, but she’ll get over it.”
“Then I’ll avoid her for the rest of the night.
”
“Don’t worry. She won’t come near us, but I expect my mother will join us for a chat at some stage. She won’t be able to resist.” She gave a little snicker. “She thinks I’m interested in Veronica as well as you.”
Pandora gave a curt, “Huh!”
“How was Jessie?” Winter asked, trying to sound casual, but knew she failed miserably.
“She noticed,” said Pandora in a different voice, the banter gone. “I think we miscalculated there.”
“I know. She’s going to be hurt,” agreed Winter morosely. She collected a knife, fork, and serviette. “Come on. If we linger here any longer it’ll make things worse. Would you sit with Fay and Veronica for a while? I’d like to talk to Jessie.”
Pandora nodded, pulling in a seat between the two doctors when they reached the table.
Winter dragged up a chair next to Jessie. “Hiya,” she said brightly.
Jessie swung around to face her, and leaned closer to mutter crossly, “It’s about time you turned up. Where did you and Pandora get to? You were gone for ages.”
“Hey, Jessie. Ease up, will you,” Winter said with an equally low voice, stifling her annoyance. “You’re my friend, not my keeper.”
“Sorry,” said Jessie, flushing. “I guess that came out a bit abruptly. I just didn’t expect you would go off with her for so long. I thought the whole idea was for Pandora to be with me.”
“She is with you,” Winter said soothingly. “But that doesn’t mean she can’t be sociable and mingle. Anyhow, it worked…Michael knows definitely now she’s not interested. She had a talk with him.”
“And now you expect me to do what exactly? Forget I’m the girlfriend?”
“Well, for a start, tone down your flirting. You got the message across.”
Jessie stiffened and ground out, “Since when have you been an authority on romance? Women like flirting. And what were you doing with her in the house for so long anyhow?”