Live This Love

by Jamey Moody

  When they went into the bedroom, Riley threw Alex down on the bed and straddled her. “There’s something I’ve wanted to do ever since you told me you’d come with me.”

  Alex looked at her with both eyebrows raised. “Oh, there is?”

  “Yes, I want to make love to you in my bed.” Riley leaned down and kissed Alex hard. When she raised up, she took her shirt off and threw it across the room. She unclasped her bra, tossing it aside, too. “Sit up, you have on too many clothes,” she said, taking Alex’s shirt off and unclasping her bra.

  “And if this bed could talk, would it tell me stories?” Alex said teasing.

  “Don’t mess with the mood, babe.”

  “I wouldn’t dare,” Alex said taking Riley’s face in her hands and kissing her. Before Riley knew what had happened Alex had flipped them and was on top of her, taking her pants and panties off in one motion.

  “Wow, what’s happening,” Riley said, giggling.

  “Let me show you what’s happening,” Alex said, crushing Riley’s lips with her own.

  Later Riley lay flat on the bed trying to regain her breath. “I assure you this bed has never seen anything like that.”

  Alex chuckled. “That’s good to know.”

  “That didn’t turn out anything like I imagined,” said Riley, her breath finally returning.

  “And how did you imagine it?” Alex said.

  “Let me show you,” Riley said, crawling on top of Alex.

  On the way to lunch the next day Alex said, “We may have to find a way to take that bed back with us.”

  “You like that bed, do you?”

  “I like what happens in that bed,” Alex said, wiggling her eyebrows at Riley. “Watch the road.”

  Riley laughed and reached for Alex’s hand, thinking she was the luckiest woman in the world.

  Lunch with Riley’s parents went great. They were so nice to Alex and seemed to be reassured by how quickly their daughter had upended her life after meeting and talking with her. They promised to include the Virgin Islands in their travels and come visit soon.

  Alex met the rest of the family at Riley’s parents’ that night for dinner. She was nervous when they walked in but was quickly put at ease by meeting Riley’s nieces, Rachel and Amy, who just finished their second summer semester at college. They both wanted to know everything about the island and how Alex and Riley met.

  “So, I know Aunt Riley walked into your bar and that’s how you met, but what happened next?” Rachel asked.

  Riley looked at Alex and said to Rachel, “Let’s just say that we hit it off immediately.”

  “Well that’s obvious, but I know there’s more to it,” Amy said looking at them both.

  “We had a really good time that first night, and they came back the next day and I managed to get an invite to Kim and Kerry’s wedding. After that…” Alex said but was interrupted by Rachel.

  “After that you couldn’t keep your hands off one another, and here you are!” Rachel exclaimed holding her hands up and arms out in a “what else” gesture.

  Riley looked at Alex, then at Rachel and Amy, and said, “Well, that pretty much sums it up.”

  “Wait, you’re not going to tell them about the ferry?” said Alex.

  “What about the ferry?” asked Rachel. “Come on, Aunt Riley, what happened?”

  Riley looked at Alex, narrowing her eyes, and whispered, “Are you trying to make me look bad in front of my nieces?”

  Alex shook her head and whispered back, “That’s not possible, you never look bad.”

  “I don’t think your charm is going to get you out of this one,” Riley said and turned to her nieces. “Well, I didn’t know that the ferry doesn’t run at night. And I got separated from the rest of the group and they took the ferry without me. When I went back to Alex’s bar to find them, they were gone and I missed the ferry.”

  Alex jumped in and said, “That’s when I got to rescue her, or she probably wouldn’t have come back the next day.”

  “You knew I was coming back the next day,” Riley said, smiling.

  “So what happened?” said Rachel.

  “How did you rescue her?” said Amy.

  Riley looked at Alex with both eyebrows raised. Alex said, “I helped her find a place to stay. So, she had to come back the next day to thank me. And that’s what happened.”

  Rachel and Amy looked at one another, sensing there was more to it. Rachel said, “You know, it would be the perfect story if the place Alex found you just happened to be hers.”

  Riley and Alex looked at one another and didn’t say a word.

  Amy laughed and said, “I knew it! Aunt Riley, you’re still a little hottie!”

  “Yeah, you are!” Rachel chimed in.

  “I’d have to agree with you both,” Alex added.

  Riley’s cheeks were beginning to turn red when her sister-in-law Jodie came in and said, “Ease up on your hot aunt. You’re embarrassing her.”

  “We’re not embarrassing her. I’m going to get the full story out of you someday, Aunt Riley, just sayin’,” Rachel said, giving her aunt a big hug.

  “Me too,” said Amy. “You’re our hero! Who goes off for a vacation, finds a girlfriend, and moves there?”

  “Don’t get any ideas, you two,” Riley said, turning to Jodie and Jenn, her other sister-in-law. “Have I lost all my credibility with them now? Am I a bad role model?”

  They all laughed. “Of course you’re not,” Jenn said, patting Riley on the back.

  Riley’s brothers Kevin and Keith walked in. Kevin said, “What’s so funny? Are they picking on you, little sister?”

  Before Riley could answer Keith said, “You have to admit this is all moving a little fast.” Alex noticed how Keith looked at her, giving her an uneasy feeling.

  “It is fast, Alex and I will be the first to admit it, but you all know I was looking for a change this summer,” Riley said to the group.

  “A change? This seems to be a lot more than a change,” Keith replied.

  “Oh, ease up, Dad,” said Rachel. “This is one of the coolest things that has ever happened to this family.”

  “It sure is! This is the best story!” Amy added.

  Alex had been quiet through this. She didn’t like the vibe she was getting from Keith and decided to speak up, “If we were twenty-five years younger, I’d agree that this is too fast, but Riley and I aren’t kids. Why would we waste time now that we’ve found one another?”

  Riley looked at Alex and beamed.

  Alex continued, “I understand that you don’t know me, but all I want is for Riley to be happy, which I know is the same thing that all of you want.”

  “You’re right, that is all we want, and it’s obvious you do make her happy, Alex,” Jodie said.

  “And I’m glad we got to meet you before Riley moved,” Kevin added.

  “I am, too, but, you will all come visit, won’t you?” Alex asked.

  “Well, maybe not all at once,” Riley said putting her arm around Alex’s waist.

  They all laughed.

  “We’re going first!” Amy and Rachel said together.

  The rest of the night went well as the group welcomed Alex. They all had stories to tell about Riley that were funny and sweet. By the end of the night Alex felt like one of the family, but she still had an uneasiness about Keith. He was nice to her, but sometimes she would catch him looking at her as if he wanted to say something. She decided she must be imagining it because Riley didn’t seem to notice.

  Twelve

  Before Alex had to leave, Kara decided to throw a going-away party for Riley. She invited her family, a few friends, including most of the ones who had been at the wedding that brought them to the Virgin Islands at the beginning of the summer. It was a welcome relief from all the packing and sorting at Riley’s house.

  Alex looked around the room and saw that she knew just about everyone. She liked getting to know Riley’s family and friends. They would alwa
ys be part of their lives, and thank goodness they liked her.

  Riley’s nieces made her think of Rosie, and she liked being around them and listening to their stories. She watched Riley from across the room. She was having a good time, but occasionally she would look up to find Alex and meet her eyes with a smile. Alex needed another beer, and Kara had a generous supply on the patio out back.

  “Can I get you one?” Keith asked digging around in the ice chest.

  “Sure, what you’re having is fine,” Alex replied.

  Keith opened a beer and handed it to her.

  “Thanks.” She paused for a moment. “Look, Keith, I understand and appreciate that you’re looking out for your sister, but I wanted to assure you that all I want for Riley is happiness.”

  “I want the same. But you have to admit, this has all happened so fast.”

  “I know it has, but I think the reason for that, if you don’t believe in love at first sight, is because we know what we want from this relationship and aren’t afraid to go for it. We have a lot of living to do, and we want to do it together.”

  “Love at first sight,” Keith mumbled. “You are perfect for one another. You’re both romantics.”

  Alex laughed. “Don’t knock it till you try it.”

  Riley walked up, putting her arm through Alex’s, and said, “What’s funny?”

  Alex said, “Your brother here doesn’t seem to be much of a romantic.”

  “You’ve got that right.”

  “Well, maybe he should try it. I highly recommend it,” Riley said.

  Keith moaned. “See? You’re perfect for one another, both romantics.” He walked off shaking his head.

  Riley stood in front of Alex, looking into her eyes. “Everything all right?”

  “Everything is fine, except there is one thing I could use from you.”

  “And what is that?” Riley said, putting her arms around Alex’s neck.

  “This.” Alex leaned in and kissed her. Before Riley could deepen the kiss Kara walked onto the patio.

  “Oh, come on, lovebirds, can’t you keep your hands off one another for a minute?”

  Riley beamed as she pulled away. “It is hard sometimes.”

  “Can I get you a beer?” Alex asked Kara.

  “Yes, you can and one for Kim, too.”

  “Coming right up. I’ll take this to Kim for you,” Alex said, opening a beer for Kara.

  “Thanks, I need to speak to your woman anyway.”

  “My woman? Okay, I’m going to leave now,” Alex said giving Riley a look.

  Alex saw Kim going into the kitchen and followed with her beer. “Kara said you were ready for another,” Alex said, handing Kim a beer.

  “Thanks.”

  “So how is married life?”

  “I’ve got to tell you it’s amazing. Maybe you and Riley should check it out.”

  Alex nodded and smiled.

  Kim said, “There’s something about making promises in front of your family and friends that solidifies it. We had made promises to one another long ago, but this feels more lasting, like nothing will come between us. It’s the best!”

  “That sounds wonderful,” said Alex.

  “I’m telling you it is. It makes me even more grateful for the people that stood up and fought for the right to marry. And for those brave women, like Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer, that were trailblazers and made sure that we have rights like anyone else. I’m so thankful for those people.”

  “I know, Riley and I have talked about the strength and courage those women had. Maybe that’s what I need, a little of their courage to take the next step.”

  “What’s stopping you?” Kim asked.

  “Actually I have thought about it. Riley has made so many big decisions the last couple of months, and I didn’t think the timing was right. But after she gets back and settles in, I’m planning to ask her to marry me.”

  “Ah!” Kim’s eyes shone as she squeezed Alex’s arm. “I think that’s great!”

  “Shh,” Alex said, looking around. “Riley doesn’t know.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, but I’d better get an invitation.”

  “Oh you will. By the way, I wanted to thank you for choosing the Virgin Islands for your wedding and bringing Riley into my life.”

  “You are very welcome. I may have gotten her to that bar, but the rest was the two of you making the magic happen.”

  They both laughed.

  Kim said, “Can I ask you a question, Alex?”

  “Sure.”

  “You were talking about all the decisions and changes Riley made, and I was wondering-- if Riley wanted to come back here, would you come with her?”

  Alex smiled. “In a heartbeat. I’d follow her anywhere, but she happens to love St. John.”

  Kim smiled, nodding her head. “That’s good to know.”

  The next morning Alex packed her things. She had helped Riley a lot even though she had plenty left to do the following week. Alex couldn’t help being a little sad leaving Riley in Florida. It was crazy to think about, but in two and a half months they hadn’t been apart for even a night. That thought made Alex smile, but it also made her miss Riley and she hadn’t even left yet.

  Alex had been thinking about asking Riley to marry her for a while now and talking to Kim the night before and saying it out loud made it feel real. She couldn’t believe that the thought didn’t scare her. The life she led before Riley James was one of fear and hiding, but that was gone. Riley would never know how much confidence and comfort she had given Alex. Listening to Kim last night made her want those things forever. She never thought she would find someone that would understand and want to have those things with her. Now she had a new life in her reach, and it was like a dream. That’s how she thought of it: she was living a dream.

  “I’m not looking forward to this next week,” Riley said, walking into the bedroom.

  “It shouldn’t be too bad. We got a lot done, and Kara said she’d help you with what’s left,” Alex said zipping up her bag and setting it on the floor.

  “I don’t mean that. I’m not looking forward to being without you,” Riley said.

  Alex looked up and smiled. “Aw, you’re downright adorable when you pout.” She walked over and took Riley’s face in her hands. “I don’t like it either, baby. I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss you.” She placed a soft kiss on Riley’s lips.

  “Is this crazy?” she said putting her arms around Alex and laying her head on her shoulder.

  “No, it’s not crazy. I don’t think we’ve been apart since after the wedding,” Alex said pulling Riley close.

  “We haven’t. How am I going to get to sleep tonight without you holding me?”

  “You’ll have to use your imagination and feel my arms around you like they were last night.”

  “I have a better idea,” Riley said, pushing Alex up against the wall and kissing her possessively.

  “What are you doing?” Alex said a little out of breath.

  “I’m giving you something to remember until I get back home next week.” With that Riley crushed her lips to Alex’s and slid her hands under her shirt. She caressed Alex’s breasts and pinched her nipples, feeling them harden through her bra. Alex’s breath caught in her throat when Riley began nipping and kissing her neck, and then she was in her ear. “You are so sexy I can’t keep my hands off you.”

  Riley’s hand slid down under Alex’s waistband and into her panties. “Oh, baby, you are so wet. Do you know what that does to me?” Alex slapped her hands against the wall to hold herself up.

  Riley pushed her fingers down Alex’s slit to her opening and back up, finding her bud was hot to the touch. “Oh my god,” Alex panted. Riley continued this pattern and then teased Alex’s opening before thrusting two fingers inside. Alex’s knees went weak, and she would have slid down the wall if Riley wasn’t holding her up. Riley continued in and out, deeper and deeper, as she nipped and kissed Alex
’s neck. When she could tell Alex was close, Riley whispered, “Let go, baby, I’ve got you.”

  Alex moaned, and Riley swallowed her cry with a kiss as Alex came undone. Riley kept her fingers inside as Alex rode the waves of her orgasm. When her breathing started to slow, Riley whispered, “You won’t forget that, will you?”

  “Good god, no,” Alex said putting her arms around Riley in a bear hug, picking her up and dropping her on the bed. She was on Riley in an instant pulling her shorts and panties down. “You don’t get to have all the fun.” She spread Riley’s legs wide and came up to kiss her while her hand found what she wanted. Riley was soaking wet.

  “I think you liked that almost as much as I did,” Alex growled. She kissed Riley again, taking her breath away as her fingers found her bud. Alex looked into Riley’s eyes as her breath came faster and faster. With a hint of a smile she placed both hands under Riley’s thighs, bending her knees, then she dove in for a taste. Riley writhed beneath her, fisting her hands into the bedspread. Alex made love with her tongue, in and out, licking and sucking until Riley let out a cry as her legs tensed and her hands came to Alex’s head, holding her in place. The orgasm began to soften, and Riley straightened her legs and threw her arms on the bed, gulping for breath. Alex plopped down beside her.

  “My god!” Riley said.

  “You can say that again!”

  Riley turned just her head and looked at Alex. Alex turned her head, and when their eyes met, they started giggling. Riley turned on her side, and Alex rolled onto hers and said, “That’s the best sex I’ve ever had with my clothes on.”

  “That’s the best sex I’ve ever had with half my clothes on,” replied Riley.

  Their giggles burst into full-blown laughter. Riley cupped the side of Alex’s face. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

  Alex leaned in and kissed her. “Then hurry home.”

  Thirteen

  The day after Alex left Riley was busy putting the last load of clothes in her car to take to the women’s shelter when Keith and Jenn drove up along with Kevin and Jodie. She watched them get out of the car and immediately felt that something was off.