by Olivia Lucas
Jenna’s mind wandered again to Chloe. She would be packing her bags soon. Her eyes darted to the clock.
And leaving in twenty five hours. Oh, for god’s sake. Was this countdown going to continue all night? And why was she counting down Chloe’s departure. She knew exactly why.
Her mom put down her magazine abruptly. “Jenna, you are going to drive me mad with your neurotic behavior flicking between the remote and clock.” She paused. “Are you seriously not going to do anything?”
Jenna covered her face with her hands. “Mom,” she whined.
“Well how much do you care about the girl?”
“Um.” This question threw Jenna off balance. She hadn’t quantified her feelings. She cared. More than a bit. More than enough not to sleep for the past two days. She had been consumed by worry that Chloe did not know how much she cared.
“Is it a big fat zero, a little, or a lot?” Her mom said tersely. “It’s not rocket science. And looks like you don’t have much time to work out your answer. Isn’t she leaving the day after tomorrow?” She licked her fingers clean. “Chloe is a good egg. Moms can tell these things.”
“Mom it’s not that simple. No matter how strong the connection you have with someone is.”
“Sometimes it is love, sometimes it is.”
Jenna bit her lip and rubbed her face. Her mom gave a small, knowing smile.
Who was she kidding? She more than liked Chloe. That was very clear.
Jenna put the remote on the table, and stood up. “I’m going to stay at the hotel tonight.”
She may make better decisions there.
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Chloe and Adam sat down in the dining room finishing off their fillet mignon. If Adam was a woman, she would marry him, she smiled internally. Though she wasn’t sure how attractive he would be. Too hairy.
“Oh hey,” Adam said, suddenly sitting upright.
Chloe was facing the wrong direction, but when she heard a hello back, she swung her head around immediately.
Jenna. She would recognize that voice anywhere. They locked eyes and held their gaze. Chloe was the first to look away, after a wave of emotions passed through her body.
“I think this may be my cue to go ladies,” Adam moved to leave, but Chloe touched his arm. “No Adam, don’t.”
“Sorry, I…. just wanted to say that I am sorry for what you went through,” said Jenna, wringing her hands. Her brain short circuiting.
A moment passed. The silence was deafening.
“Thank you.”
Jenna watched Chloe’s response, searching for something, but her stare was stone cold.
“Okay, well I better let you go,” Jenna clasped her hands together, her heart pounding. “Goodnight,” she said turning, a tear now forming and rolling down the side of her cheek.
Chloe hated her. She had searched her eyes for something, but she had nothing, nothing but contempt for her. She saw it. And it absolutely killed her.
Chloe blinked. “I think I’m ready to head back to my room Adam.”
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Jenna reached for the open bottle and poured herself a glass, replaying her conversation with Chloe. It was like they never existed. She sculled her drink. She had never felt this way about anyone. And now, it was done, over, gone.
Tears ran down her face. Idiot. She had done this. Chloe was the most beautiful, kind person she had ever met. And she completely stuffed it. Ben didn’t matter anymore, only Chloe did.
After changing, she curled up on top of her bed and stared at the ceiling, for what felt like forever, before drifting off to sleep.
In the middle of the night, she lurched forward when she was woken by a screech. That damn vending machine. Better not be that guy in his underpants again.
She swore to herself and then ambled over to her peep hole. She was up on her tippy-toes. Female. Long hair. Shapely feet. Chloe? Without thinking, she pulled open the door.
Chloe spun around.
When their eyes met, something tangible passed between them.
Jenna’s mouth dropped open. “Hi, I heard a noise.”
Chloe held up her chocolate. She had been crying.
Jenna felt her heart ache. “Chloe,” she exhaled shakily. “I’ve been such an idiot.”
“I can’t have this conversation with you.” Chloe shook her head. She was having trouble thinking about what to say to Jenna. The second she looked at her, all anger seemed to disappear into a fluffy white cloud. “I am leaving tomorrow.”
“Wait.” Jenna stepped out from behind the door in her pajamas. “I need to explain.”
Chloe rubbed her eyes and tucked her hair behind her ears.
“Please.” She said softly, as she motioned inside her room. “I have wine.”
Chloe took a moment looking at Jenna, before finally stepping forward and walking inside. Jenna followed behind her and closed the door.
She walked over the kitchen bench and poured two glasses, giving one to Chloe.
“Sorry my room is like a shoebox.”
“Yeah, it is." Chloe looked around. “Hope you didn’t pay top dollar.”
Their bodies were now facing each other. “We are both in our pajamas,” noted Jenna half-smiling.
“Apparently that’s what you wear when you go to the vending machine.”
“Apparently.” Jenna started fidgeting with her hands. “Can we sit on the sofa?”
Chloe walked over and sat down. Jenna moved beside her.
“Chloe. I was an idiot. I was too scared to tell you that I cared.” She turned to face Chloe. “You saw a kiss, I…”
Chloe closed her eyes, running her hand over the face. “Wait. I don’t want to hear this.”
“No. listen. You need to. I didn’t know she was going to kiss me. I have no feelings for her. I just wanted to have a few drinks and forget about you.”
“You told me she was your friend, and then next minute, I see you kissing.” Chloe winced. “Do you have any idea how much that hurt me?”
“I know. It kills me knowing that I have hurt you. She was my friend. Please believe me, I didn’t know it was going to happen. Chloe, I’ve been a complete idiot, but I have never felt the way I felt, the way I feel about you. I can’t think, I can’t breathe. I am mess without you,” said Jenna, her voice breaking as a tear rolled down her cheek. “I was angry at you for something that happened to me a long time ago. I just didn’t know how to deal with my anger. I am so sorry.”
“Jenna…” Chloe stammered, putting her glass down. “I wasn’t expecting any of this. I did not think I would see you again. When I saw you with that girl, I felt my heart rip out.”
“Chloe, I wanted to chase you out of the bar.”
“Why didn’t you? You let me think that you wanted that, and that you didn’t care. About me.” Chloe’s voice wavered.
“I was weak, and scared. Chloe, I’ve made so many mistakes. I’m sorry you lost your brother. I wish I could’ve been there for you. I, just. I couldn’t deal with everything.” Jenna let her head drop, and her eyes drift to the floor. She exhaled loudly. “I’ve known for a while. And even if you don’t feel the same way. You need to know that…. I’m crazy about you.” She looked up, instinctively reaching forward and placing her hand’s over Chloe’s. “Head over heels, in fact. I love you Chloe.”
“Jenna.”
“I know.” Jenna took her hand away. “You want to leave. You hate me.”
“Jenna, I don’t hate you.” Chloe scrunched up her face, and paused. “If you haven’t worked it out by now, I adore you.” Chloe leaned forward, stroking her cheek with her hand. “That’s why it hurt so much.”
“I don’t want to lose you.” Words were now spilling out of her Jenna’s mouth. “I’ve missed you. As soon as you left, as soon as you always leave.”
“I’ve missed you too. So much.” Chloe traced her finger along her lips, and then across the outline of her jaw. “I love you Jenna.”
/> Jenna felt the heat rise up through her body, her throat, and finally, flushing up into her face.
Chloe was in love with her too. She loved everything she was saying, and felt her eyes smile. Chloe was the most beautiful woman she had ever met.
She leaned forward, softly cradling her face, as her eyes dipped to her lips. She moved in closer, kissing her achingly slowly as the kiss began to build. With her hand behind her head, she brought her mouth in for a deep kiss, their tongues twisting and lashing against one another, tangling in pleasure.
Their kisses grew more urgent. It felt like a lifetime since they had been together.
“Take off your clothes,” Jenna said to Chloe, not taking her eyes off her.
Chloe dropped her clothing to the floor, and then her panties.
Jenna ran her eye across her naked body, savoring every last detail. She pulled her right up against her, kissing her on her shoulder, across her collarbone and up her neckline, as Chloe’s head fell back.
The closeness made Jenna instantly wet, her body crazy with desire. She ran her hands under the cusp of Chloe’s breasts, kissing each one slowly, with her tongue circling each nipple. She trailed her tongue across her stomach, up between her breasts, and back to her mouth.
She licked her lips, brushing them over Chloe’s, as she slipped her hand between her legs. She could already feel the warmth down there as she began stroking her.
Chloe started to grind up against her hand. She was so ready, so wet. They kissed forcefully, their mouths not letting go of one another.
Jenna slid a finger inside her, making Chloe gasp and lift her hips off the bed. She rode each wave, urging her to go deeper, as she rocked back and forward.
Their mouths fused together, as her moan grew louder, and as her thrusts grew harder. When it became too much, she moaned into Jenna’s mouth. Her body jerking forward and shuddering over and over again, until she collapsed in her arms.
Jenna slid out of Chloe, and their fingers tangled in each other’s. Still in a dreamy haze, Chloe exhaled heavily and smiled, bringing Jenna’s hand up to her mouth and kissing it tenderly.
Jenna had changed her life. In more ways than one. She couldn’t see straight anymore.
She pushed herself up off the bed. Her body was still awash with lust, and she needed to touch Jenna everywhere. She slid her top over her shoulders, and threw it to the floor.
“You drive me crazy, you know that,” she whimpered, as her fingers clawed at Jenna’s breasts, tracing and squeezing.
She let her lips trail down her neck, licking and kissing each breast, before pausing at her nipples. She wanted to give them extra attention. Kissing gently, then sucking, until they hardened in her mouth.
She slipped off her panties, gently gliding her tongue once across the center, as Jenna wriggled and moaned in pleasure. She pulled back, dizzy with the scent of her arousal, and pushed Jenna back on the bed. She never wanted her more.
Their naked bodies intertwined, glistening with moisture, as she thrusted her wet center against Jenna’s. She gasped, and arched up into her, grinding against her. She could feel her throb. She was so moist. It was enough to make Chloe come again.
Jenna spread her legs a little wider, groaning into her ear. “Make me come.”
She trailed her lips down to her inner thighs, gliding up and down, then moved her mouth across to her wetness. She heard Jenna moan, as her tongue flickered and circled, lightly at first then harder, faster.
Jenna’s body writhed, her fingers locked in Chloe’s hair, and her hands pushing her head deeper.
Chloe thrusted two fingers into her, while still kissing, and sucking, and exploring. Her fingers dove in and out, becoming faster and plunging deeper, with each movement.
Jenna’s hips moved in sync and she moaned louder, and louder. Until she finally let go, lifting her hips off the bed, and clutching Chloe inside her. Her entire body shook, then spasmed in small aftershocks.
When she stopped shaking, her body fell back to the bed and she opened her eyes, looking up at Chloe. They held each other’s gaze, Chloe still inside her, and her body still pulsating.
“That was… incredible,” Jenna said, as she sucked in air, and kissed Chloe’s lips.
“You don’t know what you do to me, Jenna.” Chloe stroked her cheek gently.
When they finally pulled apart, Chloe moved into Jenna’s arms, their naked bodies entwining and basking in a warm embrace. They held each other close, reveling in the intimacy they had shared.
Chloe was staring at her with the same deep contentment that Jenna felt in her eyes. It was a look she had missed her entire life, and one that she wanted to hold on to forever.
◆◆◆
“Good morning,” whispered Chloe, as hints of sunlight peeked through the windows.
Jenna stirred in Chloe’s arms, blinking as her eyes opened.
“Good morning gorgeous,” she said smiling, as she lifted her head to kiss Chloe’s lips.
Jenna paused, as sadness washed over her face. “Please don’t leave me today. I only just got you back.”
Chloe put a finger to her lip. “Hey, I’m not leaving you. Just Crawley. I graduate in two months, and then…”
“Then?”
“Then, we can be together. No interruptions.”
Jenna laughed. “Perfect. Well I’m not going anywhere.” Her eyes twinkled. “Except maybe just down here.” She slid her hand down her stomach, and in between her legs.
“I think I can handle that.”
“You sure?” she said, as she traced the insides of her thighs and up around the edges of her underwear, bringing a soft groan from Chloe.
“Don’t push me. I am mess already just thinking about it. Last night was unforgettable.”
“Mmm. You were delicious.” Jenna hummed. “You are insanely sexy, you know that.” She kissed her forehead, her cheek, her lips.
Chloe smiled. “You know, I need to get up and get ready soon. You are making it extremely difficult.”
“That’s the plan.” Jenna gently nibbled and licked her earlobe. “You are going to be in trouble when you get back from the dam,” she said, tugging at her panties, and dipping her hand inside.
Chloe flipped Jenna on top of her, and smacked her butt. “Mmm. That’s exactly what I am hoping for.”
“You know, I would wait forever for you, Chloe.” Jenna kissed her lips. “I love you.”
“Please don’t ever stop saying that.” Chloe grinned. “I love you too. More than chocolate.”
Jenna giggled. “More than chocolate? Wow, that’s a whole lot.”
“You better believe it.” Chloe smiled, and traced her jaw with her finger. “I want us to be together, in whatever way works for us. I hope you know that I am never letting you walk out of my life again.”
Epilogue
Three months later
Chloe locked the u-haul, and yelled up to Jenna, who was hanging out the open window. “This is the last of it!” She was holding up another rather large plant.
Jenna beamed.
Finally, they were going to be together. They had been seeing each other every other weekend for the past three months, and the distance had become unbearable. Chloe had now graduated, and she had asked her to move in with her into her new loft in San Francisco. Thankfully, Chloe was able to secure a junior position in the environmental planning division of the local county.
“Those stairs are a killer,” Chloe huffed, as she put the plant on the ground.
“Come here, my sexy scientist.” Jenna moved forward, and wrapped her arms around her waist. “I am so happy that you are here. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long.”
Chloe laughed. “Me too. We did it! I feel like we deserve a medal or something.” She leaned forward and squeezed her tight. “No more thrill of the weekenders though.”
“No more saying good-bye.” Jenna replied.
“Very true. Guess we are the walking lesbian cliché. Couple of w
eeks of dating, then the u-haul, and I’m moving in with you.”
“Well, when you know, you know. I don’t want anybody, but you.” She kissed her forehead.
“Is that right?”
“Uh-huh.” Jenna planted a kiss on her lips. “We may need another apartment for your plants though,” she said, as she looked out through the sea of greenery.
“Shut up.” Chloe swatted her. “You said, you love every piece of me. This includes my plants. You know I am very environmental.”
Jenna laughed. “Okay, okay, but if they keep breeding and multiplying, we may need a greenhouse.”
As Jenna stared into Chloe’s eyes, she realized she hadn’t thought of Ben in over a month. He was now, but a distant memory. Chloe had helped her heal, and to some extent, Jenna had helped Chloe heal. Ben had brought them together. They were now closer than ever, and now they were adulting, and all loved up in couplehood.
They even had plants.
“I think you should show me around.” Chloe traced the outline of Jenna’s cheek with her finger. “That’s the polite thing to do with guests, don’t you think?”
Jenna’s eyes twinkled with a mischievous look, as she raised an eyebrow. “And I thought we could spend our afternoon unpacking boxes.” She had never been so insincere.
Chloe threw her a look, and narrowed her eyes.
“Sorry Chloe. Where are my manners?” She dropped her arms by her side, and took Chloe by the hands, walking them backwards slowly. “I probably need to give you a tour of our bedroom first. There’s a lot to show you.”
About The Author
Olivia Lucas
Olivia lives with her partner in Sydney, Australia with their fur baby. She loves the outdoors and traveling and is a true romantic who believes that there is nothing more powerful than love.
Books By This Author
Dear Neighbor