Julia had thought she had the upper hand with Maddie beneath her, wet and ready, but in just a few short moments, Julia was a panting, undulating, quivering mess and Maddie was firmly in control. She felt Maddie reach between her legs and tug playfully on the thin strip of curly hair covering her folds. Julia moaned again and Maddie tugged again and again, setting a purposeful rhythm. Julia bucked, seeking friction and Maddie released the nipple in her mouth with a playful pop.
“Come up here, baby.”
Julia reached for the headboard and pulled herself up onto her knees and Maddie guided her directly over her mouth before she slowly pulled her down by the hips. They both moaned in pleasure as Julia’s dripping center met Maddie’s waiting mouth. Julia felt Maddie’s grip tighten on her thighs as Maddie’s tongue lapped through her folds ravenously, as if she was savoring the feel and the flavor of Julia against her tongue. Maddie suddenly started to lash at her clit firmly and steadily with her tongue and Julia tightened her grip on the headboard.
Julia shuddered and moaned, her nipples impossibly stiff, a light sheen of sweat forming on her lower back as Maddie made love to her with her mouth. Simply being loved and cared for by Maddie had always felt different, somehow better than being loved by anyone that had come before her, but Julia had never imagined, and still found it difficult to believe, that sex with Maddie would always be this good. It was sometimes prolonged and gentle, sometimes hurried and rough, but it was always glorious and wildly intense, and always beautifully loving.
Julia gripped the headboard with her left hand and placed her right against the wall behind the bed for leverage as Maddie’s tongue lashed a perfect rhythm against her clit and the sensations became more intense with each passing second. Julia knew she would soon lose all control, but she did not care. Julia was no longer embarrassed at how loudly Maddie could make her moan, how quickly she could get her off and how easily she could make her cry when the orgasms were so intense that no other response would do. Julia shuddered deeply as she surrendered to the inevitable, as everything clenched beautifully as Maddie brought her to a screaming, blinding orgasm.
Maddie gently but firmly guided her down, cradling Julia against her as she tenderly soothed her, drying her tears as her breathing slowed almost to normal. Julia lay against Maddie’s warm and naked form, feeling as loved as she had ever felt. She slid herself slightly to the side and slowly opened her eyes, finding Maddie watching her closely. Julia smiled as she looked down at the woman she loved.
She leaned over, placed a light kiss to Maddie’s lips, and moaned as the unmistakable scent of her own sex on Maddie’s mouth ignited the passion that was always lingering between them. Maddie’s tongue filled her mouth and she pulled Maddie closer, their hips arching against each other. Julia kissed her deeply as she brought her hand to Maddie’s center, her fingers slipping through the warm river that seemed to be pouring from her. Maddie’s legs fell open in invitation and Julia slid two fingers easily inside her, pumping gently.
“Baby, please, don’t be gentle…I need you,” Maddie whispered.
The request filled Julia with equal parts of overwhelming love, desire and pure lust. Julia suddenly had to give Maddie exactly what she asked for. She moved over Maddie, pushing into her firmly as Maddie bent her legs back to accept the forceful thrusting. Julia caressed Maddie’s cheek.
“Okay, love?”
Maddie moaned as she bucked harder. “Don’t stop.”
Julia smiled as Maddie threw her arms over her head and pushed against the headboard as Julia fucked her deeply and relentlessly. The sight of Maddie, open and wanting, the sounds of her fingers pushing inside her again and again, Maddie’s deep panting, and the glorious scent of Maddie’s arousal mixed with her own, all spurred her on. Julia increased her efforts as Maddie started to come, shouting out as her hips jerked wildly. Julia watched as Maddie fell over the edge, wondering if she had ever seen anything as beautiful as this woman in the throes of passion.
Maddie woke slowly, feeling the soft, warm and familiar feeling of Julia against her own naked skin. She could smell the lingering and now familiar scent of Julia’s arousal blended with her own. She felt like she was home. Surprised at that unexpected thought, she opened her eyes and focused on Julia, sleeping nestled beside her. Maddie smiled as she watched her, still amazed at what simply looking at this woman could make her feel. It made no sense when she tried to articulate it in her head. Julia made her feel both serene and excited, both assured and uncertain, both in love and well loved. Maddie was certain she had never before experienced anything like being with Julia. Julia rubbed her nose against Maddie’s shoulder in her sleep and Maddie smiled widely, any lingering doubts about her plans for the future erased by that sweet little gesture.
Maddie took a quick shower and dressed in the clothing that Julia had impatiently pulled from her body only hours before. She looked at Julia, still sleeping peacefully and left her sandals behind, heading downstairs in her bare feet. She peeked in Julia’s refrigerator and found some avocados, deciding to make some guacamole to stave off her hunger before they decided on dinner. Maddie felt comfortable in Julia’s home and that made her smile.
She was in the pantry, looking for tortilla chips when she heard water running upstairs. A few minutes later, Julia wandered into the kitchen, smiling as she walked toward Maddie and pulled her in close. Maddie loved that Julia was demonstrative and affectionate. She decided she loved everything about her and pulled her closer.
“You keep making all these fantasies come true,” Julia whispered to her.
Maddie pulled away to look at her. “Oh? Which part was the fantasy? I’m pretty sure we’ve already done everything we just did upstairs.”
Julia smiled widely. “Not that, although that was…holy shit wow. I was talking about finding you in my kitchen, cooking.”
Maddie laughed. “It’s nice to have someone else do the cooking, isn’t it?”
“More than nice, so thank you.”
“I’ve only had time to mix up some guacamole, but I think I could manage some quesadillas, too, if you’re interested.”
“That sounds great. I’m going to have some tequila. Can I pour you one?”
“Plain tequila?”
Julia laughed at the look on Maddie’s face and then placed a soft kiss to her lips. “It’s very good tequila, trust me.”
Maddie returned the favor, this kiss lingering. “I do trust you.”
They moved around in the kitchen together with Julia pointing out where Maddie could find spices as she helped by chopping fresh red peppers. Maddie found that she liked fine tequila after Julia had shaken it with ice and added some fresh orange slices, squeezing the juice from a couple into it.
When Julia stopped to hug Maddie for no apparent reason, it gave her the little boost of confidence and she inhaled deeply. “Jule?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you remember when I told you I needed to take care of some things, get Gabe situated?”
Julia became very still for a moment and then looked at her. “Of course I remember.”
“And you asked if there was anything you could help me with?”
Julia nodded. “Yes. Is there something I can help you with?”
Maddie inhaled deeply. “Yes. I need help to find an apartment.”
Julia blinked, looking confused. “In Boston?”
Maddie smiled. “No, here, in Fairhaven.”
Julia just stared at her. “Here? You…I…” Julia simply stopped speaking, her mouth partially open in apparent surprise.
The reveal did not get the reaction that Maddie had expected from Julia. She quickly started to backtrack. “Do you do that? Rentals, I mean…if you don’t…I can...go….”
Julia shook her head slightly. “Sorry, wait, I don’t do that actually…not usually, but for you I will do anything. Let me make some calls and see which properties use a broker.” Julia inhaled deeply and looked at Maddie. “You need an apartment? Here
?” Maddie nodded slowly. “You’re moving here?” Julia asked, seeming to need confirmation or assurance.
“Yes. Is that alright?” Maddie asked tentatively.
Julia’s answering smile was wide and blinding as she moved toward Maddie, taking her in her arms. “Oh my God, more than alright. Are you kidding? When did this happen? How?”
Maddie pulled away to look at Julia. “I’ve been trying to make this happen for a while, even before we…got back together. I started looking for a job in the area, just to see what was available.”
“That’s why you were in New Bedford that first time?”
“Yes. I didn’t want to say anything, in case I couldn’t find anything and because you and I, well, I didn’t think it really mattered to you at that time.”
“You’re wrong. It would have mattered because you have always mattered. So, you found something?”
Maddie thought about the numerous positions she had submitted her resume for, the four job interviews she had eventually gone on, how she had felt almost no nerves during the process, just confidence in her abilities. She knew that was due, in large part, to believing the things that Julia regularly told her.
“Yes, I turned down the first offer because I thought I was worth more money than they were offering. The entire time, I kept thinking about something someone once told me about confidence, that it’s simply having enough of an attitude to go after what you want,” Maddie said, repeating Julia’s words back to her. “And I started to believe it because you kept telling me I was impressive…and accomplished and smart.”
“You are all that and so much more.” Julia kissed her lightly. “So, Gabe must be pretty excited that you’re moving here to be closer to him.”
Maddie smiled. “Let me be clear. I’m not moving here for Gabe. I’m moving here to be with you.”
Chapter 21
Julia sipped her lemon drop, as happy as she could ever remember being. “Guess who’s moving to Fairhaven?” She threw out to Vivienne and Deb.
“Gloria Steinem?” Vivienne guessed one of her mother’s idols, as she sipped her own wine.
“No. Better than that.”
“Who’s better than Gloria Steinem to you? Oh, oh, I know, Ashley Judd.”
“Vivienne, please get serious.”
Deb had been watching her carefully, ignoring the draft beer in front of her. “Holy shit, Julia. Get out? She’s moving here? For you?” Deb’s voice was unusually high, her eyebrows higher.
Julia smiled wider and nodded. “Yes, she wanted to be clear it was for me, not for her son.”
“Maddie? Is moving here?” If possible, Vivienne’s voice was even higher. “This is serious. Deb, isn’t this serious?”
Deb nodded. “More than serious. She’s leaving her job, where she’s worked for years, she’s leaving the home where she’s raised her son, she’s leaving her friends, her support system. Think about it. She was completely in the closet when she met you. She came out, for you. She told her son, her family, for you. Even after the rift this caused with her mother, she’s never faltered in her commitment to you.”
Julia nodded, the truth of that statement washing over her. “I know Deb, I do.”
“What are your thoughts about all this?”
Julia ran her fingers through her hair. “All over the place, truth be told, but if you had asked me before I met Maddie, what would make me happy I would’ve said ‘having my health and my girls with me.’ After the divorce and getting sick, I was content to just have those things.”
Vivienne reached for her mother’s hand and they smiled at each other.
“And now?” Deb asked.
“Now? All I want is those things and Maddie. And you know I wasn’t looking for anyone or anything, but Maddie hit me like a ton of bricks, in a good way and then in a bad way. I was so hurt, but I missed her so much…every minute. I’ve never been so hurt.”
Deb nodded. “We know that, hon, we were here, but do you think you’re holding back, just a little, because you’re afraid to get hurt again? It’s perfectly understandable if you are.”
Julia nodded. “Sure, maybe a little.” Julia rubbed her face. “Shit, I am. When she told me she was moving here, I froze. I realized later that I just didn’t want to get my hopes up.”
“Well, get your hopes up,” Deb said with a snort. “She’s changing her entire life for you.”
“Mom, honestly, stop with the ‘glass half-empty’ attitude.”
Julia mock glared at her daughter. “I thought you’d tell me I was being prickly.”
“Okay, you’re being prickly with a ‘glass half-empty’ attitude.”
“Well, it’s scary,” Julia said, not liking how whiny she actually sounded to her own ears.
Vivienne smiled at her mother. “If you’re scared, how do you think Maddie feels? She’s taking a big chance here, Mom.”
Deb nodded. “She’s right. This is a grand gesture, Julia.”
“I know.”
“Does ths grand gesture simply mean something to you, Julia, or does it mean…?” Deb paused.
“Everything. It means everything.” Julia smiled at Deb, the friend who had seen her through the worst scare of her life and the friend who still supported her, pushed her and made her think. “It means everything and Maddie means everything.”
“Does Maddie know how much this means to you?”
“No, and I need to find a way to tell her…my own grand gesture. Maddie is taking a giant leap of faith here and I need to take one, too.”
Vivienne raised her glass to her mother. “Glass half-full, Mom.”
Deb and Julia matched her gesture. “Glass half-full,” Deb agreed.
Julia smiled widely. “Glass half-full.” Julia sipped her cocktail then looked at Vivienne and Deb. “I’m going to run something by the both of you and then you can tell me if you think I’m crazy.”
Julia wanted to be as professional as possible so she brought Maddie into the office to show her the three rentals she had deemed good enough for Maddie that fell into her price range and met her needs. Julia explained her choices as they perused the photos on Julia’s laptop.
“The first two are located in New Bedford. One is in a private home on a quiet street with off-street parking and the second one is in a complex converted from an old mill into apartments. The converted mill is larger, but more expensive. The third one is in Fairhaven in a historic home that’s been converted into apartments. We can look at all of them or none of them. I thought you’d like these best.”
Maddie simply nodded as she scrolled through photos as Julia looked on, trying not to smell Maddie’s hair or snuggle into her neck. Maddie had surprised her by arriving earlier than she had planned, enabling them to spend the previous night together and Julia could not stop thinking about how nice it had been to hold Maddie all night after they had made love sweetly.
“What are you thinking about?” Maddie’s whispered and Julia realized that Maddie was watching her carefully.
Julia slid her arm onto the conference room table and rested her head against her hand. “How much I love you. How wonderful last night was. How happy I am right now.”
Maddie smiled widely. “Wow, that’s really nice to hear.”
“So…which apartment would you like to see first?”
“The one closest to you.”
Julia smiled. “As you wish.”
Maddie decided she wanted to see two out of three apartments that Julia had picked out and after looking at both, it was obvious that Maddie appreciated the choices Julia had made, each place having oversized windows, old-fashioned woodwork and hardwood floors.
Julia cleared her throat. “So there is another place that wasn’t on the list that I think maybe we should take a look at.”
Maddie smiled. “Okay. Sure.”
Julia drove back to her own home and pulled into the driveway.
“Did you forget something?” Maddie asked.
Julia simply smil
ed. “Not exactly. Come in with me.” Julia waited for Maddie to exit the car and took her hand as she escorted her inside the house. “This is the place not on the list and I wanted to show you this house because the property is a little unique.”
Maddie smiled. “Julia, this is your house.”
“Yes. Yes, it is,” Julia said.
“Why are you showing me your house?”
“Because I think you should seriously consider it as a housing option, as it offers amenities the other properties we just looked at do not, including me…and my daughters.”
“Julia…” Maddie’s expression was a combination of a frown and a smile and Julia stepped forward to take her hands.
“Sweetie, when you told me you were moving to Fairhaven, I was stunned, but so incredibly happy and it took me a few days to realize that I hadn’t told you that, so I want you to know that it means the world to me that you’re moving here…for us and I really want you to consider living here.”
Maddie smiled. “You’re asking me to move in with you?”
“I’m asking you…and Gabe, as well, because he’ll have his own room, whenever he wants to stay here, so, yes, I’m asking you to move in with me and with Norie, well and Viv, too, really.”
“This is a lot to think about.”
Julia shook her head. “It isn’t, not really.”
“How can you say that?”
“Would you…hear me out?”
Maddie nodded. “Always.”
“Thank you.” Julia inhaled deeply. “After the first time we were together and I hadn’t heard from you, I didn’t know what to think or do. So, I called Deb and told her about you. How taken I was with you, how incredible it had been to be with you…and how I’d not heard from you. Deb pointed out that our encounter, as incredible as it was, may not have meant to you what it meant to me. She said it probably meant something to you, but it was obvious that it meant…everything to me…and it did.” Julia cupped her face gently. “Maddie, I want you to know that you mean everything to me. Absolutely everything…and you have from the beginning.”
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