“What the hell are you doing, Samantha?” She said, letting her words sink in before she went on. “You’re going to lose Sara because you’re too proud to pull your head out of your ass?”
Sam looked down, running her keys through her fingers one by one. “Mary, you know it’s not that easy.”
Mary tapped her fingers on the table and looked at Sam, who sank back into her seat again, plans for escape looking more and more unlikely.
“I’m not saying it’s easy,” Mary said, “I’m saying it will cost you the love of your life unless you get it figured out.”
“Geez, Mary,” Sam said, shaking her head. “You don’t mince words, do you?”
“I’ve lost two parents and a husband. I know you think if you just never go in there again, you’ll never have to think about losing Gus, but we both know it doesn’t work like that.”
Sam shook her head. “It’s not that I’ve consciously decided that. It just feels like too much.”
“Listen, Samantha,” Mary said, her voice softening. “Since the moment he laid eyes on you, Gus’s life was all about making you happy, making sure you never had to feel scared or alone again.” Mary put her hand over Sam’s and squeezed. “Do you think this is what he’d want? You losing someone you love because you can’t let him go?”
Sam swiped at a tear with the back of her hand.
“Honey,” Mary said, “He’s not in that diner anymore. It’s just a building.”
“Well, it doesn’t feel like that.”
“I know.” Mary turned the gold wedding ring still on her left hand. “And you’ll always have memories of your dad in that diner. But those are in your heart, not in the bricks of that place.”
Sam nodded, and Mary wiped a tear from Sam’s face with her thumb.
“You know, Gus would have adored Sara.”
“I know,” Sam said, a smile finally breaking through. “I’ve thought that since the day I met her.”
Mary pulled out her keys and pulled one off the ring. She slid it across the table towards Sam.
“This is yours now, sweetheart,” she said. “I hope you use it.”
She stood and walked out, squeezing Sam’s shoulder as she went.
Sam sat there for a few minutes, then walked out of Moxie Java, pulling her phone out of her pocket as she walked back toward the station.
“Jennifer?” She said, “I need your help with something.”
****
Later that evening, Sam knocked at Sara’s door and she opened it with a toothbrush in her mouth, her nearly dry hair wild like a gold dandelion puff around her face. Sara was wearing just her underwear and Sam’s jacket, looking at her wrist for her nonexistent watch.
“Oh no!” Sara said, stepping behind the door while attempting to pull the bottom of the jacket over her backside. “Is it that late?”
“Not really,” Sam said, “I’m early.”
Sam was right on time, of course. She stepped in, closing the door behind her and pulling Sara in for a kiss. Sara stood on her tiptoes to kiss her, then ran back towards the bathroom to finish getting ready.
“Ten minutes, max!” She called down the hall towards Sam as she disappeared.
Exactly fourteen minutes later, Sara emerged looking adorable in a navy sleeveless dress and leather flip-flops, her hair somehow transformed into shiny waves caught in a loose braid that fell over one shoulder.
“Wait,” Sara said, looking suddenly confused, “Wasn’t I supposed to meet you at your house?”
“I just came to walk over with you,” Sam said, “It’s getting dark.”
They stepped out of the cabin and started down the road to Sam’s house. Dusk had almost settled and the deer stared at them from the forest on each side of the road, their eyes soft and deep as they watched them pass. Sam took Sara’s hand and held it so that her own covered it almost completely.
“Did you learn this stuff in the butch handbook?”
Sam laughed. “What stuff?”
“How to hold my hand so my fingers don’t get cold when it’s chilly.”
“As a matter of fact,” Sam said, “That is in the handbook. In the chapter titled How to Melt a Femme. I was reading that around the time we met.”
Sara looked over at her with one eyebrow raised. “Hmmm…you may have that chapter confused with How to Give a Femme a Ticket.”
Sam threw her head back and laughed, squeezing her hand. “You may be right. That’s still one of my favorites.”
Sam’s cabin came into view with the shimmering navy blue lake beyond. A velvet green lawn surrounded a winding path made of gray slate slabs, and to the right, a large labyrinth made of short stone walls sat at the edge of the trees.
“What’s that?” Sara said. “I love it. It looks like the mazes they have in some of the gardens in England.”
“It’s a labyrinth,” Sam said. “I’ve always loved them; something about them is soothing. I was running out of things for the seniors to do, so I had them start on one a few years ago.”
“The high school seniors?”
“Some of the junior and senior class come out and do landscaping for me. I don’t know how it started really, but word got around and I get new students every year that want to learn how to do it.” Sam opened the door and stepped aside for Sara. “I pay them, of course, and keep track of what they’ve earned. If they can show me they’ve saved at least eighty percent at the end of the year for college, I match it.”
Sara took off her jacket, laying it over the back of Sam’s sofa. “Wow. That’s amazing.”
“It’s not a big deal.” Sam walked over to the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. “I got lucky with my parents; I never had to worry about stuff like that. It’s not like that for everyone.”
She handed Sara a glass of the pale gold wine, chilled perfectly and already frosting the outside of the glass. They walked out on the back deck and after Sara sat, Sam went back in to get the cheese and baguette she’d laid out on a raw cypress slab earlier, surrounded by olives, prosciutto, and baked garlic in olive oil. She put it on the table between their deck chairs and pulled a can of spray cheese out of her jacket pocket for Sara, who grabbed it immediately and kissed her cheek.
“You know,” Sam said, “It was actually lucky that you were such a pain in my ass in the beginning.”
“Oh really?” Sara smiled, baguette in one hand, spray cheese in the other. “And why is that?”
Sam took a swig of her beer and reached across to rest her hand on Sara’s thigh. “Because the first time I met you, you were topless. Then when I busted you in the cove, you were literally wearing a soaked white tank top over a black lace bra and panties when you climbed into my boat.”
“Oh really?” Sara teased. “I had no idea you even noticed.”
“Right,” Sam said. “Even as pissed off as I was, I don’t think I hid it well.”
Sara spread some soft baked garlic onto a piece of baguette, then topped it with prosciutto and handed it to Sam. “You didn’t hide it all.”
They watched the sun set over the lake, the air holding a chill that signaled the arrival of fall. The first of the leaves had painted themselves yellow and fiery copper, fading slowly into crimson as the days went by. The fact that the diner opening was in four days kept edging into Sara’s mind as she talked to Sam, but she pushed it away every time. The diner would take up the majority of her life soon enough; she didn’t want to waste the time she had left with Sam, worrying it would drive a wedge between them.
Sam stood up, offering her hand to Sara. “Bring your glass and follow me.”
She left the food where it was and led Sara to the far end of the back deck and up a spiral staircase to the second level. Tucked into an alcove was a beautiful cedar sided hot tub, already bubbling, the steam rising and hovering in the cool air. A bench beside it held a stack of fluffy towels and two robes, as well as a bucket of ice and a bottle of Sara’s wine, already open and chilled.
<
br /> “Wow,” Sara said, leaning back into Sam’s chest.
“Something tells me you haven’t been treated like you should have been in the past,” Sam said, unzipping the back of her dress. “Just a guess.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” Sara stepped out of her dress and underwear, unhooking her strapless bra and folding them neatly on the bench. “Although I hope you’re serious about me because you’re ruining me for anyone else in the future.”
“I see you’ve discovered my plan,” Sam teased, stepping into the water and holding her hand out for her.
Sara’s nipples had hardened in the cool air, and the tight lines of her body were a contrast to the soft curves of the moving water as she lowered herself into it. Sam refilled her wine glass and handed it back to her, pulling Sara closer into her naked body.
“Is this your way of getting me naked, Draper?”
“Absolutely.” She tilted her head to the side, seemingly in thought. “Although you’ve always seemed to lose your clothes around me pretty easily, starting that first day.”
Sara splashed her in response and moved across from Sam so she could see her.
“Do you remember the conversation we had the last time you were here at the house?” Sam asked.
Sara nodded. “I asked you what you’d never done in bed and you said that there was one thing.” She smiled, her eyes teasing. “Knowing you, I’m not sure I want to find out what it is.”
Sam pulled her closer and held her eyes. “I’ve never slept with someone I was in love with, until you.”
“Sam Draper,” Sara said, “You’re such an undercover romantic.”
“Well, don’t tell anyone, I’ve got a reputation to protect.”
Sara laughed and moved into Sam’s lap, wrapping her legs around Sam’s waist.
“In fact, someday I might even buy you a hoodie that fits you to keep at my house,” Sam said. “But no promises.”
Sam’s arm was stretched out along the edge of the hot tub, and Sara reached for her hand and brought it to her mouth. Sara slowly sucked one of her fingers into the warm wetness of her mouth, circling the tip of it with her tongue.
Sam’s eyes were locked onto hers. “Jesus, Sara.” She leaned her head back and looked up at the night sky. “I’m not responsible for my actions if you keep doing that.”
“I see now you’ve discovered my plan,” whispered Sara, leaning into Sam’s neck and running her tongue along the curve of her ear. Sam slid her hands from Sara’s hips to her ass, pulling her hard into her body.
“We should take this inside now,” Sam said, drawing one of Sara’s nipples firmly into her mouth then letting it go with the slightest scrape of her teeth. “Or we’re doing this right here.”
Sam got out first and handed Sara a thick white robe, then wrapped one around herself.
“Just leave everything here; we’ll get it in the morning.”
“Oh,” Sara said, looking up at Sam. “You think I’m staying the night?”
She kept a straight face for just a second before she laughed, and Sam swatted her ass as she held the door open for her. Sam stayed downstairs to build a fire while Sara showered, and she reemerged a few minutes later wearing Sam’s enormous hoodie and a pair of sheer black panties.
“Not that I’m complaining,” Sam said, “But where did those come from? I’m pretty sure they’re not mine.”
“I’ve claimed a drawer in your bedroom,” said Sara, curling up on the couch. “And I brought some lingerie I think you’ll like so you will let me keep it.”
“Baby,” Sam said, leaning over to kiss her, “You can have the whole damn dresser.”
It was Sam’s turn to shower and she came back downstairs a few minutes later wearing faded jeans and a sweater, her dark hair damp and raked back with her hand. Sara was staring into the flames. Sam got them both a glass of scotch and settled into the couch beside her. “So what are you thinking about so hard over here?”
Sam passed Sara’s glass to her.
“My plan to take over your dresser.”
“You don’t need one, but you might want to drink that scotch.”
“Why is that?” Sara said.
Sam smiled. “You may need it.”
“Hmmm,” Sara said, “I’m not sure if that’s scary or hot.” She smiled, pulling her sleeves down over her hands. “Which happens frequently, actually. Lily referred to it as your mafia quality.”
“I’m going to leave that completely alone,” Sam said, laughing, “But I would kill anyone who tried to hurt you.”
“See?” Sara teased, “There it is again.”
She walked over and sat by the hearth to warm her back.
“I can’t believe you two were talking about me,” Sam said. “I have a feeling this is going to come back and bite me in the ass.”
“Totally possible.” Sara agreed, trying not to smile.
Sam looked at her, with damp hair and bare legs, teasing her about her ex. The sexiest thing about Sara was her defiant little attitude; or maybe it was the contrast between that and the way she let Sam take her in bed.
“Come here, baby.”
Sara sat down on the couch, the tension thick and hot between them. Sam sank to her knees in front of Sara, slowly spreading her legs, sliding her hands up the inside of her thighs. Sara pulled the hoodie off over her head, leaving only the sheer black panties. Sam looked at her for a moment, then ran a finger underneath the elastic. She was already deliciously wet.
“Fuck,” Sara said, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. “How do you always do this to me?”
“Do what to you?” Sam whispered, leaning in and biting the thin silk layer between her and Sara’s clit.
She felt how wet she was, and felt the heat that met her tongue as Sara moved her body down, trying to get closer. Sam edged the panties down her thighs, holding Sara’s eyes while she slid two fingers deep inside her.
“Oh my God,” Sara said, her breath deep and hard.
Her hips moved against Sam’s hand, and Sam dipped her head between her thighs, dragging her tongue slowly across Sara’s clit, curling her fingers up inside her to press the spot that she knew Sara craved, stroking it until she felt Sara’s breathing quicken and the muscles in her thighs tense.
Sam paused, stroking Sara’s thighs, then stood and held her hand out to Sara. Sam led her to the bedroom, turning out the lights downstairs and lighting a fire in her bedroom fireplace. Sara got into bed, pulling the sheets up over her and hugging her knees as she watched Sam blow gently on the dried kindling, coaxing it silently into bright yellow and orange flames, the crackling of the pine logs the only sound in the room. Sam stood by the fire, taking her in, then laid down and pulled Sara into her arms. Sara’s eyes were just beginning to close when she felt Sam take her hand and place it just below the button of her jeans. She met Sam’s eyes, then moved slowly closer, running her palm lightly over the hard length of it.
“Baby,” Sam whispered, “I don’t have to stay strapped on. You can change your mind anytime, just tell me and it’s gone.”
Sara looked at her and unbuttoned the top button of her jeans. “All you need to lose are the clothes.”
Sam laughed, sliding them off in the firelight and getting back into bed. Sara ran her fingertips lightly over the harness. It was beautifully made, thick black leather with brass detail, and a brass buckle that fastened at each hip. Her initials, SD, were stamped into the leather. Sam wrapped her hand around the back of Sara’s neck, pulling her into a kiss. Her hands slid over Sara’s body, smoothing over the curves of her hips and waist, then pulling Sara gently over on top of her.
“God,” Sam said, taking her in. “You’re so beautiful.”
“I’m glad it’s you,” Sara whispered, grazing Sam’s nipples with the flat of her palm, “That I’m doing this with.”
Sam looked into her eyes. “I’m honored to be the one you trusted.”
Sara leaned forward to kiss her, her breath
quick with excitement, Sam’s hands stroking her thighs as she started to lean slowly back. She felt the first touch and hesitated, then leaned farther back, slowly, until it was inside her and she felt Sam’s hips between her thighs.
“Are you sure you want this, baby?” Sam reached up and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Sara held Sam’s eyes. “More than I want to breathe.”
She started to move gently, then gradually with more confidence, her body meeting Sam’s with every stroke.
Sam held Sara’s hips, her thumb sliding over Sara’s clit, as Sara leaned back and closed her eyes, her hands braced on Sam’s thighs behind her. Her hips moved in slow grinding circles, unknowingly moving the harness underneath just enough to put the perfect amount of friction on Sam’s clit. Sara leaned forward long enough to whisper in her ear, then sat back up and braced her hands on Sam’s. After a minute, she found what gave her the perfect pressure inside, her nipples hardening and a fine mist of sweat glistening on her skin. Her thighs gripped Sam’s hips as she rocked back and forth, eyes closed and head thrown back in pleasure. Sam drank in the sight of her; she knew Sara was close to climax. Her breasts were flushed with arousal, her clit swollen and slick under Sam’s touch. But she also knew either Sara had to stay still for a few seconds, or it would be her going over the edge.
She gripped Sara’s thighs and closed her eyes, feeling it quickly building past the point of no return. Sweat started to slick over the hard lines of her body, her muscles tight.
“Fuck, baby, I’m coming…”
Sam arched hard under Sara, hands tight around her hips as her orgasm shook her, rocketing through every inch of her body with a blinding intensity she never knew was possible. She let out a guttural groan, just as another orgasm suddenly swept through her, taking her breath with it.
Sara couldn’t take her eyes off Sam. When her breathing finally slowed, Sara bent down to whisper in her ear. “Seeing you come like that was the hottest moment of my life.”
Sam smiled, still trying to catch her breath, and ran her hand through her damp hair. “Not by a long shot, baby,” she said, flipping Sara underneath her with one smooth motion. “Turn over.”
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