by Julie Cannon
The Last First Kiss
Synopsis
According to newly single Kelly Newsome, whoever came up with the idea of a lesbian resort located on a warm tropical island is a goddess. Kelly’s bound and determined to experience everything, and everyone, the island has to offer.
Matt Parker is on her first “real grown up” vacation since her wife died six years ago, leaving her to raise their young son alone. With no responsibilities to tie her down, Matt’s not looking for anything other than a good time and toe-curling, no strings attached sex.
Neither one expects to meet the woman who could give them their last first kiss.
What Reviewers Say About Julie Cannon’s Work
Shut Up and Kiss Me
“A feel good, tingly romance…”—Best Lesfic Reviews
“Fast-paced, sexy, and fun with a bit of an insta-love plot (a trope I love!). I thoroughly enjoyed this read.”—JK’s Blog
“Great story, and I will definitely read this author again!”—Janice Best, Librarian (Albion District Library)
Wishing on a Dream—Lambda Literary Award Finalist
“[The main characters] are well-rounded, flawed and with backstories that fascinated me. Their relationship grows slowly and with bumps along the way but it is never boring. At times it is sweet, tender and emotional, at other times downright hot. I love how Julie Cannon chose to tell it from each point of view in the first person. It gave greater insight into the characters and drew me into the story more. A really enjoyable read.”—Kitty Kat’s Book Review Blog
“This book pulls you in from the moment you pick it up. Keirsten and Tobin are very different, but from the moment they get together, the heat and sexual tension are there. Together they must work through their fears in order to have a magical relationship.”—RT Book Reviews
Smoke and Fire
“Cannon skillfully draws out the honest emotion and growing chemistry between her heroines, a slow burn that feels like constant foreplay leading to a spectacular climax. Though Brady is almost too good to be true, she’s the perfect match for Nicole. Every scene they share leaps off the page, making this a sweet, hot, memorable read.”—Publishers Weekly
“This book is more than a romance. It is uplifting in a very down-to-earth way and inspires hope through hard-won battles where neither woman is prepared to give up.”—Rainbow Book Reviews
I Remember
“Great plot, unusual twist and wonderful women. …[I Remember] is an inspired romance with extremely hot sex scenes and delightful passion.”—Lesbian Reading Room
Breaker’s Passion
“…an exceptionally hot romance in an exceptionally romantic setting. …Cannon has become known for her well-drawn characters and well-written love scenes.”—Just About Write
“Cannon writes about Hawaii beautifully, her descriptions of the landscape will make the reader want to jump on the first plane to Maui.”—Lambda Literary Review
“Julie Cannon brilliantly alternates between characters, giving the reader just enough backstory to entice, but not enough to overwhelm. Cannon intertwines the luscious landscape of Maui and it’s tropical destinations into the story, sending the reader on a sensuous vacation right alongside the characters.”—Cherry Grrl
Descent
“If you are into bike racing, you’ll love this book. If you don’t know anything about bike racing, you’ll learn about this interesting sport. You’ll finish the book with a new respect for the sport and the women who participate in it.”—Lambda Literary Review
“Julie Cannon once again takes her readers somewhere many have not been before. This time, it’s to the rough and tumble world of mountain bike racing.”—Just About Write
Power Play
“Cannon gives her readers a high stakes game full of passion, humor, and incredible sex.”—Just About Write
Just Business
“Julie Cannon’s novels just keep getting better and better! This is a delightful tale that completely engages the reader. It’s a must read romance!”—Just About Write
Unchartered Passage
“Cannon has given her readers a novel rich in plot and rich in character development. Her vivid scenes touch our imaginations as her hot sex scenes touch us in many other areas. Uncharted Passage is a great read.”—Just About Write
Heartland
“There’s nothing coy about the passion of these unalike dykes—it ignites at first encounter and never abates. …Cannon’s well-constructed novel conveys more complexity of character and less overwrought melodrama than most stories in the crowded genre of lesbian-love-against-all-odds—a definite plus.”—Richard Labonte, Book Marks
“Julie Cannon has created a wonderful romance. Rachel and Shivley are believable, likeable, bright, and funny. The scenery of the ranch is beautifully described, down to the smells, work, and dust. This is an extremely engaging book, full of humor, drama, and some very hot, hot sex!”—Just About Write
Heart 2 Heart
“Heart 2 Heart has many hot, intense sex scenes; Lane and Kyle sizzle across the pages. It also explores the world of a homicide detective and other very real issues. Cannon has given her readers a read that’s fun as well as meaty.”—Just About Write
The Last First Kiss
Brought to you by
eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com
eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.
Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.
The Last First Kiss
© 2021 By Julie Cannon. All Rights Reserved.
ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-769-5
This Electronic Original Is Published By
Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 249
Valley Falls, NY 12185
First Edition: January 2021
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Credits
Editor: Shelley Thrasher
Production Design: Susan Ramundo
Cover Design by Tammy Seidick
eBook Design by Toni Whitaker
By the Author
Come and Get Me
Heart 2 Heart
Heartland
Uncharted Passage
Just Business
Power Play
Descent
Breakers Passion
I Remember
Rescue Me
Because of You
Smoke and Fire
Countdown
Capsized
Wishing on a Dream
Take Me There
The Boss of Her
Fore Play
Shut Up and Kiss Me
The Last First Kiss
Acknowledgments
This is my twentieth book with Bold Strokes, and I could not have done it without everyone who is in front and behind the scenes at BSB. From Rad who took a chance on a first time author years ago, to Sandy who really runs the place, to Shelley who makes my stories even better, and everyone who makes Bold Strokes Books the powerhouse in lesbian fiction it has become, I, and our readers, thank you.
Dedication
For all of the women who have had, or will have, their last first kiss.
Chapter One
“Are you out of your mind? No fucking way.” Matt slid the fat, white envelope across the table in front of her. I
t stopped in front of Becca’s half-empty wineglass. Sandra had dashed into the bar a few minutes ago, winded from hustling from her office a few blocks away.
“No and yes, you are. I’ve already talked with Stephen, and he’ll take care of the dog and the house.” Stephen was Becca’s brother, who lived down the block.
“Jordan’s gone to that godforsaken military summer camp he begged you to let him go to, and you haven’t had a vacation in forever.”
“That’s not true,” Matt protested. “Jordan and I…” Matt had at least six examples of vacations she and her son had taken in the last few years, but she didn’t get a chance to mention any of them.
“A grown-up vacation,” Becca said. “Without kids, where you can meet people and have adult conversation.”
“And get laid,” Sandra interjected.
Sandra and Becca pounced on her like a wrestling tag team. They continued their assault on Matt’s denial, and when one ran out of gas and argument as to why she should accept their gift of two weeks at a lesbian resort on a tropical island in the British West Indies, the other jumped in.
“I am dating,” Matt lied, probably being a bit too emphatic. There was a difference between coffee with someone and having sex. Unfortunately, she wasn’t doing either. Since her wife Andrea had died six years ago, the energy-sucking challenges of raising a toddler by herself made any interest in sex a distant memory. But that nugget of information would only fuel their argument.
“Trust us,” Sandra said, exchanging knowing looks with Becca. “You need to have more sex than dates.”
Matt leaned back in the chair, knowing when she’d been beaten. Both women sitting across from her were attorneys, but never on opposing sides. Sandra was the lead partner of the most prestigious lesbian law firm in the state and was dressed in an expensive red Armani suit that she once described to Matt as her don’t-fuck-with-me suit. Her naturally blond hair was in a French braid, her makeup and jewelry expensive but subtle. Her cheekbones were flawless, and she had the natural grace Matt wished she had. Sandra was also filthy rich, as she described it, all family money, but donated a vast amount to various causes each year.
Becca was the complete opposite. First, she was straight and had a serious boyfriend. Barely five feet tall, she carried an extra twenty pounds and was dressed more casually in a pale-blue dress under a white jacket and low black pumps. She had recently been reelected and, at thirty-eight, was one of the youngest district attorneys in the country.
The three of them had met in college their freshman year when they shared a three-bedroom, two-bath dorm room. Becca and Sandra shared a bathroom, and between Sandra’s long blond hair and Becca’s even longer curly black hair, the plumber was constantly snaking their tub drain. Matt liked to think of them as her girl posse.
“But this is too much,” Matt protested, gesturing to the envelope that had somehow ended up back in front of her.
“Nothing’s worth more than happiness, Mattie, and we want to help you find it,” Becca said.
“And to make sure you do,” Sandra jumped in excitedly, her green eyes sparkling, “we’re going with you.”
Matt gawked at her two friends.
“If we don’t, you’ll sit in your room and either read a book or write another one,” Becca said seriously.
“That’s my job.” Matt was still stunned from this conversation. After she’d gotten her life back together, she’d started writing children’s books. It had always been a dream of hers and gave her time to be with Jordan whenever he needed her, which, until the last year or so, was always. She also wrote lesbian erotica, which was where the big money was. She didn’t talk too much about that side of her writing with anyone other than the two women sitting across from her.
“Not for two weeks, it won’t be.” This time it was Sandra whose voice was firm.
This whole vacation thing had started last week, when her phone rang as she was pulling out of the parking lot after dropping Jordan off at camp.
“Are you bawling like a baby?” Becca’s voice was crystal clear as it came through her car speakers.
“No. I’m crying like any mother sending her child off to camp for the first time.” She had just dropped Jordan off on the meticulously manicured grounds of the military summer camp, where he’d be for the next eight weeks. Matt knew this was the last she’d see of her little boy, if she ever had a little boy, she thought. Jordan was, at times, a debilitating reminder of his mother. He was a ram-rod straight nine-year-old, who had to have everything in his room in its exact place, insisted on getting his hair cut every five weeks whether or not it needed it, ironed his clothes with military creases, and didn’t care what his school peers thought of him.
She’d managed to hold back tears she knew would embarrass him until she got in the car. He’d insisted on no public displays of affection, so she’d hugged him and smothered him with kisses before they left the house this morning. She’d prepared herself as best any mother could, but the reality was far more painful.
“Come over and we’ll get drunk,” Becca said.
“I’ve been on the road three hours today and have another three to go.”
“Then you’ll definitely need a drink.”
“What I need to do is go home, suck it up, and start getting used to the silence in the house.” When Jordan had started school, the neighborhood kids would often congregate at the Parker house. Matt preferred it that way. She could keep an eye on Jordan and his friends. Kids came and went at her house, their parents staying to chat for a few minutes when dropping off or picking up. But it would be a long, lonely summer.
“You need to have eight weeks of sleepovers,” Becca said as Matt turned onto the interstate.
“We’ve had this discussion, Becca,” and she was weary of it. Matt didn’t want to get serious with anyone. She did not want to parade different women in and out of Jordan’s life until she found Ms. Second Time Around. Because of that preference, she’d been out only a handful of times since Andrea’s death. She let her friends believe she was dating and, so far, had evaded having to make any introductions. It wasn’t for lack of trying on their part. They were constantly on her about double-dating or bringing a date to a party or barbeque.
“And we’re going to continue to have it until you do.”
Matt detected more than a little exasperation in her friend’s voice. “You don’t need to worry about me. My sex life is as full as it needs to be. I’ve got to go. My mom’s calling on the other line. Talk to you soon.” Matt had felt slightly guilty about lying to Becca.
“When was the last time you got laid?” Becca asked, pulling Matt away from her memories.
“What?”
“When was the last time you got laid?”
Matt took a deep breath to rein in her temper. “That’s none of your business.”
“We are your best friends, and it is our business.” Sandra nodded her agreement.
“I’m not going to talk about this with you two.”
“We don’t want you to talk about it, Mattie. We want you to do it.”
“You’ve changed, Mattie,” Sandra said, suddenly serious. She reached across the small table and took her hand.
The bartender had set another drink in front of her when she’d been daydreaming. Matt looked around at the television monitors, where every station had a different sporting event playing.
“Of course I have,” Matt said, hoping to sound disinterested. A niggling feeling started to creep up her neck. “We all have. It’s part of growing up and growing old.”
“You know we love you,” Becca said, glancing at Sandra as if needing support. She nodded.
“Why does this feel like an intervention?” Matt tried to laugh it off but wasn’t successful.
“Because it is.”
Matt recognized the serious expressions on her friends’ faces. They weren’t looking at their hands or the floor, but right at her. These women loved her. She wanted to relax but coul
dn’t.
“We love you,” Becca said again. “We loved Andrea and think the world of Jordan.”
“But…” Matt was anxious for this to be over.
“But you have been living in Andrea’s shadow for too long. You need to live your own life. The unrealistic scene the army, Andrea’s parents, and even Jordan have laid on you isn’t fair. Just because Andrea’s life ended, yours doesn’t have to. They expect that of you, and it’s not right.”
Matt saw nothing but concern, understanding, and more than a little truth in Becca’s eyes.
“It’s time to step out and live your own life, not what others think it should be.”
Becca squeezed her hand before continuing.
“Andrea was a giver. A giver of life with Jordan and a saver of life with her patients. And she would not want to keep you from living yours. It’s not healthy, and it has to be terribly lonely.”
Matt’s gut clenched. Becca had hit the proverbial nail on the head. She was busy—with Jordan, her writing, appearances, and all the other single-mom homeowner responsibilities. But late at night, when Jordan was asleep and the house quiet, that well of loneliness threatened to suck her in.
She’d often look at herself in the mirror and wonder what everyone saw. Becca was right. She was under intense pressure to live up to what others thought she should do as the wife of a dead hero. Jordan’s understandable but unrealistic idolization of his mother was adding extra weight that she was finding more and more difficult to bear.
Andrea hadn’t been perfect. She had flaws, and, Matt had recently admitted to herself that their marriage had been struggling due to her commitment to the army. Matt would never ask Andrea to quit or not go. Being an army nurse was her life, and her death had affected a lot of people.