by Emma Collins
Laura inhaled as she brought her hand up to tuck a piece of Riley’s hair behind her ear, her fingertips trailing along her neck as she met her eyes, searching for some indication that Riley wanted this too. She didn’t know, but for once in her life, she was going to take a risk and put herself out there.
As Laura closed her eyes, Riley was the one to close the gap, her hand on Laura’s cheek as she pressed her lips against Laura’s. Time stood still as Laura parted her lips against Riley’s, her hand sliding behind Riley’s neck, her perfume faint yet intoxicating.
When Riley said it had been more than three years since she’d been with Maria, Laura’s immediate reaction was how had she gone that long without kissing another woman, but she hadn’t even thought about anyone in ten years, never mind kissed them, yet here she was, trying not to get carried away as Riley kissed her back.
Laura wanted to pull away, to say something, to apologize if she needed to, but Riley’s hand had moved down to her neck, her thumb caressing her jawline as they continued to kiss, and Laura couldn’t resist sliding her tongue across Riley’s, eliciting a soft moan from her mouth.
Their kisses were still delicate, still cautious, but Laura’s body tingled from head to toe. It wasn’t in anticipation of what would happen next. She didn’t expect or want this to move upstairs. She was just enjoying this moment, remembering what it was like to feel wanted, to be so drawn to someone that you could lose yourself in a simple kiss.
Chapter 22
Riley’s body hummed with desire as Laura’s lips parted against hers, her tongue skimming across Riley’s in a kiss that was steadily getting more passionate by the second. This was how she imagined her first kiss. She thought it would have this mesmerizing effect on her but kissing Maria had been nothing like this. This was everything she read about, everything she saw in movies. Laura’s lips fit perfectly with hers, and Riley felt like she was melting into her.
Laura’s fingers threaded through her hair as she deepened the kiss, and Riley had no intention of slowing this down or pulling away. Her body was on fire, radiating from somewhere deep within her, the feeling of Laura’s fingernails lightly raking across her scalp sending a shiver through her body.
Riley’s eyes fluttered open when Laura broke the kiss, backing away, her eyes darker, clouded with desire. She dropped her hand, running it through her hair, more to give her something to do than anything else.
“I hope I didn’t cross a line,” Laura said, her voice husky.
“No. Not at all,” Riley managed to say in just above a whisper. She didn’t know what to say. It was all she could do not to reach out and cup her cheek, bringing Laura’s lips back to hers, but she didn’t want to seem desperate, although she was sure that her flushed cheeks and ragged breathing gave away her current condition.
Riley picked up her tumbler instead, taking a drink to try and calm her nerves. She thought Laura was beautiful from the minute she walked into her local coffee shop. That was months ago though, and that attraction had only intensified, and apparently, Laura felt it too... Unless that was a sympathy kiss. Or a kiss from a friend, trying to put her mind at ease for when she’d be kissing Julie McCoy.
Riley took another sip. That was exactly what that kiss was. Laura’s kiss had been light at first, cautious. Riley had been the one to turn things up a notch, deepening the kiss when she felt Laura’s tongue slide across her own. She hadn’t been thinking about Laura’s intentions. She’d been so caught up in the kiss itself, but when she thought about what they’d been talking about right before she’d leaned in, Riley knew that was the logical explanation. That wasn’t a romantic moment. Laura was trying to help her.
Hopefully, that’s all it was. She’d die of embarrassment if that was a pity kiss. The poor, closeted Hollywood actress who hadn’t kissed another woman in years. She shouldn’t have told Laura about her fears. They should have stuck to talking about the script. Riley had even felt a twinge of jealousy when Laura said she had a crush on Julie McCoy too.
An awkward silence fell between them while Riley was caught up in her own thoughts. She took another drink, knowing she had to say something before Laura did. She didn’t want Laura voicing what she was thinking, asking her if that would reassure her for the movie.
“I don’t want things to be weird between us,” Riley started. “I’m glad you came up here for a few days. I’ve really enjoyed myself.”
“Me too,” Laura said, reaching for her own glass, her expression neutral, and Riley had no idea what she was thinking. That look in her eyes was long gone. “I brought my laptop, so I might try and get some writing done tomorrow. There’s something about a change of scenery that always seems to help.”
“I have a few phone calls to make tomorrow and a conference call with Adam and some of the people over at the studio, so I’ll stay out of your hair for a few hours.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Laura said, giving her a lopsided smile. “Don’t feel like you have to vacate the house or anything.”
“I don’t, but I do have a busy day tomorrow... Speaking of which, I should really call it a night.” Riley finished what was left in her glass, her watered-down whiskey easier to drink after all the ice cubes had melted. “Do you want to have dinner together tomorrow? I can cook or we can go out.”
“Sure. I’m easy. Whatever works for you,” Laura said as they both stood up.
“Okay. We can figure it out tomorrow. Goodnight,” Riley said, not sure if she should give her a hug or not. She hated that she was going to overthink everything now.
“Night,” Laura said softly as she wrapped one arm around her, loosely hugging her, that familiar perfume surrounding her again.
Riley pulled away, giving her a weak smile before she turned to climb the stairs. What had she gotten herself into?
Chapter 23
“Keep the change,” Laura said, tipping their waiter generously. They’d been at the restaurant for two hours and not one of the tables near them had been filled even though it was busy. She’d done a little research when she was on a break from writing that afternoon and found this steakhouse that was only a few minutes away from Riley’s house. She’d called the owner, asking if it was possible for a secluded table, giving him the idea that it was more for a romantic occasion than anything else. She didn’t want to mention Riley’s name. She didn’t think that would go down well if Riley ever found out.
They’d gotten their quiet table in the back of the restaurant. Most of the diners were out front, and Laura had taken the seat facing them. If Riley suspected anything, she didn’t say it. Laura didn’t know how she dealt with the fame on a day to day basis, but she wanted tonight to be as normal as possible.
Laura got out of the house early that morning, finding a local coffee shop where she could work for a few hours. She had no idea what last night meant. It was almost like a scene she might have dreamed up for her next book, not something that she would have done. She’d never been that brazen, but Riley had kissed her back.
In that moment, Laura forgot about everything else. She let herself get lost in that kiss, but as soon as Riley reached for her drink, she could tell that something had changed, that maybe Riley was panicking. She wanted to ask her what she was thinking, but she played it safe instead, and then Riley was talking about going to bed. The moment was gone, and Laura spent the day wondering what she could have done differently.
Riley had clearly been into the kiss, unless Laura had the whole thing wrong. Maybe Riley just felt sorry for her... Eternally single, forty-something year old writer.
She’d be forty-four tomorrow. Laura didn’t know where the last ten years had gone. Her late thirties were spent grieving, doing anything she could to just get through another day, but she didn’t know where her forties were going.
Did Riley know how old she was? Laura couldn’t remember if it was in her bio on her website or on one of her social media accounts. Hardly. That wasn’t something she liked to advert
ize.
“I feel bad that I’m the only one drinking,” Riley said as she finished her wine. “It’s so strange not being able to call a taxi whenever you want.”
“This is country living,” Laura said with a smirk. “I don’t mind. I might have one or two when we get back.”
“Would you mind if I joined you?”
“No. Not at all. Why would I?”
Riley held her gaze. “I don’t know. I was just thinking about last night... I thought you might not want to be-”
Laura waved her off. “We had a few drinks, and I took advantage. I shouldn’t have-”
“You didn’t take advantage. If anything I’m the one who took advantage of you.”
“What?” Laura asked in disbelief. How could she think that?
“I went on and on about how nervous I was about my scenes with Julie McCoy...”
“I kissed you because I wanted to,” Laura said matter-of-factly, waiting for Riley’s reaction.
Riley stayed quiet for a second, opening her mouth and then closing it again. “You did?”
Laura nodded. “Why did you kiss me?”
“Because I... I wanted to.”
“Exactly. There’s nothing to worry about... Shall we?” Laura asked, waiting for Riley’s nod before they left, their waiter opening a side door for them, the muggy night air greeting them as soon as they stepped outside and headed for her car.
Riley reached for her hand as Laura was about to go over to the driver’s side, stopping her in her tracks. “Why did you do all that? Get the private table, use the other entrance...”
Laura’s heart thudded in her ears. This was where Riley saw right through her, where she realized that Laura was starting to fall for her.
“I just wanted you to have a good time,” she said casually. “I know you’re stressed about the movie... I’m sorry if I shouldn’t have.”
“No. I’m glad that you did. I had a really nice evening,” Riley said, taking a step closer, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Laura recognized that look in Riley’s eyes. Was she really going to kiss her, here, in the middle of the parking lot? No one was around but...
Riley’s lips were on hers, silencing her thoughts. She backed Laura up against the car, her hand on Laura’s hip, the other threading through her hair as Riley parted her lips against hers. Laura forgot about where they were, cupping her cheek as she kissed her back, finding Riley’s tongue and deepening the kiss.
Riley was intoxicating. She kissed her with so much passion, but Laura had to keep reminding herself that this probably wasn’t about her. Riley’s secret was safe with her. Even if there was a spark between them, Laura knew she was the one in trouble here, the one who would end up getting hurt if this kept going. Riley would go back to her life in California, and Laura would stay in Pennsylvania. Riley may or may not come out, but even if she did, she’d have women lining up around the block to be with her. How could she ever stand a chance?
Hearing Riley whimper as Laura’s hand slid under her top and up her back brought her back to reality. What did any of that matter? Riley was here right now, kissing her, setting her body alight with desire.
“Let’s get out of here,” Laura breathed, their lips just inches apart, and Riley backed away.
Laura went around to the driver’s side, and Riley surprised her, reaching for her hand, running her finger across Laura’s skin as she drove.
Chapter 24
Riley only had three glasses of wine over dinner, so she couldn’t even blame the alcohol. After what happened last night and waking up to an empty house this morning, she was sure that Laura had packed her bags and gone home, even though they’d agreed to have dinner.
They’d had a lovely evening, talking about all sorts of things, and Riley had to remind herself more than once that it wasn’t a date. It sure felt like one though, not that she knew much about them.
It was easy with her, and although Laura’s story and her relationship with Grace were what had brought them together, it was nice to spend the evening away from that. They didn’t talk about the movie. They just got to know one another, without bringing up Laura’s loss and Riley’s reluctance to come out.
It only hit her when their plates were being taken away that they’d practically been on their own all night. No one had occupied the tables beside them, and their waiter had been extra attentive. He even showed them to a side door that avoided them walking past the crowded front of the restaurant.
As they got closer to Laura’s car, she couldn’t wait any longer. She had to kiss her again. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours, but she spent the day wondering if and when they’d pick up where they left off.
Riley didn’t know where she stood. She still didn’t, but the way Laura kissed her back told her that this wasn’t entirely one sided. There was something there. Laura was sober, and Riley had only been tipsy. Alcohol wasn’t bringing them together this time.
They didn’t talk on the short drive home. Riley reached for her hand instead. She didn’t know what she’d even say. She couldn’t talk about something random, but she didn’t want to talk about what was happening between them either. She didn’t know what she would say. She didn’t want to scare her off. Even if this was mutual, Laura might think this is a casual fling.
Riley definitely gave her the impression that she’d be up for that when she told her that Maria was her kind of sort ex. She really wished she hadn’t told Laura about her. That wasn’t the way she wanted to be, having casual relationships. It was a long time ago, and Riley knew she wasn’t going to pursue that kind of arrangement again, but Laura didn’t know that.
Laura pulled up outside Riley’s temporary home, and they got out of the car without saying anything. A rumble of thunder broke the silence, followed by a flash of lighting. It hadn’t started raining yet, but the air was heavy, like the clouds would burst open at any moment. Riley fished her keys out of her bag and unlocked the door, holding it open for Laura as the first drops splattered the concrete pathway leading up to the porch.
“That was good timing,” Laura said as she left her car keys on the narrow table inside the door and flicked on the lights.
Laura was wearing dark wash jeans and a white off the shoulder top that had been driving Riley crazy all night. For some reason, seeing Laura’s top falling off her shoulder like that was almost as arousing as if she’d had her cleavage on display.
Laura’s look tonight was casual. Her mahogany hair fell past her shoulders in loose waves, and her chestnut brown eyes even brighter thanks to the smokey makeup she’d chosen.
Riley had no idea how she was going to carry on a conversation with Laura right now when all she wanted to do was bring her upstairs, and that wasn’t like her at all.
One of the reasons she was still in the closet was because no one had ever tempted her out of it. Sure, she wouldn’t have minded going out to a gay club the odd time, but no one had ever held her interest like this. Her on and off thing with Maria was purely a convenience hook up, for both of them. They’d been on the same page from the start, but this... This scared Riley. She felt like she was losing herself in Laura, and she barely knew her.
“You okay?” Laura asked, her eyes searching her, the lines at the corner of eyes a little more defined when she was worried.
“What are we doing?”
The question was out of Riley’s mouth before she’d had a chance to think about what she was saying. It could ruin the night that she was daydreaming of having, but she needed to know. She should have waited until they were sitting down, and she had a drink in her hand. Instead, they were standing at the foot of the stairs, just inside the door of the open planned living room, kitchen area.
Laura sighed, and Riley braced herself. She was going to be let down easy. She should have kept her mouth shut.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Laura said, one hand on her waist, the other tousling her hair. “I haven’t... I didn’t think... What I
’m trying to say is, I wasn’t planning on this. On anyone... And you know why...” Laura took a few steps forward, standing in front of Riley now. “I don’t know what we’re doing,” she said, her voice softer now. “I just know that this is the first time I’ve felt something in more than ten years.”
Riley’s breath hitched as Laura’s hand found hers, her thumb gently caressing the back of her hand. How could such a simple touch have that kind of effect on her?
“You’re not... I mean, you... You want this too?” Riley asked, stumbling over her words, her heart thudding in her ears. It was all she could hear, the house silent except for the hum of the air-conditioner.
“Yes,” Laura breathed. Her hand slid underneath Riley’s blond hair, cupping her neck as she tilted her head, closing the gap between them and pressing her lips against Riley’s.
Riley sighed into the kiss, parting her lips, giving Laura more access as Riley held onto her hips, steadying herself as Laura’s hand glided down her arm, sending a shiver through her body. She loved kissing Laura, but in a way, this was torture. She didn’t know if Laura would want to wait, and if she did, Riley needed to know now. She was so close to letting the desire running through her veins take over any rational thinking.
Riley reluctantly pulled away, her hands still on Laura’s hips as she searched her eyes, trying to figure out where they go from here. Part of her wanted to take Laura’s hand in hers and lead them up the stairs, but there was another part of her that wanted to take this slow.
“Why don’t we have a drink?” Laura asked, and Riley nodded as they went into the kitchen.
Riley opened a bottle of wine, pouring herself a glass while Laura put some ice into a tumbler and opened the bottle of whiskey. “How do you feel about a late-night swim?” The thought just popped into her mind.
“I don’t have a bathing suit...”
Riley leaned against the counter as she watched Laura’s cheeks darken. She hadn’t suggested skinny dipping, but clearly, the thought had just crossed Laura’s mind.