A Chapter on Love

by Laney Webber

  “Inside.” The word came out in one breath. Jannika walked backward to the door of the cottage, her lips never leaving Lee’s. She fumbled with the doorknob as Lee moved her hand from her back to her hip, then she squeezed her hip and Jannika let go of the doorknob as her knees buckled. “Okay, okay, let’s get inside.” She turned and opened the door.

  Once they were inside, Jannika closed the door and turned to kiss Lee again.

  Lee tipped her head and kissed Jannika’s collarbone as she ran her hands up under Jannika’s shirt. Jannika’s back arched in response. She tried to grab Lee’s sweater and lift it over her head, but Lee had lifted Jannika’s shirt up above her bra and was kissing her chest with long slow kisses while she held Jannika’s hips, rubbing her thumbs on Jannika’s hipbones.

  Jannika had no thoughts except how to show Lee what she was feeling through her lips and hands and body.

  “Let me get your sweater off,” Jannika said.

  Lee let go of Jannika’s hips and helped her pull her sweater over her head. When Lee’s hands were over her head, Jannika started kissing her and touching her breasts through her bra. Lee’s nipples stood out beneath the fabric and Jannika bent her head to kiss first one, then the other.

  “Come to my lair.” Jannika smiled and led Lee to her bedroom. She knelt on the floor and unbuttoned and unzipped Lee’s jeans. “Help me, just a little,” she said as she pulled Lee’s pants down to her ankles, kissing the waistband of Lee’s underwear as her hands slid back up Lee’s legs and moved to the inside of her thighs. Jannika could feel Lee’s thighs tremble under her touch.

  Lee touched Jannika’s hair. “I need to kiss you and I need to get on that bed before my legs give out.”

  Jannika stood up and took off all her clothes while she watched Lee’s face.

  Lee lay on her side on the bed. “I’ll never get tired of looking at you. Come here.” Lee moved over and Jannika got on the bed and lay facing Lee.

  She reached for Lee and kissed her shoulder while she undid Lee’s bra and helped her slip it off. Her lips moved across Lee’s shoulder and down to her breast. Jannika heard Lee’s breath quicken as she continued to trace her tongue over Lee’s breast, circling the nipple and kissing it softly. Her hand caressed Lee’s lower back and her fingers moved lower.

  “Not so fast, Nick.” Lee’s voice was husky and low. She shifted her weight, so Jannika moved away from her and onto her back. Lee moved on top of her and kissed her.

  Jannika felt the kiss travel down her middle and settle between her legs. Her hips arched and Lee groaned.

  “I want you. I want us. Together.” Jannika’s words, face, and body asked Lee the question.

  Lee lay back on her side facing Jannika and stroked her side, drew circles on her hip, and slid her hand down the outside of her thigh while Jannika teased Lee’s left breast and moved her hand down Lee’s stomach to her hip and the outside of her thigh. Lee parted her legs but didn’t take her eyes away from Jannika’s.

  Jannika felt Lee’s hand move in the same way as Jannika’s, mirroring the motion. Lee’s hand was on the outside of her thigh. Jannika parted her legs and as she slid her hand to the inside of Lee’s thigh, she felt Lee’s hand move to the inside of hers. She let out a soft cry but kept her eyes on Lee. She knew Lee could feel the love pouring from her eyes. She moved her hand higher. Her face was inches from Lee’s. Her fingers moved higher and touched Lee’s wetness, and she felt Lee’s fingers ready to move inside of her. Her hips arched to get closer to Lee.

  Lee’s fingers reached a little higher and found what they were looking for.

  “Nick, oh, honey.” She groaned as Jannika’s fingers slid up inside her.

  Jannika couldn’t hold eye contact any longer. She threw her head back and her hips responded to Lee’s touch. Her excitement grew as she touched Lee and Lee’s body convulsed with desire and release. In that moment her awareness tunneled to the passion she felt as her body arched and her hips drove down into Lee’s touch.

  Lee gently moved Jannika onto her back and stroked her lightly with her fingertips. Jannika put an arm out and Lee put her head on Jannika’s chest as Jannika wrapped her arm around her.

  “Wow,” Jannika whispered.

  “Wow, indeed,” Lee said. “You are incredible.” She moved her hand to stroke Jannika’s thigh.

  “That was intense. Can I tell you something?”

  “Anything, my love.” Lee shifted so she could look at Jannika’s face.

  “That felt like…This might sound silly, but it felt like we joined forces or something.”

  Lee’s smile covered her face.

  “Did you feel it?” When Lee looked at her as they were making love, it was like the love that passed between them sealed their connection.

  “To me it felt like we’ve been carrying this bond around for all these years, kind of like those necklaces with the two pieces that only fit each other. It felt like our pieces found each other and bonded.” Lee traced Jannika’s forehead with her fingers as she looked at her.

  “You felt it too, then.” Jannika smiled and gently pulled Lee down to kiss her.

  “I did indeed,” Lee said and sealed it with a kiss.

  About the Author

  Laney Webber has lived in four of the six New England states. Her love affair with reading and books began when she read the line, “Sit, Spot, Sit!” in her first grade class. Laney lives in Vermont with her wife; their rescue dog, Gracie; and their rescue cat, Rudy Valentino. She works as a librarian, which gives her free access to shelves and shelves of books. She believes that libraries are the best places to visit on the planet. When Laney doesn’t have a book or pen in her hand, she likes to camp and wander around New England.

  Books Available from Bold Strokes Books

  A Chapter on Love by Laney Webber. When Jannika and Lee reunite, their instant connection feels like a gift, but neither is ready for a second chance at love. Will they finally get on the same page when it comes to love? (978-1-63555-366-6)

  Drawing Down the Mist by Sheri Lewis Wohl. Everyone thinks Grand Duchess Maria Romanova died in 1918. They were almost right. (978-1-63555-341-3)

  Listen by Kris Bryant. Lily Croft is inexplicably drawn to Hope D’Marco but will she have the courage to confront the consequences of her past and present colliding? (978-1-63555-318-5)

  Perfect Partners by Maggie Cummings. Elite police dog trainer Sara Wright has no intention of falling in love with a coworker, until Isabel Marquez arrives at Homeland Security’s Northeast Regional Training facility and Sara’s good intentions start to falter. (978-1-63555-363-5)

  Shut Up and Kiss Me by Julie Cannon. What better way to spend two weeks of hell in paradise than in the company of a hot, sexy woman? (978-1-63555-343-7)

  Spencer’s Cove by Missouri Vaun. When Foster Owen and Abigail Spencer meet they uncover a story of lives adrift, loves lost, and true love found. (978-1-63555-171-6)

  Without Pretense by TJ Thomas. After living for decades hiding from the truth, can Ava learn to trust Bianca with her secrets and her heart? (978-1-63555-173-0)

  Unexpected Lightning by Cass Sellars. Lightning strikes once more when Sydney and Parker fight a dangerous stranger who threatens the peace they both desperately want. (978-1-163555-276-8)

  Emily’s Art and Soul by Joy Argento. When Emily meets Andi Marino she thinks she’s found a new best friend but Emily doesn’t know that Andi is fast falling in love with her. Caught up in exploring her sexuality, will Emily see the only woman she needs is right in front of her? (978-1-63555-355-0)

  Escape to Pleasure: Lesbian Travel Erotica edited by Sandy Lowe and Victoria Villasenor. Join these award-winning authors as they explore the sensual side of erotic lesbian travel. (978-1-63555-339-0)

  Music City Dreamers by Robyn Nyx. Music can bring lovers together. In Music City, it can tear them apart. (978-1-63555-207-2)

  Ordinary is Perfect by D. Jackson Leigh. Atlanta marketing superstar Autumn Swan’s life derails when
she inherits a country home, a child, and a very interesting neighbor. (978-1-63555-280-5)

  Royal Court by Jenny Frame. When royal dresser Holly Weaver’s passionate personality begins to melt Royal Marine Captain Quincy’s icy heart, will Holly be ready for what she exposes beneath? (978-1-63555-290-4)

  Strings Attached by Holly Stratimore. Success. Riches. Music. Passion. It’s a life most can only dream of, but stardom comes at a cost. (978-1-63555-347-5)

  The Ashford Place by Jean Copeland. When Isabelle Ashford inherits an old house in small-town Connecticut, family secrets, a shocking discovery, and an unexpected romance complicate her plan for a fast profit and a temporary stay. (978-1-63555-316-1)

  Treason by Gun Brooke. Zoem Malderyn’s existence is a deadly threat to everyone on Gemocon and Commander Neenja KahSandra must find a way to save the woman she loves from having to commit the ultimate sacrifice. (978-1-63555-244-7)

  A Wish Upon a Star by Jeannie Levig. Erica Cooper has learned to depend on only herself, but when her new neighbor, Leslie Raymond, befriends Erica’s special needs daughter, the walls protecting her heart threaten to crumble. (978-1-63555-274-4)

  Answering the Call by Ali Vali. Detective Sept Savoie returns to the streets of New Orleans, as do the dead bodies from ritualistic killings, and she does everything in her power to bring them to justice while trying to keep her partner, Keegan Blanchard, safe. (978-1-63555-050-4)

  Breaking Down Her Walls by Erin Zak. Could a love worth staying for be the key to breaking down Julia Finch’s walls? (978-1-63555-369-7)

  Exit Plans for Teenage Freaks by ’Nathan Burgoine. Cole always has a plan—especially for escaping his small-town reputation as “that kid who was kidnapped when he was four”—but when he teleports to a museum, it’s time to face facts: it’s possible he’s a total freak after all. (978-1-63555-098-6)

  Friends Without Benefits by Dena Blake. When Dex Putman gets the woman she thought she always wanted, she soon wonders if it’s really love after all. (978-1-63555-349-9)

  Invalid Evidence by Stevie Mikayne. Private Investigator Jil Kidd is called away to investigate a possible killer whale, just when her partner Jess needs her most. (978-1-63555-307-9)

  Pursuit of Happiness by Carsen Taite. When attorney Stevie Palmer’s client reveals a scandal that could derail Senator Meredith Mitchell’s presidential bid, their chance at love may be collateral damage. (978-1-63555-044-3)

  Seascape by Karis Walsh. Marine biologist Tess Hansen returns to Washington’s isolated northern coast where she struggles to adjust to small-town living while courting an endowment for her orca research center from Brittany James. (978-1-63555-079-5)

  Second in Command by VK Powell. Jazz Perry’s life is disrupted and her career jeopardized when she becomes personally involved with the case of an abandoned child and the child’s competent but strict social worker, Emory Blake. (978-1-63555-185-3)

  Taking Chances by Erin McKenzie. When Valerie Cruz and Paige Wellington clash over what’s in the best interest of the children in Valerie’s care, the children may be the ones who teach them it’s worth taking chances for love. (978-1-63555-209-6)

  All of Me by Emily Smith. When chief surgical resident Galen Burgess meets her new intern, Rowan Duncan, she may finally discover that doing what you’ve always done will only give you what you’ve always had. (978-1-63555-321-5)

  As the Crow Flies by Karen F. Williams. Romance seems to be blooming all around, but problems arise when a restless ghost emerges from the ether to roam the dark corners of this haunting tale. (978-1-63555-285-0)

  Both Ways by Ileandra Young. SPEAR agent Danika Karson races to protect the city from a supernatural threat and must rely on the woman she’s trained to despise: Rayne, an achingly beautiful vampire. (978-1-63555-298-0)

  Calendar Girl by Georgia Beers. Forced to work together, Addison Fairchild and Kate Cooper discover that opposites really do attract. (978-1-63555-333-8)

  Lovebirds by Lisa Moreau. Two women from different worlds collide in a small California mountain town, each with a mission that doesn’t include falling in love. (978-1-63555-213-3)

  Media Darling by Fiona Riley. Can Hollywood bad girl Emerson and reluctant celebrity gossip reporter Hayley work together to make each other’s dreams come true? Or will Emerson’s secrets ruin not one career, but two? (978-1-63555-278-2)

  Stroke of Fate by Renee Roman. Can Sean Moore live up to her reputation and save Jade Rivers from the stalker determined to end Jade’s career and, ultimately, her life? (978-1-63555-62-4)

  The Rise of the Resistance by Jackie D. The soul of America has been lost for almost a century. A few people may be the difference between a phoenix rising to save the masses or permanent destruction. (978-1-63555-259-1)

  The Sex Therapist Next Door by Meghan O’Brien. At the intersection of sex and intimacy, anything is possible. Even love. (978-1-63555-296-6)

  Unforgettable by Elle Spencer. When one night changes a lifetime… Two romance novellas from best-selling author Elle Spencer. (978-1-63555-429-8)

  Against All Odds by Kris Bryant, Maggie Cummings, M. Ullrich. Peyton and Tory escaped death once, but will they survive when Bradley’s determined to make his kill rate one hundred percent? (978-1-63555-193-8)

  Autumn’s Light by Aurora Rey. Casual hookups aren’t supposed to include romantic dinners and meeting the family. Can Mat Pero see beyond the heartbreak that led her to keep her worlds so separate, and will Graham Connor be waiting if she does? (978-1-63555-272-0)

  Breaking the Rules by Larkin Rose. When Virginia and Carmen are thrown together by an embarrassing mistake they find out their stubborn determination isn’t so heroic after all. (978-1-63555-261-4)

  Broad Awakening by Mickey Brent. In the sequel to Underwater Vibes, Hélène and Sylvie find ruts in their road to eternal bliss. (978-1-63555-270-6)

  Broken Vows by MJ Williamz. Sister Mary Margaret must reconcile her divided heart or risk losing a love that just might be heaven sent. (978-1-63555-022-1)

  Flesh and Gold by Ann Aptaker. Havana, 1952, where art thief and smuggler Cantor Gold dodges gangland bullets and mobsters’ schemes while she searches Havana’s steamy Red Light district for her kidnapped love. (978-1-63555-153-2)

  Isle of Broken Years by Jane Fletcher. Spanish noblewoman Catalina de Valasco is in peril, even before the pirates holding her for ransom sail into seas destined to become known as the Bermuda Triangle. (978-1-63555-175-4)

  Love Like This by Melissa Brayden. Hadley Cooper and Spencer Adair set out to take the fashion world by storm. If only they knew their hearts were about to be taken. (978-1-63555-018-4)

  Secrets On the Clock by Nicole Disney. Jenna and Danielle love their jobs helping endangered children, but that might not be enough to stop them from breaking the rules by falling in love. (978-1-63555-292-8)

  Unexpected Partners by Michelle Larkin. Dr. Chloe Maddox tries desperately to deny her attraction for Detective Dana Blake as they flee from a serial killer who’s hunting them both. (978-1-63555-203-4)

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