Threads of the Heart

by Jeannie Levig

  Sammi loosened her hold but didn’t release her. “I’m sorry.” She panted. “I didn’t mean to get so carried away.”

  “Oh, my God,” Eve said, still breathless. “That was incredible. I need a minute.”

  Sammi smiled. “Yeah, it was.” She shifted around and settled behind Eve, easing her back against her. “You’re incredible,” she whispered in Eve’s ear.

  The sensation of Sammi’s breasts like pillows against her back, and her thighs pressed around her hips, kept Eve’s mind racing with thoughts of possibilities, and her body surging with arousal. She put her hands over Sammi’s and leaned her head back against Sammi’s shoulder. “I’ve never felt anything like this before.”

  “I know. It’s something else, isn’t it? The feel of a woman is like nothing I’d ever experienced either. But now that it’s you…wow.”

  Eve wondered if that were true for her, too. Was the power of what she was feeling, her responses, just from the experience of being with a woman, or was it intensified because she really did feel a connection with Sammi? She guessed it was both, but how would she know for sure, or did it even matter? She just knew it felt so very right.

  Sammi ran the tip of her tongue down the nape of Eve’s neck.

  Eve moaned and went weak. She tightened her thighs, feeling a flood of wetness between them. Could she take Sammi up to her bedroom without being noticed? She imagined Sammi on top of her, running that tongue between her breasts, around a nipple. As the vision became clear in her mind, she gasped.

  Sammi caressed the curve of Eve’s shoulder with her soft lips.

  Eve wanted this woman, wanted Sammi’s mouth on her breasts, parting her wet folds. But then what? Then…it would be Eve’s turn. It would be time for her to reciprocate. Then what would she do? Her eyes snapped open, and she tensed. She didn’t know how.

  Sammi lifted her head and looked at her. “Are you okay?”

  Eve sat forward to catch her breath. She nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little overheated.” She laughed. The need in her body raged against the fear in her mind. “Sammi,” she said, “you feel so good, and I really want more, but I don’t think I’m ready.”

  Sammi offered a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push—”

  “Oh. Please. Don’t be sorry. I really want it. I just need more time.” She shifted to face her and ran a fingertip across Sammi’s lips.

  Sammi kissed it. “Of course. The ball’s in your court. We’ll wait as long as you need to.”

  Even as she relaxed a little, Eve felt conflicted. What she really wanted was to create the reality of the picture she’d seen in her head—Sammi in her bed, Sammi touching, kissing, fondling her, Sammi bringing her to orgasm. Once again, the uncertainty of what would happen next shattered the fantasy. Dusty’s words returned to her. These things have their own movement, their own momentum. All you have to do is go along with it. She wished she could, but she couldn’t. She had to know more first. She traced Sammi’s lips one more time then lowered her gaze. “Would it be too much for you to just hold me for a while? You know, like you were.”

  Tenderness shone in Sammi’s eyes. “That’d be nice,” she said.

  Eve turned around and settled against her again. Aware of the heat of Sammi’s body, of her own arousal, and wondering just how aroused Sammi was as well, she decided to simply experience the moment, the feel of it.

  Sammi wrapped her arms around Eve and sighed.

  Eve felt the gentle breath touch her cheek. Everything about Sammi was soft, tantalizing. She definitely wanted more, more of what she’d already had and still more than that. She remembered the books in her room and set an intention to study. For now, though, she had to get her mind on something else.

  She let her attention roam over the partiers in the backyard and those she could see through the windows. In the kitchen, she saw Addison and Maggie in their pirate and wench costumes refilling an empty tray. They talked as they worked and seemed to be enjoying one another’s company tonight. She’d noticed since she’d moved in that wasn’t always the case. Dusty, in her Boo Radley costume—Eve had to giggle inwardly in spite of herself—stood by the buffet in the dining room, chatting with a group of women. Eve suspected that many of them probably knew it was Dusty peeking through the slotted mini blinds and might be hoping for something more with her at the end of the evening. Eve also knew, though, that none of them had much of a chance. As she followed the trajectory of Dusty’s body language, she confirmed that Dusty’s only real interest was Tess, who stood at the other end of the living room, talking with a woman in an Elizabethan lady’s dress. Was that JoAnn? Eve could understand Dusty’s focus. Tess looked stunning, and from this vantage point, Eve could see just how many others thought so, too.

  Another woman drew Eve’s attention, though—a beautiful blonde in the sexiest vampire outfit Eve had ever seen. Her stare lingered. She would bet her life savings that that woman had no insecurities about how to please a female lover. She became aware, once again, of the need pent up in her body, of Sammi’s embrace, her closeness. The excitement from their kiss and the delicious fantasy that still hovered in her mind rushed back in to claim her. She had to get control. She sat up. “Okay, I’m ready to hear ‘American Pie.’ Are you ready to sing to me?”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Addison finished rinsing out the kitchen sink and sighed. This Halloween party certainly was different from any of the others she and Maggie had thrown. She’d never fully realized how much work the catering crew did for these evenings. She intended to tip them even more generously come the annual Christmas party. As she grabbed a dish towel, she eased back against the counter and dried her hands.

  She’d been in the kitchen or serving all evening so far and had little opportunity to socialize. Now, listening to the music, voices, and laughter filtering in from the other rooms and the open window, she remembered yet another of Dusty’s quotes from her friend Rebecca. We’re always exactly where we want to be, doing exactly what we want to do, whether or not we realize it at the time. Addison glanced out the window to where Rebecca sat at the patio table, laughing with a group of guests, and her partner, Jessica, leaning on the back of the chair and stroking Rebecca’s hair. Addison had to admit that Rebecca was usually right. Maybe she was right about this, too. With everything going on between herself and Victoria—her guilt, her lack of control, the feeling that she was losing her mind as well as possibly the most important things in her life if she couldn’t get a grip on herself—she didn’t really feel like socializing tonight. So, here she stood in the kitchen.

  She’d been with Victoria five times since that day in her office less than two weeks earlier, including the better part of the previous weekend while Maggie was supporting Pete and Ricardo through a rough couple of days. Even with all that, being with Victoria again was all she could think about. She was up in the Bay Area this weekend—something to do with hiring new staff—a fact for which Addison was eternally grateful ultimately, but even in her absence, the thought of her expert hands, full and supple lips, skilled tongue, and her tantalizing curves, kept Addison completely consumed with desire.

  As her body responded to the thoughts, her gaze landed on Maggie. The now so very familiar pangs of guilt twisted through her. She wondered if they’d actually become a part of the arousal itself.

  Hey, lover. She heard Victoria’s sultry whisper in her mind. Instant need throbbed between her thighs. She squeezed her eyes shut. She felt her hand move from the edge of the counter toward the fly of her pirate costume. She caught herself. She wanted to touch herself, the way Victoria made her do while she begged for Victoria’s strokes instead.

  Go on, the voice in her head teased, now a murmur just above the whisper. It’ll be hot with all these people around.

  A soft moan rose in Addison’s throat as she remembered the night she and Victoria had gone to a small, dimly lit restaurant and Victoria brought Addison to orgasm with her oh-so-experie
nced fingers while they sat at the table waiting for their meals. It’d felt so dangerous. It’d been so very hot. The pulse of her building desire pounded harder at the memory. She had to get some release. She opened her eyes and took a step toward the back entrance to the kitchen. She froze.

  Victoria stood against the cabinets, a salacious curve to her delicious lips, amusement shimmering in her eyes. “Come on, lover. I know what you need.”

  Addison felt herself pale. Her worlds collided. Her needs, desires, wants, warred within her. She glanced out the other doorway at Maggie still chatting and laughing, then back to Victoria, a seductive vampiress clearly looking for prey. In any other circumstance, Addison would’ve dropped to her knees and given herself, but this was too much. Her mortal life she might’ve offered in exchange for the release she craved, but her life here in this house—her life with Maggie? “What are you doing here?” she whispered.

  Victoria’s smile broadened. “I was invited. Remember? You were there.”

  “But you said—”

  “I realized it’s my manager’s job to hire waiters.” Victoria grabbed Addison’s hand and pulled her across the short distance between them. “I don’t want to talk about it. I like what you were thinking.” She pressed her fingertips to the apex of Addison’s thighs.

  Addison gasped in both arousal and in fear. “Not here.” The words came out in a hiss.

  “Then take me someplace where I can.” Victoria began a slow massage.

  Addison’s knees went weak. She grabbed her wrist. “Not here. Not in this house.” She moved forward, pushing Victoria back so they were no longer visible from the dining and living rooms. They stood in a nook of the hallway just outside the bathroom.

  Victoria slipped her fingers between Addison’s thighs and leaned closer, her lips closing in on Addison’s with the bearing of someone who hadn’t heard a word.

  “Victoria, no.” Addison eased her back more. They broke contact.

  Footsteps sounded on the teak floor, and a smiling Snow White passed them and went into the bathroom.

  Addison gave her a polite nod, grateful she didn’t know her. When the door closed, she grasped Victoria’s arm and pulled her across the hall into Maggie’s darkened office. Before either one could say anything, a low moan sounded from the corner, then a giggle. Two women emerged into the pool of light shining through the doorway.

  Addison’s florist, Monica, blushed. “Sorry,” she said. “This is Jen, my new girlfriend I told you about. We’re still in that glorious can’t-keep-our-hands-off-each-other stage. Jen, this is Addison, our other hostess.”

  They exchanged pleasantries, all the while with Addison’s awareness acutely honed in on Victoria. She flipped on the light. “This is Victoria, a client of mine. I was just giving her a tour of the house.”

  Victoria smiled and shook hands with the women.

  The four of them made their way back into the hall and toward the entryway.

  “We’re really sorry, Addison,” Monica said, her face flushed once again.

  “No problem. I’m glad you’re enjoying each other.” Addison envied them the luxury of being able to do it without guilt. She smiled, thankful to be back out in the mix of her guests. She knew Victoria wouldn’t do anything in the middle of the party. Would she?

  As Monica and Jen moved away, Victoria grinned. “I like the idea of a tour of your house,” she said. “I’ve seen everything downstairs. What’s up here?” She danced up the first few steps.

  “That’s not funny. Come back down,” Addison said, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed.

  “But I really want to see. Your house is so beautiful.” Victoria edged up two more steps, out of reach.

  Addison’s throat closed. She shut her eyes. “Victoria, please.”

  “Mmm. You know what begging does to me.”

  Addison flinched, her eyes snapping open. She had to get Victoria out of here. With feigned nonchalance, she moved toward the stairs.

  Victoria turned and strode up to the second floor.

  Addison’s heart pounded. Victoria was playing her. Should she just let her go? What if Maggie found her wandering around up there, though? How would Victoria explain it? There was the other bathroom that was used by those who were more familiar with the house, Tess’s bathroom, but what about the third floor? What if Victoria ended up there? Addison grimaced and hurried after her.

  As Addison rounded the top of the railing, Victoria’s arms slid around Addison’s neck, and she kissed her full on the mouth. She snaked her tongue adeptly between Addison’s lips.

  Addison grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away. “Will you stop it?” she said, her voice almost a growl. She held her at arm’s length.

  Victoria smiled and softened in Addison’s grasp. “You’re not having fun?”

  Addison sighed, a deep, exasperated sigh. “No, I’m not.”

  Victoria studied her. “I’m sorry. This must be difficult for you, having me here where you live with Maggie.”

  Finally feeling like Victoria was listening, Addison relaxed. “It is. So could we please go back to the party? And could you just mingle with the other guests?”

  “Of course, baby. I’m sorry.”

  Addison stepped back to the top of the stairs and gestured for Victoria to go first. Her heartbeat began to slow. Her body still ached with desire, but at least her tension and fear were diminishing. She just needed to make it a little longer and everyone, including Victoria, would be heading home. Maybe she could convince Victoria to leave now. She opened her mouth to make the suggestion.

  Once again out of Addison’s reach, Victoria grinned. “What’s up there?” she asked, darting across the corridor to the flight of steps leading to the third floor.

  Before Addison could react, she saw Maggie round the corner below. She stiffened.

  “There you are, dawtie.” Her smile radiated with her inherent warmth. “What would you be doin’ up there?”

  Addison’s mind raced. “I just have to use the bathroom. I thought I’d leave the one down there open.” She was getting way to good at this lying thing.

  “Okay, luv, but hurry. People are startin’ to leave and wantin’ to say good-bye.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  Still smiling, Maggie moved into the living room.

  Addison returned her attention to Victoria just in time to see her dash up the steps. She swore and followed. She reached the top landing as Victoria stepped through the double doors of the master suite.

  Victoria let out a low whistle. “Very nice, daw-tie.” She drew out the endearment in mocking exaggeration.

  Anger flared through Addison. She was surprised to realize how much she hated Victoria knowing anything intimate about herself and Maggie. She wanted her out of their bedroom. “Come on, let’s go,” she said, her voice hard.

  “Ooooh, I like that. You’re so forceful.”

  “I mean it.”

  “Come here and show me how much you mean it.” A teasing glint flashed in Victoria’s eyes. She backed further into the room. As she swayed, one leg slipped from the long slit in the skirt of her costume, revealing smooth skin all the way to her upper thigh.

  Addison’s abdomen clenched. Her breath came fast. She knew this sudden surge wasn’t simply a response to the bare flesh. It was the whole package—the seductress, yes, but also the teasing, the risk, even her own anger, her desire to control Victoria, to put her in her place. She strode forward as Victoria continued backing away until Victoria’s shoulders pressed against the armoire on the opposite wall.

  Victoria grinned as Addison approached, a dark, dangerous flame smoldering in her gaze. She grabbed the front of Addison’s shirt and spun them both around, slamming Addison against the wooden cabinet. She took Addison’s mouth in a bruising kiss.

  A part of Addison wanted to fight, wanted to push Victoria off her and out of her bedroom, out of her house, but her need raged, consuming all her willpower. Her anger
and desire intertwined, combining to create something new, something dark. She surrendered to its force. She gripped Victoria’s hips, flipped her around, and pinned her. She found the slit in Victoria’s skirt, tore away the black lace panties, and sank her fingers deep into Victoria’s center.

  Victoria cried out and opened herself to Addison’s thrusts.

  *

  After saying good night to Rebecca and Jessica and seeing them out onto the stoop, Maggie stood just inside the front room, watching Sammi sing the many verses of “American Pie.” The girl not only knew all the lyrics flawlessly, but she also performed them with accompanying expressions and gestures that entertained the entire room. Those who weren’t dancing on the folding wooden floor that covered the carpet for the evening sang along and cheered her on, but Sammi clearly sang only for Eve. Maggie smiled. Young love.

  As Sammi continued, Eve simply watched. She appeared to be beyond the dancing, far past the amusement. Her shining eyes and beaming features held the fresh and tender sprouts of budding romance. In contrast to the first day Maggie had met her, she seemed completely at peace with her new knowledge of herself.

  A hand rubbed Maggie’s shoulder, drawing her attention.

  “We’re going to take off,” Monica said, her arm around Jen. “Thank you so much. We had a great time. You and Addison are such a gift to give these parties every year for all of us.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s always our pleasure. If you wait just a second, Addison should be down.” Maggie gestured toward the stairs.

  “Oh, that’s okay. She was still on the first floor of the tour when we saw her. She might be a while.” Monica glanced to Jen. “We want to get home.”

  “Tour?”

  “Uh-huh, she was giving one of her clients a tour of your house.” Monica’s answer was distracted.