Beyond the Skyline

by Lise Gold

  “I’m sorry,” Sophie stammered. “I didn’t mean to upset him.”

  Mel held up a hand. “I’m really sorry too. We didn’t plan for that to happen. I don’t know… maybe we had too much to drink. Please apologize to Aldo from us and thank him for dinner.” She watched him disappear through the door leading into the nightclub. “I don’t think he wants to speak to us right now.” Rick shook his head, not in the least fazed by the events.

  “Yeah sure, no problem. He’ll come around. Wait… are you two leaving?” Sophie nodded.

  “Well just so you know, in my opinion, there’s no need to apologize, ladies. That was one of the sexiest displays I’ve seen in my lifetime.” He grinned. “Any chance I can come back to the hotel with you?” They stared at him in disbelief.

  “No, you can’t,” Sophie said. “But thank you so much for a lovely evening. It was great to meet you and we’ll take you out next time you’re in London. How’s that?” Rick looked disappointed but gave them both a drunken goodbye hug and promised to talk to Aldo.

  “Thank you for saving me in there,” Sophie said when they entered the hotel lobby. She was still blushing.

  “It was my pleasure,” Mel grinned. “I hope we didn’t upset your future husband too much.” Sophie shrugged.

  “It’s okay. He deserved it, the way he was behaving all night. I don’t think he’ll tell anyone; he’s far too proud for that.” She laughed nervously and lingered as they passed the bar.

  “Do we need to talk about this?” Mel nodded and climbed on one of the stools. Sophie took a seat next to her and leaned on the bar, cupping her forehead in her hands.

  “What the hell is happening, Mel? This thing we have… It's amazing, but as much as I want this, we really shouldn’t. We work together.” Sophie’s worried eyes met Mel’s. She tried to read her but all she saw was lust. Pure lust.

  “I know,” Mel agreed. “How do you think I feel? I'm still in my trial period. I'm in my first week. And I don't want you to think I make a habit of kissing people I work with. Because I've never done that before.” She paused and shook her head smiling. “I think the drinks might have had something to do with it. And those two assholes, of course, they needed to be put in their place.” Sophie giggled.

  “As you can probably guess, I don’t normally do this either. It’s also very unlike me not to care about what other people think of me. I have no idea why, but I really don’t give a shit about the fact that they saw it.” When Mel didn’t say anything, she looked down and took a deep breath before asking the question. “It was good, right? The kiss?” Mel nodded slowly without saying a word, her intense green eyes piercing through Sophie’s. A smile spread across her face.

  “I told you that you should give it a try, didn't I?” She cocked her head in a smug manner. “And in case you hadn’t noticed, it was just as good for me as it was for you and I’d probably do it again, even though it’s a really bad idea.” She hesitated, studying her trembling hands before continuing. “Look at me; I’m all nervous. It’s been a while since someone swept me off my feet, that’s for sure.” Sophie shot her a questioning look.

  “Really? But I though you had…”

  “Not like this, Sophie,” Mel interrupted her. “Not like this, with the butterflies and the craving and the all-consuming thoughts about getting you into bed.” She put a hand in front of her mouth. “Shit, did I just say that out loud?” Sophie giggled and her heart jumped at Mel’s confession. She felt the same craving and the same need to feel Mel’s body against hers. She could barely control her actions anymore.

  “What are you saying?” she asked. The unsteady voice that came out of her mouth barely sounded like her own. Mel leaned forward, resting her elbow on the shiny surface of the bar.

  “What I’m saying is…maybe we shouldn’t be so strict with ourselves. We’re both having a good time and we can keep this between us, right? We’re only here for one more night anyway. After that, it’s back to normal.” Sophie‘s insides did summersaults and she was unable to hide the excitement that spread across her face . She was so aware of her own body. She could feel every limb, every muscle, in a way she never had before.

  “Any drinks, ladies?” The bar manager held up two wine glasses. Mel got off the stool.

  “No, I think I'm good, thanks.” She smiled at him and took Sophie’s hand. “I'm going upstairs. You staying here?” Sophie shook her head and followed Mel into the lift.

  A bellboy jumped in with them, just before the doors closed, and they stood there in an awkward silence. Mel glanced at Sophie and held her gaze. She looked aroused. It made Sophie's heart jump with anticipation but she was also terrified. Mel got out on the thirteenth floor. She turned around before the doors closed.

  “You know my room number,” she said.

  21

  Sophie was shaking under the shower. She had never felt more confused and excited at the same time.

  ‘You know my room number,' was all Mel had said. Was it an invitation? Sophie knew the room number indeed. Room thirteen thirty-four. One floor beneath her. Is she having a shower too? Sophie imagined Mel rubbing soap over her full breasts, down to her stomach and she felt herself getting wet with desire. Will Mel expect me to come down? Is she waiting for me? Naked? She wanted nothing more than to see Mel naked but it was the most stupid thing she could do. They would be working together, and it could make things pretty awkward between them. And she was scared; there was that too. She stepped out of the shower and dried herself off, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair looked good when it was wet, and she ran her fingers through it. She felt sexy. Mel made her feel sexy. In a panic, she rooted around in her suitcase, searching for something suitable to wear. Not too dressy but certainly not too casual. It also had to be flattering and come off easy. She grinned at her own thoughts. Could she do this?

  Just as she was about to slip into a simple cotton dress, she heard a soft knock. She threw the hotel robe around her and walked towards the door with shaking knees.

  “It's me,” she heard Mel whisper. Sophie unlocked the door with a trembling hand, and Mel walked in, closing the door behind her. She was wearing a robe too. Drops of water from her recent shower were still glistening in her neck.

  “Hi,” she said in a soft voice. “I wasn't sure if you were coming and I couldn't stand waiting for another minute.” Sophie couldn't speak. The thick white robe was tied loosely around Mel's shapely waist, showing off a hint of cleavage where the droplets had gathered in a tiny pool between her breasts. She could see Mel’s chest heaving up and down. She looked nervous. Under her left eye was a smudge of mascara, a reminder of their evening out. Mel stepped forward, her face so close now that Sophie could feel her breath. Her heart was racing at what felt like a million beats per minute.

  “I didn't mean to scare you, barging in like this,” Mel said. “And we don't have to do anything you don't want to do. But the kiss we shared tonight has been playing over and over in my mind since we left the bar. It was good. Actually no, it was incredible. I just…” She shuffled nervously from one foot to the other. “I just really want to kiss you again before I go to sleep. Just one more time.” Sophie nodded slowly.

  “Yeah. Same here,” she said. “I want to kiss you too.” She kept her eyes on Mel’s mouth. It was a perfect mouth, and Sophie had never experienced such an urge to kiss someone. She leaned in, carefully placed her lips on Mel's bottom lip and sighed. The kiss felt even more now, without the loud music and the crowd around them. It was quiet and intimate, and Sophie’s senses seemed to be picking up on every move, scent, and sound. Mel tasted like cocktails and mints, and when Sophie parted her lips, she felt an overwhelming craving for more. She moaned when Mel deepened the kiss, sinking into a pool of sexual desire. Encouraged by Sophie's approval, Mel pulled her in closer and wrapped her arms around her neck and waist. She plunged her tongue into Sophie’s mouth, and Sophie felt herself getting wet and wild with hunger. She sunk her hands int
o Mel's thick hair and pushed her against the wall. She could feel a smile forming on Mel's lips by the way they tightened against hers.

  “Told you that you would like it,” she whispered again when Sophie pulled away. Sophie was breathing fast, trying to think. It didn’t make any sense. She wasn’t supposed to be attracted to Mel. She was supposed to ease her into her job, help her with her fittings, sit through some dinners with forced conversation and then fly back to London mildly irritated that she wasn’t Maggie. Not this. Not kissing this woman half naked in her hotel room. A woman for God’s sake. She shook her head and took a step back. Mel noticed the hesitation and held up her hands.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “Maybe it’s better if I go now.” Sophie sighed in relief but as soon as Mel turned towards the door, she panicked. She didn’t want her to go. No one had made her feel this good by just kissing her, and now it was a force she couldn’t deny anymore. Before she had the chance to change her mind, she grabbed Mel’s wrist and pulled her back. Mel seemed surprised by her action as she turned back slowly, studying Sophie’s face for an explanation. Although Sophie couldn’t give her one, she leaned in close to Mel’s face again.

  “I want you,” she whispered. Mel said nothing for a couple of seconds before she nodded and kissed her again, carefully.

  “Then let me touch you,” she said. “And don’t be scared. It’s only me.” She untied Sophie’s robe and let it fall open. Sophie shivered when her hands slipped inside, exploring her waist and her back. Mel’s hands were soft and gentle, her fingertips dancing over her skin like magic markers, leaving a trail of ecstasy. Sophie could still feel the sensation everywhere they had been as they moved up towards her shoulder blades.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful,” Mel said softly, her mouth against her lips. Sophie closed her eyes for a brief moment, still trying to process what was happening. She felt the hands move to the front of her body, and her legs almost gave way underneath her as they moved over her breasts, two thumbs caressing her nipples. She gasped, and Mel calmed her down with another careful kiss, pulling her hands away.

  “Are you okay?” Sophie nodded. Her own hands were shaking as she untied Mel’s robe. Just like her, Mel was naked underneath it, and Sophie stared at the flawless caramel-coloured skin and the perfect full breasts that were exposed now. Her hands gained a life of their own as she finally reached out to explore Mel’s body. She moaned into Mel’s mouth, feeling the firm shape and the hard nipples against her fingertips. She was nervous, her hands lingering as they moved down, tracing her hip bones. Mel noticed her hesitation and turned them around, so Sophie was now standing with her back against the wall, her whole body trembling uncontrollably. She opened her own robe again and pressed her body against Sophie’s. Sophie sighed. It felt warm and soft and so right. Her insides were dancing. Is this what insanity feels like? By now, she had lost all control over her thoughts and had stopped analyzing her actions. It was simply too good to think about. She could feel her own wetness between her legs when Mel placed a thigh between hers. It was warm and firm, leaning against her. She wrapped an arm around Mel’s waist and moved her other hand down to her round, perky bottom, pulling her in even closer. She was afraid she might have an orgasm right there and then, the way her pulsating center reacted to the press of Mel’s thigh. She wanted her. She wanted her hands, her mouth… Then she felt fingers tracing her inner thigh upwards so slow; it left her in agony. The touch of Mel’s hand was soft, but it felt like a bullet when it slipped between her legs.

  “Oh God,’ she moaned when Mel’s fingers suddenly pressed against her clit. Her vision became blurry, and she buckled when Mel pushed harder, opening her up.

  “Does that feel good?” she whispered, smiling. Sophie was unable to answer as the fingers that entered her sent her into an immediate climax she knew she would remember for years to come. Waves of ecstasy washed over her, touching every nerve-end, and she shook helplessly, only held up straight by Mel’s arm around her waist. Mel slowly pushed her fingers further with a smug look on her face, making circles with her palm until Sophie finally opened her eyes and looked straight into hers.

  “And?” Mel said, now grinning from ear to ear. Sophie panted heavily, steadying herself against the wall.

  “Wow,” she whispered. “I had no idea anyone could do this to me.” Mel laughed.

  “And I had no idea you were so into this.” She planted her forehead against Sophie’s, resting it there. “I’m sorry it was so fast, I couldn’t help myself.” She stroked Sophie’s face. “I’ll make it up to you if you let me stay tonight. Three minutes aren’t nearly enough to show you how good it can be.” Sophie smiled and sighed. She felt a sense of freedom and relief that was hard to describe. Her nervousness was gone, and all that was left was a screaming curiosity and a raging thirst for more. Her hands reached out to touch Mel’s body as she kissed her again, hungrily. Mel moaned softly when she reached her hips and her thighs, stroking inwards towards her center. Then she pulled out of the kiss. She took a couple of steps backward, dropped her gown to the floor and fell onto the bed, daring Sophie to follow. Sophie didn’t need any encouragement. She took off her own dressing gown and lowered herself on top of Mel. They both sighed at the contact and Sophie sank deep into their kiss and Mel’s soft, feminine body underneath her. She was eager to touch her, to taste her and to own her but she wanted to take it slow. She wanted to remember this for the rest of her life. Every single second. She nestled a leg between Mel’s and could feel how wet she was. It made her want her even more, and she moved down, kissing her neck and her breasts. Mel closed her eyes and exhaled, throwing her head back.

  “You’re doing great already,” she whispered. “Don’t stop. Just do whatever you want to do to me.” She listened to the sound of Mel moaning and her ragged breathing while she parted her lips and took a hard, dark nipple into her mouth. Mel arched her back and cursed when she licked it carefully. Sophie was amazed by how sensitive her breasts were. She took the other nipple into her mouth and pushed her center against Mel’s. It drew another loud cry from Mel’s mouth. It was a beautiful sound, and Sophie wanted to make her scream. She kissed and licked her way down to Mel’s belly, making sure she didn’t miss a single inch of the delicious skin against her mouth. Mel was smooth and firm, yet she had feminine curves in all the right places. Sophie had never admired a man’s body like this, and she finally understood why. Mel was perfect. Although she had stopped thinking about what she was doing, everything she had doubted in the past fell into place naturally as she caressed Mel’s stomach and her hips, listening to the sounds of pleasure that came from deep within her. Mel opened her legs when she got down to the strip of dark hair between her thighs, giving her a view of her pulsating center. Sophie felt a flash of heat between her legs, which only grew stronger when she finally traced Mel’s sex with her tongue for the first time. She’d had no expectations, and she certainly hadn’t anticipated that she would love the taste of her so much. She slowly moved her tongue in circles, kissing her and stroking her thighs. They both moaned as she took her clit into her mouth and sucked it gently until Mel started to buckle underneath her. Sophie’s heart skipped a beat. Could I really make her come? Sophie wanted to see her face. She kissed her way back up and let her fingers slide through Mel’s sex, listening to her accelerated breathing. Mel’s eyes were closed, her eyelashes fluttering, and the long, wet hair was spread around her face. She was biting her own knuckle to stop herself from being too loud. Sophie gasped at the sight and slowly entered her with two fingers while she lowered herself on top of her. Mel opened her eyes when she sensed Sophie’s mouth close to hers.

  “That’s so good. That’s fucking amazing,” she whispered. “Fuck me, Sophie. I want you to make me come.” Sophie felt beyond herself and pushed her fingers deeper, slowly penetrating her as she kissed her neck and her cheeks and finally her mouth. She felt Mel’s thighs tighten against her own hips.

  “Yes,” Mel shouted,
guiding her hand and pushing it against her clit. Then there was a long, loud moan followed by heavy breathing and silence. Tiny drops of sweat had formed on Mel’s forehead and in her neck. She looked up at Sophie with a mixture of surprise and relief, and Sophie had to blink twice to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Grinning from ear to ear, she wondered who would have gotten more pleasure out of it because she could do this all night long, every single day. She laughed out loud, and Mel laughed too.

  “Damn,” Mel smiled. “That was awesome. I need to step up my game now, or you might think I’m a total loser.” She licked her lips in a way that made Sophie weak throughout her whole body.

  “God, you’re sexy,” Sophie said. “I’ve been longing to touch you for days and you certainly didn’t make it easy for me, looking the way you do.” Mel kissed her, tracing Sophie’s mouth with the tip of her tongue.

  “If only you knew what’s been going through my mind this week,” she whispered. “Just so you know, I have no plans of going back to my room tonight. I’m staying right here, and I’m going to do all the things to you that I’ve been fantasizing about.” She pushed Sophie over and rolled on top of her. Sophie moaned when she felt Mel’s weight on her like a warm blanket. She was too turned on to speak, and so she closed her eyes while Mel placed her hands over her head on the pillow. She held them down with a firm grip and used her other hand to caress her face.

  “I love your face,” she whispered.

  “You do?” Mel laughed.

  “Haven’t you noticed how I’ve been looking at you?” Sophie lifted her head and brushed her lips against Mel’s.

  “I did think you were a bit flirtatious,” Sophie mumbled against her mouth. “But I didn’t know you. A lot of people are naturally flirtatious. It wasn’t until we were squashed in the MTR together that I started to realize you might want something more from me than just help with your tech packs.” Mel smiled and licked her lips before kissing her slowly. When their tongues met again, Sophie moaned and pulled her in closer to deepen the kiss, tightening her thighs around Mel’s hips. She needed to feel her as close as she possibly could. Mel responded by thrusting into her center. She traced Sophie’s breast with her free hand and slowly licked her way down her neck. By the time she reached her belly and let go of Sophie’s wrists, Sophie was swimming in pleasure and anticipation. She closed her eyes and sunk her fingers into the curly hair that tickled her skin. When she felt Mel’s hot breath between her legs, she gasped. It hit her like lightning, and she screamed out when she felt a warm tongue slide down, exploring her most intimate of places. The sensation was almost too much to bear. She arched her back instinctively, grabbing the pillow beneath her head with both hands. Mel was good. Really good. Sophie spread her legs and moaned when Mel‘s tongue entered her before slowly gliding up towards her clit. She started to tremble again, and her breathing became more rigid with every second that passed. Mel made her way back up and traced her neck and her chin back to her mouth with her tongue.