Blaze walked over to Caleigh and knelt too. “Someone very angry has been here.” She picked up a handful of boxes. “These are all for menopause symptoms, but this one says it increases energy.” She set that box aside and did the same with the rest as she read off their specialties. “Weight management, stress, restful sleep, I don’t see one for mood. I suspect that’s why this shelf is torn up.”
“May I help y’all with something?” an older woman asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Blaze said as she gazed up at her. “We’re looking for something for menopause.”
“Alcohol is in aisle two, fans in aisle six, stress squeeze balls are in aisle eight, and snacks are in aisles three and four,” the clerk replied. “Before you ask, we don’t sell weapons of any kind, not even pepper spray.”
“Wow,” Blaze said with a blank stare.
“We’re looking specifically for a medicine in a purple box that’s supposed to help with mood. Are you familiar with it?” Caleigh asked.
The clerk nodded. “Oh, yeah, it’s popular and hard to keep on the shelves. I wish it had been around when I was going through the change. It probably would’ve done me better than screaming and punching the couch cushions.” The clerk smiled sympathetically at Blaze as she took in her red shirt and green shorts. “Not even dressing up like Christmas helped, did it, honey?”
“It’s not for me, it’s for my sister,” Blaze said. “She’s not sleeping, and she’s going crazy.”
“I’ll go in the back and see if we have any more of the stuff you’re looking for,” the clerk said and walked away.
“Oh, my God, Blaze, what’s going to happen to us when our time comes?” Caleigh whispered as she set the boxes back on the shelf in order.
“I’m pretty sure it’s gonna involve compulsive stripping.” Blaze’s brow furrowed as she watched Caleigh straighten the boxes. “I’m two years younger than Ronnie, so that means I only have two years left before I go through the hormonal apocalypse. I need a squeeze ball.”
“Don’t think like that. No two women go through menopause the same way. Some unfortunate women get lambasted with all the symptoms, and some barely even notice the change.” Caleigh gave Blaze’s hand a squeeze. “Try not to worry about it now.”
“I have to confess I worry about everything. It’s my biggest fault, along with committing violent acts against lawn ornaments.”
“If those are your greatest faults, then you’re a saint in my book.” Caleigh smiled. “And if you really have the same breasts as Ronnie, sculptures should be made in your likeness and placed on a pedestal amongst those of Greek goddesses.”
“That was so random.” Blaze stared at Caleigh for a moment in shock, then burst out laughing.
Caleigh laughed too. “I looked. I couldn’t help it, they were just out there.”
The clerk returned and stared quizzically at the pair kneeling on the floor laughing. “Maybe you shouldn’t take my advice on the alcohol.” She held up two boxes. “You’re in luck. I found what you were looking for, and since you mentioned sleep problems, I brought you something I know personally that works.” She handed both boxes to Blaze.
“Thank you.” Blaze stood and read the name of the sleep aid aloud. “Happy Coma?”
“The name says it all,” the clerk said with a smile. “Your sister will sleep through night sweats and a marching band going through her bedroom. Can I help y’all find anything else?”
“No…thank you,” Blaze said as she read the label on the sleep aid.
“We really appreciate you taking the time to go to the storeroom for us,” Caleigh added.
The clerk smiled. “My pleasure and good luck.”
*******
Ronnie was slumped in one of the chairs when Blaze and Caleigh walked into the living room. She smiled wryly. “I’m fine, I really am. I’m so sorry I lost my mind.”
“No, don’t apologize. We got you a menopause first-aid kit.” Blaze took a ball from the bag she was holding and handed it to Ronnie. “That’s a squeeze ball, we got you six of them. You can squeeze them instead of Clint’s balls when you get frustrated.” She started handing Ronnie everything. “The foam bat is for bludgeoning, the stuff in the purple box is for multiple symptoms, and it’s supposed to chill you out. The blue box of sleeping pills is self-explanatory and were recommended by the woman at the drugstore. We also got you a bag of chocolates in case none of this stuff works.”
“Thank you,” Ronnie said somberly.
“If it makes you feel better, Caleigh thinks you have the breasts of a goddess,” Blaze added.
Chapter 13
Blaze peeked around the doorframe of her bedroom where Chantal was sitting on the bed talking to Ronnie. She stroked Ronnie’s hair and spoke softly to her. Ronnie looked like a child and seemed to be hanging on Chantal’s every word. Blaze crept down the hall and went into the kitchen where Caleigh was cleaning up. “Don’t do this.” Blaze tried to block Caleigh from loading the dishwasher. “I was supposed to be taking you out tonight, and here you are cleaning my kitchen.”
“I’m two forks away from being finished.” Caleigh smiled as she maneuvered around Blaze and dropped the silverware into the basket. “How’s Ronnie?”
“Chantal is tucking her into my bed, petting, and comforting. She’s being a mother,” Blaze whispered in awe.
Caleigh laid a hand over her heart. “Aw, that is so sweet. Ronnie needs a mom right now.”
“Yeah, I think that’s great, but I have one problem. I know you were planning to stay the night, and I was…hoping to sleep next to you. Ronnie’s got the big bed, and the only thing left is the daybed upstairs.”
“Sounds like I’ll be sleeping on top of you instead of beside you,” Caleigh said with a big grin. “Unless you’d rather I go—”
“No! I can be a very comfortable bed. I’ve got the goddess breasts and all, so don’t go home.” Blaze laughed as she leaned in to kiss Caleigh.
“She’s asleep—oh! Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude,” Chantal said when Blaze and Caleigh pulled away from each other quickly.
“You didn’t, that’s okay. Did she take one of those sleeping pills?” Caleigh asked.
“No, I didn’t think it was wise for her to take one tonight since she’d been drinking. I only had a few sips of the margarita she made, and I feel very relaxed. She drank quite a bit, so I feel she’ll sleep soundly,” Chantal said.
Blaze folded her arms. “I…uh…thank you for comforting her.”
“I was honored she let me.” Chantal smiled and cleared her throat. “I’m going to turn in now, I just wanted to say goodnight.”
“Are you okay?” Blaze waved a hand awkwardly at Chantal. “Your eye is really turning black now. Do you want an icepack or anything?”
Chantal smiled. “Thank you. No, I’m fine.” She backed her scooter through the doorway.
Caleigh waited until Chantal was out of sight and whispered, “You are very sweet, and you just really touched her. I know you saw the expression on her face.”
“I was just being polite, you know.” Blaze shrugged. “I chop the heads off lawn ornaments, but I can be nice when I need to.”
“You are so fucking adorable when you blush.”
Blaze backed away from Caleigh. “It’s warm in here. What you’re seeing is a heat flush.”
“No, you have the sweetest, biggest heart,” Caleigh argued with a grin and stepped toward Blaze every time she took a step back. “You may have a badass rep, but I see the real you, Blaze Sonnier.”
“I’m called the bitch-slap bunny for a reason.”
“Oh, I’ve got a serious problem,” Caleigh said with a sigh. “You turn me on when you’re sweet, and you turn me on when you’re a bad bunny.”
Blaze flipped the kitchen light off before she backed out of the doorway. “We should continue this conversation up in my bunny hutch.”
“Hop your ass on up those stairs.” Caleigh laughed when Blaze took off running, and she
followed.
Blaze burst through the door of her temporary bedroom and whirled around to face Caleigh. “Is this the most diabolical lair you’ve ever seen?”
Caleigh looked around the room with her brow raised as she took in some of the cartoon character appliqués still on the walls. “I didn’t exactly expect Sesame Street. I think I might be able to convince myself I’m not about to defile a day care,” she said slowly.
“Will this help?” Blaze took off her shirt and sports bra.
“Oh, massively.” Caleigh blew out an explosive breath and took a step toward Blaze with her eyes wide. “That is definitely goddess material. Turn off the light, I’m intimidated now.”
Blaze walked over to the switch and flipped it. She walked up behind Caleigh and wrapped her arms around her. “I’m going to adore everything you reveal to me,” she whispered against Caleigh’s ear before she nibbled it.
“Is there a lot of insulation between this floor and the ceiling downstairs?” Caleigh inhaled sharply and closed her eyes when Blaze grazed her teeth across the skin of her neck. “And how sturdy is that daybed?”
“We’re not directly over their rooms, so they won’t hear anything,” Blaze said with a smile as she pulled Caleigh’s shirt over her head. Her heart pounded as she released the clasp on Caleigh’s bra and slipped it off. She kissed the warm skin of Caleigh’s shoulders, breathing in the scent of her skin. “As for the daybed, we’re about to find out.”
Caleigh whirled around and pulled Blaze snugly against her. Blaze’s kiss made her forget about Ronnie and Chantal downstairs. She gasped when Blaze picked her up easily.
With Caleigh’s legs wrapped around her waist, Blaze moved slowly toward the bed, hoping she was going in the right direction. Caleigh’s kisses were disorienting. When the back of her legs met the bed, she sat slowly. “I have to admit something embarrassing,” she whispered between kisses. “I was trying to be sexy when I carried you to bed, but now I realize I can’t make any other moves.”
“I’m glad you brought that up. I’m afraid I’m gonna fall backward because I know you’re sitting on the edge of the bed. That’s why I’m wrapped around you like a squid.” Caleigh started laughing. “How’re we going to get out of this?”
Blaze laughed too. “I’ll stand up, but first, when I carried you, did you think that was kind of sexy?”
“Oh, yeah, surprising and sexy. I’m laughing, but I mean that. Wait,” Caleigh said quickly as Blaze moved to stand. “Just support me, and I’ll get off of you.” She straightened one leg, and her foot became tangled in something. “I…I think my foot is stuck in the railing.”
“Daybeds suck.” Blaze laughed harder and made Caleigh do the same as she tried to pull her foot free.
“It’s out,” Caleigh said between gales of laughter. “Just let me fall back but gently. Oh, shit.”
“I’ve got you.” Blaze stood with Caleigh wrapped around her and rested her forehead against Caleigh’s. “I don’t know where to put you now.”
“Let’s put the mattress on the floor, so we’ll have more room to move around.”
“Brilliant.” Blaze set Caleigh on her feet, then tore the comforter off the bed. She tossed the mattress onto the floor as though it was a pillow and inhaled sharply when Caleigh ran her hands over her stomach and into the waistband of her shorts from behind. “Caleigh, you take every hardship and make it into something great.”
“I haven’t considered anything we’ve done as a hardship.” Caleigh worked Blaze’s shorts down her thighs, and they fell at her feet. “Every second with you has been fun. I can even look back at the night we met and I had a tantrum in front of you as special.”
“Best night of my life.” Blaze breathed out heavily as she reached behind and felt the bare skin of Caleigh’s hip and realized she’d already taken her pants off.
Caleigh kept Blaze from turning toward her. “Step out of your shorts. I don’t want you to trip and fall.” She laughed as she kissed Blaze’s shoulder. “Unless you’re gonna do it on the mattress, flat on your back, arms and legs spread wide. That, I can work with. Oh, shit.” She laughed when she found herself lying on her back on the mattress. “You have to warn me when you’re gonna pick me…up.” Caleigh moaned louder than she meant to when Blaze stretched out on top of her and their bodies melded together.
Blaze wanted to express her rapidly growing affection for Caleigh, but passion ruled her when she felt the heat and softness of Caleigh’s body beneath her. Caleigh’s equal fervor forced all of Blaze’s gentle intentions to wait. Blaze was awash in physical sensations, and only one thought lingered in her mind. She was certain she’d finally met her match.
Cool air met Caleigh’s skin as Blaze worked her way down her body. For a few seconds, Caleigh marveled that she was chilled from the waist up as the AC vent above her blew directly on her. From the waist down where Blaze was showering her with kisses, she felt as though she was on fire. The first touch of Blaze’s tongue between her legs, she bit her lip to keep from vocalizing too loudly how good that felt. The sound of Caleigh’s ragged breathing filled the room and mingled with Blaze’s soft moans as she explored her most intimate places. When Blaze settled on one, Caleigh uttered, “Stay there,” shakily. Blaze obliged and slipped two fingers inside her. Caleigh felt as though electricity was gathering in her body, and the bolt of lightning that was preparing to strike would cause her to lose the tenuous grip she had on control. She was right.
Blaze felt and heard Caleigh’s orgasm, and the thrill it caused made her not care if Caleigh had woken anyone in the house or even on the block. She didn’t have any time to bask in what she’d caused. It seemed one moment part of Caleigh’s body was beneath her, and the next, Caleigh was beside her. “Oh” was all Blaze could say as she was rolled onto her back, and her head rested on the bottom of the mattress. She reached for anything she could grip tightly as Caleigh’s mouth closed over one of her nipples and her hand slipped between her legs.
The more Blaze writhed beneath her, the more excited Caleigh became. She bit gently into Blaze’s nipple and groaned when Blaze’s back arched off the floor. Caleigh was so focused on what she was doing, she didn’t realize she was grinding her knees into the carpet. Blaze’s soft cries and the hot wetness surrounding her fingers had every bit of her attention. Blaze eventually grew quiet, Caleigh clamped her eyes closed, and her sigh sounded like a whimper because she knew what was about to happen. Her cry matched Blaze’s when that moment of release came.
*******
Blaze awoke the next morning with her arms and legs entwined with Caleigh’s. They were on the opposite side of the room from the bed using the clothes she’d stacked along the wall as a pillow. The mattress was leaning against a wall, and Blaze frowned, wondering how it had gotten there. The air felt frigid, and her teeth chattered as she looked around for something she could cover herself and Caleigh with.
“Is your thermostat set on arctic?” Caleigh asked with her eyes still closed.
“I think Ronnie got ahold of it because normally it’s stuffy up here. I think I saw my breath when I said that. Do you want to take a tiny hot shower with me?”
Caleigh’s brow furrowed. “I’m trying to make sense of that question. Are you trying to tell me you have to pee?”
“I’m telling you the shower stall up here is tiny.”
“That’s a relief.” Caleigh opened her eyes and smiled. “Hey.”
“Hey,” Blaze replied with a smile.
“Yes, I would love to take a shower with you.”
Blaze raised her head slightly and looked around. “I think Ronnie put your bag in my room downstairs. I’ll go get it.” She smiled when Caleigh tightened her hold on her. “Want me to carry you with me?”
“Just that little bit of movement you made caused me to be colder. I’ll freeze to death if you leave. You’re trembling too. Let’s shower first.”
“It takes a little while for the water up here to get hot. We’re gonn
a untangle fast, I’m gonna cover you with clothes, and I’m gonna go turn on the shower.” Blaze laughed when Caleigh didn’t release her hold. “We’re gonna freeze to death if you don’t let me go.”
“All right.” Caleigh gasped when their bodies parted, and she curled into a ball as Blaze covered her in T-shirts.
“I’m gonna kill Ronnie for messing with my thermostat,” Blaze said as she ran into the bathroom.
Caleigh lay there for a moment shivering, then sat up. “Either you’re peeing or you have really bad water pressure.”
“Sorry. I know I should’ve turned the water on first and closed the door, but I really had to go.”
“I do too, but my bladder is frozen.” Caleigh stood and hugged herself as she looked around the room. “Why didn’t we sleep on the mattress?”
“I think we passed out wherever we landed,” Blaze said and flushed the toilet.
Caleigh headed for the bathroom when she heard the water turn on. When she walked in, Blaze had the shower running and she was washing her hands at the sink. She cocked her head. “You look like you have brush burns on your butt.”
“I do, and on my knees and elbows too.” Blaze turned and looked at Caleigh. “Oh, your poor knees.”
“They don’t hurt.” Caleigh looked down at the raw, red skin covering her kneecaps. “I really have to pee now.”
“I’ll get out and give you some privacy.”
“You’re worried about privacy after last night?” Caleigh asked incredulously. “Blaze, at one point, you had my ankles up around my ears. Get in the shower, you’re trembling. I’ll get in there with you in just a sec.”
Blaze stepped behind the shower curtain covered in yellow rubber duckies and hissed. “You’re gonna feel the carpet burns when you get in here.”
“Right now, I’m feeling a frozen toilet seat.” Caleigh looked at the things on Blaze’s vanity. “I’m gonna eat some of your toothpaste because my breath is rank. You want some?”
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