“Enough!” Celeste said, raising her hand. Beginning to feel more than a little queasy, she swallowed hard.
Sophie looked at her sister then stood. “I’m going for more cigarettes. Do you want anything?”
Celeste shook her head. She watched Sophie walk away. She looked up at the night sky and soon fell asleep.
Drops of light rain fell on Celeste’s face. Sitting up, she groaned and held her head. Feeling woozy, she tried to organize her thoughts, but the rain began to fall heavily. Standing, she ran to the summerhouse. Once inside, she loosened her wet clothes and rummaged around for a towel. Finding one, she threw it over her head and began drying her hair.
Chapter 17
As a mother of two, normally Amy would be asleep before her head hit the pillow, but unable to forget the incident with Celeste, she had found it almost impossible to sleep, tossing and turning each night. Tonight, too restless to even try, she decided she needed a late night walk to tire her out, only to get caught in the sudden downpour.
Stumbling through the door to the summerhouse, soaking wet, Amy grinned, enjoying that unique sense of exhilaration that only rain can bring. She closed the door and ran her fingers through her hair, immediately feeling her mood lighten. Turning, she jumped in shock when she saw Celeste, bent over loosening a lace on one of her sneakers.
Startled, Celeste looked up at Amy. Trying to stand, her watchstrap caught her lace. Shaking her arm, she tried to release it but lost her balance.
Transfixed, Amy watched Celeste teeter and fall, all tangled up, Celeste spread across the rug.
Rushing to her rescue, Amy asked, “Are you okay?”
“What do you think?”
Amy tried not to laugh. Seeing the normally cool, calm Celeste thrash around the room and fall flat on her arse was priceless.
Celeste glared up at Amy. “It isn’t funny!”
Helping her untangle her watch from her shoelace, Amy replied soothingly, “I know. It was just so…unexpected.”
Once free, Celeste shot up. The speed of her action caused Amy to stagger back and fall against the wall. The air rushed from her lungs when Celeste’s full weight fell against her.
Celeste took advantage of her position. Leaning back, only slightly, she positioned her hands on either side of Amy’s head, trapping her. She looked Amy over carefully then fixed her with a gaze. Hiccupping, she pouted her bottom lip.
Amy struggled to stop the laughter that was bubbling out of her. Eventually gaining some control, she looked directly into Celeste’s frowning face. Clearing her throat, she tried to look serious. She inspected the light swelling where Celeste had hit her head. It was evident from the reddening on her temple that she would have a mark tomorrow. Gently, as if talking to one of her sons, Amy said, “You’ll have a wee mark tomorrow, but nothing to worry about.”
Celeste gave Amy a lazy smile. “What are you doing here?”
Suddenly aware of how close they were, Amy straightened and, placing her hands against Celeste’s shoulders, tried to push her away. Instead of moving, Celeste astonished her by pressing her gently against the wall.
Looking into troubled blue eyes, Celeste grasped Amy’s right hip.
Surprised, Amy exhaled sharply then sucked in air when Celeste ran her hand down the side of her wet denim cutoffs.
Looking intently at her Celeste whispered, “Do you remember that night in your apartment?”
Speechless, Amy stared into Celeste’s eyes.
Celeste leaned in. Amy felt her hot breath on her ear. “I do.”
The hairs on the back of Amy’s neck stood.
Hesitating briefly, Celeste let her fingers trail down Amy’s bare thigh, then slowly back up, stopping only when she reached the hem of Amy’s cutoffs. Making eye contact, her hand slid further up her thigh. “In fact, I’ve never managed to get it out of my mind.”
Amy closed her eyes and swallowed hard. Her eyes flew open and widened in shock when Celeste’s fingers began an exploratory journey up and down the length of her thigh, climbing higher each time.
“When I look at you,” Celeste whispered, “I want to see my brother’s wife, but I don’t. All I see is someone I want.”
Amy caught her ragged breath; Celeste was stroking the top of her inner thigh.
Breathing heavily, Celeste leaned her head gently on Amy’s. “I know it’s selfish,” she said, lifting her head when her hand reached its target. “I know who you are and I shouldn’t touch you like this, but I’m finding it harder to fight this.”
Groaning, Amy involuntarily pushed her hips forward. Dismayed by her body’s betrayal and attempting to fight her growing desire, she pleaded, “Celeste. I’m begging you—”
“Begging me to what?” Celeste asked, studying Amy intently. “To stop?” She lowered her dark lashes. “It doesn’t feel like you want me to stop.”
Ashamed by the extent of her arousal, Amy’s face suffused with color.
Celeste started the slow trail again. Looking deeply into Amy’s eyes, she brushed her lips over her mouth. “I know that tomorrow we’ll want to deny this ever happened,” she said throatily. “But not tonight, Amy,” she whispered.
Lifting Amy’s T-shirt, Celeste stroked her stomach.
Amy’s nipples stiffened in response. Closing her eyes briefly, she shivered with pleasure.
Celeste brushed her lips over Amy’s mouth again then asked with a note of vulnerability, “Do you want me?”
Amy’s stomach flipped, her insides tightened, a bolt of desire shot down her spine, but she said nothing. A shock of electricity ran through her when Celeste kissed her. She swallowed visibly when the brunette slowly withdrew her hands and pulled away.
Fire swept through her veins. Unable to hold back any longer, Amy surrendered. Shaking heavily, she ran her tongue over her lips before hungrily reaching for Celeste. “Do I want you,” she replied huskily as she gripped Celeste’s arms and pulled her close. “I want you so badly.” She swallowed. “I want you more than anything!”
Never breaking eye contact, and wanting to rip away anything that was between them, Celeste quickly undid the top button of Amy’s cutoffs. Loosening the rest, she pushed the denim over her hips and down her thighs. They dropped to the floor.
Impatiently, Celeste kicked the shorts out of the way. Placing a hand against the wall, she slipped the other between Amy’s thighs, urgently seeking her warmth.
Amy groaned and arched into Celeste. “Oh God.”
Celeste moaned loudly, Amy was so wet. She wanted nothing more than to consume her. Her desire for Amy was so overwhelming that Celeste recognized she needed this, like she needed to breathe.
Her thigh muscles shaking, Amy’s breath was coming in short bursts. Celeste, Celeste, Celeste. Her mind could form no other words.
Celeste stroked Amy in small circles.
“Yes!”Amy croaked. She placed her hands on Celeste’s shoulders and rocked her hips to relieve the increasing pressure. “More!” she groaned, spreading her legs. “Inside,” she begged. “Please. Go inside me.”
Celeste slowly pushed inside her. She caught her breath when Amy’s lips brushed over her neck.
A groan left Celeste’s throat. She pressed against Amy’s clit and increased speed. Placing her lips gently at the base of Amy’s neck, she bit.
Amy’s hips surged forward and she cried out, “Yessssss!”
Celeste closed her eyes and worked Amy until her hips surged forward one final time.
A deep groan left Celeste’s mouth. On fire, she instinctively took Amy’s hand and placed it between her thighs. Holding it tight, and still inside Amy, she moved against her. Already driven over the edge with Amy’s repeated moans, within seconds, she came.
Breathing heavily, Amy tried to move, but Celeste, catching her own breath, pushed Amy’s shoulder firmly against the wall. Shaking her head, she made it clear that they weren’t going anywhere. Celeste faced the truth: her desire for this woman was beyond anything she ha
d ever experienced.
“Celeste, I—”
“Shhh,” she whispered, kissing Amy’s neck.
Celeste wondered what the connection was between them. Like Amy, she didn’t want this. She had plans that involved her staying here, being close to her family, but she couldn’t go on like this. She couldn’t continue to feel this intense yearning. They needed to do something.
Celeste finally accepted that the only thing to do was to burn this attraction out. Slowly, she removed her fingers and half-smiled when Amy let out a sigh of relief.
When Amy tried to straighten, Celeste pushed her fingers back inside then out and over Amy’s clit. She watched with pleasure as Amy’s eyes widened with surprise, narrowed with protest and finally filled with need.
Amy whimpered and her head dropped to rest on Celeste’s shoulder as she pushed into her.
Celeste knew by Amy’s response that it wouldn’t be long. Her own desire was also building quickly. She closed her eyes, and tried to find the strength to stop. She desperately needed to leave Amy hungry for more.
Amy pushed her face into Celeste’s neck, and moaned as she worked toward orgasm.
Celeste slowed.
“Don’t stop,” Amy said, her voice muffled. “Oh God, I can’t believe what you do to me. I need you. Don’t stop. Please.”
Celeste stopped and pushed away.
Amy’s arms reached out, but Celeste moved out of reach.
Straightening, Amy leaned against the wall and looked at Celeste in confusion.
Celeste watched Amy struggle to regain some composure. She waited until she had her full attention then moved toward her. Raising her left hand, she looked at the glistening wetness on her fingers. “I wonder what you taste like?” she asked, running her wet fingers along Amy’s lips.
Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, Amy stared at Celeste in shocked surprise.
Stepping back, Celeste smiled at her. She placed all three fingers into her mouth and sucked on them.
Turning, Celeste left the summerhouse with the glorious image of Amy’s jaw gaping open and raw desire pooling in her eyes.
Walking toward the house Celeste was fully aware that she had unleashed something in them. She only hoped it would be quickly satisfied—for both their sakes.
Chapter 18
Josh followed his sons as they ran along the hallway to wake their mother. His heart swelled when he put his head around the bedroom door and caught sight of his beautiful wife.
Amy woke with a start when the boys jumped on her bed. They shouted excitedly. “Daddy’s here, Daddy’s here.”
“Wowwhhh,” Amy said. Sitting, she hugged the boys to her. Teasing them, she kissed their faces all over and at the same time tried to stop Christopher’s hands from pulling on her hair. She didn’t succeed.
Josh smiled and watched, fascinated, as Amy carefully unraveled her hair from Christopher’s small, pudgy hands. She reached into the bedside cabinet and retrieved a hair clasp. The action caused the bed sheet to fall away and reveal her firm, full breasts.
Surprised she was nude, Josh’s heart jackhammered. He watched her straighten up, pull the bed sheets around her, pile her honeydew hair up, and clasp it.
Josh smiled when Amy lovingly lifted Christopher up and cuddled him to her. He grinned when she rubbed her nose with his, and looking at his boys, felt proud that they were a good mix of their parents. They had his dark hair and complexion, but Amy’s fine features, and their green eyes were a mixture of theirs.
Wanting Amy up, Ryan jumped up and down on the bed. “Mommy,” he said, “Daddy’s here…Daddy’s here!”
Amy reached out a hand to stop Ryan.
Josh entered the room and made his way to the bed. Grabbing both boys, he ruffled their dark hair playfully.
“Jossssh,” Amy said in frustration as he messed their hair.
The boys yelled, “Mom!” as she tried to sort their unruly mops. They wriggled away, rolled off the bed, and began play fighting on the floor.
Squinting, Amy looked at the clock. Her eyes widened in surprise, it was ten in the morning. She looked at the boys; they were fully dressed. Camille must have decided to let her sleep in this morning.
Amy tensed when Josh sat beside her. Her stomach tightened as last night’s encounter flooded her mind.
Josh reclined against the headboard. He ran his hand down Amy’s bare back, resting it lightly at the base of her spine.
Unable to stop herself, Amy stiffened when his hand moved around her waist and up toward her breast. Turning to face him, she whispered, “Not now.”
“I know, honey,” he said, stroking the side of her breast lightly. “I can take them downstairs?”
“No…it…it would be too obvious.”
“When?” he asked, removing his hand.
Amy visibly relaxed. “Soon,” she replied, then swallowed. Turning, she hugged him tightly. “I’m so happy to see you.”
Josh wrapped his arms around her.
She snuggled into him. “Is everything sorted?”
“Yeah,” he said, pulling Amy closer. “I…” his words were lost as he nuzzled into her neck.
Amy pulled away and turned to look out the window. “Look how beautiful the morning is,” she said, wanting to get up. “Let’s get ready for the beach. We’ll have some time together tonight.”
“Okay,” Josh said. He herded the boys out of the room so Amy could get ready.
Amy watched them leave. Her heart sank. For the first time since knowing Josh, she dreaded the thought of spending time alone with him. Not wanting to think anymore, she threw the duvet back and headed for the shower. Opening the glass panel, she stepped inside and turned on the spray.
Letting the warm water hit her, Amy tried to block out the memories, but couldn’t. She bit her bottom lip hard as her mind movie reeled the encounter. Unable to stop the vivid replay of the most intense orgasm of her life, Amy groaned and rested her head against the tiled wall. Last night, she knew she hadn’t been aware of anything. Not who she was or what she was doing. She was only aware of Celeste.
Closing her eyes, Amy pressed her head hard against the tiles. Wrapping her arms tightly around herself, she tried to block out of the image of being with Celeste and instead focused on making sense of what had happened.
Anger flared up inside Amy as she realized that she was completely powerless around the brunette. She grappled with the new knowledge that Celeste, if she decided, could break down any barrier she put up. Tears blurred Amy’s eyes at the thought of telling Josh, as she had intended on her wedding day. Tears spilled over as she remembered that all she succeeded in doing that day was seriously hyperventilating.
Minutes passed as Amy cried. Loneliness overwhelmed her as she finally accepted that she could never tell Josh. Divorce would be inevitable. Josh would never live with such a betrayal. Who could? Straightening, she thought about what her father went through. Turning off the shower, Amy swore resolutely to herself that no matter what nothing would ever happen with Celeste again. She and Josh would never become a divorce statistic.
Not wanting to think any more than necessary, Amy dried off then threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Tying her hair back, she straightened her shoulders and headed downstairs.
Entering the kitchen, she was filled with dread at the thought of seeing Celeste. Eyes focused on the steaming coffeepot, Amy headed straight for it and poured a cup.
Camille entered the kitchen. “Bonjour, mon chéri,” she said brightly. Coming up to Amy, she kissed her lightly on both cheeks. “Are you hungry?” she asked affectionately.
Amy’s stomach turned. She shook her head.
“Feeling slightly the worse for wear, no?”
Blushing, Amy stared into her coffee mug.
“Qui?” Camille teased moving toward the coffeepot.
Amy watched Camille take a china cup from the cupboard and pour a small cup of coffee.
“Celeste mentioned that you stayed
up very late last night.”
Amy choked on her coffee. Ohmyfuckinggod!
Camille looked at Amy. “Are you all right?”
Amy gulped. “I’m fine. The coffee is…stronger than I expected.”
Camille carefully placed two sugar cubes in her cup. “Celeste said you needed to sleep this morning,” she said, stirring her coffee. “Do you know she left early?”
Terrified to look at Camille in case her face revealed something, Amy shook her head, and gave her coffee cup her full attention. She’s gone. Thank God!
“Oh,” Camille replied with a note of disappointment. She leaned against the kitchen counter. “She did mention something about going to see Alex.”
Color rising, Amy eventually looked at Camille, but didn’t say anything. Please, Camille. Would you stop banging on about Celeste!
Camille held her cup in both hands. “I asked her what could be so urgent that she must leave so soon.” She raised the cup to her mouth. “She didn’t say.” Camille looked at Amy for a moment before sipping her coffee. “I do not understand why she is so secretive. Do you?”
Desperate to give nothing away, Amy shook her head.
Camille took another sip of coffee then grumbled, “I mean, what is it that she is making her mind up to do?”
Amy shrugged her shoulders.
“Keep a baby, because she is pregnant?”
Amy gulped. Pregnant?
Gesturing grandly, Camille continued, “Is she making her mind up to bring not a boyfriend or fiancée, but a husband home to meet her parents, like she did with Nick?”
Amy’s eyes widened. A husband?
Camille put down her cup. “I don’t know what is going on?"
Realizing that everything Camille had said was conjecture, Amy blinked a few times.
“Merde,” Camille sighed. “Je ne le comprends pas?” Nodding her head, she arched an eyebrow, and looked at the door. “Zzzooommm,” she said with some annoyance. “She was out of the door before I could ask her.”
Amy shivered slightly. Camille’s mannerisms reminded her so much of Celeste.
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