Hearts Aflame

by Ronica Black

  Rae closed the door and crossed the room to the kitchen counter where she retrieved her truck keys.

  “Okay,” she said, turning to face Krista.

  “Oh, my God.” The words came out in a strangle as the light revealed the secrets of Rae’s pain for the first time. She was pale, her face drawn. She looked like she hadn’t eaten or slept in days. Dark crescent circles shadowed her eyes. Krista reached up to touch her face but then dropped her hands when Rae turned away. “Rae,” she whispered.

  Rae slowly met her eyes. Pain and sorrow swirled in the hazel depths, taking Krista’s breath away. Gently, Krista reached out for Rae’s hand. She opened the fingers and removed the keys. Placing them back on the counter she said, “Tell me about her.”

  Rae’s eyes flashed in surprise, but she said nothing.

  “Please,” Krista said. “Tell me.”

  Rae steadied herself against the counter. “What do you want to know?”

  She seemed to have trouble standing and Krista quickly led her to the couch where she sat by her side. She held on to her hand. “What was her name?”

  Rae stared into the lamplight across the room. “Shannon.”

  Krista could tell how difficult it was for Rae to speak her name. Her face had tightened and her eyes had filled with tears. “She was your partner?”

  A tear fell down her cheek and Rae wiped it away with the back of her hand. “No. We were seeing each other.”

  Krista wasn’t sure what to say, what to ask. “What happened?”

  Rae’s breathing shook. “We were in an accident. It was raining and we were arguing. She was trying to get me to look at her and she pulled on the steering wheel.”

  Krista squeezed her hand, tears welling in her own eyes.

  “The Jeep flipped and she was thrown out. She was killed instantly.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Krista touched her face. “I’m so very sorry. You loved her?”

  Rae shook her head, the sobs coming. “No, I didn’t. She loved me but I didn’t love her. I didn’t love her and she died.”

  Her face crumbled as the sobs overcame her. Krista pulled her close and held her tightly as she cried. Tears of her own slipped down Krista’s face as Rae shook and shuddered into her. Krista was stroking Rae’s hair when Rae inhaled deeply and pulled away, quickly gaining control of herself.

  “I’m sorry.” She wiped hurriedly at her eyes. “It’s not like me to cry.”

  “Maybe it’s what you needed to do,” Krista said softly.

  They sat in silence for a while, Rae regaining her composure and Krista watching, hurting for her. “Can I ask you something, Rae?”

  A nod. Krista racked her brain, making sure she had the right words. “Is that why you keep running from me? Because you know I care for you and you don’t feel the same way?”

  It made sense. That was what had happened with Shannon, and Rae obviously felt guilty over it. If that was the case she wanted to know. Then they could both move on. At least Rae could, anyway.

  “No.” Rae’s hazel eyes looked deeply into her.

  Krista stared back, confused. “Then what is it?”

  “I’m…I care for you.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes, very much.”

  Krista’s heart pounded. “But?”

  Rae looked down. “I’m afraid.”

  “Of what?”

  Rae clasped her trembling hands. “Of losing you.”

  Krista stared at Rae’s hands. Her mind went over and over the words. “I’m not going anywhere, Rae. I’m not like that. The way I feel about you…”

  Rae lifted her head. “That’s not what I mean.”

  Krista searched her face and then whispered, “You’re afraid I’ll die.”

  Rae didn’t speak. More tears streamed down her face. Krista moved closer and reached up, turning her face to look at her.

  “Oh, Rae.” Krista closed her eyes and kissed Rae’s lips, softly pressing, softly caressing. She pulled away from their warmth only to speak. “I love you. I’m not going anywhere. Anywhere. Do you understand?”

  Rae searched her face, so vulnerable, so frightened.

  “Please don’t run from me because you’re afraid. We should be taking advantage of every minute, of every second we can. That way we’ll have no regrets, no guilt, no words left unspoken.” She didn’t know where the words came from. She just kept picturing Judith and Clinton and what a wonderful life they’d had together. She couldn’t imagine what their lives would’ve been like if one of them had been afraid to love. Krista wiped the warm tears away from Rae’s cheeks with her thumbs. “Please, allow us to live. Allow us to love.”

  A weak sound escaped Rae as she nodded. Krista smiled and sniffed back her own tears as she leaned in and kissed her again. Their lips met and gently greeted. Soft and warm and gentle. Full of acceptance and promises. Krista warmed from the slight heat of the kisses, and her heart swelled with what she could only describe as love.

  “Come on.” Krista rose and took Rae’s hand. Rae looked up at her questioningly but stood. Krista stroked her cheek. “Take me to the bedroom.”

  Rae led her slowly through the house. They bypassed the kitchen on the right and then another room, this one a sunken den. A cherry antique desk and another sofa and large reading chair filled the room. Though it was dim, Krista liked the feel of it and as they continued down the hallway, the scent she knew as Rae’s grew stronger.

  Rae entered and stood waiting by the queen-sized bed in the center of the room. There was a painting on the wall of a woman in different shades of blue that matched the midnight blue comforter. The night table was illuminated by a lamp and matched the heavy-looking dark wood dresser. Krista approached it and touched the large, aged photo of a young sailor.

  “Your father?” she asked, seeing the strong resemblance.

  “Yes.”

  “Do you see him often?”

  Rae looked incredibly fragile, watching Krista as she ran her fingers over the top of the dresser. “Not so much. He lives in Montana, along with my mother.”

  Krista paused at the glass cologne bottle full of gold liquid. She held it up to her nose. Rae. “This is what you wear?” She knew it was. She’d smelled it every single time she’d touched her. Inhaling the scent of her now sent her heart into overdrive.

  “Yes.”

  Krista raised the bottle to read the small label. “Safari by Ralph Lauren.” She replaced the bottle on the dresser and picked up the thick candle sitting next to it, along with a lighter. Her eyes drifted to the adjoining bathroom. When she caught sight of the large claw-foot tub, she held her hand out for Rae. They entered together and stopped in front of the tub.

  Dropping Rae’s hand, Krista lit the candle and placed it on the nearby counter. The flickering light played off the mirror and danced throughout the room. Satisfied, Krista turned on the faucet. As water began to steam into the tub she rose and stood directly in front of Rae. Looking deep into her hazel eyes, Krista touched her face, then trailed her fingers lightly down to her neck and then her shoulders. Rae’s breathing changed as Krista’s hands drifted lower. When they reached her waist, Krista ran them up under the T-shirt very lightly, and lifted it up over Rae’s head.

  The body before her was glorious. Tall and thick-muscled, the breasts small and perfect. Rae’s neck and forearms were bronzed from the sun. Gooseflesh covered the skin as Krista’s eyes traveled over it. So badly she wanted to touch it, to kiss it, but she fought the urge and continued.

  Rae stood very still, breathing very hard. Krista unbuttoned the jeans and lowered them carefully, along with the white cotton panties. She helped Rae step out of them and she folded the clothes neatly and placed them on the counter. Then she turned and stared at the beautiful creature before her.

  Her eyes traveled down from the strong shoulders and arms to the pale breasts, which heaved with the rapid rise and fall of her chest. The nipples were dark, and several freckles were sprinkled across
her chest. Her abdomen was contoured and toned, leading down to the slight flare of the hips and the well-trimmed dark hair of her center. Below that were her incredibly long and powerful legs. Krista felt her heart beat in her ears as she studied her. She was unlike anything she’d every seen before. So strong, so beautiful, so raw and elemental. So woman.

  Krista’s breathing was labored as she raised her eyes, seeking Rae’s. The hazel gaze was deep and dark in the candlelight but she could see the intensity within. It mirrored every short breath she took. Krista clenched her hands into fists, fighting the urge to touch her. Rae’s eyes flashed, letting Krista know that her steady appraisal had indeed touched her. But beneath the rising heat of attraction, the vulnerability was still there, marked by days of unrest and undernourishment.

  “Please, climb in,” Krista said. The tub was nearly full.

  When Rae hesitated, Krista reached up and cupped her jaw, smoothing her thumb over Rae’s cheek. “Please, climb in and relax.”

  Rae took hold of Krista’s wrist and moved it from her face. Holding on to it for support, she lifted her leg and stepped into the steaming water. She groaned as she sank into it. Krista turned off the water and opened a cabinet, pulled out a thick, folded towel, and moved to place it behind Rae’s head so she could lean back comfortably.

  “I’ll be right back,” she said once Rae relaxed.

  “Where are you going?”

  Krista swallowed back more desire at the sight of Rae’s glistening upper body in the candlelight. “Don’t worry, I’ll just be a few minutes.” She left the bathroom and exited the bedroom, working her way back down the hall. In the kitchen, she switched on the light and rummaged through the cabinets. Finding what she was searching for, she opened a can of soup and poured it into a large soup mug. While it was heating up in the microwave, she readied another mug for hot tea.

  Her insides warmed at the thought of being able to care for Rae. She wanted nothing more than this chance to love her. And she would do her best to do just that. When the soup was ready, she grabbed a spoon and carried it down the hall.

  Rae looked at her in surprise. “What’s this?”

  “Chicken noodle.” Once Rae had hold of the mug, Krista handed over the spoon. “You need to eat.”

  Rae’s eyes held hers. “Thank you.”

  Krista smiled. “I’ll be right back.”

  She returned to the kitchen and heated the water for the tea. When it was ready she added two tablespoons of Southern Comfort and headed off back down the hall. Rae was finishing the soup when Krista walked into the bathroom.

  “Is it okay? It’s chicken noodle right out of the can, so I know I couldn’t have screwed it up too bad.”

  “It’s great. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

  Rae sat up straighter, the water ebbing just below the weight of her breasts, the nipples firm. Krista looked away, heat spreading throughout her body. Rae watched her for a moment and then handed over the mug.

  “All finished?” Krista took it, glad for something to distract her. She placed the mug on the counter and handed over the tea.

  “Something else?” Rae smiled, her eyes sincere.

  “It’s a hot toddy. Thought it might help relax you.”

  Rae held it to her nose and hesitated. “It’s spiked?”

  Krista nodded, pulling over a small vanity stool that had been covered with folded hand towels. “Some Southern Comfort.”

  Rae looked unsettled.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Rae refocused on her as if snapping back from a trance.

  “I haven’t had anything to drink since before the accident.”

  Krista stood, startled. “I’m sorry.” She offered to take the mug. “I’ll make you another one.”

  Rae held up a calm hand. She gave Krista small smile. “Shannon liked to drink. A lot.” Her voice trailed off and she sipped the hot tea. When she lowered the mug she smiled again. “Thank you.”

  Krista returned the smile and moved the stool to the head of the tub. She plucked a small bottle of baby oil off the ledge and squirted some into her hands. After rubbing them together, she brought them to rest on Rae’s shoulders. Rae jerked slightly at the contact but then she groaned as the hands worked her thick muscles.

  Krista closed her eyes as desire shot between her legs. She squeezed and rubbed and pressed into the muscles that were slick and firm beneath her hands. Rae took another deep sip of the tea and then set the mug on the ledge to lie back in the tub. Krista followed her, hands submerging in the hot water, moving over the shoulders and down to the arms. She could see that Rae’s eyes were closed and she closed her own as well.

  “That feels so good.”

  Krista ran her hands over and down Rae’s chest, careful to avoid her breasts, but the movement drew a groan from Rae and she pushed upward. Krista’s eyes flew open. Her slick hands fumbled with the shampoo bottle.

  “Wet your hair,” she whispered, squirting some shampoo into her palm.

  Rae sank down into the water and then surfaced, short dark hair smoothed back against her head. Krista lathered the shampoo into her hair, liking the coconut scent of it. Rae groaned again as Krista massaged her scalp slowly and thoroughly. When she was finished, Rae dunked under the water again and Krista rose to meet her with an outstretched towel. Carefully, Rae stood and stepped from the tub, allowing Krista to wrap her in the towel.

  She followed Krista into the bedroom, her beautiful face still drawn, but the color had returned to her cheeks. Krista could see the fatigue. “What do you sleep in?” she asked softly.

  Rae smoothed the towel over her body, drying herself. “I sleep nude.”

  Krista swallowed. Of course you do. She approached the bed and pulled back the duvet and sheets. She held out her hand and Rae dropped the towel to move toward her and take it. They stood mere inches apart, eyes deep and intense, searching one another’s souls.

  Again Krista broke the silence. “Lie down.”

  Rae blinked slowly and sank down onto the bed. Krista covered her and Rae grabbed hold of her hand. “Don’t leave.”

  Krista stared into her eyes. She smiled. “I told you. I’m not going anywhere.” She knelt and kissed her lips.

  When she pulled away, Rae’s eyes remained closed. Krista went into the bathroom and hung the wet towel. Then she blew out the candle and dug in the dresser drawers for a T-shirt. She found a large, soft blue one and undressed to slip it on. She too normally slept nude, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to next to Rae without wanting more than sleep. She walked to other side of the bed and switched off the lamp to climb in.

  The sheets were cool and divine, the scent of Rae’s Safari on the pillowcases. She snuggled up close to Rae but kept her hands up above Rae’s breasts.

  Rae stirred next to her, turning into the snuggle. “Why did you do all that for me tonight?“

  Krista stroked her cheek in the moonlight. “Because I love you.”

  Rae pulled her closer, nuzzling into Krista’s neck. “I love you too.”

  Krista fought back a soft cry, stroking Rae’s cheek.

  “I’m so tired,” Rae mumbled, eyes closed.

  Krista kissed her forehead. “Go to sleep.” She brushed back her damp hair. “We have the rest of our lives.”

  *

  Rae awoke to the soft feel of Krista pressed against her. She blinked in disbelief into the darkness. Then the tightness in her chest eased as she remembered the bath and the careful attention. And then her chest warmed as she remembered the words I love you.

  She turned slightly and pressed her face into Krista’s hair. She could smell shampoo and the lingering scent of her perfume. She listened as Krista slept, breathing softly. Rae smiled. She felt better than she had in days. Like a huge weight had lifted off her shoulders. Her head was clear and her heart was light, thumping madly away in her rib cage.

  Krista was here. Sh
e was lying right next to her. And she loved her. What more was there?

  Remembering Krista’s words about taking advantage of every minute, of every second, Rae slipped her hand under the covers. She sucked in a quick breath when she felt the hot flesh of Krista’s bare leg and the exposed skin of her hip. Krista stirred as Rae lightly touched her, lifting her hand up under the shirt to her breasts, where she barely skimmed the hardening nipples.

  The memory of Krista’s taste made her mouth suddenly water and her blood begin to beat loud and hot between her legs.

  “Mmm.” Krista stirred some more. “Rae?” Her eyes were open, blinking.

  “Hey, beautiful,” Rae whispered into her ear, her hand continuing its sweet torture up and down Krista’s torso and around her breasts.

  “Hi.” Krista’s voice was groggy and Rae smiled, nipping her neck. She rose to rest on her right elbow as she lowered the covers with her other hand. She ran her fingers up Krista’s bare thighs. “I see you found one of my T-shirts.”

  “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.” Seeing Krista in her bed wearing one of her shirts excited her in a way she’d never felt before. Rae stroked Krista’s leg, mindful of the patched wound on her knee. “How is your leg?”

  Krista sighed softly as Rae’s hand moved upward. “Sonja took care of it.”

  Rae laughed. “I’m glad you let her.” Again she inched up the shirt.

  “You sure you don’t mind about the shirt?” Krista asked.

  Rae reached the light hairs between her legs. “As long as it comes off right now, I don’t have a problem.”

  Krista laughed. Rae pushed the shirt farther up and bent to suck an exposed nipple.

  “Ah!” Krista lifted, surprised, and then lowered, aroused.

  Rae pulled away, sucking hard, then released it with a soft pop. She drew Krista up into a sitting position and yanked off the shirt to toss it into the shadows.

  Krista sat breathing hard, the filtered white moonlight showing off her skin. “Jesus, what was in that soup?”