Waiting in the Wings

by Melissa Brayden

  Adrienne rested her heated forehead against my neck, catching her breath. “Where’s your room?” she asked, lifting her head and looking at me, her eyes dark, lustful.

  Wordlessly, I took her hand and walked her there, not bothering to turn on a light as we entered the bedroom. The illumination from the hallway was enough to maneuver by.

  We stood facing each other next to the bed, our pace now noticeably measured. Adrienne put her arms around my neck and our bodies came together once again. Her mouth close to my ear, she whispered achingly, “I’ve never wanted anything in my life more than I want you right now.” She claimed my mouth with a tender, searching kiss and pulled away, taking two steps back. With her eyes never leaving mine, she unzipped the sundress and let it fall to the floor. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m not going to be able to get through this.”

  “I don’t think I could stop if I wanted to. God, you make me feel so many things,” I said shakily, running my hand through my hair.

  She took one step toward me, undoing the clasp on her bra as she walked. Her breasts seemed fuller than I remembered and my hands longed to touch her. Next, she hooked her thumbs into the waistband of the panties she wore and slid them off.

  I closed the distance between us, kissing her neck and cupping each breast, feeling the weight of them in my hands. I rolled her nipples between my thumb and forefingers, squeezing softy and then with more pressure. Adrienne tossed her head back, moaning softly and digging her fingernails into my shoulders. I found her mouth again and pulled her bottom lip gently with my teeth as I kissed her, all the while walking us backward to the bed.

  Adrienne sat, her hands moving to my jeans. “Off,” she breathed and unzipped them, easing the denim down my legs. I pulled my tank top over my head and my bra joined it shortly on the floor. Adrienne kissed the skin below my naval before sliding the cotton briefs I wore off my body. I stepped out of them and watched as she ran her flattened palms down my stomach. She leaned back onto the bed, gently pulling me with her. I braced myself above on my forearms, savoring the anticipation. Finally, I lowered myself on top of her, our bodies now touching fully and completely with no barriers between us. I closed my eyes as my skin met hers. It was a feeling like no other.

  “Oh my God,” she breathed, holding my hair back so she could see my face.

  I nodded my head slightly. “I know.”

  Adrienne brought my face down to hers and took her time kissing my chin, followed by my eyelids and forehead before covering my mouth with hers. The kiss moved from sweet to intense in a matter of seconds. Adrienne rolled us over, positioning herself on top. She moved down my body, taking my breast into her mouth. I gasped for air as her teeth skated across my nipple before taking the whole thing into her mouth. She sucked gently and increased pressure, driving me absolutely wild. I was vaguely aware of my hips moving against her, searching, reaching. Reacting, she readjusted, placing her thigh between my legs, moving it firmly against me. Her hips straddled my leg. She continued her exploration of my breasts as our bodies settled into a rhythm. When she felt me pick up speed and strain desperately to get closer to her, she pulled her leg away and reached between us, tracing the inside of my thigh with one finger.

  “Jesus,” I whispered, covering my eyes.

  “Nope,” she replied. “Try again.”

  The torture continued as she moved to my other thigh, delicately teasing and stroking the skin there. Next, she moved her hand through the curls at the base of my thighs, lightly touching, massaging.

  “Adrienne…” I pleaded, unable to handle much more. I’d never been this aroused in my life.

  In response, she explored further, her fingers finally landing where I needed them most. My hips began to rock against her hand, my body on the brink of absolute explosion. I’d been with a lot of women in the past few years, but nothing ever came close to this, to what Adrienne was able to elicit in me. She slipped one finger easily inside, pulled it back out again and returned it, this time adding a second. Little shockwaves of pleasure traveled through my body with each thrust. She continued the motion causing a deep stirring in my stomach and an intense warmth that radiated downward. I opened my eyes and met hers. She held my gaze as her thumb pressed firmly against my clit, finally sending me into an orgasm that eclipsed all others. My body, mind, and soul were now joined with Adrienne in every way possible, and I struggled to maintain a coherent thought. My body convulsed and I know I called out as unadulterated pleasure rocketed through my system. My breathing was ragged and my body pulsed with the last of the remaining shockwaves. Adrienne crawled up my body and laid herself half on top of me, her face next to mine. She stroked my cheek and kissed the side of my temple tenderly. She rolled onto her back, and stared up at the ceiling. “That was incredible, different than I remembered. Better, if that’s even possible.”

  “What is this thing?” I wondered aloud.

  She pushed herself up on her elbow and looked down at me. “I don’t know. But after all this time, it only feels stronger. Jenna, I look at you across a room and I melt, and when I see you looking back at me the way you sometimes do and I feel this need for you. It’s like I—”

  I captured her mouth with mine, silencing her, simply because I couldn’t stand to go another minute without touching her the way I wanted to. With one hand on her shoulder I pushed her softly onto her back and rolled on top of her. Knowing she would already be ready for me, I reached a hand in between us and cupped her tightly. A ragged gasp escaped from Adrienne’s lips and she pushed her cheek against the pillow, her nails now digging into my back. She held on tight as I began to slowly stroke her slickness. I brushed my fingers across her clit ever so lightly, offering just enough and moving away. I wasn’t satisfied with this level of intimacy, however. I needed more. I kissed my way down her body, dwelling for a few moments on her breasts, knowing how sensitive they were. She gripped the sheet beneath her, her hips moving rhythmically against my still exploring hand.

  As I moved past her stomach, I stopped, stunned at what I saw. I hadn’t noticed it earlier, perhaps because the lights were dim, but there on Adrienne’s hip was a small unassuming tattoo in the form of a Superman logo. I shook my head slightly in disbelief, taken back to our first date on the boardwalk—how new it had been between us back then. I kissed the small expanse of skin in reverence. The discovery only fueled my passion. I continued my quest down her body and as my mouth finally settled firmly on its destination, I heard her whimper softly. My tongue delicately tasted before increasing pressure and pulling her more fully into my mouth. I felt Adrienne’s hands in my hair, caressing but also pulling me desperately closer. I pushed my fingers into her center, pumping slowly at first and then increasing speed, all the while sucking harder. It didn’t take long before she tumbled over the edge, crying out and nearly pushing off the bed. I held on to her hips tightly as she rode out the final waves of pleasure, her body glistening, stunning.

  We lay there in silence, both of us spent. I rested my cheek on her abdomen and traced lazy circles on her stomach. Her hands played in my hair. “You’re incredible, you know that?” I whispered. “Not only do you live up to expectations, but you shatter them.”

  “Ditto. Come up here please.”

  I obliged and moved up the bed, tucking my head under her outstretched arm and onto her shoulder. Our legs were a bit tangled and I draped one arm across her body. She kissed the top of my head as I settled in. “I can’t believe this actually happened.”

  “Are you sorry?” I asked, looking up at her, worried she might have regrets.

  She appeared surprised by the question. Her brow furrowed and she shook her head sincerely. “God, no. I’ve wanted this for a while, Jenna, wanted you. Once we started the film and I had to see you every day, and talk to you, and occasionally touch you during scenes, well, let’s just say it was hard.”

  “For me too.”

  She slid down the bed a little so we now lay face-to-face. A
drienne stroked my cheek and took my face into her hands. “I think it’s okay for us to be scared.”

  I felt the tears well up in my eyes and did my best to fight against them. I couldn’t speak even if I’d wanted to, so instead I nodded. Because I was scared. I didn’t know where we went from here. We’d tried this before and it hadn’t worked. This was definitely uncharted territory for me and I felt unprotected, vulnerable to whatever might happen. As one tear I was desperately ashamed of made its way down my cheek, Adrienne did the tenderest thing I could imagine. She leaned in and kissed it. She wrapped her arms around me and held on tight. It was in that embrace that I drifted off to the most wonderfully restful sleep I had experienced in over four years.

  *

  I blinked twice and rubbed my eyes, shielding them from the onslaught of intense sunlight streaming into the room. I lay on my stomach and as I came to, the events of the night before rushed back to me. I couldn’t help but smile lazily as I turned over, looking immediately for Adrienne. The other side of the bed was empty, however. I felt my face fall, my stomach drop. I listened for sounds of activity somewhere in the house but heard only silence.

  I decided to get up and investigate. If she was gone, it was possible she’d left a note. I hastily pulled on some cutoffs and a T-shirt and moved throughout the cottage, but there was no trace of Adrienne or the fact that she’d ever been there. I located my phone. No messages. I ran my hands through my hair, angry at myself for hoping I’d been wrong and Adrienne hadn’t given me the most amazing night of my life and then left the next morning without a word. I hated that she had the power to hurt me and was upset that she could regret what we’d shared.

  I made a pot of coffee and stared it down as it brewed, rehashing the night before. Just the thought of how Adrienne had touched me sent my body into overdrive. I shook my head finally, forcing the thoughts from my mind. I poured myself a cup and made my way out onto the back patio. I opened the door and stopped. Adrienne stood at the railing with her back to the door, watching the morning tide roll in. She wore only a long T-shirt, my T-shirt. I watched her for a moment and attempted to regroup, exhaling. As if sensing the attention, she turned around, resting her elbows on the rail.

  “Hey, sleepyhead.” She smiled shyly. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning,” I said, doing my best to cover up the misunderstanding.

  She arched an eyebrow, studying me. “Something’s wrong.”

  “No, I just…I thought you’d gone.”

  “I’m right here,” she said quietly. She looked down at her attire attempting to lighten the mood. “I stole your shirt. I hope that’s okay. My bag is still in my car.”

  I joined her at the edge of the deck. “You’re welcome to my clothes. Do you want me to bring your bag in or are you heading out today?” I sounded pathetic, I knew, but I had to know.

  Adrienne stared out at the horizon. “You really thought I left, that I would do that without even saying good-bye first?”

  I lifted one hand and let it drop, unsure how to explain, so instead I avoided the question. “I’m glad you’re still here, and I would like very much for you to stay tonight.”

  She didn’t answer and she still wasn’t looking at me. Her expression was distant, pensive. Sad.

  “Age, look at me.” I gently turned her chin until I could look her in the eye. “I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

  She nodded, covering my hand with hers. “I know and I don’t blame you. I think we’re still a little afraid of each other, huh?”

  I lifted her hair off the back of her neck and let it drop again. “Hey, let’s not do this, okay? Let’s start again. Here I go. Good morning, Adrienne. I’m so happy to see you.” I leaned in and kissed her softly.

  She opened her eyes as I pulled away. “I like that version,” she breathed. “I could get used to that version.”

  “So what do you say? Will you stay? I only have one night left here and I’d like to spend it with you.”

  “And after tomorrow?”

  I looked down, thinking, then raised my head, meeting her eyes. “We try.”

  She nodded. “I can do that. And to answer your question, yes, I’d like to stay.”

  “Good. Now what can I make you for breakfast?” I asked, putting my arms around her waist.

  She kissed my nose. “Nothing, thank you, because you can’t cook.”

  “This is true. But we have bagels.” I grinned proudly. “And I excel at toasting things. Me and my toaster will rock your world.”

  She laughed. “Sounds like a plan.”

  We ate in the kitchen, listening to morning radio and tossing around ideas for the day. I couldn’t help smiling, enjoying the domesticity of the past twenty-four hours.

  “We could hit a few more stores,” Adrienne suggested. “I read about some out of the way ones.”

  “Gee. As much as I would love another fun-filled afternoon of antiquing, I think maybe we should try something new.”

  “Are you sure?” she said all too innocently. “You seemed pretty enthralled yesterday. I wouldn’t want to deprive you of a repeat of the whole wonderful experience.”

  I couldn’t get over how good she looked wearing just my T-shirt. “If you would wear this all day, I think I’d go along with just about anything you said.”

  “Is that so?” I could tell the wheels in her head were now turning. She came around the table, straddled my lap, and placed her arms around my neck. “I might be able to arrange that.”

  I nuzzled her neck. “You drive me absolutely crazy, do you know that?”

  “I didn’t, but it’s certainly nice to hear.” She tossed her head to the side, gesturing toward the hallway. “I’m going to grab a shower. If you feel so inclined, you are officially invited to join me.”

  I leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled her lips away at the last minute. “Not yet,” she said. “In there.” And with that, she was on her way, disappearing down the hallway. Damn.

  It was just a short while until I heard the water running and it wasn’t like I could resist such an offer. There was a very sexy woman in my bathroom whom I was crazy about. The math was simple.

  I pushed open the door and found the room seemingly empty as Adrienne was already in the shower. I shed my clothes, slipped through the shower curtain, and stepped behind her under the spray. She turned, her eyes appreciative as they drifted slowly down my body. She placed her hands on the center of my shoulders and let them drop, feeling her way down every inch of my skin. I stood motionless, my eyes closed. I felt her lips on my neck and the rest became a blur. There was kissing, gasping, and lots of mutual exploration.

  We lingered in the shower, completely captivated with each other until the water ran cold. Adrienne stepped out first and held a towel open for me. As I stepped out into it, I decided to ask the question that had been in the back of my mind since the night before. “Can I ask about the tattoo?”

  She looked down at her hip, running her thumb across the design. “I got it in New York four years ago, two weeks before Austin. I’d always wanted one. I think I told you that. That day on the pier when we got the temporary ones, it was one of the nicest days I remember having. I didn’t tell you about the tattoo back then because I’d planned to surprise you. Except things were a little hurried between us that last night…”

  “Oh,” I said, remembering.

  “I’d thought about having it removed. Just never got around to it. Maybe that was subconscious. I don’t know.”

  I smiled. “Well, I like it. That was one of my favorite days

  too.”

  We continued getting ready for the day in silence. It was nice though, a comfortable silence. Every once in a while, I’d glance over at Adrienne just to remind myself she was here with me. That action was often greeted with a smile or playful wink. There was a skip in my step that was simply undeniable. Life suddenly had endless possibilities and I was ready for it.

  After sprucing up for
the day, Adrienne and I eventually decided to visit Montauk Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York State and also a historic landmark. There had always been something about lighthouses that I found intriguing, mysterious even. They had such a calming effect, a serenity I couldn’t quite pinpoint.

  We packed food for a late lunch and I looked forward to our last afternoon in the Hamptons. We put the top down on Adrienne’s rental and I watched her as she drove. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail and it made her look especially young. I smiled. She reminded me of the teenage Adrienne from television. As we sped past the shore, I watched the beach dwellers and sang quietly to the radio.

  She looked over at me, thoughtful. “You know, you have a beautiful voice, Jen. I’d forgotten how well you sing.”

  “No, you’re the singer,” I said. “I can do just enough to get by.”

  “You always underestimate yourself. Speaking of which, Elevation starts rehearsals in two weeks. Are you pumped?”

  I hesitated. “It does start rehearsals, but I think in order to attend I have to sign and return their contract.”

  “What? Why are you dragging your feet? This show was made for you.”

  I decided to level with her. “Maybe it’s just cold feet, but I’m worried I’m not as good as they think I am.”

  “Wrong. You’re better, which is why I recommended you in the first place. And just for the record, I didn’t do it because of us. I did it because your dancing on your worst day is better than most of these people on their best. I’ve been doing this awhile, Jenna, and your talent is rare.”

  I sighed. “You have to say that.”

  She shook her head and focused on the road. “So ridiculously stubborn.”

  *

  The lighthouse was as beautiful in person as it was on the postcards I’d seen, more so even. We took dozens of photos in front of it, together and individually. Not surprisingly, Adrienne was recognized several times and posed for a few fan photos with a group of teenagers.