Sparks Like Ours

by Melissa Brayden

  Elle opened her arms and pulled Autumn into an embrace. “Thank you so much for coming, and hang in there.”

  “Less than a month,” Autumn said. “I got this.”

  “We’re right behind you,” Taylor said, corralling Isabel, who still wandered the expanse of the living room in a curious daze, taking in each piece of art.

  “And me,” Hadley said. “The lonely fifth wheel! Don’t forget me.”

  Isabel grabbed Hadley, put her in a headlock, and gave her hair a tousle. “I have a feeling you won’t be lonely for long. Good things are coming for you, Hadley-Pants.”

  “That’s a new nickname,” Gia said, quirking her head.

  Isabel grinned. “I’m keeping it. Gonna get all Had’s stuff embroidered with it for Christmas.”

  Holly pointed at Isabel. “I like you.”

  “I like you back,” Isabel challenged.

  Elle smiled as everyone gathered their belongings and headed for the door. These women were endlessly entertaining, and she enjoyed getting to know them more and more. Gia, who was wonderful enough on her own, came with a lot of perks.

  “You were so great to have them all here,” Gia said, once they were alone. “But halfway through, all I wanted them to do was leave, already.”

  “Leave? Really? Why?” Elle asked, clearing a tray. “Everything okay?”

  “More than okay.” Gia came behind Elle at the sink, wrapped her arms around her from behind, and kissed her neck slowly. “I was just dreaming about doing this…and more. You were so cute in your hostess mode.” She slid her hands up the front of Elle’s shirt to her bare stomach.

  “Yeah?” Elle asked. She turned in Gia’s arms and stared into those chocolate brown eyes. “Is there anything I can get for you, ma’am?”

  “Now you’re just trying to torture me with your hostess voice.”

  “No, ma’am. I’m just happy to help with anything you need.”

  “Well…in that case.” Elle’s phone rang, interrupting them. She held up one reluctant finger, because this conversation was on its way to somewhere really good. Her temperature had already risen multiple degrees and her body tingled wonderfully. Cleanup from the barbecue could definitely wait until other matters were attended to.

  She found her phone by the couch, clicked over to the call, and took a seat. “Hey, Isabel. You guys forget something?” Gia was hot on her heels, not ready to pause what they had going.

  “Not at all,” Isabel said. “I guess I’m just feeling a little glowy for you two, and I also realized that I forgot to thank you for having us over. Today was fun. You’re a cool chick.” Gia knelt in front of her. Elle passed her a questioning look.

  “You’re so sweet to call,” Elle said. “You didn’t have to do that. We had fun with you guys, too.”

  “Oh! And Taylor wanted me to thank you on her behalf as well.” Gia ran her hands up the back of Elle’s calves and pulled her forward to the edge of the couch. Elle sucked in a breath, holding Gia’s heated gaze.

  “Please tell Taylor she’s very welcome. The cake she made was amazing.” Her eyes fluttered as her pants were unbuttoned, her zipper lowered. In a quick motion, Gia slid her jeans right off her body. Elle’s eyes went wide.

  “Don’t tell her I told you this, but the cake was from a box. She excels at finding the best boxes, though, and now she’s poking me in the arm for telling her secrets. I’m fucked.”

  Elle shivered at the use of the word coupled with Gia’s hand sliding slowly between her legs. When that hand applied pressure to the square of fabric, she bit her lip hard. “Boxes can be just as good,” Elle said evenly. “Who doesn’t, uh, love a boxed dessert?”

  “Right? She’s a whiz of innovation,” Isabel said, just as the fabric square was moved to the side. With just a touch of her tongue, Elle dropped her head back. Gia groaned quietly.

  “Thanks so much for calling, Iz. I’m sure I’ll be…seeing you soon.”

  “No doubt. Take care, Elle. Oh! I forgot to tell you. We’d love you both to drop by set sometime. I know you’re a fan of the show, and it might be fun to see the shooting of a scene or two.”

  Elle dug her fingers into the couch as Gia worked her magic and the pressure built steadily.

  “We wouldn’t miss it.”

  Moments from orgasm, Gia took the phone. “Hey, Iz. I gotta steal Elle for a second. Household matter. We’ll talk later.” She clicked off the call and tossed the phone behind her onto the carpet. “Where was I?” she asked, moving in for more.

  Ten seconds later, Elle knew exactly where she was: enjoying the blissful payout from just one of the many sexy moments that came with life alongside Gia, whose name she repeated as she savored the wash of pleasure.

  Elle never knew such happiness was possible for her. Looking back on her life just one year ago was startling, almost unrecognizable. Her mundane existence had shifted dramatically to a full and rich life alongside one of the kindest and most beautiful people she’d ever known.

  She looked forward to waking up each day, seeing what the world had in store. For the first time…she felt alive.

  “What about a little surfing at dusk?” Gia asked. “Would you be up for that?”

  “Yes, Four,” Elle said with a sated smile. “I would love to surf with you tonight. And after that, I have a few plans of my own for you.”

  Gia blinked back at her. They shared a lingering kiss as, through the window behind them, the sun descended slowly to the water.

  “This has been a really good day,” Gia murmured.

  Elle smiled against her mouth. “I have a feeling we can top it.”

  About the Author

  Melissa Brayden (www.melissabrayden.com) is a multiaward-winning romance author, embracing the full-time writer’s life in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoying every minute of it.

  Melissa is married and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she spends time with her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene as often as possible. She considers herself a reluctant patron of spin class, but would much rather be sipping merlot and staring off into space. Coffee, wine, and donuts make her world go round.

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