by A. C. Grey
“No problem here. I am pretty hot, after all.” Tess laughed flirtatiously.
“I’m not going to argue with that.” Zoey beamed and placed a quick peck on Tess’s cheek.
“You’re not so bad yourself. Which doesn’t make it easy to answer all those dumb questions from the reporters. Knowing that you were in the back making sexy eyes at me did not help my concentration.”
“I was not,” Zoey protested, perhaps a little too vehemently.
“Sure, whatever you say, Zoey. Let’s get out of here. Some of my friends are meeting up at a bar at the Bellagio for some celebratory drinks.”
“Sounds good.” Zoey nodded and followed Tess from the room.
* * * * *
They made their way into the loud, crowded bar and scanned the room for familiar faces. Huddled over to one side was a group of Tess’s friends. Zoey was relieved to see that Max was also there. At least she wouldn’t be completely surrounded by strangers. As they made their way over, Zoey also saw Angie, as well as Jim, the pro who had bested her a few days before. Her heart sank a little, feeling embarrassed about the way the game had ended.
When they approached the group, Tess introduced Zoey to the others, including some professionals that Zoey had read about – Jeff Turner, Vicki Tran, Jane Bailey, and Mark Baker. Zoey made her rounds, shaking everyone’s hand and eventually greeted Jim.
Jim smiled. “Zoey, it’s nice to meet you formally. You’ve got some real potential. You didn’t go down without a fight the other day. Glad to see you’re sticking around and that you’ve got a great player like Tess to show you the ropes.”
Zoey blushed slightly, but was comforted by his friendly demeanor. The doubt that had momentarily crept in was gone in an instant. Zoey’s thoughts quickly strayed to other, less appropriate areas, as Tess laid a hand on her shoulder from behind and brought her lips to Zoey’s ear.
“I’m going to go grab us some drinks. Rum and coke for you?” Tess’s whispered breath teased Zoey’s skin, taking her mind off on an entirely inappropriate tangent. Unable to speak, Zoey simply nodded and turned to watch Tess saunter off. God damn that woman had power over her.
“You’ve got it bad, Cameron.” Max’s voice invaded her reverie.
“Huh?” Zoey turned, realizing that he was speaking to her.
“I said, you’ve got it bad. All you seem to do these days is stare at Red. And judging by the looks she’s giving you right now, I’d say the feeling’s mutual.” Sure enough, Tess was sending very suggestive, flirtatious looks back at Zoey, who was grinning seductively back. “Cameron. Are you even listening to me?” Max asked after getting no response.
“Oh, yeah . . . sure, Max.” Zoey continued making eyes at Tess.
“You two are a piece of work, I’ll tell you.”
At that moment, Zoey’s face dropped as a beautiful blonde approached Tess. It was clear from her body language that the woman was flirting. She was flirting with her girlfriend. Zoey attempted to calm herself down, sure that Tess would brush her off. Instead, Tess smiled back at the woman, allowing the woman to lean over and briefly touch her arm as she whispered something into Tess’s ear. Whatever she’d said had made Tess laugh. Zoey balled her fists at her side and attempted to remain neutral. But the claims of the bystander earlier that day rang through her mind. What if they were true? What if Tess had gotten what she’d wanted, and now that she had, was ready to move on? The thought crushed her.
“Jealous isn’t a good look on you, Cameron,” Max interrupted her internal struggle.
“I’m not . . .” Zoey began.
“Zoey,” Max said, in a tone that left her no doubt that he knew she was lying.
“Fine. Maybe I’m am. It’s just . . . I feel so lucky to have her and I don’t want that bitch, or anyone else for that matter, touching my girlfriend.”
Max chuckled. “So why don’t you go over there and tell her that?”
“Well, I don’t know. It kind of looks like Tess is flirting back. And I’ve had more than one person, including you, tell me that Tess is not really the relationship type. What if she’s bored with me already?”
“You called her your girlfriend. I assume she knows about that?”
Zoey nodded.
“I’ve only seen Tess in one other serious relationship. A chick named Claire a few years back when Tess had just moved here. That girl did a number on her. She hasn’t been serious with anyone since. And trust me, she’s had the opportunity to, if she’d wanted that. So I get your worry, I do. But the fact that she’s willing to call you her girlfriend after such a short period of time tells me that she’s serious about you. I know one thing about Tess. She may have had her fair share of flings, but as far as I know, she was never anything less than upfront with the person she was with. She didn’t call any of them her girlfriend. She’s not the type to toy with you like that.”
Zoey swallowed hard, taking in Max’s advice. She couldn’t help but still feel a little defeated. Tess, who had made her way back over by this time, noticed Zoey’s change in demeanor immediately. “Hey, what’s up? You look upset.”
“Cameron is a little jealous of you and blondie over there.” Max gestured to the woman at the bar, who was still staring at Tess.
“That true?” Tess lifted Zoey’s chin to look into her eyes. Seeing the doubt and hurt reflected back at her, Tess placed a gentle hand on Zoey’s cheek. “Yes, she was flirting with me. But I very politely told her that I was taken. I’m sorry if it looked like something else. You’re the only one for me, Zoey. If it really bothered you, you should have come over and said something.”
Zoey gave her a small smile. “I wanted to. I wanted to come over and tell her to get her fucking hands off my girlfriend.”
Tess laughed. “Why didn’t you?”
“I wasn’t sure I had the right to. I know we talked about our relationship in private, but I wasn’t sure what we’re supposed to be in public.”
Tess gave her a flirtatious look. “You want to know what we are in public?” She grinned before placing her hands on both of Zoey’s cheeks, pulling her in for a passionate, tongue-infused kiss. Tess pushed her up against the nearest wall and deepened the embrace. Several of their friends hooted as Tess tangled her hands in Zoey’s dark hair, before moving down to her hips, to pull their bodies even closer. Finally, out of breath and panting, Tess pulled back, a twinkle in her eye. “That give you a good idea?”
Zoey nodded, breathing heavily through now-swollen lips.
Tess leaned in, placing a seductive kiss just below Zoey’s ear. “Plus, you jealous . . . so hot,” Tess whispered, before surreptitiously grabbing Zoey’s ass. “What do you say we get out of here?”
Zoey swallowed hard and nodded, still stunned speechless.
Tess grabbed her hand and turned to address their friends. “Sorry guys, but Zoey and I have some business to attend to. We’ll see you around.” Ignoring the knowing glances coming from the group, Tess led Zoey from the bar and back to Zoey’s hotel room, which was closer than Tess’s house. They needed to be alone, and fast.
* * * * *
The minute they were through the door of Zoey’s suite, they were a tangle of arms and legs, clothing flying in every direction. Tess pushed Zoey backwards towards the bed, laughing as they tripped over her pants, which had somehow ended up around her ankles. Burning with need, they tore at each other until both were completely naked and writhing against each other on the bed.
Wasting no time, Tess covered Zoey’s body with her own, both reveling in the feel of their bodies together, rubbing, teasing, sending shockwaves straight to their cores. Tess reached down a slid her fingers into Zoey’s slick center, gently tracing and teasing around the outside before entering her. Zoey, anxious to provide a similar experience for her girlfriend, mimicked Tess’s actions. They began to pump in tandem, matching each other’s tempo. As both neared what would be the first of many climaxes that night, they began to thrust their hips against each oth
er, a music-less seductive tango all their own. Sensing that Zoey was close to completion, Tess added her thumb, flicking it over Zoey’s engorged nub, which elicited a stream of deep moans from the brunette. Zoey’s body began to shudder with the first waves of her orgasm.
“Ohhhh . . . my . . . Godddd . . . “ The sound of Zoey’s beautiful voice, ringing out in ecstasy was enough to send Tess over the edge.
“Fuuucck . . . Please . . . . Zoey . . . Don’t . . . ever . . . stop . . . fucking me.” Tess’s body was wracked with wave after wave of pleasure as her walls clamped around Zoey’s still pumping fingers.
They collapsed in a sweaty heap and Zoey pulled Tess in for a deep, passionate kiss. She pulled away and grinned at her girlfriend.
“What?” Tess asked.
“Nothing. It’s just . . . you’re so fucking hot when you swear.”
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, Tess smiled as she awoke naked, limbs intertwined with Zoey’s. She took in a deep breath, inhaling her girlfriend’s seductive, unique scent, and savored the quiet intimacy. Taking a few moments to watch the beautiful woman in her arms sleep, she smiled to herself. She was quite sure that this was about as close to heaven as she was going to get.
Slowly, Zoey stirred, turning her body closer into Tess’s, as her sleep-glazed eyes fluttered open. “Morning,” she muttered, still half-asleep.
“Morning, beautiful.” Tess smiled, gently kissing Zoey and stroking a thumb over her cheek.
“Were you watching me sleep?”
“Maybe just a little. Couldn’t help it. You’re gorgeous when you sleep.”
Zoey rolled her eyes. “You’re getting all corny, Tess.”
“So what if I am? I can’t help it if I have the hottest girlfriend in the world.” Tess recaptured Zoey’s lips, quickly deepening the embrace. She rolled them over slightly, so that her body was atop Zoey’s, never losing contact with her lips. Their tongues slid together, savoring the sensation, the taste of each other as they slowly rocked against one another. Tess reached down and gently kneaded Zoey’s breast in her hand. Zoey let out a low moan as need rocketed to life within her. She brought her thigh up between Tess’s legs, pressing it against her wetness. Just as things were starting to take off, their interlude was interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Ignore it,” Zoey said in between kisses. “Probably just housekeeping.”
Tess did just that, focused on nothing but the woman writhing underneath her. However, another knock sounded, invading their embrace. Tess pulled back. “I’m not sure we put the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign out last night, you know in all our haste.” She shot Zoey a grin as they both remembered their previous night’s activities. “If I don’t get it, the maid is probably going to come in here and get the shock of her life.” Zoey groaned as Tess rolled off her and grabbed a robe, heading to the door.
Tess opened the door, expecting to see the hotel’s housekeeping staff. Instead, a distinguished older man stood before her. “Uh . . . hello.” Tess responded after getting over the surprise.
“Hello. I must be mistaken. I thought my daughter . . .” The man began, clearly confused.
He was cut off, however, by Zoey. She came walking into the room wearing nothing but a towel. “Tess. What’s taking you so long? You’ve been a very dirty girl and I think you need a shower . . .” The playful smirk that had been on Zoey’s face dropped away in shock as she saw the man standing in the door way.
“Uh . . . hi Dad,” Zoey managed to squeak out.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” Richard Cameron asked, seemingly unperturbed by Zoey’s inappropriate choice of words.
Tess’s heart started beating uncontrollably fast. Zoey’s father. He was here. And that couldn’t be good. What really unnerved her, however, was the fact that he seemed so calm. She could see through his façade – he was definitely upset – but clearly was waiting for a better time to make his feelings known.
“This is . . . uh . . . this my uh . . . my friend, Tess McLeod,” Zoey stuttered, still at a loss for words.
The words cut through Tess like a knife. She was Zoey’s “friend.” Her heart sank. How could she have been so stupid? Zoey was new to this, of course. She wasn’t ready for this whole relationship with a woman thing. Tess silently scolded herself. How had she let herself get so deeply attached? Composing herself, she put on her best poker face and stuck her hand out. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Cameron.” She said it perhaps a little too perkily. He awkwardly accepted her hand, shaking it briefly before releasing it like it was something dirty and disgusting. “Now if you two will excuse me, I’m just going to get my things and head out. I’ve got some place to be.” With that, Tess practically ran to the bedroom, throwing her clothes on, eager to make an exit before she fell apart.
As Zoey watched Tess head from the room, she felt immediate guilt. In the shock of the moment, she’d panicked. She’d called Tess her “friend.” She was an idiot. But despite her best efforts to the contrary, she still cowered in her father’s presence. He wasn’t a mean or a harsh man, but he was always so in control, so silently judgmental, so powerful. It was hard not to be intimidated. And she’d always fallen in line, been his perfect little daddy’s girl until just recently. “Uh, Dad. I’m going to go get dressed. Then maybe we can talk? Can I meet you at the coffee shop downstairs in ten minutes?”
He nodded. “Thank you, Zoey. Yes, that’s fine. We have a lot to discuss it seems.”
Zoey swallowed nervously and headed back to the bedroom, needing to catch Tess before she left.
Tess was already dressed and putting on her shoes. The stricken look on her face left Zoey with little doubt as to how she was feeling.
“I’m sorry, Tess. I didn’t mean for things to come out the way they did. I panicked.”
Tess shook her head. “It’s okay, Zoey. I understand. It’s hard for you and this is new. Maybe it’s not what you want. I’m going to head out and give you some time with your dad, some time to figure things out. I’m okay, really.” Of course, she was anything but okay, but she wasn’t about to let on. She gathered her stuff and headed from the room.
Zoey collapsed on the bed. The wave of conflicting emotions crashed over her, almost overwhelming her. She’d never been happier than she’d been since she met Tess. She also loved the poker. She was good at it, and she knew deep down that she’d keep getting better. But she was also scared. She’d never disappointed her father in her whole life, but it seemed that streak might have just come to an end. After taking a moment to collect herself, she dressed and headed to meet him. She took a deep breath as she entered the coffee shop, bracing herself for the inevitable lecture to come.
Sliding into the seat opposite him, she stared down at her hands, unable to make eye contact. She remained silent, waiting for him to speak.
“What’s going on with you, Zoey?”
“Nothing. I’m fine. Why are you here? And how did you find me?”
“It seems you’ve been playing poker. A colleague saw you on TV the other day and brought it to my attention.”
Zoey’s heart sank. Those TV cameras, the ones that had been filming the day of the Ladies’ Event, must have taped her.
Her father continued. “Gambling, Zoey? You know that’s a sin. I raised you better than that. I know that you took your breakup with Steve hard, but really? Gambling. I have to say I’m disappointed in you. You said you needed your space, and I gave that to you, but I think we both know it’s time you came home.”
Zoey struggled with the warring emotions inside her. She’d felt so free since coming to Las Vegas. It was a brand new start, a brand new her. But the old Zoey, the one she’d buried deep inside, was still eager to please her father.
“I’m not so sure . . . “ Zoey began, but was cut off by her father.
“And this friend of yours, Tess, was that her name? Are you sure she’s a good influence on you?” Her father didn’t mention the nature of her relationship, bu
t there was no doubting his meaning.
Zoey thought about her response for a minute, chewing her lip in contemplation as she fidgeted uncomfortably. She debated how much to tell him, again, her fear of disappointing him rearing its ugly head. However, after her ill-timed words about showering together, there was no doubt that he knew something was going on between them. So was there really any point in remaining in denial?
She let out a deep breath before proceeding. “She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Dad.” Zoey finally looked up and gazed directly into his eyes, letting him know how much she meant it.
“I’m not exactly sure what you mean by that, Zoey. Please enlighten me.” He gave her his best stare down, a look that had sent many running for the hills.
Undeterred, she continued. “Tess and I have been dating. She makes me incredibly happy. She makes me a better person. She’s so kind, so patient, so accepting. For the first time in my life, I feel like myself. I feel like I’m where I belong. And I love playing poker. I’m good at it, and I’m just going to get better. This new life I’m slowly crafting for myself here – it feels right.” She paused, anxious and scared at the same time to hear his response.