The Presence

by Charlene Neil

  “I want you so bad right now. It’s torture. But in the same breath, I’m terrified of this. It’s so new to me. And what if things don’t work out in the long run? I don’t want to ruin our friendship. I’d die if I had to lose you.”

  “It’s too late for me. Whatever happens, I’m too far gone already, Kay. I’m so in love with you right now that I can’t breathe.” Rebecca turned her focus to her empty bowl and played with her spoon. “I said too much.” She shook her head. “It’s not your fault, entirely my own.”

  “Wow. You’re in love with me?” Kayleigh stared at Rebecca’s beautiful hands while she played with her spoon around the edge of the empty bowl.

  “I’m sorry.” Rebecca wouldn’t meet her eyes. She pushed her chair back and got up. “Let’s go see what movie Sarah picked.”

  Kayleigh reached for Rebecca’s hand to stop her from leaving. “Before we go inside…I’m sorry. You caught me off guard. I want you, and you know that.”

  “Come, Sarah’s probably waiting.” She pulled her hand back and went inside. Kayleigh thought she saw tears in Rebecca’s eyes as she turned for the back door. Kayleigh stood, took the empty bowls and followed her in.

  Sarah had picked a movie, and Rebecca showed her how to load the disk into the machine and how to work the surround sound. Kayleigh heard their easy banter when she walked into the TV room from the kitchen where she had rinsed the bowls. She sank down onto the couch and tucked her cold feet in under her body. It had started raining. She wasn’t exactly sure where her relationship was heading with Rebecca, but the fact that Rebecca was in love with her, for some reason, meant so much to her, but also scared her. Part of her was ecstatic and another part was absolutely confounded. Deep down she knew it was too late for her too. Even if making love to Rebecca scared Kayleigh, she wanted nothing more than to do just that.

  Rebecca sat next to her on the couch, while Sarah flung herself down into a large bean bag in front of the large fifty inch TV. Sarah pressed the play button, and the movie started. Kayleigh had no idea what the movie was about —it was impossible to concentrate. She sensed Rebecca’s warmth next to her, causing her stomach to flutter. Kayleigh’s heart raced as if she was having withdrawal from a strong drug. She understood what Rebecca meant when she said she couldn’t breathe. Was she in love too? Maybe this wasn’t just a game of lust, but perhaps it was in fact love? Thoughts spiraled in her head, denial screaming loud cuss words in her mind. When had she let her defenses down? Yes, she admitted that she had some lonely nights, but those were just nights. She wasn’t looking for another life partner. All she wanted were a few dates and then to spend her evenings with Sarah, but with Rebecca it was different. Kayleigh was petrified of losing Rebecca. Not having her. That was the truth, she knew it and it terrified her.

  “Are you all right?” Rebecca whispered. Her low, sexy voice hit Kayleigh low in her belly. She closed her eyes and groaned. Rebecca turned to look at her. “Hey? You all right?”

  Kayleigh turned her face toward Rebecca. “I’m fine,” she said with a tremulous expression. She wanted to put her hand on Rebecca’s leg, but fear made her hand as heavy as steel. Her blood rushed through her body, feeling as if it were traveling at light speed through her veins. She glanced over at Sarah before she finally moved her hand over and slowly climbed her fingers up Rebecca’s leg until she came to a rest on Rebecca’s thigh.

  Rebecca looked down at her hand, took a deep shaky breath, and turned her attention back to Kayleigh. Rebecca’s lips were full, and her eyes filled with longing. “You shouldn’t do that,” she whispered.

  “I know, but do you mind?” Kayleigh whispered back.

  “Kay, why would I mind? I want as much from you as I can possibly get.” Rebecca put her hand onto Kayleigh’s leg. The touch of her hand on her leg made Kayleigh’s blood rush even faster. The tingling sensation went from where Rebecca’s hand lay on her leg, right up her thigh, and into her center. Even her stomach went into knots. Kayleigh closed her eyes again and tried to steady her rapid breathing. She couldn’t stop another groan from leaving her parted lips.

  It took a whole lot of restraint for Kayleigh to sit still like a good school kid and watch the movie that she knew that neither of them was really watching. The awareness of Rebecca’s nearness was unlike anything that Kayleigh had ever experienced before. She wanted nothing more right now than to be alone with Rebecca.

  They watched movies all day while it rained heavily outside. Rebecca chose a movie, and so did Kayleigh. While watching the movies, they sat close enough so their bodies touched. Rebecca fetched popcorn and crisps, but neither of them had any appetite at all. Sarah was the only one crunching away.

  “Time for bed, Sarah.”

  “But, Mom.”

  “No but Mom’s, young lady. Off to bed with you.”

  “Okay,” Sarah said with a pout.

  “I’ll come tuck you in in a few minutes.” Kayleigh said as Sarah came to kiss her good night.

  Kayleigh yawned. “For someone who slept so late, I sure am tired.” In truth she was exhausted by wanting Rebecca so much all day. “I guess I’ll turn in too.”

  “Sweet dreams,” Rebecca said as she too got up. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Kayleigh lay in her bed and stared at the ceiling wishing Rebecca would come into her room during the night. Rebecca never showed.

  †

  Sunday the sun was up and they swam all day and played cards during the afternoon. By Sunday evening, Sarah was reluctant to go home. Kayleigh secretly felt the same, but she knew that they had to go home eventually. She didn’t want to run away from her problems forever. Besides, there was school and work to think about. They needed to face the problem hands on and deal with it. Since she had driven them to their house, Rebecca had to drop them off at home. It was with great difficulty that Kayleigh didn’t invite her to sleep over.

  The week flew by quickly. Rebecca had hired a full-time shop assistant at her CD store. Kayleigh had burglar bars installed over the windows on the first floor of the house, and the new furniture had been delivered. She wrote a letter to Graham, the estate agent, and explained the necessity for the extra security, and he agreed that she could pay for the burglar bars. She could then stop paying rent until the fee for the burglar bars was covered. The burglar bars helped them feel much safer, but Kayleigh took the extra precaution of buying some motion detector alarm systems and placing them at every entrance.

  On Wednesday, Sarah brought a letter home from school. They had a Red Hut summer camp that weekend, and Sarah told Kayleigh that she really wanted to go. There was horse riding, swimming, and lots of games at the camp. Kayleigh decided that Sarah deserved a weekend away, and she also desperately needed some time alone with Rebecca. The camp started Friday afternoon and ran until Sunday.

  After dropping Sarah off at camp, Kayleigh stopped at her favorite CD store in town and said hello to her favorite CD store owner. Kayleigh walked to Rebecca and gave her a hug. “I missed you,” she whispered.

  “I missed you too,” Rebecca whispered back. “Why are we whispering? There are no clients here.”

  Kayleigh searched the store. “You’re right. Where’s your new shop assistant?”

  “Oh, Stephanie went to the Spar to buy herself a cola.”

  “Dinner tonight?” Kayleigh asked.

  “My place.” Rebecca nodded, looking pleased.

  “Only you and me. No Sarah. She has camp this weekend.”

  “Hmmm. Gotta stop by the pharmacy and get condoms.” Rebecca winked.

  Kayleigh giggled. “You’re so naughty. What time?”

  “Six.”

  “What to bring?”

  “Only your sexy self. Naked, preferably.”

  “What happened to no pressure?”

  “Of course. Wear something then if you absolutely have to.”

  The new employee returned with a can of cola in her hand. She was young and very pretty. Kayleigh felt a twinge of je
alousy.

  “See you then.” Kayleigh walked out and waved the royal wave as if she were the queen.

  Rebecca laughed.

  Kayleigh went home to start with her cleaning-of-self regime, happy to have the house to herself. Rattex played with the string that controlled the blinds and chased his own shadow. She took a bath in Sarah’s bathroom and soaked for about half an hour before she finally got out. She’d also shaved all over. The thought of going bare was extremely sexy. She’d put her favorite CD into the music system and was singing along while soaking in the bath. After her bath, she brushed her teeth and dressed in blue jeans and a white, skin-tight shirt. Her black boots rounded out the outfit. She blow dried her brown hair until it fell in waves on her shoulders, giving her a wild look. She put on some eyeliner and mascara, bringing out the green in her eyes and making them appear larger. She applied some light brown lipstick.

  When she went to the Jeep to put all her stuff inside, Rattex followed her, since he went everywhere with them. She helped him into the Jeep, and he sat on the front seat seemingly waiting patiently for her while she got her things.

  †

  Rebecca was waiting outside for them when they arrived. “I could hear your engine when you turned into my street, not to mention the music blasting the neighbors away.”

  “Hi.” Kayleigh leaned in and gave her a hug. “Grab Rattex and I’ll bring my bag.”

  “Bag, huh?” Rebecca raised her left eyebrow in surprise. “You’re planning on spending the night?” She turned to the Jeep to get the cat.

  “If it’s all right with you, the night and the entire weekend.” Kayleigh felt the familiar twist of excitement in her belly.

  Rebecca took Rattex, who immediately purred and curled around in her arms. They walked up the steps and went into the house. “It’s completely your decision which bedroom you want to put your bag in.”

  Kayleigh went up the stairs and set her bag down in Rebecca’s room. She inhaled nervously before she went back downstairs again. “So, what’s cooking, good looking?”

  Rebecca, wearing jeans, with her hair still damp, was standing by the stove and stirring something in a pot. Rattex sat by her feet and played with her shoe laces.

  “We’re having pasta alfredo and salad.”

  “Mmm, delicious.”

  “Thanks. I’ve set the table inside tonight, because it smells like rain.”

  “It looks beautiful.” Kayleigh admired the table that Rebecca had set. The wine glasses and candlelight made the atmosphere extremely romantic. She had acoustic guitar music playing on the stereo, and the lights were dimmed. Kayleigh was impressed.

  “I chose a white wine to go with the pasta. Hope you don’t mind?”

  “Perfect. Thank you.”

  Rebecca poured wine into their glasses while Kayleigh went to sit at the table. After pouring the wine, Rebecca placed their plates of food on the table, and sat down opposite her.

  “I’m so pleased to have you all to myself. This weekend is going to be fun. I want you to relax. I’m going to spoil you for a change. You have no responsibilities, and it’s your weekend off.”

  “Yeah. No kids. No ghosts.”

  “Just you and me.” Rebecca took a sip from her wine glass.

  “That’s so sweet of you, Rebecca. Thank you. And the food looks divine.”

  “Bon appetit.”

  “Mmm,” Kayleigh said again as she took her first bite.

  “Wait ‘til you see what I have planned for dessert.”

  “You’re such an amazing person. I’m so glad I met you.”

  Rebecca reached across the table and caressed Kayleigh’s hand. “You’re amazing too. You look very beautiful tonight, by the way.”

  “All these compliments. You’re making me blush.”

  “You’re pretty when you blush.”

  “Stop it.”

  Rebecca withdrew her hand and continued with her meal. “I’ll never stop.”

  “I could possibly get used to this.”

  “Well, you may have to. I think you’re perfect.”

  “I’m far from perfect, but I’m glad one person thinks I am.”

  They enjoyed the rest of the meal, talking about the camp and work.

  “What’s for dessert?” Kayleigh asked as she sampled the salad.

  “You will just have to wait and see,” Rebecca said. Her eyes shimmered in the candlelight. “But dessert is for later.”

  “Fine. Be like that.” Kayleigh said and threw her napkin across the table at Rebecca.

  “Children who don’t behave, don’t get dessert.”

  “Is that right?” Kayleigh got up and walked around the table to Rebecca. She pulled Rebecca’s chair backward and Rebecca lifted her weight off the chair in order to assist. When there was enough space between Rebecca and the table, Kayleigh raised her leg over Rebecca’s knees and sat down in her lap, facing her. “Doesn’t behaving badly count?”

  Rebecca inhaled sharply. “If you continue this you can have my dessert too.”

  Kayleigh closed the distance between their lips, and brushed her gently with a kiss. “Like this?”

  Rebecca’s voice shook. “Oh, yes.”

  “Great. Two desserts for me it is.” Kayleigh got up and started clearing the table.

  “You play dirty,” Rebecca said as she got up and helped.

  After clearing the table, they made sure Rattex was inside, then locked all the doors and closed all the windows. They headed for the bedroom and Kayleigh’s heart pounded away in anticipation of what was to come.

  Rebecca stopped in the doorway to her room. She turned around and faced Kayleigh. “So, where did you put your bag?”

  “I’m following you there as we speak.”

  “Nice.” Rebecca walked into her room.

  Kayleigh silently took her bag and disappeared off to the bathroom to put on her night dress. She’d packed a little black number for the night—one that she’d had for years but had never worn before. She scrutinized herself in the mirror and wondered if it was too much—or perhaps too little—for their first night alone together. It was extremely short and silky. Her erect nipples were clearly visible under the thin material. She brushed her teeth again and sprayed on a little perfume.

  Rebecca entered the bedroom from another bathroom down the passage when Kayleigh walked in. Her eyes went wide in appreciation when she saw what Kayleigh was wearing. “Wow,” she said before taking a deep breath in and whistling on exhaling.

  Rebecca had changed into blue silky shorts, with little pink pigs on them, and a strappy top which read Young single and free.

  Kayleigh went to sit on the bed. “Young, single and free?” she mused.

  “It’s an old top.” Rebecca closed the curtains before she walked up to Kayleigh. “I’m now old and hopefully taken.”

  Rebecca lowered her face to Kayleigh’s and kissed her gently on the lips. Their lips parted and their tongues met one another’s eagerly. While kissing her, Rebecca’s hands slipped in under Kayleigh’s night dress and quickly found Kayleigh’s bare skin. She gently lowered Kayleigh to the bed and lay on top of her. Kayleigh marveled at how perfectly their bodies fit together. She’d never experienced a wanting that was so strong.

  Their hips moved rhythmically against one another. Kayleigh reached up and pulled Rebecca even tighter against her. Rebecca found an erect nipple before gently squeezing it between her fingers. Kayleigh groaned and shoved her hips against Rebecca, feeling the beginning of a strong release. She tried very hard to hold back in order not to embarrass herself with such a low threshold, but it was no use. With each movement Rebecca made, Kayleigh came closer and closer to orgasm, the feeling between her legs becoming more and more intense. She dug her nails into Rebecca’s back, never stopping the movement of her hips. Rebecca pushed harder with her movements, but at the same rhythm, bringing Kayleigh to a body shattering climax. Kayleigh cried out as she came, her body shuddering with pleasure. She felt the urgenc
y in Rebecca’s movement increase. “Oh, my God,” she whispered.

  Rebecca continued grinding into her. She cried out too, only moments after Kayleigh came, as she joined her in the climax. After Rebecca climaxed, she fell down next to Kayleigh.

  They lay there breathless for several minutes before they started kissing again. Rebecca lifted her head and gazed into Kayleigh’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want our first time to be this urgent. But the night is still young.”

  She sat up and slipped her top off, exposing breasts that were small and firm, with erect nipples. Then she slipped her hands under Kayleigh’s gown and shifted the silky material upward in slow, tantalizing movements.

  Before Kayleigh knew what was happening, they were both naked on the bed. This time, there would be no rush as they kissed and stroked one another with sincere passion. Before long, Kayleigh was wet and swollen and aching for more.

  Rebecca slipped her fingers into Kayleigh’s wetness while she rubbed her thumb against Kayleigh’s clit. “Come for me, baby, I want to make you come again,” Rebecca panted.

  Kayleigh moved her hips against Rebecca’s hand and felt the pressure building slowly, closer with every move. Her clit was pounding and swollen, and she crashed into another orgasm. Her hips rocked faster as Rebecca slid deeper into Kayleigh’s center. Rebecca applied more pressure with the palm of her hand against Kayleigh’s clit as her fingers continued to move inside Kayleigh.

  “Oh, God, Rebecca. I’m coming again.” Kayleigh breathed.

  Rebecca kept moving as Kayleigh’s body rocked against her until Kayleigh finally slumped down, spent. “You’re fucking awesome,” Kayleigh said, out of breath. “It’s never been like this before for me. Never.”