Set the Stage

by Karis Walsh

  They stood facing each other, and Arden put her hands on Emilie’s hips, sliding them around her back and into the back pockets of Emilie’s jeans. She kissed her gently, her tongue dipping into Emilie’s mouth with a soft caress.

  Emilie sighed against her, pressing closer, and Arden willingly increased the intensity of her kiss. She pulled back, breathless and smiling, and twisted one of Emilie’s wild post-performance curls around her forefinger.

  “This play will be the one to make you a star, Em,” she said. “Even more than Cassella. You’re going to have offers pouring in once all the critics and directors have a chance to see you.”

  Emilie looked away, biting her lip. “I’ve already had one offer,” she said. “I don’t think I can refuse it this time.”

  “I’m ready to go anywhere you want,” Arden said, kissing Emilie’s cheek and then moving down her neck, enjoying the shivery response she felt as Emilie’s skin moved beneath her lips. She didn’t hesitate to promise Emilie she’d leave with her. Before, she had been concerned about being left behind or moving away from Ashland. Now she knew for certain that wherever Emilie went, she would go, too. And Em would do the same for her. They’d sooner leave a limb or organ behind than each other.

  “Well, we’d be staying here. Just for another year. Or maybe two, but at least this one.”

  “You’re sure? What’s the part?”

  “Well, I don’t technically have it yet since they just announced next year’s schedule, but it’s Imogen, in Cymbeline. They hardly ever produce this play, and I’d hate to miss a chance to play the role. Would you mind staying and working with Gwen another season? Or two?”

  “Of course not,” Arden said with a laugh of relief. They’d eventually move, but she had a feeling this would become their home base. Wherever they went, they’d find their way back here at least some of the time, to see their friends or for one or both of them to be part of the festival. Emilie was her home, first and foremost, but Ashland would always be part of her. Of them, now.

  “I’d be glad to stay or go. You’d be a wonderful Imogen. That’s a part you could really make your own.”

  Emilie bounced in her arms, full of excited energy as usual after a performance. Arden was the opposite, and the evening after one of the plays where she had worked on the sets always left her with a happy, languid feeling. They managed to combine the two sensations, somehow, and by morning they’d both be evened out. Deliciously satisfied and relaxed.

  “I know,” Emilie said, still talking about the part while her hands stroked Arden’s back. “But I have to focus on this season first. It wouldn’t hurt to start pestering Jay in a day or two, though. Or tomorrow.”

  Arden arched closer to her and gently nibbled on her earlobe. “Tomorrow,” she agreed. “But not tonight.”

  Emilie gave a small gasp when Arden’s tongue followed the curve of her ear. “No. Tonight is for you, my love. For us.”

  About the Author

  Karis Walsh is a horseback-riding instructor who lives in Texas. When she isn’t teaching or writing, she enjoys spending time outside with her animals, reading, playing the viola, and riding with friends.

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