Love Gone Viral

by Meg Napier

  “Yeah,” Uncle Ken smirked. “Then I’ll take you to your first bar.”

  Rosalind grimaced.

  “Actually,” Ashley linked her arm around Rosalind’s. “We have plans. Don’t worry; I’ll get her back home.”

  Ashley smelled like mesquite trees and soft rain. Her scent made the butterflies tickle other places.

  Helene made clucking noises.

  James cut her off.

  Even Uncle Ken seemed disheartened.

  Although they hadn’t officially met, she let Ashley whisk her away.

  “Thank you,” Rosalind said.

  “I would apologize for barging in on family time, but it looked like you were miserable and I wanted to meet you,” Ashley’s full lips twitched into a smile. Her perfect teeth matched her flawless skin.

  “You wanted to meet me?” The butterflies came back in full force.

  “I don’t know why. There’s something about you,” Ashley said. “So, today’s your birthday, huh?”

  She blushed, “Twenty-first.”

  “Welcome to the world where you can drink all you want, but not rent a car! I turned twenty-one a couple of months ago,” she said. “Trust me, all it means is more responsibilities.”

  Rosalind couldn’t think of a clever retort, so she nodded.

  She’d never felt this way about a person before. Physics had always been her love. She graduated high school early and went to college before her peers were old enough to attend prom. She obtained a masters in physics with honors while her peers were graduating from college. Nothing could keep her from her goals.

  Getting a doctorate in physics had always been the only thing she ever wanted in life—until today. Seeing Ashley highlighted in the sun, desires were awakened. Being in Ashley’s presence made her feel like she’d single-handedly solved the spacetime continuum problem.

  She’d never thought anyone could make her feel this way.

  “I’m with my brother, Ethan. He and his friends are into all things military. If you don’t mind accompanying me, I would love to get you know better,” Ashley said.

  “Me, too,” Rosalind said.

  Ashley’s smile radiated through Rosalind’s core. As Ashley took her hand, her skin tingled and warmth spread throughout her body.

  “When you’re not being dragged around by your family, what do you do?” Ashley asked.

  “I just finished my masters in physics and am getting ready to start the doctoral program at OSU,” Rosalind said.

  Ashley whistled, “Wow! And here I thought I was ambitious!”

  “What do you do?”

  “I work for the Lawton Constitution, but I also blog and do trending videos. Ever heard of Cowgirl’s View from the Saddle?” Ashley asked.

  Rosalind shook her head. “What is it?”

  “The name of my blog. You should check it out sometime,” Ashley offered.

  Not a fan of social media, but for this goddess I’ll do anything. “Sure.”

  Walking and talking, the day slipped away and before they realized it, Ethan and his friends caught up with them.

  Chapter 3

  The Williams’ Ranch

  Indiahoma, OK

  10 June 2017

  Saturday 8:15 pm

  The sun was setting and the nighttime creatures were waking up. An armadillo sauntered past, heading in the general direction of the Williams’ garden. The round mounds of land and spiny mesquite trees stretched as far as the eye could see. The pond was a murky brown, almost red in the sun’s setting rays.

  Rosalind watched Ashley’s eyes light up as they stood hand-in-hand at the edge of the pond. The butterflies had never quite gone away in the seven days she’d spent with Ashley. Her mother had been livid when Rosalind had bowed out of all the family activities. Her tantrums were unbelievable and her dad’s protection only went so far, especially when he had to go to work.

  Ashley was worth it.

  They spent the entire day on Ashley’s farm. Her parents, Taylor and Sheila, immediately embraced Rosalind as one of their own.

  Sheila, Rosalind soon discovered, was tired of Ashley dating deadbeats. Sheila pulled her aside after lunch and gossiped about the other women Ashley had brought home. By the time she was through criticizing each one, Rosalind was red with embarrassment. She’d had no idea Ashley was so experienced.

  In the setting sun, none of it mattered. Her heart was so full she thought she’d burst. It was worse when Ashley’s fingers gently rubbed the back of her hand. Her skin burned and tingled. It reminded her of the first time she’d read about quantum mechanics.

  “I love this time of day, don’t you, Roz?” Ashley said.

  She loved her new nickname. Roz. Her heart beat quicker in her chest. Everything seemed richer with Ashley. She leaned against her, politely averting her eyes from the gap in Ashley’s shirt.

  Warmth spread from her stomach to her extremities.

  Ashley shifted and turned to her. Her green eyes darkened. Desire matching her own. Rosalind held her breath and waited.

  BOOM!

  Rosalind jumped.

  Ethan was on the other side of the pond, laughing. “I scared you! I scared you!”

  “What’s he doing?” Rosalind asked.

  “Shooting turtles and getting on my nerves,” Ashley said. She turned to her brother, “I’m gonna kill you!”

  “Gotta catch me first!” He shouted. He shot the rifle one more time in the pond before running away.

  “I’m sorry,” Ashley said. “He enjoys being a pain. He shouldn’t bother us anymore tonight.”

  “Does he do this a lot?” She was afraid of the answer.

  “Be a pain? Yes. Constantly!” Ashley said.

  “I mean, interrupt your dates,” Rosalind clarified.

  Ashley crinkled her nose. “How many dates do you think I bring home?”

  Rosalind looked at her feet and blushed. “Well, your mom said…”

  Ashley lifted Roz’s chin. “What did my mom say exactly?”

  The contact from Ashley’s soft fingers made her mind mush. “She uh…may have indicated you’ve been on quite a few dates,” Rosalind said.

  Ashley smiled, “She did, did she?”

  Squirming, Rosalind took a deep breath. “Yes. Have you had many dates?”

  “A few,” Ashley admitted.

  “Oh.” She thought about lying about her experience, then thought better of it. If all she was to Ashley was just another date, then she’d learn to live with it.

  “You’re not just another date,” Ashley said.

  Rosalind’s brown eyes widened. “Are you a mind reader?”

  Ashley tweaked the smaller woman’s nose. “Yes.”

  Rosalind laughed, then stopped. Ashley was breathtaking. She moved closer.

  Ashley closed the gap, her fingers tangled in Rosalind’s hair.

  She trembled. Staring into those green orbs full of light and beauty, Rosalind’s hand rested on Ash’s hips, pulling her closer.

  When Ashley’s lips touched hers, soft, then firm, she was hot and cold all at once. Her tongue found Ashley’s, the touch igniting sparks. Particles smashed together in a dazzling array of colors. She was breathless, desiring more.

  They sank to their knees, neither pulling apart.

  “Oh, Ash,” she moaned. Hands pressed firmly against Ashley’s back.

  As the sun sank lower in the sky, disappearing from view, Ashley guided Rosalind to the ground.

  Chapter 4

  The Williams’ Ranch

  Indiahoma, OK

  23 December 2017

  Friday 3:00 pm

  The air smelled of ice and snow. It was perfect weather! Of course, everything was perfect since Rosalind had met Ashley. They’d been dating for seven months and, although Rosalind’s schedule had been full, they found time for each other. Fall classes had finally ended and she looked forward to spending the day with Ashley.

  In spite of the cold, she dabbed sweat from her neck.
The Uber had dropped her off at the edge of the long driveway. Hesitating under the “Williams Ranch” sign arched over the driveway, she took a deep breath and blew it out. The condensation calmed her. She puffed a few more times. It was a silly practice she enjoyed when she was nervous. Puffing out more condensation, she closed her eyes and recited the fundamental particles.

  Only when she stopped trembling did she continue down the long driveway. Today she had one goal in mind – and it began with convincing Ashley to go to the pond with her.

  The pond.

  A chill went down her spine as she thought about the pond or, more specifically, about what had transpired at the pond. Her body tingled. A blush spread across her chest and face. Her first kiss had been there. Her first… the blush deepened as her thoughts trailed to another wonderful first experience.

  There was another first and only she hoped it would happen today. Her future was about to change. Her fingers went to her pocket. It was still there. She couldn’t believe what she was about to do. Her chest constricted and she rocked back and forth. It was all going to be okay, no matter what.

  Reciting subatomic particles calmed her racing heart, until she saw Ashley.

  Ashley’s thick coat slipped from her shoulders as she ran up the driveway. “What are you grinning about?” Ashley grabbed her before she could answer.

  The kiss was quick, a promise of things to come.

  “I’ll show you,” she said.

  Ashley raised an eyebrow, “I know you like cold weather, but I think we’d be more comfortable doing that in the house or at least the barn.”

  Rosalind’s laugh was high-pitched and full of nervous energy. “Trust me,” she said. She wasn’t sure if she trusted herself right now. “I want to give you your Christmas gift in private.” She grabbed Ashley’s hand.

  “I like gifts!” Ashley said.

  Ashley’s enthusiasm gave Rosalind the courage she needed. Dodging dried cow patties, they ran to the pond.

  Rosalind’s head pounded. She took a deep breath. She couldn’t believe she was about to do this.

  “This was where we kissed for the first time,” Ashley pointed out.

  “It was my first kiss,” Rosalind confessed.

  “Really?” Her eyes widened. “I had no idea.”

  She smiled shyly, her cheeks turning pink. It was now or never. Afraid Ashley wouldn’t be able to hear her over her drumming heart, she spoke loudly and quickly, “When I first saw you at the Fort Sill Museum, you looked like a goddess standing in the sunlight. You still look like a goddess.”

  Ashley blushed.

  “Ash, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life loving you,” she got down on one knee. Holding Ashley’s hand, she swallowed the lump in her throat. The butterflies came back.

  “Oh, wow.” Ashley trembled.

  “Will you marry me?” Rosalind asked.

  Ashley nodded, “Yes! I love you, too!”

  Falling into the greenest eyes she’d ever seen, Rosalind reeled from what she’d done. Happily dizzy, she kissed her fiancée deeply. Ashley’s scent sent her reeling with desire.

  Suddenly, she broke the kiss. “I almost forgot!” She pulled out a small pink box and slowly opened it. “You’ll need this.”

  “It’s beautiful!” Ashley gasped.

  She slipped the engagement ring on Ashley’s finger. The gold ring held a teardrop diamond in the middle, surrounded by champagne sapphires.

  Ashley tugged Rosalind closer, their mouths inches apart. “I think you’ll get part of your Christmas present early, too.”

  Desire rippled through her body as Ashley guided her to the cold, hard ground. Ashley smelled and tasted wonderful. Fiery. Passionate. A goddess who’d agreed to become her wife. As they heated the ground around them, brilliant flashes of light burst through Rosalind’s core, tickling her sides.

  They basked in each other’s warmth, until clouds covered the sun and icy rain fell.

  Chapter 5

  West Apartments

  Oklahoma State University

  Stillwater, OK

  24 August 2018

  Friday 4:00 pm

  Brown grass crunched under her feet as Rosalind walked across campus to the apartment she shared with Ash. She was four days into her second year in the doctoral program and she couldn’t be happier. Today they were celebrating their six-month wedding anniversary. To top it all off, Rosalind had been offered a unique opportunity.

  She couldn’t wait to get home to tell Ash!

  Passing the Family Resource Center, she waved at several other students. She was lucky to get an apartment so close to everything. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment had come fully furnished. The second bedroom was used as Ash’s office. Her blogs and videos were popular and she still sent articles to The Lawton Constitution.

  The door swung open and Ashley pulled her inside. The moment the door closed, she pushed Rosalind against it and kissed her. Hands slid around her waist.

  “Happy six-months, Roz,” she said in between kisses.

  Rosalind nibbled Ashley’s lower lip before deepening their kiss. Hands found Ash’s smooth, flat stomach and pulled her shirt up. Discarding clothes, Rosalind guided Ashley to the couch.

  “I. Love. You. Very. Much.” Rosalind emphasized each word with a kiss trailing from Ashley’s neck to her navel.

  Late afternoon turned to evening and they were still wrapped in each other’s arm. Ashley smelled of fresh rain. Mesquite trees. Home. Rosalind’s heart overflowed and she couldn’t stop smiling, even when her cheeks began to hurt. Her stomach fluttered and sides quivered.

  She gently kissed Ash’s neck.

  “Careful, Roz; you’re gonna get something started again,” Ash said, snuggling deeper into her arms.

  Rosalind continued the kisses until Ashley’s stomach rumbled. She laughed, “To be continued.”

  “You better believe it will be,”Ash growled. She turned around, straddling Rosalind. Her hands teased until Roz moaned. Then she untangled herself and went to the kitchen.

  Goosebumps pimpled Rosalind’s skin and she groaned, “Not fair!”

  Ashley crinkled her nose and stuck out her tongue. “I made a special meal for today. It needs to be reheated, though.”

  “Humph!” She went to the beauty standing naked in the kitchen and pressed herself against Ashley’s back, holding her tight. Her hands glided to places she knew Ash couldn’t resist. Then she pulled away.

  “Fiend!” Ashley said.

  Rosalind laughed, “All’s fair.” She watched Ash’s hips sway as she put containers in the microwave. Her skin was on fire. She didn’t care about food. At least, not real food, she thought grinning. While Ashley was no longer touching her, though, she was able to think more clearly. “I have great news.”

  “I can’t wait to hear it! I have good news for you, too, and a special surprise,” Ashley said.

  Her skin tingled again at the promises shining in Ash’s eyes. Deciding it best to share her news fully clothed, she found her dark garments scattered among Ashley’s brighter ones. While dressing, she noticed two pamphlets on the floor.

  One was for adoptions and the other for a cryobank. “What are these for?”

  Ashley frowned, “You weren’t supposed to see those yet. I thought it’d be nice to talk about starting a family.”

  “Oh.” When Ashley had first said she wanted a family, Rosalind had liked the idea. Now, with everything going on, she wasn’t so sure.

  “We don’t need to decide anything immediately. In fact, we can wait a little while,” Ashley said. Her voice wavering.

  Rosalind crossed the small room and hugged her. “Of course, we can talk about it. It surprised me, especially with the news I have.” She couldn’t hold the excitement in anymore, “I was accepted into CERN’s program. We get to go to Switzerland for a year and a half.”

  Ashley sighed, “That’s great, Roz. I guess I thought you were going to find a program here. You said there
are excellent physics programs you can do for your dissertation.”

  “True, but it’s CERN. The collider is there. It’s been my dream to study in Geneva.” She was confused. Ashley had never shown disinterest in her dreams before. “Are you not happy for me? For us?” Rosalind raised an eyebrow. A pebble dropped in the pit of her stomach.

  “Of course, I’m happy for you!” Ashley smiled. “Congratulations!” She kissed the top of Rosalind’s forehead. “I have news for you, too.”

  “What’s your news?” She asked, already feeling better.

  Ashley’s eyes twinkled, “I quit The Constitution today.”

  “Great timing!” Everything was coming together quite nicely.

  “I quit because I was hired to interview celebrities,” Ashley said.

  “That’s fantastic!” Rosalind said. She kissed her. “We have a lot to celebrate,” she said. “First, you may want to get dressed, because you’re distracting.”

  Ashley tweaked her small nose, “Maybe I like distracting you.”

  Roz smiled, then frowned as a thought hit her all at once and the pebble returned. “If you have a new job, you can’t come to Geneva.”

  Ashley sighed, “If it’s only a year and a half, we can make it work. I can come visit and you can come here during breaks. It’ll work out somehow.”

  It was a good plan, Rosalind decided. They would have their careers and then they could start their family.

  “I love you, Ash,” Rosalind said.

  “I love you, too.”

  Everything would work out fine. A year and a half was nothing compared to a lifetime of happiness.

  Chapter 6

  Hotel Griffon

  San Francisco, CA

  25 February 2020

  Tuesday 5:00 am

  Rosalind folded the clothes carefully into the bright pink and purple suitcase. She preferred a plain suitcase; however, Ashley, insisted on a suitcase certain to stand out at the baggage claim. She chewed on her lower lip. The bag definitely stood out.

  She stared at the clothes Ashley had laid out for her. Just because she had to carry a bright suitcase didn’t mean she had to match the thing. There were more important things than fashion.