Taking Risks

by L. J. Hamlin

  Bettie smiles faintly. "That makes me want to tell you more—I feel like I can trust you."

  "You can trust me." Annabel has no idea what Bettie's secret could be. She just selfishly hopes it's not that she's involved romantically with someone, as Annabel is monosexual and knows Bettie is too.

  "You know shape shifters are a thing, right?" Bettie's voice shakes.

  Five years before werewolves revealed themselves to the world, and a year later other shifters joined them. Some were met with hatred, often by fringe religious groups. Annabel has seen enough shifter hate to understand why Bettie is scared to share, and this is a small town, where people are not always known for liking anyone different.

  "You're a shifter? Can I ask what kind, or is that rude? I don't know the rules." Annabel doesn't want to ask if it's like asking a person's weight or something like that, but she is curious, and for some reason, she's sure Bettie isn't a werewolf.

  "It's okay to ask—I'm a penguin," Bettie says softly.

  "A penguin?" Annabel repeats.

  Bettie frowns "Yes?"

  Annabel smiles. "But you said you don't like the cold,"

  Bettie swats her arm softly. "Jerk, I thought you were freaked out."

  "I'm not, but how can a penguin not like the cold?"

  "I'm only part penguin, and I do like the cold, just not freezing cold, and penguins like warmth too." Bettie pouts.

  Annabel grins. "I can make your penguin form a cute little sweater to wear if you like,"

  "You're enjoying this way too much," Bettie says, playfully shoving Annabel.

  "Well, it's cool. I've never met a penguin shifter before—not met many shifters of any kind really. There are like two wolves and a puma shifter in the whole town. And I'm glad you trusted me." Annabel can't help smiling because Bettie has trusted her with this.

  Bettie looks serious. "I do trust you."

  "I won't tell anyone you're a penguin shifter." Annabel wants to take Bettie's hand so badly but doesn't dare, but it's like Bettie reads her mind because takes both off Annabel's hands into hers, not treating the splint like something weird, like some do.

  "I really want to kiss you," Bettie says, surprising Annabel. She had thought the electricity between them was all in her mind.

  "You can, if you want. I'd like it if you did," Annabel blurts out, not wanting to miss her chance.

  Bettie leans in, and like some kind of big screen movie, it goes smooth and perfect and sets fire to Annabel's insides.

  "Wait, one question?" Annabel can't quite get it out of her mind.

  "What?"

  Annabel smiles shyly. "What kind of penguin are you?"

  "One of the smallest, a fairy penguin," Bettie tells her.

  "That is adorable." Annabel grins, she loves animals.

  "You're adorable," Bettie counters.

  "Can I kiss you?" Annabel asks.

  Bettie laughs, "Been hoping you'd ask that since I first saw you at the knitting circle."

  "Why didn't you say anything?" Annabel asks, taking Bettie's hand in hers, linking their fingers together.

  "I needed to be able to trust you first." Bettie sounds almost apologetic.

  Annabel nods. "I get that. I'm glad you do trust me."

  Bettie reaches out with her free hand and traces Annabel's lips with her finger tips. It makes Annabel's whole body flush warmer than she felt sitting in front of the fire all night.

  "I love your mouth," Bettie says softly, but with heat in her voice, and it makes Annabel feel like her insides are liquid.

  "I think you should kiss it again," Annabel suggests.

  Bettie winks. "Don't need to ask me twice."

  Bettie leans in and their lips meet, and Annabel feels like she's being consumed by the feeling, heat burning through her veins, and she slips her arms around Bettie's waist and almost purrs in pleasure when Bettie wraps her arms around Annabel's neck and holds her close.

  "We need to stop," Bettie gasps out, nuzzling Annabel's neck and sending shivers down her spine. The way Bettie is acting, it's clear she doesn't want to stop their make out session for a bad reason, like regretting it.

  "I told you my big secret tonight, and that I like you. I don't want to get carried away all in one night. I kind of really have it bad for you, so I figured I'd get to take you on a date, woo you a little before I try and get in your pants," Bettie explains, and Annabel doesn't think she's ever been so happy about someone not wanting to have sex with her.

  Annabel gives Bettie a peck on the lips. "I like you a lot too, so woo away."

  "Better take you out for now then, before I'm tempted to try my luck at seducing you." Bettie grins.

  "Okay, see you for are next ice skating lesson tomorrow?" Annabel is nervous. but excited. Bettie likes her, wants to date her—it's all she's been wanting.

  "Yes, same time. Don't think I'll go easy on you just because I like you." Bettie teases.

  "Wouldn't expect you to." Annabel packs up her stuff, and Bettie helps her to her feet, so she doesn't have to put her weight on her arm. Then they walk to the door together, and Bettie kisses her goodnight in her doorway. Annabel doesn't care if they're seen or not and is glad Bettie doesn't seem to want to hide either.

  Annabel returns home on a high and gets into bed with a smile on her face.

  *~*~*

  "And twist, yes, yes! That's my girl!" Bettie cheers as Annabel does the final twist of the routine she needs for the wedding and then skates over to Bettie.

  "Your girl?" Annabel asks with a grin, not even caring that she just finally aced the routine. Bettie's words mean more.

  Bettie blushes. "Too soon, too possessive?"

  "Neither. I liked it," Annabel says, taking Bettie's gloved hand.

  "You did great. How'd it feel?" Bettie asks.

  "Still terrified I'll fall on my face or get hurt, but I think if we keep practicing I can get through the wedding," Annabel admits. She doesn't think her phobia will ever go away completely, but having more skill on the ice has helped her feel safer.

  "There was something you mentioned earlier that made me want to show you something. Wait here." Bettie grins. She skates away, and Annabel waits confused, and then a little penguin appears on the ice.

  "Oh my god, Bettie?" Annabel has never seen a fairy penguin in person before, only on TV, and Bettie is just as cute as Annabel has thought she would be.

  Bettie waddles over, so sure footed on the ice, and comes over and pecks Annabel's laces, letting out a small noise. Annabel reaches down slowly, and Bettie stays close and lets Annabel stroke the feathers on the top of her small head. The feathers are slightly oily but very soft. Bettie flaps her wings once and then waddles away.

  Annabel waits, skating up and down a few times to practice, and then hears the sound of skates before Bettie appears on the ice.

  "That was amazing," Annabel says happily.

  Bettie smiles. "Thank you. I thought you might like to see a real penguin."

  "It was so cute to see you like that." Annabel grins, and Bettie skates to her and takes her hands and leans in for a kiss.

  Annabel meets Bettie half way and they share a chilly kiss on the ice.

  "I think you've practiced enough for today. Want to go get coffee before you have to work?" Bettie asks.

  "Like a date?" Annabel raises an eyebrow.

  "Yeah, it'd be a date." Bettie nods.

  "Then I'd love to." Annabel still can't believe Bettie wants her, wants to go on dates with her. She had thought Bettie was too cool for her, but they go and change out of their skates and head into town together.

  They both decide on hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and whipped cream. They're talking and getting to know each other better, likes and dislikes, when Kris, a woman from the knitting circle, stops by their table with her two toddlers holding her hands.

  "You two have been spending a lot of time together," Kris says with a raised eyebrow.

  Bettie looks at Annabel, questions i
n her eyes, and Annabel reaches across the table and takes Bettie's hand, glad when Bettie laces her fingers through Annabel's.

  "Yeah, we have." Annabel nods.

  "Oh really, how long?" Kris asks, but one of her kids starts crying, and she excuses herself and hurries off with her kids.

  "So the knitting group will know we're dating now." Bettie doesn't sound unhappy about it.

  Annabel smiles. "Yep, gives them something to gossip about."

  "I'm sure they won't give us too much hassle." Bettie shrugs.

  "So I kind of have a question, but I'm not sure if it's too soon." Annabel bites her lip.

  "You look nervous." Bettie raises her eyebrows and squeezes Annabel's hand, and it encourages Annabel to speak. She's sure she won't ruin things by doing this—Bettie trusts her, likes her, showed Annabel her penguin form.

  "I haven't got a date to the wedding, and as a bridesmaid, I'm invited to the whole day and have a plus one. And, well, I'd like it a lot if you'd come with me, as my date." Annabel tries not to hold her breath as she waits for an answer.

  "Is it okay to kiss you in public yet?" Bettie asks.

  "Is that a yes?" Annabel can feel excitement building in her stomach.

  "A hell yes and a can I kiss you?

  Annabel leans across the space between them and kisses Bettie full on the lips, and she can hear a few tables go quiet, but she doesn't care because Bettie is kissing her back.

  *~*~*

  The day of the wedding comes too soon, and Annabel is so nervous, but as she steps onto the ice in her skates and dress, she seeks out Bettie in the seats on the bride's side and meets her gaze. Bettie is watching her and gives her a subtle thumbs up.

  Annabel does the routine with the other bridesmaids and groomsmen, and then they're in line and waiting for the bride and groom. The groom does his routine first and then the bride. Annabel's oldest friend joins them on the ice. Annabel is half-terrified about the whole ceremony being on the ice, and her leg is aching a little because of the cold. She usually wears a lot more layers to practice, but she keeps glancing to where Bettie is sat, looking so proud and beautiful in her own outfit that it helps Annabel make it through.

  Eventually her friends are married. More carpet is put down and a big gazebo is erected for the reception. Annabel changes into shoes and takes a seat as soon as she can, partly to rest her leg but also so she doesn't have to worry about falling over. Bettie is in the seat beside her and she pulls a package wrapped in blue tissue paper and a white and silver ribbon out of her bag.

  "I got you a gift—well, made you a gift," Bettie says, her smile a little shy.

  "Me? Why?" Annabel says, shocked but leaning in to kiss Bettie's cheek in thanks.

  "Because I'm proud of you. I know you were terrified today, but you did it for your friend, and that is amazing to me. You're the bravest person I know," Bettie says softly.

  Annabel blushes. "You think that? You think I'm brave?"

  "The bravest. Bravery is not the absence of fear: it's doing things even though you're afraid," Bettie says firmly.

  "Can I open it now?" Annabel asks.

  "Yes. I hope you like it. It's silly." Bettie blushes again.

  Annabel opens the package and finds a little knitted penguin with little knitted skates instead of yellow feet. Annabel thinks her smile is going to split her face open.

  "Do you like it?" Bettie asks.

  "I love it! I get to have a little you with me all the time." Annabel hugs the little penguin

  Bettie hugs her and kisses Annabel's neck lightly. "That's what I wanted. You mentioned missing me, so this was my way of helping," Bettie says, holding her hand.

  Annabel leans against Bettie's side, and they chat and eat and enjoy the wedding, and eventually there is music and Bettie asks her if she'd like to dance. Annabel's leg is feeling strong enough, so she agrees.

  They slow dance and Annabel almost forgets they're on the ice, but she's still grateful to say goodnight to everyone and get in Bettie's car and blast the heat.

  "Um…I was wondering if you'd like to stay the night at mine?" Bettie asks. Neither of them has spent the night at each other's home yet.

  "Yes, just take me to mine first, so I can grab a toothbrush and some stuff?" Annabel asks. She knows some people would still think they're rushing things, but Annabel thinks they have waited long enough for this. They've both made it clear that they're serious about each other.

  Bettie drives to Annabel's house, and Annabel jumps out of the car and quickly packs an overnight bag. She catches sight of herself in the hallway mirror as she rushes to get back to Bettie, and she can see the excitement in her own eyes. Soon she is back in the car and they're making the short trip to Bettie's home.

  "Would you like a hot drink? The lake was beautiful but kind of cold." Bettie shudders as she opens her front door.

  "Still think you should like the cold more, but yes please, something hot would be lovely. Do you have hot chocolate or decaf tea? I don't think I need caffeine added to the mix of today's emotions," Annabel says honestly as they walk down the hallway to Bettie's familiar kitchen.

  "Ooh, I could spike the hot chocolate with Bailey's." Bettie suggests.

  "You're a goddess. Yes please, that is what I need right now: chocolate and booze." Annabel sighs happily.

  Bettie smiles and blows her a kiss, bumping Annabel in the direction of a seat, and Annabel is grateful to take a seat. The cold of the day has done her body no good at all. She puts her bag down and sits on the kitchen stool while Bettie makes two mugs of hot chocolate to which she adds a generous splash of the liquor.

  "Living room? I can start the fire," Bettie says, handing Annabel a warm mug with a cartoon penguin on it.

  "You have the best ideas." Annabel nods

  They go to the living room, and Annabel gets comfy in the couch with her hot chocolate while Bettie starts the fire. Once Bettie has the fire going, she picks up a blanket from the back of an arm chair and comes over. "This okay?"

  Annabel agrees as Bettie sits down on the couch next to her, tucking her legs up and covering them both with the woolly blanket.

  "This is really nice," Bettie says softly.

  Annabel can't help a yawn. "Ignore that. This is nice, just a long day."

  Bettie reaches out and gently unravels Annabel's hair, and it's a relief to have it loose. "We could nap if you like?"

  Annabel can't help thinking of her options. "I am tired, but I want to spend more time with you—awake time."

  "You have tomorrow off work, right?" Bettie asks.

  "Yes." Annabel nods.

  Bettie grins. "Thought so. We could nap now and then spend tomorrow doing awake stuff."

  "I like the way you think." Annabel kisses Bettie softly on the lips and can taste chocolate and Irish cream liquor.

  They cuddle up under the blanket, their mugs on the coffee table, and talk at first, mostly about the day. Bettie is very proud of her for doing so well and calls her brave. They trade lazy kisses, and Bettie let's her hog the couch so her leg doesn't get sore, and Annabel rests her head on Bettie's chest, listening to her soothing heartbeat as she feels sleep pull at her. Her last thoughts are of what morning might bring.

  *~*~*

  Morning brings breakfast in the kitchen and Bettie offering clothes, as Annabel only brought pyjamas, expecting to go straight home in the morning, but never actually wore them.

  "I should shower first," Annabel says as she finishes her orange juice.

  "You can shower here, right? I mean, otherwise you have to go home to shower and come back if you want to spend the day." Bettie offers.

  "You wouldn't mind? I'd like to spend the day with you." Annabel doesn't want to mess up her relationship with Bettie. She's really loving spending time with her.

  "Would I mind having a gorgeous woman naked and wet in my bathroom? Not at all." Bettie winks.

  Annabel blushes. "You think I'm gorgeous naked?"

  "You are cl
othed, so why not naked." Bettie shrugs like it's a given.

  "I have stretch marks and scars and freckles," Annabel says, feeling a little insecure.

  "If anyone told you those things stop your body from being beautiful, they're wrong, and I'd happily prove it to you." Bettie raises her eyebrows, but she looks so much like she means it, and Annabel feels warmth under her skin. She loves this woman. She wants to show Bettie everything.

  "Why don't you come shower with me and show me what you think," Annabel says, feeling bold.

  "Never gonna say no to an offer like that from you." Bettie leans in and kisses Annabel's cheek.

  Annabel takes a breath. "Let's go now while my level of horniness is outweighing my nerves."

  "We don't have to do anything," Bettie assures her, mistaking the nerves for something they're not.

  Annabel kisses Bettie deeply. "I want you—never been more sure if that—just body image issues, but I trust you not to hurt me in any way."

  Bettie takes her hand and kisses her palm. "Let's go then. I'm not always a hundred percent confident with my body, but the way you look at me makes me feel like the most desirable women in the world."

  They kiss again, and then Bettie leads her by the hand to the bathroom. They start undressing, and Bettie turns the water on to get warm. She strips quite quickly, and her muscular body is beautiful, long and strong, and she helps Annabel out of last night's dress. Bettie asks permission and then kisses every mark she exposes. Every bit of skin Annabel thinks of as imperfect Bettie seems to adore. Bettie leaves her shaking before they even step under the shower spray.

  Annabel kisses Bettie under the warm spray and they have to move a little so that they're both being hit by the water but can kiss without getting a mouthful of water. They move together kissing, and the warm water relaxes every stiff muscle Annabel has, but Bettie's hands are the real magic, bringing pleasure wherever they glide.

  "Is this okay?" Bettie says against Annabel's neck as her fingers slide over Annabel's hip with intent.

  "Yes, please, please touch me," Annabel begs. Her body is shaking and feels like a wire pulled taught from all the teasing touches. She needs something more—more stimulation, a release.