Citrus Blossom

by Sarah Pond

  'I'm missing you so much. I've come for a walk on the beach. I can't wait to come home.'

  Jasmine sighed, 'I wish I was there with you. Still, you'll be back tomorrow, it's not long now.'

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Olivia's train arrived at Paddington, and she made her way onto the concourse to find Jasmine. She saw Jasmine waving, and headed towards her. As she approached, she put down her case, and they hugged each other tightly. Jasmine whispered in her ear, 'I've missed you so much.'

  Olivia responded, 'I missed you too,' and kissed Jasmine full on the mouth.

  Their embrace became passionate, and in that moment, no one else existed for them. 'Let's go home,' said Jasmine, picking up Olivia's case.

  They arrived back at Emma's flat so that Olivia could drop her case off. Emma and Matt were there, and asked how the week was. Olivia gave her friend a hug, and said, 'It was good to see Mum and Dad, but Becky is being weird with me. After telling her about me and Jasmine, she disappeared and wouldn't talk to me. I went into the gallery to say goodbye yesterday, and that was that. Liam and Dan were okay, although surprised. I'll try calling Becky soon, I guess it was a shock for her.'

  Emma gave Olivia a hug, saying, 'I'm sure she'll come around. In the meantime, you've got us.'

  Olivia smiled, 'Thank you, you're so great. Matt, look after her!'

  'Oh, he does!' Emma winked.

  Olivia said that they were going back to Jasmine's for the rest of the weekend, so she would see her on Monday evening.

  By the time that Olivia and Jasmine had arrived back home, it was early evening. Jasmine told Olivia to go and sit down whilst she cooked dinner for them. The smells coming from the kitchen were divine. Olivia noticed that Jasmine had laid the table beautifully, and in the centre was a single stem vase, with a red rose in it. Jasmine cooked salmon with a pesto and crumb topping, with dauphinois potatoes and salad. 'This tastes delicious,' Olivia exclaimed as she took her first mouthful. 'It has such a gorgeous flavour. If you like, you can cook for me every day!' Olivia laughed.

  Jasmine simply said, 'Okay,' and Olivia looked up to see Jasmine looking at her seriously.

  Jasmine reached her hand across the table to Olivia, 'Move in with me.' It wasn't so much a question.

  Olivia looked at her, 'Stop kidding me.'

  Jasmine smiled, 'I'm serious. Move in with me. I thought about it a lot while you were away. I love you so much, and I can't bear it when we're apart. You practically live here at weekends anyway.'

  Olivia was completely taken by surprise. She wasn't sure what to say. Jasmine was thinking, oh no, please don't say I've rushed it again. She hadn't intended on asking Olivia just yet, but it had just slipped out. 'You don't have to decide now. Please say you'll at least think about it.'

  Olivia smiled, and Jasmine was relieved. 'I will think about it. You are crazy, and I love you!'

  After dinner, Jasmine sent Olivia to rest on the sofa, saying that she would clear up. After a long day travelling, Olivia was really tired. It wasn't long before she had drifted off to sleep on the sofa. When she opened her eyes sometime later, Jasmine's cat Rocky was curled up by her feet. Olivia looked around to see where Jasmine was. 'Hey, sleepy head,' Jasmine smiled at her. Jasmine was sitting in the armchair, reading.

  'Sorry, did I fall asleep?' Olivia sat herself upright, and Rocky moved, climbed onto Olivia's lap, and curled up again.

  Jasmine smiled, 'You two look very cosy there, Rocky loves you.'

  Olivia stroked Rocky, and he purred loudly. They chatted about what they would do tomorrow, deciding that a day at home would be perfect. Olivia said, 'After my week back home, I'd just like to really relax, and not have to talk to anyone about anything!'

  Jasmine looked at her, and Olivia saw the look on her face, 'Well, if you don't want to talk, I can think of a thing or two that we can do...'

  When Olivia and Jasmine arrived for work on Monday morning, Laura greeted them. 'Hello, good to have you back, Olivia. Did you have a good time?'

  Olivia said yes, and suggested that they have lunch together so that they could catch up properly. Jason arrived, and they all had a chat before they started work, and soon Olivia was back in the swing of things. She still kept thinking about Becky, and decided that she would call her soon. She didn't like leaving things the way they were. It was probably the first time that they had had any kind of falling out, and Olivia hated how it felt.

  After work one evening, Emma and Olivia were siting in the lounge chatting over a glass of wine. Emma said, 'It's good to catch up with you, I don't see much of you these days. I take it things are going well?'

  Olivia nodded, 'Jasmine is wonderful, we have a great time together. When I got back from Cornwall, she asked me to move in with her.'

  'Really. What did you say?'

  'I said I would think about it. I'm mad about her, but we haven't been together that long. I don't want to rush into it.'

  Emma replied, 'Well, you guys are so cute together, and Jasmine is obviously crazy about you.'

  Olivia smiled, and Emma saw that soppy look on her face. Emma looked at Olivia, wondering whether to ask her what she wanted to ask. Olivia noticed the look on Emma's face, and asked her what she was thinking. 'Well, I don't think that there is a delicate way of asking this, but I can't help wondering what it's like to be with a woman. Not that I want to myself, I do love men! But for you, don't you miss it?'

  Olivia laughed, blushing, 'To be honest, I don't. Jasmine makes me feel like no one else has ever done. She's tender, sensuous, and so fucking hot in bed. Well, not just in bed! She just seems to intuitively know what I want, even if I don't realise it myself. I've never had orgasms like it. You know, I'm so much more confident too, she makes me feel so safe. And we have so much in common. So how about you and Matt?'

  Emma grinned, 'Really good. Matt is so sweet, and so gorgeous. And like you, the sex is great!'

  Laughing, they clinked their glasses together. Olivia asked, 'Do you fancy going on that girl's shopping trip we talked about. I thought maybe we could go this Saturday, and have lunch out.'

  Emma replied, 'Yes, that would be great.'

  Jasmine arrived on Saturday morning, and Emma let her in, giving her a hug. Olivia came out of her room, and went over to kiss Jasmine, saying, 'You look gorgeous.' Jasmine was wearing dark blue skinny jeans, long black boots with high heels, and a single breasted black jacket over her white shirt.

  'You look so fucking hot,' said Jasmine, admiring Olivia's washed out jeans and tight blue t shirt. Olivia knew that look so well, and if they had been alone, Olivia knew what would have followed. As it was, Emma smiled at Olivia, and she blushed in response. Once they were all ready, they set off towards the shops. As Emma's flat was near Bond Street tube station, she was in a prime position for shopping. Emma had decided that when she moved to London, she wanted to be in the centre, in the middle of the action. She had a good job, and once she had been promoted she could afford to move more centrally. It was one of her colleagues who told her that a friend of his, who was a journalist, was looking for someone to flat share.

  They walked onto Oxford Street, which was bustling as always, a typical Saturday morning. Olivia was after getting a couple of dressier outfits, perhaps a dress and a trouser suit. Usually Olivia would wear jeans and t shirts or blouses, and smart trousers for the office. Although her red dress was lovely, she didn't want to always wear the same thing when they went out. After wandering around the shops for a couple of hours, they decided to go and get a drink. Jasmine had her usual tea, Olivia a latte, and Emma had a hot chocolate. So far, Emma had bought some jeans and a pair of blue shoes with a little heel, and Olivia had bought some brown knee high boots, which went well with her biker jacket. After their little break, they carried on down Regent Street, and then towards Covent Garden. Olivia caught sight of a dress shop which had the most exquisite dress in the window. 'Ooh, Jasmine, that would look gorgeous on you, you have to try it on.'

 
The dress was shoulder-less, in a deep plum colour. It was slim, with a detail on the left hip which made it slightly asymmetrical. They walked into the shop, and Jasmine asked to try the dress on. Emma and Olivia took a seat, and when Jasmine walked out, they both said, 'Wow.' Jasmine looked absolutely stunning. Looking at Olivia's face, Jasmine didn't need to ask what she thought of it, she knew that look, and felt a longing and a heat between her legs.

  Jasmine smiled sweetly at the assistant, a woman probably in her twenties, 'I'll take it, thank you.'

  Olivia said, 'Shall I come and give you a hand with the zip?'

  Jasmine nodded, and Olivia got up, and followed Jasmine to the changing room. As soon as she pulled the curtain across, Olivia's lips were on Jasmine, kissing her lips, then her bare shoulders. Jasmine turned around, and Olivia unzipped the back of the dress, kissing down her back as with each inch, she exposed more flesh. Olivia slipped the dress down, and Jasmine stepped out of it. She was now only wearing her pants and high heeled boots. Fuck, Olivia wanted her so much. With Jasmine still facing away from her, she ran her hands across her chest, massaging her breasts, then down her body, around her fabulous round backside. Holding Jasmine's breasts with her left hand, Olivia ran her right hand down Jasmine's stomach, continuing lower and lower. Jasmine groaned with pleasure as she felt Olivia inside her, then slipped her left hand behind her, and down the waistband of Olivia's jeans. Jasmine breathed, 'You're so wet, oh my god,' and they started a rhythm, sending sensations through their bodies that made them feel lightheaded. Jasmine's breathing was becoming more and more ragged, and she came, shuddering and groaning with pleasure. Olivia was close behind her, and her legs went weak as her orgasm tore through her. Olivia wrapped her arms around Jasmine, as they came down from orgasm together. Her desire for Jasmine still overwhelmed her sometimes. Jasmine turned around, and they kissed, with Olivia giggling at her own audacity. 'What are you doing to me, woman!'

  Jasmine laughed, 'I could say the same about you.'

  Olivia walked back out to towards Emma, and sat down. Emma, seeing the look on her face, laughed, 'I don't believe you two! I really can't take you anywhere!'

  Olivia flushed, 'What? Was it really that obvious?'

  Emma nodded, 'Yep, you may as well have had a neon sign! Don't ever take up poker!'

  Olivia felt her face go even redder. Jasmine walked out of the changing room, with the dress over her arm. She looked so cool and collected, and this made Emma laugh even more. Olivia waited with Emma whilst the dress was beautifully wrapped up, and Jasmine paid for it. As they left, they said goodbye, with Olivia avoiding eye contact with the assistant. Jasmine said, 'Well, I don't know about you guys, but I think it's time for lunch.'

  Emma smiled, saying 'Yes, I expect that you two have worked up quite an appetite!'

  Jasmine and Olivia looked at each other, then Emma, and laughed. They headed towards New Row, where there was this lovely little sandwich bar that Jasmine had recommended, just around the corner from Covent Garden. There was a great choice of sandwiches and paninis, and you could make up your own combo if you wished. They chatted over lunch, and watched people rushing by outside, through the large windows. Lunch was delicious, and having had a rest, they were all ready to get shopping again. Olivia still hadn't bought an outfit yet.

  After a few more shops, Olivia spotted a dress that she really liked. It was a deep green, and Jasmine said it complemented her eyes perfectly. She went to try it on, and came out to show the others. The dress was sleeveless, with a plunging v neck, and stopped just above Olivia's knees. 'So what do you think?'

  Jasmine smiled, and quietly said, 'It's perfect, and your tits look amazing in it.'

  Olivia laughed, 'I think I'll get it then!' and went back into the changing cubicle.

  After a couple more shops, Olivia found a gorgeous pair of navy trousers. They were made of fine material, hanging beautifully from her hips, and tapered at the ankle. She found a navy sleeveless top which looked fabulous with the trousers, and bought both of them. The three of them had had such a good day, and now headed back to Emma's to drop their shopping off. Emma suggested that they go out dancing tonight, and Jasmine and Olivia agreed. They decided to have dinner first, and went to their regular Mexican. When they were seated at their table and had ordered drinks, Emma was saying to Jasmine how she had brought Olivia here to celebrate her getting the job. 'You had just called, and Olivia was ecstatic.'

  Jasmine smiled at Olivia, 'The day I walked into the office and saw Olivia sitting there, I will never forget. I knew that she was special, and I knew that I was in trouble!'

  Emma laughed, then said to Olivia, 'There was another time a few months later, that you rang me after work to meet you here, and you were in a very peculiar mood. I never did know what was going on that day.'

  Olivia blushed, and hesitated, 'I, um, it was the day of the book launch. Jasmine had just told me how she felt about me. She had kissed me, and I freaked out. The thing that really freaked me out, was that the kiss had really turned me on. I was so confused.'

  Jasmine touched Olivia's hand. Emma asked, 'If Jasmine had told you how she felt, but not kissed you, do you think that you would have got together?'

  Olivia was thoughtful for a moment, 'It's hard to say. Maybe not, because I would never have know how that kiss would have made me feel. I certainly would have never guessed how things were going to turn out!'

  Jasmine looked at Olivia, 'From my point of view, although I was trying really hard not say anything, I think it was inevitable. I had wanted to kiss you from the moment I first saw you.'

  Olivia and Jasmine exchanged a loving glance. The waitress came over and took their order, and it wasn't long before the food arrived. The three of them chatted away happily, and discussed where they were going to go that evening. Jasmine said she knew of a bar and club not far away, if they fancied it. Emma was always up for trying somewhere new, so after dinner, they put on their jackets and headed off.

  The club was a smart place, with deep blue walls and coloured lighting around the bar. It was busy tonight, and Jasmine checked their jackets into the cloakroom, and they went to order some drinks. Emma couldn't wait to dance, and after they had had a drink, they headed to the dance floor. They were having a wonderful time, and Emma thought that Jasmine was a great dancer. Olivia said that she was going to get another drink, and that she would watch them dancing for a while. She had been sitting at a table near the bar, when a woman came over and asked if she could join her. Olivia said yes, the seat was free. The woman had short dark hair, and the most beautiful, piercing blue eyes. She was a slight build, about five foot four. She wore black jeans and a black waistcoat. Around her neck was long black corded necklace, with a silver pendant on the end of it. 'Phew, it's good to sit down. I've been dancing for ages.' Olivia smiled, and sipped her drink. 'I've not seen you in here before,' the woman said.

  Olivia replied, 'I don't usually go to clubs, I'm here with my friends, they're still dancing. I like your necklace.'

  'Thank you, it's a feather. To me, it symbolises freedom,' she leaned in closely so that Olivia could look at her necklace, and looked up at Olivia, with those piercing blue eyes. She really is very attractive, thought Olivia. Jasmine could see from the dance floor that someone had joined Olivia's table. She continued dancing with Emma. The woman put her drink down on the table, and asked Olivia whether she would like to dance. Olivia said no thank you, her friends would be over soon. The woman tried to make a bit more small talk, but wasn't getting anywhere. She got up to leave, and held her hand out, 'It was nice to meet you...'

  'Olivia,' she said as she shook the woman's hand.

  'Lovely to meet you, Olivia. If you change your mind, I'm Chloe.'

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Chloe went and sat back down at the bar. She couldn't help looking at Olivia. There was something about her, a girl next door, but so much more. Oh, how she would love to kiss those lips. Chloe had thought that Olivia looked a bit l
ost sitting at the table alone. Well, she thought, I did try. I would love to dance with her, though. In a moment of spontaneity, she grabbed a pen from the bar and scribbled her phone number on a piece of paper. Her heart beating fast, Chloe approached the table. Olivia looked up, to see Chloe's blue eyes looking into her green ones. 'Look, I know you're not interested now, but if you change your mind, here's my number. Call me.'

  Olivia looked surprised, and before she could say anything, she saw Jasmine walking over. Chloe turned around, and now it was her turn to be surprised. 'Jasmine, what are you doing here?'

  It suddenly dawned on Olivia who this was. Chloe. After they had broken up, when Olivia had turned up on Jasmine's doorstep, she said she was seeing someone. Chloe. Jasmine replied to Chloe, 'Hi, I'm here with my friends. I see that you've met Olivia. How are you?'

  'Well, thank you,' and felt awkward as Jasmine sat down next to Olivia, and squeezed her leg.

  'Good to see you, enjoy your night,' Chloe said, and disappeared. As she walked away, she thought, so that was Olivia, the girl who broke Jasmine's heart. Well, it looks like she mended it again. And I can certainly see the attraction.

  Jasmine said, 'I see you have an admirer.'

  Olivia said, 'She asked me to dance, and I said no. So that was Chloe, then. She's very attractive.'

  Emma saw the tension from Olivia, and also cottoned on to what was going on. 'I'm just off to the ladies,' Emma said, and left the table.

  Jasmine said, 'Well, I can't say I blame her for trying.'

  Olivia looked at Jasmine, 'You seem very relaxed about it.'

  'Well, what am I supposed to say? She was hitting on you, and I know you're not interested.'

  'I mean, about the fact that you two were an item.'

  Jasmine shook her head, 'We only went out for a few weeks. She's really nice, but I was still heartbroken over you leaving me.' Jasmine looked at Olivia, then down at the floor.