Season's Meetings

by Amy Dunne

  “H-Holly—” Catherine said, hissing loudly as her hips jumped off the bed.

  Holly looked up with a wicked grin as she tweaked the sensitive nipple between her forefinger and thumb.

  Catherine cried out again, the throbbing in her crotch reaching an all-time high. She could feel the dampness of her panties. She lifted her backside off the bed and tried to press herself against Holly’s thigh, but Holly moved her leg away, denying the contact Catherine so desperately craved. After another two sharp squeezes to the same nipple, Holly drew it into her mouth. She swirled her tongue in lazy circles, giving the occasional suck and rake with her teeth.

  Catherine’s throat was hoarse and tears brimmed her eyes. Every muscle in her body tightened. The throbbing ache flaring in her crotch walked the fine line between pleasure and pain. She couldn’t take any more, yet couldn’t form the words to warn Holly.

  As if sensing her on the edge, Holly lowered a hand and with light dancing fingertips stroked the material between Catherine’s thighs.

  Choking a sob, Catherine thrust herself against Holly’s hand, needing more. This time Holly granted her wish, and with harder strokes they formed a rhythm. Catherine teetered on the verge of orgasm—eyes clenched, head tilted back, breaths ragged, fingernails digging into Holly’s waist.

  Holly suddenly withdrew her hand. “Hold on, sweetheart,” Holly whispered breathlessly as she changed position.

  Peering up through watery eyes, Catherine watched as Holly’s red panties went flying across the room. Before she’d fully registered what she’d seen, Holly straddled her thigh. She moaned involuntarily when Holly’s wet centre burned against her thigh.

  Holly’s hand slipped inside Catherine’s panties and her fingertips explored. Her body rocked in perfect time with the thrusting of her fingers.

  Managing one last look, Catherine gasped as she watched Holly’s body move above her…golden hair tousled, face flushed, eyes clenched, mouth open slightly as her moans grew louder and more fraught. Her breasts had a natural bounce, and although still covered by the bra, both nipples were erect and straining against the material. Holly increased their pace, rolling her hips and grinding herself harder.

  As she writhed in agonising ecstasy, the powerful orgasm descended and tore through Catherine, making her body thrash and jump. The sound of her own voice reverberated in her ears, until Holly’s cry took over.

  Gasping, Holly slumped down on top of Catherine’s body. She rested her head on Catherine’s chest, her sweaty forehead sticking to her skin. She withdrew her hand from inside Catherine’s panties and rested it across her stomach.

  Catherine, too, was damp with perspiration. As her breathing returned to normal, she enjoyed a pleasant humming as it rolled through her body in waves. Grinning, she wrapped her arms tightly around Holly’s body.

  Her senses picked up on various things: the warm weight of Holly’s body pressed against her own, the rise and fall of Holly’s breasts, the sound as Holly’s breathing started to calm, and the raised tempo of Catherine’s own heartbeat. The heady, musky fragrance of sweat and sex filled her senses. Sweeping some of Holly’s damp hair to the side, Catherine planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, enjoying the sting of salty sweetness on her lips.

  “Hi,” Holly said, timidly looking up and smiling.

  “Hi there.” Catherine wrapped her arms tightly around Holly. “That was…great.” She cringed. Of all the words she could’ve come up with. Her brain was fuzzy and so she blamed it on that.

  “That was just foreplay.” Holly’s expression was serious and her tone husky.

  “Foreplay?” Catherine asked, shocked by another spike of arousal.

  “Uh-huh. Are you feeling relaxed now?” Holly asked.

  “Very much so.”

  “Good. Me too. And now that we’ve got the first sexual encounter over with, we can take our time to explore and enjoy.” Holly sat up and unhooked her bra at the back. She removed it in one fluid motion and sent it sailing across the room.

  Catherine’s eyes were glued to the perfect pair of breasts in front of her, pale skin with rosy pink nipples. She’d never considered herself a breast woman, until now.

  “Ready for round two?” Holly asked. She hiked an eyebrow, a ghost of a smile twitching in the right corner of her mouth.

  “How many rounds are there?” Catherine asked hoarsely. Previously, after having sex with Paula and more often than not having to sort herself out, she’d want nothing more than to sleep. Now, though, her libido fired on all cylinders, apparently wanting to make up for lost time. The sight of Holly’s breasts and the promise of more intimacy fuelled her insatiable desire.

  “I was thinking as many as we can manage before we collapse in exhaustion. The night is young and there’s all manner of things I intend to do to you.”

  “Oh,” Catherine said, not entirely sure how she should respond. “That sounds nice.” Nice? What the hell was wrong with her? She didn’t want to talk anymore. What had happened to the vast vocabulary she’d accumulated throughout her life?

  “Promise, if you’re not entirely comfortable with something, you’ll say.”

  “Okay,” Catherine said, her body and mind both reaching the same conclusion: kinky sex.

  “Take those off.” Holly pointed to the damp panties Catherine still wore.

  With her stomach somersaulting and her mouth incredibly dry, Catherine attempted to remove her panties in a seductive manner. It didn’t work. Blushing with embarrassment and finally managing to unhook them from between two toes, she flung them away. She reached for Holly, but Holly stopped her.

  “Wait. Let me look at you,” Holly said.

  Catherine lay back, unable to raise her gaze to meet Holly’s.

  “You’re so fucking sexy.”

  Catherine opened her mouth to reply and then thought better of it. Holly’s dominance and tone wreaked havoc on her body; the aching returned and she was already wet.

  “Get on all fours.”

  Catherine gasped. She struggled to give up control and do what Holly commanded. She wanted to…but it was different from what she was used to.

  “Catherine?”

  A deep breath and slow exhalation granted Catherine time to put things into perspective. She didn’t want another regret to dwell on. Instinctively, she knew passing up this opportunity would haunt her. She’d made an affirmation to start opening herself up to new possibilities—although this wasn’t entirely what she’d had in mind.

  What the hell? She relinquished her absolute need for control, giving it up to Holly. It was unnerving but also incredibly liberating. She stretched forward and planted her hands and knees on the duvet.

  Bring on the kinky sex!

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Catherine had been awake for a little while but was far too comfortable to consider moving. Holly was snuggled in close, her right leg and arm draped over Catherine’s body. She was sound asleep, her tiny snores keeping a steady rhythm. Content didn’t come close to describing how Catherine felt. Calmness unlike anything she’d ever experienced before had settled over her. Her body ached everywhere, and she’d potentially pulled a muscle in her side. One of her ankles felt a little tender, too, but it had been totally worth it.

  She broke out in a big smile remembering their evening’s escapades. She’d never known how diverse and fun sex could be. The human body was an incredible machine. Her stamina was pretty good and her body was far more flexible than she’d ever realised. She’d learnt so much about sex, herself, and Holly. It turned out kinky sex was definitely her kind of thing—a surprising development.

  Her sexual experiences with Paula had been mundane and unfulfilling at best and paled significantly in comparison to last night. Holly had spent time, a great deal of time, exploring and learning Catherine’s body. At first it’d been a little peculiar having someone show such intense interest in her with the clear aim of giving her pleasure. Holly had obviously enjoyed it, though, and in turn
had allowed Catherine to loosen up. Catherine, of course, had her own opportunities to repay the favours—several times, in fact. It did go to show, giving could be as rewarding as receiving.

  They’d finally both collapsed in a multi-orgasm-induced stupor at around three in the morning, exhausted but beyond sated. Sleep had come quickly. It was after seven in the morning, and Catherine had two hours before Holly’s first surprise. Her heart skipped a beat in excitement.

  Holly stirred. Her eyelashes fluttered and finally opened. Her eyes were clouded with sleep as she peered up through hooded lids. As soon as her eyes locked onto Catherine, they grew a little wider. “Morning,” she said. She smiled sleepily, then stretched her entire body out and reached her arms above her head.

  “Good morning,” Catherine said. Her cheeks warmed. In the light of day, she felt a little shy. How was it possible for Holly to look so gorgeously cute and innocent after an evening of borderline dominatrix behaviour?

  “I’m going to go use the bathroom and then shall we open our presents in here?” Holly asked.

  “Sure.” Catherine switched off the alarm on her phone while trying to remember where she’d unpacked her pyjamas.

  “I’ll be back in a minute.” Holly surprised Catherine by giving her a kiss and then crawling out of bed.

  Holly sauntered over to the bathroom door, bare naked. Her backside was pert and round. Catherine was transfixed. When the door shut, she released a pent-up breath. How could she still be turned on? Surely after umpteen orgasms her body should be exhausted? She was beginning to feel sex-crazed.

  It’d been so long since she’d experienced a morning-after scenario, she wasn’t entirely sure how to proceed. Should she get dressed or was that rude? Quick deliberation confirmed she’d feel more comfortable dressed and perhaps Holly would follow suit. Trying to concentrate on opening presents wasn’t going to be an easy task if there were perfect, naked breasts distracting her. Mind made up, she leapt from the bed and grabbed her dressing gown. She tied the belt when Holly reappeared. Catherine waited to see if Holly would say anything, but Holly smiled and pulled her own dressing gown on.

  Catherine took the Christmas card and presents out of her suitcase. A mixture of excitement and nerves gurgled in her stomach.

  “Would you rather we eat breakfast first?” Holly asked teasingly.

  “No, it’s fine.” Catherine dropped the armful of presents onto the duvet. In her mind she decided the order in which she’d give them.

  Holly lined up her presents and sat. They both eyed up their presents.

  “Here.” Catherine practically chucked the Christmas card in Holly’s face.

  “Oh. I didn’t get one for you. I’m sorry.” Two red dots coloured Holly’s cheeks.

  “I didn’t expect one.” Catherine gave a nonchalant shrug. Holly carefully opened the envelope and read the message.

  “You’re so sweet.” Holly lunged forward and kissed her once again. When she pulled away, she carefully put the card down and offered her first gift to Catherine. “I hope you like it.”

  It was a large present wrapped neatly with a bow on the top. Catherine tore into the wrapping paper with gusto and lifted the box lid. A pair of green wellies rested on a bed of blue tissue paper.

  “They should fit you. I sneakily checked the size of your sneakers. At least now you don’t have to wear mine and cripple your feet. And you shouldn’t slip anymore. I thought they might come in handy especially with walking Kimmy—”

  “Thank you,” Catherine said. She easily pulled one on and then the other. They fit perfectly. “They’re great.” She got up and walked the length of the room and back.

  Holly gave a wolf whistle and Catherine had to laugh. She must look like a right idiot dressed in green wellies and a dressing gown.

  “Here you go.” Catherine handed over the first present to Holly. She watched closely as Holly delicately opened the gift. The smile looked genuine.

  “Bubble bath and candles. I can’t wait to use them in the Jacuzzi. I’ll need you to come and help scrub my back, of course.” Holly gave a playful wink.

  Catherine accepted her next present and couldn’t resist giving the ambiguous shape a shake. A rattling came from inside, but she was still none the wiser. She opened the paper and was astounded by the thoughtfulness of the gift. A packet of Athegither themed playing cards and a small packet of matches. A lump of emotion lodged in her throat and caused her eyes to water.

  “Oh, God. You hate them, don’t you? I’m sorry, Catherine. I thought maybe you could teach me some of the games you and Granny Birch used to play. It was insensitive of me. I’m so—”

  “They’re wonderful,” Catherine said hoarsely. She couldn’t think of a more personal gift she could’ve received. Holly had listened and took to heart their conversation about the Christmases she’d spent with Granny Birch. She was speechless, and it took a few more moments before she lamely mustered a few words. “Thank you, Holly.”

  Holly still looked uncertain. She twiddled a strand of hair and nibbled on her bottom lip.

  Sniffing while trying to smile no doubt made Catherine look like she was grimacing. She quickly passed two gifts over to Holly in the hope of distracting her, so she could use the time to compose herself.

  “Fabulous,” Holly said. She slipped the apron over her head and ruffled the head of the little stuffed Scottie dog. “I shall treasure them forever. And excuse me, but aren’t you forgetting something?” Holly puckered her lips and pointed to the “Kiss the Chef” emblem across her chest.

  Catherine didn’t need to be told twice, and what started out as a little kiss turned into a passionate snog. When she finally moved away, they were both breathing hard.

  “Last present. Shall we open them at the same time?” Holly asked, her breathing still rushed.

  “Okay,” Catherine said. She unceremoniously threw the small box, more haphazardly than she’d planned. Her stomach knotted and her palms sweat. She was most excited about giving this present to Holly, but it was also the one that terrified her. Giving it felt strangely intimate, and as much as she tried to deny it, she’d be hurt if Holly didn’t like it. It’d feel like a personal rejection—which she fully recognised as nonsense. But she’d not purchased a present for someone in so long, and she’d invested time and thought into it. Her instincts told her Holly would love it. But did she know Holly as well as she thought she did?

  With bated breath, she pretended to mess with her gift while secretly watching Holly.

  “Oh my goodness. Wow,” Holly said. She looked into the box. Her eyebrows kitted together as she carefully took the pendant out and studied it closely. “It’s stunning.”

  “Do you really like it?” Catherine asked, trying to mask the desperation in her tone.

  Holly’s eyes shot up and held Catherine’s gaze. “I love it. It’s beautiful and my kind of thing. I’m a little surprised you know me so well.”

  Catherine cupped her neck and gave it a rub trying to mask her bashfulness. “As much as I’d like to take all the credit, a little Scottish woman helped me choose it.”

  Holly gave a dismissive gesture with her hand. “Nonsense. You did amazing. The colour of this stone is gorgeous.”

  “It’s your birthstone,” Catherine said. She was relieved Holly liked it but also that she hadn’t mentioned the over expenditure.

  Holly smiled and held the pendant out. “Will you do the honours, please?” She turned her head and tried to tame the curly mass of sleep-matted hair.

  Catherine slipped the chain over Holly’s head so it rested on her chest and with trembling hands finally managed to fasten it. Unable to resist, she kissed Holly’s neck, pausing to feel the light beat of Holly’s pulse against her lips.

  Holly turned around and glanced down at her chest. The pendant did suit her.

  “Right, come on. Now time for your last present,” Holly said.

  Catherine nodded and tore into the paper. A similar box. The same kind, in
fact, only shorter and squarer in shape. Glancing at Holly, she noted her nervousness.

  Carefully, Catherine opened the lid and peered down. A pair of white gold handmade earrings sparkled up at her. A Celtic design with purple teardrop stones embedded in them. They were simple, elegant, and not garish in the slightest.

  Once again, Catherine was reminded of the conversation Holly and she’d shared in the car. The thought behind each gift, as well as the execution, was tremendous.

  “If they’re not your kind of thing, I’ve saved the receipt so you can take them back before we leave. I checked with the woman, and she said she’ll open the shop the day after Boxing Day. I won’t be offended—”

  Catherine kissed Holly gently on the lips. When she pulled away, she took hold of her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “You’re incredible. I don’t know how you came up with these gifts, but they mean more to me than I could ever put into words.” Catherine tried to swallow over the lump in her throat. More tears threatened; she blinked against them. “You’re the most beautiful and thoughtful person I’ve ever met. Thank you so much.”

  Tears brimmed in Holly’s eyes, too. She gave a little cough followed by a sniffle. “I wanted to make it special for you. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done, and I’ve come to care for you an awful lot.” She swiped at a few stray tears before continuing. “And my gifts are wonderful. Thank you. Just when I start to think I know you, you go ahead and surprise me all over again.”

  They kissed again. And again. Soon hands wandered and pulses raced…and a whimper sounded from behind the door in the living room. Kimmy.