by TJ Thomas
“Please join us,” Amy said.
“Thanks, this is my good friend, Barbara. Randi and Amy are the two who got married last month.”
Barbara shook hands with the newlyweds. “It’s nice to meet you both and congratulations!”
Rhonda looked around, trying not to be obvious. “Is Jo here somewhere? She said you were all hanging out tonight.”
“She was here. She and Laura just left a few minutes ago.”
“I see.” Rhonda took a sip of her drink trying to cover her disappointment. Rhonda vaguely remembered Laura from the wedding. She was stunning. Luckily, before her thoughts went too far down that path, Amanda and Rachel returned to the table. She greeted them both warmly and introduced Barbara. Rhonda suddenly didn’t feel like being around a lot of people and she and Barbara left once they finished their drinks.
After Rhonda dropped Barbara at her house, she checked her phone. No text from Jo. Maybe she wasn’t planning on staying out all night. When she saw Jo’s truck in the garage, she was confused. She was surprised to see the flickering light in the living room when she came into the house from the garage. She walked in to investigate. The flames in the fireplace were going strong, but what she saw on the couch drew her attention more. Jo slept on her back, and she was quite alone. Rhonda rarely had a chance to study Jo unawares, and she took advantage of the opportunity now. Fully clothed, Jo’s lean muscles were obvious through her jeans and T-shirt. The subtle curves of her breasts enticed her. She felt the urge to run her fingers over Jo’s firm arms. She focused mostly on her face, especially her sensual mouth. Rhonda remembered what that mouth felt like on hers and she wanted another taste.
It would be so easy. She knelt beside the sofa and lightly touched her lips to Jo’s. Her hand landed in the center of Jo’s chest and she felt when her breathing changed. Jo pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. She stroked her hand down Jo’s shirt and heard her moan as she grazed her erect nipple through her shirt. She wanted more. She pulled the shirt free from Jo’s jeans and slid her hand underneath. Rhonda gasped as she made contact with Jo’s warm skin. She splayed her fingers across Jo’s taut abs before moving further up and finding her nipple once more. As she fondled and squeezed Jo’s breasts, Jo writhed on the couch. She slid her hand down and dipped her fingers beneath Jo’s waistband. Jo lifted her hips as though searching for Rhonda’s touch. When Rhonda reached what she was searching for, Jo was so hot and wet, Rhonda almost lost it right then. She stroked Jo until she crested and she felt the echoing flood soak her own panties.
It would be so easy and so complicated. She knelt beside the sofa and patted Jo’s shoulder. “Jo, it’s time to wake up and go up to bed.”
Jo stretched. Rhonda licked her lips.
“Hi, when did you get home?”
“A few minutes ago. Did you have a nice night?”
“It was all right. How about you?”
“I had a nice dinner with Barbara. Seems I just missed you at the club. Amy said you and Laura had just left when we got there.”
“Yeah, I made it an early night. Laura asked for a ride. Then I came home and was surprised you were out.”
“It was a last minute thing.”
As they walked upstairs to their bedrooms, Rhonda was glad she hadn’t actually kissed Jo, as much as she’d wanted to at the time. She was soaking wet. If a simple fantasy had that kind of effect on her, she needed to be sure what she wanted before she acted.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Rhonda sat across the table from Barbara. She was glad they had lunch plans. She needed to tell someone what was going on in her head and Barbara would understand. “I have a confession to make.”
Barbara sipped her iced tea. “Okay, I’m listening.”
“I’m attracted to a woman.”
Barbara leaned forward, and in a move uncharacteristic for her fifty-year-old self, she clapped. “Finally, tell me everything.”
“She’s completely wrong for me, and there’s no way that anything can ever happen between us, but my God, she is gorgeous.”
“You’re stalling. Who is she?”
“Jo Adams.”
Barbara sat back, her lips open in the form of an O, but no sound came out of her mouth.
“Say something.”
“Wow.”
“Not helpful.”
“How old is she?”
“Twenty-eight, one of many reasons nothing can happen.”
“So, start at the beginning. When did you first feel the attraction?”
“At the wedding last month, Jo was Amy’s maid of honor. When she stood up at the front in her tux, I practically drooled. I mean I hadn’t seen her in ten years and that’s my first reaction, really? But it was—strong and fast. Then later she asked me to dance. We had a nice time, and at some point she confessed that she’d had a crush on me a decade ago.”
“Well, who didn’t?”
“Stop.” Rhonda blushed.
“So, what happened after that?”
“She drove me home and I kissed her.”
“Excuse me?”
“I know. I couldn’t believe it either. When I saw her the next night at Christie’s, I blamed it on too much to drink and she said we could forget it happened.”
“But?”
“Now, I’m not sure I want to.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s moved into my guest room and we’re spending more time together, but the attraction hasn’t gone away. It’s growing.”
“What are you going to do about it?”
“I have no idea. I’m not sure I should do anything about it. She’s only here for a few months.”
“Even better.”
“What do you mean?”
“You can explore the feelings you’re having and there’s a built in exit ramp.”
“That’s never really been how I do things.”
“You’ve never been attracted to a woman before either.”
“This is true.”
CHAPTER NINE
Rhonda didn’t know why she was so nervous. Jo would be back with Kona any minute now. Rhonda liked dogs, but she so very much wanted this dog to like her. She was probably being ridiculous, but Kona was important to Jo, and Rhonda wanted her to like it here. She was sure she’d gone a bit overboard with the basket full of toys she’d gotten while Jo picked Kona up at the airport.
When she heard Jo’s truck pull in, she took a deep breath. She watched Jo let Kona out of the truck. Jo walked in first. Kona didn’t enter the house until Jo said, “Yes.”
Rhonda walked over to say hello. Jo told Kona to sit and she did. Then she looked at Rhonda. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
Jo looked at the sleek chocolate lab. “Kona, greet.” Kona held out her right paw to shake hands with Rhonda.
Rhonda bent to take the offered hand. Then she let Kona smell her hand. Kona’s tail wagged wildly. A hopeful sign, Rhonda thought. “Why don’t we take her into the yard, so she can get familiar with it?”
“Good idea. Kona, come.” They walked through the kitchen and out the back door. Jo looked at Kona as she sat on the back porch trembling with excitement, waiting for her command. “Go look.”
After being released, Kona took off and sniffed everything around the large yard. She rubbed her face on the back fence and her sides against the house, marking the space as her own.
Rhonda stepped next to Jo as she watched Kona explore. “She’s beautiful.”
“Thanks. Don’t think I didn’t notice that massive pile of toys you stockpiled. You didn’t have to get her anything.”
“Are you kidding? Of course I did, but I might have gotten a little carried away. I want her to like it here, to feel like it’s her home too.”
“She will. Would you wait here with her while I go grab her stuff from the car?”
“Certainly.”
Rhonda sat on the top step on the back deck and watched Kona explore the yard. Eventually, Kona headed
her way. Rhonda stayed where she was. With no hesitation, Kona laid on the top step next to Rhonda and laid her chin on her leg. Rhonda put her hand on Kona’s head and began stroking her softly. “Welcome home, little one. I hope you like it here.”
*
Two days later, Jo and Rhonda were in the kitchen with Kona. Rhonda said, “The kids are so excited to meet Kona, and their parents are dreading the puppy requests that will follow.”
“I bet. Sounds like someone’s here now.”
“I’ll go check.” As Rhonda entered the living room, she saw Mike hanging Barbara’s coat and then his own in the closet by the front door.
“Well, hello. I didn’t expect you two to come together.”
Barbara smiled and hugged her. “Mike was kind enough to offer to drive. How could I resist such a charming young man?”
Rhonda hugged him. “That was nice of you.”
Mike’s “Aw, shucks” had them laughing as they made their way into the kitchen.
Jo turned from the stove. Rhonda was flanked by Barbara and Mike.
Rhonda crossed the room first. “Jo, you remember Barbara and Mike?”
“Of course.” Jo closed the distance between them and willingly stepped into Barbara’s outstretched arms for a hug. “Barbara, you haven’t changed a bit.” Then she turned to Mike. There was a moment where the two of them seemed to size each other up. Then Jo held out her hand and Mike took it warmly. “Mike, you on the other hand have changed quite a lot.”
Mike smiled. “You’ve changed some yourself. Still running?”
“Yeah, five or six times a week most of the time. Did you keep it up?”
“I did. We should go for a run one of these mornings.”
“Let’s do that. Tell me when and where.”
“How about tomorrow at six in the morning? We’ll leave from here.”
“Sounds like a plan. See you then.”
“Cool.”
“I hear someone else coming in, I’m going to go say hello.”
When Jo walked into the living room, she had only a moment to brace herself, as Julie ran toward her and launched herself into her arms. “Jo, I can’t believe you’re really here.”
“Hey, Julie, I’m really here.” Jo returned the affectionate embrace with equal fervor.
“I can’t believe how much I’ve missed you.”
“Right back at you. I’m sorry we lost touch.”
“We can’t let that happen again. I’m so glad you’re here for a while. We can get all caught up.”
“I’m looking forward to it. But in the meantime, can I meet your family?”
“Oh, yes, of course.” Julie turned to where Ben, Jamie, and Dylan were waiting and introduced them all to Jo. “Jo was my best, best friend in high school.”
Christie walked in at that moment and must have heard the comment. “I second that. She was both of our best friends.”
Christie embraced Jo and then made way for Mary and Cody to greet her. Then Jo ushered everyone into the kitchen. She led Kona to the backyard where there was plenty of room for everyone to get acquainted. Kona’s tail wagged fast, her excitement evident, but with Jo’s quiet commands, she remained calm and greeted each person in turn.
The kids rubbed her down and petted her velvet soft ears. Her whole body shook in excitement. Once Kona had a chance to smell everyone and become familiar with their scents, Jo took the kids to the side. She showed each one how to use the ball launcher so Kona could fetch the ball back to them. She also showed them how to tell Kona to drop the ball at their feet, so the ball could be thrown again. Watching them closely, she let them take turns with the launcher. Kona and the kids were in heaven. The adults enjoyed watching from the deck.
“What a great dog,” Ben said.
Rhonda turned to Ben. “She is great. I had no idea how well trained she’d be, but I guess if I’d thought about it, I should have known.”
Dinner was soon ready and they all went back inside and sat in the dining room. With twelve people around the table, it was rather loud and boisterous, but it was wonderful.
After dessert was polished off, everyone helped clear the table. Then the crowd divided into small groups. Jo offered to take the kids into the backyard to play a game of nighttime soccer to burn off some of their energy. Peter and Ben helped her bundle up the kids, and the seven of them headed out into the backyard under bright lights. She had a bright orange soccer ball with her. Christie and Mike started to tackle the dishes while Barbara made coffee.
The group in the backyard kicked around the soccer ball. Julie and Rhonda strolled over to the back door to take in the action. The game outside quickly evolved into a friendly session of keep-away. The girls chased Ben and Peter around trying to get the ball away from them. Cody and Dylan mostly chased each other. Jo was a part of keep-away off and on, but she also kept an eye on the boys. When Dylan tripped and fell hard, she was the first one to reach him.
Julie reached for the door, but Rhonda stopped her. “Give them a minute. Let’s see what happens.”
Julie held her gaze, and by the time she turned back, Ben had reached them and Dylan was crying loudly.
Jo concentrated on Dylan for the moment. She lay on her stomach so she was face-to-face with him. “Ouch, I bet that hurt.” Her approach slowed the crying almost as quickly as it started. “Can you sit up?” She helped Dylan into a sitting position facing her. Dylan still sniffled and tears threatened to spill over. “Peter, will you take the kids in and ask Rhonda to make some of her famous hot chocolate?”
“Sure. Cody, Mary, Jamie, let’s go.”
Jo looked up at Dylan’s dad. “Ben? Do you have a spare set of clothes for Dylan in the car?”
“Sure do.”
“I think he’s going to need them.”
Glad to have something to do he answered quickly, “Okay.”
Without a crowd around them, Dylan’s crying had almost stopped. Jo suspected the fall only scared him given how bundled up he was, but she wanted to be sure. “It’s pretty cold sitting on the ground. Do you want to sit in my lap?”
Dylan looked at her with big eyes and nodded.
Jo picked him up and set him on her lap. “There, that’s better. Now we can get down to business. I need to know something. Do you like yellow watermelons?”
The question made Dylan cock his head in thought. The tears stopped.
Feigning impatience, Jo asked again. “Well? Do you like yellow watermelons?”
“I never had a lellow watermelon, but I like the red ones.”
Jo nodded her head solemnly. “Good to know. I’ve never eaten a yellow watermelon either, but I bet it would taste good. Does it hurt anywhere?”
Dylan thought about it for a moment before shaking his head.
“Good, that’s good. I don’t know about you, but it’s getting pretty cold out here for me. Want to go in and get some of your grandma’s hot chocolate with me?”
Dylan nodded and scrambled off Jo’s lap.
Jo stood and asked Dylan, “Would you like me to fly you inside?”
“Okay.”
Jo picked him up. Dylan held out his arms like an airplane and Jo made plane noises with Dylan as she took him to the house.
Once inside, Jo saw Julie’s concerned expression. “He’s okay. Aren’t you, Dylan?”
“Yep.”
Jo handed Dylan to her. “Dylan and I would love some hot chocolate.”
Dylan laid his head on Julie’s shoulder. “Yep.”
“Thank you, Jo.”
Jo shrugged. “No problem. The fall just scared him a little. I think he’s fine.”
Julie laid a hand on Jo’s arm, stopping her.
Jo saw the sincerity on Julie’s face and acknowledged it with a nod. “You’re welcome. Now I’m going to go change out of these wet clothes. Dylan, I’ll meet you back here for hot chocolate, extra whipped cream for me, please.”
“Okay.”
When Jo walked into the kitchen af
ter changing into dry clothes, she discovered the older kids had already been released to play video games downstairs. Apparently, the men were also down there trying to get in on the fun. Barbara, Christie, and Julie sat at the table chatting. Dylan was there too, drawing a picture.
Jo walked over and rustled his hair. “Hey, buddy, you’re a lot dryer than when I last saw you.”
“You too. I waited to have hot chocolate with you.”
“He was insistent,” Julie said.
“Wow, thanks, buddy. Sorry I’m late.”
“It’s okay. I drew a picture.”
“Very cool, who’s it for?”
“You.”
Jo was taken aback. “Me?”
“Yep.”
“Can I see?”
“Okay.”
Dylan turned the picture so Jo could see what he was drawing. “Wow, Dylan, that’s really good.” The picture was of two people playing soccer.
Dylan pointed to one figure and then the other. “That’s me and that’s you.”
“Nice.” Then Jo looked a little closer. “Are we playing with a yellow watermelon instead of a soccer ball?”
“Yep.”
“Dylan this is the best picture anyone has ever made me, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Can we have some hot chocolate now?”
“Absolutely.”
Rhonda brought over the mugs.
Jo took a sip of the hot chocolate and leaned over to Dylan. “This is yummy. Is yours as good as mine?”
Dylan nodded, and licked his top lip. “Yep.”
*
As the sun rose, Jo quietly slipped out of bed for her morning run. She snapped on Kona’s leash and closed the front door just as her running partner for the morning pulled up. Jo stretched as he climbed from his car. “Morning, Mike.”
Mike started stretching. “Hey, Jo, how’s your weekend going?”
“Good. It’s nice to have a long one. How about you?”
“Good. I had a date last night.”
“Must not have gone all that well if you’re here with me this early.”
“Actually, I let her know I had early plans, and she let me stay anyway. We’re meeting up again later today to watch the game.”