by TJ Thomas
There was a large crowd at the bar, and it took a couple minutes for Jo to get the bartender’s attention. In the meantime, there was a perky little blonde trying to get Jo’s attention.
Rhonda looked over to find Jo in the crowd and saw the blonde trying to get closer to her. She couldn’t see Jo’s expression or hear what was said. The blonde was obviously interested. Rhonda saw that from all the way back here, but Jo must have said something because both of them looked over at Rhonda. She breathed a sigh of relief moments later when she saw Jo shake her head and turn in her direction. The blonde looked after her with the pout of someone used to getting her own way who was just denied.
When Jo saw Rhonda looking in her direction, she smiled broadly. She set their drinks on the table and leaned over to kiss Rhonda on the cheek before sitting down. “Sorry it took so long.”
“It’s okay. I enjoyed the show.” Jo raised an eyebrow in question.
“You met a new friend.”
“You could say that, although I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t call me a friend. I told her I wasn’t interested in what she offered because I’m already going home with the hottest woman in the bar.”
“You did not!”
“I did. Then she still wanted to give me her number, ‘in case I change my mind.’ I told her I wasn’t interested and walked away.”
“She didn’t look pleased. I was sitting over here trying not to be jealous as another woman rubbed up against you.”
Jo turned to fully face Rhonda. She took her hand and looked sincerely at Rhonda. “You have nothing to be jealous of.”
Jo wanted to lighten the mood. She stood and offered her hand to Rhonda. “Now, may I have this dance? I’ve wanted to get you in my arms all evening.”
Rhonda seemed relieved to let the subject drop. “You may.”
Jo placed her hand on Rhonda’s bare back to guide her to the dance floor. They danced the night away. Jo could fully enjoy the slow dances this time, and she did.
When it was time to head home, the air outside had dropped several degrees. Jo took off her jacket and wrapped it around Rhonda’s shoulders. She snuggled into the warmth and breathed in Jo’s scent. Rhonda’s arm was around Jo’s waist and Jo’s arm was around her shoulders. Rhonda leaned into Jo. “This whole evening was delightful.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“Did you have a good time?”
“I had an amazing time.”
Jo opened Rhonda’s door and she slipped inside.
She leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. When Jo got into the car she looked at her and asked, “You okay?”
“I’m amazing. I was just remembering the way I felt in your arms tonight.”
“Well, let’s get home so you can be there again.”
Rhonda took Jo’s hand and slipped it through the slit in her skirt and placed it between her legs.
“Oh God, Rhonda.” Not only was Rhonda not wearing panties, she was already hot and wet.
“I’m ready. Are you?”
Jo gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles white, as she sought to remain focused. As soon as she threw the car in park, she had her seat belt off. She released Rhonda’s restraint and crushed her mouth to hers.
Jo pulled away long enough for them to rush into the house, but as soon as the door closed, Jo pinned Rhonda against it. The kiss was urgent, the need overwhelming. Rhonda matched her intensity in every way. Jo reached through the slit in Rhonda’s skirt once more. She was hot, wet, and wanting. Jo hitched up the skirt over Rhonda’s hips and lifted Rhonda who wrapped her legs around Jo’s hips opening for her. Holding Rhonda up against the door, Jo plunged into her. The first climax ripped through both of them immediately. Jo kept pumping her fingers into Rhonda.
All Rhonda could do was keep moving her hips to take Jo in again and again and again. As the next wave crashed over them, Rhonda hung on and rode it for all she was worth. Rhonda wasn’t sure how Jo managed to keep them upright, but she was beyond thinking right now. Jo was crushed to Rhonda, holding her against the door, and both struggled for breath. Jo recovered first and adjusted so she could lift Rhonda more securely into her arms to walk them over to the couch. With Rhonda’s legs still wrapped around her, Jo sat on the couch so Rhonda now straddled her. She placed her lips to Rhonda’s and kissed her. “Darling, have I told you how much I like this dress?”
“I think you might have mentioned it.” Rhonda looked at their fully clothed bodies. This just won’t do, she thought.
Holding Jo’s gaze with her own, she removed Jo’s tie and threw it aside. Then she unbuttoned Jo’s shirt, kissing each bit of skin she exposed. Jo’s hands slid enticingly up and down Rhonda’s bare back. Once Rhonda had Jo’s shirt undone, she pulled it apart over Jo’s shoulders, effectively restraining her arms. Rhonda unhooked the strap of cloth around the back of her neck. Then she lifted the entire dress over her head. She was completely naked still straddling Jo who couldn’t touch her, her arms still trapped by her shirt. Rhonda ran her nails down Jo’s stomach, making her moan in pleasure. Then she unbuttoned Jo’s slacks and pulled the zipper down. She reached her hand into Jo’s trousers and found what she was looking for. Jo was hot and so wet Rhonda licked her lips in anticipation.
She rose on her knees so she could kiss Jo from above and then she slid off Jo’s lap to kneel in front of her. Rhonda put her hands in Jo’s waistband, and Jo lifted her hips just enough to allow Rhonda to pull her pants and underwear off. Rhonda pulled Jo’s legs so her hips slid forward. When Rhonda spread Jo’s legs, she was now in the perfect position for Rhonda to explore her center with her tongue. Jo was at her mercy. There was no place she’d rather be. Rhonda took her time driving Jo up; there was no hurry. She wanted to give Jo pleasure and wanted it to last. Jo was already so close that the first orgasm shot through her quickly. Rhonda continued to explore, driving Jo up, over and over again.
When Rhonda had her fill, for now, and Jo was sated with pleasure, Rhonda climbed back up. Jo shifted so she was fully lying on the couch and Rhonda snuggled in half beside, half on top of her. Jo managed to pull the throw over them for warmth as she held Rhonda in her arms. After a little while, Rhonda’s breathing deepened. She was close to sleep.
Jo stroked her back lightly. “Rhonda, darling, let’s get you to bed.”
“Uh huh, sleep here.”
“I think we’d regret that in the morning. Let me carry you up.”
“’Kay.”
Jo shifted and stood with Rhonda in her arms. Rhonda wrapped her arms around Jo’s neck and burrowed into her shoulder. Jo carried Rhonda up the stairs and into the bedroom. Kona padded after them and curled up on her bed next to the wall. Jo slipped in beside Rhonda who cuddled into her. Jo wrapped her arms around Rhonda and was asleep within minutes.
*
As the morning light started to peek through the curtains, Jo blinked awake. On her stomach, her head turned toward Rhonda, the first thing she saw was Rhonda, wide-awake, watching her. “Hi.” Jo cleared her throat and tried again. “Hi, how long have you been awake?”
“Oh, a little while. I’ve been lying here debating between waking you up and having my way with you or letting you sleep.”
Jo’s body instantly reacted. Flames shot to her center. She turned over so her body was open. “Um, I’m awake now.”
Rhonda pushed herself up and swung her leg over Jo’s hips straddling her. Rhonda’s wet center slicked Jo’s stomach with her own desire. “Indeed you are.”
Later, as Jo and Rhonda snuggled together, Rhonda sighed. “I could get so used to this.”
“Me too.” Jo stroked her thumb down Rhonda’s cheek. “Can we talk for a minute?”
“Of course.”
“So, I know when we started this, we agreed that it would be casual, no strings attached.”
“Right.”
“But it feels like more than that to me. Am I alone in that?”
“You’re not, but I don�
��t really know what that means right now.”
“We don’t have to define it immediately. I just needed to know if it was just me feeling that way.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Jo was surprised to find the house quiet when she returned from work on Wednesday. Rhonda’s car was in the garage. But there was no music playing and Rhonda wasn’t in the kitchen where Jo often found her at this time of day. She wandered through the rooms, until she saw Rhonda’s office door open. She set her bag down by the stairs and stood on the threshold watching for a few moments. Rhonda was deeply engrossed with something on her drawing table.
She had never had the opportunity to observe Rhonda at work before. She could only see her profile and her long, graceful fingers gripping a pencil. The picture she was sketching took shape before Jo’s very eyes. Rhonda was so talented. Jo was impressed by the merest glimpse of her work. She knocked lightly on the open door, once Rhonda’s pencil was off the paper.
“Oh, hi. You’re home early.”
“Actually, I’m not.” Jo stepped into the room to get a closer look at Rhonda’s drawings. “You are very engrossed in something though.”
“I guess I am. I totally lost track of the time.”
“Will you walk me through what you’re working on?”
Rhonda looked surprised that Jo was interested in her work. “Um, sure.” She gestured to the nearest drawings. “I’m working on some rough sketches for a local theater.”
“These don’t look rough. There is incredible detail,” Jo said. “You are amazing.”
Rhonda blushed. “Thank you.”
“I mean it. I knew you were good or I wouldn’t have recommended you to Amy, but you’re even better than I remember.”
“I like what I do.”
“It shows. Do you need to work for a while longer?”
“It would be good if I could get these ideas down.”
“Okay. I’ll go start dinner. You take all the time you need.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I’d like to. You take care of what you need to and I’ll make us dinner. Then we can spend the rest of the evening together.”
“That I can definitely get on board with, except I need one thing first.”
“What’s that?”
Rhonda closed the distance between them. She pulled Jo close and stood on her tip toes to kiss her.
“Oh that. There is an endless supply of those.”
“Thank goodness.”
Jo left Rhonda to her work and went to figure out dinner. She whistled her way into the kitchen. She could definitely get used to this.
*
As Rhonda climbed into Jo’s truck on Friday, she asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me where we’re going?”
Jo glanced over at Rhonda. “I’m sure. You’ll find out soon enough.”
Rhonda had no idea where Jo was taking her for their Friday night date. All Jo told her was she should dress warmly but casually. So when Jo arrived at the house after work Rhonda was dressed in jeans, a turtleneck sweater, and boots. Jo made sure Rhonda had her jacket, hat, and gloves before leaving the house.
Rhonda sat beside Jo wondering about their destination. Jo was sweet wanting to surprise her. Wherever Jo was headed, Rhonda knew she was bound to have fun since she’d be with Jo, so she sat back, relaxed, and asked Jo about her day.
Upon arriving, Rhonda looked at Jo. “So this is what you have up your sleeve?”
“If you’re up for it.”
“Absolutely, this should be fun.”
They walked into the building hand in hand. Jo paid their admission and then walked over to the counter to get what the two of them needed. “Jo, what made you think to go ice skating?”
Jo met Rhonda’s gaze. “I remember how much you liked to ice skate and I thought it would be something fun for us to do together.”
“I’m glad you thought of it. Are you ready to hit the ice?”
Jo stood up and reached for Rhonda’s hand. “Sure, let’s go.”
Neither had been on the ice in years, so it took them some time to find their rhythm. After a while, each glided easily around the rink. At times, Rhonda and Jo skated hand in hand, at others they moved separately, not far from one another. With a sparkle in her eyes Rhonda said, “I’m surprised it all came back so quickly.”
“You were always a natural.”
They took a break to catch their breath. While Jo headed to the snack bar, Rhonda stood watching the other skaters on the ice.
When Jo returned with the hot chocolate, Rhonda looked lost in thought.
“Everything okay?”
“Hmm, oh yes.” Rhonda took the offered hot chocolate. “Thank you.”
Jo took a sip from her own cup. “You looked like you were doing some serious thinking.”
“I guess I was.”
“Care to share?”
Rhonda turned to face her. “I don’t know what you like to do for fun.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was just standing here thinking if I wanted to plan a surprise date for you, I wouldn’t know where to start.”
Jo thought for a minute. “Well, you know I enjoy dancing. I also like hiking and climbing rock walls, things like that. I like live performances, like plays and concerts or just about any live sporting event, and I enjoy a good movie. This may sound cheesy, but long walks on the beach and picnics, with the right person, are favorites. I’m sure there are other things, but it’s a start. Does that help?”
“Yes, it does, thank you.”
Jo held out her hand. “Shall we skate a little more before we head to dinner?”
Rhonda linked her hand with Jo’s. “Okay. Where are we going for dinner?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Rhonda laughed and launched herself back onto the ice.
*
“I hope you’re hungry,” Jo quipped later heading back out to her truck.
“Famished actually. I worked up quite an appetite.”
“Excellent. My plan is working.”
“You’re having fun with this aren’t you?”
“I am.”
A short time later, Jo pulled into the parking lot of Amy’s restaurant and ushered Rhonda inside. “I know you’ve eaten here before.”
“Yes, this place is always amazing.”
Jo addressed the hostess. “We have a reservation for Adams.”
“Adams? Ah, yes, a table for two. Right this way.”
As the hostess weaved through table after table without stopping, Rhonda looked back at Jo. “Where is she taking us?”
“To experience something new.”
When the hostess walked them into the kitchen, Rhonda was awestruck when she saw the little table for two set with candles. Jo pulled out Rhonda’s chair for her and then sat in her own. Rhonda had been in this kitchen many times before; she designed it after all. But she’d never been in the kitchen in the middle of a service. There was so much going on all at once.
“Jo, what is all this?”
“I thought you might enjoy a chance to see the action.”
“This is great. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Would you like a glass of wine?”
“Yes.”
Moments later, Amy came over carrying a wine bottle.
“Good evening, ladies. I think you’ll enjoy this wine.”
Both Rhonda and Jo stood to greet and hug Amy. “How was the honeymoon?”
“Amazing! It’s great to see you both.”
“You too.”
“I’m going to do a tasting menu for you this evening, so you can sample many different dishes,” Amy said.
When Amy left to go see to the food, Rhonda turned to Jo. “This is fantastic. What made you think of it?”
“I overheard you say something to Amy at the reception about wanting to see how the magic was done one day. So I touched base with her this week and she put all this into motion. This
was more her work than mine.”
“Well, then I’ll have to thank you both. This is wonderful.”
Before Rhonda could say anything more, Amy brought over a couple of dishes. “Careful, the plates are very hot.”
Rhonda took a bite. “This is delicious, as usual.”
“Amy’s always been a great cook. Here, try this.” Jo fed Rhonda a bite of the dish in front of her.
Rhonda moaned with pleasure. “Oh yum.”
Amy periodically brought over new dishes for them to taste, each surpassing the last. At one point Amy took a few minutes and sat with them. “This is all so wonderful, Amy,” Rhonda said. “Thank you for doing this.”
“I’m glad you like it. It is great to see you two together.”
Later, after saying good-bye to Amy, they headed outside. Rhonda wrapped her arms around Jo’s arm and leaned her head on Jo’s shoulder. “Tonight was amazing. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Climbing into the truck, Rhonda looked over at Jo. “The whole evening was wonderful. I had forgotten how much I like ice skating, and you obviously know my weakness for Italian food, but to be able to watch it all happen, that was great.”
“I thought you’d get a kick out of it.”
Making their way inside, Rhonda turned to Jo. “Thank you again for a wonderful evening. It made me feel special.” Then she pulled Jo down for a tender kiss.
“You are very special.” Jo kissed her again before they went upstairs.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Jo ran downstairs and hurried into the kitchen. She grabbed a bottle of red wine and two glasses. The overhead light flashed on. She whirled around. Christie stood by the door. “Jesus, Christie, you almost gave me a heart attack.” Jo didn’t bother to try to cover herself even though she was minimally dressed in boxer briefs and a sleeveless T-shirt. This was not good. She had to figure out how to get rid of Christie and fast.
“Sorry, Jo, I didn’t know you were going to be here. Mom said you were out of town and she had to go out of town for some business conference. So, I thought I’d check on the place.”
“I got back early.” Jo held up the wine. “And I’m a little busy.”