by TJ Thomas
“I like her, but I don’t know if it will be serious any time soon, or if I even want it to be. But I did want to see her again today, so she’s coming to the game.”
“Okay, Mike,” Rhonda said, all joking aside. “I look forward to meeting her.”
Once breakfast was over, Mike helped put the kitchen back in order then grabbed his bag and headed out saying he’d see them at the game.
Rhonda turned to Jo, nerves dancing in her stomach. “Jo, can we sit down?”
“Sure.”
Jo and Rhonda sat on the couch facing each other. Kona lay on the floor nearby. Jo watched Rhonda, waiting for her to say something.
“Jo, I’m sorry about earlier.”
“What specifically are you apologizing for?”
“For all of it.”
“So, you’re sorry you missed me while I was out.”
“Of course not.”
“Then help me out, because that’s all you said when I asked you what was wrong.”
Rhonda sighed deeply and took Jo’s hand. “I’m sorry I shut you out. That I didn’t tell you what was going on.”
Jo nodded. “Okay, that’s a start.”
“It’s silly.”
“Obviously not to you.” Jo laced her fingers through Rhonda’s and stroked her thumb over the back of Rhonda’s hand. “Tell me, please.”
“I had a moment of panic earlier. When I woke up, I didn’t remember you went running with Mike and when you weren’t there…I jumped to ‘she left me again.’”
“I’m sorry you’re having difficulty believing I’ll stay,” Jo said.
“I know. Once my brain kicked in, I knew I was being irrational, but it doesn’t alleviate the fear. I’m trying to figure this out. I want to believe you when you say you aren’t going anywhere. When we’re together, I believe it. But when we’re apart, my mind taunts me. I don’t know why I can’t believe it yet. But I don’t want this to come between us either.”
“If that’s true you can’t keep blowing it off. I want to know what’s going on. If we stop talking about these things, issues tend to get bigger, not smaller.”
“I’ll try. I’m sorry I upset you.”
Jo waved it off. “I think there’ve been enough apologies for one day. Why don’t you let me tell you how you can make it up to me?”
Rhonda smiled, glad to be letting it go. “Do tell.”
“Well, first I need you to come sit right here.” Jo patted her lap. Rhonda obeyed. “Then I need you to kiss me right here.” Jo touched her lips. Rhonda did as she asked, and Jo turned up the heat.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Rhonda and Jo made their way into the gym holding hands. Jo spotted Julie and Christie first and steered them that way. Rhonda saw people watching them and whispering to each other in the stands. These were people who had known her for years. Jo squeezed her hand in support, and she and Rhonda made it over to the family. Both received warm hugs from the whole gang. All of them were curious to meet Sarah.
“Speak of the devil.” Julie had been watching the door, and everyone turned to watch Mike and Sarah walk toward them.
Mike made introductions all around.
Rhonda took Sarah into her arms. “Welcome to the chaos.”
Sarah laughed. “Thanks, I think.” She turned to Julie. “So it’s your daughter who is playing today, right?”
“Yes, Jamie’s over there. Number twelve.” She pointed to the home bench.
A few minutes after everyone settled, Jo stood up. “I’m going to the snack bar before the game starts. Anyone want anything?” She repeated back the orders and headed down.
Sarah stopped her. “I’ll go with you to help carry everything back.”
“Thanks.”
They walked toward the concession stand. Jo looked at Sarah. “You survived the first round. How do you feel?”
“You mean there’s more?”
“No, mostly I’m just giving you a hard time. What movie did you two see last night?”
“What are you, a mind reader?”
“No, Mike told us this morning at breakfast, after our run, that you and he did dinner and a movie last night.”
“You’re that Jo?”
“As far as I know.” Jo nodded.
“So you and Rhonda are dating?”
“Also true,” Jo confirmed. “Mike told you?”
“Yes, he did. He thinks it’s great. He’s very happy for his mom. It was cool to see when he started talking about you two.”
“What about the two of you? What’s going on there?”
“We’re just dating right now, but I like him.”
“Okay.”
“By the way, it was Winter Nights.”
Jo raised a brow.
“The movie we saw last night. Good one, I recommend it.”
While Jo and Sarah were at the snack bar, a group of ladies Rhonda had been friendly with waved her over. The questions came quickly.
“Who’s your friend?”
“Are you two ‘together’?”
“I didn’t know you were into women.”
“Isn’t she a little young for you?”
Normally, Rhonda would have ignored these questions, but whatever she said to these women would travel quickly. She thought it would be better to answer them once. “Jo is an old friend. We’ve known each other for years. We are together in every way. I’m very much into Jo. It’s a good thing she’s young, so she can keep up with me.” Rhonda couldn’t help herself as their mouths hung agape. “Any more questions, ladies? I’m sure you’ll spread the word.”
The women were too stunned to speak so Rhonda nodded. “Okay. Well, you have a nice afternoon. I’m going to watch my granddaughter play basketball now that the inquisition is over.”
Rhonda made her way back to her seat as Jo and Sarah came back into the gym. All three of them arrived back at the seats at virtually the same time. Christie asked Rhonda, “How did that go?”
“How did what go?” Jo asked.
“Mom was just grilled by the gossip girls.”
Jo followed Christie’s gaze and saw the four women watching her. Jo sat next to Rhonda. “Sweetheart?”
Rhonda looked at Christie. “I’m fine” Then she said to Jo, “Really. I answered all their questions. And shocked the hell out of them.”
Jo leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You seem very pleased with yourself.”
“I am, very. I’ll tell you all about it later. But right now let’s watch the game.”
Jo kissed her lightly. “Okay.”
Jamie’s team won the game easily, and she ran over to her family excited about how well she’d done. She received hugs and congratulations all around.
“Why don’t we all go out for pizza to celebrate?” Jo said.
Jamie looked at Julie. “Can we, Mom, please?”
“Pizza sounds good to me.”
Everyone agreed and planned on meeting at their favorite pizza joint.
When the twelve of them walked into the restaurant, the staff quickly pulled some tables together.
Rhonda watched Jo across the table interacting with different people. She looked relaxed and seemed to be enjoying herself. Mike said something and Jo laughed heartily. Rhonda’s heart tripped in her chest. At that moment, Jo glanced over. Rhonda flushed, glad Jo couldn’t see what she was feeling. Jo winked at her.
They both turned to Christie when Julie asked her, “You sure you don’t want any wine?”
“I’m sure.” Then Christie looked at Peter and reached for his hand. “I won’t be having wine for a while, about seven months at least. We found out this week we’re expecting again.”
There were congratulations and hugs all around. With everyone surrounding Christie and Peter, Jo moved to Rhonda and hugged her from behind. “Congratulations, Grandma. How are you doing?”
Rhonda turned in Jo’s arms and hugged her tightly. “I’m happy for them, happy in general. I’m so lucky you came back i
nto my life.”
On the way home, Rhonda told Jo about her encounter with the gossip girls. She gave Jo some background so she understood the women were well known gossips but pretty good-hearted in general. Rhonda assured Jo she had always been friendly with them but not close. Then she filled Jo in on the conversation.
“You actually said that?”
“Every word.”
“That’s great.”
When they returned home, Rhonda asked Jo to build a fire. She got them wine and sat back on the couch watching Jo work. Once Jo had the fire roaring, she joined Rhonda on the sofa. Rhonda took a sip of wine and set it down on the side table. She took Jo’s glass from her and set it aside as well. She took Jo’s hands in hers. “I need to tell you something.”
Jo focused intently on her. “Okay.”
“I love you. I’m in love with you.”
“You’ve never said that before,” Jo said, her voice tight with emotion.
“Actually, I have. You were just unconscious at the time. So probably that doesn’t count. I should have said it to you long before now.”
“You said it when you were ready, that’s all that matters. Well, that and you mean it.”
“I do. I love you, Jo. I’m still not sure what the future holds for us, but I didn’t want any more time to pass before I told you how I feel.
“I love you, Rhonda.”
Rhonda sighed. “You never said it after that one time, so I didn’t know if you regretted saying it.”
“I don’t, I would never regret it. I just didn’t want to pressure you by saying it a lot, when you weren’t ready or able to say it back. Then with everything with Julie and the accident, I wasn’t sure where you were with everything. I never stopped loving you.”
“Thank goodness.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
When Rhonda pulled into the garage it lifted her heart to see that Jo was already home. She grabbed her bag and made her way into the house. All was quiet. She put her work things in her office and hung her coat in the closet. She suspected she knew where Jo was. She walked through the kitchen to make sure she wasn’t in there and stopped to grab a bottle of water. As she started to descend the stairs, she could hear Jo’s music.
Rhonda watched from the door mesmerized as Jo put her body through its paces. She was sweaty from the exertion and had stripped off her T-shirt. She was focused but occasionally had to adjust or take it slow. Rhonda didn’t think she would ever tire of watching the way her muscles moved as she exercised. With Jo in shorts and a sports bra, Rhonda had quite the view of her rippling muscles as she worked the machine.
Rhonda was thrilled Jo was finally recovered enough to resume her normal activities. The doctor had cleared her for all activities two weeks ago, but she had been worn out easily by things that she used to take in stride. Her working out was a hopeful sign. She had been rebuilding her endurance.
Rhonda finally stepped into the room and walked into Jo’s line of sight.
Jo finished her reps on the chest press and took her arms from behind the pads and reached for her towel. “Hi.”
“I thought you might like some water.” Rhonda stepped toward her, effectively blocking her from rising from the machine, and offered the bottle of water.
Jo took the bottle and opened it. She lifted it to her lips and swallowed a good portion of the bottle. She watched Rhonda while she drank. Rhonda licked her lips. Once Jo lowered the bottle and capped it, Rhonda leaned over and kissed her deeply. Rhonda moved closer to Jo and ran a finger over the fading scar on her head. “How are you feeling?”
“Stronger than I have since the accident. Really pretty good, actually.”
“Hmmm, that’s good.” Rhonda lowered herself to straddle her. She pinned her to the machine and kissed her intensely. Rhonda’s hands were in Jo’s hair. Jo’s hands were on Rhonda’s hips.
When Rhonda lifted her head a fraction, momentarily breaking the kiss, Jo said, “Rhonda, wait. I’m all sweaty. You’ll ruin your suit.”
“Does it look like I care? If you’re worried about it then you better get it off me.” Then Rhonda crushed her mouth to Jo’s once more. Jo slipped her hands into Rhonda’s jacket and slid it off her shoulders. Then she unbuttoned Rhonda’s shirt and tugged it free from her slacks. It followed the jacket to the floor.
Jo unbuttoned Rhonda’s slacks, but from their current position, she could not free Rhonda from them. She turned her attention to what she could do. She cupped Rhonda’s breast in her hand and rubbed the nipple through her bra. Rhonda moaned and leaned back to give Jo better access. Jo quickly unhooked the bra and took Rhonda’s naked breast into her mouth. Rhonda’s body moved against Jo’s driving them both wild. Jo got her hands under Rhonda’s hips and managed to shift her slightly so she could stand up from the machine, Rhonda still in her arms. Then she set Rhonda down in front of her and quickly removed Rhonda’s remaining clothes.
Rhonda’s nipples were hard. She moved to Jo once more. She ran her fingers down Jo’s strong arms. Jo let Rhonda take her time. Rhonda traced Jo’s stomach muscles, making them tremble. Rhonda ran her hands up Jo’s sides sliding her hands under Jo’s sports bra. She freed Jo’s breasts and leaned down to taste in one quick movement. Jo removed the sports bra and buried her hands in Rhonda’s hair as Rhonda feasted on her breasts. Rhonda moved from Jo’s breast to lick down her stomach. She put her hands beneath the band of Jo’s shorts and pulled them down exposing Jo’s hot wet center.
She stood and wrapped her hands around the back of Jo’s neck and pulled her down for a searing kiss. She moved one hand down between Jo’s legs and stroked her clit. Jo flung her head back and moved her hands to Rhonda’s shoulders to hold on. Rhonda plunged two fingers into Jo.
“Oh God, Rhonda,” Jo cried out.
Rhonda took Jo right where she stood. She thrust into Jo again and again. Jo’s fingers dug into Rhonda’s arms gripping for support. As the orgasm ripped through her, Jo’s legs nearly buckled. Rhonda supported her weight. Jo’s head was on her shoulder. As her breathing slowed, her lips brushed against Rhonda’s neck tenderly. Rhonda removed her fingers and lifted Jo’s head to kiss her. Then Rhonda rested her hands on Jo’s shoulders. “Jo, have I mentioned how sexy you look when you are working out? Watching you makes me so hot.”
Jo smiled down at Rhonda. “Well, that’s very good motivation to keep up my exercise routine. So,” Jo began in a sultry voice, “just how hot does it make you?” As she finished the question, she cupped Rhonda’s center.
Rhonda gasped. Jo moved Rhonda down to the floor and kissed her passionately. Then she moved inch by inch down Rhonda’s body. Touching, tasting, and driving Rhonda up. She moved down until she could explore Rhonda’s hot, wet center with her mouth. Rhonda writhed under Jo’s glorious torture. Jo quickened her tongue and took Rhonda over the edge. Rhonda’s hips bucked wildly. Jo wrapped her arms around Rhonda’s legs and continued to plunder and send her crashing again and again.
She made her way back up her body kissing here and there as Rhonda’s body settled. Jo kissed her deeply. She raised herself up so she could look at Rhonda. “I guess it makes you really, really hot.”
Rhonda laughed heartily and nodded. “It does.”
Jo shifted so she was lying beside Rhonda and rolled onto her back. Rhonda rolled onto her side and put a leg on Jo and her head on Jo’s shoulder. She stroked Jo’s stomach, feeling the muscles there. Jo had one hand under her head and her other was softly rubbing Rhonda’s back.
Jo and Rhonda lay in silence for a few minutes simply enjoying one another’s gentle caresses.
Jo finally broke the silence. “Hi, how was your day?”
Rhonda raised her head and looked at Jo. “Fine, it got better once I got home. How about you?”
“I had a pretty interesting day. I want to talk to you about it, but first I would like a shower.”
“I could use one myself. Would you like me to wash your back?”
“I wouldn’t
say no.”
*
Later, her hair still damp from the shower, Jo walked into the kitchen. She looked through the refrigerator and cabinets to see what she could pull together for dinner. When Rhonda came in a few minutes later, preparations were well under way. She wrapped Jo in a tight hug.
“I hope this is okay,” Jo said.
“It’s perfect. Would you like a glass of wine?”
“No, thanks, I think I’ll just stick with water tonight.”
Rhonda filled two glasses with ice water. Within minutes, Jo finished making their meals and dished it up. She carried over the plates and bowls and set them on the island in front of Rhonda.
“Careful. The soup’s still hot.”
Rhonda sat on the stool beside her. “What inspired this dinner choice?”
“It just sounded good.”
They turned their attention to the grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup and ate in companionable silence. After a few minutes, Jo stopped eating and turned to Rhonda. “I’d like to talk with you about something.”
Rhonda turned and gave Jo her full attention. “What’s up?”
“I had a meeting with my manager and his boss today.”
“Is everything okay?” Rhonda’s brow furrowed with concern.
“Yes, they wanted to tell me how impressed they’ve been with my work.”
“Fantastic.”
“It gets better. They offered me a full-time position.”
“That’s wonderful,” Rhonda gushed before she realized Jo hadn’t said whether she’d taken the job. “Did you accept?” She asked cautiously.
“Not yet. I told them I needed a day or two to consider their offer. I wanted to discuss it with you first.”
“It doesn’t matter how I feel about it,” Rhonda said.
“Yes it does, it matters a great deal to me. This is a really big decision and I’d like to know what you think.”
“I think you should do what is best for you.”
“Rhonda, I’m asking for your opinion.”
“I don’t want to influence your entire future one way or another. It’s your life, Jo. What right do I have to weigh in on that?”