Liv laughed out loud. She took Grace’s hand, and they led the line for the buffet.
Izzy queued the music, and Sara took a good look at Bren. The two had their heads together in conversation, laughing as they talked. Sara hoped that Izzy was taking her advice about Bren. They’d make a cute couple.
Terry wrapped an arm around Sara’s waist as they got in line for food. “I’m glad to be at this part of the wedding.”
“Oh? You hungry, too?”
“No. But I’m looking forward to dancing with you. It’s been awhile since we’ve gone out on the town, so to speak.”
“It has. I’ll make sure I eat enough so I have the energy to dance all night. Or until they kick us out of here.”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
Sara grabbed a plate and unashamedly dug into the buffet.
The reception lasted well into the night. Several times Sara caught herself watching Liv and Grace slow dancing—regardless of the musical tempo—holding each other and gazing into each other’s eyes as if no one else existed in the world. In that moment, she imagined no one did.
She saw Terry chatting with Bren. It was nice to see them getting along because Sara felt, deep down, Bren would remain her friend. More importantly, she realized Terry wasn’t going anywhere. She wondered if they’d have a wedding such as this one in the not-so-distant future.
Terry caught her staring and waved at her. She waved back and leaned against the wall as Terry joined her. The song was a slow, romantic number, and Terry pulled her onto the makeshift dance floor. They wrapped their arms around each other and began to sway to the music. Terry nibbled on her earlobe, sending pleasant tingles through Sara’s body.
“Bren told me this is the last song. They have to pack it up for the night. Hardly anyone is left, so I thought we could say goodbye and get out of here. What do you think?”
Sara noticed Liv and Grace were on the way to the door, saying goodbye to the few folks left over. Most of them were family and sort of formed a line to get hugs from the newlyweds.
“I think you’ve got a great idea. Let’s go see them off and head to my house. Unless you have to get home?”
“Mom’s fine and so is Felicia. I said goodnight to her hours ago. She won’t miss me until morning. I need to be there to make her peanut butter pancakes for breakfast.”
“I think I need to be there, too.” Sara lightly kissed her lips. She and Terry gathered their coats and waited patiently for their turn at Liv and Grace. After several hugs, Sara said, “We’re heading out. We’ll see you tomorrow night at the extra party.”
“You better,” Liv said, hugging Sara again. She whispered, “Go home and don’t worry if you’re too tired to come to the party. I’ll understand if you can’t get out of bed.”
Sara knew the blush on her face was deep red, and she hit Liv in the arm. “Asshat.”
“But you love me.”
Grace pushed Liv out of the way and hugged Sara one last time. “Ignore her. Go enjoy yourself.”
“I plan on it.” She waved at them as she took Terry’s hand and practically dragged her out of the center. “I’m so glad to be out of there. It was fun, but weddings are exhausting.”
“You need to go to bed?” Terry asked. There was a hint of innuendo there, and Sara giggled.
“Why yes, I do. How about you?”
“I could sleep.” Terry gave her a sideways glance. “Tomorrow some time.”
“Good to know.” Sara put her hand on Terry’s arm. “Don’t break any laws getting us home, but don’t take your time either. Okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
****
The days and nights since October were a torrent of emotions for Terry. Breaking up with Sara, William trying to take her child from her, Felicia being bullied at school, work getting busier. At times, it was hard for her to keep up. But standing on Sara’s porch, waiting patiently as she opened the door to her house, Terry realized there was one emotion she’d been missing for far too long.
The love of another woman.
She followed Sara into the house, and once the door closed, she helped her out of her coat. She badly wanted Sara to know how much she loved her, but there weren’t any words to convey what was in her heart.
That they managed to reconnect at all was a miracle. To know Sara loved her as well was almost too good to be true. Yet here she stood, in Sara’s home, staring at the woman she wanted more than anything. Her guts were tied in knots as she gently brought her hand to Sara’s cheek.
Their eyes met. Terry’s voice was barely a whisper. “I love you.”
Sara tilted her head, and the kiss that followed sent shivers down Terry’s spine. “I love you, too. Want to come all the way into the house? Or would you rather stand here by the door?”
“I’d rather go to your bedroom,” Terry said. “I know that’s not the most romantic way to put it, but it’s what I want.” She caressed Sara’s face with her fingers and trailed them over her lips. “I get the feeling you want it, too.”
“I’ve wanted it since that day in your kitchen when we decided to date again.”
“Same here, but you were right. We needed to take the time to get to know each other.”
“And we do, right?” Sara took her hand and gently tugged her toward the bedroom. “It worked. Right?”
“I think so. Felicia called your mother ‘Granny,’ so I’d say she’s given us her seal of approval.”
Sara opened the bedroom door, flipped on the light, and led Terry inside. “I think there’s a distinct possibility we’ll be married eventually. At least that’s what my mom is now saying. Plus, she loves being called Granny. Even my dad has accepted his new role in all this.”
“We’re talking marriage now?” Terry teased. Though the thought of marriage was exciting and scary all at once, Terry easily imagined them together for the rest of their lives.
“Not right now.” Sara untucked Terry’s shirt and lifted it over her head without bothering to unbutton it. “Right now, I want to make love to you. Right now, I think you need to know how I feel about you, and there’s only one way I can do that.”
“Only one?” Terry closed her eyes when Sara removed her bra and cupped both her breasts in her hands.
“Well, one at a time.” Sara placed kisses on each breast, her lips stroking Terry’s skin and setting a fire deep in her belly. She ran her fingers through Sara’s hair and removed the band that held it away from her face. It fell in soft waves around her shoulders.
Terry released Sara’s cummerbund and tossed it to the side. She wanted to feel Sara’s skin, and she wanted it now. The shirt was easy enough to remove, and she was delighted that Sara didn’t wear a bra. Not that she really needed one. The sight of her pert breasts made Terry’s breath hitch.
“You’re beautiful,” she said.
Sara laughed and tossed her head to shake her hair from her shoulders. “I’m very sure that’s not true.”
Terry pressed her lips to Sara’s and pulled her so close their breasts touched. “Never doubt me, Sara. I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Sara’s eyes searched hers, and she smiled bashfully. “Okay.”
“I plan to make you accept that, even if it takes the rest of our lives.” Terry continued her kissing, not letting Sara respond. Her hands moved to Sara’s trousers. She unsnapped them and slid the zipper down, pleased to find her wearing silky bikini undies. Terry gently pushed her hands against Sara’s flesh, moved under the bikinis to her ass, and returned to the front. Her fingers tangled in Sara’s damp curls.
Terry backed Sara up until they were at her bed and eased her onto it. Sara kicked off her shoes, and Terry pulled the slacks off in a slow, deliberate pace, her eyes caressing Sara’s body as she went.
She quickly removed the rest of her clothes and settled astride Sara. Her hand moved along the edges of the bikini underwear and rubb
ed against Sara’s soft flesh. Terry used her other hand to massage Sara’s breasts, taking her time to enjoy the feel of each one in turn.
Sara looked at her in a way she never thought possible—with adoration and love. She was absolutely sure this woman was the one she’d be with the rest of her life.
Terry kissed her as she slid the bikini underwear down, keeping their lips together while she removed it and tossed it away. She wanted to feel all of Sara—skin against skin—warm flesh in her hands while she loved the woman beneath her.
“Clothes off. Now.” Sara tugged at Terry’s belt buckle.
“Bossy.” Terry stood up to remove her boots, slacks, and undies. She settled beside Sara and let her hand roam along her soft belly, giving her a little tickle.
Sara playfully slapped her hand and covered it with her own. Terry stopped to look into Sara’s eyes—eyes that reflected their shared passion and something else. Love.
Terry kissed her languidly. She wanted their night to extend into forever. Everything she wanted was lying beside her, and it was almost too much to comprehend. She tucked a strand of hair behind Sara’s ear, gazed down at her, and shared her breath as she allowed herself a moment of amazement. “I never thought we’d get here,” she whispered.
Sara caught her hand and kissed her fingers lightly. “And yet we did. There was never anyone else for me. I always chose you, Terry. Even when you left me at the park that day, I still chose you.”
“So I’m not dreaming?” Terry half-joked.
Sara adjusted herself so she was leaning over Terry a bit. “You’re not. Let me prove it to you.” Her hand snaked behind Terry’s head and pulled her closer for a kiss that left Terry breathless.
Sara gently urged Terry onto her back and began a gentle exploration of her body with her mouth. She started at the hollow of her neck and moved to the apex of her legs. A small groan escaped Terry’s throat when Sara’s hand began to knead her breast. Her legs opened when Sara’s other hand rested on her thigh.
Terry covered the hand that worked on her breast, increasing the pressure a little. Sara smiled through her kisses and released the breast to support herself between Terry’s legs.
Eyes closed, Terry leaned her head back and sighed at the soft touches from Sara’s lips. Exquisite. She wanted to watch her, but her body felt like a block of Jell-O. All she could really do was wiggle to let Sara know she was very, very close to where she needed her to be.
Sara’s hands lifted Terry’s hips off the bed and supported her as her mouth found its mark.
Her tongue licked and sucked and sent shivers through Terry’s body. She was close—so very close. It drove her crazy each time Sara would stop, teasing her with flicks across her clit. Maddening and hot all at once, and Terry loved it. Loved her.
Terry’s hand tangled in Sara’s hair as she tried to guide her closer to her flesh. She was pulsing with need and wasn’t afraid to let Sara know it, either. “Baby,” she whispered, “please…right there.”
“I know,” Sara answered softly, her breath warm against Terry’s flesh.
The next moment robbed Terry of any speech. Her hips rose to meet Sara’s mouth as she slowly, steadily brought Terry up and over the edge with such an amazing jolt that Terry cried out as she reached orgasm.
She arched her body, and Sara wrapped her arms around her as they rode the waves of pleasure together.
Terry settled down, and Sara nuzzled her inner thigh while her right hand traced a familiar pattern along Terry’s belly. Her fingers slowly made their way to her curls and tangled in them as Sara moved on top of Terry and looked down into her eyes.
Terry felt more than sated. She held Sara’s face in her hands. “I love you. More than I ever felt possible.”
“I love you, too,” Sara said. Her hand roamed over sensitized flesh, and Terry gasped. “That’s why I’m here, doing this, connecting with you.” When their lips met, Terry tasted herself and it fueled her passion.
They stopped chatting when Sara’s fingers found their mark. Terry didn’t think she had it in her to go again, but Sara proved her wrong.
Her fingers teased and stroked in a slow, building rhythm that had Terry wriggling beneath her. She nipped and licked along Terry’s chest until finally she latched on to one breast with her mouth and suckled. It didn’t take long for Terry’s hips to buck against Sara’s hand. They worked together in a frenzied rhythm that soon had Terry crying out Sara’s name.
As the orgasm ended and Terry’s breathing returned to normal, Terry kept her gaze on Sara’s face. Their eyes locked, and a lump formed in Terry’s throat. Sara’s blue-green eyes were dark with pleasure, focused only on Terry in that one, special moment.
Sara’s hand reached up to touch Terry’s cheek and her thumb gently stroked her skin. Terry leaned into the touch. Words weren’t necessary, but somehow Terry felt she needed to say them aloud. She needed Sara to hear them again.
“I love you.” Terry’s heart filled with such emotion it felt ready to burst out of her chest. “Promise me forever, Sara. Please?”
Sara pulled her in for a kiss that spoke louder than any words could, but she said them anyway. “I promise you forever.”
About the Author
Patty is the Goldie Award-winning co-editor of Blue Collar Lesbian Erotica with Verda Foster. She and Verda also coedited Women in Uniform: Medics and Soldiers and Cops, Oh My! and Women In Sports. Her first novel, Souls’ Rescue was a finalist for the Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award. Patty is a retired paramedic and currently resides in The Netherlands with her wife, Sandra, and their kitties. Visit her website at www.pattyschramm.com
Books by Patty Schramm
From Flashpoint Publications
Finding Gracie’s Glory
Book One In the Romance In the Yukon Series
Gracie Kato survived years of abuse at the hands of her wife. While her body has healed, her heart and soul remain damaged. Gracie seeks solace at her grandfather’s home in the Yukon Territory of Canada. There she’ll be able to work at his gold mine, named for her grandmother, Gracie’s Glory. It’s the perfect place for her to start over again.
Liv Templeton’s heart was crushed years ago and she doesn’t see any chance of recovery. She’s never alone unless she wants to be, but never seeks any commitments. Instead she puts all her energy and time into running the family mining business.
From the moment they meet, Gracie and Liv’s connection, physical and emotional, is obvious to them both. Is Liv ready for a serious relationship? Even if she is, will she be able to convince Gracie to trust again? To let her soul heal? Will Gracie open herself up to Liv? Or will she close her heart forever?
ISBN: 978-1-949096-15-6
eISBN: 978-1-949096-16-3
Available at:
Bella Books
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
Reflections of Fate
Leoni Wolf lived and worked on the Qualla Boundry in Cherokee, North Carolina her entire life. It was her home and the place she belonged. Leoni once believed in fate and that everything happened for a reason. Until her wife, Tayanita, was killed in a tragic accident.
What possible reason could there be for her death? The event shattered Leoni’s world. Each day Leoni awoke, gazed at her reflection in the old free-standing mirror and convinced herself she could get through one more day.
Nicola Daelis was tired of fate intervening in her life and wanted to throttle her. Before Nicola could act on the event that could change it all, fate landed a beautiful, dark-eyed woman in her lap and turned Nicola’s world upside down.
Fighting for their lives, and often against each other, Nicola and Leoni must embark upon an adventure that could be the beginning of something new. Or the end of them both.
ISBN: 978-1-949096-12-5
eISBN: 978-1-949096-13-2
Available at:
Bella Books
Amazon
<
br /> Nook
Kobo
Better Together
Mac Bradenton has never been south of the Mason Dixon Line or across a body of water wider than the Ohio River. But her best friend is sick and on a quest to complete her bucket list. First stop is Paris, France. Mac goes along expecting to enjoy the time with Kristy, never anticipating just how much her life will change.
They meet up with Kristy’s friend, Lenie, who has promised to give them a guided tour of Paris and while there, romance blossoms between Mac and Lenie.
Once home, life takes some major turns for Mac. As she struggles to deal with the challenges thrown at her, will everything fall apart? Or will she be able to lean on Lenie knowing that, no matter what happens, they are better together?
ISBN: 978-1-949096-09-5
eISBN: 978-1-949096-10-1
Available at:
Bella Books
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
Souls’ Rescue
Kelly McCoy is a firefighter and paramedic who’s lived most of her adult life in New York. After 9-11, she relocates to Cincinnati, nursing a broken heart and looking for a new start. She takes one day at a time, trying not to let her losses overwhelm her.
Talia Stoddard is an insurance wiz who’s always been smart on the job, but unlucky in love. After years of being told that she’s
too big, too tall, too black, too lesbian, and not a very snappy dresser, Talia has resigned herself to a life alone with only her dear gay friend Jacob for a diversion.
When Kelly and Talia’s lives crash into one another, it’s under the most stressful and threatening circumstances. Talia is in terrible danger, and it’s up to Kelly to rescue her. In the horrendous situation they end up in, neither expects to find a friend, much less a soul mate.
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