by M. Ullrich
“Wait,” Caroline said, pulling on Emma’s arm and encouraging her to sit on a bench with her. “Finish the story before you get distracted by food.”
“Food isn’t that distracting.” Emma turned toward the smell again and wanted to know what specific spice she found so enticing. She looked back at Caroline, who sat smugly. “Fine. Maybe it is.”
“Continue, please.”
“My dad tried to do the ‘right thing,’” she said with air quotes, “and stuck around. My mom insisted she wouldn’t want to raise a baby with anyone else and DNA didn’t matter.”
“I think most men would have a hard time raising someone else’s child.”
“Oh, that wasn’t my dad’s issue. I was his daughter from the minute I was born and he never treated me like anything less. He had a problem with my mother being unfaithful.” Emma watched Caroline’s eyes light up with understanding. “Which is why I’ll never cheat or tolerate cheating. But I won’t condemn other people for it. My mom had her reasons, and I’m sure most cheaters do.”
“You think Ann had a good reason?”
“I never said anything about their reasoning being good. Besides, I already know Ann’s reason.”
“What’s that?”
“She’s an idiot.”
“That’s nice of you to say, but I’m pretty sure my baggage drove her away.”
Emma shook her head. She caressed Caroline’s cheek. “We all make choices, Caroline. She could’ve left. She could’ve talked to you or decided to put in the hard work.”
“What if a relationship with me is too much hard work?” Caroline looked at Emma with wide, innocent eyes. The unspoken filled the space between them.
Emma shifted closer. “I think any relationship you want to be in is worth the work. I barely know you and I’m certain that you’re totally worth it—”
Caroline cut Emma off with a quick kiss.
Emma smiled goofily. “That was a public display.”
“Shut up and let’s eat.”
Together they ate tacos, had a couple of drinks, and talked about plans for the future. Emma wanted to know what Caroline was thinking as far as them being together once they got home. Emma was nearly obsessive about it. She hadn’t felt this strongly, this quickly for someone in a long time. Caroline hadn’t had an easy life. She had steadfast beliefs and walls Emma took great satisfaction in breaking down. Emma felt like they could be very good for each other, and if the kissing was any indication, their physical coupling would be just as delightful.
The afternoon was turning into early evening by the time they left the restaurant. Businesses were bustling, and bars had started to come to life. The streets were loud with music and traffic. Emma couldn’t control the energy she had, and she needed an outlet. Since taking Caroline back to the hotel for a workout wasn’t an option, dancing came second.
“Let’s go to a bar.” Emma was already eyeing up her choices.
“I’m not in the mood for another drink.”
“We’re not going for the drinks,” Emma said. She followed the sound of an infectious Latin beat. “We’re going to dance.”
“I’m not dressed for dancing.”
“You’re dressed for anything.” She pulled Caroline into the place with the best music and went straight to the bar. She read the menu to see what kind of specials they were running. “Are you sure you don’t want anything? They have piña coladas. I know how much you love those.” Emma looked at Caroline out of the corner of her eye. She laughed when Caroline poked her side. “Two shots of your most popular tequila, please,” Emma said to the attractive female bartender. The dress code must be bikini casual, because the bartender’s cut-off jean shorts and bralette top would only fly in a Miami bar.
Caroline turned up her nose. “I don’t really do shots, and I don’t like tequila.”
“Good thing they’re both for me, then.” She licked the back of her hand and sprinkled it with salt, fixing Caroline with an appraising look. Caroline’s body had a number of spots she could lick. She threw back her first shot and bit down on a slice of lime.
“I can read your mind, dirty bird.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You’re right. I’m not.” Emma smiled devilishly before throwing back her second shot. She licked the lime wedge slowly and then bit it. Caroline watched her mouth intently. “See something you like?” Emma bit her lower lip. “Who’s the dirty bird now?”
“You have a very, very nice mouth.”
Emma leaned in. “Imagine what I can do with it,” she said just loudly enough to be heard over the music. She put her empty shot glass on the bar and grabbed Caroline’s hand. “Let’s dance.”
She led Caroline to the bustling dance floor. Emma loved how lively this neighborhood was, even in the late afternoon. The locals and tourists knew how to live. She twirled Caroline once before letting go of her hand and shaking her hips to the quick beat of the music. Emma loved dancing, and thanks to Maria’s silly ice breaker game, she knew Caroline did, too. Caroline looked way too stiff at the moment, though. Emma stepped closer and placed her hands on Caroline’s waist. They started to sway together, their feet falling into the same rhythm.
“Relax,” Emma said over the music. “I know you want to let loose.”
“I don’t normally dance around people. I feel silly.”
“Who cares what they think? You’ll never see them again.”
“I’ll see you.”
Emma moved against Caroline sensually. “You will, and I definitely want to see your body move.” She wrapped her hand around the back of Caroline’s neck. “This place is filled with women dancing with women, babe. We’re okay here.” She looked at Caroline sincerely while her body continued to move.
Slowly but surely, Caroline started to come out of her shell. She matched Emma movement for movement and fell into her own groove after two songs. After a while, Emma had practically forgotten about dancing and focused on the show in front of her. Caroline’s legs had always been Emma’s favorite attribute, but watching them flex as she danced raised her appreciation up a notch. What she wouldn’t give to sink her teeth into Caroline’s inner thigh.
Caroline stopped dancing suddenly, which made Emma aware that she hadn’t moved in a few minutes. The buzz of the tequila in her blood only heightened her awareness. She was wet and pulsing from just watching Caroline.
“I’m going to get a water,” Emma yelled, pointing to the bar. She needed distance and a cooldown. Emma respected Caroline’s wishes to take things slow, but right now all Emma wanted to do was touch and taste. She leaned across the bar. “Can I have a water? Extra ice, please.”
“You’re a wonderful dancer,” a woman beside Emma said. She had a soft, feminine voice with a hint of a Hispanic accent. Emma wondered if she was local or a tourist. Her eyes appeared as black as her hair, which was pulled back into two braids, and the vibrant pink T-shirt she wore accentuated her tan. She was a beautiful soft butch.
“I love to dance,” Emma said. She looked over her shoulder to check on Caroline, who had continued to dance. Emma was delighted to see she hadn’t stopped because she had left her. The bartender placed the water in front of her. Emma picked it up immediately and started drinking.
The woman laughed. “I was going to offer to buy you a drink, but I don’t think getting you a free drink is very impressive.”
Emma quirked her eyebrow and released the straw from her lips. “I appreciate the offer.” She looked down when the stranger placed her hand on her forearm.
“Why don’t you hang around until you’re thirsty,” she said, licking her full lips. “Then I’ll buy you that drink.”
Emma’s heart sped up just as it always did when she was being flirted with, but she had no interest in reciprocating this time. “That’s very nice of you—”
“I’m a very nice person.” She leaned into Emma. “My name is Jess.” Jess shook Emma’s hand. “It�
�s nice to meet you…”
“Emma.”
“Emma. Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”
Emma fought back an eye roll. She didn’t want to be rude, but Jess was laying it on thick, and she just wanted to get back to Caroline. “Thanks. I should really get back.” But Jess wouldn’t release her hand. “Excuse me.”
“I’m enjoying our conversation and would like to know more about you, Emma.”
“Hey, babe,” Caroline said just as she stepped up behind Emma.
Relief washed over Emma. “Hey, you. Need a drink?” She tried to act casual, but she noticed the moment Caroline saw her hand in Jess’s. Emma’s happiness was short lived and turned quickly to panic. “Jess, this is my girlfriend, Caroline. This is Jess,” Emma said, finally pulling back her hand. “We just met. Just now.” Emma cringed.
Caroline smiled sadly and excused herself.
Emma shot Jess a lethal look before following Caroline out of the bar. “Caroline, wait.” The sun was lower in the sky, extinguishing some of the earlier heat. The sidewalk was crowded, which made reaching Caroline more difficult. When Emma finally caught up to her, she grabbed her wrist and led her to a small alley between shops. “She offered to buy me a drink, and I said no. Apparently she didn’t like that very much and wouldn’t let me leave. Whatever you think was going on is not true.”
“I know.” Caroline looked to the sky and shook her head. When she looked back at Emma, her expression was more worried than angry. “I believe you because I have no reason to not trust you, but I felt sick when I saw her holding your hand. It brought back everything I went through with Ann, and what if I can’t move past it? What if I get jealous every time I see another woman, or man for that matter, talk to you or hit on you. It’s happened every time we’ve gone out.” She ran her fingers through her hair and made sure the strands were still tucked securely behind her ears. “I don’t want to feel sick every time someone approaches you because I’ll never feel good.”
Emma grabbed Caroline’s hands and brought them to her face. She closed her eyes and relished the feel of her warm palms against her cheeks. She opened her eyes and smiled. “This sounds like something we can work on together. The more I show you you can trust me, the more you’ll know it doesn’t matter who approaches me.”
Caroline nodded and placed her forehead against Emma’s lips. “I just don’t want my insecurities to ruin this before we have a real chance of pursuing it. I want to be confident because confidence is sexy.”
Emma breathed in Caroline’s scent. “You’re already sexy. Why do you think I got all dumb on the dance floor? From watching you.”
Caroline looked up at her and smirked. “I had a feeling.”
“I’d really like to kiss you, and we’re not technically in public—”
Caroline cut her off with another kiss. She ran her hands into Emma’s hair and tugged. She pulled her lips away and said, “Just for the record, I have no problem telling Jess you’re with me or threatening Sydney if I have to.”
Emma nodded dumbly. “That’s hot.” She kissed Caroline again with renewed fervor. Their kiss was open mouthed and a little sloppy, but that only served to spur Emma on. She pushed Caroline against the brick building and held her steady as she pressed her thigh between Caroline’s legs.
Caroline separated their lips and moaned.
Emma felt the sound in her clit. She kissed down Caroline’s neck and tasted the soft skin below her ear. Caroline gently pushed at her shoulders and she pulled back. “I’m sorry,” she said, breathing heavily.
Caroline laid her head back against the building. “No, I’m sorry. There’s no controlling myself with you.” She licked her lips and hummed quietly. “It’s that damn mouth of yours.”
Emma chortled. “Come on, let’s go back to the resort and order some room service.”
“But there’s so many places we can go for dinner.”
“Yes, but I’d rather spend the night with just you.” She paused and watched Caroline’s face change. “Taking things slowly,” Emma said to clarify and to comfort Caroline. She laced their fingers together and walked out to the busy street.
But Emma wouldn’t be disappointed if Caroline suddenly decided to pick up the pace. Not disappointed at all.
Chapter Twenty-One
Caroline was laughing so hard she was in pain. They changed into lounge clothes the minute they got back and had a plethora of sushi delivered to the room. Once the sun had set and most of the humidity retreated, the night became perfect for a balcony picnic. Caroline told Emma about her most problematic clients, and Emma had started to share some of her wildest travel stories. Caroline laid her head against the lounger as she laughed. She looked over at Emma, whose face was just as red.
“Why weren’t you wearing any underwear?” Caroline managed to say through her laughter.
“Because white linen pants are practically transparent as it is. I swear I checked the forecast that day for rain and we were supposed to have a clear afternoon, but sure enough the skies opened right up.”
Caroline thought back to the white linen pants Emma had worn on their date. Was she without panties then, too?
Emma pointed to her crotch and continued. “Worst part? I was going through a natural bush phase at the time, and everyone got to see it.”
“Yikes. Not to the bush part. Natural hair never bothered me, but to the being on display part.”
Emma smiled. “I’ve been sure to keep everything very neatly waxed since.”
Caroline wasn’t sure what to say to that, especially since her mind was no longer on whether Emma recovered from her embarrassment quickly, but instead she was curious if Emma meant she was fully waxed or had something like a landing strip. Her thoughts refused to remain innocent.
“Room over there for another?” Emma said, already standing from her own lounger.
Caroline shifted to make room for Emma. “Of course.” She patted the empty space. Caroline felt her nerves come to life when Emma wiggled herself into the small spot and faced her. Their bodies were flush, faces only inches apart, and she had no place to put her hand but on Emma’s hip.
“Can I ask you something, Caroline?”
Caroline felt Emma’s breath as she spoke. Her lips tingled in response. “Sure.”
“What’s your sex rule?”
“Sex rule?”
“How many dates before you have sex with someone? I know you’re not a first-dater, but I’d guess a third- or fourth-dater.”
Caroline thought of her dating history, and the answer seemed no more clear. “Every experience has been different. Ann and I waited until our second date, but I had known her for a while before. My girlfriend before her was a setup, so I think we waited until we were exclusive and together for about a month. Why?”
“Because we’ve spent six straight days together. It’s almost safe to say we’ve been on six dates…”
“I see where this is going.” Caroline smiled along with Emma. “But we’ve only liked each other for half that time and had one real date. Sorry babe,” she said, patting Emma’s cheek, “I’m not ready.”
“I absolutely respect that, but I figured it was worth asking.” Emma took Caroline’s hand and kissed the center of her palm. She proceeded to kiss each fingertip and the inside of her wrist, goose bumps erupting up Caroline’s arm. “You said you want to take things slow, but that doesn’t mean you want them to go nowhere, right?”
Caroline was so distracted by Emma’s warmth and her mouth being so close, she couldn’t understand the question. “What?”
“I want to kiss you again,” Emma said bluntly. “And I don’t want to stop for a while. Is that okay?” Caroline could only nod. “What about touching? I can keep it above the waist. No, wait, that’s a lie. You have a great ass. I’m going to want to touch that, too.”
Caroline giggled. “That’s all fine.”
“Good. Very good.”
Caroline found herself being kiss
ed under the moonlight, a scene she never expected to star in. And the way Emma kissed her melted her into a useless puddle. Emma’s tongue was gentle yet persistent as it caressed her own, and the way she nibbled on Caroline’s lower lip caused her to shiver.
Emma gripped Caroline’s thigh tightly and wrapped it around her hip. This change in position gave Caroline a new angle. Caroline whimpered when Emma roughly traveled over her backside and up her tank top. Emma’s hands felt like fire against her bare back. Caroline bunched the front of Emma’s T-shirt in her fists and kissed back with a vengeance. She sucked on Emma’s upper lip before swiping her tongue across her lower. Caroline could not get enough of Emma’s mouth. When Emma’s assault turned to her throat, Caroline threw her head back, offering every inch of skin to Emma’s eager lips.
Caroline felt herself start to shake. The arousal coursing through her body was unlike anything she could remember. She’d felt passion and attraction before, but never this intensely. Emma bit her collarbone, sending Caroline’s voice up an octave. Emma’s touch went from her side to her belly and started climbing higher. Caroline’s right arm was wedged between her body and chair, so she only had one hand to try to touch everywhere at once. That wasn’t going to work.
She shifted on the lounger and directed Emma to lie on her back. Caroline straddled her hips and smiled down at her. “This is much better,” she said proudly.
Emma sat up and wrapped her arms around Caroline’s waist. She looked at Caroline’s cleavage and then up at her with sparkling eyes. “Much better.” She kissed the center of Caroline’s chest and slid her hands into the back of her shorts to fill them with Caroline’s ass. “You’re driving me crazy,” she said against the swell of Caroline’s right breast.