by M. Ullrich
“We are, and that makes you nervous. It’s my duty to make you feel better.”
Caroline gripped her thighs to the point of pain. Emma wasted no time and started circling her clit rapidly, but her movements were small and shallow. The blanket barely moved.
“What if we get caught?” Caroline said between clenched teeth. Just mentioning getting caught made Caroline go from worried to wet. She whimpered softly but covered it with a cough.
Emma put her head back and closed her eyes. Her smile was indulgent and full and she looked the part of casual seductress.
Caroline looked around. Every other passenger was involved in conversation or a nap or their nose was in some sort of entertainment. She started moving her hips in slow, small circles. She wasn’t sure how the angle was for Emma, but she didn’t care enough to ask. Her pleasure was building and was now at the point where nothing else mattered.
“We’re almost there,” Emma said conversationally.
Caroline’s throat was tight, but she forced out a casual response. “Not close enough.”
Emma cracked open one eye and looked at Caroline. “Let’s see what we can do about that.” She stilled her hand but applied more pressure directly to Caroline’s clit.
Caroline slowed her hips to an even more deliberate back-and-forth motion. The firm touch and barely-there movement felt more intense than if they were grinding and full-on fucking right there. She gasped as her heart began to hammer, and her stomach tightened. She stared at Emma, whose eyes were closed again.
“Look at me,” Caroline said in a labored whisper. The second Emma’s navy blue eyes bored into hers, Caroline came silently. The force of her orgasm drove her to throw her head back into her seat, which rocked slightly. As soon as she calmed enough to speak evenly, she turned her head to Emma. “Dear God,” she said and started to laugh.
Emma pulled her hand out and ran her fingertip along her tongue. In a split second, the seductress was gone and Emma’s eyes lit up with a new softness. “I really like you, Caroline. More than I’ve liked anyone in a very long time.”
Caroline fought to control her breathing and her pounding heart. “I really like you, too.” She closed her eyes to the feel of Emma kissing her cheek. She rested her head back. The warm feeling in her chest and the pulsing between her legs consumed Caroline. She could’ve been on a rocket ship to the moon and it wouldn’t have mattered. All Caroline could think about was all the unexpected things Emma had brought into her life, and how she had managed to deliver herself into Caroline’s heart as well.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The end of her first week back to work came quickly for Caroline. Between trying to settle in at Travel Wisdom, a few late-night phone calls with Emma, and handling her mother’s emotional state, Caroline had her hands full. Her life had yet to return to normal. The more Caroline thought about it, the more she realized her life had never settled at all since returning to New Jersey. But when she was with Emma in Florida, she felt like maybe she had one more shot at normal.
Caroline checked the time in the corner of her computer screen and was curious if the IT department knew all their computers were five minutes slow. She was ready to spend the weekend explaining to her mom that Kyle was okay, and maybe having a little bit of time in her own head planning for Emma’s return. She hated the way they had to part immediately after landing. They shared a lengthy, passionate good-bye, and that was it. Caroline had a list of responsibilities to attend to, and Emma had a trip to prepare for. Their real lives outside of the resort demanded attention, and that was, well, annoying.
Another annoying addition to Caroline’s life was her simmering jealousy and worry. She spoke to Emma as frequently as she could, but every night she’d lie in bed and wonder what she was up to, if she was out with the many new friends she undoubtedly made, and if any of them were attractive enough to erase her from Emma’s mind. They were committed, deep down she knew that. Emma was trustworthy, another point she knew deep down. But insecurities and post-traumatic stress brought on by one unfaithful lover were a lethal combination.
Her phone rang, and she stared at it in confusion. Her cell phone wasn’t ringing, the phone on the desk in her small office was. She didn’t even know that number yet. She picked up the receiver and brought it to her ear slowly. “Hello?” she said, and then remembered where she was. “Caroline speaking, can I help you?” She sounded awkward and definitely not professional.
“What are you wearing?” Emma said.
Caroline sighed in relief. “A violet dress. How did you get this number?”
“Is it tight? Short? Give me something better to go on here.”
Caroline smiled and rolled her eyes. “It’s tight-ish and comes to my knees. Very business appropriate, unlike the direction of this conversation.” Emma’s deep chuckle was like music to Caroline’s ears, quickly soothing away her earlier worries. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to share some news, and I know you won’t answer your cell during work hours, Miss Professionalism.”
“Ha ha.”
“My review for the resort goes live tonight at midnight.”
“That quickly?”
“Of course. All of my articles and reviews go live as soon as possible after I get back. That’s how you keep the buzz alive.”
“I thought for sure all of those photos you posted of you in the bikinis did that.” Caroline tossed her pen into her bag and started to shut things down. She had fifteen minutes left to her workday. “I know they got me buzzing.”
“In all the right places, I hope.”
Caroline wanted to share exactly how she was buzzing, but thought better of it. She let a simple hum answer for her.
Emma laughed. “Like I said, Miss Professionalism. Listen, I have to run because I’m cutting it close, but I was wondering if you’d like to read the review together later.”
“You expect me to stay up until midnight?”
“With a little encouragement from me, yes.”
“There’s very little you can do over the phone to keep me awake.” Before Emma could spit out a spicy retort, Caroline said, “Don’t even suggest it because I’ll fall asleep immediately after and you know it.” Caroline could hear Emma’s smile crackle to life.
“I wasn’t suggesting anything over the phone, actually.” Emma went silent, leaving Caroline in a daze of speculative confusion. “Caroline?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you get what I’m saying?”
“No,” she said dumbly, gripping the receiver more tightly.
“I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.”
“I’m getting on a plane in about twenty minutes, and I’ll be home a little after eight.”
Caroline checked the date on her desk calendar, as if she didn’t already know the day. “But you’re not due back until Sunday.”
“I’ve had my fill of Maine. I’m ready to be back home with you.”
“Oh.” Caroline didn’t know what else to say. She was surprised.
“I’m sorry. Is that too mushy? Am I being too clingy? Just tell me, and I’ll tone it down.”
“No,” Caroline said quickly, holding out her hand as if Emma could see her. “Please, don’t tone it down. I really like it when you’re mushy.” Caroline picked at the corner of a file on her desk. “It’s been a long time since anyone was mushy about me.”
“Good. Think you can be at my place at eight o’clock so we can be mushy in person? We can have dinner and relax, then read my review when it’s posted.”
Caroline started to notice the loud sounds in the background of the call, finally recognizing them as the unmistakable chatter of airports. “Sounds great. Should I bring anything?”
“Just yourself and an overnight bag, because I will not let you go. Oh! And maybe something to drink. All I have is water.”
“I’ll bring supplies.”
“Jesus, how do you manage to make something so benign sound so sexy?�
� Emma grew quiet and Caroline heard an announcement. “That’s me. I’ll see you in a little bit. Good-bye, Caroline.”
“I can’t wait to see you.”
“Ditto.” Emma ended the call.
Caroline finished up rapidly and nearly ran to the elevators. She bounced on the balls of her feet excitedly as she rode down to the main floor. She started planning the evening in her head. She could cook for Emma, bring a nice bottle of wine, and wear some of her lingerie that had lain like corpses at the bottom of her underwear drawer since Ann left. Her weekend was guaranteed to start off with a wonderful bang. The doors opened, and she almost ran into Ronaldo as she exited.
“Eager to get the weekend started?” he said with a hint of humor. “Your smile is a dead giveaway.”
Caroline hadn’t realized how wide her grin was until he had pointed it out. “I’m happy to have the first week at the office in the books.”
“I’m sure that’s just it.” Ronaldo winked. “Have a good weekend.”
“You, too.” Caroline watched him get on the elevator. What a weird exchange, but she didn’t know him very well. Maybe he was just a weird guy. What Caroline did know was that nothing in the office mattered now, because she was about to see Emma after being away for four days too many.
* * *
Emma was convinced she had just experienced the longest drive ever, but the payoff was worth it when she pulled up to her apartment building and saw Caroline sitting on the steps. She parked in her designated spot and grabbed her bag from the passenger seat. She walked slowly to Caroline, relishing the seconds as she thought about this gorgeous woman waiting for her.
“Hey, you,” she said.
“Hey.” Caroline sounded shy, standing up with her hands tucked into the back pockets of her tight jeans.
Emma couldn’t figure out what exactly struck her as different about Caroline. It could’ve been the change of scenery or the sudden bashfulness between them, but Emma felt the significance of their connection in her heart. She dropped her bag at her side and started to reach out, but stopped herself immediately. “You look incredible,” she said.
Caroline tugged at her plaid button-up. “Says the woman who just got off a plane and looks fantastic.” She came off the steps and walked up to Emma. She dug her pale hands into the shoulders of Emma’s navy blue sweatshirt.
Emma could feel the hesitance in Caroline’s touch. She wrapped her arms around Caroline’s waist and pulled their bodies together. “I can’t believe how much I missed you,” Emma whispered. She buried her face into Caroline’s neck and inhaled deeply. She missed the hint of suntan lotion she had grown used to, but Caroline’s skin smelled fresher and more addictive in its natural state.
Caroline dug her fingers into Emma’s hair and held her in place. She pulled Emma back a moment later and smiled up at her. “How much did you miss me?”
Emma let her hands wander Caroline’s lower back and the slope of her hips. “I can’t answer your question properly because you don’t like PDA.” She put her forehead to Caroline’s and concentrated on its soft warmth. “I missed having you to share my day with, a lot.”
“You kept me updated.”
“It’s not the same, and you know it.” Emma kissed Caroline’s forehead and stepped away reluctantly. “Let’s go inside.” Emma started to step away, but Caroline pulled her close.
“Just one more minute,” Caroline said as she tightened her grip.
Emma smiled into the crook of Caroline’s neck. “I guess you really did miss me.” Caroline pinched her side. She giggled and jumped away from Caroline.
Caroline grabbed the bags she had with her and pointed to the building. “Come on, I already brought dinner.”
“You’re perfect.” Emma guided Caroline to the front door but paused with her hand on the handle. “Absolutely perfect,” she said, kissing Caroline’s cheek. She led them up to the sixth floor. She struggled to find her key in her disorganized bag but was finally able to open her door.
“Excuse the mess. I was in a bit of a hurry when I left.” Emma was surprisingly self-conscious as she watched Caroline appraise her small apartment, which was neat save for a few strewn articles of clothing and snack bags on the kitchen counter. Trying to see the space through Caroline’s eyes made Emma realize how impersonal it felt. “I haven’t had the chance to decorate much.”
“It’s nice.” Caroline set the food bags on the counter in the kitchen. She brought her duffel bag back to Emma, who had yet to move away from the door. “I’m surprised you don’t have any of your photography hanging up. Where should I put this?” She held up her overnight bag.
“The bedroom. This way.” Emma took Caroline’s hand and led her to the one room she bothered to treat like a home. She had cozy bedding, colorful sheets, and candles all around. She flipped on the light and took Caroline’s bag. “The one above the bed is mine.” The photograph in question wasn’t the colorful skyscapes she was known for. This photo was in black and white and captured the eerie brilliance of a wintery forest. The photograph was one of the first she had taken and felt proud of. Emma set the bag down on the plush bench she kept at the foot of her bed. “And I have a few prints in storage,” she said. When she started to tell Caroline about her most recent move, she was stricken by Caroline’s intense gaze.
“The picture is beautiful. From everything I’ve seen and what you’ve told me, I think you’re very talented.”
“I’m really not. I’m just in the right place at the right time with an expensive camera,” Emma said modestly as she blushed. Why did she suddenly feel sheepish around Caroline? Like they didn’t already know each other intimately.
Caroline smirked. “I find it hard to believe it’s as simple as that.” She looked away. “I’d love to have some of your work hanging in my place. You know, to keep me company when you’re gone.” Caroline’s smile was incredibly shy.
“Why does it feel like we’re just meeting each other for the first time?” Emma laughed awkwardly.
“Aren’t we? We met for what felt like a second before we jetted off to a beautiful destination and made believe we were a couple.” Caroline’s gaze grew darker. “A couple in love.”
Emma breathed in sharply. Maybe she wasn’t wrong. Maybe taking a chance and labeling her feelings was the right move after all. “I guess this is the first time we’re together and just ourselves.” She licked her lips.
“And you missed me?”
Emma knew her answer immediately. “More than anything.”
Caroline laughed softly and shook her head. “I imagined you surrounded by beautiful women in Maine.” Caroline toyed with the ends of Emma’s hair. “Finally enjoying a solo trip again.”
Emma grabbed Caroline’s hand and placed it over her heart. “There were beautiful women in Maine, but none of them compared to you. I thought about you every day. When I ordered food, I wondered what salad you would’ve ordered, and every bartender I saw made me think about how you’d probably seduce them, too.” Emma held Caroline’s chin when she laughed and tried to look away. “I missed you so much.”
Emma kissed Caroline deeply, and her heart sped up at Caroline’s enthusiastic reaction. She fumbled with every button on Caroline’s shirt, but she was rewarded with the soft skin she had hungered for over the past four days. She pushed the shirt off Caroline’s shoulders and kissed her way down her neck.
Caroline whimpered. “Our food will get cold.”
“What did you get us?” Emma ran her tongue along the cup of Caroline’s bra.
“Chinese.”
“That stays hot for hours.” Emma popped open the button of Caroline’s jeans. “As incredible as you look in these, they really have to go.” She peeled the tight denim from Caroline’s legs and knelt on the floor. “I almost forgot about this freckle,” she said with a kiss to the inside of Caroline’s right knee, “and this scar.” She ran her tongue over a small patch of raised skin on Caroline’s panty line. “Getting reacquain
ted is the only positive I see in traveling.”
“Why is it that you always wind up on your knees when you’re with me?” Caroline ran her fingers through Emma’s hair.
“Are you complaining?”
“Absolutely not. Now, stop talking and grab the toy box we brought back from Florida.” Caroline pulled Emma’s face into the front of her panties.
Emma bit her mound and smiled at the way Caroline mewed. “With pleasure.”
Hours later, they lay together in bed, sheets piled around them and empty food containers crowding Emma’s nightstand. The low glow of a salt lamp across the room was the only light around them. Emma ran her fingers up and down Caroline’s bare shoulder and listened to her steady breathing against her chest. Contentment didn’t even begin to describe what Emma was feeling.
She checked the time on her phone and realized it was a little after midnight. As much as she hated to disturb the beauty resting against her sensitive breast, she had to. She needed Caroline to read her review and know what their trip had meant to her.
“Hey,” Emma said gently. She shook Caroline’s shoulder. “Caroline. I need you to wake up.” She smiled at the sleepy noises from Caroline’s parted lips. “It’s after midnight.”
Caroline mumbled unintelligibly before finally saying, “It’s late. Sleep.” She squeezed Emma’s thigh.
“I want you to read my review.”
Caroline opened her eyes slowly. “And it can’t wait until tomorrow?”
“I really want you to read it.” Emma put on her best pouty face, which obviously worked because Caroline started to sit up. Emma opened up her laptop and went straight to Travel Wisdom’s website, clicking on her article. Excitement traveled through her as she handed the computer over. And then nervousness set in as she watched Caroline’s eyes scan the screen.
Caroline laughed loudly. “I almost forgot about the tandem bicycle. Feels like a lifetime ago.” She yawned and continued reading.