Always and Forever

by Lyn Denison

  Angie slipped her hand between them, slid her fingers into the wetness, and Shann shuddered. She reached up and caressed Angie’s breasts, heard her catch her breath again and moan softly. Then Angie was moving so that she was kneeling over Shann, her legs on each side of Shann’s hips.

  Moving one hand between them, Shann touched the soft curls, cupped Angie’s mound, her fingers sliding inside her. And they both moved in time, fingers circling, sliding slickly.

  In no time Shann’s muscles tensed and she orgasmed, clutching Angie to her as Angie followed just seconds later. They lay together, entwined, hearts beating fast, breathing ragged, until eventually Angie stirred, raised her head and slowly kissed Shann’s lips.

  “That was fantastic,” she whispered against Shann’s cheek, her breath feathering Shann’s skin.

  And Shann smiled languidly. “Absolutely fantastic. I didn’t mean to be so quick but I’ve wanted you for so long I . . . I couldn’t . . .”

  “I know. Me, too.” Angie smiled crookedly. She let her gaze fall to Shann’s breast again, and she moved her hand, fingers teasing, and Shann’s nipple jumped to attention, her clitoris throbbing, and she knew she was ready again.

  Reaching up she cupped the side of Angie’s head so that her fingers slid into Angie’s short hair, and she gently pulled her down so she could kiss her soft lips. Her other hand found the indentation of Angie’s spine, gently caressing.

  Shifting slightly, Shann moved Angie, pressing her back onto the bright cotton blanket. She slid to the floor beside her and reached for a strawberry. Flicking light glances at Angie’s face to watch her change of expression, Shann slowly smeared chocolate over Angie’s breasts, across her nipples, then she popped the strawberry into Angie’s mouth.

  Choosing another strawberry she left a trail of chocolate around the indentation of Angie’s navel and the small silver ax, down over the soft mat of fair curls, the inside of her thigh, and Angie gave a low chuckle, her body arching.

  Shann put the strawberry into her mouth, chewed and swallowed.

  Angie’s eyes were dark pools, and her lips parted in a low moan. “Mmmm. I hope you’re a chocoholic.”

  “Guilty,” Shann replied huskily, and she leaned slowly forward, leisurely licking at the smudges of chocolate on Angie’s smooth skin, unhurriedly heading toward the hard peaks of her nipples. She paused and then covered one chocolate-smeared nipple with her mouth, sucked, licked, teased, until Angie moaned, her body writhing.

  Continuing her quest, Shann’s mouth meandered downward, lapping the smears of chocolate that encircled Angie’s navel. She raised her eyes to see Angie’s softened, so aroused expression.

  “Shann,” she begged thickly, her fingers twining in Shann’s dark hair, and Shann moved lower.

  Her lips slipped into the dampness and Angie’s legs parted, her hips lifting, thrusting toward Shann’s questing tongue. Shann matched her rhythm to Angie’s movements, hands holding her thighs as Angie’s tension rose to finally reach its peak. And Shann held her tenderly as she cascaded downward.

  After a few moments Shann moved up and kissed Angie slowly, gently. The kiss deepened and she felt Angie’s hands seeking, finding her secret erotic places, and she was so ready again. Shann clutched Angie’s fingers inside her, and she cried out as she fell into her climax.

  Angie’s fingers continued to tantalize, her tongue teasing Shann’s breasts and amazingly, Shann came again. She collapsed onto the couch beside Angie, completely sated.

  They pulled the cotton blanket over their damp bodies, legs entwined, arms wrapped around each other. Shann settled Angie’s head onto her shoulder, and they fell into a light sleep.

  Some time later, Shann reluctantly stirred. She felt the soft flutter of Angie’s breath against her neck, the warmth of the other woman’s beautiful body molded to her own, and she smiled. Opening her eyes she found Angie watching her, a small, answering, oh-so-satisfied smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

  “Hi.” Angie said softly.

  “Hi, yourself,” Shann murmured. “I hope you feel as wonderful as I do.”

  “Oh, I rather think I do.” Angie laughed softly. “Don’t try this at home, folks, unless you disconnect the phone, lock all the windows and doors and pulls the curtains.”

  “And make sure the police are otherwise engaged.” Shann chuckled. “The taste of chocolate and strawberries has taken on a new meaning for me.”

  Angie lifted her hand, brushed a strand of Shann’s dark hair back, ran her finger lightly over Shann’s forehead, down her cheek, across her lips, her chin, and down to encircle one breast.

  Arousal gathered in the pit of Shann’s stomach, shivered down between her legs. She placed a soft kiss on Angie’s nose.

  “Did I mention that you were a fantastic lover?” Angie asked, her gaze holding Shann’s.

  “Aw, shucks. You’re putting me to the blush.” Shann’s cheeks warmed with pleasure.

  Angie chuckled. Her eyes moved over Shann’s body, and Shann felt her nipples tighten under Angie’s gaze. “Oh, and did you know you blush all over?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

  Shann laughed ruefully. “It appears I can’t disguise what you do to me.” She sobered. “And if we’re talking about fantastic lovers, well, it takes two, you know.”

  Angie kissed her. “I’m glad you think so. I . . . it was incredible.”

  They kissed slowly, lingeringly, and when they drew apart Shann sighed.

  “I suspect it’s rather late.” She glanced at Angie’s wristwatch and groaned. “One thirty. Where did the time go?”

  “I don’t know, but it went beautifully.” Angie sat up and reached for her wineglass, took a sip and passed it to Shann. She gazed down into Shann’s eyes and then carefully took the wineglass and replaced it on the box. She lowered herself onto Shann with a self-derisive laugh. “I can’t believe it. I’m—” She took Shann’s hand, moved it between them, straining against Shann’s seeking fingers. Angie murmured her pleasure and then cried out Shann’s name, collapsing into her arms.

  When Angie’s breathing quieted she raised her eyebrows at Shann. “You have magic fingers,” she whispered and put her lips to Shann’s breast.

  Afterward they reluctantly sat up, and suddenly famished, they finished the strawberries, pausing for soft, slow kisses between bites.

  “We should go,” suggested Shann halfheartedly. “You have to go to work tomorrow.”

  “And you have to get Corey off to school.” She took hold of Shann’s hand. “I’d like to stay forever but—” She kissed the back of Shann’s hand and resolutely stood up, bent to collect their strewn clothes. She turned to hand Shann her slacks and sweater, pausing as she caught Shann’s grin. “What’s so amusing?”

  “Oh, this isn’t an amused smile,” Shann told her. “It’s more of a oh-my-God-what-a-spectacular-view sort of smile.”

  Angie giggled, pulled Shann to her feet and into her arms. Their naked bodies merged, and Shann wrapped her arms around the other woman, delighting again in the way they seemed to fit each other. She realized she never wanted to let Angie go. Her arms tightened and she rained soft kisses over her shoulder, the line of her jaw to her pliant mouth. She sighed against Angie’s lips and drew away to look at her.

  A tear trickled down Angie’s cheek, and Shann stiffened, immediately concerned.

  “Angie? What is it? I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

  Angie shook her head. “No. Never. I’m fine.” She dashed at her damp cheek with her hand. “I’m being silly. I just . . . I feel like I don’t want to let you go in case . . .”

  “In case what?”

  “Maybe in the cold light of day you might, well . . .” Angie shrugged. “I’m sorry. I’m being foolish. Let’s get dressed.”

  Shann kept Angie in the circle of her arms. “The cold light of day isn’t going to change this wonderful night,” she said sincerely.

  “Oh, Shann.” Angie clung to her. “I want to s
ay so much, but I don’t know where to start. And it’s so late.”

  “We can talk tomorrow,” Shann assured her. “I promised I’d play board games with Corey after dinner, but you’re welcome to join us if you don’t mind that sort of thing. And after Corey goes to bed, we could have some time alone.”

  “That would be great.”

  “Are you sure? I mean, you can wait till after Corey goes to bed if you like.”

  “I’m positive. I’d love to spend time with you and Corey. I should warn you though, I take no prisoners when it comes to board games.”

  Shann groaned. “Oh, no. Neither does Corey. He’ll appreciate a better opponent than me.” Shann shivered as a cool breeze moved the curtains on the window nearest them.

  “You’re getting goosebumps.” Angie rubbed Shann’s arm. “We’d better get dressed before we catch cold.” She shot a teasing look at Shann. “Or we could find a far more exciting way to warm up, hmmm?”

  Shann gave a regretful laugh. “I wouldn’t take much tempting, but if we do we’ll be here all night. The one drawback is that Liz is an early riser. She’d be sure to catch us sneaking in, and then she’d give us the third degree.”

  “Good point,” said Angie. “And I always look so guilty. Especially when I’m really guilty.”

  They started to dress. Shann pulled on her underpants and slacks and was reaching for her bra.

  “Shann?”

  She turned back to Angie and when Angie paused Shann raised an inquiring eyebrow.

  “I just—” Angie shook her head. “Just thank you for tonight.”

  Shann grinned. “Thank you,” she said with feeling.

  “It wasn’t too, well, staged, was it?” Angie asked. “I mean, we came here to . . . it wasn’t unromantic, was it?”

  “Unromantic?” Shann laughed delightedly. “Fine wine. Succulent strawberries. Absolutely delicious chocolate. And you. Especially you. It was the most romantic night of my life.”

  “It was?”

  “Oh, absolutely.” Shann gave her a quick kiss.

  “I’m glad,” said Angie, a smile lighting her face.

  The next morning Shann had to strive desperately to put on an outward show of normality. Only she knew what a complete facade that was. The few hours sleep she’d had kept her functioning just half a beat behind everyone and everything else. And the fantastic time she’d had with Angie had her replaying moments at totally inopportune moments.

  She barely went through the motions of assisting her father, preparing breakfasts, organizing lunches, and getting Corey off to school. At ten o’clock Shann and Liz were sitting on the back veranda waiting for their father’s physiotherapist to arrive when she couldn’t prevent a yawn.

  Liz raised her eyebrows. “You look like you’re auditioning for the lead role in a zombie movie,” she said without preamble. “Exactly what time did you get to bed last night anyway?”

  Shann shrugged vaguely. “Pretty late. Angie and I were talking, and we forgot the time.”

  “Where did you end up going? I didn’t know there was anywhere around here that stayed open particularly late.”

  “Actually, Angie showed me her unit. It’s only a couple of streets away.”

  “Oh, yes, that’s right. That’s why Angie’s staying with Ann and Mike. And I know how much Ann’s enjoying having Angie back home while the renovations are being done. Ann says the unit’s magnificent.”

  “It is that. It has great views of the city.”

  “How’s the renovation going?”

  “It’s ready to be painted, and she’s getting new curtains.”

  “When does she plan on moving back in to the unit?”

  “I’m not sure.” Shann shrugged. “As long as it takes the painters and decorators to finish I guess.”

  “So what about supper?” Liz persisted, and Shann rolled her eyes.

  “We had supper at the unit. And before you ask, it was red wine and some fruit.”

  “Oh. I see.” Liz raised her eyebrows. “Then maybe the wine has more to do with your spaced out look.”

  “I wasn’t drunk, Liz. I don’t think we even finished a bottle,” she said defensively.

  Liz gave Shann a probing look. “Shann, you will be careful, won’t you?”

  Shann shuffled the pages of the newspaper she’d been pretending to read. “Careful of what? I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Yes, you do. I mean, you and Angie.”

  Shann swallowed. “What about us?”

  “Oh, Shann.” Liz leaned across the table, her expression all concern. “I don’t think Ann and Mike are going to be pleased if you, well, you know.”

  “What are you implying, Liz?” Shann asked, valiantly trying to brazen it out.

  “You’re my sister, Shann, and I care about you.” She checked to ensure their father wasn’t coming down the hallway. “I’d have to be blind not to see there’s something going on with you two. You don’t seem to be able to take your eyes off each other.”

  Shann ran her fingers over a knot in the pine wood table. “We’re both adults, Liz,” she said quietly.

  “So there is something between you?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  Liz sighed. “I don’t think you have to, love. As I think I said, I have wondered about Angie, not having any young guys in tow. She’s far too attractive not to have unless she’s not interested in men.” Liz paused. “I take it Ann doesn’t know about her.”

  “I don’t know what Ann Callahan knows,” Shann said tersely. “Can we change the subject?”

  Liz sighed again, louder this time. “I wish things weren’t so complicated for you, that’s all.”

  “It’s only complicated sometimes,” Shann acknowledged. “And it’s more to do with other people’s problems.”

  Liz nodded. “It’s sad really. We all profess to love our children unconditionally, but if we’re put to the test not all of us pass with flying colors. Dad and Ruth surely didn’t all those years ago. Neither did the Callahans.”

  “I am going to have to tell Dad. You know that, don’t you, Liz?” Shann asked her sister, and Liz nodded.

  “Yes. I know. And Rhys and I will be here this time to support you whenever you decide to tell him.”

  Shann lifted Liz’s hand and kissed it before returning it to the table. “You’re a great sister, Liz. Even if your interrogation techniques would do ASIO proud,” she added with a grin.

  Liz smiled too, and then sobered. “Angie Callahan is one of the nicest people I know,” she said. “I just wanted to tell you that. She always was, even as a kid.”

  “Yes. I know.” Shann said, unaware that her voice, her expression, had softened for one unguarded moment.

  Liz regarded her through narrowed eyes. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?” she said, her voice almost a whisper.

  “Liz!” Shann suspected the warmth that rose in her cheeks was clearly visible.

  Liz smiled crookedly. “On the bright side, love. You won’t get pregnant this time.”

  Shann shook her head exasperatedly and then laughed reluctantly. “I suppose I won’t. But the big letter L glowing in the middle of my forehead might be a trifle difficult to explain.”

  Liz laughed delightedly and then glanced at her wristwatch. “You know, I think I feel like coffee and cake.”

  Shann went to stand up. “I’ll boil the kettle.”

  “No, stay there, Shann.” Liz held out her hand. “I mean real coffee. Dad’s physiotherapist will be here in a minute. When he arrives, let’s go out. Gerard will be here if Dad and Derek need anything.”

  “Are you sure you feel up to getting in the car?”

  “I’m fine.” Liz waved her hand dismissively. “I just won’t break into a sprint or anything.”

  A few minutes later, the physio was with their father, they’d promised they’d be back within the hour, and Shann had settled Liz into the passenger seat of her car. She switched on the ignition and t
urned to her sister. “Where to?”

  “Let’s go to Angie’s. That’s the closest,” Liz said casually.

  “Liz! We could go to that well-known coffee shop over in Paddington.”

  “Angie’s is just around the corner. They have a new coffee shop there now and the coffee’s superb.”

  Shann’s heartbeats were falling over themselves at the thought of seeing Angie again, but being in Angie’s company under her sister’s eagle eye, well, Shann didn’t think that was wise. And yet— “Angie will probably be busy,” she said offering little to no resistance.

  “So? We don’t need to talk to her, do we?” Liz chuckled and nudged Shann playfully. “I just like the coffee they serve there.”

  “To quote Corey, yeah right!” Shann drove the short distance to the hardware store, and she was a jumble of mixed emotions. Yet she had to admit the thought that she might see Angie again surely won out.

  They found a park close to the entry, and Shann helped Liz climb from the car. The automatic doors swung open and Shann felt her senses quicken as her heartbeats thudded in her chest.

  As they passed the tool section Shann noticed with relief that Joe Radford was busy helping a couple of tradesmen. Angie was nowhere in sight, and they reached the coffee shop without seeing her. They made their way up to the counter and when Cindy saw Shann she smiled broadly.

  “Hi there! What would you like today? Weak skinny cap, wasn’t it?”

  Impressed, Shann smiled. “Right. And one straight cappuccino for my sister.”

  “Angie anywhere about?” Liz asked lightly.

  Shann stiffened and frowned a warning at her sister.

  “She was here a minute ago,” replied Cindy. “You just missed her.”

  “Oh, well, we might catch her before we go,” Shann put in quickly.

  “I can give her a call,” offered Cindy.