“ So, what do you think about names? Reese asked, her blue eyes dancing. “Something nice and strong to go with King, like yours. Victoria Conlon King. Great name for a girl. Oh, but Victorias already taken. And we already have too many Cs and Ks in the family. My mother, Kate. Your sister, Catherine. Maybe
“ Reese, sweetheart, Tory said calmly. “We dont know its a girl.
“ Well, yeah, but we saw everything . So if it was there, we wouldve seen
The door opened and Wendy came in. “Okay, she said briskly as she walked around the cluttered desk and sat down. She extended her hand with the polaroids. “Here you go. Babys first pictures.
Grinning, Reese took them, then glanced down as she shuffled through the images. Suddenly all the black and white splotches looked miraculously like arms and legs and facial expressions.
“ Everything seems fine with the fetus, Wendy commented neutrally.
Fine with the fetus Reese looked up instantly, her eyes darkening, focused and intent. She glanced at Tory, whose expression was unreadable.
“ Your blood pressure is just a tad high, Tory.
“ Yes, I know, Tory replied evenly. “Ive been charting it for the last few weeks. Its been running a bit above normal, but today is about the highest its been. I guess I was a little nervous.
“ Understandable, Wendy said kindly. “And nothing to get alarmed about, although it bears watching. Keep a log. Call me if it starts reading higher. For now, limit your salt intake. And no caffeine.
Tory groaned.
“ Sorry. Wendy grinned. “Regular exercise, and plenty of rest.
“ Can I keep kayaking?
“ I dont see why not.
“ What about the dojo? Reese asked quietly. “Should she quit?
“ Not for a few months, Wendy replied. “I wouldnt let an inexperienced student throw you, Tory, but ordinary workouts should be fine.
“ Okay, Tory agreed, watching Reese. She had gotten very still, and a muscle bunched at the base of her jaw. Ah, damn. I didnt handle this very well.
“ Good. Wendy stood. “Then Ill see you in two weeks. Ive got to run. Call me any time.
After she left, Reese asked flatly, “Why didnt you tell me?
Tory debated several answers, but there was really only one thing she could say. “I didnt want you to worry.
Reese reached over and took her hand. “Dont do that again, okay?
“ No, Tory murmured, lifting Reeses hand to her lips. “I wont.
The taxi ride to the airport was quiet, and Tory napped on the short flight back to the tiny Provincetown airport.
"Do you want to go out for dinner?" Tory asked as they settled into the Blazer.
"It's been a long day," Reese commented quietly. "Let's go home, and I'll cook."
"Perfect."
When they reached the house, Jed's exuberant barking welcomed them. As they walked up the path to the rear deck, Tory suggested, "How about I take him for a walk while you start dinner?"
"Great. He'll like that." Reese unlocked and opened the door, then leaned over to kiss Tory lightly on the cheek. "You've got at least forty-five minutes."
Tory ran her fingers lightly down Reese's arm. "See you soon."
Reese watched her disappear down the path to the harbor and wondered what was bothering her. And when she would share it.
*****
The beach was deserted. Tory released Jed's lead and let him run. She walked along the water's edge, watching the last memory of sunlight shimmer and die across the water.
"Hey, Jedi, we're going to have a baby," she whispered. "What do you think, huh? Pretty amazing."
He didnt answer, but his large form in the gathering night was a comfort. As shadows turned to darkness around her, she watched stars flicker on overhead. "Pretty scary, too."
Her stomach was queasy from the events of the afternoon, and it wasnt just the news about the hypertension. Shed seen that coming for a few weeks and already had some practice trying to put her worries about it aside. Most of the time, she succeeded with that. Keeping Reese from worrying might prove to be a bigger challenge.
Most unexpectedly, it was the ultrasound that had thrown her. Watching the tiny movements, listening to the rapid beat of a microscopic heart, had impressed even her scientific mind with the magnitude of what was happening inside her body. As much as shed thought herself prepared for the changes that were coming, there were still moments when she was almost overwhelmed. There were suddenly so many things she needed to balanceher personal needs for professional fulfillment, her responsibility to Reese, the physical demands of her pregnancy. In the midst of happiness she would suddenly feel uncertain, wondering how she was going to manage everything. Just thinking about the incredible challenge and responsibility of raising a child sometimes made her feel inadequate.
People have been doing it for millennia, right? Reese and I love each other, and we want this baby. Thats what counts, right? God, what is wrong with me? Im never like this.
As she looked over her shoulder, she saw the lights of their home flickering through the small pines that separated the rear deck from the beach. Knowing that Reese was back there filled her with a sense of assurance and comfort. Each time she found herself struggling with doubt or fear, she had only to think of Reese to realize that whatever challenge awaited her, she would not face it alone.
Shes truly the rock upon which my world stands.
A few moments later, Tory let herself in through the sliding doors from the deck. Jed bounded ahead and skidded ungracefully around the breakfast bar into the cooking area, nearly clipping Reese behind the knees.
"Hey. Get out of here, you oaf," Reese yelled. Turning with a spatula in one hand, she smiled at Tory. "Is there a reason he smells like week old fish?"
"Dead sea treasures."
"Lovely." Reese slid a plate with appetizers onto the counter. "You can nibble on these while I finish dinner."
"Thanks," Tory said as she settled onto a stool. "I love you."
Stopping in mid-motion, Reese raised an eyebrow. The tone of her lover's voice had not been casual. "You okay?"
"Mostly." Tory extended her right hand on the countertop and Reese took it. "Sometimes, you know, I get a little..." She sighed and shook her head. “It all just sort of hits me.
"Yeah, me, too. But you know what?"
"What?"
Reese released her hand, walked around the breakfast island, and put her arms around Tory. "Everything is going to be just fine."
Tory threaded her arms around Reese's waist, rested her head against the broad chest, and closed her eyes. With her cheek pressed to her lover's heart and the heat of the familiar body enclosing her, she couldn't conjure up a single worry. Quietly, she murmured, "I knew that."
*****
"God, it feels good to get into bed," Reese observed with a contented sigh. She stretched out her arm and Tory snuggled close, the movement automatic after hundreds of nights together.
"Yes, so good." Tory smoothed her hand over Reese's chest, then down the center of her abdomen. Drifting, pleasantly tired, she trailed her fingers over the edge of hip bone and down one hard-muscled thigh. When Reese curled her right arm around Tory's body, Tory felt the long ridge of the healing scar brush along her skin. A quick thrust of fear swept through her as she realized anew what she had nearly lost. In the next breath, she envisioned walking on the beach earlier and how just thinking about Reese had settled her world. She remembered too what life had been like before Reese had come into her life, bringing such pure and selfless love.
Everything. You're everything.
Tory pressed her lips to Reeses shoulder, reveling in the heat of her skin. Her heartbeat quickened, as did her passion. "Reese?"
"Hmm?"
"You tired?"
There was a beat of silence, then a soft chuckle. "Is that an invitation?"
Tory shifted until she was lying on top of her lover. Her legs fit perfectly between Reese's; her fi
ngers curled possessively over Reese's shoulders. "Could be."
"Feels like."
Laughing softly, Tory leaned down and kissed her, slowly at first, light teasing kisses. As their skin slid softly, their bodies cleaved even closer. Soon Tory sought more, slipping her tongue inside Reese's mouth, hungry now. Moaning softly, she raised herself until her nipples were close to Reese's mouth. Shakily, she whispered, "Suck them, sweetheart."
Tenderly, Reese captured Tory's breasts in both hands, squeezing them gently together as her mouth moved first from one nipple to the other. As Reese sucked carefully, pleasantly torturing the sensitive tips, Tory shifted to straddle Reeses hips, rocking herself rhythmically until her desire streaked wetly over Reeses abdomen. Reese thrust her hips in time to Tory's soft cries of pleasure, hard and full herself and desperate to be touched.
"Stop," Tory panted. "It feels so good. I can't stand it."
"Come up here," Reese ordered, her voice a husky growl. Then she slid her hands down Tory's back to her hips and drew her higher on the bed. The scent of her lovers arousal made Reeses clitoris twitch almost painfully, and she shut her eyes tightly for a second against the surge of need that threatened to steal her concentration. Hoarsely, she whispered, “This okay?
“ Yes. God, yes. Tory leaned forward, braced her palms flat against the wall, and lowered herself onto Reese's mouth. A small cry fluttered from her throat at the first touch of Reese's lips. She tried not to move, not to hurry, but the blood pounded insistently, making her clitoris stiffen and throb with each knowing stroke of Reeses tongue. When she didn't think she could get any harder without exploding, she looked over her shoulder and down the length of Reese's body, taut and trembling against the sheets.
"You're so beautiful," Tory moaned. Lifting herself from Reese's mouth, she twisted and turned, settling once again on top of her lover, this time with her face against Reese's thigh. Desperately she begged, "Come with me?"
“ Yess.
Then Tory parted the engorged tissues with trembling fingers, entering deeply at the same time as she enclosed Reese's clitoris with her lips. Reese jerked and cried out sharply before she took Tory once again.
Boundaries and borders disappeared as their flesh became one, passion a raging flood overflowing the restraints of their desire. They held to one another, dangling on the precipice of surrender, until Tory pulled her face away with a sharp gasp.
"I'mready. Haveto come."
"Yes, love," Reese echoed tightly, before drawing Tory in even more deeply.
Tory pressed her lips to Reeses quivering clitoris and trembled as they exploded in unison. Reese held her as she bucked and shook, letting her soar, all the while keeping her safe.
When she gently floated back to earth, Tory found herself once again cradled in Reeses arms, her head tucked securely beneath Reeses chin. She had no idea when she had moved. Reeses chest heaved with the last vestiges of release, her heart a hammer beneath Torys cheek.
“ You okay, sweetheart? Tory questioned softly.
“ Hell, yes. Reese laughed shortly, a sound very nearly a sob. “I think Im still coming.
“ Mmm, Tory murmured throatily, her fingers drifting lower. “Go again?
“ No way. Reese grabbed her wrist, stilling her motion. “Ill jump right out of my skin. Youre too good. Criminally good.
“ So arrest me, Sheriff, Tory muttered as she slipped into sleep, her hand clasped in Reeses.
“ Dont worry, Reese whispered, pressing her lips to the top of Torys head. “Im dont plan on letting you go.
She had worked hard all night not to acknowledge the faint note of caution in Wendy Deutschs voice when shed mentioned Torys blood pressure elevation that afternoon. But the echo the doctors words had been there all the time in the back of her mind, a subtle almost intangible warning, like shifting shadows in the mist on night patrol. A good marine learned to heed those silent warnings, because the price of ignoring them was losing the skirmish, or worse. Reese stroked Torys back, her own breath nearly still in her chest.
You are everything. Everything.
Chapter Twenty
March, Manhattan, NYC
It was after 11:00 on Friday night when Caroline walked into the apartment. She gave a small cry of surprise when she saw the familiar figure sprawled on the couch. "Bri! Why didnt you tell me you were coming?"
Bri stood, shaking the fog from an unplanned nap from her head. It was warm in the apartment, and shed just closed her eyes for a second. Shed hit the road after her last class and ridden straight through, not even stopping to eat. "I knew it would take me most of the evening to get here, and I figured if you had plans..."
She shrugged and stuffed her hands into her pockets. She'd never made it down the weekend theyd had the fight, because Reese had been sick, and she'd spent all her free time at the hospital. Then she had classes to make up. Every time she called, Carre wasn't in. If her girlfriend had called back, shed never gotten a message. Finally, when the distance stretched into an ache that consumed her days, shed just decided to come.
"And you thought Id rather be out doing something else when I could have been waiting here for you?" Caroline shook her head and deposited her portfolio and other things on a small bookcase inside the door. "Do you think Id want to miss a minute when we could be together?"
"You were mad at me," Bri said hoarsely, still not moving. "I'm sorry for what I said about... James."
Caroline came around the couch and went to Bri, slipping both arms around her shoulders and pressing close. With her lips against Bri's neck, she murmured, "You're such an idiot sometimes. How could you think that for a second?"
"I don't know," Bri whispered, resting her cheek on top of Carre's head. "The longer I'm away from you, the more confused I get. Things dont make sense when were apart."
"Then come home," Caroline said desperately. "Please come back. I'm so lonely without you."
"I cant come back now, Bri explained almost pleadingly, pulling Carre close. “I'll be through the Academy in a few months. I have to finish. Even if I came back, you'll be...leaving...in just a couple more months. I'd go crazy here next year without you."
"Oh, baby, I know. I know." Caroline smoothed her hands up and down Bri's back, turning her face to kiss Bris neck, the sharp line of her jaw, the corner of her mouth.
Shaking, Bri stifled a cry and found Carre's lips, aroused and tentative at the same time. She'd never been afraid of the wanting before, because Carre had always been there to soothe her hunger with a sure touch and certain heart. Now, away from her, the wanting was a torment that haunted her day and night. Desire had transformed into loneliness, and it left her aching as if lost.
"Bri?" Caroline questioned softly as she drew her head back to search her lover's face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just missed you."
Sensing Bri's hesitancy, Caroline stepped away. At the look of panic that flickered briefly in Bri's eyes, to be just as quickly extinguished, she smiled softly. "Just stand there for a second."
Then she turned and quickly pulled open the sofa bed and smoothed back the sheets. Extending her hand, she said, "Come here."
By the side of the bed, Caroline gently pulled Bri's T-shirt from her jeans and lifted it over her arms and off. Then she sat on the edge of the bed and brought both hands to the buttons on Bri's jeans. When Bri reached to help, Caroline brushed her hands away. "No."
In another minute, Bri was naked, trembling in a way she could never recall--her skin hot and cold at the same time, her muscles so tight she felt as if she would snap, and yet so weak, she could barely stand. "Carre," she said hoarsely. "What are you doing?"
Caroline looked up, her ocean-green eyes fathoms deep. "I'm reminding you of us."
When Caroline tugged her down, Bri followed, helpless to resist. Uncharacteristically passive, she stretched out on her back as Caroline leaned over her. When the blond head lowered over her chest and soft lips captured her nipple, she arched upward with a
startled cry. She brought trembling hands to Caroline's hair and stroked the soft strands, urgently needing an anchor, feeling as if she might fly apart. Caroline had her palm pressed to Bri's tense stomach, and when Bri tried to rise, needing the familiar feel of her lover beneath her, Caroline lifted her head and said swiftly, "No."
For a heartbeat, Bri resisted, but then the hand slipped lower, cupping her possessively between her thighs, and she fell back with a strangled groan. Her head was suddenly light; her heart pounded so hard it was pulsing visibly between her ribs. Her hands lay open, palms up by her side, as her friend, her lover, her heart, lay claim to what was hers, stroking every inch of Bris flesh until she quivered uncontrollably.
"This is where you belong, you know, Caroline gasped at some point. "With me."
And Bri could only moan in response. When she didn't think she could stand it any longer, she pushed up on her elbows and looked the length of her body. Carres cheek lay against her stomach; she stroked her fingers between Bri's legs, touching her teasingly for a few seconds and then moving away, measuring out her torture to the beat of Bri's strangled breathing and the rhythm of her twitching muscles.
"Make me yours," Bri whispered as she rested her fingers beseechingly against Carres head and pressed, urging her lower. For a heart stopping instant, she thought Carey would resist, but then in one fluid motion the blond head dipped and a warm mouth enclosed her. Bri jerked and cried out, her bones dissolving. She fell back, strength failing as pleasure shot through her. She was hard to the point of bursting, and Carres lips were so soft as they licked and tugged at her swollen flesh. The brush of a tongue along the length of her clitoris nearly made her head explode.
"Oh, yeah. Yeah."
Caroline looked up, a satisfied smile on her face. Her voice was like velvet as she purred, "Remember me?"
"Jesus, dont quit," Bri gasped. "I'm gonna come any second."
"Really?" Caroline's tone was ingenuous as she slipped fingers inside her.
Bri arched off the bed, thigh muscles straining, her breath tearing from her on a hoarse cry. "Oh, please. Please..."
A wave of near painful pleasure swept through Caroline at the sound of Bri's need, and she lowered her head to capture her clitoris with her mouth. Gently, prolonging the moment, she merely held her between her lips, not moving until she felt the sudden swelling all along the shaft. Then, she sucked gently, urging the orgasm to unfold and engulf her lover in one continuous, rolling surge of release. Bri sobbed her name. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever heard.
Radclyffe - Safe Harbor 02 - Beyond The Breakwater Page 9