by Carsen Taite
“I promise I’ll get you out of here as soon as I can. Erica’s waiting downstairs, and she’ll be ready to take you home, right after your victory speech.”
“Stop it. You’re going to jinx the results. We have no idea how the rest of the night is going to go.”
A loud roar accompanied by applause sounded from inside the room. Jen pointed at the door. “Sounds like it’s going spectacularly well.” She grabbed Meredith’s hand and tugged her into the room where they were both enveloped by the cheering crowd.
Gordon walked over and grabbed her by the shoulders, his face lit up with an uncharacteristically positive smile. “You took Texas, Oklahoma, and Minnesota. The rest of the night will be frosting on the cake.”
“Don’t let people hear you talk like that or they’ll think you’ve grown a sunny disposition.”
“I know I have a tendency to downplay things, but this is a big deal. We still have a lot of work to do, but tonight you should celebrate.” He pulled her into a hug.
Meredith embraced him back, feeling a tad bit guilty that her celebration plans involved a secret rendezvous with Stevie on the Upper East Side instead of an all night blowout with the staff. “We’re still taking tomorrow off, yes?”
“You are. I’ll be flying to California to work with the office there. Your strong showing in the Southwest means we need to beef up our staff out West so we can be ready for the general election. You lay low and do something you enjoy, because in a few days we’ll be hitting the road again.”
She fully intended to take his advice.
* * *
Stevie scanned the crowd of drivers holding placards, searching for the name she’d been given for the evening. When she finally spotted it, she was pleased to see a familiar face. “Erica, what are you doing here?”
“I’m here for the day since you know who is in town. Plus, she thought it might be more comfortable for you if a familiar face was waiting.”
Stevie melted at Meredith’s thoughtfulness, touched she’d taken time from her busy schedule to consider her feelings. Who thought about details like that when they were in the middle of a presidential campaign? “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Did you check a bag?”
“No. I’m all set.” Stevie started to protest when Erica reached for her small carry-on but decided it wasn’t worth the battle. The bag was light, and she smiled when she remembered Meredith’s suggestion that she not bother packing any clothes at all because she wasn’t going to be wearing them for long. Of course, that had been a conversation from last week. Today when she’d spoken with her, Meredith had been stressed about the logistics snafu, and no doubt she was on edge right now waiting on the night’s results to come in. All their sexual tension ramp-up might be for nothing. She should’ve packed tights and a hoodie just in case.
As Erica whipped through the crowded Manhattan streets, Stevie tried to get her bearings. She loved the city but hadn’t spent much time here and wasn’t familiar with the different neighborhoods. “You seem to know your way around.”
“I’ve worked for the senator for a long time, since she was a councilwoman here in Manhattan. I learned to drive on these streets, and in my opinion it’s much easier than getting around DC.”
“DC is supposed to be easy to get around because of the mathematical way it’s laid out, but I agree it can be a pain to navigate if you’re not used to it.” Stevie pointed out the window. “Is that Saint Patrick’s Cathedral?”
“Yes, it is. And the hotel where the campaign is based tonight is that building, just up ahead.”
Stevie gazed at the Peninsula Hotel as they drove by, her mind flashing back to the hotel in New Hampshire. Maybe she should’ve suggested they stay at the hotel tonight. Going to Meredith’s apartment was so much more personal than a hotel room. You’re just nervous, wondering which direction tonight will go—stay up too late talking like old friends or ripping each other’s clothes off at first sight, like long-separated lovers.
A few minutes later, they pulled up to an apartment building on the Upper East Side. Erica left the car with the valet and escorted her upstairs via a private elevator to the penthouse of the twenty-story building. Stevie stood by as Erica unlocked the door, wondering if Erica usually had a key or if this was another thing Meredith had asked her to handle personally. When they walked into the apartment, Stevie sucked in a breath. When Meredith said this place was slightly bigger than her home in DC, she’d obviously underplayed her description.
“There should be plenty of food in the kitchen. Help yourself. I have your number, and I’ll text you when I’m on the way back with Meredith. Do you need anything else before I leave?”
For some reason, it hadn’t occurred to Stevie that Erica would leave her here alone, but of course, she’d be going back to meet Meredith, and bring her here when her night was done, whenever that might be. In the meantime, Stevie would wait here, and the fact that she was all alone amplified how out of place she felt. Everyone important in Meredith’s life was sitting in a hotel suite with her, cheering her on or comforting her as the results rolled in, but she was here instead. What did that mean?
“I’m good,” she told Erica. She wasn’t, but she’d figure out a way to get there before Meredith got home.
* * *
Meredith looked down at her phone and smiled at the simple text from Erica. She’s here. Stevie was in the city and either on her way to her apartment or there right now. Dear Colorado, can you please count your votes faster?
“Looks like they’re getting ready to call the rest,” Gordon said, appearing at her shoulder like a fortune-teller. “The ballroom downstairs is already full. Are you about ready to go down?”
“Shouldn’t we wait until the results actually come in?”
“You do realize you’re going to need to make a speech either way?” He cocked his head. “Do you have somewhere else you need to be?”
She laughed to deflect his inquiring gaze. She’d managed to keep Stevie’s visit a secret from everyone except Jen and Erica, and there was no sense blowing it now. “Just anxious, I guess.”
“No need to be. You’ve got this. I’m so sure, I already had them load the teleprompter with the victory speech. I expect we’ll get a call from Lankin in a few minutes. The rest of the field will clear out after today, and he won’t be long behind. He was counting on Georgia and Texas to get him through to the convention.”
Meredith spent the trip to the ballroom trying not to feel guilty that she was feeling more excited about seeing Stevie than she was about tonight’s landslide. She took the call from Lankin, gave her speech, and shook the hands of all her big donors, but every movement was rote, born of years of practice. What she had no practice for was the building anticipation she felt as she counted the minutes until she saw Stevie. She’d never felt this way, and it both excited and terrified her. When she finally was able to make her escape and slid into the back seat of her car, all she could think about was that just a short while ago, Stevie had been sitting here too. What was she thinking right now? Had her hesitation dissipated, or was she ready to take the next step, whatever that may be?
When Meredith finally reached her apartment door, she took a calming breath and vowed that whatever the night held, she’d be grateful Stevie was here and expect nothing more than the opportunity to spend some uninterrupted time with her. She walked through the door to find Stevie asleep on the couch. She tiptoed her way toward the bedroom, intent on changing clothes, but halfway there, Stevie shot upright.
“Oh my God, I fell asleep,” Stevie said.
“It appears you did.”
Stevie rubbed her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I was sitting here, and I was going to read for a bit, and then the next thing I knew I was dreaming and now you’re here and I’m…rambling. That’s what I’m doing.”
Meredith sank into the space next to her and reached a hand up to her face. “You might also be drooling. You know, sleep drool. It’s cute.”
Stevie pulled away, a look of mock horror on her face. “And that, folks, is how you start the perfect date.”
“Oh, you had a perfect date planned did you?”
“Planning might be an overstatement, but isn’t a celebration in order? Before I so sexily drifted off to sleep, I heard the news. I should’ve thought to get some champagne.”
“A celebration is definitely in order, but I don’t need any champagne.” Meredith breathed in the woodsy citrus of Stevie’s cologne. “I’ve been thinking about you all day.” She leaned closer and nipped at the corner of Stevie’s mouth. Stevie’s lips parted, but Meredith sensed a trace of hesitation. “Is this okay?”
“It’s incredible.”
Stevie drew in a breath and Meredith could tell there was more. “But?”
“Should we talk for a minute? Before you got here, I was thinking we should talk for a minute.”
Meredith kissed her again. “And now?”
Stevie turned in her arms and whispered in her ear. “And now I’m thinking talking is overrated.”
Meredith didn’t wait for more. All her apprehension about how Stevie would or could fit into her life faded into a hazy cloud of desire where logistics were a distraction to be ignored. In this moment, she knew exactly what she wanted, and this moment was the only thing that mattered. She stood, held out her hand, and prayed Stevie would come with her.
Chapter Fifteen
Stevie held tight to Meredith’s hand and followed her past several rooms, no longer bothered by the fact her entire house would fit into a corner of this space, or wondering how her quiet existence would fit into the circus Meredith’s life had become.
Meredith paused in a doorway and turned to face her, the hint of a question in her eyes.
“Are you worried I’m going to judge you if there are clothes on the floor?” Stevie asked with a smile.
“Maybe,” Meredith said with a grin. “I haven’t been here in a while.”
“I can’t judge you if you don’t let me in.” Stevie stood on her toes to peer over Meredith’s shoulder, and Meredith rose to meet her. A second later, they were locked in a kiss. Stevie moaned as Meredith’s lips pressed down softly at first and then harder as her tongue traced the line between them, urging her way in, melting away her doubts. “You are an amazing kisser,” Stevie said when they broke for air.
“You are.”
“Let’s call this one a tie.” Stevie circled her arms around Meredith’s waist, pulled her closer, and took a leap. “I want to do more than kiss you.” She tugged Meredith’s blouse from her skirt and eased her hands under the cloth and along her soft skin. Meredith shuddered in her arms. “More than this.” She used one hand to slowly unbutton Meredith’s blouse while tracing circles on her skin with the other, and when the shirt was open, she dropped her head to Meredith’s cleavage and nipped a trail of kisses along her lacy black bra.
“You’re making me crazy,” Meredith groaned.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Only if you stop.”
“I have no intention of stopping.” Stevie pointed at the perfectly appointed four-poster bed. “Can you actually use that thing or is it a display piece?”
“Let’s find out.”
This time Meredith led the way, and when they were at the edge of the bed, she pushed Stevie onto the mattress. Stevie sat back on her elbows watching while Meredith eased her blouse off her shoulders and let it slip to the ground. Next she reached around and unfastened her bra and tossed it aside. Stevie licked her lips at the sight of Meredith’s beautiful, swollen pink nipples.
“You like?” Meredith asked.
“I like very much.” Stevie crooked a finger. “I’d like better if you were closer.”
“Me too. I’ll be there in a minute.”
She took a step back and lowered her skirt. Heat flamed through Stevie at the sight of her sexy black swatch of cloth underneath. “Very presidential.”
Meredith made a show of looking down. “Are you sure? I was thinking maybe I should go with navy blue.”
Stevie leaned forward and held out a hand. “If you don’t get over here right now, your candidacy will be in jeopardy.”
Meredith, wearing only her tiny black thong, climbed onto the bed and slid between Stevie’s legs. “I feel like I’m working really hard for your vote, counselor.” She cupped Stevie’s crotch, and traced the seam of her jeans with her thumb. “But I really want it.”
“I can tell,” Stevie gasped, her body arching to meet Meredith’s hand. Her clothes felt too tight, oppressive. She sat forward and pulled her sweater over her head and tossed it aside and fumbled with her bra while Meredith continued to stroke, applying increasing pressure. When she was finally free on top, Meredith’s hand stilled. “Please don’t stop.”
Meredith sat up. “I’m not. I promise.”
Stevie felt Meredith’s hand in the waist of her jeans and the gentle pull of her fingers as she unfastened the button. Eager for the feel of her skin against Meredith’s, she raised her hips as Meredith pulled the jeans along with her underwear in agonizing slow motion down her legs and off of the bed. And then nothing. No words, no touching. Just still silence. She looked up to see Meredith sitting over her, seemingly in a haze. “What’s wrong?”
Meredith’s eyes flicked up to meet hers. “Wrong?” She stroked the inside of Stevie’s thigh, eliciting a groan of pleasure. “There is absolutely nothing wrong.” She leaned forward, stretching her body across Stevie’s, skin on skin, the wet, hot heat unmistakable. “This could not be more right.”
Stevie nodded, but she couldn’t find words before Meredith’s lips closed on hers again, this time claiming her rather than seeking permission. She surrendered to the touch, craving more, craving everything Meredith had to offer. She arched from the bed as Meredith stroked her breasts, teasing her nipples with light pinches punctuated by wet hot circles with her tongue. She’d imagined sex with Meredith would be amazing, but the reality was so much more than the buildup, with even the lightest touches sending shockwaves of pleasure through her entire body. She was soaking wet and aching for release but desperate to prolong the ecstasy until she couldn’t take it anymore.
The first stroke between her legs was delicious, but the second was electric. She rose off the bed, pressing into the contact, no longer able to count, no longer caring about anything but the push and pull of nerve endings lit up with desire. Meredith’s fingers were soft, firm, tender, and fierce. She was everywhere—her tongue lapping at Stevie’s breasts, then drawing a path down to her center while she slipped first one, then another finger inside to begin a steady rhythm of thrusts that had Stevie thrashing across the bed. When Meredith’s mouth closed on her clit, and her tongue slid the length of it, Stevie stiffened and cried out, and then rode the waves of her orgasm until she was spent.
Meredith kept her hand on her thigh and curled around her side, holding her close. Stevie relaxed into the feel of her skin, the warmth of her touch, and wondered if she’d ever felt this fulfilled.
“Are you okay?”
Stevie heard the slight undercurrent of uncertainty, and she turned in Meredith’s arms. “Okay is not quite the word I’d use to describe how I feel.” She tucked Meredith into the crook of her arm. “Incredible, wonderful, sated—all much better words.”
Meredith shifted to look at her and raised an eyebrow. “Sated? Really?”
Stevie grinned. “For now.” She reached down and trailed her fingers along Meredith’s naked thigh, enjoying the soft moan her touch elicited. “And how about you? How are you?”
Meredith reached for Stevie’s hand and guided Stevie between her legs. “You tell me.” As Stevie gently stroked her wet folds, Meredith grabbed the sheets with her fists and held on tight. She was more aroused than she’d ever been, and making love to Stevie had almost taken her over the edge. She teetered there now, torn between prolonging the ecstasy and giving in to the pull of pleasure from Stevie’s tou
ch.
“You’re so wet.”
“You. Make. Me.” Slow then fast. Stevie kept a steady pace as she inched her way down until she was between Meredith’s legs. Meredith watched as Stevie bowed her head. She knew what was about to happen, but when Stevie’s tongue traced the first stroke through her center, she lost her mind. Stevie eased her hands behind Meredith’s ass and cupped her closer, alternating gentle nips with long, lingering strokes that pulled her closer and closer to orgasm. She surrendered to the sensations, letting the slow build rise higher and higher until she no longer remembered anything outside of this space, these feelings, this woman. Stevie with her silky touch and her gentle heart was the only thing that mattered, and she called out her name as she came in a rush of rapture.
* * *
Meredith rolled over and looked at the clock. They’d been making love for the last three hours, and she’d lost track of how many orgasms had occurred in that span of time. Stevie, who’d just had the last one, was tucked up next to her and already exploring again. “I have something to tell you.”
Stevie’s hand stilled. She looked up, concern in her eyes. “What is it?”
“I can no longer do this…” Meredith paused for effect. “Without food. I can’t remember when I ate last, and I need sustenance to continue to do all the things I want to do to you.” She kissed Stevie. “With you.”
Stevie rolled over on top of her and started tickling her sides. “You need to work on your delivery, missy.” She grinned. “Hey, you’re really ticklish.”
Meredith squirmed to escape. “You’ve discovered my secret.”
“I think I’ve discovered several secrets about you tonight.” Stevie’s voice dropped to a whisper, and she dipped her hands lower, lightly grazing Meredith’s thighs. “You know, I’m hungry too. How about we grab a snack and get back to the main course?”
Meredith pulled on a Jefferson T-shirt and handed her favorite, super worn, super soft one to Stevie, and then led the way to the kitchen. She missed this apartment. Her place in DC was small and furnished with only the basics, but here she had a few more creature comforts including a large kitchen. She opened the fridge and peered inside. “We have lots of choices. I can make us an omelet or a grilled cheese or—”