by CJ Murphy
Laurel snuggled even closer. “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself.” Val’s eyes traveled down Laurel’s body. She’s beautiful. Stunning. Laurel’s green eyes brightened and a slight flush rose up her chest at Val’s appreciative gaze.
Laurel tilted her head. “What are you doing?”
Val pushed up to kiss her. “Enjoying the view.”
Laurel ran her hands through Val’s sleep tousled hair. “View’s pretty spectacular from my vantage, too.”
Val heard a sensual moan as she slid a leg between Laurel’s.
Laurel shuddered and groaned. “God, I want you, but we don’t have time. You have to be at the hospital in two hours.”
“True, but I don’t know that I can wait that long to touch you again.” Val ran her hands up and down Laurel’s body, stopping to hold her by the small of her back. “Trust me, I want this shoulder fixed so I can touch you without you worrying. I want a repeat of last night. Several, actually.”
Laurel kissed her lightly and ran her thumb over Val’s lower lip. “I can’t say I’d mind that either. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to wait. The next time we make love, I don’t want you hiding how much pain you’re in. I know you, Val. Let me take care of you.”
Val sighed. “Nothing gets by you, does it?”
“I was raised by probably one of the most intuitive women in the world with eyes in the back of her head. She told me long ago I was in love with you.” Laurel settled against her, breast to breast, crossing her arms and propping her chin on her folded hands.
“She did, did she?”
“Oh yeah, the last time you stopped. She’d been chewing on me to admit it and tell you.”
“I knew I loved that woman for a reason. The day I walked into Cool Springs, I fell in love with you. I’ve traveled to hundreds of places and photographed more things than I can remember. Nothing holds a candle to you. Liz and Jo have known it since the first time I stopped. They’ve been hounding me for years to stop running away and tell you.” Val reached up and ran her hand into Laurel’s hair, sweeping it away from her face and behind her ear. “I’ve always been scared for someone to see my episodes. The things I’ve seen won’t ever leave me. There are things that keep me unsettled, answers I need to find.”
“Let me be by your side while you try and find your answers,” Laurel spoke softly as she stroked the side of Val’s face. “I want to be there with you.”
Val said nothing for a moment. She’d spent her life handling and dealing with things on her own. It was part of the control she’d taken back in her life. “You are with me. I’ve never let anyone in this close.”
“I get that. I want to know all of you. The things you don’t show me, the things that scare you, the things that haunt you. I want you to know that no matter what happens, I’m going to be right by your side, anchoring you.”
Val watched hopeful eyes and could feel her own heart begin beating out of her chest. The need was so great and somehow, her own self-doubt still clung to her like oil that couldn’t be wiped off. Just when you thought it was gone, it rose to the surface again. The dread crept in, and she felt her pulse pick up as her vision narrowed. She heard a voice reach out to her like a lighthouse in the fog. Laurel.
“I’m right here with you. Touch me.”
Val groaned as Laurel rose above her, placing her breast right above Val’s lips. She accepted the gift before her. She ran her hands up Laurel’s back as she sucked the soft flesh into her mouth.
Laurel’s head fell back as Val’s lips closed around her. Val cupped the back of Laurel’s neck, bringing her down and crushing their mouths together, pushing past the barrier of those lips to taste and feel the warmth she found. Val rolled them both over and shifted so she could slide a hand between them. Laurel’s legs fell open, guiding Val’s hand to her center.
Val felt the warm, slick heat and felt her own center pulse. Somehow Laurel knew what would pull Val back from the darkness. How does she know? So many times, she’d fallen into the darkness, scrambling for something to hold on to. This time, she felt arms around her, pulling her safely away from the expanse, placing her own body in front of the abyss. The eyes that captured hers were bright green beacons holding her in place. Her terror faded away and desire replaced it.
She slid her hand down Laurel’s body, smiling as she heard her lover’s breath hitch and felt her body arch beneath her. She entered Laurel and began to stroke, all the while, sucking Laurel’s soft earlobe. She tasted the hollow of Laurel’s neck. Salty and sweet. Thrusting, she slid down Laurel’s body stopping inches above her lover’s need. Val withdrew her fingers and let all thought go, except for making love to Laurel.
Val’s tongue slid through her folds and Laurel moaned with pleasure. She thrust back inside and was rewarded as Laurel writhed beneath her, hands clasped in Val’s hair, crying out with each stroke. Val could feel the impending release as Laurel’s stomach muscles became hard and the grip around her fingers grew tighter. Taking Laurel’s clit in her mouth, she stroked the hard bundle of nerves until, with a great shuddering arch, Laurel came. Val held on and drank deeply. Laurel collapsed back into the bed, panting. Val met Laurel’s eyes before lying her head on Laurel’s rising and falling stomach.
“Come up here please,” Laurel whispered.
Val made her way up and enveloped Laurel in her arms. This is what she needs and so do I. She kissed her temple over and over as they let the afterglow wash over them. Laurel drew lazy circles on Val’s chest below her collarbone. For once, the world seemed to melt away. This moment, right here, right now, was all there was. Unfortunately, the clock ticked toward the time they would have to get up to leave for the hospital.
Propping herself up on an elbow, Laurel kissed her. “We need a shower.”
Feeling playful, Val wanted to alleviate some of the tension of the upcoming surgery. “Are you offering to wash my back?”
“That and a few other places I can reach.”
“With a proposition like that, we probably better get at it so you don’t run out of time with all those hard to reach places.”
Laurel laughed and smacked Val’s chest. “You’re so bad.”
Val smirked. “And I’m sure there’s never been any part of you that wanted to date a bad girl?”
“Only one, and I’m thinking she’s not as bad as she wants everyone to think she is. I think she’s beautiful, soft and tender. Leather or not, she’s a bad girl with a huge heart.” Laurel kissed Val again. Tender at first, but quickly descending into need. Laurel broke the kiss panting. “If we don’t get out of this bed, we’re going to be late.”
Val rolled off Laurel. What she wanted to do was stay right here and make love to Laurel all day and deep into the night. She had to get this surgery over so she’d have two good arms to hold the woman who had come to mean more to her than anything. She needed two good arms to take care of Laurel and Ree. “Okay. Lead the way.”
Laurel got up off the bed and pulled on her pants and shirt, sans bra and underwear. “I’m going to take a shower in my room so I can ensure we get out of here on time. Do you need any help?”
“Oh, I need lots of help. If we shower together, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”
Laurel shook her head and left the room.
***
Closing the door behind her, Laurel looked up to see Liz was walking down the hall. Laurel nearly jumped out of her skin seeing her, and she put out a hand on Liz’s shoulder to steady herself.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. I wanted to tell you, I’ll be able to come to the hospital around 9:00. I have an appointment early this morning, but I’m happy to say I was able to clear the rest of the day.”
Laurel could feel her face flush and her ears went hot. She held her bra and underwear in her hand and obviously wore the same clothes she had last night. She laughed and shook her head. “I’m headed to get a shower. I told her if we attempted that together we would end up be
ing late.”
Liz looked at Laurel’s hands and squinted. “I imagine so. You okay?”
Laurel could tell she was asking if having Val see her completely, was affecting her. “I’m better than I could have imagined. I told her everything last night.”
“And how did she react?”
Laurel bit her upper lip. “She was upset at me for thinking she wouldn’t want me the way I am. She reminded me that she had her own scars. She made love to me, showed me she wasn’t turned off in any way. She even touched my breasts, like she knew I needed her to…just watching her touch them did something to me…ran chills straight through me.” Laurel blush grew hotter. “I’m sorry this is probably TMI.”
“Actually, it’s not. Hopefully you consider me a friend.” Liz slipped an arm around Laurel as they walked down the hall to her room.
“Of course, I consider you my friend.”
“I’m happy for the both of you.” Stopping at the door to Laurel’s room, Liz squeezed her shoulder. “In true love, the scars become another piece of the landscape, and what we see is the love. Now get in the shower. You have plenty on your plate to deal with today. Jo’s still sleeping, by the way. We’re getting too damn old for these all-nighters.” She laughed and blushed a little. “Correction, certain types of all-nighters. See you at the hospital.”
Laurel chuckled softly. “Thank you, Liz, for everything.”
Chapter Twenty
THE COUPLE SHOWERED, DRESSED, and drove to the hospital. Val held Laurel’s hand in hers for the entire trip. Val enjoyed the fact that she wasn’t behind the wheel. It allowed her to quietly observe the woman she loved. Laurel was focused, navigating morning traffic with a grin. That smile might replace the sun.
Laurel caught Val looking at her and arched an eyebrow. “What?”
“Have I told you how beautiful you are?”
Laurel blushed, redness creeping up her neck. “A time or two.”
“You should hear it regularly, and I plan to make sure of that.” Val raised the fingers clasped in hers and kissed them.
Laurel winked. “I could get used to that.”
Twenty minutes later, Bethesda came into view. Judging from the tightness in her jaw, Laurel looked anxious about Val’s upcoming surgery. Val leaned across the center console to kiss her cheek. I’m so in love with her.
After finding a parking spot, Laurel cupped Val’s face in her hands. Val felt her moving her fingertips over every detail as if she was memorizing every line and feature.
“I love you.” Laurel kissed Val on the mouth. “Now let’s go get that arm fixed so we can go home.”
“I’m all for that. You going to be okay with Cat?”
Laurel arched an eyebrow, a slight twist to her mouth. “As long as she remembers her place.”
Val let a sly smile cross her own lips. “Her place, huh?”
“She’s your surgeon, not your lover. That role is taken. I think we’ve firmly resolved who that title belongs to.” Laurel ran a hand down the side of Val’s face. “I think we’re pretty clear on that point, don’t you?” She tapped Val’s chin.
Val laughed again and pulled Laurel into a passionate kiss. “Oh yes, my love, crystal clear. Did Liz say she was going to be able to come and sit with you?”
“Not initially. She’ll be here around 9:00.”
“Good, let’s go do this. I have better things to do than hang out at a hospital.”
Thirty minutes later, they’d registered and Val was prepped for her operation. Now they were in a small area waiting for the surgical team to come in and talk with her. Val watched the clock as her nurses worked to place an IV in her left arm. She watched them slide the catheter into her vein, remembering the medics jamming needles into her arm the day of the explosion. Sounds of the helicopter rotors filled her ears, sand stung her face and heat. Searing heat. A cool hand cupped her cheek, the thumb tracing her cheekbone. She leaned into the touch and kissed the hand that drove the memory into the background. How does she know? The nurses buzzed around them, leading them through the mound of initial paperwork. The anesthesiologist came in, asked a few more questions, explained what he’d be doing, and signed off on the chart.
He’d just left as Cat waltzed in. Laurel immediately went on alert. Val tightened her grip and fixed a wary glance on her. Flipping through the chart, Cat had yet to speak to either of them. She wore scrubs and rubber crocs in place of her uniform and high heels. She finally looked up at Val, ignoring Laurel. Untying the top of Val’s gown, she pulled it down over her injured shoulder. With a marker, she wrote Cat on her skin.
“Marked you as mine.” Cat smirked. “Any questions before we get started?”
Val stared at her, aware of her games and intent on making things perfectly clear to Cat. “Laurel and Liz will be in the waiting room. I want you to let them know how it’s going. You’ll tell them if there are any complications.” She stared hard into Cat’s amber eyes, making sure she had her attention. “Right?”
Laurel stepped to Val’s side, taking her hand. Cat had yet to answer.
Val frowned. “Cat, I want you to keep them informed. This isn’t up for discussion. Laurel and I are lovers. I’m asking you to respect that.”
Laurel kissed Val on the head. “I think she’s got the picture, love.”
Cat crossed her arms. Tilting her head, she narrowed her eyes. “As you wish. I’ll see you in the OR.” She placed the chart back on the bottom of Val’s bed and left the room.
Val reached out and pulled Laurel onto the bed with her. “Relax, she’s trying to push your buttons. I’m yours.”
“I know. It’s taking every ounce of patience I have, though. I’d like to show her what happens to someone that sticks their toes in the pond that isn’t theirs.”
Val laughed and pulled Laurel down for a kiss. “I only love you. I’m only in love with you, and your toes are always welcome in my pond.”
Laurel smacked her. “Terrible.”
A few minutes later the anesthesiologist came back into the room. He had the nurse administer a vial of anesthetic. “You ready to get that shoulder fixed?”
Val was getting warm and sleepy but managed to nod.
Laurel kissed her forehead. “Close your eyes, honey. It’ll all be over soon.”
Val pulled her close and kissed her on the lips. “Don’t worry.”
Laurel’s lips lingered then gently pulled away. “Sorry, it comes with loving you. Now go to sleep.”
Val drifted, her heart firmly anchored in the woman she loved.
***
Laurel walked beside the bed holding Val’s hand as the nurses wheeled her down the hall. After they reached the surgical area, Laurel was directed to the family waiting room. An elderly man sat holding a battered purse in his hands, a vacant look in his eyes. Must be his wife. She sat down, running a hand across her face. The TV droned in the background, some talk show she had no interest in.
She looked over at a woman holding a battered Army jacket and a faded stuffed tiger. It looked well loved. Its fur was matted and thinned, head lopped to one side. She was reminded of a passage from the Velveteen Rabbit, ‘by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby.’ Val was real and what they shared was too. She looked at her watch…8:30. Liz would be here shortly to wait with her. Laurel bit her lip, wanting Val out of pain and able to do the things she wanted to. I can’t wait to take Val home and away from that walking hormone Cat. I can take care of her and Gram together. It’s time she knows what a real family is. I just hope she’ll be ok.
Pulling her phone from her bag, she dialed Beth and waited for the familiar voice.
“Hey, there. How are things?” Beth asked.
“They took her into surgery. This woman may be the best damn surgeon there is, but I don’t like her a bit. She’s tried to put the moves on Val at least twice. That was after Val told her that we were together and that s
he wasn’t interested in Cat.”
“Cat?”
Laurel huffed. “I think her real name is Catherine. All I know is if she keeps pushing my buttons, I’m going to release the banshee from within.”
“And does she have a reason to think her actions are welcome?”
“Val said they spent a drunken weekend together and apparently Cat can’t let go of the possibility of another one.”
“And this is who is operating on Val’s shoulder?” Beth asked, the incredulity in her voice evident.
Laurel rubbed her temple. A dull ache was taking hold. She was sure it was from gritting her teeth. “Val says she’s the best. With all Val has been through, she needs to have some control in the process. Even if Cat refuses to see where Val’s attention is, Val’s made it clear we’re together.”
“How’s that?”
“Damn hard to ignore once she flat out told her we’re lovers. She even made Cat promise to come to the waiting room to tell Liz and me how the surgery went. If Val says she’s the best, then I have to trust that she is. All I care about is her getting better. If that means putting up with a woman who has an orgasm looking at Val, then I will.”
“Lovers, huh?” Beth’s voice lifted a bit, and Laurel knew her friend had a wide grin on her face.
“That’s a story for another time. Right now, all I can deal with is the fact that Val’s on an operating table and that Lothario has a scalpel in her hand.” Laurel pushed harder against her head as the headache ratcheted up.
“I seem to recall the last time you wanted to serve up a knuckle sandwich was when someone picked on Wunder. She’s got you wrapped, doesn’t she?” Beth laughed over the phone to break the tension.