Mistaken Identity

by Jay, Donna

  “Deal?” Lucy fiddled with the stick shift.

  “Deal. But if you’re not back in an hour I’ll hunt you down, tie you up, and spank your pussy. ”

  Fanning herself, Lucy sucked in a sharp breath.

  Turned on by her own declaration, Kelly leaned across the console until her face was mere millimetres from Lucy’s. She inhaled deeply, breathing in Lucy’s familiar scent, cocoa butter.

  “Actually, that’s what I’m going to do to you when you get back.” She kissed Lucy hard. “After a day like today, I think we deserve a little fun.”

  “Hold those thoughts.” Lucy fired the car to life. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”

  Chapter 29

  The second Kelly stepped inside, Nicole almost knocked her off her feet. She wrapped Kelly in a bone crushing hug. “Thank God you’re home. I’ve been worried sick.”

  The comment caught Kelly off guard. There was no way Nicole could know about her shitty day. “Why? I told you where I was going.”

  “Because she’s a worrywart.” Steve waved hi from the sofa. “A friend posted on Facebook that there’d been a nasty prang on the Himatangi turnoff. Nicole put two and six together and came up with three.”

  “That doesn’t even make sense.” Kelly kicked off her shoes and slumped into her chair. Never had it felt so soft. The sides wrapped around her like a comfort blanket. Although, she liked to think it was her dad’s spirit giving her a hug.

  “Why didn’t you reply to my text? ”

  “Oh, shit.” Kelly dug her phone out. Three unread messages; two from Nicole, one from Jo. “I turned my phone off as soon as we arrived at the hospital.”

  “What the fuck?” Nicole was on her feet again.

  Steve leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Care to explain?”

  Despite everything, a smile spread across Kelly’s face. “Boy, have I got a story for you. Listen up, kids.”

  After grabbing her water bottle off the coffee table, Nicole dropped onto the sofa. Steve flung an arm across her shoulders and leaned his head on top of hers.

  Warmth flooded Kelly’s heart. The love they had for each other was palpable.

  Mindful that Lucy would be back in less than an hour, Kelly gave them a condensed version of their trip to Te Papa. The good, Jo and Tim. The bad, Lucy being evicted. The ugly, the accident. And the rest, the hospital, Colette’s attempt to make amends.

  “I’m so sorry you went through all that, Kel.” Nicole pursed her lips. “Lucy must be distraught. What’s she going to do?”

  And there it was. Kelly’s chance to lay it on the table.

  “I told her she could move in here, but she insisted I ask you guys first, which I agreed is only right.”

  Silence.

  “I know the flat’s small but we’re all respectful and I’m sure it would work.”

  Still nothing.

  Panic set in and Kelly’s heart raced. She hadn’t expected to have to plead her case.

  “Come on, guys,” Kelly implored. “You’re hardly here anyway.”

  Nicole shot Steve a look. Steve lifted a shoulder in a classic you’re on your own gesture.

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake, spit it out, would you? I’ve had a day from hell, it can’t get any worse. If you’re against the idea, just say so. I won’t break.”

  Liar .

  Like a delicate piece of china about to shatter, Kelly barely managed to hold it together. Tears pricked her eyes, and her throat felt tight.

  Nicole crossed the room and perched on the arm of the chair. “Don’t get upset, honey.” She stroked Kelly’s hair.

  “I’m so fucking tired, Nic. I don’t want you to say yes because I made you feel bad. I’ll text Lucy and tell her it’s a no-go.”

  “You’ll do no such thing.” The chair rocked as Nicole jumped up.

  If Kelly hadn’t been strung so tight, she would’ve asked Nicole if she had ants in her pants.

  With her eyes on Steve, Nicole pointed at Kelly. “Tell her.”

  From across the room, he locked eyes with Kelly. His expression was gentle yet serious. “We have news of our own.”

  Of course they did.

  Kelly had been so self-absorbed she hadn’t stopped to ask how their day had been.

  “Nicole and I have found a place to rent.” He lowered his voice, as much as a man with a deep voice could. “We want to live together.” Trailing off, he mumbled, “Just the two of us.”

  Anguish written all over her face, Nicole dropped to the floor and hugged Kelly’s knees. “Please don’t hate me. It’s not a done deal. I refused to sign the lease until after we talked to you. I’d never abandon you, Kel.”

  Finally able to breathe again, Kelly burst out laughing. Giddy with relief, she cackled like a madwoman. “Oh, my god.” She swiped her eyes. “Look at us. We’ve been friends for over a decade, yet we’re dancing around each other like delicate flowers. It’s about time you two got your shit together.”

  If she was to be totally honest, Kelly had been expecting the news long before now.

  Standing, Steve held his arms out. “Group hug?”

  Ecstatic for her two best friends, Kelly leapt out of her chair and embraced them. “Love you, guys.”

  The top of Nicole’s head tickled Kelly’s chin. “The answer’s yes,” she said.

  “Oh. Did Steve propose?” Kelly asked, only half joking.

  A sharp pain shot through Kelly’s backside making her flinch.

  “Ow.” Kelly smacked Nicole’s pinching fingers away. “What was that for?”

  “Because I love you. Now behave. The yes was to Lucy moving in.”

  The universe, which had played a cruel trick on Kelly earlier in the day, was now forgiven. Hope flared in her chest that once again all was right in her world.

  A megawatt smile lit up Steve’s face. He took Nicole’s hand in his.

  Like a lovesick fool, Kelly pictured him dropping to his knees and proposing. That didn’t happen; the next best thing did.

  “Now that worrywart is no longer worried, I’m going to whisk her away. We won’t be back tonight, so don’t wait up.”

  He rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. “Actually, after the day you’ve had, I suggest you head straight to bed as soon as Lucy gets here.”

  “Is that right, Doctor Steve? Are you prescribing some oral medication as well?”

  “Kelly!” Nicole plugged her ears. “La-la-la-la.” She pulled her fingers out. “Too much information.”

  Swooning, Steve clutched his chest. “I’m feeling sick, Nic. Can I have some of your special medicine.” He waggled his tongue at her .

  Nicole mocked glared at Kelly. “See what you’ve done.”

  “You can thank me tomorrow.” Kelly smirked.

  With a dramatic eyeroll, Nicole disappeared into her bedroom. Less than two minutes later she reappeared, overnight bag slung over her shoulder.

  “Come on, you sick puppy.” Nicole fisted Steve’s shirt. “Let’s go. I’m sure Kelly and Lucy have a lot to talk about.”

  “I don’t think that’s the kind of oral...”

  Glaring, Nicole held up a finger. “Don’t say it.”

  Laughing, Steve plucked Nicole’s car keys out of her hand and exited the flat.

  Suddenly serious, Nicole turned to Kelly. “You know we’re only a phone call away?”

  “I do.” Kelly nodded. “Same goes.”

  “Always.” Nicole shut the door on her way out.

  Chapter 30

  In the shower, Kelly turned the water to as hot as she could stand it, letting the heat wash away the stress of the day. Slowly, limb by limb, her muscles relaxed.

  She envisioned tension draining out of her body, disappearing down the plug hole. The imagery worked.

  When she no longer felt bogged down by the harrowing events of the day, Kelly shut off the water and stepped out of the shower.

  While drying off, thoughts of Lucy ran through her mind. They had a lot to learn about ea
ch other, which excited and terrified her in equal measure. Kelly was optimistic that with each layer they uncovered, their bond would only deepen.

  She wasn’t naïve enough to think everything would be plain sailing, but if they kept the lines of communication open, they’d be fine, of that Kelly was certain .

  Flopping onto her bed, Kelly fired off a quick text message. “Went better than expected, will fill you in when you get here.” She glanced at her watch. “You’ve got fifteen minutes.” She didn’t add, before I hunt you down.

  The words of a promise sent a jolt of desire pulsing through her body. The beep of her phone snapped her out of her erotic musings.

  “Having a bite to eat with Ashleigh, Grace, and Colette. Can’t wait to get out of here, but don’t want to be rude.”

  It came as no surprise to Kelly that Colette was at the house too. Ashleigh had a heart of gold and it was just like her to take Colette under her wing. Kelly sincerely hoped Paula knew how lucky she was to have such a loyal friend.

  Just as she was about to put her phone down, a message lit up the screen.

  “See you in half, Miss.”

  A stupid grin spread across Kelly’s face. The fact Lucy was going to be longer than the allocated hour gave her a good excuse to turn her threat into a promise. If Lucy’s parting word, Miss, was anything to go by, Lucy wanted to play too.

  Sex wouldn’t eradicate their craptacular day, but it would go a long way toward balancing out the negative.

  A hunger pang tore through Kelly’s insides. Even though she didn’t have much of an appetite, the thought of her stomach screaming, ‘feed me, feed me,’ during an intimate moment, had her heading for the kitchen.

  Once there, she reached for a loaf of bread, jar of vegemite, and a block of cheese.

  Comfort food.

  Shortly after eight, a rap on the door made Kelly’s heart skip a beat. Without thought, she was on her feet.

  The sudden leap out of her chair, coupled with excitement, made her heart race. Lucy was here.

  God, she wanted to shout that from the rooftops.

  Lucy’s here! Lucy’s here!

  The trek across the small living room felt like five miles. Kelly couldn’t get the door open fast enough.

  “Hey there, sexy. Come in.” She ushered Lucy inside. “Make yourself at home.”

  Setting her bag down, Lucy glanced around the living room, concern etched across her features. “They didn’t leave on my account, did they?”

  “Oh, no. Not at all.” Kelly grabbed Lucy’s hands. They were warm and soft, like her smile.

  “It just so happens; Nicole and Steve have found somewhere else to live. They didn’t want to say anything before now, afraid I’d be upset if they left me here all alone.” Kelly jutted her lip out like a baby.

  “What were the chances?” Lucy asked, ignoring Kelly’s theatrical pout.

  “About as minuscule as running into Paula and Colette in Wellington, same time, same place, same day as us.”

  Finally, Lucy smiled, a beaming smile that lit up Kelly’s world.

  “Turns out, some clouds do have silver linings.”

  “That, they do.” Kelly wrapped her arms around Lucy’s waist, inhaling deeply. She didn’t detect even the slightest hint of Lucy’s signature scent, cocoa butter.

  Amusement twinkled in Lucy’s eyes. “You’re practically drooling. ”

  “What do you expect when you turn up here looking as edible as ever, batting your sexy green eyes, smelling all shower fresh?”

  Grabbing Lucy by the hand, Kelly dragged her toward her bedroom. She wanted to forget about the day, just for a while, and sensed Lucy could do with the same.

  Lucy chuckled. “What about my bag? Shouldn’t I unpack?”

  “Clothes are overrated,” Kelly retorted.

  The second they crossed the threshold to Kelly’s bedroom, the atmosphere changed from casual to electric.

  Without prompting, Lucy clutched her hands behind her back, opening herself up to Kelly.

  “Sorry I was late, Miss Kel.”

  “Strip,” Kelly instructed.

  With fire in her eyes, Lucy pulled her thin white blouse over her head, slipped out of her jeans, and tossed both aside.

  Heat pooled low in Kelly’s belly as she walked a slow circle around the beautiful woman before her, clad in matching black briefs and bra.

  “You’re stunning, Lucy-Lou.”

  Back in front of her, Kelly cupped Lucy’s breasts and peppered kisses all over the voluptuous mounds.

  Lucy hissed when Kelly bit down on a nipple, nipping with enough pressure to draw a whimper but not hard enough to cause any lasting pain.

  Although Kelly saw nothing but desire in Lucy’s eyes, she wanted to remind Lucy she held the power to put a stop to anything that made her uncomfortable.

  “Safe word?”

  “Candyfloss.”

  Lucy’s lip twitched, and, for a split second, Kelly wondered if there was more to Lucy’s safe word than initially disclosed. Either way, if Lucy uttered the word Candy or candyfloss all play would stop.

  “I’m going to take you back to a time in life when you didn’t have to worry about finance, or where you were going to lay your head. Do you trust me to do that?”

  Even though Kelly couldn’t imagine Lucy saying no, her heart hammered in her chest .

  “Yes,” Lucy said, her voice sure, her eyes questioning.

  There it was, that combination of confidence and vulnerability that turned Kelly on.

  “Underwear off, on your back, in the middle of the bed.” Kelly’s voice matched how she felt, confident, in control, and hot as hell.

  “Yes, Miss.” With the snap of a clasp and a shimmy of her hips, Lucy’s bra hit the floor, followed by her briefs.

  By the time the words “holy hell, you’re gorgeous” skidded through Kelly’s mind, Lucy was on the bed, looking more delectable than any store-bought duvet.

  This was what Kelly craved, unabashed dominance and submission. Both parties on the same page, no coercion.

  The fact Lucy submitted so readily made the dance all the more intoxicating.

  “You have a beautiful body, Lucy, all curves and delicious softness.”

  Wordlessly, Lucy tracked Kelly’s movements, her gaze so intense Kelly felt it like a physical caress .

  As though taunting her to get naked, her jeans suddenly felt too tight, her tank-top too small.

  Emboldened by the look of rapture in Lucy’s eyes, Kelly ran her hands over her breasts, down her sides, then rested them on her hips.

  “I’ll get naked soon enough, but by the time I do, you won’t be able to see me anyway.”

  Rather than respond to the question swimming in Lucy’s eyes, Kelly spun on her heels and snagged a blindfold off her dresser.

  Lucy gave her a barely perceptible nod, her silent consent all the encouragement Kelly needed.

  As she positioned the blindfold over Lucy’s eyes, a shudder tore through Kelly, rocking her from head to toe. Even though the rational part of her brain knew they were alone, the thought of making love blanketed in darkness terrified her.

  Shaking off the memory of that bitter-sweet night, Kelly focused on the here and now.

  “You okay?”

  “Yes, Miss Kel.”

  Lucy’s softly spoken reply—the movement of her jaw, the way her tongue lingered on her top lip when she said Kel—seduced Kelly.

  Bending forward, she captured Lucy’s mouth with her own. Lucy parted her lips allowing her entrance. Their tongues danced, a slow, passionate tango.

  Who knew kissing could be so erotic?

  Coming up for air, Kelly retrieved a long, feather duster. She trailed it over Lucy’s taut nipples, swirled it across her breasts, down her abdomen, and lower.

  Lucy squirmed, muscles twitching. “What’s that? It tickles.”

  The comment delighted Kelly, she’d expected no less. Every inch of Lucy’s body was incredibly responsive, he
r reactions exquisite.

  “Feathers. Once every inch of your skin is pebbled with gooseflesh, I’m going to turn you over and bind you to the headboard.”

  Lucy writhed on the bed, bottom lip sucked between her teeth.

  Turned on by her reactions, Kelly’s pulse kicked up a notch. She teased Lucy’s mons and labia with feather light touches .

  Aware of how ticklish Lucy was, Kelly marvelled at her self-control when she didn’t snap her legs shut to avoid the torment.

  “Good girl.”

  Kelly tossed the implement aside and rewarded Lucy with a swipe of her tongue.

  The musky scent of her arousal wrapped around Kelly. Her breathy moans filtered through the air as Kelly toyed with Lucy’s labia, alternating between nipping and sucking on the succulent flesh.

  “Oh, God, Miss Kel. That feels incredible.”

  The next thing Kelly felt was hands in her hair, gripping her head. And just like that, she was on her feet.

  “You’re naughty,” Kelly scolded, shaking a finger even though Lucy couldn’t see her.

  “Did I give you permission to touch?”

  “No, Miss Kel.”

  “Turn over. Now!” Kelly commanded.

  The power she craved ramped up her excitement.

  Quick as a coin toss, Lucy flipped from her back to her stomach. And there she lay, face down, arms above her head, her spankable backside swimming in Kelly’s vision.

  Did she just waggle her butt at me? Yeah, she did. Brat!

  With no intention of doing Lucy’s bidding, Kelly took her time undressing, giving Lucy time to ponder her next move.

  After folding her clothes and placing them in a neat pile, Kelly crossed the room to her bedside drawer. Her heart flipped when her eyes landed on the new toy Lucy wasn’t yet privy to.

  “I think you deserve a good fucking, young lady.”

  Kelly’s heart raced, excitement and nerves competing for first place. Excitement won when Lucy replied.

  “Yes, please. Please fuck me.” Despite her muffled reply, there was no mistaking the desperation in her tone.

  “As much as I love hearing you beg, you’ll have to wait.”

  Kelly grabbed Lucy’s wrists with the intention of tying them to the headboard, then reconsidered and released them.