One Summer Night

by Gerri Hill

  The only damper on Jo's evening was when Lucy showed up. She sat on the other side of Kerry and Shea. Jo glanced at her several times, knowing that Lucy's eyes were glued on Kelly. She felt a stab of jealousy but ignored it.

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  Lucy was nothing to Kelly, nor had she been. She believed Kelly had told her the truth.

  They finished the season undefeated and Jo joined the others behind the dugout after the game. Deb came up to her immediately and asked how she was doing.

  "Okay," she said and smiled.

  "Are you going to dinner with us?" she asked.

  "Yes, I think it'll be fun."

  "Listen, do you want to ride with me? I'll bring you back for your car afterward," Deb said.

  "Oh, no. I came with Kelly," Jo told her.

  "Oh. Is she still hanging around?"

  "Yes."

  "Well, I guess what with your grandfather and all...."

  Jo refused to acknowledge her remark. She and Deb had been friends for years. She didn't think that Deb actually meant what she said.

  "Thank you for the flowers, by the way. They were lovely," she said.

  "If you need me for anything, Jo, I'll be there," Deb offered.

  "Thank you. That's very kind," she replied, but her eyes were drawn to Lucy, who had walked up to talk to Kelly. Jo watched them intently, her eyes moving from one to the other, but she saw no sign of any intimacy between them and was relieved.

  Deb followed her gaze. “She dropped her like a hot potato, I guess.” She turned to Jo. “What do you see in her?

  My God, she’s slept with half the softball team!”

  “Stop it!” Jo snapped. Then her voice softened. “Deb, my relationship with Kelly is my business,” she said, tapping her chest. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

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  “You’re making a mistake, Jo.”

  “Perhaps.”

  Deb shrugged. “When she’s through with you, give me a call. I’ll still be around.”

  Jo refused to get angry, and she let Deb have the last word. Walking away, Jo realized the distance between her and Deb was nearly insurmountable.

  Kelly was waiting for her, and Jo pushed thoughts of Deb aside, greeting Kelly with a smile.

  "You had a wonderful game, as always," Jo told Kelly as they walked to the Explorer.

  "As always?"

  "Well, every game I've seen," Jo said.

  "Maybe you should come to all of them, then. I seem to play better when you're around."

  "Were you showing off?" Jo asked with a smile.

  Kelly shrugged. "Maybe."

  She drove over to the restrooms, where most of the others had gone, to change out of her uniform. Jo waited and soon she came back wearing faded jeans and a sweater.

  "Better?"

  "Yeah. Though a shower would have been wonderful,"

  Kelly said.

  They drove down Riverside to Gordie's Sports Pub, famous for its half-pound burgers served on giant buns baked on the spot. Kelly parked and turned off the engine, but before she could get out, Jo stopped her.

  "Can I ask you something?"

  "Of course," Kelly said.

  "It's about Lucy," she said.

  "Oh. I saw you talking to Deb earlier. What did she say this time?" she asked.

  "Nothing about Lucy, really. She said the only reason you were still around was because of Harry.”

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  "God, Jo, you don't believe that?" she asked softly.

  Jo met her eyes. "No.” She looked away. "When you said that you and Lucy had gone out, what does that mean, exactly?" she asked.

  "Jo . . .” Kelly gripped the steering wheel and let out a heavy sigh.

  "I’m not trying to pick a fight with you, Kelly. I just need to know. You obviously had some sort of relationship with her.”

  "When I first moved here, we went out a couple of times.

  I guess you’d call it a date. But the last month or so, whenever we went out, it was as friends. On my part, at least.

  Movies, dinner, things like that. I haven't been out dancing with her, if that's what you mean."

  "And when you kissed her, was it on the cheek?"

  "No."

  Of course, Jo knew that it wasn't, but she was filled with such jealousy that it scared her.

  Kelly took her hand and made Jo look at her. "Do you remember that first time we kissed? While we were dancing?"

  Jo nodded.

  "Now that was a kiss," she said softly. "It nearly brought me to my knees.” Kelly looked away and released Jo's hand.

  "You didn't want me. Lucy did. But when I kissed her I felt nothing. Absolutely nothing."

  Jo stared at her profile, knowing she was hiding the hurt in her eyes for all the times Jo had sent her away.

  "I'm sorry you thought I didn't want you," she whispered.

  Kelly turned back to her and looked into her eyes. "Did you?"

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  Jo nodded and she wanted very badly to kiss her now.

  "I won't bring up Lucy again. I just wanted to know how involved you were with her."

  "You're the only one that I've wanted, Jo."

  They stared at each other for a long moment, then Kelly looked away. "We better go in," she said.

  Jo nodded and got out, closing the door just as Deb drove up with Lucy. She silently cringed and managed a smile as the two of them got out. Lucy glared at Jo, who suddenly felt like the "other" woman, and she hated it. She watched as Lucy's glance slid to Kelly, and Jo could see the hurt in her eyes.

  "Hey, you two," Deb greeted them, and Jo could tell how forced it was.

  Kelly grabbed Jo’s arm, stopping her. “I forgot my money. I’ll catch up.”

  She was gone before Jo could stop her. She had enough money for both of them.

  Jo didn’t miss the irony of her situation, and she smiled apologetically at Deb and Lucy, as they all continued walking.

  “Well, congratulations,” Lucy said sarcastically. “I guess you’ve won.”

  Jo bristled. “I didn’t realize there was a contest.”

  Lucy’s laugh was bitter. “She’ll fuck you over just like she does everyone.”

  Jo refused to be baited.

  “But she’s good, huh?” Lucy continued.

  “How would you know?” Jo asked.

  For a second, Jo thought she was about to be slapped, but Deb pulled Lucy away.

  “Let’s go inside,” Deb suggested, but Lucy jerked her arm away.

  “I love her,” Lucy spat.

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  Oh, she’s so young, Jo thought. “I’m sorry.” She didn’t know what else to say.

  “Fuck you.”

  Lucy hurried inside and Jo wondered how such animos-ity could be between them when they hardly knew each other. It wasn't fair.

  She turned to Deb. “I’m sorry.”

  “She’s just hurt.”

  “I know,” Jo nodded. “I’ve been there.” She motioned to the door. “Go ahead. I’ll wait for Kelly here.”

  But Kelly was already walking up.

  “What happened?”

  Jo shook her head. “Nothing.”

  “Jo?”

  She tried to laugh. “Lucy’s in love with you.”

  "I've done nothing to make her believe there could ever be anything between us," Kelly insisted. "Please believe me."

  "I do. She’s just hurting."

  “And she took it out on you?”

  Jo nodded, then cupped Kelly’s face. “Better me than you. You’re the one she’s in love with.”

  Their eyes locked for an instant, and Jo wondered if Kelly’s relationship with Lucy would forever haunt her.

  “Come on.”

  The others were already there, but Betsy and Janis had saved them seats and Jo was thankful. She had no desire to sit anywhere near Lucy and Deb for fear of a repeat of the scene in the parking lot. They ordered several pitchers of beer and pa
ssed them around the table, everyone filling her own glass. Gordie's was where most of the softball teams came after games, and the crowd, as usual, was informal and rowdy. They had an outdoor patio and sand pits for volleyball during the summer. Tonight, the patio was closed, and inside it was crowded and loud.

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  Jo ordered one of the big burgers, though she knew she would never eat it all. She never did. She did her best to ignore the two pairs of eyes across the table from them. She hated to think that her friendship with Deb was threatened, but she could never feel anything romantic for Deb. There just wasn't a spark there for her. She wished Deb could see that.

  Kelly leaned closer to her so she could talk to Betsy and Janis, and their thighs touched often. Jo was very aware of her. Whenever she met Kelly’s eyes, she could see that Kelly felt the same. Whatever this was between them, their attraction for each other had not dimmed. If anything, it was stronger than ever. Jo had to force herself not to reach out and touch her.

  By the time their burgers were served, Jo's appetite for food had vanished. She had to force down what little she ate, although Kelly seemed to have no problem with her appetite.

  "Aren't you hungry?" she asked.

  "Not for food, no."

  Their eyes met for a brief second, and Jo was certain that everyone at the table could tell what she was thinking. She looked away quickly and picked up the giant burger, taking a large bite.

  The meal seemed to last for hours, and Jo pretended to be interested in the conversations going on around her, when all she wanted was to go home and take Kelly with her.

  Finally, the table was cleared and the leftovers boxed as they passed around the last pitcher of beer.

  Betsy nudged her. "You've been awfully quiet.”

  "Not really."

  "Are you okay?” She looked at her. "Deb and Lucy have been shooting you two daggers all evening. What gives?"

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  "It’s very simple. Lucy wants Kelly. Deb wants me," Jo admitted.

  "I see," Betsy said with raised eyebrows. "And who do you want?"

  "Betsy!"

  Betsy laughed, and Janis demanded to know what was so funny.

  At last, they got up to go. Everyone said their good-byes, as some of them would not see each other until the next season started in the spring.

  Jo and Kelly walked out with Betsy and Janis, who couldn't keep from smiling. Jo didn't care anymore. All she wanted was to be alone with Kelly.

  "I'll call you tomorrow. You'll be at work?" Betsy asked.

  "Yes."

  "I guess I shouldn't worry that you'll be alone tonight."

  "I'll be fine, Betsy," Jo assured her with a smile.

  Once in the Explorer, with seatbelts safely fastened, they allowed themselves to touch freely. Kelly took Jo’s hand and placed it on her thigh, and Jo felt the muscles in her leg contract as Kelly drove. Her thigh was warm to the touch.

  Jo let her hand rub gently to Kelly’s knee, then back up.

  Kelly glanced at her, then covered her hand with her own, preventing any further exploration.

  They didn't speak on the drive home, and Kelly drove quickly, speeding up MoPac, ignoring the speed limit. Jo didn't mind.

  Kelly pulled into Jo's drive and cut the engine. They sat in silence as they looked at each other.

  "Do you want me to go?" Kelly finally asked.

  "No. I want you to stay," Jo said softly.

  Kelly took her hand and brought it to her lips. "Do you know how much I want you?"

  "Hopefully, as much as I want you."

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  They made it just inside the front door before their desire could wait no more. Kelly held her, fiercely pushing her up against the closed door, pressing against her as her lips sought Jo's. Jo's mouth opened for her kiss, and her tongue met Kelly's. Her hands shoved Kelly’s sweater up and touched warm skin, moving quickly to her breasts.

  "God, you feel so good," Jo breathed into her mouth.

  Kelly drew back and pushed Jo away. "Wait," she said, her breath coming quickly. "I've got to shower."

  "No. Later," Jo insisted, reaching for her again, this time her hands going to Kelly’s jeans.

  Their kisses were wet and hard. Jo turned Kelly quickly, pinning her back against the door, and shoving her thigh between Kelly’s legs.

  “I just want to be inside you,” Jo breathed, and her fingers fumbled with Kelly’s as they struggled to get her jeans off.

  Jo’s impatient hands could wait no more, and she pushed past silk, groaning loudly when her fingers found the heat between Kelly’s thighs.

  Her mouth went back to Kelly’s, her tongue plunging inside, her thigh holding Kelly to the door as her fingers drove deep inside her.

  “Oh, Christ!” Kelly hands clutched Jo’s shoulders, and her hips thrust up, matching Jo’s rhythm. “Don’t stop,” she begged.

  “I won’t stop. I want you so badly.”

  Jo’s fingers were coated with Kelly’s wetness. She thrust into her again and again as Kelly’s ragged breathing echoed in her ears.

  Jo’s arm ached as Kelly neared her orgasm, but she didn’t stop until Kelly screamed her pleasure, once, twice, and a third time before her hips stilled.

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  Her weight settled on Jo, and Jo held her against the door until their breathing slowed.

  “I guess I didn’t really need a shower,” Kelly finally managed.

  “Oh, yes. I think you need a shower,” Jo smiled wickedly.

  “I think we both do.”

  They hurried down the hall to the bathroom, shedding clothes as they went. The hot spray hit Jo’s shoulders, but it was not nearly as hot as the mouth at her breast. Kelly’s hands cupped her hips, bringing Jo flush against her, and Jo tipped her head back, offering her breasts to Kelly, feeling nearly drunk with desire.

  Kelly’s mouth was wet when it captured Jo’s. Streams of water washed over their faces as Jo’s hands slid up Kelly’s wet arms, circling her back. Soapy hands touched her, moving over her breasts, down to her stomach and hips.

  When those same slippery hands slid between her legs, Jo felt weak, and she anchored herself to Kelly, their moans mingling as Kelly’s fingers slipped inside her.

  “That feels so good,” Jo murmured.

  She felt Kelly tremble in her arms, and Kelly’s fingers left her.

  “I want my mouth on you,” she whispered into Jo’s ear.

  Kelly knelt in front of her. Jo looked down at her, their eyes holding for a long moment. Then Jo’s slid shut, and she leaned against the slick tile as her hands guided Kelly to her.

  Jo’s breath left her at the first touch of Kelly’s tongue, and when Kelly’s arms slid around her hips, pulling Jo more firmly against her mouth, she cried out. Her hands pressed against the shower walls as hot water cascaded over her back.

  Her legs felt weak and shaky, and she leaned into Kelly, her eyes still closed, lost in Kelly’s desire for her. Kelly’s mouth devoured her, and Jo felt every stroke of her tongue.

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  With warm water flowing over her body, she felt the first waves of ecstasy. She pushed herself against Kelly’s hot mouth. Her breath caught, and she clutched Kelly’s head, holding Kelly to her as wave after wave crashed through her, finally uttering the scream she had been holding back.

  Jo had never wanted someone like this before. She had never needed someone as much as she did Kelly at this moment.

  With shaking hands, she toweled herself off. When she was finished, she looked up. Kelly stood in the bathroom doorway, watching her, the light behind her outlining her glistening body.

  "Come to bed.” Kelly’s words were barely a whisper across the room.

  Kelly laid down and pulled Jo to her, kissing her mouth with such urgency that it frightened her. Their tongues dueled, and Jo pushed Kelly back, settling her weight on top of her.

  "I want you so much," Jo whispered. Her hands cupped Kelly's face, and she kissed her gently. Kelly lay st
ill, letting Jo set the pace. Her earlier need to hurry had vanished.

  Instead, she wanted to savor every kiss, every touch. She slowly forced her mouth from Kelly's, lips gliding over Kelly’s eyes and cheeks, over her ears and neck. Kelly's hands gently caressed her back, moving to her shoulders and back down again.

  "Do you have any idea what you do to me?" Kelly whispered. She brought her hands to Jo's face and guided her mouth back to hers. "No one has ever made me feel the way you do. Jo, you must know I'm. . ."

  Jo silenced her with a kiss. She didn't want to hear the words she feared Kelly wanted to say.

  "Shhh," she breathed into her mouth.

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  Her hands caressed Kelly's breasts, then she put her mouth there and her tongue licked at Kelly’s nipple, teasing the hard peak, then sucking it hungrily into her mouth.

  "Oh," Kelly sighed and her hands held Jo there for a long moment.

  Jo moved her mouth to Kelly’s other breast, and her hand slid slowly down Kelly's smooth body, finding her wet with need. For me, Jo thought. Her fingers slid into Kelly’s wetness, and Kelly's legs parted and her hips rose up. Jo's fingers stilled and she pressed into Kelly as her mouth continued its assault on her breast.

  Finally, she drew her mouth away and found Kelly’s lips again, meeting her tongue, sliding into her mouth. She couldn't get enough of her, and her hand left Kelly’s warmth and cupped her face again as they kissed.

  Jo drew back and looked into Kelly's eyes, emotions swelling up inside of her. She pushed away the feelings that threatened her so. She couldn't allow them in.

  Shutting her eyes for a brief moment, she moved down Kelly's body, her tongue hinting at what lay ahead. Kelly pushed at her shoulders, silently begging her to hurry.

  Jo lay between Kelly’s legs and pushed them apart with her hands. Her tongue teased Kelly’s inner thighs, and Kelly let her breath out slowly.

  "Take me, please," she pleaded.

  And Jo did. Her mouth settled over Kelly, and her tongue moved into her wetness, stroking her quickly.

  "God, yes," Kelly breathed.

  Jo wrapped her arms around Kelly's hips, and she pressed closer to her, her tongue swirling over her, into her, as Kelly surged up under her mouth. Jo’s lips caressed her quickly and then slowed. She wasn't nearly ready for this to end, and Kelly gripped her shoulders hard, pushing her down.