Tinsel

by Kris Bryant

  “Okay. I’ll bring over a light dinner. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of eating.”

  I was tired of eating leftovers from Christmas dinner. “That sounds fantastic, but why don’t you let me get dinner, and you just come over.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m out anyway. Just stay home, stay warm, and get a fire going in the fireplace.”

  “One step ahead of you. I even have marshmallows.”

  “I love everything about this. See you in a bit.”

  I had nothing to do but stoke the fire and wait. I checked my emails and messaged Mo, telling her not to bother me the rest of the night. When Tinsel perked up and trotted to the door, I smiled. I knew Taylor was there before she knocked. I swooped up Tinsel, and we both greeted her.

  “You didn’t even have to knock. Tinsy knew you were here. Come on in.”

  She patted Tinsel on her head and gave my waist a quick squeeze. “I brought salad because I ate too many carbs. I hope that’s okay?”

  I literally would eat dirt if she put it on my plate. “It’s perfect. I already know I need to hit the gym because of all of the extra stuff I ate this holiday.” I put Tinsel on the floor and helped Taylor out of her coat.

  “Hi.” She turned and walked into my hug.

  “Hi.” I didn’t want to let her go, but we were doing that thing that was longer than a hug. “I missed you.”

  She pulled back far enough to look at me.

  I pulled her back to me, but this time I kissed her. It was soft and sweet and perfect.

  “I missed you, too. Both of you,” she said.

  Tinsel was at her feet wanting attention.

  “You know, for a stray, this cat is extremely demanding. She controlled Christmas. And get this. She got more gifts than I did. How is that even possible?”

  Taylor silenced me with another kiss. It was the kind that made me forget about everything at that moment. Everything but her. Her tongue was warm against my lips, barely licking the top before sucking my bottom lip into her mouth. My knees felt wobbly, and everything inside me fluttered. I felt hot and weak and leaned against her for support.

  “Wow.” I pulled away from her, needing distance before I did something to ruin the moment. I had one hand on the back of her neck and the other wound in her hair. I didn’t remember my hands leaving her waist.

  Her breath out was wobbly, and she took a step back. “Wow is right.” We stared at one another. I was completely confused at how combustible we were. I’d never had this kind of chemistry with anyone before.

  “Okay. Let’s take a step back. Maybe separate and eat?”

  I nodded. “Good idea. Okay, you stay over there, and I’ll get drinks. Are you good with water?”

  “That’s what you put fires out with.”

  My body swelled at the stare she gave me. I spilled a little water and quickly wiped it up. That kiss had wrecked me. It had destroyed the structure of everything I thought was normal for a relationship—sweet kisses, soft touches, and eventually work our way to the bedroom. What had just happened made me question my chaste, predictable beginnings of the relationships of my past.

  Dinner was tense and slightly uncomfortable. It was hard to look at her and not want to touch her. Being apart seemed so wrong, even though we’d never been together. My feelings really confused me.

  “You look like how I feel,” she said. She put her fork down and leaned back in her chair.

  I looked up. “Yeah. How’s that?”

  “That something incredible can happen here that neither of us planned. I needed a friend, and you’re much more than that to me. At least I think so.”

  I pushed back in my chair and stood. No way was I going to blow this opportunity. She stood, too. Tinsel jumped onto the table, but neither of us shooed her down. Rather than sniff the salad and try to eat the breadsticks, she watched us, looking back and forth when we each spoke. We were all waiting for something to happen.

  “That kiss back there? I can’t think of anything else.” I took a step closer to her.

  “You mean the best kiss ever in the history of kisses?” Her voice wavered throughout the joke. I knew it had affected her too. “Yeah. I don’t even want to eat.” She took a step closer.

  “Maybe we should skip dinner until things settle down,” I said.

  “Do you think things will settle down?” She was leaning against the table and slid her hip along the edge until she was right in front of me.

  Instinctively, I reached for her. “I kind of like this feeling. I’m nervous and scared, yet excited and anxious.”

  “You sound like you’re getting ready to give a presentation.” Her laugh was sweet. I stopped it by kissing her again. The same feelings exploded inside me, and I placed one hand on the table to steady myself. Taylor pressed her whole body against mine. I felt every soft curve and hummed all over with excitement at her nearness. Taylor clutched me and moaned. We’d hit that stage where even though we couldn’t possibly get physically closer, we wanted more. Her fingers slid under my sweater, and I shivered at her warmth on my skin.

  She pulled back. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  I reached for her again. “I promise I didn’t mind at all.” We kissed as I walked her back to my room, and I almost tripped over Tinsel in the process. “Find a place, Tinsy. Not with us.” The saddest meow came out of her, stopping us both. I pulled away from Taylor and picked Tinsel up. “I love you. We both love you, but you have to stay out here and give us privacy, okay? Your bed is in front of the fireplace, so you’ll be nice and warm.” Both of us kissed her on her nose, and I placed her gently on the floor. Much to our surprise, she marched right over to her bed and curled up on it. I quietly shut the door, and Taylor reached for me the second it closed.

  “Are you sure about this?” I asked.

  She nodded and leaned against me, resting her forehead on mine. “I want you, Jess.”

  That was all it took. We kissed, breaking apart only to shed our clothes. I ripped back the covers, crawled in, and reached for her. When we finally touched for the first time, I moaned. Even though it was freezing outside, I was on fire. I slid between her legs, resting my hips against her warmth. Taylor writhed underneath me, pulling me closer. I slipped my hand down between us and stroked her wetness.

  “Please, Jess.”

  I kissed her mouth, her cheek, her neck, and slid down her body. Her hands were wrapped in my hair, guiding me to each breast and down until I reached the junction of her thighs. I didn’t hesitate. I spread her apart and gently ran my tongue up and down, tasting her. Her hips lifted against my mouth every time I flicked her clit, encouraging me to go faster. I pressed my tongue flat against her, hard, loving her reaction to my mouth. I slipped my fingers down to stroke the soft skin, my hand growing wet from her desire, but she stopped me right when I felt her building to her orgasm.

  “Wait, wait.” Her voice was breathless and raspy.

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “No. I just want this to last longer.”

  I placed a small kiss in the soft spot right above the top of her slit. The small tuft of short blond hair made me smile. Taylor was a true blond. “We have all night.”

  She pushed the hair back from my face. “I want every second of it.”

  We kept eye contact when I slid a finger inside of her. She gasped and bit her bottom lip, but she didn’t turn away. I pulled out, and she frowned with clear disappointment. I entered her again. This time she moaned and spread her legs farther apart. I leaned on one hand so I could watch her respond. She was sexy and sensitive, and the way she moved with me took my breath away.

  “You’re so beautiful, Doc.” I kissed my way back up her body because I wanted my lips on hers. I wanted that explosive feeling again while I was touching her. My fingers moved in and out of her while we kissed. Taylor raised her hips with every thrust and moaned in my mouth every time I almost pulled out. When she was close to peaking, when her body just
couldn’t take any more, she dug her fingernails in my back, broke the kiss, and cried out.

  It was the best moment of my life. I didn’t know how to process everything I was feeling. My emotions were all over the place. In reality, Taylor and I didn’t know each other that well, but I felt like I’d been waiting for her all my life.

  “Jess. Jess.”

  Taylor ran her fingertips over my face until they reached my lips. I held them there and kissed them, beyond words. I leaned down and kissed her softly, slowly, deeply. She pulled me to her and rolled so she was on top. Her long hair surrounded us, making it feel like we were the only ones in the world. It was perfect. Or so I thought until she started caressing me. Taylor touched me like she’d known me for years, hitting all the soft and sweet spots up and down my body. I came for her swiftly, loudly, and fell back on the mattress.

  “You are perfect,” I said as she melted in my embrace. We were both breathing heavily. I hated that I was so sweaty, but Taylor didn’t seem to mind. She rested against me, and we lay there in silence. I had no words other than the ones I’d already said. She ran her fingertips over my chest until I shivered. She pulled the blankets to cover us, and I fell asleep with her in my arms and deep inside my heart.

  * * *

  I felt warm paws on my forehead, then heard a very quiet meow and felt a small head bump.

  “Tinsy, what are you doing in here?” I glanced at the clock. It was four in the morning, and I was still wrapped up in Taylor. She was breathing evenly so I knew she was still asleep. Tinsy had a full bowl of food, clean water, and a fresh litter box. She was just being needy. Taylor mumbled something in her sleep and pressed closer to me. Tinsel hopped over her head and gave her the same treatment I’d received. “What do you want?” I whispered at her. “Let her sleep.”

  “I’m awake.” Taylor croaked. “Barely. But I’m present.” She playfully raised her hand and dropped it with a thud.

  “Did you let Tinsy in?” I asked.

  “No. I haven’t left this bed since we got here.”

  “Huh. That’s weird. I didn’t open the door either.” Light shone through the slit in the door. Somehow Tinsel had opened the door and either wanted us to play with her or snuggle. I rolled so I was flat on my back and looked at her. She stood on my chest and meowed again. I scratched her ears until she purred.

  “That’s quite the motor she has.”

  She nudged my hand when I stopped. “Later, baby. Let’s love in the morning.”

  Tinsel snuggled in the small place between Taylor and me. Her front paws on my shoulder and her whole back pressed against Taylor. Both of my girls were asleep, and both looked like they were smiling.

  Mo was right. This tiny little cat had done everything possible to get us together and didn’t want to miss a single step along the way. She deserved to be here with us. Catmas Evergreen Tinsel Raymond had come to me with a purpose, whether I knew it or not, and she wasn’t leaving anytime soon. My heart was so full because of her and now it was threatening to burst because Taylor was a big part of it, too. I fell asleep smiling at my good fortune but also wondering how the actual hell Tinsel opened the door.

  Epilogue—six months later

  “I’m sorry I’m late. Had to bandage Czech’s paw. He stepped on some barbed wire. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a dog’s paw bleed, but it was profound.” Taylor placed a swift kiss on my mouth before turning her attention to the rest of the softball wives. I didn’t play, but I was there supporting Mo and Angie, and I was babysitting Melody.

  “Come here, squishy baby.” Taylor held her hands out to take Melody from me.

  “Worse than Tinsy’s bleed?”

  A month ago, Tinsel had stepped on a piece of glass in the living room that I assumed came from the time she knocked the picture of Stephanie off the mantel and the glass shattered. I woke up to bloody paw prints on the kitchen counter, the windowsill, our sheets, and even the bathtub. What did this little nocturnal demon do while we slept?

  “The cut was bigger, and so was the dog.”

  “I would have fainted.”

  She leaned down and kissed me softly. “You totally would have.”

  I tugged a blond curl. “That’s why you’re the doc and I’m not.”

  “Hey, get a room!” Mo yelled from the batter’s deck.

  I covered Melody’s ears. “Watch your mouth. Remember that there are children present.”

  Taylor sat next to me with Melody on her lap. They were so cute playing patty-cake. We’d spent several nights watching her so Angie and Mo could have dates. Last month, Taylor moved in with me and Tinsel because we decided Tinsel would be more comfortable at my house. Who made those kinds of decisions based on a pet? We did. It was only a matter of time before we found something bigger together.

  Right now, we were living each day to the fullest and spent as much time as we could with one another. Work was thriving, but I made it a point to get home on time because I wanted to be with my two loves. Taylor was home every night by six fifteen and had the weekends off. Hillside hired another vet so she was able to free up time for our little family and still volunteer at area shelters. It was her dream life, and it was mine, too.

  “This game is taking forever.” I groaned and looked at my watch.

  “I can hear you whining from here,” Mo yelled from the dugout.

  I took Melody’s hand and waved at her mothers. I also stuck my tongue out at them above her head so she couldn’t see me. Mo waved back with a devilish smile.

  “I’m having a good time. Be nice to them. Besides, I won’t get to see this pumpkin for at least two weeks.” She placed kisses all over Melody, making her squeal with delight.

  Mo and Angie were taking a family vacation down to Florida. We wouldn’t see them until after the Fourth of July.

  “But I want to go home and love on our baby.”

  She brushed my hair back and tucked it behind my ear. “We’ll be home in an hour, and you can make out with Tinsy then.”

  “Who are we kidding? That cat forgets about me the second she sees you. I think she was trying to find you instead of me. I was her means to get to you.”

  Taylor bumped my shoulder. “She loves you so much. You’ll always be her number-one mommy. I just happen to be icing on the cake.”

  “Mmm. I’m in.”

  Another shoulder bump. “Remember. Children are present.”

  I laughed that she’d thrown my words back in my face. I reached for her hand and kissed her fingers. “I love you, Doc.”

  “I thought I told you to get a room,” Mo hollered.

  “Pay attention to the game. Look at the scoreboard. You’re losing. Go out there and do your job,” I shouted back.

  Twenty minutes later, Mo did just that. She hit a home run and cleared the bases. I whooped and cheered as she jogged over home plate.

  “Give me my baby. Go home and see yours,” Mo said.

  After a lengthy good-bye with them, we finally were on our way home. I pulled into the driveway first and waited for Taylor, my anxiety at an all-time high. I leaned against the car, then decided to sit on the porch steps. I tried to look casual, like I was just hanging out enjoying the summer day.

  “Hey, you,” Taylor said. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her when she parked and walked up the sidewalk to me. She always took my breath away. The tan she got during our trip to the lake last weekend had given her a healthy glow. Her shoulders were pink from today’s outing at the softball park. She was the only one who could wear white there and not get dirty. Her hair, longer than it was when we first met, was pulled up because of the heat. She was beautiful and all mine.

  “Only you can wear white to a softball game and still come home clean and dust free.” I stood and kissed her swiftly.

  I followed her in and blocked the door so Tinsel couldn’t run out.

  “Come here, baby girl.” Taylor picked up Tinsel and flipped her onto her back like she was coddling a baby. “I miss
ed you today. I saw a mama kitty give birth to five babies this morning, and one even looked like you.” She kissed Tinsel’s paw. “What’s on your collar, baby girl?” She sat down and flipped Tinsel back up to take a better look. I squatted down next to them on the floor to get a better look as well.

  “What is it?” I played innocent, even though I was dying inside. My heart was palpitating, and my clenched hands were sweating so much I had to wipe them on my shorts several times.

  “I don’t know. Wait a minute. Oh my, God. Jess!”

  I watched as she unhooked Tinsel’s red collar and slipped off an emerald-cut engagement ring. For a split second, I thought about backing down because she didn’t seem excited, but I was too far invested to play dumb now.

  “Do you like it?” Stupid question. I inwardly groaned.

  “I love it.” She pinched it between her forefinger and thumb and held it up to the light.

  I put my hands on her knees until she looked at me.

  “I’ve had—” Tinsel meowed very loudly. “I’m sorry. We’ve had the best time of our lives the last six months with you. I’ve never had this kind of connection with another woman before. I’ve never loved this profoundly before. You are the best thing that has happened to me, to us. I know people say this all the time, but I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it. Will you marry us?” Tears started flowing. I wasn’t sure who started crying first, but we were clutching one another and professing our love for one another. I leaned back and wiped tears off her cheeks. “So, is that a yes?”

  She nodded. “Definitely a yes.”

  I picked up Tinsel and looked into her silver eyes. “She said yes, baby girl. She said yes.”

  We were rewarded with head butts from Tinsel and the loudest, happiest purr she’d ever made. It was strange how in that moment I realized that everything happened for a reason. Tinsel came into my life to bring me Taylor, and I came into hers to give both of them my heart.

  About the Author

  Award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA, but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly.