“Okay, it’s one peanut butter sandwich coming up. Don’t go anywhere.” Rhea ran downstairs while Alicia swung her legs around to get up. She pushed up with her right arm and cried out in pain. She stood up slowly and walked
carefully lo her armoire to find a tee shirt. After the painful effort ol putting it over her head, she went into the bathroom to clean up.
Rhea entered the kitchen to find her mother sitting at the table with a cup of tea. “Mom, is everything okay?”
Sophia smiled up at her daughter. “Yes, honey. I’m just having a cup of tea before going to bed. How’s Alicia?”
“She’s black and blue, very swollen, and extremely sore. I’m going to fix her a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of milk.”
“She’s very lucky, I’m very glad she wasn’t hurt much worse.” I am too.
“I’m going to go up and poke my head in before I turn in for the night. I need to talk to you about something first, though.”
“Okay.” Rhea sat down and waited for her mother to continue.
“I want to put Alicia in charge of the Arabian breeding and training program. I’ll continue to be an active participant for a while, but eventually I’ll turn it over to her completely. You and Ted have the ranch, the cargo business, and the mines, and Sheri has her jewelry business.”
Rhea was so moved she couldn’t speak. She finally responded, “Are you sure Sheri and Ted will agree to this?”
“I’ve already spoken to them and August. We all agree that Alicia is the perfect person to handle it.”
“Well, then I suggest you ask Alicia what she thinks.” Rhea hugged her tiny mother tightly. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too. Now, finish making your sandwich while I go talk to AH-cia.
Alicia finished up in the bathroom and was just sitting down on the bed when Sophia knocked on her door. “Can I come in?”
“Of course you can.” Alicia started to stand up.
“Don’t get up, honey. I just wanted to see how you’re feeling.”
“I’m pretty sore. I’m sure I’ll be better in a couple of days.”
“Alicia, I personally wanted to thank you again for keeping both colts from harm.”
“You don’t have to thank me—you would have done the same thing.”
I’ve spoken to August and the rest of the family, and I would like to turn the Arabian breeding and training program over to you.”
“I, I, but it’s yours,” Alicia stammered, completely stunned.
“And it will be yours. I’ll still help you, but August and I want to retire. We want to travel and spend more time together. The question I have for you is, do you want the business? It will take a lot of time away from your art work.”
“I would love to take care of the Arabians, but I don’t know anything about raising horses.”
“You already know how to begin their training and how to deliver a foal. And you’ll learn much more.”
“I’d be honored to learn the business.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll leave you to get some sleep.” Sophia kissed Alicia’s cheek.
Rhea had been waiting in the hallway for her mother and Alicia to finish talking. “Here is your dinner, my lady.”
Sophia patted Rhea on the arm as she left the bedroom. Rhea approached the bed and found Alicia crying. “Honey, what’s wrong?”
“Your mom just told me she’s giving me the Arabian horse breeding and training business.”
“I know.” Rhea grinned at her. “What did you say?”
“I said I’d do it.” Alicia began to cry in earnest.
“Honey, congratulations, you’ll be great at it. Could you please stop crying?”
“Everything is just so perfect, you, the ranch, the horses.”
“Will you be able to keep up with your art work?”
“I think so. I’ll just have to make the time.”
“I love you, sweetie. How about you eat your sandwich and get some rest?”
“Will you come and sit with me?”
“Of course I will.”
Rhea climbed into bed next to Alicia. Alicia leaned her head on Rhea’s shoulder. “I love you, Rhea.”
“I love you; now eat your sandwich and keep your strength up.”
CHAPTER 21
“How’s she feeling?”
“Awful. She’s going to stay in bed. I’m going to bring her a cup of tea and some toast, along with another ice bag. Her shoulder is so swollen she can’t move it, and it’s horribly bruised.”
“I’ll bring everything upstairs. Take this ice bag back up.”
“Thanks, Mommo.”
“Don’t thank me. Go on up and get Alicia comfortable.”
“Yes, ma’am. Where are Dad and Mom?”
“Your mom went to see to the horses and your dad is in his office.”
“I’ll take this up to Alicia and come back down for her tea and toast.”
“I’ll bring it up. Go.”
Rhea grinned at Mommo as she turned to go upstairs. When Mommo wanted you to do something, you didn’t go against her more than once. Rhea had learned as a young child that Mommo was not to be messed with. She also had an uncanny ability to know exactly what young kids were up to. She used that same talent with adults.
“Rhea, can I speak to you for minute?” August stood in the doorway of his office.
“Sure Dad.”
“How’s Alicia?”
“She’s very sore and bruised. She’s going to stay in bed for awhile. I’m taking an ice bag up to her.”
“Do you mind if I come up with you?”
“Not at all. What did you want to talk to me about?”
“I want to talk to you both together.”
Rhea was puzzled by her clad but remained silent until she entered the dimly lit bedroom. “Alicia honey, Dad wants to speak to us for a minute.”
“Okay, let me sit up.” It was obvious that moving was a painful struggle. “I lore, let me help you.” Rhea gently tucked a pillow behind Alicia’s back. “I brought an ice bag for you.”
“Thanks.”
August didn’t miss the grimace of pain on Alicia’s face when Rhea placed the icy compress against her shoulder. “Alicia, I won’t bother you too long, I just wanted to speak to the two of you for one minute.”
“Take as long as you want.”
Rhea sat down next to Alicia and held her hand as she watched her father for any indication of his feelings.
August drew a deep breath. “I need to apologize to my daughter in front of you, Alicia. I kicked Rhea out of the house so many years ago because of my own stupidity and stubbornness. I drove her away from her home and her family. I’m terribly sorry for that. I missed out on years of her company. One thing I now know for sure is that my daughter has chosen a partner that not only is smart and talented, but someone her mother and I respect and love very much.”
Rhea had begun to weep, and Alicia’s face was tearful as they listened without speaking. They were both overwhelmed by August’s softly spoken words. “Sophia and I spoke last night and we wanted to tell you both that we’re going to help you with your commitment ceremony. We love both of you very much, and would be honored if you would let us be a major part of it.”
Alicia tightened her grip on Rhea’s hand as she watched her girlfriend struggle to speak. “We would love to have you both be a part of our ceremony, Dad. We love you.”
August’s face filled with raw emotion before he relaxed. “Good. Now I’ll leave you alone.”
Alicia spoke before August could leave. “August, could I have a hug?”
His smile was broad as he approached her and gently hugged her. “I’m glad you’re going to be okay, lassie.”
“I love you, August.”
Rhea got to her feet and met her dad as he stood up. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly; his arms surrounded her and returned the hug. “I’m sorry too. I love you, Dad.”
“I
love you, little girl. You let me know if you and Alicia need anything.” He turned and left the room.
Rhea turned to face Alicia and then knelt next to her bedside, smiling. “I guess you’re stuck with me.”
“Yep, because I’d shoot you if you ever tried to get away.” Alicia grinned as she leaned over to give Rhea a kiss.
Rhea laughed as she kissed her back. She had seen firsthand Alicia’s talent with a gun. It wasn’t just an idle boast.
CHAPTER 22
“Come on, sis, let’s head home. I’m exhausted.”
“So am I, let alone filthy.”
“It’s worth it. We can all go to Sidney for the opening of Australia’s Best Artists and not worry about the ranch.”
“I’m really pleased that you and Sheri are going.”
“I wouldn’t miss Alicia’s first showing. Her artwork is phenomenal. Besides, she’s family.”
“I’m glad she went ahead with Sheri, Mom, and Dad. She was so damn nervous.”
“It’s understandable since she was chosen as one of Australia’s ten best artists. She showed her work to only one of the committee members. It’s quite an honor.”
“Let’s get back to the ranch and get a good night’s sleep. We need to be in Sydney by five tomorrow. The reception starts at six.” Rhea urged her horse into a trot.
“If we leave first thing in the morning we’ll get there by lunch. It’s amazing that you convinced Mommo and Ebu to fly on the plane with us. It’s important that Mommo be there. Alicia’s most famous piece of artwork is of Mommo and the women she grew up with. It’s unbelievably moving.”
“All of her pieces are.”
“Does she suspect that Sheri made her something special for the night?”
“Not at all.”
“When do you plan to give it to her?”
“Right before we go down to the reception.”
“Race you back to the barn,” Ted challenged as he kicked his horse into a run.
“You’re on!” Rhea could never resist a contest, and she commanded her own horse to gallop and tore after her brother.
Rhea and Ted didn’t land their plane until one the following afternoon. They immediately got Mommo and Ebu to the hotel so that Mommo could calm down. She’d been a nervous wreck during the whole flight, alternately praying and swearing for the whole trip. Ted headed to his own room to catch up with his wife while Rhea found her hotel room and looked for Alicia. She wanted some quality time with her girlfriend before the reception. She felt disappointment well up inside her when she found the room empty. She unpacked her things and prepared to climb into the shower. A knock on the door caught her as she was beginning to undress.
“Yes?”
Alicia stood outside the door pushing a cart with a pot of tea on it. “Room service, ma’am. I’m here to take care of your every need.”
Rhea grinned happily at her as Alicia came into the room and pushed the cart to the side of the bed. “What services are available?”
“Let’s see, I think I can provide a full pleasure package if you’re interested.” Alicia’s fingers rapidly unbuttoned Rhea’s shirt and unhooked her bra, her mouth finding her nipple and teasing it with her tongue.
Rhea groaned as Alicia unzipped her pants and slid her hand between her legs. It had been several days since they had seen each other, and Rhea was already hard and throbbing with need. Alicia pushed her jeans down her hips along with her panties—just far enough to give her the room she needed—and she thrust her fingers into Rhea’s body, meeting her mouth with a kiss that rocked Rhea with it’s intensity. Alicia’s mouth plundered as she rapidly brought Rhea to an orgasm that enveloped her entire body. That wasn’t enough for Alicia. She walked Rhea backwards to the bed and pushed her back before tugging her boots and the rest of her clothes off.
“I want you naked,” Alicia whispered as she lifted Rhea’s legs up and placed her feet next to her thighs. She kneeled down between her legs and covered Rhea’s trembling center with her mouth. Her tongue stroked, and she fed on the pulsating clitoris until Rhea all but screamed with her release. Alicia was relentless as she drove her up again until she could go on no longer.
“Enough, honey. I can’t again.”
Alicia kissed her way up Rhea’s lean figure until she lay next to her on the bed. “You taste so good.”
Rhea opened her eyes and looked into the smiling face of her lover. “I don’t even know my name after that.”
“Its Sexy Cowgirl, and I’m going to let you rest for just a few minutes before we start up again.”
“Don’t you think it would be more fun if you were naked?”
“We’ll get to that, but I’m not done with you yet.”
Rhea’s eyes glittered as Alicia’s fingertips played with her nipples and stroked her breasts. Her eyes didn’t leave Rhea’s face but her hands covered every inch of her breasts and stomach before sliding down both of her thighs. The slow kindling of passion was too much for Rhea and her hips began to move on the bed in anticipation. Alicia’s fingers touched her drenched center and she held them tightly against Rhea as Rhea arched her hips and pushed against Alicia’s hand. She ground herself against Alicia’s palm as she cried out her need.
“Please honey, I want you inside me.”
Alicia penetrated Rhea so swiftly she had to bite back a scream as she was infused with heat. Her body jerked against Alicia’s hand, their eyes locked on one another’s as Alicia watched the play of emotion across Rhea’s face.
“I love you, Rhea.” Her lips kissed her slowly as she felt the release of Rhea’s body once more.
Rhea was too overcome to respond, as her eyes dropped shut and she shuddered. Alicia rolled on top of Rhea and held her close as she lay spent and drained.
It was quite a few minutes before either woman spoke. Finally Rhea gasped. “Well, that was certainly the best welcome I’ve ever received.”
“I missed you, cowgirl.” Alicia hugged her girlfriend tighdy.
“How long do we have until we need to be downstairs for the reception?”
“We’re going to meet everyone at five and it’s a little after one now. I thought we could take a nice long nap. I have a wakeup call scheduled for four.”
“A nap?” Rhea rolled Alicia over on the bed. “I’m not very tired.”
“What have you got in mind?” Alicia grinned up at Rhea.
“I think we should take your clothes off and then you need to join me in the shower.”
“I like that plan.”
Alicia was out of her clothes and in the shower within minutes as she stepped in behind Rhea and slid her arms around her. “Have I told you how
much I love your body? You are so strong and athletic looking. 1 just can’t seem to keep my hands off you.”
“I want your hands on me, but it’s my turn to show you how much I love your body.” Rhea turned and dropped to her knees in front of Alicia. She lifted Alicia’s thigh up and rested it on her shoulder as she lapped at the very center of her, sliding her tongue the length of Alicia’s wet and trembling lips.
“Oh, God, I’ve missed you so much.” Alicia tried to control her reactions but she’d gone over a week without making love with Rhea and her reaction was immediate. “Now, honey, please?”
Rhea’s tongue darted in and out of Alicia’s body as her fingertip played with her anus, and Alicia was lost. Her hands clenched Rhea’s shoulders as she leaned back against the shower wall for support. Rhea dropped her thigh off of her shoulder and stood up, turning Alicia until she was facing the wall. Her fingers slid between her buttocks before entering Alicia deeply. Her other hand reached around and pulled Alicia tight against her body. She rolled her hips hard against Alicia’s, her fingers pumping in and out of her. Alicia reached up and flung her arms around Rhea’s neck, her head thrown back on her shoulder. The two women made love blindly until both Alicia and Rhea slumped against each another for support.
“I’m not finished yet,” Rhea
stated as she turned Alicia around to face her again. She reached down and lifted Alicia up until her legs were wrapped around Rhea’s hips. “Hold onto me.”
Rhea and Alicia kissed with a hunger that neither woman expected while Rhea thrust two fingers deep into Alicia again and again. Alicia rocked against Rhea in perfect harmony, stroking as the slap of their bodies echoed in the bathroom.
“That’s it, baby, I love being inside you.”
Alicia welcomed the tight fit as she rode her until she could no longer hold back the all-consuming orgasm that rippled through her body. She trembled in Rhea’s arms as she was buffeted over and over. Their lovemaking reached the perfect culmination. Her legs slid down Rhea’s as Rhea pulled her fingers from deep inside her. Rhea tightened her arms around Alicia as they stood embracing.
“How do you do that to me?” Alicia asked with a smile as she placed gentle kisses on Rhea’s face. “You make me crazy.”
“I’m supposed to make you crazy. I love you.”
“I love you so much, Rhea. Can you believe how wonderful our life is? I feel so lucky to have your family and Mommo and her family.”
“They are as much your family as mine.”
“I know, and that makes them so special.”
“We are lucky.” Rhea agreed as she leisurely soaped Alicia’s body. “Now, are you going to tell me how your art work looks on the walls of the gallery?”
“It looks good. I’m proud of the work I did, and it fits with the other artists very well. With Mommo and her family as the central theme, I really think I’ve emphasized how important it is to preserve the aboriginal culture.”
“Abo told me you are considered a sacred woman artist to Mommo’s tribe.”
“I didn’t do anything other than draw what I saw.” Alicia flushed with feeling.
“You breathed life and love into your illustrations, Alicia. There isn’t a person in the world that could look at what you created and not see how much love and honor you have for Mommo and her family.”
Real Love Page 11