Accidental Love (48 page)

"I'm sorry, Rose. I didn't mean to snap like that. I don't know what's come over me. Why don't you sit down and let me get you some more coffee?" She picked up the empty cups and bustled past them. "Ronnie, you shouldn't let her stand like that for so long." The executive immediately complied, helping Rose into her chair. "I think I just got yelled at," she whispered into the young woman's ear.

"I think you did too," came the reply. "You'd better sit down."

"Good idea." A quick peck to the cheek and Ronnie took her seat. Maria returned with the coffees and smiled pleasantly at Rose, dispelling the young woman's worries. "Here you go, dear."

"Thank you."

"Well, I think we'll take these out to the living room and leave Maria alone," Ronnie said as she rose to her feet. "Rose do you know which tape has those two roommates arguing over the two thousand dollar phone bill?"

"Yeah, I think I do. You didn't see that one yet?"

"No."

"Then you missed a good one, Ronnie," the housekeeper chimed in. "Those two fools showed up dressed like they were going to one of those punk rock concerts with their bodies all pierced and green hair."

"Oh yes, that was awful, wasn't it?" Rose agreed. "And the blonde one with that thing on her tongue…ewww." The young woman shuddered at the thought. "I can understand piercing ears but tongues and eyebrows?"

"And their mothers let them appear on national television like that," Maria tsked as she followed them into the living room. "And I thought some of the outfits on Jerry Springer were bad."

"You should have heard the way Judge Judy yelled at them," Rose added. "I think it's on the tape marked Tuesday." She settled onto the couch while Maria pushed the recliner into a better position to view the television and settled into it. Ronnie put the tape in and turned to take her lover up on the offer of cuddling all day when she saw the housekeeper sitting there. Noting Rose's position on one end of the couch, she did likewise, lowering the snack tray down between them to put the coffee cups on. The opening credits started and Ronnie tucked her feet up under herself, leaning her elbow against the arm of the couch. As the litigants each explained why they weren't responsible for the bill, blue eyes looked over at Maria. The older woman was focused on the case and didn't notice when one long leg straightened out until the toes pressed against Rose's hip. The move earned her a quizzical look from the young woman but Ronnie merely wiggled one dark eyebrow and turned her head back toward the television. Trying hard not to smirk, Ronnie continued to run her toes over the side of Rose's thigh and hip. Apparently she became too frisky because the young woman's hand clamped down on the wandering foot and held it still. Ronnie almost pulled back but then felt the gentle touch of Rose's thumb stroking back and forth against the ball of her foot. She made no move to protest when she felt her sock being pulled slowly off. As the best magistrate since Judge Wapner continued to berate the litigants, Ronnie found herself receiving one of the best foot massages Rose had ever given her.

The case ended and another one began. Curious, Ronnie pulled her right leg back and stretched out her left, pleased when she felt delicate hands remove that sock as well. She rolled onto her back, using the arm of the leather couch as a pillow. Soon that foot was receiving the same loving touch and Ronnie decided she could care less who won and lost on the television show. Closing her eyes, she focused on Rose's fingers against her skin and the relaxed feeling they were creating. The minutes ticked by as that episode ended and another one began. Maria stood up and spoke, breaking Ronnie's trance. "I have to get back to work here. Rose, you're going to spoil her if you keep that up."

"Hey, don't give away all my secrets," the executive lazily protested.

"That's okay, Maria. I'll just remind her of this the next time I want my feet rubbed." She patted the feet resting on her lap. "But right now I need to visit the little girl's room."

"But I'm comfy," Ronnie said, wiggling her toes.

"You won't be comfy if there's suddenly a large wet spot right here."

"Fine, I need another cup of coffee anyway." She sat up and handed Rose the crutches, taking a kiss as payment. "Mmm, when you come back we'll put the snack tray up and cuddle, how's that sound?" Ronnie decided to show off some of the benefits of being close by nibbling the soft skin of her lover's neck. "Hmm? You, me, a soft leather couch."

"Behave, Maria's still here, you know." She allowed one more kiss before moving away. "Can you get me some more too, please?"

"Sure, Hon."

Ronnie was just returning to the living room when she heard Rose call out for her. Setting the cups down on the coffee table, she entered the room to see what her lover needed. "I'm right here, Rose. What do you need?"

"Could you bring me a pair of undies?" the clearly embarrassed voice on the other side of the bathroom door asked.

"Why? What's…oh."
Damn.
"Okay, wait right there. I'll get it." Ronnie tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice as she walked over to the dresser.
Of all the times for her to get
her period,
she mused, pulling out a pair of sensible white cotton briefs from the drawer. She entered the bathroom to find a clearly embarrassed Rose sitting on the toilet, the soiled panties already rinsed out and waiting to go into the wash.

"Of all the times to be a woman," Rose said as she took the clean pair. She did her best to smile.

"I guess the timing's lousy, huh?"

"It happens," Ronnie replied. "How's the pants?"

"I don't think I got them." A quick check confirmed her statement. "I'll be out in a few minutes."

"Take your time." Ronnie leaned down and kissed her lover's forehead. "Don't worry about it, Rose. It's what…four, five days tops? We'll survive."

"Four or five days." The young woman repeated the words as if they were a death sentence. Her eyes flickered at her lover and an idea formed in her mind. "You know, just because I have it doesn't mean…"

"Yes it does. I want it to be mutual," Ronnie said firmly, despite what her body was telling her.

"But…"

"No buts. We can wait until then." Seeing the look on Rose's face, she knelt down and hooked the small chin with her fingers. "Hey, look at me. I've waited years for you. A few more days isn't going to kill me." She let her finger travel down the delicate throat and to the vee formed by Rose's shirt. "I love you." She stood up and retrieved the soiled garment. "I'll run this out to Maria so it can be washed right away while you finish up in here."

part 12

When bedtime came, Rose dressed in her usual Dartmouth shirt while Ronnie donned her sweats and T-shirt. They slipped under the covers and snuggled up together for a moment before the young woman let out a soft chuckle. "What?" Ronnie asked.

"Sorry, it just seems strange to be dressed after last night," she admitted, her fingers sliding up under the short sleeve and caressing the soft skin found there.

"There's nothing that says we have to be dressed," Ronnie pointed out. Without warning she sat up and peeled off her shirt, the light from the lamp revealing her ample breasts to Rose's gaze.

"Why don't you take yours off too?"

"Well…I suppose it won't hurt anything."

"Of course not." Hungry eyes took in the mouth-watering sight of Rose's nipples as the Dartmouth shirt was removed. "God, Rose…" Ronnie swallowed. "…you are so beautiful." She covered the smaller body with her own and let their mouths find something better to do than talk. Rose's lips parted willingly as the kiss deepened and her hands went around her lover's back in an attempt to pull their bodies even closer. Passions flared and hips found themselves unable to remain still. "Rose…" Her lips moved to the delicate skin of the young woman's neck and began to kiss their way down only to be stopped inches from the pink puckered skin of her goal.

"Ronnie…I have my period, remember?" She laughed at the dejected look on her lover's face.

"It's only for a few days." Her fingers grazed the sides of Ronnie's breasts. "Of course…" One thumb brushed over a darkened nipple. "…you don't." The other thumb duplicated the motion.

"Ronnie…let me make love to you."

The dark-haired woman moved off Rose's body and laid down next to her and away from the far too distracting digits. "I can't." She traced the outline of the younger woman's lips with her finger. "I want to give you the same pleasure you give me." She paused. "You know…there are some couples that have sex even with their periods."

"I don't know, Ronnie…that seems icky to me. I just can't do it." Rose rolled onto her side and propped her head up with her hand. "I love you but I can't let you touch me there right now." She reached out with her free hand only to have it stopped.

"No you don't. No teasing me." Ronnie reached over and shut the light off. "I love you, Rose. Go to sleep."

"You're sure I can't do anything for you?" Her hand went wandering again, this time reaching its goal.

"Rose…" She reluctantly removed her lover's hand from her breast. "Only if it's mutual." She leaned over and her lips found Rose's. "Now go to sleep."

*******************

The alarm went off, signaling the start of a new day. Ronnie woke and headed downstairs for her morning workout, figuring Rose would sleep until she returned. She was surprised, therefore, when she returned to find the young woman sitting at the table, completely dressed and drinking coffee. "I thought you'd still be sleeping."

"Oh no. Did you forget what day this is?"

Ronnie poured coffee into her mug. "Hmm?"

"You said we could go to the office today. Laura's leaving at the end of the week."

"Was that today?" She tried to look serious but the tug at the corner of her mouth gave her away.

"I remember, Hon. I just figured you'd take your time getting up." She took a sip of coffee. "You won't have to do any work today anyway, just get used to the way the office operates and learn how to work the phone."

"If there's anything for me to do, I'll do it, I don't mind," Rose said as she handed over the paper to Ronnie.

"How did I get so lucky?" She reached out and caressed the young woman's cheek.

"I think the luck is on my side."

"I believe my heart would argue with you on that one." She leaned over for a kiss and was met halfway. "I love you, Rose."

"Love you too."

It was the most enjoyable ride to the office Ronnie ever had. It was almost a sightseeing tour as they traveled through the various streets of Albany. In an attempt to avoid going anywhere near Washington Park, the sight of the ill-fated accident, Ronnie took a long, roundabout route through the downtown area until she reached State Street and the Cartwright Building. She dropped Rose off in front of the mammoth building before continuing on to the parking garage. A few minutes later she returned and held the door so the young woman could enter.

Having never been inside the palatial structure, the young woman was quickly awestruck by the high arch ceilings and wide-open space of the lobby. A large brass plaque welcomed them to the Cartwright Building. "Our elevators are over here," Ronnie said, smiling to herself at the look on Rose's face. "I take it you like my building?"

"It's beautiful. And so big."

"A lot of people work here."

"Do they all work for you?"

"No." Ronnie pressed the up button, frowning when she looked up and saw how many floors away the elevator was. "Most of the lobby and first five floors are rented out to other companies and businesses. The rest of them work for me."

"I know it's a big company and all but just how many people work for Cartwright Corp?"

"Ask Susan, she knows. I think between all the different divisions there are somewhere close to ten thousand working for us across the region, but I'm not totally sure. Ah, here we go." The elevator opened and several people exited. Rose noted the immediate change in her companion's stance. Gone was the relaxed, comfortable Ronnie. The woman before her was now the powerful and awe-inspiring Veronica. They entered and the button was pressed before the doors could close. "You might as well lean back against the wall, Rose. It's going to be a long ride to the top."

Ronnie held the door open as Rose came through on her crutches. "Laura, I'd like you to meet Rose Grayson. Rose, this is Laura." The women exchanged pleasantries while Ronnie flipped through her messages. "All set? Rose, Laura will show you around and get you situated. I'll be in my office if you need anything." She exchanged a wink with Rose before closing the door.

The executive's desk was piled high with paperwork and lunch was the last thing on her mind when Rose knocked and poked her head around the door. "Hungry?"

"Is it that time already?" Ronnie looked at her watch and raised an eyebrow with surprise at the amount of time that had passed. "There's a deli downstairs if you want to call and have them deliver something." She looked up and found herself lost in jade eyes. She stood and nodded at the door. "Come inside and close it." Rose did as she bade and sat down on the couch, letting her left leg rest on the cushions. Ronnie knelt down next to her, nuzzling soft lips against the shell of the young woman's ear. "You know how much I love you?" she whispered.

"You know I could sue for sexual harassment," Rose teased. "The big bad boss coming on to her innocent young secretary…ohh…" Her eyes fluttered shut when the exploring mouth moved down to nip her throat. "Mmm, lucky secretary."

"Lucky boss," Ronnie murmured in reply as her lips traveled along Rose's neck. "Let's forget about lunch." Her long fingers reached to undo the rust colored top but found themselves stopped.

"Ronnie, we can't do this. How are either of us supposed to get any work done if you keep me trapped on your couch?" She released the older woman's fingers and put her hands on broad shoulders in an attempt to keep Ronnie's mouth from traveling any lower. "What do you want for lunch?" She saw the wicked glint in blue eyes before she felt warm breath caressing her ear. Her eyes widened at the erotic words whispered in an incredibly sensual tone. "Um…oh God…you can't talk to me like that."