Letting Go (4 page)

“Has any of your work been shown anywhere?”Laura asked.

Kate laughed again. “God, no. That’d be wonderful, but I wouldn’t know where to start. The truth is, I don’t know really how good they are.”

“Well, I know the woman who runs the Women’s Art Gallery. She’s a friend of a friend,” said Laura. I could give her a ring if you like and see what she has to say. I’m sure she’d want to look at your work. She’d have some advice for you at least.”

Kate’s eyes widened in delight. “That’d be great. I’d really appreciate that.”

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Laura smiled. “I’ll give you a ring when I’ve got onto her then.”

“I’d really like you to have a look at some of my pictures,”

said Kate. “I’d value your opinion.”

“I’d be delighted to see them, but don’t ask me to give you an educated critique.” She grinned. “I’m one of those people who only knows what they like, without knowing why.”

Glancing at her watch, Laura was surprised to see it was five o’clock. The time had passed very quickly. Calling for the check, Laura settled the bill, and they got up to leave. Kate seemed slightly unsteady on her feet as she stood.

“I feel like I’ve drunk too much,” she said. “It didn’t seem like we had that much, though.”

Laura laughed. “That’ll be the saki. It creeps up on you. I’ll drive you home and you can collect your car tomorrow.”

“It gives you a nice feeling, saki, doesn’t it,” said Kate as she settled into the car beside Laura. “I don’t feel at all drunk, just sort of floaty.”

Laura nodded, smiling, as she started up the car. She glanced across at Kate’s profile again and decided she was really very sweet.

Kate rented a two-bedroom apartment with another young woman, on the other side of the Yarra River, which divided the city. It was an area known for its good fresh food market, and enclave of gay cafes and bars. They’d decided on the way home that this was a good opportunity for Laura to have a look at Kate’s paintings.

“I think they’re wonderful, Kate,” said Laura, genuinely impressed. “I particularly like these bush scenes.” She turned to Kate. “As I said, I’m no expert in matters of form or technique, but I can clearly see your talent. I’m sure the 31

woman at the gallery will be interested in these.”

“Thank you,” said Kate, clearly pleased with Laura’s response.

They stood in her bedroom where the paintings were hung on the walls and stacked up around the walls. While Laura was concentrating on another picture, she could feel Kate gazing at her.

When Laura turned to say she’d better be going, she was struck by the way Kate was looking at her. Her look was openly sexual, and the afternoon sun edging in through the window was casting a hazy golden light across Kate’s face. Her eyes held that disconcerting warm intensity, and her hair glinted in the light. Laura, transfixed, shuddered slightly as Kate brazenly stepped forward and kissed her softly on the mouth.

Kate put her arms around her, and Laura felt a dangerous warmth unfolding inside her. Kate kissed her again passionately, and without thinking, Laura found herself instinctively returning her kiss.

Kate moaned, and Laura came to her senses. She withdrew from Kate quickly. She felt disoriented and mortified. “I’m sorry, Kate, I shouldn’t have done that.” She headed immediately to the front door.

Kate followed her. “Laura, please don’t be angry. Are you in a relationship? Is that what’s wrong?” Laura hesitated in the doorway. Kate’s eyes were dark, and the passion in them forced Laura to quickly look away. “No, Kate. But that’s not the point. I’m sorry, I have to go.”

As Laura drove home, she wondered about her sanity. The kiss with Kate had been inappropriate. She worked with her and their embrace was unprofessional. She blamed herself, being so much older. But her reaction to Kate 32

concerned her more. The kiss she’d returned had sent a current of desire cursing through her body. She hadn’t had sex for months. That must be it, Laura decided. She’d just have to make light of it the next time she saw her. She’d handled more embarrassing situations than this. She was left, however, with a lingering memory of Kate’s mouth on hers, and the disturbing feeling that there was something about this young woman that fascinated her.

It was Saturday, a few weeks since Debbie had left, and Laura spent the day reorganizing her apartment. With Debbie’s things gone, she set about filling the empty spaces and changing things around. She’d been to the market earlier and returned with lots of fresh tall blue Agapanthus and golden lilies, which she’d placed in vases all around. Late in the afternoon, with classical music playing in the background, she relaxed in a bubble bath, a luxury she seldom had time for, and read a book.

She was feeling more settled and enjoying her time alone at home. She realized just how much tension she’d been living with. There’d been a lot that was unsatisfactory about her relationship with Debbie apart from her affairs, and life was now much more relaxed.

Later, she prepared herself a light meal of salad and fruit, and took it out onto the balcony. She sat watching the activities on the beach across the road as the light began to fade. She breathed in the warm evening air and felt quite at peace with the world.

At around eight o’clock, her intercom buzzed. When she answered it, she was surprised to hear Kelly Johannson’s voice.

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“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by and see if you were doing anything,” said Kelly.

“I wasn’t intending to go out tonight, but you’re welcome to come in for a drink if you like.” Laura opened the door to her a moment later. “Come in,” said Laura, quickly appraising Kelly’s appearance. She was dressed in the casual way that suited her well, in jeans, T-shirt and a light jacket. As usual, her hands were in her pockets.

“Hope I haven’t turned up at a bad time,” said Kelly with a grin. She kissed Laura on the cheek.

“It’s not a bad time,” said Laura. “But if you want to go out to dinner, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass tonight. As you can see,” she said with a smile, pulling at her bathrobe, “I wasn’t expecting company. Anyway, what would you like to drink?”

“A scotch and soda would be great, thanks.” Kelly followed Laura across the room to the kitchen, and Laura could feel Kelly’s eyes on her. Kelly slipped off her jacket and hung it on the back of a chair.

“This is a fabulous apartment,” said Kelly.

Laura handed Kelly her drink. “Thank you. The water view is wonderful. It’s always changing. It’s great from the bedroom upstairs. I’ll show you later. Let’s take our drinks out onto the balcony. It’s a beautiful night.”

The sun was beginning to set over the water, and there was a gentle warm breeze. They sat talking comfortably for about a half-hour, and all the time, Kelly eyed Laura’s exposed thigh. The robe slipped off her shoulder repeatedly and Laura tugged it back into place.

Laura was well aware of the way Kelly was looking at her and she was enjoying it. She decided that if Kelly made a move on her, she’d happily go along with it. She imagined 34

sex with Kelly would be exciting and uncomplicated.

“Another drink?” Laura asked.

“Thanks,” said Kelly, handing Laura her glass. Their fingers touched and they both looked into each other’s eyes. The sexual tension was powerful. Laura felt a stirring deep inside her and with difficulty withdrew her gaze from Kelly’s. Kelly seemed to be nursing a desire for her that was increasing by the minute. As Laura went inside to get the drinks, Kelly got up and followed her.

Kelly walked up behind her and slid her arms around her waist. “I want you, Laura,” she whispered. Laura turned in her arms to face her. She felt a sudden rush of desire, making her feel hot and weak. She looked from Kelly’s eyes, darkened with passion, to her inviting mouth. “Kiss me, Kelly.”

Kelly’s arms tightened around her, and she kissed Laura. Slowly at first, exploring the shape of her lips, tracing them gently with her tongue.

Laura was aching now. She could feel her own increasing wetness as she reached up and placed her hands behind Kelly’s head, kissing her hungrily. They kissed deeply and passionately and when Kelly moved one hand around to stroke Laura’s hip and thigh, Laura’s knees nearly gave way.

“Come upstairs with me,” she managed to gasp softly. The sky was streaked richly in deep pink and gold from the setting sun, and upstairs, the bedroom was awash with the soft pink hues. The ceiling fan was turning slowly, and the crickets were singing outside. They were standing beside the bed, and Kelly drew Laura into her arms and kissed her again.

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Kelly hadn’t wanted anyone this much in a long time, and she fought against the desperate urge to just press Laura down onto the bed and unceremoniously take her, thrusting her fingers into the warmth and wetness she knew was waiting for her. Silently, she told herself to slow down, to savor every moment.

Still kissing Laura’s mouth, she reached down and untied her robe. She pulled it open and ran her hands down Laura’s trembling body. She wasn’t wearing anything under the robe, and Kelly’s knees nearly gave way as she ran her fingers across the soft hair above Laura’s thighs. She moaned into Laura’s mouth as she reached up and slipped the robe off Laura’s shoulders. She then lowered Laura to the bed.

Laura seemed deliciously helpless. Kelly was in control, which was just the way she liked it, and that appeared to be fine with Laura. Still fully dressed, she straddled her. She looked at the satin skin of her throat and the line of her shoulders, the small breasts with their hard cherry nipples, and across her firm stomach and hips to the small mound of brown hair. Kelly wanted to kiss every inch of her. She wanted to remove her own clothes and feel Laura against her. But she couldn’t stop now to get undressed. She was aching to taste her and to be inside her. She lowered her head and took one of Laura’s nipples into her mouth, teasing it with her tongue. Laura writhed, moving her hips.

“Oh, Kelly,” she murmured breathlessly. She took Kelly’s hand and guided it down across her stomach, placing it between her thighs.

Kelly gasped as her fingers slid along Laura’s incredibly warm wetness. She couldn’t ever remember touching a woman who’d been this wet. Kelly’s passion became 36

overwhelming as she gently stroked in rhythm with Laura’s hips. Kelly entered her.

“Yes,” Laura breathed, and she raised her hips taking Kelly inside her more deeply. Kelly could feel Laura’s powerful orgasm building as her fingers thrust deeply and rhythmically. Kelly continued to stroke her swollen nipples with her tongue, and in a moment Laura’s passion reached its peak.

Kelly was in desperate agony by now, and as the tremors continued to pulse through Laura’s body, she lowered herself to Laura’s thigh and pumped her hips hard against her.

Slowly, Laura came back to earth, and aware of Kelly’s urgent need, she unzipped her jeans, then slid her hand inside, under Kelly’s panties, into her wetness. Kelly pressed against Laura’s fingers and Laura’s stroking took her quickly to a shuddering orgasm. Moaning, she collapsed on top of Laura, gasping for breath.

Laura held Kelly’s body tightly while they both recovered.

It wasn’t long before Laura felt desire overwhelm her again, and she reached for Kelly. She wanted to look at Kelly’s body, to touch her, to explore her. She gently began to pull Kelly’s T-shirt off, over her head. Laura looked admiringly at Kelly’s firm full breasts, then drew Kelly down to her to kiss them. This was going to be a long night. Laura woke early the next morning feeling better than she had in a long time. She looked across at Kelly who 37

was still asleep. Warm embers of lust sparked again as she recalled the details of their night together.

The morning was fresh and cool, and she slid quietly out of bed to go and make coffee. Her robe was lying on the floor where Kelly had dropped it last night. By the time Laura returned with a tray holding cups of fresh hot coffee, Kelly was awake.

“Just what I like first thing in the

morning,” she said with a sexy smile, “hot coffee and a hot woman.”

With lots of comfortable pillows piled up behind them, they sat in bed drinking their coffee, enjoying the view of the sea sparkling in the early-morning sun.

It wasn’t long before Kelly reached across and put her hand inside Laura’s robe, stroking her breast. “Come here,”

she demanded in a low husky voice.

“I can’t,” Laura protested. “I’ve got too much to do to stay in bed all day, as tempting as it sounds.”

She began to get out of bed, but Kelly caught her robe and pulled her down. Before Laura could move a away again, Kelly rolled onto her and pinned her arms down.

“You’ve got time for this, babe,” she murmured. “I haven’t finished with you yet.”

An hour or so later, Laura kissed Kelly good-bye at the door, and Kelly said she would phone soon. They’d agreed that this liaison was going to continue, but on a casual basis. Anything more was out of the question for Kelly, and Laura certainly wasn’t interested in any serious involvement. It seemed that this arrangement was going to suit her perfectly. Kelly didn’t say when she’d call, but Laura felt sure it would be soon.

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* * *

Over the next few weeks, Laura and Kelly settled into a lusty routine, with Kelly spending the night at Laura’s place once or twice a week. They went out for dinner a couple of times and although they enjoyed each other’s company and pleasant conver-sations, their interest in each other was obviously one-dimensional. They had different friends and led different lives, and were both happy to mainly confine their time together to the bedroom. Laura had begun to think she had it all. Her life was reshaping itself well. She socialized with her friends, business was good, and she had a great sex life. What more could a girl ask for? she thought with satisfaction.

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Chapter Five

Jude and Laura were having coffee together at their favorite outdoor café one Saturday morning. They often met at the market and did their shopping together. Their bags of fresh food and flowers were piled up on the ground around them.