When Kim's lips opened and readily accepted her inside, Jess moaned into her mouth. So soft. So sweet.
The need for air finally caused them to part.
With Kim's lips no longer on hers, Jess's passion-hazed thought process began to clear. Reality hit like a dash of cold water in the face. What the hell's the matter with you? You can't do this.
Jess started to pull away only to be stopped by Kim's hand clutching at her shirt, trying to draw her close again.
"No. Don't. Don't stop," Kim said.
Their gazes locked.
Long repressed need and yearning burned in the depths of Kim's brilliant blue eyes. The sight struck Jess like a physical blow. Her body thrummed. She moved forward, then stopped, her lips scant inches from Kim's. A small part of her resisted still. There's no going back after this.
"Please," Kim whispered, her breath brushing Jess's lips. "I need this..." She guided Jess's hand to her breast. "I need you."
Jess's heart answered the call. Her resistance was blown away like a wisp of smoke on the wind. She dipped her head and reclaimed Kim's lips.
Electricity sizzled between them as long restrained passions flared.
Kim clung to Jess as if trying to merge their bodies into one.
"Easy." Jess pressed forward, and guided Kim onto her back.
A throaty groan of protest tumbled from Kim's lips when Jess removed her hand from her breast.
"I'll take care of you," Jess whispered into Kim's ear. She tasted the skin of Kim's neck before making her way down to the hollow of her throat. She placed a kiss on the delicate spot, feeling the thump of Kim's pulse beneath her lips.
As she moved back to Kim's lips, her hand slid down to pull Kim's T-shirt from her sweats. Warm, soft skin met her fingers. Jess slid her hand up and gently caressed the underside of Kim's bare breast.
Kim whimpered and clutched at Jess's arm.
Pulling herself away from Kim's sweet mouth was an exercise in willpower. Jess moved down, needing to see what she was touching. Her breath caught. So perfect. She reverently stroked the soft, pliant flesh in her hand, then leaned down to lave the enticing nipple with her tongue.
Kim's hand came up and cupped the back of Jess's head, urging her closer to her breast.
When Jess took the now rock-hard nipple into her mouth and began to suckle, Kim's back arched.
"Yes. Just like that." Kim moaned.
Alternating between each breast, Jess lavished them with equal attention. Her arousal soared. She had wanted this for so long. Being able to touch Kim's silken skin and caress her beautiful body was beyond anything Jess had dared imagine. An insistent inner voice intruded. But what are you going to do when she wants to make love to you?
Jess ruthlessly thrust the thought aside, banishing it from her mind. Nothing was going to spoil this moment with Kim.
Leaving Kim's breasts, she shifted to lay claim to her mouth once again. When she felt the press of Kim's tongue against her lips, Jess groaned. She opened willingly for the welcome invader. Their tongues wrestled together in an erotic dance.
Panting for air, Jess pulled back. She met Kim's gaze and fell into eyes gone indigo with arousal. Keeping her gaze locked with Kim's, Jess slid her hand down Kim's firm abdomen and into her sweats. She fondled the baby soft skin of Kim's lower belly before moving down to her heat. Oh, God. Jess moaned as her fingers slipped into the soaking wet folds waiting for her. Her own hips jerked against Kim's side. Jess fought the rising tide. This wasn't about her.
Kim hissed through her teeth. "Yes." Her hips bucked sharply.
Jess's fingers dipped low, then back up, drawing the abundant moisture with her. She used just the tip of her fingers to stroke across Kim's engorged clit, matching her rhythm to the rocking of Kim's hips. She savored the sight of Kim's impending climax. "So beautiful," Jess whispered.
Kim's eyes slammed shut and an inarticulate cry was torn from her throat. Her back arched as she released. With her climax came the tears, pouring down her face in a torrent.
Oh, sweetheart. After gently removing her fingers from their warm haven, Jess drew Kim against her chest.
Kim pressed her face into Jess's breasts. She wrapped her arm around Jess's back and clung to her.
Jess placed a tender kiss on the crown of Kim's head. "Shh... it's okay. I've got you." While Jess still felt a bit helpless in the face of Kim's tears, she knew the powerful physical and emotional release was what Kim needed. She ran her hand up and down Kim's back in languid strokes. "Let it all out."
Slowly Kim's tears trailed off and she relaxed against Jess's body.
Jess continued to gently rub Kim's back. It took her a few minutes to realize Kim had fallen asleep. She debated with herself the wisdom of waking her up and sending her to bed. The hell with that. She reveled in the feeling of Kim nestled in her arms. She wasn't about to give that up any sooner than she had to. Jess shifted them into a more comfortable position.
Kim murmured in her sleep and snuggled closer but didn't wake.
Jess closed her eyes but knew she wouldn't fall asleep. She was never able to sleep with anyone touching her. I just want to enjoy this for a little while longer, then I'll wake her up.
CHAPTER 23
SUNLIGHT STREAMED through a gap in the blinds and made Kim squeeze her eyes shut. Not completely awake, she rolled over to escape the piercing light. A sharp pain in her lower back brought her to full alertness. Ugh. She sat up and rubbed her hands over her face. I'm getting too old to fall asleep on the floor.
Looking around the room, Kim only took a moment to register several things. It was no longer night, and the wine glasses had been removed from the hearth. What pierced her heart was the realization that Jess had left without waking her.
What did you expect? You know damn well how hesitant Jess is to get romantically involved. Kim drew her knees up to her chest. Damn it. Why did you do that? If you'd just been patient for once in your life you could've had it alclass="underline" a friend and a lover. She wrapped her arms around her legs and buried her face in her upraised knees. But no, you had to throw yourself at her. Of course she's gone. She didn't want to face you after you forced her into having pity sex. And then sobbed in her arms like a baby. Crushing regret overwhelmed her. You've ruined the best friendship you ever had.
A warm hand touching her back almost sent Kim into orbit.
It can't be.
Kim's head whipped up. You didn't leave me. Her relief was so intense it rendered her momentarily speechless.
"Hey, Kim. You okay?" Jess asked.
"Yeah. You just startled me."
"Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you. I had to use the bathroom." Jess offered her hand.
Kim clasped it and allowed Jess to pull her off the floor.
Face to face with Jess, she was suddenly tongue-tied. Now what? Should I even mention what happened last night? She ran her hands over her rumpled T-shirt and sweats. I must look a mess.
Jess's smile seemed a bit unsure. She cocked her head.
The gesture reminded Kim of Thor when he was trying to figure something out. That thought brought a smile to her face. Relax. Just let things happen in their own time.
"How about I make us some breakfast?" Kim said.
"Oh. Sorry," Jess said. Her smile disappeared. "I can't —"
Kim's insecurities roared back. I should've realized. She just stayed to be polite. "That's okay. No problem. I've taken enough of your time. I won't hold you up any longer." She turned away, intent on heading to the front door to let Jess out.