Lisa yawned sleepily as she padded to the door in her robe and slippers. She peeped through the keyhole, startled to see Taryn standing there shivering and gasping for breath. Hurriedly she opened the door. "Taryn, what's wrong?" she asked, pulling her into the apartment.
Taryn shivered and started for the living room. "Can you turn the heat up?" she asked.
"Uh, sure," Lisa replied, eyeing Taryn's bare ass where the seat of her pants had been removed. She turned the thermostat up to ninety degrees and flipped the switch for the electric fireplace. "It's not the real thing but it's as close as I can get," she said. She motioned Taryn toward the glowing logs.
Taryn smiled and sat down on the hearth. She placed her hands near the heat, rubbing them vigorously to get the circulation back.
"Thanks, Lisa. I'm sorry to barge in on you like this, but I was cold and your place was a lot closer than mine."
Lisa took Taryn's hands and started massaging her fingers. "It's no problem, Taryn. If it's none of my business, just tell me so.
Otherwise, I'd like to know what happened to the seat of your pants."
Lisa's solemn gaze was priceless. Taryn burst out laughing, shaking her head back and forth. "Oh, Lisa, you are a treasure," she said. She hugged her affectionately, then cupped her chin. "My dear, sweet Lisa, so sensitive," she whispered.
When Taryn leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips, Lisa thought certain she'd died and gone to heaven. Either that or she'd just been awarded the million dollar sweepstakes. Her eyes misted and she smiled lovingly at Taryn. "Let me get you something warm to drink," she said. When Taryn started to protest, she pressed her finger over her lips. "Ssh," she told her. "I'll be back in a sec."
The room was heating up rather quickly. Taryn wondered how Lisa would feel about her spending the night. Debbie was certain to find out where she lived and Taryn didn't want to be there when she showed up. Debbie Gaylen had a very mean temper.
"Here you go," Lisa said. She leaned down and placed a mug of hot tea in Taryn's hand. "I added some honey and lemon for your throat," she told her.
Taryn gave her a puzzled look as she sipped the soothing liquid.
"You sound hoarse," Lisa explained, sitting down beside her. She, too, had a cup of tea. "Gosh, I figured everyone must have had a grandmother or a great aunt who gave them honey and lemon for a sore throat."
"You are so sweet," Taryn said, gazing intently into the other woman's face. She wondered at her innocence, the way she trusted Taryn so completely and unquestioningly. She made a mental note to do something special for her. "I've got a slight problem," she rushed on. "I need a place to stay for the next day or so and I loathe hotel rooms. Think you can put up with me if I promise to stay out from under your feet?"
Lisa's eyes brightened at the thought of Taryn spending time with her. How often she'd dreamed and fantasized of such an event! "Well of course," she said. "I've got a spare bedroom and a couch that rolls out. Take your pick."
Taryn felt relieved that Lisa didn't expect them to sleep together.
"Wow, I really appreciate this, Lisa. I'll need to do some work here as well, so I suppose I should stay in the guest room." She took another sip of tea, then stood. It was her signal that she didn't want to talk about why she was there.
Lisa understood and she, too, got to her feet. "I'll get fresh linen and towels for you. There's a second bathroom right across the hall from where you'll be sleeping."
Taryn nodded and followed Lisa into the kitchen. They deposited their cups in the sink, Lisa slapping Taryn's hand away when she started to turn on the tap. "I'll take care of it in the morning, silly.
Now come on and let's get you ready for bed."
Her face blushing for not the first time that night, Taryn felt shy and had no idea why. Then she remembered all that they'd done together and it made sense. Taryn, who was always cool and in
control, was suddenly asking someone else for help. She smiled and shrugged. "Lead the way," she said.
Lisa busied herself making the bed and searching for clothes that might fit Taryn. She spotted a couple of her brother's T-shirts and a pair of his Levi's. "Perfect," she said. "Thank you, big brother." She laid the clothes on the bed and went to check on Taryn. "Finding everything you need?" she asked.
Taryn pulled back the shower curtain and leaned out. "Shampoo?"
she asked, sheepishly. "My hair smells like cigarette smoke."
"Coming right up," Lisa replied. She went to the linen closet and pulled out an extra bottle of shampoo and conditioner. Wondering why Taryn's hair smelled like smoke, but afraid to ask, she handed her the shampoo and asked, "Is this okay?"
Taryn slipped her wet hand out to take the bottles. "Perfect," she said, smiling at her young hostess. "Do you give everyone such special attention?"
Lisa's heart fluttered and butterflies danced in her stomach. "Not everyone," she said. "Just the special ones." She winked at Taryn, turned and left the room before she had a chance to reply. Everything was ready and she needed to go back to bed, but Lisa was too wound up now. She decided to check her e-mail, answer a couple of letters, then hopefully be tired enough to go to sleep.
The sound of fingers pecking on a keyboard told Taryn that Lisa was still up. A towel wrapped around her, she knocked softly on Lisa's bedroom door. "Am I keeping you up?" she asked, a fretful look on her face.
Lisa smiled and shook her head. "No, I just thought I'd catch up on some correspondence. Late evening is a good time to sign on and send e-mail. The Internet is so busy during the day and early evening, I wait and log on late at night. I'm seriously considering cable service instead of modem."
"Oh," Taryn said. She was towel drying her hair, the soft curls bouncing lightly against her face and on her bare shoulders. She shivered when the cold air came into contact with her skin. "I see I'm not the only one who sleeps with the window open in the dead of winter," she said, pointing to Lisa's window.
"As long as I live at least two stories above ground, I figure it's safe," Lisa replied. "Even the windy city has better air quality in the winter." She grinned when Taryn scowled at her.
"Hey, don't go putting Chicago down." Taryn hated it when people from out of state moved to her adopted city, then grumbled about the cold, the crime rates and various other esoteric things people like to complain about. However, she was glad Lisa had relaxed enough to raze her about it. She tousled Lisa's hair and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Night," she whispered. "And thanks again for letting me stay here."
"No problem," Lisa replied. When the door closed, she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. She touched her cheek where Taryn had kissed her, thinking how many different sides there were to this mysterious woman. She smiled and closed her e-mail. Maybe she would sleep well after all.
For Taryn, sleep seemed next to impossible. As she lay in bed, she realized for the first time how much she'd taken for granted. Who would have thought she'd ever question the choices she had made in her life three years ago? She'd been so infatuated with Debbie that she was convinced she wanted to be just like her. Now she wondered if this was no longer true. Was her initial role in Debbie's life indicative of the role best suited for her? Did she need someone else to be strong and controlling, make all the decisions in her life? Was she searching for that someone now?
"I hope not," Taryn whispered into the dark. She rolled onto her side and stared out into the evening sky. She thought of the woman in the other room, knowing that Lisa would probably do anything she asked. Then she thought about Kimberly, the strong-willed woman who was getting her first taste of another world, a lifestyle far different from any she'd ever known. She wondered what Kimberly would tell Mark. Would she lie to him? Tell him the truth? Or ignore him altogether? And what about Mark? Would he let Kimberly go without a fight? What about Camarin? Would she let go of Kimberly? Did Taryn want her to? She groaned and pulled the covers over her head. Too many complicating factors to be considered.
When the alarm went off at six o'clock that morning, Taryn was sleeping very soundly. "Figures," she grumbled. "I finally get to sleep and it's time to get up." Wearily, she made her way across the hall to the bathroom.
Lisa heard Taryn taking a shower. She went into the kitchen and flipped the switch on the coffeemaker. She'd prepared it the night before, using some of the new coffee beans she purchased. She'd ordered coffee for their staff meetings often enough to know Taryn's preferences. Mocha Java rated high on her list. Lisa couldn't help wondering, Did I purchase the coffee based on some premonition that this might happen? She giggled to herself. "Wishful thinking, Lisa.
Just wishful thinking," she said aloud.
"What's wishful thinking?" Taryn asked. She was standing in the doorway with only a bath towel wrapped around her Lisa was startled by Taryn's sudden appearance. She smiled and walked over to where Taryn was standing. Leaning on her tiptoes, she kissed her softly on the mouth. It was all she could do to keep her hands off the bath towel.
As if sensing her arousal, Taryn tightened the towel around her chest. "Making coffee?" she asked, sniffing the air.
"Mocha Java," Lisa replied, a proud smile on her face.
Thinking this was going to be harder than she thought, Taryn took a deep breath. "Lisa, we need to talk. Do you have a few minutes available this morning, perhaps over a cup of that wonderful java you're making?" she asked.
The look on Taryn's face dampened the compliment she'd just given. Lisa's eyes dark and solemn again, she nodded. "I'd like to get showered and dressed first if you don't mind. Shall we meet back here in, say, twenty minutes?"
"Fifteen minutes," Taryn said.
Lisa laughed, thinking how Taryn always wanted the upper hand.
"It's not really fair since you're already showered," she teased. "But I suppose…"
Taryn laughed and followed Lisa down the hallway. As she dressed, she tried to think of a way to soften the impact of her announcement to Lisa. In her heart, she knew it wouldn't matter what she said or how she said it. Lisa fantasized Taryn as her lover, perhaps even her mistress. She would feel very hurt and betrayed by Taryn's announcement. Shivering, Taryn reached for the telephone and placed a call.
Lisa was pouring coffee when Taryn entered the kitchen. "You're late," Lisa teased, pointing to her watch. She added a dollop of whipped cream to each of the steaming cups. Smiling proudly, she carried the coffee mugs to the bar separating the kitchen and dining room. "Would you like something with that – toast or a muffin?"
"No thanks," Taryn said very politely. "But go ahead and fix something for yourself if you wish."
"Actually, I never eat breakfast," Lisa replied. She grinned sheepishly. "I run on caffeine most of the day."
"So that's why you're so thin," Taryn teased. "Just kidding," she said when she saw the downcast look on Lisa's face. "You're a very attractive woman, Lisa. Now come sit down and let's talk."
Lisa perched on the barstool beside Taryn, her feet dangling, not quite touching the floor. "What's the scoop?" she asked, trying to muster some self-confidence into her voice.
Reaching for Lisa's hand, Taryn turned her so they were facing one another. It was as if another door had opened, her perspective shifting once again as she gazed into Lisa's dark eyes. Vast pools of passion and sensuality swirled in eyes that had once seemed very solemn and sad. Why didn't she see this before?
Letting her instincts guide her, Lisa lifted her face and pressed her smooth soft lips against Taryn's mouth. She smiled when she felt Taryn's mouth slowly open. Her tongue sought refuge in Lisa's mouth. Lisa opened hers wider and their lips caressed as the kiss grew deeper and deeper. Gasps and whimpers were exchanged.
Taryn felt her resolve giving way as she lost herself in Lisa's warmth, her embrace, and her hunger. She grasped her face, pulling her closer, beckoning her to slip inside her open arms. When she did, Taryn pulled her gently to the floor.
Lisa felt light as a feather, her back cushioned by Taryn's hands.
She opened her eyes and wondered in awe at Taryn. The way she was kissing her, treating her as gently as a delicate flower, Lisa thought it so different than before. Were the other times just a prelude to this wonderful gentleness? Had she passed some initiation or rite of passage? What was expected of her now? As Taryn covered her face with kisses, the questions kept coming. She longed to cast the questions aside and enjoy this special moment with Taryn.
Taryn knew Lisa's mind was spinning. She could tell by the light in her eyes and the intense expression on her face. "Don't try to figure it out," she whispered. "Some things just can't be explained." That said, she leaned down and placed her hand on Lisa's breast. Her lips trailed over her skin, dropping butterfly kisses on her neck, her ears, her eyes, her cheeks, her arms, and then her hands. Taryn kissed the palm, tracing the lines with her tongue. Then she took each finger into her mouth. Taking her time, she drew each one into her mouth, sucking and listening to Lisa's murmurs of pleasure.
When she was finished, Taryn took Lisa's hands, still moist from her loving, and placed them over her head. She stared into Lisa's eyes for what seemed the longest moment. A part of her struggled to pull away as the dark pools surfaced and captured her. She moaned and slid the length of her body over Lisa's slender frame. Keeping Lisa's hands in place over her head, she drew herself up, arching her back as she pressed her stomach, then her mound, then her clit against the warm place between Lisa's legs.
It felt so wonderful and gentle. She ignored Lisa's protests, her begging for Taryn to take her right then and there. "Ssh," she whispered, pausing with her mouth over Lisa's breast. She pressed her lips against the nipple, her hot breath pressing through the material and making the tip shrivel and harden. "Umm," she murmured. She moved to the other breast, forcing herself to go slow and savor the delightful response of the woman who was moaning and squirming beneath her.
Lisa's heart was racing, beating so hard she felt the blood rush to her head, then her genitalia. The signals passed between them as she responded to Taryn's mouth and tongue, teasing her, torturing her, making her wait. Oh, but she couldn't wait much longer! Her clit was so swollen and wet that she wanted desperately for Taryn to stay pressed there just a moment, even a second, longer. But Taryn continued the torturous slide up and over, leaving her clit hot and waiting. Perhaps on her way down…
Taryn knew Lisa was close but she didn't want her to come. Not yet. She raised herself to her knees, her body astride Lisa's chest. She unbuttoned her blouse, watching Lisa's eyes as each button was unfastened, revealing a little more, then a little more. When her blouse hung open, she took Lisa's hand and placed it against her breasts. She loosened her grip, wanting to see what Lisa would do.
Hesitant at first, Lisa struggled to read Taryn's expressions. It was more than she could bear. She slid her hand underneath the beige lace, her fingers running over Taryn's nipple, flicking it back and forth. Over and over, she teased the nipple just as Taryn had teased her clit. Taryn moaned and the sound was music to Lisa's ears, spurring her on, daring her to go further, to tease her more, her hand never leaving the nipple that was responding so wonderfully to her touch.
Every nerve in her body was on fire. Taryn thrust her chest out, wanting Lisa to punish her breast. Do something, anything! Tease it, squeeze it, suck it, kiss it. "Please!" she cried out. Her mouth dropped open and she panted for air. Her eyes begging Lisa to do something more, thinking all the while that she had learned it from a master. After all, Taryn was a master, wasn't she? She gripped Lisa's hand and pulled it away.
Her arms once more locked over her head, Lisa could not stop Taryn. Growling deep in her throat, Taryn bent down and seized part of Lisa's blouse in her mouth. Savagely she ripped it open with her teeth, then spit it out and nudged it apart so Lisa's breasts were clearly visible. She wore no bra, leaving her chest bare for Taryn's eyes to feast on – and she did.
Lisa moaned, the heat of Taryn's gaze unbearably hot against her naked skin. She felt the explosive energy building between them, making her want the other woman so badly she'd do anything she asked. "Please," she begged, her eyes beseeching and her nipples teasing as she offered her breasts to Taryn. "Please," she whimpered, rolling her head from side to side.
Taryn smiled and eased herself down on top of Lisa's body. Her cunt was resting against her bare stomach. She could smell herself and she knew Lisa could feel her wetness, hot and steaming through her pants and panties. She leaned down, her nipple pressing against Lisa's mouth as she rubbed her clit back and forth over her bare stomach.
Lisa nudged her mouth underneath the cup of Taryn's bra. Her mouth closed over the bare nipple and she sucked it deeply inside of her mouth. "Umm, umm," she murmured, feasting on the banquet of her dream. She took as much of Taryn's breast as she could into her mouth and held it for a moment. Her mouth, hot and wet, formed an oven around Taryn's swollen breast.
"Uh," Taryn groaned, trying to move her breast in and out of Lisa's mouth. She wanted Lisa to quit teasing her and please, oh, please suck her aching breast. But Lisa's mouth moved with her, not allowing any part of her breast to pull free. Taryn's hands were squeezing Lisa's so hard that her fingers became numb. But she refused to let go of her grip.
Swimming and aching in her own wetness, Lisa finally gave in.
Her mouth worked strong and steady as she sucked Taryn's breast.
She paused once when Taryn released her hands and hurriedly removed her bra. She tossed it aside then bent down again. Her breasts were free now, hanging over Lisa's open mouth. Quickly she closed her hands over Lisa's wrists, wanting only her mouth, her hot, wonderful, strong pleasurable mouth to touch her.
After sucking the breast so hard that she knew it must be sore, Lisa paused and surveyed the damage. Telltale signs of bruising were visible, especially around the nipple. It looked red and swollen, yet still tempting her with its pleasure. Lisa turned to the other, the one not yet claimed, not yet ravaged by her hungry mouth. This time she took the tip of the nipple between her teeth, sliding back and forth over the tiny nub. She paused, the tip still between her teeth, and stretched it as far as she could. Taryn's response told her everything she needed to know. She kept her focus on that tiny nub, biting it and stretching it to the maximum.
Only when Taryn screamed and jerked free did she know she'd reached the limit. She eased her mouth over the remainder of the nipple and sucked it ever so gently. Her tongue caressed the sides, and then guided it in and out of her mouth – so warm and soft, so delectable! She sighed and continued suckling while Taryn leaned her head back, cooing and purring with pleasure. Her pleasure was so absorbing she did not sense the sudden shift beneath her. In one swift move, Lisa rolled her over. Now it was she who was astride and she who held Taryn's hands hostage over her head.
Her eyes wide with surprise, Taryn gasped. She felt the cool air on her wet nipple, causing it to shrivel and harden even more. Quickly Lisa moved back to claim it. This time she was not so gentle, her mouth greedily sucking the bare breast. Taryn listened to the loud sounds of her sucking, wet sounds that sent waves of pleasure through her tender aching breasts. "More, more," she cried, arching her chest up to meet Lisa's eager mouth.
Lisa's mouth made one last long pull, then released Taryn's breast.
She looked down at her, a triumphant smile on her face. Lisa's blouse hung open, the material brushing over Taryn's chest. Altering her grip so only one hand was holding Taryn's arms, Lisa managed to shrug out of her blouse. She smiled when she saw the questioning look in Taryn's gaze. Her movements sure and swift, she leaned over Taryn and tied the blouse around her wrists, binding her hands together.
Lisa looked at her as if to ask, "Now what are you going to do?"
Taryn scowled and jerked her hands, trying to free herself from Lisa's blouse, but the knot was strong and the material was thick. Out of breath and panting with exertion, she lay flat again, letting her arms fall into place over her head.
Lisa's eyes never leaving Taryn's, she unclasped her bra and let it slid down her shoulders. She waited, letting Taryn drink her in, her mouth watering as she stared at the dark brown nipples that now hung free. Lisa tossed the bra aside and placed a hand on either side of Taryn's head. Her arms locked into position, supporting her upper body. She lowered her nipple to Taryn's mouth.
Taryn took all of it, holding the swollen flesh inside her hot, wet mouth. She licked her tongue over the nipple, along the sides and underneath. She held it and sucked, nothing hurried in her movements, content to just lie there suckling her lover's breast. Her eyes watching for clues, Taryn smiled when she saw Lisa throw her head back and pant with pleasure. But she didn't flip her over or try to free her hands. Very content, she took her other breast hard inside her mouth. She attacked the nipple with her teeth, her strong jaws, sucking her so hard that Lisa cried and her body bucked.
Moving in perfect sequence, their breasts ravaged while the other parts of their bodies begged for attention, the two women rose on their knees and faced one another. Taryn had managed to loosen the blouse fastened around her wrists. She followed Lisa's cue and they placed their hands on one another's arms, gazing into each other's eyes, allowing all their passion and hunger to rise to the surface. Naked and raw was their need, a sexual hunger that demanded release. They edged forward until their nipples were touching. Moving ever so slightly from side to side, their nipples brushed back and forth.
Sounds of total delight, deep and husky, filled the air around them.
For several moments, more time than either imagined, they played the mating game with their breasts.
It was Lisa who stopped first. She kept her eyes fastened on Taryn's while her hands finished untying the blouse, long since ripped apart, from each of her wrists. Her hands totally free now, Taryn ran her fingers over Lisa's face, tracing the outline slowly and sensually, as if trying to memorize her every feature.
Lisa followed her lead, her hands also exploring. And when they had finished, they leaned forward and touched their lips together. Soft and fleeting, it was a prelude to long moments of making love to one another's mouth. Lips kissing softly at first, then pressing harder, closer, so close they could feel one another's teeth and the impact bruised their lips, already red and swollen and tender. They cried and murmured. "Um, ah…" Sounds so pleasurable and so intense that their bodies strained against their remaining clothing.
Taryn stood and offered Lisa her hand. When she stood, Taryn unleashed the zipper on Lisa's pants. Her eyes feasting on each inch of bare flesh, she slid Lisa's pants down about her knees. Then she looked up, waiting for her to lift each foot so she could pull the garment free. Tossing the pants aside, Taryn reached for the panties.
Therein awaited the final treasure, the place from which everything beautiful and sensual originated. As she tugged the panties down, Taryn breathed deeply, her nose and mouth drinking in the sweet musk smell. She licked her lips as her eyes feasted on the pink bud of Lisa's clitoris, so hard and swollen that it was visible through the pubic hair nestled around it.
Lisa pressed her hand over Taryn's mouth when she started toward her. Shaking her head, she whispered, "No, let's do this together."
She pulled Taryn to her feet and repeated the ritual. First the pants sliding down her slender hips and nestling about her ankles. Taryn lifted each foot in turn as Lisa finished removing them, watching her all the while – dark brown eyes staring deeply into one another's souls. More than passion, more than sex, their hearts bared their feelings, and in so doing, entrusted one another with them.
Carefully, Lisa slid Taryn's panties down. She gasped as her eyes took in the dark hair, the smooth soft triangle between Taryn's legs.
Her mouth parted and she darted forward with her tongue. Laughing as she stole a taste of her lover's sweet musk, Lisa savored the taste, wanting to enjoy every last flavor as she licked her lips. She smiled sheepishly when Taryn gave her a teasing scowl. Silently, she shrugged her shoulders and finished removing the wet garment from Taryn's legs. She pressed it to her face, drinking in the smell of her lover, teasing herself with hints of what awaited her mouth, her tongue, her hands, and yes, her own special treasure.
As if reading her mind, Taryn moved to the floor beside her. She took the panties from Lisa's hands and tossed them aside. Gently she pressed her hands against Lisa's shoulders, lowering her until she was lying on her back. She parted her legs and dipped into the hot moisture that lay in between. She clutched her hand over Lisa's clit and slid her leg into place against her wet pussy.
Lisa watched her every move, her body soft and supple, bending to her lover's hot, aching flesh. She watched as Taryn lifted herself up and looked at her expectantly. Lisa raised her leg so Taryn's cunt rested against her thigh. The wetness made her body shiver. She gasped as the wonderful sensation filled her.
They moved as one, two parts in perfect harmony. Their bodies straining, one against the other, they rode, gradually moving slower as their clits burned hot into one another's skin. "Ah, ah … " panting and gasping for air. Straining harder, riding faster, fucking each other so long and so perfectly, their bodies screamed for release. Their eyes locked and they held each other. Taryn moved her leg against Lisa's clit, rubbing steady and hard over her lips, against her opening.
Losing sense of where their bodies were separate, Lisa pressed her leg against Taryn's wet pussy. She feasted her eyes on the golden skin, a sheen of moisture dotting the surface as she panted and strained against Lisa's leg. Oh, God, her own clit was ready to explode!
The pace grew faster and faster. "Yes! Yes!" they screamed as their bodies approached orgasm. "Now! Now!" It was the final surrender. They shook and trembled, clits pressing tightly against their lover's firm legs, sliding with the wetness, yet holding fast to the end. Their bodies shook so that the floor vibrated beneath them.
Clinging together, moaning softly, they kissed one another's face and gazed into each other's eyes – deep, dark, swirling pools of radiance and emotion, rising and falling in rhythm with their bodies.
Taryn closed her eyes and rested her head on Lisa's breast. She listened to her heartbeat racing and pounding. Her eyes still closed, she thought about Kimberly Justin, her brilliant red hair and her emerald green eyes. She envisioned her standing on a mountain, the wind tangling her hair about her face and her arms spread open, waiting. Taryn imagined herself rushing toward her, then pausing only a few feet away. It was then she realized that she needed Kimberly and it was up to her to close the distance that loomed between them.
Moving very quietly so she wouldn't wake Lisa, Taryn slipped into the bedroom where she spent the previous night. She pulled her cellular phone from her purse and dialed Camarin's number at the cabin. Camarin answered on the second ring. "Hi, Camarin."
"Taryn," Camarin whispered into the receiver. "What's up?" she asked, glancing furtively into the living room where Taylor and Kimberly were talking.
Taryn sighed. "I need you to do something for me, Camarin. It's about Kimberly."
"Okay," Camarin prompted her. "What do you need me to do?"
She took a pad and pen from the kitchen counter, poised to take notes.
"First of all, where is she now?"
Camarin drew a deep breath, wondering how much she should tell Taryn. "Actually, she's here in the cabin with Taylor and me. Do you want to speak to her?"
Taryn's brows drew together in a frown, wondering why Kimberly was there. However, she would deal with that later. "Okay, I want you to keep her there. I'm driving back up tonight. When I get there, I want you and Taylor to make yourselves scarce. Do you understand?"
"Well, yes." Camarin wanted to ask Taryn why she was coming, but she felt certain she already knew. "What time will you be here?"
she asked.
"A couple of hours," Taryn replied. "See you then."
Camarin listened as the telephone clicked in her ear. She heard movement behind her and turned to find Kimberly standing in the doorway. "Hi," she said, replacing the receiver as nonchalantly as possible.
"Who was that?" Kimberly asked, an unexplainable flutter in her chest.
"Uh, it was Taryn. She's going to be here in a couple of hours and she'd like you to stick around so she can talk to you. You weren't planning on going back to your cabin tonight, were you?"
The flutter was now a tremble that weakened her extremities.
Kimberly closed her eyes and thought about the mysterious woman who had haunted her thoughts since the first time they'd met. She touched her cheek where Taryn had kissed her the night she stayed at Morgan Estates. "I'm staying here," she replied in a faint voice.
Forgetting Camarin, Kimberly sighed dreamily and returned to the living room. She gathered her drink and sat down in front of the fireplace. As she stared into the fire and thought about Taryn, Kimberly lost track of the time. She did not hear the back door open and close nor did she hear the exchange of voices in the kitchen.
However, she did feel the hand that settled on her shoulder and she caught a whiff of the familiar perfume. Smiling, she turned and opened her arms to Taryn Williams. Just as Pat had promised, this was going to be a Christmas Kimberly Justin would never forget.