Chapter Twenty-Three

Mai scrubbed at the stubborn dough plastered to the side of the bowl. Dirty dishwater splashed over the side of the sink and wet the front of her pants. She scowled as the soapy water soaked through the fabric of her jeans. Mai focused on her task as thorny vines of jealousy twisted and grew low in her belly and wrapped around her heart. No. I’ve no right to feel or expect anything. She “cares.” So what. Doesn’t mean she has to be exclusive.

Dale had disappeared into her room as soon as Noah left with Chip. At loose ends, Mai had tried to distract herself by reading a new mystery she had borrowed from the library. After reading the same page four times she had given up and did what she always did when her heart was aching: she baked. A sour cherry pie cooled on the rack. She washed the last of her baking tools and placed them in the dish drainer.

The tip-tap of Dale’s pumps on the linoleum along with the faint scent of Dale’s signature lemon verbena perfume announced her arrival in the kitchen. Mai rested her chin on her chest and closed her eyes, not wanting to see what fabulous and sexy outfit Dale had on. Not the red dress. Please let it not be the red dress.

Dale wrapped her arms around her waist and Mai started. Dale pressed a kiss to the back of her neck. Mai trembled in her embrace.

“Don’t.” Mai’s voice wobbled. “I’m not okay with an open relationship. If that’s what you want. I can’t. I’m sorry. I’m not wired that way.”

Dale hugged her and rested her chin on her shoulder. “Neither am I.”

Mai wriggled free of her arms and turned to her. “So, what is this?” She waved her hand over Dale’s outfit, only to realize she was wearing a robe and stockings and heels. “Oh.”

Dale smirked. “Oh. What were you thinking?”

Mai flushed. “Noah said you had a date.”

“I do.” Dale stepped closer and looped her arms around Mai’s neck. “With you.” She played with the hair at the back of Mai’s neck. “Unless you’re busy?”

Mai rested her hands on Dale’s waist. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Dale mouth lifted in a sly smile. “And spoil the surprise?” She kissed Mai, her mouth like honeyed wine. “Come to bed.” She took Mai’s hand and led her to the bedroom.

“Sit.” She pointed to the mattress.

Mai toed off her shoes and left them by the door. She sauntered to the bed, sat, and leaned back on her elbows. Her gaze traveled over Dale’s satin-wrapped frame. Her broad shoulders and mouth-watering curvy hips above her long legs set off by her elegant pumps had Mai wanting to kneel at her feet and worship every inch of her. Dale shook out her hair. The golden-brown strands shone in the afternoon sunlight.

“I have something for you.” She pinned Mai in place with her gaze as she untied the belt to her robe.

The dark-blue satin drifted open. Dale shrugged out of it and tossed it aside. The bright-green lace Merry Widow corset framed and lifted her breasts. Matching lace-up panties and wide straps held silk stockings in place and completed the outfit. Pinup model perfection, all for Mai.

Dale placed her hands on her hips and her predatory gaze landed on Mai. “Like what you see?

“Oh yeah.” Mai’s hands opened and closed as she reached for Dale.

Dale lifted her index finger and waved it back and forth. “No. You are way overdressed for this. Clothes off. Now.”

Mai yanked at her shirt, undid three buttons, and pulled it over her head along with her undershirt. She stood up and popped the buttons on her jeans before she snatched them off along with her briefs and socks. Naked, she sat back down on the mattress.

Mesmerized, she devoured the sight of Dale’s ass covered by the lace-up panties as she walked to the dresser. After a saucy glance over her shoulder, Dale lifted a pair of black metal handcuffs from the top of the dresser. She let them dangle from her fingers as she walked back to the bed. With one hand in the middle of Mai’s chest she pushed her back on to the mattress.

Mai scooted across the bed until her feet were off the floor. Dale drew the handcuffs over her chest, the metal cold against her skin. Her nipples hardened to tight points. Dale sucked one into her mouth and swirled her tongue over the stiff tip as she placed the handcuffs to the side.

“Close your eyes.” She kissed Mai’s eyes closed.

Mai’s breath ratcheted up as the mattress shifted as Dale left the bed. The brush of her pumps on the carpet and the sound of the closet door opening and closing had Mai’s mind racing. The bed moved under her again. Dale’s stocking-clad thighs touched her bare skin. A weight landed on her stomach.

“Open your eyes.”

Mai opened her eyes to a box wrapped in plain brown paper. “For me?”

“For us.” Dale’s gaze burned. “Open it.”

Mai ripped the paper open and pushed it aside. The outside of the box held no clues to the contents. She tore the lid off. Nestled in the box was a thick dual-headed dildo and bottle of lube. Mai traced her fingers over the toy. “I’ve seen these. I’ve never played with one.”

Dale lifted the toy clear of the box and placed it on Mai’s belly. “Me either.” She placed the bottle of lube on the nightstand and lifted the box away.

When she leaned down to place the box on the floor next to the bed, Mai slid a finger under the edge of her lace panties. Dale gasped and Mai continued tickling the edge of her labia. After gathering the wet heat on the tip of her finger she swept it over Dale’s fat clit.

Dale gasped. “Oh. You. Stop. Not yet.” She moved away from Mai’s touch and pushed her hair back from her face.

Mai drew her hand away and licked her sweetness-slicked fingers. “Why?” She smoothed her hand over the panties and silk stockings.

“Because I have a plan.” Dale kissed her and laced their fingers together. She tugged Mai’s lip between her teeth and then soothed the nip with her tongue. With quick movements she cuffed Mai to the lower rail of the headboard. Mai wiggled and settled her hips on the bed. A trickle of wet heat flowed from her and she pressed her thighs together.

“No gag?” Mai shifted her gaze to Dale’s panties.

“We have the house to ourselves. And I want your mouth available.” Dale moved off the bed, untied the lace underwear, and let it fall away. She was shaved bare. With a languid sweep of her fingers she touched her clit. She drew her glistening fingertips over Mai’s lips. Mai opened her mouth to suck her fingers. Dale teased them in and out of her mouth.

Mai moaned and rattled the handcuffs against the bed rail. “Please. Let me taste you. Please.”

“Later.” Dale mounted the bed and shoved a pillow under Mai’s head. “Comfortable?”

“Yes.” Mai strained against the cuffs, her hands opening and closing. “Please. Sit on my face. Please. Let me make you come.”

Dale tossed her hair back and leaned down. “Patience.” Her hair hid her face as she moved lower to lick and suck Mai’s breasts.

Electric arcs of pleasure lit Mai up. Her clit ached and she squirmed under Dale’s attentions. “Touch me. Please. Please.”

Dale flattened her palm and cupped Mai. She pushed two fingers inside. “So wet. But let’s make sure.”

She sat up and poured lube into her palm; held it a moment to warm it. She pursed her lips and sucked Mai’s clit as she pumped her fingers in and out to spread the lube. Mai arched and trembled beneath her.

Dale sucked her clit relentlessly. Given the freedom to make noise, Mai shouted as she came hard. The metal of the cuffs bit into her skin as she curled her hips into Dale’s mouth seeking more.

“Hmmm. Gorgeous.” Dale swirled her fingers inside Mai, setting off a series of aftershocks. “Now you’re wet enough.” She sat up and picked up the toy from beside Mai and held it up. “Don’t know if I want to fuck you first or go for a ride.”

Mai panted. “Ride me. Please.” She spread her legs wide. “Put it in me. Please.”

Dale leaned over her, her hair curtaining them. She traced a finger over Mai’s cheek. “Since you asked nicely.” She pushed the tip of the short side of the toy against Mai’s slick folds.

The pressure increased to the edge of pain even as Mai craved more. “Oh, wait. Give me a moment.” Mai slowed her breathing and closed her eyes.

Dale sat up and rubbed slow circles over Mai’s clit. “This should help.”

Mai focused on her touch, willing her body to relax. “Okay. I’m okay. More.”

Dale jacked her clit between her finger and thumb slowly as she pushed the dildo forward until it was seated. Mai’s body clenched around the shaft as it settled against her g-spot. Dale slid her hand over the shaft, smearing lube along its length. The vibrations along the shaft and the ridges of the toy brushed against Mai’s clit and she shuddered through another orgasm. “This is crazy good.”

Dale’s eyes gleamed. “It’s about to be better.” She straddled Mai, held herself open, and sank on to the lubed shaft. Her eyes closed as she seated the toy deep inside. Mai panted, planted her feet on the bed, and arched her hips, thrusting into Dale, the movement sending a strong wave of pleasure through her as the toy pressed against her g-spot.

Dale cupped Mai’s breasts and thumbed her nipples. She rocked her hips and rose up on her knees enough for Mai to watch the toy disappear again as she lowered herself. The twin sensations of fucking Dale as she was being fucked herself made her thrash her hips. “Oh, faster. Go faster. I need…” Mai licked her lips. “Please. I need more.”

Dale leaned down, pressing her full length against Mai, her weight comforting, and Mai lost herself in the feeling of being taken, owned, possessed by Dale.

Dale kissed her, thrusting her tongue into Mai’s mouth in time with each roll of her hips. The angle of the toy brushed against her clit with Dale’s rhythmic movements. Mai closed her eyes as pleasure blossomed outward from her center. Dale was her world. Time ceased as they rode the waves of pleasure, each thrust and roll bringing them closer to their ultimate destination. Dale’s deep groans and sharp cries of ecstasy filled Mai’s ears.

“I’m close. Open your eyes. I want to see you when you come.” Dale’s voice was rough and her warm breath tickled Mai’s ear.

Mai opened her eyes. Dale clasped her face and leaned her brow against her forehead. Their gazes locked and Mai crested with a shout, followed by Dale, her hips gyrating wildly as she rode out her pleasure. Mai’s shoulders ached as she pulled hard against the headboard, the chain of the cuffs rattling as they plunged headlong into the abyss of pleasure together.

*

Dale held Mai’s gaze as she came, her body clenching around the toy. Entranced by the dark depths of Mai’s eyes she held tight to what she saw there. Desire. Satisfaction. Love. Mai had said she loved Dale and, in that moment, as she opened her body to Dale, it was there in her eyes. Dale picked up the key from the side table and unlocked the handcuffs. Mai mouthed her nipples through the stiff fabric of the corset as she leaned over her. The instant her hands were free she clutched Dale’s shoulders and rolled them so that she was on top. Dale whimpered as the toy slid free.

“Easy baby. I got you.” Mai braced herself on her arms and lowered her hips. “Help me?”

Dale reached between them, spread her legs wide, and guided the tip to her entrance. Mai shifted her hips and filled her in one long slow stroke. Dale inhaled sharply, lifted her legs, and wrapped them around Mai’s thin hips. She reached and looped her arms around her neck. “Give it to me. All of it.”

Mai bared her teeth and pulled back until the toy was almost clear of Dale’s body before she thrust forward. Dale hummed. “Like that. Oh yes.” She smoothed her hands over the muscles of Mai’s strong back.

“Going to take my time.”

Dale mock pouted. “Oh no. Anything but that.” She rocked into Mai’s slow fuck, enjoying the long slide of pleasure and the pressure against her clit.

Mai closed her eyes and Dale mapped her features with her hands. Mai opened her mouth and sucked her fingers deep. The sensations rippling through Dale made her catch her breath.

Mai kept her pace, holding Dale on the edge, giving her enough and yet not enough to go over. She lowered her head and bit Dale’s nipples, wetting the fabric with her mouth.

The roughness of the wet satin against her nipple made her cry out. “Oh. Don’t tease.” She groaned. “Don’t tease me. You’re driving me crazy. More.”

Mai looked down at her, a wolfish grin spreading over her face. “Like this?” She bought their bodies together and pumped her hips into Dale. The pressure on her clit combined with the rub on her g-spot made her cry out as wetness surged from her. The slick slide of the toy against her clit when Mai changed the angle of her strokes made her gasp. Dale locked her legs at the ankles and clung to Mai. She screamed as she came again, digging her nails into Mai’s back.

Dizzy with her release, Dale released Mai’s hips. Mai slowed her strokes, easing Dale down, pulling out a little more each time until she freed the toy from her body. Dale raised a trembling hand and wiped the sweat-dampened hair from Mai’s brow.

Mai turned her head and nuzzled Dale’s palm. “Wait here.” She left the bed and Dale closed her eyes. A raging sea of emotion swirled inside her. When was the last time I was so satisfied with a lover? Have I ever been? We mesh. In so many ways. Too good. Too good to be true. The dark voice of mistrust was back. The one that reminded her Molly had seemed perfect and Bill before that. No. Molly had not wanted to play in the bedroom. And when she was with Bill, she had been too young and inexperienced to understand the nature of her desires. When she had finally been brave enough to tell him, he told her she was sick and left her with three kids. Fear, cold and hard-edged, wormed its way into her thoughts.

“Lift your hips.”

Mai’s voice yanked her back to the present and Dale raised her hips.

“Down.”

The roughness of terry cloth under her ass told her Mai had placed a towel under her. A warm washcloth settled between her legs.

“Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Dale peeped at Mai from under her lashes. “I’ve never done that before.”

Mai tossed the washcloth in the direction of the bathroom. “It was sexy as hell.” She settled her head between Dale’s legs.

“I don’t know if I can come again.” Dale flicked Mai’s hair off her forehead.

“Even if you don’t it will feel good, won’t it?” She kissed the inside of Dale’s thigh. “Lie back.”

Dale relaxed and gave over to the soothing warmth of Mai’s mouth as she licked gently over her labia and her clit. A dull heat spread over her and a small flame built into slow rolling orgasm, wringing every bit of pleasure from her.

Mai hummed against her. “So sweet.” She moved up and over Dale and lay next to her. She lifted her arm and settled Dale’s head against her chest before she pulled the sheet over them. Dale inhaled the warm scent of Mai’s skin, closed her eyes, savored the feel of Mai’s strong arms encircling her, and fell asleep.

*

Mai woke to the insistent pressure of her bladder. Dale’s body was curled around her, her thigh positioned over her legs. She tapped her on the shoulder.

“What?” Dale murmured against her shoulder.

“I need the facilities.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Dale raised her head.

“I need to pee.”

Dale snorted and lifted herself clear of Mai. “Got it.”

Mai scooted out of the bed and hurried to the bathroom. She closed the door and took care of her business. Taking a moment, she brushed her teeth.

She opened the door to the bedroom. Dale was propped up in bed. She had divested herself of her lingerie while Mai was in the bathroom. Her bare shoulders were exposed above the sheet.

Mai nipped back across the chill room and slid under the covers.

Dale slid out of the other side and headed to the bathroom. Mai lay back and studied the ceiling. Tell her. She’ll be okay. You have to do this. It’s too much to leave on the table. Noah could go to school. Would she let me pay for it?

The door to the bathroom opened. Dale had retrieved her terry cloth robe and it was tied tight around her. She tilted her head to the side and pushed back her hair. “Close your eyes.”

“Again?”

“Do it.”

Mai listened hard, trying to figure out Dale’s movements. The bed dipped and swayed.

“Hold out your hands.”

Mai held her hands out.

“Palms up, joker.”

The exasperation in Dale’s voice made Mai grin.

A smooth object was placed in her hands.

“Open them.”

A light-brown wooden box, shaped like a heart and polished to a high shine, lay in her palms. The intricate patterns of the wood grain caught the light, making it seem as if the box glowed. “It’s gorgeous.” She opened the box. Inside was a folded light-blue piece of paper. Mai withdrew it and placed the box reverently on the nightstand. She glanced up and into Dale’s eyes. They were dark, fear writ large in them. Mai opened the paper. “I love you” was written in large careful print.

Mai swallowed hard and looked up and into Dale’s face. “You do?”

Dale sat back on her heels. “I do. I love you. And I’m sorry I didn’t say it when you said it to me the first time.”

Mai lifted her arm. “Come here.”

Dale scooted close on the bed. Mai lifted the covers and she slid beneath them and snuggled into Mai’s body.

Mai hugged her close and rested her chin on her head. “I was afraid I’d scared you off.”

“Almost.” Dale rested her hand on Mai’s stomach.

How to tell her? Say it. It will be okay. Rip the bandage off. “I took a job in New York.” Mai carded her fingers through Dale’s hair. “But it’s only for eight shows. I’ll be gone for three months.”

“You said yes?”

“You knew about the offer?

“Noah told me. But he didn’t tell me you had said yes.” Dale pulled the note from Mai’s fingers and left the bed.

“It’s only temporary. It’s a special. I’ll be able to pay for everything, and more.”

Dale hugged her arms around herself, crumpling the note in her hand. “Guess I took too long making the box.” She swept a hand through her hair and looked up at the ceiling.

Mai fought to keep her voice even. “I’ll come back. It’s only for three months.”

“It could lead to more work, couldn’t it?” Dale turned her back to Mai, her spine ramrod straight.

“Yes, it could.”

“And you’ll be working with Charlene. Acting like you are back together for your legion of fans to ship you?” Dale spat Charlene’s name like a curse as she jammed her arms into her robe and knotted it.

Mai crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes. And what does have to do with anything? I’m a professional.”

Dale turned and skewered Mai with a hard glare. “A lot.” She tossed the wadded-up note into the trash can next to the door. “I get it. A big paycheck’s more than I can offer you here. Don’t let me hold you up.” She stalked from the room.

Mai covered her face with both hands. Should have talked with her about it. Shouldn’t have waited to tell her. Fuck, what have I done? She thinks I’m like everyone else, that I’m leaving her. No. Mai threw the covers back and left the bed. Go after her? She pulled her T-shirt and briefs on. Give her time to cool off. She’ll come back.

As she dressed, she glanced back at the bed, rumpled from their lovemaking. The heart-shaped box on the side table mocked her. She rummaged in the trash can and found Dale’s crumpled declaration of her love.

Mai walked back to the bed and crawled under the covers. The faint warm sleepy scent of their afternoon lovemaking surrounded her. She smoothed the note with her fingers and read it again. She lay there, hoping Dale would return, hoping she would calm down, hoping she would give Mai a chance to make her understand how much she loved her.

The gloaming turned into full dark. Dale did not return. Regret warred with anger as Mai rewound the events of the afternoon. She’s ready to give up on us. What kind of future could we have? She’s done. She’s too afraid to give us a chance.

Mai sat up, refolded the paper, and placed it inside the box. After leaving the bed, she retrieved her suitcase from the closet and opened the chest of drawers that held her clothes. In fifteen minutes, her bag was packed.

Mai scanned the room to make sure she had all her belongings. The heart-shaped box was on the nightstand next to the bed. She smoothed her fingers over the lid, the wood satin-smooth under her fingertips. She picked up the box and held it to her chest a moment, wrapped it in a T-shirt, and nestled it in the middle of her suitcase. She zipped the bag closed and left the room.