Parental Advisory Rating: AC & L

Break out those V-Chips, everyone!

Credits:

Created, Produced, Directed and Written:

XWPFanatic, TNovan and Tonya Muir

I tighten my robe around me and roll my shoulders before entering the kitchen. I know Cécile will be in here. I could barely look at her last night after Danielle announced what Harper and I were doing on the porch.

What exactly were we doing?

I mean, besides kissing.

I was crying, she was trying to stop me, our lips got in the way. Right? That’s all there was.

Except it felt so damn good.

I could be in trouble here.

"Bonjour, chér," Mama greets me with a smile, looking up from her coffee. "Why you awake so early?" She gets up and moves to the stove to turn the burner on under the tea kettle.

"Restless, I guess." I take a seat at the breakfast table and smooth out the place mat in front of me so I’ll have something to do with my hands.

"Tch tch, what could get you that worked up?" she teases, dropping a tea bag in a mug. She seems to enjoy watching the blush spread over my features.

"Uh … I …" I wish I could crawl back into bed right now.

"Please, ma petite, don’t look so red. I must know something about that. I do have five children, you know." Mama goes to the refrigerator and begins pulling out breakfast fixings. "And I have heard she knows what she’s doing."

I moan and drop my forehead against the breakfast table.

Mama laughs. "If it makes you feel any better, she’s up already too." I hear her crack an egg against a bowl rim. "Went out for a run. Said she had excess energy to burn off."

I must be in hell.

The tea kettle whistles. The woman I once regarded as sweet pours me a cup and brings it over to me, along with the jar of honey. She brushes a lock of my hair back behind my ear, then moves away again.

"Jonathan and I have to go Baton Rogue today."

"Something wrong?"

"Mais, non. One of our foundations has its annual meeting today. Board meetings during the day; then a charity dinner/dance tonight. Personally, I look forward to the evening."

I laugh, enjoying the honesty of the admission. "I can understand. I don’t like meetings much myself."

"C’est la vie. If they somehow protect one more woman or child, then I don’t mind. But, I am glad Jonathan is there with me. He makes my life fun."

"I think your family specializes in that, Cécile."

"Harper is fun, is she not?" She begins to fry some sausage on the stove, its spicy aroma immediately filling the kitchen. Is this what mothers do in the morning? I certainly wouldn’t know.

Is Harper fun?

"Yes, she is," I admit. When she’s not being irritating, maddening or exasperating.

She can read minds, I swear. "Except for when you want to strangle her. I know the feeling. I am her mother." She turns the sausage, and pours the eggs into another frying pan. "But, she has a good heart. I have never seen her hurt anyone intentionally. Not in what is important."

"I see." This is my standard noncommittal answer.

"And you are important. To her."

Cécile keeps her back to me, allowing me the privacy I need to absorb her words. I take each one to carefully weigh and measure, knowing their importance instinctually.

"She’s never brought anyone home before," she continues after a long moment.

This surprises me and I admit so.

"Why? Do you think my Harper would bring home the usual women she goes out with?"

I try to imagine the woman from the motorcycle here in this home. It does not compute. "You know about them?" I ask weakly.

She begins serving up breakfast, putting a full plate in front of me. "Please." She sighs, retrieves her plate, and sits across from me. After a brief prayer, she resumes. "A mother knows her child. I have prayed long and hard for her to be as happy as her father and I are."

"I am sure she will be one day. With a family like this, she knows love."

"Merci. And, I believe you are right."

Now what did she mean by that?

* * *

Papa slows as we approach the house. His sweatshirt is stained with sweat, as I know mine must be as well. Nothing like a three mile run to get the blood flowing. "You’re getting slow in your old age," he teases.

"Yeah, right. Who was pacing who the last mile?" I give him a gentle backhand to the stomach. It’s as hard as a rock.

"I just didn’t want you to feel bad, runt." He flashes a huge smile, the one I know I inherited, and waggles his eyebrows at me. "What’s on your mind? Or should I say who?"

"That obvious?"

"Been through this four times before, Harper. I know the signs."

I shake my head. "I’m not there yet, Papa. I know Mama has plans for Kels. Dammit, she practically chained her in the kitchen yesterday. It wasn’t fair."

Papa laughs and grabs my forearm, slowing us down to a walk. "Mama doesn’t play fair, Harper. Ask Gerrard. She wants to see her baby happy. And Kelsey seems to do that."

Does she?

"What do you think of her?" I ask. My father is one of the best judges of character I’ve ever known.

"Mama or Kelsey?"

I glare at him.

"I think Kelsey is scared. But, I like her a great deal. She’s good people and darn pretty. You two would make beautiful grandchildren for your Mama. Or, at least, have fun trying," he adds with a wink.

"Papa!" I groan.

"Come on, lazy bones, let’s see if our women are up." He claps me on my shoulder and runs toward the house.

Our women. Maybe bringing her home wasn’t such a smart idea.

* * *

Okay. I came, I saw, I enjoyed. Now, it’s almost time to go back to LA, where we will go back to work and all this will be left behind.

But, I kissed her. Again. Oh hell. Why does she keep kissing me? Why do I keep enjoying it so much?

I slide my sneakers on as I consider it. No big deal. It was just a kiss, one kiss on the porch. Not likely to happen again.

Damn it.

"Okay, Kels, get a grip and stop it." As I tie up my laces, I hear her clear her throat. I look up to find her in the doorway between our rooms. She’s still in her running clothes. Which, to my dismay, consists of a sweatshirt and shorts that show off those wonderful, long, tanned, muscular legs.

I need a hobby.

"Good morning, Little Roo." She seems almost shy this morning.

I can’t help but smile at her. "Good morning. Good run?"

"Yeah, Papa always manages to put me through my paces."

"Seems to be the norm for your family." I straighten my pants and stand up.

"Did Mama say anyth-"

I wave off the question. "Don’t be silly, Harper. I love your family. They’re great." Oh shit. Tell me I didn’t just say that.

She gives me a little smile and nods. "What’s not to love?"

I sigh, then nod my agreement as well. "You’re very lucky."

"Yeah, so I’m finding out."

Quick, change the subject or she might kiss you again. "So, what’s on the agenda for today?"

She sniffs her sweatshirt and grins at me. "A shower first and foremost."

"Good choice." Oh yeah, that mental image was a great change of pace. Thanks a lot, Tabloid.

"No one would want to get close to me while I smell like this."

Want to bet? Stop it!

She pulls off the sweatshirt, revealing the black tank top underneath. I think I may have swallowed my tongue.

"Meet me downstairs in a few minutes?" she asks.

I scratch my throat trying desperately not to stare at the absolutely gorgeous body in front of me. "Sure," I manage to choke out. Oh, that was articulate, Kelsey Stanton. For some reason I find myself crossing the room to stand close to her. Mother would be so proud if she could see me now. Standing here almost drooling. She’d have a coronary. Okay, so there’s another positive to having Harper in my life. It’d kill my Mother.

"Maybe we can go out and I can show you some of the sights," she offers as she untucks the tank top from her shorts.

Oh, damn, she’s only talking about the city. Stop it, Kels! Think about going home. Going back to LA. Going back to work. Things getting back to normal. I can see Susan, and Harper can see everyone else. Eh, I don’t want to think about that.

"Meet you downstairs," I reply. "Go get cleaned up." I give her arm a little squeeze. Great muscle tone in those arms.

I’m in so deep.

***

Once again I find myself near tears as Robie tells me another story. Now I have dirt and he was willing to give it up for free. I like Robie.

"I swear to you, Kelsey, it’s the God’s honest truth. Took us two hours to get her loose. Mama thought we were gonna have to call the fire department."

"Oh, I’d love to have seen that!" I laugh and take another sip of tea.

"We have pictures," Rene offers as she settles Clark at her breast for his morning meal.

Nothing seems to phase these people.

"Oh, do you now? And what would copies cost me?"

"Copies of what?" Harper asks, entering the kitchen. She gives Rene a kiss on the temple and strokes Clark’s cheek. She is about to give her brother a hug when he tells her.

"Pictures of you stuck in the dog door. You know, the time Mama and Papa caught you trying to sneak back into the house."

"Oh my God! Don’t you dare! I can’t believe you told her that!"

Is that a blush I see? Who would have thought it? The mighty Harper Kingsley actually embarrassed about something.

"She asked," Robie defends as Harper swings around to look at me.

"He’s lying," Harper says flatly. "He’s a habitual liar. You can’t believe a word he says. He’s an attorney, for Christ sake!"

"Hmmm." I get up and pour her a cup of coffee. "Methinks thou doth protest too much, Tabloid."

"Ah, hell, I can’t win," she grumbles, taking the cup from my hand. Did she just caress the back of my hand? Or am I imagining things?

"Why are you here?" she growls at her brother as she sips her coffee.

"Well, Rene and I came by to see if you and Kelsey would like to go out with us tonight, seeing how Mama and Papa will be up at Red Stick. But, since you’re being such a brat, maybe we’ll just take Kelsey to dinner instead. She’s much better company anyhow and a lot prettier too."

"Thanks a lot, Robie."

"My pleasure," he snickers from behind his mug.

"Actually, Harper," Rene offers with a sigh, "we’d love it if you and Kelsey would join us tonight. We’re going to Celebration in the Oaks."

"What’s that?" I ask.

"It’s a Druidic cult thing," Harper replies blithely, trying to hide a smile. "Everyone gets really wasted and screws under the oak trees. It’s great fun."

"Huh?" Robie grunts. "That sounds like the prom."

Sounds like Omaha. Get over it, Kels, get over it.

"Actually, it’s one of the nicest traditions we have down here for Christmas," Harper explains. "So we are simply going to have to suffer through Robie’s company. It’ll be worth the sacrifice."

"Hey!" Rene protests.

"We’re suffering with Robie, chér, not with you."

Rene smiles at Harper’s admission. She really is very beautiful, reminding me of a young Elizabeth Taylor before the booze, pills and the men did a number on her. "Okay. Remember, I’m the mother of your two favorite nephews. You want to keep on my good side."

"Speaking of which, where is Christian? Or did Robie forget him again?"

"One time. That was all, thank you. And I went back as soon as I realized he wasn’t in the car with me. Christian’s with Poppy, of course. He brought his little hammer and wanted to show it off."

"Men and their hammers, it starts so early," Rene coos.

"Hey, I resemble that remark!" Robie good-naturedly agrees, leaning over to give his wife a lingering kiss.

And it’s all I can do to keep myself from turning to Harper and puckering up. It’s gonna be a long day.

* * *

We agree to meet Robie and Rene at Café Degas at seven in the evening. It’s a wonderfully romantic restaurant featuring a full French cuisine with a touch of Creole. Edward Degas, the French impressionist, once lived in the neighborhood and the restaurant is named after him. The place has a relaxed atmosphere, not the regular starched shirt of the French restaurants located in the Quarter.

Kels and I arrive after Robie and Rene. They’re seated in a booth near the garden area. Actually, it’s not quite a booth. It’s two love seats on opposite sides of a table. I bet he asked for this damn table.

We exchange greetings and sit down on the uncomfortably small seat. Well, it’s not uncomfortable. It’s way too comfortable. I keep telling myself to not put my arm around the back of the seat.

The waiter comes over to take our drink order after a few minutes. Robie orders a Pinot Noir, a 1997 Clos de la Roche from Burgundy, for us to share. The waiter murmurs his approval of Robie’s order and hurries off to retrieve the bottle.

"What looks good to you, Harper?" Kelsey asks.

God, you do.

Rene jumps in to my rescue and begins discussing the best items on the menu as I find my tongue again. Of course, there are other things I wish my tongue was doing right now. How do I get myself into these situations?

We place our orders. Kelsey chooses the couscous and vegetable salad, along with the roasted Cornish game hen with rosemary. I order the onion soup gratinee and the faux filet mignon Bordelaise. Maybe onion breath will keep my hormones in line tonight.

Or maybe I could just get a fucking mint when we leave.

After the waiter pours the wine, upon Robie’s approval of the bottle, Robie raises his glass in a toast. "May the best of your yesterdays be the worst of your tomorrows."

"Ah, that’s sweet," Kelsey murmurs and takes a sip from her glass. "Oh, this is good." She runs her finger over the rim of the glass.

Oh, to be that rim.

"It has a raspberry hint to it," Kels comments.

Rene nods. "And coffee."

"And black cherries," Kels adds.

Robie stares at the wine, looking very confused. "How the hell do you do that? I mean, I know it’s a great wine, but I can’t pick out the specific flavors in it." He looks to me for support.

"We have a more sophisticated palette, sweetie," Rene answers, patting his leg.

"And wine tasting class," Robie teases.

"Well, that too."

Dinner is a pleasant and friendly affair. The food is great, but the conversation is even better. I am pleased by how well Rene and Kelsey are getting along, talking like long lost sorority sisters. For the most part, Robie and I just add a few words when we can, which isn’t often. It’s funny watching my brother and the fond, indulgent look he bestows on Rene. I never thought he’d look at anyone like that. And I certainly never expected to see him married and a father twice over in less than four year’s time.

"Can you let me up, Harper?" Kels asks, touching my shoulder, startling me out of my thoughts.

"Uh, yeah, sure," I stutter and slide out of the loveseat. I stand and let her pass. She’s wearing Alfred Sung perfume. My favorite.

Robie also gets up and lets Rene leave as well. Apparently women can only go to the bathroom in groups.

"You’re so wrapped," I tease.

"Hello, Pot, this is the Kettle." He raps his knuckles on the table, laughing at me.

"I am not!"

"None are so blind as those who cannot see. Or will not see."

"Jesus, Robie, you make it sound like I’m in love with her or something."

"Aren’t you?" He leans back in the seat, interested in my answer.

"No!" I say too quickly. "God, Rob, I don’t know. I’m so confused. I don’t know if I’m coming or going anymore. Some days, I swear I can smell her on my clothing and it drives me wild. Other days, she can be Satan incarnate to me."

"Oh, and you’re easy to live with."

I put my forehead on the table and groan, mindless of the bad manners I am exhibiting. Mama would slap my head right now. Thank God I’m out with Robie.

"Just relax, Harper. I think you’re the only two who don’t see how good you are together. Let it happen. And stop being such a scaredy cat."

"I am not," I mumble.

"Right. This from the one who’s never had a steady girlfriend. You’re so afraid of being caught in something you don’t want, you don’t know when you should surrender."

"Are you a fucking psychiatrist or a lawyer?"

"I’m your brother. Close enough."

* * *

Standing at the sink, I watch myself in the mirror.

"Enjoying yourself?" Rene asks as she joins me and we have your typical reflection conversation. What is it about being in the bathroom that makes you do this?

"Oh, very much, thanks for inviting me along."

"Well, Robie and Harper didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time together last time she was home. I’m glad you came with us. She’s really enjoying herself with you here."

"Oh, Harper can enjoy herself anywhere."

"But you make it special for her."

"You’re seeing things." I smile at her as I inspect my make up.

"Uh huh." Rene sounds skeptical. "And you’re too busy trying to deny it." She gives me a wink and pulls open the door gesturing back to the dining area. "The best two things that the Kingsley family has to offer await."

I turn and smile as I step past her.

Bet mine is better than yours.

Arrrgh!

* * *

After dinner, we drive over to City Park and park the cars on Wisner Boulevard. The night air is chilly and I glance down at Kelsey to see how she’s doing. She tends to get cold easily. "Need another jacket?"

She smiles up at me. "I’m fine, thanks. It’s perfect out. Just cool enough to let you know winter is coming, but not too cold."

"Good. Looks like Robie and Rene are up by the carriages. A carriage ride is really the best way to see the Celebration. The route is a couple miles long and there are over two million lights along it. I don’t like walking with the crowds, so this is the way to go."

"It sounds beautiful."

"It is. Our family loves coming here. A little later in the season there will be carolers in the park every night. It’s really special."

"I never took you for someone who really gets into the holidays."

"Oh sure, I’m a big kid at heart. Last year, Robie and I went and had our pictures taken with Santa. Mama had it up on the refrigerator for a long time with all the grandkids pictures."

Kelsey is still laughing when we reach Robie and Rene. "Ready to go?" he asks. He is standing by a red carriage drawn by a white horse.

"Sure enough." I give Kels a boost into the carriage, resisting my urge to pat her on the rear. Somehow, I doubt if it would be appreciated. I climb up and sit beside her, spreading a blanket over our laps and legs. It can get a bit chilly during the ride.

I look down to see Robie and Rene engaged in a rather heated lip lock.

Lucky bastard.

"Ahem."

Reluctantly, my brother disengages. "Tell you what, little sister, why don’t you two go on in this one? I think my beautiful bride and I will find our own carriage."

"Or, better yet, a room."

Robie sweeps Rene up in his arms and spins around. "Now that is the best idea you’ve had yet tonight, Harper Lee! We’ll see you tomorrow!"

And they leave.

I can’t believe it. He left me. Here. In a carriage. With Kelsey. In one of the most romantic spots in New Orleans.

I’ve been set up.

* * *

As Robie and Rene leave, I get the strangest sensation we’ve been set up. I hear a little growl leave Harper’s chest while she watches them go.

"Umm, it’s okay, you know. We can head home too, if you want," I offer. Home? When did it become home to you, Kels?

"Oh no, Kels, that’s okay. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to miss this." She leans forward briefly and gives the driver the word. Then her eyes are back on me. They really are beautiful.

I smile when the carriage starts forward. "Thanks."

"For?" Her arm comes up to rest behind me, making the slightest contact with my shoulders.

"For bringing me here and sharing all this with me. I know it’s special to you." I can’t take it anymore and I have to have some kind of contact with her. I take her free hand in mine, which is under the blanket. "That makes me feel special."

"You are special."

"Okay, who are you? And what have you done with Harper Kingsley?" I tease as I interlace our fingers. Her hands are warm.

"Am I that bad?"

"No," I admit quietly. "No, actually you’re not. I’ve grown pretty fond of you. I’m not sure when or how it happened, but I ..." I’m at a loss at what to say. I drop my head and shake it a bit.

"Kels." She removes her hand from under the blanket and palms my cheek. "I feel the same way."

I wish she’d tell me what it is then. Because I don’t know what to call it. Love? Lust? Affection? Friendship? Desire? All of the above? Or something else entirely?

My eyes close and I lean my cheek into her palm. I don’t resist when she places her mouth close to my ear. "This is good, isn’t it?" she asks softly.

I turn my face slowly, my eyes still closed, taking in the scent of her. As her lips graze my ear, I whisper, "Feels good to me. What about you?"

I feel her nod and I can’t help but smile. God, I’ve wanted to do this all day. All I’ve been able to think about is that kiss last night on the porch.

I want another kiss. I don’t care if we are out in public. Harper is certainly out in public, pun intended, so it doesn’t matter. I pull back and look into her eyes. She smiles at me, inviting me in, an offer I can’t and don’t want to refuse. I move forward and give her a light kiss. She returns it readily, her arm tightening around my shoulders, drawing me closer.

Testing in progress here. Do not disturb.

Oh, yeah, this is good. Oh … and firmer is good. I’m a big fan of firmer. A little moan. I’m not sure if that was her or me. Not that I care either way.

"Kels," she whispers in my ear when our kiss is over. " You’re … umm … I mean … I’m ..."

"Harper, we’re both a little unsure here, right?"

She nods.

"But we are obviously both attracted, right? I mean, we’re both sober and well aware of what’s happening."

She nods again.

"Then I think we should go with your life philosophy of ‘shut up and jump’. We’ll figure out what to say as we go down."

She bursts out laughing. The double meaning of what I said strikes me right between the eyes. I can’t believe I said that.

"You." She caresses my cheek again. I know it’s beet red, like the rest of my face. "Are priceless."

"I am an idiot." Is there a rock somewhere nearby I can crawl under?

"Oh no. No, you’re not." She leans in and kisses me again.

Oh, this is good. I like ‘shut up and jump.’ We’re gonna have to come back to Celebration in the Oaks next year because I’m not seeing a thing.

***

We drive back to the house. I try not to grin like a fool all the way there. I’m really sure about what I want, but I don’t want to push anything. I don’t want to make any assumptions. You know what they say about assuming. I’ve been there and done that, and would rather not do that again.

I follow her through the front door, watching as she removes her jacket, her hands trailing slowly down it, before she hangs it on the coat rack. How does one become an article of clothing in your next life? Is that something you can request? I’ll fill out the paperwork in triplicate if need be.

She turns and smiles as I remove my own coat. "Tired?" She takes my jacket and hangs it next to hers.

"No!" Oh, that was subtle. Why not just start biting buttons? Geez, Kels, get a grip. "You?"

"Not really." She sticks her hands in her trouser pockets and rocks back and forth a bit. "Cocoa?"

"With marshmallows?"

"With marshmallows," she agrees. Then she steps forward and wraps her arms around my waist, hugging me close and swaying slightly. "In front of the fireplace, in your room?" She leans close and gives my neck a little nuzzle. "Sound good?"

"Uh huh," I choke out as every nerve in my body catches fire.

"Okay, you make the cocoa and I'll get the fire started," she whispers with another little nuzzle.

It's already started. Now, let’s hope I can find the damn kitchen.

****

When I get to my room with the tray, I find her placing a log in the fireplace. Oh Tabloid, nice setting: fire, soft lights, big, fluffy pillows on the floor with a couple of blankets. Hey, you know how to do romantic. Who knew?

"You gonna stand there all night," she drops to the floor, "or come in?" She settles back against a chair, placing a pillow behind her.

I know when I've been challenged. This is going to be fun. I settle down next to her with the tray, proud of myself for not spilling anything. I offer her a mug, which she sets aside immediately.

"No cocoa?" I ask, a bit perturbed. Why did I just waste ten minutes downstairs making this if she doesn’t want any?

"In a minute. Right now," she leans toward me, "I'm in the mood for something a little sweeter."

Ah, you smooth talker, you.

Not that I'm objecting in any way here when she kisses me again, but this friggin tray has got to go. I pull back and give a quick signal as I move the stupid thing.

Ah, much better. Now I can touch too, which I do immediately when we resume our kiss.

I run my hands up the front of her shirt as our kiss deepens. Oh yeah, this is very good. I feel her arms around me and I know I'm safe here.

She breaks our kiss and begins a slow nuzzle of my neck. "No," she nibbles on my earlobe, "destroying this shirt. If," another nibble - I'm just going to be a little puddle on the floor if she keeps that up - "you decide you need to bite buttons or rip the material, let me know and I'll take it off."

I laugh softly in between kisses. "Go for it." I give her a little assist by undoing the first two buttons. Before long, I find myself straddling her lap and sliding the shirt from her shoulders. It’s more convenient this way, I rationalize. I have to be close enough to help.

She has great shoulders which are just begging to be kissed. And I am more than happy to do so. That’s the kind of girl I am.

I feel her head shift to one side to give me more room. Her hands slide between us and I feel the buttons of my blouse being loosened. It's a good thing I don't have to move my mouth to let her slide my blouse from my body. I'd be really pissed if I had to give up this very lovely patch of neck. I've discovered kissing her right here causes some very interesting sounds from my partner.

Great minds think alike. We reach around at the same time and divest one another of our bras. I glance over at the growing pile of clothing before she distracts me by running her hands up and down my back, pulling our torsos together.

"You know what?" she whispers with a little kiss to my shoulder.

How can she talk right now? Why does she want to? "What?" I growl.

"I think we should move over to the bed."

Ah, that’s okay. "Glad to hear it," I whisper back, mollified.

She tightens her hold on me and forces herself to her feet, carrying me with her. God, she’s strong. And then it hits me: I'm in Harper’s arms and she's taking me to bed.

She kisses me again as she carries me across the room. We are slowly moving from soft and romantic to something that is no doubt going to be mind blowing.

I can enjoy mind blowing. Actually, I'd like to try mind blowing, just once. I could die happy. It'd take them a week to get the smile off my face. What a way to go.

Speaking of going. How did she get my slacks and shoes off without my noticing? Kels, you think too much and ask too many damn questions. Go with this, nothing in your life has ever felt this good. You're lying in the most comfortable bed on the planet, very nearly naked, with the most beautiful woman in the known world leaning over you looking like she’s going to devour you any second. Go with it, for God’s sake.

I open my arms to her. She sheds the rest of her clothes, and mine (what there was of them) then lowers herself down to the bed with me. Oh my God. Oh yeah, I'm gonna die a very happy woman tonight.

Her hands are gentle, making a slow tour of my body. Her mouth is warm and soft as she proceeds to explore my neck and points more southerly.

"God, Harper, I-" Oh, to hell with talking. I'm going to resort to moaning because she's driving me crazy, and my vocabulary has completely left me.

She brings her head back up and I find her lips to engage her in a kiss. I shift to allow her to come to rest between my legs. Oh yeah, I like her there and she knows it. It’s rather obvious at this point. Our kiss deepens as I feel her move into me. That’s nice.

I have to get to know the magnificent body in bed with me. Thank God, my hands agree and work with me on this one. I find every spot to be warm and firm and the most amazing thing I have ever touched. I can't help but arch my body into hers as we begin to move together.

We are hungry for each other. We both want this. This is good. Very good. Very, very good. I love the feel of her, the scent of her. I love hearing her. Her voice only serves to excite me more, something I didn't realize was actually possible. I'm learning a few new things about myself tonight, too. Wonder how she'd take a polite request?

"Down!" I demand, giving her a little shove. Okay, I tried to be polite.

I hear her laugh. I didn’t find it especially funny. I have needs here. Big needs. Huge needs. A lifetime of need. She begins to move slowly down my body, kissing every exposed part she can find on her way. She's purposely trying to kill me.

"Doucement, ma biche, doucement," she whispers against my belly.

Patience, my ass, Tabloid, and don't waste the French on me. Unless it's in a kiss delivered about six inches further down from where you are right now.

I can feel my entire body quiver as she touches me, kisses me. Oh, she really is good at this. She's got the torture thing down to an art. I guess practice really does make perfect.

"Oh God!" It's out of my mouth before I know it and my hands tighten in her hair. My body is hers. She can have it.

That's the kiss I was talking about.

How can one person give another person so much pleasure? I can barely think as the room begins to sway a bit and I feel the edge moving closer like the ground is being pulled out from under me. My body tenses under her loving kiss and touch. Suddenly, my eyes snap shut and I can't stop the shuddering that has begun.

"Harper!" I cry, knowing only her name at this moment. The lights explode behind my eyelids and I feel my body rise from the bed. I'm not sure how long I'm suspended there. White light tears through my mind as I settle back down. Breathe, Kels, breathe.

I feel her pull me into her arms, her hands stroking my body, soothing it, relaxing it. As soon as I can see, speak, and find the top of my head, I'm going to repay her act of extreme kindness.

"You okay?" she whispers in my ear. She is holding me tightly and I never want her to let me go.

"I'm better than okay. I'm delirious. You are – what’s the right word here? - phenomenal. Yeah, let's go with that one."

She laughs and a smug expression steals over her face. "Glad you're pleased."

"Pleased doesn't even begin to cover it. When we get back home, I'm insuring your mouth for a million bucks." I lift my head and smile down at her. I need to have another kiss. "Nope," I stammer as I pull back, "a million five."

* * *

"That kiss was only worth an additional half mil? I’m hurt," I tease.

She smiles, her nose scrunching up in an absolutely adorable fashion. "Do you want to try again? See if you can do any better?"

Oh, so it’s gonna be that way, is it? "I didn’t hear any complaints a moment ago. In fact, it was quite the opposite," I drawl, adding a dramatic whimper at the end which sounds remarkably like her a few moments ago.

Suddenly, I have a feisty anchor straddling my body, her hands pressing down into my shoulders, her nose almost touching mine. I am, of course, distracted by other parts of her anatomy, which are tantalizingly close to me. "Oh, you are so full of yourself, Tabloid."

"I’d rather be full of you," I reply, arching up into her, my hands sliding up to her waist trying to pull her down.

"Stop it!" She slaps my hands lightly. Frowning, she takes hold of them and places them back down on the bed. "No distracting me."

"All right, all right." I laugh. God, the look on her face is priceless. If I were a Twinkie, I’d be scared. Deciding to relax and see what she has in store, I fold my hands under my head to keep them from wandering.

She sits back, her rear resting lightly on my thighs. "Where to begin?"

"I have a couple suggestions."

"Hush!" Kelsey trails a finger from the tip of my nose, across my lips, down my chin, swirls it in the hollow of my throat, before traveling down between my breasts. Arching her eyebrow, she dips the tip of her finger into my bellybutton and then tugs on my navel ring.

Oh God. Come on, Kels, get on with it.

"That was an interesting sound," Kelsey murmurs and tugs again.

I jostle my legs, attempting to dislodge her.

"Doucement, ma biche, doucement," she chides. She then takes pity on me and leans down to kiss me.

I return the kiss hungrily, glad to have her lips against mine at last. And who is she to lecture me about patience? I mean, it wasn’t ten minutes ago she was shoving me down her body.

Wait a second.

She just spoke French.

And I thought she could only do that in her kisses.

She presses her body against mine and I decide that self-restraint isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I fold my arms around her, intent on keeping her right where she is. She feels so good, so soft. And she fits just right.

We’ll deal with that French thing later.

She’s kissing my lips, my jaw, my cheek, my throat. I tilt my head back to give her plenty of room to work. Oh yeah, right there. That’s good. More of that please.

She seems to understand my need and she continues, marking me. I don’t care. As long as she doesn’t stop. I feel her hand slide down the length of our bodies and move between us. Oh, don’t stop that either. That’s especially nice. Uh huh. Right … there.

Her lips cover mine once more and her tongue imitates her hand. We move together, slowly at first, becoming accustomed to the feel of our bodies so intertwined. Suddenly, it’s all too much. Teasing has turned to passion, which has metamorphosed to pure pleasure.

"Oh …darlin’," I exhale, as the tremors overtake me.

And then I can do nothing more than lay limply on the bed, grateful for the weight of Kelsey on me keeping me grounded. Otherwise, I would simply float away.

She nestles against me, burrowing her head under my chin, bringing the scent of rainwater to me. We hold each other gently and whisper nonsense words as sleep begins to overtake us. Kels places soft kisses on my flesh then falls asleep in my arms.

I chuckle as an old thought returns to me: Straight, my ass.

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