“I haven’t had any today and I won’t take any tonight.” Rose was by no means a drinker but at that moment her mouth was so dry she was certain she could drain a six pack with no problem.


“All right,” the older woman replied hesitantly.Maybe I shouldn’t drink. I need my wits about mewhen I’m with you, Rose.She plucked two glasses from the rack and followed her friend into the living room.


She set the beers and glasses on the coffee table just as Rose was getting ready to transfer herself from the wheelchair to the couch. “Here, let me help.”


“I can do it.”


“It’s easier if I help.” She stepped forward and lowered her head. It had been too long since Rose let her help and she missed the feeling of holding the young woman in her arms. One arm slipped behind the back and she felt smaller arms wrapping around her neck.Yes, that’s right, hold me.As she put her other arm under Rose’s legs and lifted she nudged the wheelchair out of the way with her knee. Instead of putting her precious bundle down right away, Ronnie held Rose safely in her arms and gazed down at the face she loved.If only things were different,she thought as her eyes fell upon the soft pink lips so close to her own. In the back of her mind she knew that a kiss would not be protested. As fate sometimes found the need to be cruel, Rose had to shift, causing the hard plaster of her cast to rub against Ronnie’s forearm. It was an instant reminder to the executive of all the reasons not to act on her feelings. She set her friend down quickly but gently, turning away before she changed her mind. She walked around to the other side of the couch and sat sideways on the far cushion. A quick twist of her wrist and the beer was open. Ronnie didn’t bother with the glass, taking several deep swallows straight from the bottle. “Do you want some background music?”Oh, that’s bright. It’s Valentine’s Day. All the stations willbe playing love songs.


“Sure.” To Rose, anything was better than the deafening silence. Ronnie fiddled with the different remotes until she found the right one. She adjusted the volume to a point where they could barely hear it, then set the remote on the table. She opened the other beer and poured it into a glass without comment, then passed it to Rose. “Thanks.”


“You’re welcome.” Ronnie settled back against the arm of the couch and took another tug on her beer. They looked at each other, silently hoping the other would begin. A song started and ended without a sound from either woman. “Well, this is productive,” the executive finally said.


“Maybe we should just drop it for tonight,” Rose said.


“No. We need to get this out in the open.” She gave a deep sigh and reached for her beer. To her surprise it was already empty. “Wow. I haven’t downed one like that in a long time.”Why am I sonervous? I know what I have to do.“Rose, you mean a great deal to me, you know that.” She forced herself to meet the young woman’s gaze, hoping her words did not sound as fake to Rose as they did to her own ears. “But I made a decision long ago that the business comes first.”Evenover my own heart.“I can’t go back on that.”


“Chris hurt you that badly?”


“Yes she did.” Ronnie had been looking down at her lap and picked her head up in surprise at the gentle touch on her outstretched ankle. “It’s more complicated than that, but…”


“Your truck is parked in the garage and it isn’t going anywhere,” Rose offered. Her words earning her a heart-warming smile.


“Something like that. I need another beer. How about you?”


“I’m doing fine with this one.” She took another sip and watched Ronnie leave the room.


Now alone, Rose felt the nervousness she was trying to hold in check burst forth. Her sips became swallows and her glass was nearly empty by the time Ronnie returned. She watched the tall, lean body fold up onto the cushion and look expectantly at her.I guess it’s my turn now,huh?She took another swallow, the alcohol bolstering her courage. She looked up at gentle blue eyes. “I don’t know what I want,” she whispered. ” I’ve never felt this way about anyone else, Ronnie.” She looked away and finished her glass, her heart pounding painfully within her chest. Rose had no idea how they had started on this conversation but she knew they could not turn back from it now.


“So where do we go from here?” Ronnie’s voice wavered, betraying the strong emotions fighting inside her. “I don’t want to lose what we have.”I don’t want to lose you.


“I don’t know.” She looked longingly at her friend’s beer. Ronnie smiled and handed it over.

“Thanks.” Rose took several sips from the bottle before returning it. “I guess things can just stay the same. I mean, we’re still friends, right?”


“Best friends,” Ronnie corrected, passing the beer.


“Best friends.” The blonde woman smiled. “And best friends can sleep next to each other and it doesn’t have to mean anything.”


“Right, and best friends can still hug.”


“Absolutely.” Rose was encouraged by the direction of the conversation. “And sometimes…” The pink blush began to rise on her cheeks. “…if it’s a special occasion…they might even kiss.” Her ears burned bright red and she didn’t dare look up. If she had she would have seen the arched eyebrow and smirk directed at her.


“Yes, if there’s a special occasion I see no reason why best friends can’t kiss.” Ronnie’s mind went back to the blissful kiss under the mistletoe. She cursed herself for taking it down after the holidays.


“I’ll tell you a secret,” Rose still could not look at her. “Earlier, when you picked me up? I um…I thought…I mean I hoped….you would kiss me.” She said the last words so low Ronnie almost missed them. She upended the beer and handed the empty bottle back. “Sorry, I didn’t realize I was that thirsty.”


“Don’t worry about it. There’s plenty of beer. You want another one?”


“No…yes. Please.”


Ronnie rose from the couch and knelt down next to Rose. With one hand she reached out and turned the young woman’s face to her. “I’ll be right back.” Her thumb brushed against a far too soft lip. ” I wanted to kiss you too.” She stood up and pressed her lips to the crown of golden hair. “You want that eclair now?”


With her fear dissipating, Rose found that her hunger had returned. She nodded and watched Ronnie leave the room.You wanted to kiss me too?She reached up and touched the spot where her friend’s lips had touched her hair. When Ronnie returned, Rose rewarded her with a beaming smile and fingers trailing over each other as the bottle was exchanged. “Thank you.”


“You’re welcome,” she said while returning to her seat. She knew she was treading a dangerous line but she could not stop herself. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Rose.” She held her bottle out, noting that the young woman had poured hers into the glass.


“Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, Ronnie.” The glass clinked together and they both took a healthy drink. “You remember in grade school when we used to give out valentines to everyone in class?”


“Yeah?”


“Well, back then we’d ask our friends to be our valentines, right?”


“Right, I remember that.” Ronnie smiled. “Rose Grayson, are you asking me to be your valentine?” She received a shy smile in reply. “I’ll be your valentine on one condition.” She set the beer down and moved closer. “You have to be mine, too.” She was kneeling on the cushion next to Rose, their faces less than a foot apart.


“Ronnie?”


“Mmm?” Her focus was solely on the young woman’s lips.


“Would Valentine’s Day…be considered…a special occasion?” Caution deadened by the beer, Rose reached up and curled her left hand around the back of Ronnie’s neck, the long dark strands sliding through her fingers. There was no answer, only a smile and the lowering of lips to hers.


Ronnie’s memory of the Christmas kiss paled in comparison to reality. The soft, gentle brushing of lips together made her hungry for more and she returned, nipping Rose’s lower lip with her own several times before slipping her tongue out to taste the softness. She pulled back and received a soft whimper of protest.Oh yes, I could easily lose myself in you, Rose Grayson. Veryeasily.“Happy Valentine’s Day.” Ronnie moved back to a ‘friendly’ distance and retrieved her beer. To her immense pleasure, it was another second before green eyes fluttered open and focused.


To Rose, all the stories about fireworks and bells going off were true. She felt absolutely dizzy and could not figure out if it was from Ronnie’s kisses or the amount of alcohol she had consumed. The tingling sensation on her lips screamed its choice and her heart pounded in agreement. “H-happy Valentine’s Day to you too.” She looked over and saw the Cheshire-cat grin on Ronnie’s face. “What?”


“I’ve never had my kisses leave someone breathless before.” She reached out and took the younger woman’s hand in her own.Look at the way you look at me. If you knew the truth…

Ronnie glanced at the clock, noting it was far too early to feign being tired. “You want to watch a movie?” Without waiting for an answer, she reached for the remotes. A second later the music had stopped, replaced by Chevy Chase bumbling through a Vacation movie. “There we go.”


Rose glanced at the television then back at the woman who had just kissed her senseless. Ronnie refused to look her way.You’re not fooling me. That movie just isn’t that interesting. What areyou afraid of? I would never hurt you like Chris did, I swear.She understood that her friend needed some space and Rose was willing to give it. The evening had answered many questions. She now knew that her feelings were reciprocated, at least partially. The kiss had been the proof. Her fear of going further had been assuaged by Ronnie’s declaration that she did not want to take their relationship to that stage, but right now Rose needed…something. “Ronnie? Can I lie down on your lap?”


“I’d like that.” They settled into the familiar position, Rose’s head on her lap and her hand lightly stroking the golden hair beneath it. The touch carried with it a new meaning now, in light of the recent revelations. The gentleness was still there, but wrapped in a layer of love that moved from one to the other. Ronnie’s fingers strayed to trace the outline of the small ear hidden by Rose’s hair. The hand resting on her knee began to move as well, tracing lazy circles through the thick cotton of her sweats, making Ronnie wish she had worn shorts so she could feel those fingers moving across her skin.Oh God, how am I going to do this?She looked down at Rose.If youonly knew how much I want to make love to you right now. I don’t know if I can do this, being soclose to you and not being able to touch you the way I want to.Her index finger traveled the jawline down to the pointed chin.I love you so much, Rose.


At the end of the evening, it was time for another test. The house was locked up and the lights were all turned off for the night save the small lamp next to the bed. Rose was getting ready to get into bed when she felt Ronnie’s strong arms wrap around her and lift her up. “I figured I’d help again.”


“Uh huh,” she noted the tall woman made no effort to release her, not that she was complaining.

“I suppose I owe you some sort of reward for helping me?” A smile tugged at the corner of Ronnie’s mouth.


“Well, you don’t ‘owe’ me one but if you’d like to give me a reward, I certainly wouldn’t mind.” She lowered them to the bed, her mouth scant inches away from Rose’s. Both women were fully aware of the way their upper bodies were pressing together.


“I don’t mind.” She smiled as their lips met, amazed at how perfect it felt. When Ronnie pulled back, she pushed forward, prolonging the contact for another second. Too soon for her comfort, the weight above her moved, replaced by the warm blanket.


“Good night, Rose.” Ronnie settled in next to her, the long arm wrapping around her waist as usual. She smiled in the darkness. As nerve-wracking as it was, the day had turned out far better than Rose had thought it would be. In their own way they spoke of their fears and feelings and now they were lying together like they did every night. Although she knew that some things had changed between them, there was so much more that had stayed the same. She brought her hand down to intertwine her fingers with the larger ones. “Night,” Ronnie’s sleepy voice murmured as she squeezed their fingers together.


“Night.”



* * *

In the month that followed, both women adjusted to the new facet of their relationship and all it entailed. The revelation and acknowledgement of their feelings allowed them more freedom when it came to showing affection for each other. There was far more touching and both were quite creative when it came to defining the term ‘affectionate friends’. For Ronnie, there was nothing more enjoyable than an evening spent exchanging soft touches and gentle kisses with Rose curled up in her arms. She continued to tell herself that she was not breaking her promise to her father since she and her golden haired goddess were not lovers, Yet with every look, every touch, Ronnie knew that she was lying to herself. She was bewitched by the young woman with the gentle smile and soft laugh and there was nothing that could change that.


“Penny.”


“Hmm?” She looked down to see smiling green eyes looking up at her. They were in her favorite position sitting on the couch with Rose curled up in her lap. It had been almost a week and a half since the right cast was removed and the left one shortened down to just below the knee. The weight difference was a blessing on Ronnie’s thighs and the softness of her companion’s body was also quite welcome.


“A penny for your thoughts. You seemed to go away there, for awhile.”


Ronnie brought her hand up to cup the younger woman’s cheek. “Nothing, just thinking.”


“About? Or should I guess?”


“You,” she said simply, drawing a beaming smile from Rose. “I care about you very much. You…” Her thumb traced over the razor-thin scar on her companion’s cheek, a grim reminder of the hidden truth. “I am so glad you stayed with me. I’m very lucky.”


Rose smiled and nuzzled her cheek against the large hand. “I’m the one who is lucky.” Locking blue eyes with her own, she continued. “I’ll never understand why you took me in, a complete stranger, and did everything you could to help me.” She snuggled closer, resting her head on Ronnie’s chest. “but I’ll always be grateful to you for that. And this.” She waved her hand to indicate their intimate position. “You don’t push me or make me feel uncomfortable.”


“Never,” the dark-haired woman said vehemently. “I never want to do anything to make you feel that way.”


“And you wouldn’t. I know that.” Rose’s face turned serious and she sat back slightly. “I bet you wish I’d hurry up and make up my mind about whether I liked trucks or not.” It was a thought that played itself constantly in the back of her mind, especially after some rather heated kissing exchanges.


“Hey,” Ronnie whispered, “That’s something only you can decide.”Screw the euphemisms.“I know we don’t talk about it much but…” She hesitated, not at all certain she wanted to broach the subject with the object of her desires sitting on her lap. “It’s more than just caring about another woman.” She held up a finger to silence Rose’s protest. “Put your feelings about me aside for a minute. Think about what it means to be a…lesbian.” After so many years of being shamed for who she was, Ronnie found it hard to actually speak the word out loud.


“It is more accepted these days,” Rose said softly.


“Not in my world.” She said the words more harshly than she had intended, bitterness coloring her tone. In a lower voice she added, “Not in my family.” Her mind flashed back to that fateful day in her father’s study when she was forced to accept her lifelong punishment. Looking down at her beloved, Ronnie decided that if that were the only thing holding her back, she would walk away for a chance to be with her Rose. The thin white scar and the remaining plaster turned the deadbolt on that door.


“Nothing has to change,” the gentle voice said quietly. “We’re both happy and no one is being hurt.” Ronnie felt soft arms wrap around her and squeeze gently. She happily returned the embrace. “Come on,” Rose said. “Your sister is going to be here soon and I’m sure you don’t want her to see us like this.” She tried to move off but found herself held in place by Ronnie’s strong hands.


“I don’t want to let you go.” The words held far more meaning than just that moment and Rose knew it. She leaned forward and kissed the dark-haired woman.


“I am not going anywhere.” Their lips brushed together again and fear was lost in the face of love. As it always liked to do, the grandfather clock chimed the hour and broke the moment. With Ronnie’s help Rose stood up on her right leg and slipped the crutches under her arms.

“Where did you put the markers? You know the boys are going to want to decorate the new cast.”


“I think they’re in a drawer out in the kitchen. Speaking of which, we should probably make some cookies for the boys.”


“And for the girls?” Rose leaned her armpit against the top of the crutch and used her free hand to pat Ronnie’s belly.


“Well,” the executive ducked her head and gave a sheepish grin. “I think there’s another roll of chocolate chip ones in the fridge.” They started toward the kitchen.


“Don’t count on it unless Maria bought groceries yesterday,” Rose said. They entered the kitchen just as Susan’s minivan pulled into the driveway.


Ronnie opened the sliding glass door and waved them in. “Outta my way, me first,” twelve-year old Ricky said as he stormed past with the PlayStation in hand. Ten-year old Timmy and six-year old John quickly followed both making the same amount of pre-teen boy noise. Rose quickly backed herself up against the island to avoid being run over by the trio. “No running in my house,” Ronnie called out uselessly.


“I don’t know about them. They never listen,” Susan said as she stepped inside, followed by Jack. She spotted Rose and smiled. “Rose dear, Ronnie said you were up on crutches.” She walked over and held her hand out. The young woman balanced herself on her right foot and returned the gesture. “So you’re doing better?”


“Yes, everything is going well according to Doctor Barnes. Just waiting for my ankle to heal fully.”


“Well good, I’m glad you are doing better. You shouldn’t stand up for so long though.” She shot her older sister a look and pulled out a chair. “You just sit down right there. If you want anything, I’m sure Ronnie will get it for you.” Rose started to protest but decided it was easier to give in. To her surprise, Susan sat down in the adjoining chair. “Jack, go see what the boys are up to. I don’t want to replace any of Sis’ things.” Once he left the room, the redhead motioned at the empty chair. “Come sit down, I don’t want the boys to overhear this.” Rose and Ronnie exchanged confused looks as the dark-haired woman sat down.


“What’s going on? Everything all right with you and Jack?”


“Of course everything’s fine with us. We’ve been happily married for thirteen years,” Susan replied.


“So what’s the problem?” Ronnie decided it was best not to mention the affairs she knew about, including the current one.


“You know that diamond broach that Daddy gave Mother on their twenty-fifth anniversary?” The oldest Cartwright nodded. Her father had spent an extravagant amount, even for a family as rich as they were. It was one of Beatrice’s most prized possessions. Susan looked down at the lace tablecloth. “It’s gone.”


“Gone? What do you mean gone?” Ronnie’s eyes were wide with disbelief. “She keeps it in her safe when she’s not wearing it, doesn’t she?”


“She said she put it in there. Only four people know the combination. Mother, you, me…” The sisters looked at each other, then slowly nodded in agreement.


“Tommy.” Ronnie’s hands bunched into fists. Rose had never heard a name said with so much loathing, as if it were a curse. Without thinking, she reached over and placed her hand over the larger one. She realized her mistake immediately when she felt the flinch and withdrew. They exchanged looks before Ronnie spoke again. “When did she discover this?”


“Yesterday. You won’t like this,” Susan began. “She said she had gone to her friend’s house for bridge Tuesday night and when she got back she noticed the picture frame was not flush against the wall but she didn’t think anything of it.”


“Is the safe behind the picture?” Rose asked.


“When was the last time Tommy was there?” Ronnie asked, nodding at the same time to reply to her beloved’s question.


“Saturday night.” The redhead sighed. “I think he took it and I told Mother that too.”


“You told her?” The eldest Cartwright did not bother hiding her surprise. “You told her that her precious Tommy might have stolen from her? What did she say?”


“Just what you would think she’d say,” Susan replied. “She accused me of teaming up with you against him. She said that we didn’t understand how difficult things were for him. But I think she believes me.” She turned to Rose. “Our mother doesn’t always see things as clearly as she should.”


“That’s one way to look at it,” Ronnie said, secretly pleased that her sister had invited Rose in on what was obviously a family discussion. “More accurately, she sees only what she wants to see and anything that disturbs her vision is wrong.” She sighed and scratched her head in frustration.

“Nothing we can do about what she thinks. What about the broach?”


“We’ll pay on the claim, of course. That’s not the problem.”


“No, the problem is a boy who thinks that drugs make him a man. Why didn’t you call me about this?”


“I only found out about it yesterday and I didn’t want to disturb your weekend.” She looked at Rose pointedly. “Besides, I knew I’d see you today.”


Ronnie ignored her sister’s blatant implication. “So what are we going to do about him? Now he’s stealing from his own mother.”


“I had the locksmith come by and change the combination on her safe. Cartwright Insurance will pay the claim. There really isn’t anything else we can do.”


“Is that all he took, just her broach?”


“Yes,” Susan nodded. “All the other jewelry was still there. But only we would know that the broach was the most expensive piece in there. She’s got that necklace that looks like it’s worth more than it is and it was untouched.”


“Tommy knows what everything is worth. Mother only takes it out on special occasions. He probably figured she wouldn’t notice right away.” Ronnie looked over at Rose, silently wishing they were alone. A deep anger welled within her and only the young woman’s embrace could ease it.The hell with it, you already think we’re lovers.She took a deep breath, reached out, and wrapped her hand around Rose’s smaller one. Susan gave what was clearly an uncomfortable smile.You started it.Ronnie squeezed her friend’s hand once, then withdrew. She glanced sideways to see Rose’s surprised and questioning look. She smiled and hoped the blonde woman would understand.Sometimes I just need to touch you.


“So…um…let’s talk about other things.” Susan said. “Did you get the recipe from Maria for the stuffed chicken?”


“I did, but I’m not in the mood to fuss around with that tonight. You’ll have to come over during the week and have her make it.”


“Do you mean that one with the broccoli and that sauce?” Rose asked. “That’s delicious. Maria said you always liked that.”


“Well, Ronnie liked it too.” The young woman’s disarming smile caused Susan to return one in kind. “Maria makes absolutely the best stuffing.”


“Yes she does,” the eldest Cartwright agreed. Rose smiled to herself remembering the red box that said ‘Stove Top’ sitting on the counter one evening. She decided to keep the housekeeper’s secret. Besides, she had tried making Stove Top before, when she lived alone, and it never turned out as well as Maria’s.


With the subject off the physical gesture and on to a more familiar topic, Susan visibly relaxed.

“That’s why Ronnie got to keep Maria. She cooks so well, if she worked for me I’d be as big as a house.”


“Sometimes I feel that way too,” Rose said, patting her stomach. Just then John came scampering out into the kitchen.


“Mommy, I want some soda.”


“You need to say please and you have to ask your Aunt Ronnie,” his mother said. He looked over at his tall aunt and repeated his question properly.


“Of course.”


“Aunt Rose, can I sit on your lap?” Startled eyes met his innocent question. “Please?” he added, thinking that was the problem.


“Um well…”


“If Aunt Rose wants to let you sit on her lap, that’s up to her,” Susan said. She looked at Ronnie and nodded.


“Sure, if you want to, that’s fine.” Rose pushed her chair back a bit to give him some room. He quickly climbed up and pulled her arm around his middle to keep from sliding off. “Are your brothers letting you play with them?” she asked in his ear.


“No, they’re no fun to play with,” John pouted.


“Jack’s no better,” Susan said. “I swear the instant that controller gets in his hand his age drops thirty years.” The sounds of boys arguing drew their attention. “I’d better go see what they’re up to before one of them kills the other.” She stood up and held her hand out to her youngest son.

“Come on, John.”


“We’ll be there in a minute,” Ronnie said, standing close to Rose’s chair. Once they were alone, she leaned down for a kiss. “I think Susan’s warming up to you.”


“I don’t know. When you touched me, she looked like she swallowed a bug.”


“But even after that she let John sit on your lap and call you Aunt Rose.”


“Mmm, that’s true.” She allowed Ronnie one more kiss before reaching for her crutches. “Did you call for the pizzas yet?”


“Damn, I knew I forgot something. What did everyone want?”


“Two large mushroom, two supreme, and you wanted your pepperoni and mushroom,” Rose said. Susan’s shrill voice came from the living room. Apparently there was a battle of wills going on between her and her twelve-year-old son, Ricky.


Ronnie shook her head. “I had better get out there Can you call it in for me? It’s three on the speed dial.”


“Sure.” Rose picked up the phone and pressed the button while Ronnie went to prevent World War Three. She got through on the first try and placed the order. She hung up and had just positioned her crutches under her arms when the phone rang. Thinking it was the pizza place calling back, Rose picked it up. “Hello?”


“R-Ronnie?” She did not recognize the voice but she certainly understood the tone. The woman on the other end of the phone was crying.


“No, this is Rose.”


“Would you please tell Ronnie that her mother is on the phone? I-it’s very important,” Beatrice sniffed.


“Hold on just a second.” Realizing she couldn’t hold the phone in one hand and use her crutches, Rose set it down on the counter and worked her way into the living room.


part 10


Susan had hold of Timmy and Jack was holding Ricky as the two boys hurled insults at each other. “You cheated.”


“Did not!”


“Did so!”


“Did not!”


“Enough!” Ronnie’s voice boomed over the squawking. “I don’t care who cheated or who’s turn it was. If you two can’t play nice I’m going to shut it off.” The threat had not stopped the two brothers from bickering again and again.


“But he started it.”


“Timothy!” Both his parents yelled.


“Ronnie.” Rose leaned on her crutches. “Your mother is on the phone.” As the tall woman passed her, she spoke in a lower voice. “She sounds like she’s been crying.” That caused the dark-haired woman to hesitate for a second before picking up the phone. A crying parent never meant anything good.


“Mother? Mo-…Mother…Mother, stop crying. I can’t understand you.” She silently motioned for Rose to get Susan. “Okay, tell me again, slowly.” The redhead entered the kitchen just as Ronnie was piecing together what her hysterical mother was trying to tell her. “Are they sure? Okay, okay Mother, slow down…what did he say?” She turned her back to the other woman and leaned against the island. “Mother, listen carefully to me. Did he say for sure that it was Tommy?” At the mention of her brother’s name, Susan’s hand went to her mouth.


“Did something happen?”


“Who called you?” Ronnie asked as she waved her sister away. She had enough to do trying to understand what Beatrice was telling her. “No, Susan’s here. We’ll stop by and pick you up. Yes Mother, we’ll be there in fifteen minutes. No. Don’t call anyone else. If they need to be called, I’ll do it later. No, don’t call a cab. We’ll be right there. Yes, I promise…bye.” She pressed the off button and set the phone down on the counter.


“Ronnie?” Susan took a step forward. “Did something happen to Tommy?” There was no response. “Ronnie?”


“Tommy…” Her back to them, she gripped the edge of the island. “He was going eastbound in the westbound lane of the Thruway.”


“Oh my God,” Rose whispered. Ronnie pushed herself to a standing position and faced them.


“Rose, I need you to watch the boys until we get back. I’m sure they’ll just eat pizza and play video games.”


“Of course,” the young woman replied. “Anything. You know that.”


“I’ll get Jack and our coats,” Susan said, her voice shaky. She left the room to get her husband. Rose hobbled over to her tall companion. For several seconds, neither spoke. Finally Ronnie broke the silence.


“I don’t know how late we’ll be. Try to put them to bed by ten. There are plenty of rooms for them to choose from.”


“I’ll take care of it,” Rose promised. She reached up and cupped the older woman’s cheek. “I love you.”


Ronnie gave a shiny-eyed smile. “How do you know just what to say?” She pulled her love close and kissed the top of her head. “I love you too, Rose. Don’t kill the kids or play any game that involves tying you up, okay?”


“I think I can handle them. You have more important things to worry about.” She felt Ronnie step back and realized Jack and Susan had entered the room.


“I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.”


“They can’t have any caffeine or sugar after seven. John has to be in bed by eight and the other boys can stay up until ten.” Susan said as she rifled through her pocketbook. “I can’t find the keys. Jack, where are the keys?” Her lower lip quivered and her hands began to shake.


“I’m driving,” Ronnie said firmly, snatching the keys from her sister. The change in her tone caused Rose to look at her. Where soft curves accented the strong jaw, taut muscles clenched just beneath the surface. Ronnie’s back was straight, her stance commanding. Gone was the soft, sensitive woman Rose was privy to. In her stead was the executive, the leader of a multi-million dollar company and head of a powerful family. Although she understood the need for the two identities, Rose still wished desperately that Ronnie did not have to be the caretaker all the time. She hated the way the pressure and strain drained the energy out of her beloved. Watching them leave, Rose could only pray that everything would be all right.



* * *

The chime of the clock woke the dozing woman. Rose reached for her crutches and stood up. A quick rubbing of her eyes helped her see that it was three o’clock. There had been no phone call yet, not a word. She went out to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. No doubt when Ronnie returned she would want some. Soon Rose was smiling at the peaceful sound of the coffee maker. Ricky and Timmy had decided to continue their fight, forcing Rose at one point to send them to separate corners to cool off. That action earned her a colorful string of words from Ricky. Only the threat of repeating them to his Aunt Ronnie managed to quiet him down. At bedtime she took the easy way out and let each boy pick his own room to sleep in. Her arms still ached from working her way up the stairs twice before Ronnie’s nephews finally fell asleep.


Rose passed the time by drinking coffee at the kitchen table and rereading the daily paper. Tabitha popped in from time to time, demanded attention, then left. Three days worth of newsprint and half the pot of coffee slipped by before Ronnie’s Jeep pulled into the driveway. She got up on her crutches and went to the door, opening it in time to see Jack helping his wife and mother-in-law out of the vehicle. “Oh Lord,” she whispered, knowing the worst had happened. Ronnie took over for her brother-in-law and helped Beatrice inside. “What rooms did you put the boys in?” she asked as she passed.


“The rooms on either side of yours and the one at the end of the hall,” Rose said, choking back a lump in her own throat. Until she saw the crushed look on their faces, she had been holding on to the hope that Tommy had somehow survived the accident. Ronnie nodded and looked at Jack.


“The room on the left near the end of the hall is empty. Put her there. I’ll put Mother in my room.” She took the matriarch’s pocketbook and set it on the counter. “Mother? Come on, I think you need to lie down for a little while.”


“But I have to call…”


“I’ll take care of letting everyone know. You need to lie down.” She saw Jack leading his wife out of the room. “Come on, we’re going upstairs now.”


“Horrible…it’s just so horrible…” Beatrice cried.


“I know, Mother. Come on now.” Ronnie led the grieving woman away.


Fifteen minutes later she returned to the kitchen. “Rose, do you think you can make a pot of coffee?”


“I already did. Your cup is on the table.” Ronnie looked at the familiar mug, then at her companion. “I figured you’d need some coffee,” Rose said with a shrug. “I’ve had a bit myself.” They both looked over at the nearly empty pot.


“That was good thinking.” She rubbed her eyes. “What time is it anyway?”


“Almost six-thirty.”


“I guess I should wait an hour or so before I start calling everyone.” Ronnie wrapped her hands around her mug and stared at the beige liquid. Uncertain what to say, Rose remained silent, giving her companion the time she needed. Blue eyes shone with unshed tears but remained focused on the coffee. After an extended silence, Ronnie began to speak. “The witnesses said he turned into the off ramp instead of the on ramp.” Her lower lip quivered and she blinked rapidly.

“He was picking up speed and hit a dump truck just before the entrance to the highway.”


“Ronnie, I’m so sorry.” She put her hand on the strong forearm.


“They um…” The blinking increased as she battled to keep the tears in. “They have to do an autopsy.” Her voice hitched. “They think he might…the drugs…” A sob escaped her lips and Ronnie found herself being pulled into Rose’s arms.


“Okay, I’ve got you,” the young woman cooed. The chairs scraped across the kitchen floor as they moved closer, neither wanting to break the contact. The caretaker needed comfort and Rose was the only one who could provide it.


“I-it isn’t fair. He’s too young,” Ronnie choked. “The drugs…”


“I know.” She kissed the dark forehead. “I know.” She began rocking as hot tears soaked her shirt. Sobs racked the tall frame but Rose held on, murmuring comforting words and gently rubbing Ronnie’s back. “I’ve got you…that’s right, let it go.”


“It was those damn drugs,” she cried.


“I know.” Rose continued rocking and holding her beloved until finally the tears subsided and the sobs reduced themselves to sniffles. She felt Ronnie pull back and released her embrace.

“Better?” She received a shaky nod. “Come here.” She took a linen napkin off the table and wiped the wet face. “Blow…that’s better.”


“Thanks, I just needed…well, that.” Ronnie wearily sank back into her chair and shook her head.

“This is just so hard to believe.” There was nothing Rose could say so she scooted her chair over until their knees were touching. Ronnie laid her hand atop the smaller one and squeezed. “The next few days are going to be rough.”


“You don’t have to go through this alone.” Rose brought her free hand up and cupped her love’s cheek. “I’ll be right here with you, I promise.” She looked at the clock. “It’s still too early to call everyone and you really need some rest. You’ve been up all night.”


“What about you?” For the first time Ronnie noticed the dark circles under the beautiful green eyes. “Did you sleep at all?”


“I dropped off sometime around two but I was up by three.”


“We both need some sleep.” She stood up, then frowned. “I have to take the couch. If someone wakes up…” There was no need to finish the sentence.


“Why don’t I take the couch? You need the comfortable bed more than I do.”


“I’m too tired to argue with you Rose. ”


“Then don’t,” the young woman said firmly. Ronnie looked at her and wondered if anyone else would be able to speak to her in that manner and get away with it. She suspected not, except perhaps Maria. Her eyes saddened at the thought of breaking the news to the housekeeper who had known Tommy since he was a baby.


“There is so much to do. I have to call the cousins…”


“You can do all that after you’ve had a couple hours rest.” Rose forced herself up on her crutches.

“Come on now, I’ll lie with you until you fall asleep.” Ronnie nodded wearily. She needed to rest and there was no doubt that with her blonde friend by her side she would be able to do just that.


After going to the bathroom and changing into her sweats, Ronnie crawled into bed. “You sure you won’t fall asleep?” she mumbled groggily while arranging her pillows.


“No, I’ve had so much coffee I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.” Rose held her arm out. “Come here, let me hold you.” Soon Ronnie was nestled against her chest. “That’s right,” she began stroking the long black hair. “You rest and let me worry about you for a change.”



* * *

Rose was humming softly and gently rubbing her sleeping companion’s back when she heard the car pull into the driveway. Her eyes closed slowly with the realization that it was now Monday and in less than a minute Maria was going to walk through the door, completely unaware of the previous evening’s events. She looked over at Ronnie and knew she could not wake her for this.

“I’ll take care of it,” she whispered before slipping out from under and placing a gentle kiss on the sleeping woman’s shoulder.


She entered the kitchen just as Maria was closing the sliding glass door. “Oooh, that wind,” the housekeeper said as she removed her coat. She turned and realized she was not alone. “Oh, good morning, Rose. Is that Susan’s car in the driveway?” At that same moment she noticed the halfempty coffeepot and the newspapers strewn about the table.


“Yes.”


“Rose, what’s going on? Where’s Ronnie?”


“She’s sleeping. Maria, please come sit down.” Rose leaned her crutches against the island and pulled out a chair.


“Why is Susan here? Are the boys all right? Did something happen to Jack? Is…”


“No, they’re fine. Please sit down.” Rose let out a breath and waited for the housekeeper to take a seat before sitting down herself.


“You’re scaring me. What happened?” Maria’s voice was full of worry. Rose felt her throat tighten even before she spoke. “I wish there was an easy way to tell you this.” Realizing her words were only making the older woman more upset, she took a deep breath and continued.

“Tommy was killed in an auto accident last night.”


Like a mirror shattering, Maria’s face lost all composure and she broke down into tears. As she did with Ronnie, Rose took the grieving woman in her arms and comforted her. The housekeeper allowed the contact for a few minutes before standing up and wiping her eyes. “Well then, I believe there are things I should be doing.” She walked over to the coffee maker. “I’m sure a fresh pot would be in order.”


“Maria, you don’t have to do that.”


The older woman turned and looked at her. “Rose, I am not a Cartwright. Ronnie says I’m the housekeeper but that does not make me family. I remember when her father passed away. I worked for that man for twenty-five years and on the day of his funeral I was here making sure there was enough food for the people who were going to be arriving after the graveside service.”


“That’s awful,” Rose gasped. “Ronnie wouldn’t give you the day off?”


“Ronnie wasn’t in charge then, her mother was.” Maria poured the coffee into the sink and turned on the faucet. “She said she needed me here to take care of everything for her. What was I supposed to do?”


“I’m sure Ronnie won’t expect you to work.” She hobbled forward another step and spoke in a lower voice. “Beatrice is here too.”


“Well then, she’ll be expecting hot tea when she comes down.” Maria opened the cupboard and fished out the teapot. “What time are you going to wake Ronnie up?”


“I figured I’d give her another half-hour or so. She was up all night.”


“Hmm, Beatrice usually wakes up by eight. You probably should wake Ronnie once the coffee is ready.” Rose nodded in agreement. It would not be a good thing to wake her companion up and then make her face her mother immediately.



* * *

Maria followed Rose into the room and set the steaming cup of coffee on the nightstand. “I’ll start breakfast for the boys. I’m sure they’ll be up soon.”


“Thank you. We will be out in a few minutes,” she said, her eyes never leaving the sleeping woman. Once she heard the click of the door closing, Rose leaned her crutches against the wall and laid down next to her companion. She propped herself up on one elbow and looked down, silently wishing she did not have to wake Ronnie. Even in sleep the executive’s face showed the signs of grief. Closed eyes still showed the puffiness of crying and there was no peacefulness in the chiseled features. “Ronnie? Time to wake up, Hon.”


“Hmm?” Eyes that did not get enough sleep opened with momentary confusion. “What time is it?”


“About quarter of eight,” the young woman replied. Ronnie groaned and sat up.


“I guess I’d better get up then. I have a busy day ahead of me.” Her eyes widened at the sight of her coffee being handed to her. “Oh, thanks.” She took a sip and smiled appreciatively. “I needed this.” She took another sip, then looked at Rose quizzically. “Did you make this?”


“Maria did.”


“Oh God, Maria.” Ronnie put her hand to her mouth. “I have to…”


“I took care of it for you,” Rose said in a low tone, her eyes betraying just how difficult it had been for her to be the bearer of bad news.


“Come here.” The tall woman leaned her back against the headrest and held her right arm out.


“But you have things to do,” she said, although there was nothing more in the world she wanted to do at that moment than curl up in Ronnie’s arms.


“I can spare a minute.” Sad blue eyes looked at Rose. “I really need to hold you.” Careful not to spill the coffee, they snuggled up together, the blonde head resting against the executive’s chest.

“Thank you.”


“If there is anything I can do…”


“You’re doing it right now,” Ronnie said, pressing her lips against Rose’s head. “I just need a few minutes of peace with you before I go out there and face anyone.” She took another sip of coffee and began idly stroking the honey hair. “There are going to be hundreds of people going in and out for the next few days. Tabitha will be spending a lot of time in the laundry room.” She nuzzled her cheek against the soft hair then took another drink. “If Jack and Susan stay, would you help keep the boys occupied? They like playing video games with you.”


“Of course, Ronnie. Anything you need.” As much as she didn’t want to, Rose pulled away from the embrace. “I had better go back out there and see if Maria needs any help. Besides, I’m sure you want to get dressed before everyone wakes up.”


“Maria? She didn’t go home?”


“No, she’s making breakfast.”


“Tell her she can go home. She doesn’t have to work today.” Ronnie was surprised to receive a quick hug. “What was that for?”


“I knew you wouldn’t make her work.”


“Of course not. How could I expect her to work after this?”


“Your mother did when your father died.” She watched Ronnie’s jaw tense.


“I’m not like my mother,” she said tersely. She flung the covers back and stood up. “Rose, would you mind telling Maria?”


“No, I don’t mind at all,” the young woman said just before Ronnie closed the bathroom door. She picked up the empty mug. “I’ll have fresh coffee waiting for you when you come out.” It was easier said then done as Rose tried to figure out how to maneuver with her crutches. The solution was to hold the handle by her teeth, which earned her a disapproving look from Maria as she entered the kitchen.


“You are as stubborn as she is, aren’t you?” the housekeeper chastised as she took the mug. “You know I would have come and picked it up. You didn’t need to carry it all the way out here.”


“Maria, Ronnie said you didn’t have to stay today. I’m sure we can handle everything.”


“Was that her idea or yours?”


“Hers.”


“I see.” The housekeeper nodded. “I would expect that from someone as generous as Ronnie. However, I think I should stay.”


“Why? You’re just as upset as everyone else, why should you stay and work?”


“Maria? Maria are you down there?” Beatrice called down from the top of the stairs.


“That’s why,” the older woman said. She walked out to the living room and looked up at the matriarch. “There’s tea waiting for you, Mrs. Cartwright.”


“Oh good, you are here.” Beatrice walked down the stairs, her face showing the signs of a grieving mother. “It’s terrible, isn’t it? Just simply terrible.”


“Tragic,” the housekeeper agreed.


“Where’s my daughter?” She finally noticed Rose leaning on her crutches. “Hello, dear. Aren’t you Ronnie’s little friend? The one that was in the wheelchair?”


“Yes, Ma’am. My name is Rose.”


“Rose, where’s Ronnie?”


“She’s getting dressed. She’ll be out in a minute.”


“Has she started to call anyone yet?”


“I’ll be doing it in a minute,” Ronnie said as she exited Rose’s room. She appeared composed but Rose knew it was an act. The puffy eyes told of new tears of grief waiting to pour out. “Good morning, Mother.”


“There’s nothing good about this day, Veronica. You’d better get started. Call your Aunt Elaine first.” The matriarch strode into the kitchen, effectively dismissing her daughter.


“I guess I’d better start making some phone calls.” She looked in the direction of the kitchen and shook her head. “I’m going to use the phone in the office. Excuse me.”


Rose waited until the door to the room closed before speaking to Maria in hushed tones. “Why was she so mean to Ronnie?”


“She’s not trying to be mean,” the housekeeper explained. “Beatrice has a certain way of handling things. This is her way.”


“I know she’s hurting but so is Ronnie. Can’t she see that?”


“Some people can’t see past their own pain, Rose.” Maria looked at the kitchen. “I have to get in there.”


Rose stood there for a moment, her first instinct was to keep Ronnie company but then she realized there was a better way to help her friend. Steeling herself, she followed Maria into the kitchen.



* * *

Beatrice was sitting at the table with a cup of tea in one hand and a handkerchief in the other.

“Mrs. Cartwright, would you mind if I sat down here?” Rose asked sweetly. “I still can’t stand for any length of time yet.”


“Well yes, sit down. Maria, some more tea.”


“Thank you,” the young woman said as she took a seat. The housekeeper approached with the teapot and a cup of coffee for Rose. They exchanged glances but said nothing. Beatrice looked at her watch.


“I would think Ricky would be up by now. He’s always an early riser.”


“He was up late. I had trouble getting him to sleep.”


“That’s right, you watched them, didn’t you?” Rose nodded. The matriarch sipped her tea. “That Ricky. He’s a lot like Tommy, you know.”


“I’m afraid I didn’t get to know your son. Why don’t you tell me about him?”




Ronnie stepped into the kitchen an hour later looking for her coffee. Her throat was becoming dry after making so many calls. An eyebrow arched at the sight of her mother, Rose, and Susan sitting at the table chatting. Since Beatrice’s back was to her, Ronnie hoped she could sneak in, get her coffee, and get out. The sound of her sister’s voice, however, dashed that hope. “Ronnie.”


“Morning Susan.” She turned and faced the table. “Mother, Frank and the kids will be here in a little while. Most of the others will be here this afternoon.”


“Did you make the arrangements? I want you to make sure that he gets the best, the very best.”


“I’ll take care of it,” Ronnie said. “I have a few more calls to make. Laura can handle the business associates and the press releases.” Maria handed her the mug. “I’ll be back out later.”


“Did you reach your Aunt Elaine?”


“I got her answering service. She’ll call back.”


“But you’re on the phone.” The matriarch’s voice raised a notch. “She won’t be able to get through. Veronica, I don’t want her to hear about this on the news.”


“I have call waiting, Mother. She won’t get a busy signal.”


“She can’t hear about this on the news. Tommy was her favorite nephew.”


“I left a message with her service.”What do you want me to do? I can’t make her call me.She gulped her coffee, wincing at the burning heat going down her throat.


“Mrs. Cartwright, would you like some more tea?” Rose asked.


“Not right now, dear. I should go spend some time with my grandsons.” She looked at her younger daughter. “Susan, I assume if you and Jack have another child you will name him Thomas.”


“Mother, we’ve decided that three…”


“Nonsense. You’re certainly young enough and it’s not like your figure could be ruined by another child. Your sister continues to show no interest in having children.” The matriarch rose to her feet. “I’m going to go visit with the boys and then you can take me home, Ronnie. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”


The tall woman’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the handle of her mug and glared at her mother’s retreating form. Susan stood next to her sister. “She doesn’t know what she’s saying. She’s just hurting over Tommy.”


“She knows exactly what she’s saying, Sis. The problem is we keep putting up with it.” She turned to Rose. “People are going to start arriving soon. You might want to go into your room before it happens.”


“No.” She picked up her crutches. “I can help. I’ll keep an eye on the kids so the adults can be together. I don’t mind.”


“Are you sure?” Ronnie looked at her and was hard pressed not to seek an embrace.You knowhow crazy it’s gonna be and you still want to help?She was certain she would not be as generous if the situations were reversed.Then again, when it comes to you, there isn’t anything I wouldn’tdo.“Thank you,” she said softly.


“Of course. It’s the least I can do.” Rose smiled and Ronnie found herself helplessly lost in it.

“Ahem.” Susan’s polite cough broke the moment.


“I’d better get back to the phone calls.”


“Ronnie, I’ll make sure Mother gets home. You worry about getting in touch with everyone,” the redhead said.



* * *

It was almost nightfall by the time Susan and her family took Beatrice home. Ronnie made it a point to stay hidden in the office as much as possible while unbeknownst to her Rose was doing her best to keep the matriarch away from her. When the minivan backed out of her driveway, the black-haired woman breathed a sigh of relief and stepped into the living room.Damn.In her hiding, she had not noticed that the group of relatives arriving was outpacing those leaving and now close to thirty Cartwrights were floating around. She spotted Rose immediately and made a beeline for her. “Hi.”


“Hi. Your mother left.”


“I see that.” She looked around, her tall frame allowing her to see past the mass of people. “Do you think they could be a little louder?”


“Who’s the one in the blue jacket with the tie undone?”


“Michael. He owns a Toyota dealership. One of the cousins,” Ronnie said as she looked at the young man, frowning at his bereavement act.


“Oh.”


“Why do you ask?”


“He was telling me that he and Tommy were close.”


“Yeah and he was ‘close’ to Dad after he died. Didn’t get him anything then and it won’t now.”


“You mean he’s only acting like that because…” Rose stopped, thinking about how Delores acted when her father died. “That’s terrible.”


“I’m surprised he’s here and not ransacking Tommy’s condo right now. Must have been so close he forgot the address in all of his grief.” Hidden from the sight of others, a hand worked its way to the small of Ronnie’s back and began rubbing in gentle circles.


“They’ll be leaving soon, won’t they?”


“Well, there’s no reason for the them to stay. They all said their condolences to Mother and found out when the wake and funeral are scheduled. They’re just hanging out here because they have no place better to be. A loud crash from the game room drew her attention. “I’ll be right back.”


The crash turned out to be a barstool complete with its occupant. “Hey, Cuzz,” the drunken man slurred. Two of the half-dozen men standing around moved in to help him up. A breathalyzer was not needed to know they were all quite drunk.


“Frank, what are you doing.”


“The boys and I were just raising a few to Tommy.” He wobbled back onto his now upright stool. She walked past him and stepped behind the bar.


“A bottle of scotch and half a bottle of vodka. You guys have been toasting him quite well, I believe.” She capped the vodka and shut the light off behind the bar. “I think it’s time for your wives to take you home.” She walked around shutting off lights and hanging up the cue sticks. One by one the men grumbled and left the room, not all unassisted. It took her slightly longer to break up the clusters of women gathered together talking about every imaginable subject. Only when the last relative was gone did Maria appear with the vacuum. “Don’t bother tonight,” Ronnie said.


“Look at this room,” the housekeeper said incredulously.


“It will still be here in the morning, Maria. It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted. Please, just leave it until tomorrow, okay?”


“If you wish. I’ll be here first thing as usual. Should I pick up anything special at the market?”


“No, there’s nothing—”


“A roll of chocolate chip cookie dough,” Rose interjected. “Um, you know how kids love cookies. Maybe it’ll keep them occupied.” She caught the slight upturn of a smile on Ronnie’s lips and knew her idea was well received. “Better make that two,” she amended, her eyes never leaving those of her friend.


An hour later, two bodies were curled up around each other, both fighting yawns. “You are an incredibly thoughtful woman,” Ronnie mumbled into the young woman’s ear.


“Mm?”


“The cookies. And I know you put up with my mother to keep her away from me.” She squeezed the shoulder beneath her hand. “You don’t know how much I appreciate that.”


“You had enough to worry about.” She squirmed back into the warm body behind her. The biggest advantage of having her cast shortened was that she could snuggle up as close as she wanted to Ronnie. “She’s not that bad.”


“That’s because she’s not your mother.”


“True.”


“It’s a good thing too.” The hand that had been squeezing Rose’s shoulder, moved down to her waist.


“Why is that?”


“Because,” Ronnie answered as she flipped the smaller woman onto her back and put her hands on either side of the golden head of hair. She relaxed her shoulders, bringing their lips so close that their breath mingled. “That would make you my sister and I guarantee there are times when my thoughts of you are far from sisterly.” Even in the dim moonlight Rose could see the roguish grin before it was replaced with a more serious face. “You don’t know how much you’ve helped me today. You made me feel…well…very special.”


“With everything you mean to me, how could I do anything less?” She reached up and caressed the chiseled face above her. “And you are special. I know it’s going to be hard dealing with your family for the next few days but I’ll be right there to help you through it. Come on now, you’re tired, I’m tired, and tomorrow is going to be another long day. Enough talk for tonight.” Rose put her hand on Ronnie’s shoulder and pulled, forcing the taller woman to lie down against her.

“That’s better.”


“Rose?”


“Mm?”


“Can I stay like this…in your arms?” The woman who usually took charge sounded almost like a scared child with her request. As hard as it was for Rose to hear Ronnie in such pain, it filled her heart to know that it was she the older woman turned to for comfort. “Always,” she whispered, tightening her hold.


“I can’t believe he’s gone.” There was a long silence. “I know things have been hard between us lately but that’s not what I see when I think of him.”


“What do you see, Ronnie?” she whispered, her hand moving to stroke the long hair. “Tell me about the Tommy you grew up with, the one you loved.”


“He was the cutest little boy.” Rose felt the body against hers relax as happy memories surfaced.

“We were close when he was little. Whatever I was doing, he wanted to do. He was my shadow.” A tear fell and Ronnie swallowed hard.


“Hey, will you do something for me?”


A nod. “Anything.”


“Think back to a happy time, just you and Tommy. Close your eyes and picture it in your head.” She waited a few seconds. “Are you seeing it? Now, tell me about it. Is it summer or winter?”


“Summer.”


“Inside or out?”


“Out. We’re at the family camp.”


“What are you two doing?”


“Fishing.” Rose felt Ronnie smile against her chest. “It was a perfect day. We were on the dock, just the two of us.” Her brow furrowed. “I don’t know where everyone else was.”


“Don’t worry about them,” the young woman cooed, continuing her gentle stroking of the dark tresses. “You were fishing with Tommy. Did you catch a fish?”


“I didn’t but he did.” She relaxed against Rose again. “Nice foot long bass. Fought like the devil too.”


“Close your eyes. Now think about that day and how much fun you and Tommy had together. That’s right…” Rose closed her own eyes and let the deep and even breathing near her ear lull her into the same peaceful sleep.



* * *

Rose was a constant source of support for Ronnie. The autopsy report had come back with unpleasant news. A variety of illegal drugs were found in Tommy’s system. The Cartwrights had hoped to keep the information private, but they were a name in Albany and while the morning news reported that one of the Cartwrights had died in a freak accident, the evening news was not as kind. One station, finding the perfect excuse to reuse old footage, hooked the news of Tommy’s autopsy with a report on drugs in Corporate America. It produced, much to the family’s dismay, a gaggle of news reporters around Ronnie’s home, refusing to accept her short statement that the family was in mourning and had no comment on the autopsy findings. Before the day was out, they received word that the driver of the dump truck had filed a suit against Tommy’s estate. Beatrice declared the autopsy nothing less than an “exaggerated fabrication” and the truck driver “a greedy opportunist” trying to take advantage of an unfortunate accident. Rose listened to the remarks and nodded often, doing her part to make things easier on Ronnie.


By the day of the funeral, however, the executive’s patience and tolerance were both in short supply. The past few days had piled frustration upon frustration on her and the family seemed blissfully ignorant of the strain they were putting on her. Not only did they gather at her house to mourn, they gathered to visit with each other, allowing Ronnie no privacy or peace. Despite Rose’s best efforts, Beatrice still managed to slip past and grill her daughter about every detail of the service. There was bickering from the littlest thing, such as who rode in which limousine, to who would be the pallbearers, even to which plot in the family section he should be buried in. Ronnie kept her anger inside herself, releasing it only after everyone had gone. Then, her punching bag would be the recipient. Only when she was both physically and emotionally exhausted would she curl into bed and seek the comfort of Rose’s arms. The role reversal felt odd yet at the same time comforting to Ronnie. In the smaller woman’s embrace she was able to let the stress go and find peace. It reinforced her inner strength, allowing her to face the challenges of the recent events.


“Maria will be here in about an hour or so to pick you up.” Ronnie zipped up her skirt and reached for the belt. “She’ll be coming back here instead of going to the graveside service so someone will be here when the people start arriving.” She buckled the belt and pulled on the blazer. “There. I believe I’m ready now.” She put a small black hat on over her pinned hair.


“I wish I could be there with you,” Rose said earnestly.


“I know, Hon.” She cupped the younger woman’s chin. “I don’t know what I would have done without you these past few days.”


“I don’t know what I would have done without you these last few months,” Rose countered.


“You know if I had my way you’d be right up there next to me.”


“It’s better if I stay in the back with Maria. It will be easier to get in and out with my crutches.”


“Oh, let me help you with your sneaker before I go.”


“I can get it, Ronnie. You’ll wrinkle your skirt.”


“Sit.” Her long fingers made quick work of loosening the laces. She knelt down and put one hand on the back of Rose’s calf. The satiny material of her knee high hose was no match to the natural softness Ronnie usually felt. Using her knee as a footrest, she put the sneaker on her companion’s foot and began tying it. “Remember, the church is going to be packed. Make sure you get a seat. I don’t want to find you leaning up against the back wall, you got it?”


“Got it.” She leaned down and adjusted the bow on Ronnie’s blouse. “Got your handkerchief?”


“And a spare.”


“All right then, I guess you’re ready.” Rose paused for a second, then put her hands on the taller woman’s shoulders. “Ronnie, I know you think you have to be this big, strong superwoman but you don’t. Even though you two had problems, he was still your brother and I know you loved him. If you have to cry, do it.” Her words earned her a gentle kiss on the forehead as her companion stood up.


“I’ll see you after the service.” Ronnie remained stooped long enough to tuck an errant strand of gold hair behind Rose’s ear.If only there was a way to have you with me today. It’s going to be sohard today without you right there by my side.


As expected, the church was packed with friends, family, and business associates of the Cartwrights. Despite Ronnie’s words, Rose was content to stand against the back wall but a man sitting in the last pew stood and offered his seat. Remaining at the back wall, Maria took possession of the crutches so no one would trip over them. From their position at the rear of the large church it was impossible to see Beatrice and her daughters in the front pew. Rose listened to the monotone words as the priest went through the standard phrases of comfort and prayers of solace. When the end drew near, she motioned to Maria for her crutches, deciding it was easier to get out now than wait and get caught up in the throngs of people.


Just as she was getting into Maria’s car the doors of the church opened. From her vantage point, she could see the six men carrying out the casket. She watched as Beatrice exited, flanked by her daughters. Rose squinted but was too far away to really see Ronnie’s eyes. Her friend’s head was hung and her arm was around her distraught mother. She saw that Susan was also providing support to the grieving woman as they walked down the steps and into the waiting limousine. Realizing Maria was waiting for her, Rose put her crutches in the back seat and got into the car.



* * *

Just as Ronnie had predicted, friends and family members began pouring into the house less than half an hour after the funeral had ended. Long tables covered one side of the living room, stacked high with breads, meats, and cheeses. Leaning against one wall out of the main flow of traffic, Rose noticed it was the first place people went to as they arrived. Since the laundry room had plenty of rods and hangers, it served as a makeshift coatroom. The cool March winds delayed any idea people may have had about putting their coats away for the season just yet.


The floodgates were open and close to fifty people were there by the time Ronnie arrived with her mother and sister. Rose spotted the mane of dark hair above the rest of the crowd and began to work her way over. The trip was made easier when she had been spotted and the determined executive met her halfway. “Hi.” This close, it was easy to see makeup concealing the dark circles beneath Ronnie’s eyes. Leaning heavily on her right crutch, Rose discreetly reached over and intertwined their fingers, giving them a slight squeeze.


“Hi yourself,” Ronnie said, returning the affectionate gesture with one of her own. “Quite the crowd.” She scanned the area, quickly noting those who would be problems as time went on and the drinks continued to flow. “You wait, Rose. Before the night is through I’ll guarantee you at least one fist fight.”


“Fist fight? At a funeral?”


“I give them one hour to lament Tommy’s death. After that, the topic will turn to his will and speculations over who gets what and then the fighting will start, I’m sure.” They worked their way over to a corner near the stairs. Rose watched as her companion shifted her weight from one leg to the other and back again.


I think you’ve suffered in those clothes long enough,Rose thought to herself.


“Ronnie, come into my room for a minute.”


“Sure,” she replied, grateful for any chance to get away.


The first thing Ronnie noticed when she entered the room was one of her outfits neatly laid out on the bed. “I thought you would be more comfortable in your slacks,” Rose said with a shrug. To the pointed look at the shoes on the floor she added, “I know how much your feet hurt after being in heels all day. Flats are perfectly acceptable with those slacks. I’ve seen you wear them before.”


“So you had Maria pick these out for me?”


“No,” Rose replied with a proud smile. “I picked them out myself and brought them down. Maria was busy.”


The thoughtfulness almost brought Ronnie to tears. Blinking rapidly, she reached out and let one finger trace the smaller woman’s jawline. “Thank you.” She took a step back and kicked off her shoes. “I’d better get changed and back out there. I’m sure someone is looking for me. Probably my mother.” She added the last part under her breath. The skirt hit the floor followed quickly by her half-slip.


“Did everything go well at the service?”


“Nothing I couldn’t handle.” Ronnie’s jaw tightened noticeably but she said nothing, instead picking up her slacks and sliding them on over pantyhose covered legs. Rose noticed the tension but said nothing, assuming it to be from the stress of the funeral and the relatives. Long toes wiggled their way into comfortable but stylish shoes while the gray blouse was tucked into the thin waistband. “Ah, I feel better already.”


“Is there anything I can do for you?” Rose asked. “Other than trying to keep your mother busy. She’s getting tired of me hanging around her, you know.”


“I heard. Susan will run interference for the most part. You can either stay in here, which I highly recommend by the way, or you can just go out there and listen to my cousins and second cousins and God knows who else ramble on about nothing of importance.”


“Well, when you put it that way.” Smiling green eyes accompanied the sarcastic remark. “How can I resist?”



* * *

To Rose, the sound was nothing but a general din. Ronnie, on the other hand, spent years learning how to work a crowd and was able to pick out the individual conversations easily. As she moved through the room, she carefully listened to the different snippets. By the time she reached Frank, she knew more about the new boat that her cousin was buying than he did. The knowledge allowed her to slip effortlessly into the conversation. Moving from person to person, Ronnie canvassed the room. When she thought she had said hello to everyone, she tried slipping out to the kitchen where she had seen her blonde beauty go a few minutes before.


“Ronnie.” Blue eyes rolled at the sound of her mother’s voice.


“Yes, Mother?” She turned to see Beatrice standing behind her. For that instant, the agitation she had felt toward her parent dissipated in the face of the grieving woman. Ronnie instantly softened her tone. “Is there something you need?”


“Where is your sister?”


“I don’t know.” She craned her neck to see over the crowd but there was no sign of the distinctive red hair. “Maybe Jack took her home.”


“Now Veronica,” the wrinkled hands went to her hips. “You know Susan wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye to me,” she admonished. “Honestly, sometimes I wonder what you’re thinking.”


“I’m sorry, Mother. I wasn’t thinking.” The executive resisted the urge to rub her temples. It was a useless defense against a mother headache anyway.


“Well, Tommy’s death has affected us all.” Beatrice dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief.

“Your father had such high hopes for him. A tragic shame, that’s what it is.” A gnarled finger raised itself into the air and the matriarch’s eyes grew wide. “I have it.”


“Have what?” Ronnie asked hesitantly, certain she wouldn’t like the answer.


“The perfect way to pass on Tommy’s legacy. He always did enjoy his time in college. You can set up a scholarship in his name.” A self-satisfied smile formed on the older woman’s face. “Yes, that would be the perfect way to honor him.”


“We can talk about that some other time, Mother.”


“There’s nothing to talk about,” Beatrice said firmly. Ronnie’s eyes narrowed slightly when she saw Michael slip up behind her mother.


“Hi Aunt Beatrice, hi Ronnie.”


“Michael,” the executive said evenly.


“What’s everyone drinking?” He held up his empty glass.


“Nothing for me,” Ronnie said.And I’m willing to bet that yours has been emptied more thanonce,she thought to herself as the faint smell of alcohol floated over to her. Beatrice held up her almost full glass to indicate that she was fine at the moment as well.


“Oh well.” He looked at his shoes, then back up at the two women. “So Ronnie, have you decided when you’re going to have his will read?”


“I didn’t realize there was a great hurry to having it done, Michael,” she said. The daggers her eyes were throwing were wasted on him since his gaze was everywhere except at her.


“No, no hurry at all,” he shrugged. “It’s just that we were close and I thought I should know when it is.” He looked up and finally realized what deadly looks he was getting. “Well um…” he tried clearing his throat, which suddenly felt like a lemon was wedged in it. “I’m sure you’ll let me know when it is.”

“I’ll make sure everyone affected is notified.”


“Right, like I said.” He wiped his sweaty hand on the side of his jacket. “Well, if you ladies will excuse me.” He turned and took his aunt’s hand in his own. “Aunt Beatrice, I’m sorry for your loss.” Ronnie rolled her eyes when Michael kissed the older woman’s hand. “Cuz, I’ll see you around.” He disappeared into the crowd, leaving her once again alone with her mother.


“Um, I think I’d better go see if everything’s all right in the kitchen.” She took a half step back in preparation for a quick escape.


“Nonsense. I’m sure Maria can handle anything that comes up,” Beatrice said dismissively. “Why don’t you go find your sister?”


“That sounds like a good idea, Mother. Be right back.” Ronnie turned and moved through the crowd as quickly as she could. To her unpleasant surprise, she ended up face to face with Michael.


“Ah, fancy meeting you here,” he said, smirking at his own joke.


“Don’t you think the Eddie Haskell routine was a bit much, Michael?”


“Oh please, that’s just my natural charm.”


“Whatever.” As much as she enjoyed a good verbal fight, this was neither the time nor the place for it. “Have you seen Susan?”


“Last time I saw her she was out in the kitchen with that friend of yours.” Raised voices caught both their attention.


“….Bullshit, John. I told you to sell when they were at forty-eight and an eighth. It’s not my fault you didn’t do it.” People quickly moved away from the two angry men, forming a circle.


“You’re my broker. You’re supposed to take care of these things for me. Do you have any idea how much money I lost?”


“You knew they were talking merger.” Ronnie broke through the circle at that moment. “If you don’t act fast, you lose out.”


“Like Sally Ryan?” The executive took a deep breath. Old girlfriend’s names were never a good sign.


“You knew she didn’t have a date for the dance. It’s not my fault I asked her out before you did.”


“You knew I wanted to go out with her. She was all I talked about that year.”


Ronnie knew this was going to escalate quickly into a classic Cartwright scuffle. She stepped between the fighting brothers. “ENOUGH! You are supposed to be here mourning Tommy’s death, not fighting over some girl you lost fifteen years ago.” An intense throbbing began behind her eyes, the sign of a relative headache. “John, you’re not in high school anymore. Get over it.” The men exchanged foul looks and stormed off in different directions. A murmur of words and then everyone else returned to their previous conversations. Ronnie ran her fingers through her hair forcefully.


“You okay?” a soft voice from behind her asked.


“Yeah.” She turned to see familiar green eyes looking up at her with concern. “Really, Rose. I’m fine.”


“Just making sure. I heard you yell.”


“Just a typical Cartwright get-together,” Ronnie sputtered. She caught a flash of orange-red out of the corner of her eye. “Uh oh.” Susan and her mother were approaching fast. “I see Mother found you,” she said once her sister was within earshot.


“I told you she hadn’t left yet,” Beatrice said. The look in Susan’s eyes made it clear she wished she had not been found.Oh boy, this is gonna be a good one,Ronnie thought to herself. “I was just telling your sister that I want to go through Tommy’s things. I assume you still have boxes up in the attic?”


“What, from when he lived here? He took what he wanted and I threw out the rest.”


“But there were trophies and ribbons and awards…?”


“If he didn’t take them, they’re gone.”


“And it never occurred to you that I might want those things?” Beatrice stood directly in front of her eldest child. “How could you be so inconsiderate?”


“Mother!” Susan exclaimed. Rose stood there quietly, her attention focused on the twitching muscle in Ronnie’s jaw.


“Tomorrow I’ll go over to his apartment and see if he kept anything.”


“Don’t bother. Your sister will take me over and I’ll look for myself.” The sisters exchanged glances. Susan shrugged her shoulders. This was the first she was hearing of it as well.


“I think you should wait a few days, Mother. His belongings aren’t going anywhere.” Ronnie was worried about what they would find there.


“Nonsense. Tomorrow will be fine.”


“I don’t think tomorrow…”


“Veronica Louise!” The twitching became a solid clench. Rose moved closer to her friend and discreetly placed her fingertips against Ronnie’s back. The muscles were bunched and tight, another indication of Ronnie’s tension. She pressed slightly and began rubbing in small circles.


“Fine, Mother. Susan and I will take you to Tommy’s tomorrow.”Great, now I have to go overtonight and check things out.She leaned almost imperceptibly into the gentle touch of Rose’s fingers.


“Honestly, I don’t know why you make things so difficult, Ronnie. On this day of all days you have to be stubborn.” Beatrice dabbed at dry eyes with her handkerchief. “I ask a simple thing. I just want something to remember my son by and you have to be difficult.”


“Mother…”


“No Susan. I asked one simple thing of her. Just because she couldn’t get along with her brother is no excuse for upsetting me.”


Ronnie’s back was now a solid band of tension and it took her a moment before she could relax her jaw enough to speak. The gentle circling motion on her back increased in pressure.You thinkI’m about to lose it, don’t you?She cast a sideways glance at her companion. Seeing the look of understanding and support in those green eyes was enough to keep the sharp remark from passing through her lips. Instead she looked at her mother and nodded. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I guess we’re all still in shock.” Ronnie knew she was caving in, but today was not the day to make a stand with her mother. “I had better go check on things. Excuse me.” With her back to her mother, she gave Rose a loving smile and left the room.


Entering the kitchen, Ronnie was pleased to see that the only person there was Maria. She walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water. She took a long swallow before speaking to her housekeeper. “Do you have any aspirin? I have a pounding headache and I really don’t want to go out there again.”


“Been talking to your mother again, haven’t you?” Maria opened a drawer and pulled out her purse. “I’m sure there’s some Tylenol or Motrin in here.”


“Sorry,” Susan said as she entered. “She’s in rare form today.” The two sisters stood near the end of the island. Maria found something to do in the laundry room, allowing the two women their privacy.


“When was the last time you were at his place?” Ronnie asked before tossing three pills into her mouth and taking several gulps of water.


“This one? I’ve never been there. Why would I go to his apartment?”


“We’re going to have to go there, you know. Who knows what it looks like or what things he may have laying out.” She put the bottle back into the fridge. “Can Jack keep an eye on the kids?”


“I’m sure he can.” Susan looked at her watch. “We’re going to be leaving in a few minutes. You want to meet at Tommy’s place around six or seven?”


“Seven would be better. Who knows how long everyone is going to stay.” Ronnie looked out the glass door at the rainbow of cars that littered her driveway. “At least another hour or two.”


“And then there’s Mother.”


“Oh no.” Ronnie shook her head. “You arenotgoing to leave her here with me. When you go, she goes.” She cast a glance at the living room. “Speaking of which, what’s she up to?”


“I don’t know. After you walked away she kept going on and on until Rose asked her something about Tommy and his trophies. I saw that as my escape and took it.” The redhead leaned in and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. “Personally, I don’t think she’s really interested in his trophies.”


Ronnie smiled with pride. “She isn’t. She’s trying to keep me from committing matricide.”


“Did you want to bring her along tonight?” Susan offered.


“No. Hopefully we won’t be there long.” She paused for a moment, then added “but it was nice of you to ask.” She sighed and rapped her knuckles on the countertop. “I suppose I can’t hide out here forever.”


“I’ll take Mother with us when we leave. You won’t have to suffer much longer.”


“How did I ever survive eighteen years with her?” Ronnie asked, shaking her head in bewilderment. “I can’t get through one day without wanting to tell her off or wring her neck.”


“Oh, that’s easy,” the redhead smiled. “I was there most of the time.”


“That’s right, you were.” Ronnie tapped an elegant finger on her chin. “I remember you.” She dodged a playful shove. “Weren’t you the one that ran into Dad’s car with your bike and blamed me?”


“Um…well that was a long time ago, Ronnie. Weren’t you the one that forgot to unlock your window one night and had to sneak back in through mine?”


“Ah, true.” She wrapped her arm around her sister’s shoulders. “But weren’t you the one…” she began as they walked back into the living room.



* * *

Ronnie put the key in the lock. “What’s that smell?” she asked, wrinkling her nose. Susan shrugged her lack of an answer and pulled a scarf out of her pocketbook. The door opened and the executive flipped the switch. “Son of a bitch,” she breathed. Clothes were tossed everywhere, the couch cushions were on the floor, the coffee table and every other horizontal surface was covered with beer cans and trash. Stale beer and unwashed clothes mixed with another unidentifiable smell.


“Oh my God,” Susan said as she took in the scene. “This is disgusting.”


“Sad is more like it,” Ronnie muttered, picking up a small square mirror she found lying on the counter. The telltale razor blade was resting next to it. “It’s a good thing we came here first.” She showed her sister the mirror clouded with a fine white powder. “There is no way we can have Mother see this place looking the way it does.” Susan nodded in agreement. Ronnie tossed the offensive mirror onto the counter and unzipped her jacket. “I guess we’d better look around for some boxes and trash bags for all this shit.” To her surprise, the redhead, who was adverse to any kind of domestic work, did not argue.


“I’ll put some music on,” Susan said, kicking a path to the stereo. “Let’s see, how does this one work?” She hit the power button and was immediately blasted with an insanely high decibel of noise.


“SHUT THAT THING OFF!” Ronnie yelled while covering her ears. A second later there was peaceful quiet again.


“How could he stand listening to it that loud?”


“Damned if I know. Maybe the drugs affected his hearing. Come on. Let’s get to work. I want to get home at a decent hour.” The kitchen shared a half-wall with the living room, allowing the two sisters to talk while packing up the garbage. Ronnie lifted the lid to the trashcan in the corner. “Oh God.” She covered it up quickly. “I think I found out where that smell is coming from,” she choked, taking a few steps back.


“I can’t smell that anymore,” Susan called from the far side of the living room. “All I smell is beer.” She moved a cushion to find a half-eaten pizza glued to the carpet. “Oh Ronnie, I don’t want to touch this.”


“I’ll tell you what. I’ll clean up whatever it is you’re looking at if you get these dishes out of this…um…I guess you’d call it water.” She reached closer with the tips of her fingers but just could not bring herself to touch the slimy liquid. “I know I’m not touching it.”


“We should have brought gloves.” The redhead picked up an empty beer case and started throwing bottles into it. “So things are good between you and Rose?” she asked casually.


“We get along fine, yes.” Ronnie arched an eyebrow. “Susan, I told you…”


“I know, I know. You are not lovers, you’re just friends.” The younger sister waved her hand dismissively. “I give up trying to figure it out.” She put the case down and walked over to the counter that separated the living room and kitchen. “She gives me the same story you do but you don’t act like friends.”


“We have a lot of work to do here, Susan.”


“Ronnie, look at me.” When she spoke again, her voice was softer. “I don’t care. I’ve watched the way the two of you act around each other.”


“And what did you see?”


“What do I see?” Susan gave a small smile. “I see you happy in a way I never thought you would be.” She laughed at her sister’s blush. “Come on. You asked the question. Really Ronnie, it’s obvious to me that you’re hooked on her. As for how Rose feels about you…” The dark-haired woman’s head snapped up. “She is not Chris.”


“No she’s not,” the executive agreed emphatically. “Rose has never asked me for anything. Whatever I’ve given her, it was because I wanted to.”


“I see that,” Susan replied. “You don’t think I’ve been watching? You take more days off than you ever have and you don’t go anywhere. I don’t see any new cars, although I didn’t see your Porsche around. Did you sell it?”


“Yes.” The truth was, as soon as it was repaired, she had signed it over to Hans to sell at whatever price he could. “She doesn’t want cars or expensive things. She doesn’t even have a driver’s license. She’s not trying to get anything from me.”


Susan held her hands up. “You don’t have to defend her, Ronnie. I was just saying I didn’t see any of the things that would tell me she was using you and I don’t believe she is. I like her.”


“You like her?” Surprise showed on her face. That was a rare admission from her younger sister.

“So…it would be okay with you if we were…a couple?”


“I’m not going to pretend that I understand why you want to be with a woman. It doesn’t make any sense to me.” She raised her hand to keep her sister from speaking. “But it is your life. If Rose makes you happy, then that’s all that matters. So yes, it’s okay with me if you two are a couple.” She watched Ronnie come from behind the counter and happily accepted the hug. “It’s your life, Sis. If Rose is the one for you then don’t let anyone keep you apart,” she whispered into the dark hair.


Ronnie pulled back until they were an arm’s length apart. “What made you change your mind? I remember you calling her everything but a reincarnation of Christine.”


“I was wrong,” Susan shrugged. “Hey, it happens.” She brushed her hands together.


“I’m making her my secretary,” Ronnie volunteered. “I’ve been bringing work home for her to do and so far there have been no mistakes.” She smiled softly. “She’s got a good head for figures too…and organized?” If anything, the smile grew wider. “You know how bad I am about sorting my email?”


“You mean she straightened out that mess you call your inbox?” Susan shook her head. “I remember when you asked Laura to do that. I thought she was going to quit on you right then and there.”


“Rose did it without even being asked,” Ronnie said proudly. “That’s how she is.”


“It sounds like you are very lucky, Sis. Now enough of this sensitive chat. We have work to do here. You wanna try and get the stereo to a volume that doesn’t shatter glass?”


“Sure.” Ronnie worked her way across the room, the smile never leaving her face.



* * *

“She said that?”


“Yup…ooof.”


“Oops, sorry about that.” Rose moved her elbows from Ronnie’s chest and laid down, her arms crossed over the older woman’s left breast. She rested her chin atop her interlaced fingers. “So she really said she liked me?”


“She said she liked you.” Ronnie smiled in the dark, letting her hand gently rub the smaller woman’s back. “See? You’ve won over the Cartwright women.”


“Not all of them.”


“Honey, even I haven’t won over my mother yet. I think you’ll just have to accept that two out of three ain’t bad.”


“Well…” Rose crept up until their faces were even, gold and black hair mixing about their shoulders. “There is really only one Cartwright’s opinion that matters to me.” Ronnie’s eyes closed as soft lips pressed against her own. “And right now that Cartwright needs to get some sleep.” Despite her words, Rose could not resist dropping down for a longer kiss. “Mmm, sometimes I wonder if I’m really Cinderella and you’re holding the glass slipper.”


“If I was, that would make me one very lucky woman,” Ronnie replied.


“I’ll never understand what made someone like you take a chance on someone like me.” Rose shifted most of her weight onto the bed and claimed the older woman’s shoulder as her pillow.

“Sometimes I’m afraid this is all some wonderful dream and I’m going to wake up and find you gone,” She felt Ronnie’s arms tighten protectively around her.


“I will never let that happen, Rose. I won’t ever let you go back to the way you used to live.”


“That doesn’t scare me.” She nuzzled deeper into Ronnie’s shoulder.


“Then what does?”


“Losing you,” she quietly admitted. “All the money and possessions in the world don’t mean a thing to me without you.”


“I love you too,” Ronnie whispered, lifting her head up long enough to place a kiss on the top of Rose’s head. They snuggled together, bumping legs until they found a comfortable position and the peaceful feeling of being with each other relaxed them into sleep.


part 11


The clock read just past six when the call of nature pulled Rose from her slumber. Sleepy green eyes opened and focused on the woman sleeping beneath her. It took a few minutes to extricate herself from the human puzzle they had formed during the night. After a quick trip to the bathroom, Rose positioned her crutches and went to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. She was pouring the steaming liquid into two mugs by the time Ronnie padded into the room. “Good morning. I thought you’d like some coffee.”


“Mmm, yes thanks.” The tall woman walked over and wrapped her arms around Rose from behind. “Good morning, Hon.” She pressed her lips to the top of the young woman’s head. “I’ve got to pick up Mother in a couple of hours.”


“Then you definitely need your coffee,” Rose said, handing over the two mugs. “And if you’re going to kiss me good morning, do it right.”


Ronnie shook her head. “Mmm, morning breath. No kisses until after I brush my teeth.”


“I’ll take my chances.”


“Really?” An eyebrow raised slightly as she set the mugs down. Turning around, she took first one crutch, then the other, and put them to the side before gathering Rose in her arms. “So you want a good morning kiss, hmm?” She lowered her head and poured all of her love into a series of soft kisses. She nipped and coaxed with her lips until she felt Rose’s mouth open for her. Ronnie swallowed soft moans as her tongue explored the inside of the young woman’s mouth.Oh yeah, you like that, don’t you?To her utter surprise she felt a very insistent tongue pushing into her own mouth. Now it was the executive’s turn to moan. When they broke apart, it was several seconds before their breathing returned to a manageable level. “How’s that?” she asked in a husky voice. “Does that meet with your approval for a morning kiss, Miss Grayson?”


“Oh yes, very nice.” Rose leaned up for another quick brushing of lips before reaching for her crutches.Kiss me like that every morning and I’ll be happy forever.She reluctantly pulled back, her whole body screaming for more contact. “You had better drink your coffee before it gets cold.”


Ronnie looked at the clock. “I would much rather spend the day with you, you know.” A shrill beeping drew a frown from the executive. “I’ll get it. With my luck it’s probably Susan trying to duck out of dealing with Mother today.” She picked up the phone. “Cartwright Residence…Yeah, good morning to you too, Sis. What’s up?” Rose watched as dark eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement. “Mm hmm, she’s awake…no, we just got up and were having coffee.” Now the brows shot up and blue eyes locked with green. “Well…sure, that sounds fine to me. Let me ask her, hold on.” Ronnie held the phone to her chest. “Susan wants to know if you’d like to go out for breakfast.”


“Uh, sure.” It would be the first time she had gone out of the house with the exception of her doctor’s appointments and the funeral. She watched a beaming smile come over Ronnie’s face.


“Sure, sounds good, Susan.” They finalized arrangements while Rose sipped her coffee. By the time Ronnie hung up the phone, her own coffee had cooled enough to drink in four long gulps.

“We should get going here. We’re supposed to meet there in forty-five minutes. I’ll run upstairs and get ready.” She picked up Rose’s now empty cup and set it with hers in the sink. “Do me a favor?”


“Anything,” the young woman replied.


“Wear that rust colored shirt?” A shy smile came to Ronnie’s lips. “I think you look really nice in it.”


“I don’t think any of the skirts go with it.”


“The khaki pants do. I’m sure the leg is wide enough to get over the cast.”


Rose smiled. When she had opened those clothes on Christmas she had thought then they would go well together. She also knew Ronnie had a weakness for that particular shirt. “Sure, but it’ll cost you.”


“Cost me?” Puzzlement turned to amusement when she saw the calculating grin.


“You have to wear that gray cotton shirt and those black jeans.”


“The baggy ones or the tight ones?”


“The tight ones.” Rose realized how it could be taken and blushed. “I just think they look good on you,” she mumbled, looking away as her ears turned an even brighter shade of red.


“Uh huh,” Ronnie smirked. “You’re cute when you blush, you know that.”


“You’ve told me that before.”


“It’s still true.” She walked over to the table and knelt down until she was eye level with the young woman. “Actually, the truth is, you’re beautiful anytime. With or without a blush.” She leaned in and gave Rose a peck on the cheek. “Come on, I’m starving.”



* * *

“Can I get you ladies something to drink to start off?” the waitress asked. The three women were sitting in a booth, Susan sat alone on one side. Rose opened her mouth but before she could utter a sound, Ronnie spoke. “Coffees on this side and she’ll have tea…lemon, no cream. We’ll be ready to order when you return.”


“I’ll be right back with your drinks.”


“Do you know what you want?” the executive asked without looking up from her menu. It took a gentle nudge under the table for Rose to figure out the question was directed at her.


“Um…” She scanned the menu, noting with great alarm the prices that ran down the right hand side.Six-fifty for two eggs and toast? Two ninety-five for coffee?Her appetite shrank in direct proportion to the prices. “I don’t think I’m really all that hungry. Maybe just a muffin and coffee.”


“Oh no, Rose,” Susan said. “You havegotto try their eggs benedict. It’s the best in Albany, I swear.”


“No, I’ll be fine with the muffin, I’m sure.” She knew without looking that she was the recipient of a questioning gaze from Ronnie.Maybe she’ll forget that my stomach grumbled earlier.The waitress returned with their drinks and when they had been served she looked expectantly at Ronnie.


With a nod of her head, the dark-haired woman indicated Rose. “She’ll have two eggs, over medium with toast, corned beef hash and home fries. I’ll have the same except I want bacon instead of the hash and my eggs should be over hard. Susan?”


“I’ll have a Belgian waffle with strawberries and cream.”


“All right, I’ll have your food brought out to you shortly.”


Rose looked at Ronnie dumbfounded. “I said I was fine with a muffin.”


“Susan, would you excuse us for a moment please?”


“Sure, Ronnie. Actually I think I need to make a trip to the ladies room.” She picked up her purse and left the table.


“Why did you do that?” There was no accusation in the young woman’s tone, just curiosity.


“Why did you lie about not being hungry?” Ronnie countered. “Look at me. Tell me you only wanted a muffin and that the cost had nothing to do with it.” Her right hand slipped under the table and began stroking Rose’s left thigh. “I understand that you think about how much everything costs. I wish you didn’t, but I know you do. I also know that I wasn’t going to sit here and let you eat just a muffin for breakfast.” A smaller hand gripped hers under the table and squeezed.


“Okay, thank you.” Rose leaned closer. “Actually, the hash and eggs sounds wonderful.”


“You’ll love them, trust me.”


A short time later Rose was wiping up her plate with the last bit of toast while the two sisters talked. The current topic was taxes, and for someone that always used the easy form, it was a subject she felt sorely out of place with. The Cartwright women, on the other hand, had jabbered on for the entire meal about exemptions and loopholes. Rose smiled and ate quietly, listening to the rich tones but not the words of her tall companion. She tuned Susan out completely and thus, missed her name the first time it was mentioned. “I’m sorry, what?”


“I think we’re boring her, Susan.” Ronnie laughed when she saw the guilty blush cover the fair skin.


“I said Wendy needs whatever receipts you have for your taxes.” Seeing Rose’s confused look, Susan explained. “Wendy is our accountant. She’ll do your taxes for you but I think she’s missing some paperwork. She only has your W-2 from Cartwright.”


“Well, I have the one from Money Slasher. It doesn’t take me long to fill out the form so I hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Why would I have an income statement from Cartwright? Ronnie didn’t decide to give me the job as her secretary until last week.”


“Whoops,” Ronnie said. “I can explain.” She twisted in her seat so she could face Rose. The short bench and her long legs meant that her knee ended up resting atop the khaki covered thigh.

“You remember when I had you sign all those forms so we could get you on the insurance? You went on the payroll then.”


“You mean you didn’t know you were getting paid each week?” Susan asked. The still-shocked Rose shook her head. “You signed a direct deposit authorization for the credit union. You filled out a W-4 for your exemptions.”


“I don’t remember what I signed. I was still in the hospital and with all the pain killers….”


“Ronnie, didn’t you tell her what she was signing?”


Now it was the executive’s turn to blush. “Well…” She looked at Rose. “When you were in the hospital, all I could think about was making sure you got the best care possible. “I know I told you that you were now an employee of Cartwright Corp.”


“I didn’t think you meant that I was actually getting paid.” She discreetly laid her hand on Ronnie’s knee. “There must be hundreds of dollars in there.”


“More like thousands,” the executive corrected. “I don’t pay my workers chump change like Money Slasher. I pay a living wage. That’s why people with skill and talent don’t leave us after a few years and join some other firm.”


“Ronnie, I can’t keep that money. I didn’t earn it. Can’t you just take it back or something?” That earned laughter from both Cartwrights. “What?”


“Rose dear, do you have any idea how much paperwork would be involved in doing something like that?” Susan chuckled again. “It’s impossible.”


“The money’s yours, Rose,” Ronnie added. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention it before. I honestly don’t think about things like paychecks and you certainly haven’t needed any money.”


“It’s okay. We can talk about it some other time.” Rose put her coffee cup to her lips, mentally deciding which charities would get the money if she could not convince Ronnie to take it back.


“Speaking of later,” the executive looked at her watch. “We’d better get going here.”


“Wait.” Susan laid her hand across the table, urging her sister to remain where she was. The redhead looked at Rose with such seriousness it made the young woman’s pulse quicken with nervousness. “I just wanted to say something to you before we leave.” She licked her lips and cast a quick glance at her older sister before continuing. “Rose, I love my sister very much. With Tommy gone, well…it just helped make me realize that I was being unfair to her. I’ve never seen her happier than when she’s with you.”


“Susan, don’t embarrass me,” Ronnie warned playfully although the heat was rising to her ears.


“Oh you be quiet or I’ll tell her about the time you took Dad’s car for a joyride and got picked up by the police,” the younger sibling warned. “Now, as I was saying before I was sorudelyinterrupted, she’s happy and that’s what’s important.” She picked up the bill and glanced at it before passing it across the table to her sister. “Your turn. Six thirty-eight for the tip.”


“Thanks, you know I hate figuring that out.” Ronnie reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet, thumbing through the various plastic cards until she found the one she was looking for. A few minutes later the bill was paid and they were standing next to their vehicles, which were parked side by side.


“I have to drop Rose off and then I’ll meet you at Mother’s,” Ronnie said as she shut off the alarm and unlocked the passenger door.


“Okay, don’t be too long.” The redhead turned toward Rose. “It was nice of you to join us for breakfast.”


“Thank you for inviting me,” she replied. “And thank you for what you said in there…about her deserving to be happy.”


“Yeah yeah, everybody’s happy,” Ronnie said with a fake growl. “Except Mother, who is going to have a fit if we don’t get over there.”


“I was being serious,” Rose said, batting the tall woman’s arm.


“So was I.” She looked at her younger sister. “Susan, I do appreciate what you said in there…as well as last night.”


“Think they’d say anything if two sisters hugged in public?”


“Do you really care if they did?” Ronnie countered. They embraced then, to Rose’s surprise, Susan gave her a quick one-armed hug. They said their good-byes and were soon on the road.



* * *

After being dropped off at the house, Rose found herself with nothing to do. Ronnie was certain not to be back until mid-afternoon. She puttered about, wandering in and out of every room on the first floor. Then her eyes followed the stairs. Curiosity got the better of her and she positioned her crutches on the bottom stair.


Although she had been in Ronnie’s bedroom before, this was the first time she really looked around.This is big enough for an entire apartment.A padded bench seat sat below an impressive bay window. An open door off to the side led to the private bathroom and the young woman made a mental note to check it out later. Rose saw that her friend had not one but two dressers as well as the incredible walk-in closet. A full-length mirror trimmed in matching wood stood in one corner. A headboard, complete with lights and shelves, complimented the king-sized bed. There were nightstands on either side as well. On the wall opposite the bed was a smaller version of the entertainment center downstairs. Rose opened the doors to reveal a twenty-seven inch television, Ronnie’s video collection and a VCR. Her eyes skimmed over familiar titles, looking for something interesting to watch. One row of tapes had no boxes or labels on the spines. She picked one up and looked at the title.Oh Ronnie, I didn’t know you hadthesekind of tapes.She grinned and put it in the VCR.Well, this should be interesting.She positioned the pillows on the bed and sat down to watch her first adult movie.


To her surprise, there actually was a plot to the movie. Rose did not pay attention to the title but figured out quickly that it was about two female lovers who are separated into separate cells by a mean warden. The first sex scene appeared quickly and green eyes widened at the sight of the two naked women kissing each other. It was the same slow, gentle kisses she shared with Ronnie. Then their kisses changed. They became more passionate and one woman began to moan as the other pinched her nipple. Suddenly Rose’s dreams had another dimension added to them as she tried to imagine Ronnie making the same sound. “Mmm…” She watched the two women begin their acts of pleasure and each one she imagined doing with her companion. The arousal was immediate but more than that was another feeling, one far more important. The women on the screen made Rose realize that this was more than a physical act. Even though they were actresses playing a role, every touch was tender, almost loving. Between the moans and cries were repeated declarations of love for each other.That’s why they call it making love,she realized for perhaps the first time. Now she understood what she was denying Ronnie…and what Ronnie was denying herself by honoring her promise to her father. Shutting off the VCR off, Rose sat and stared at the blue screen for several long minutes while the final pieces of the puzzle fell into place.



* * *

“Did you try the spare ribs?” Ronnie asked, smacking her lips in satisfaction. “I tell you, there’s nothing like good Chinese take-out.”


“No, I haven’t tried them yet,” Rose replied quietly, her eyes never leaving her plate, the contents of which were being pushed around aimlessly by her fork.


“You should. The egg rolls are pretty good too. Not greasy at all.”


“Um hmm.” The broccoli and pork suffered more rearranging.


“Rose, is something wrong? You’ve been quiet ever since I got home.”


“Ronnie, can I ask you something?”


“Anything, you know that.”


“If you had never made that promise to your father…if nothing was standing in your way…would you want…” The blonde woman shook her head and looked up with fear and uncertainty in her eyes. “Would we be lovers?”


Ronnie stood up. “I think we’re done eating. Let’s go into the other room and talk. I’ll take care of the dishes later.”


“Yes, that would be better.” Rose agreed, pushing herself up on her good foot.Yes, you and mecurled up on the couch together…“Ronnie? Would it be all right if we just went into the bedroom? I mean, we can always watch television in there, right?”


Warning bells and whistles went off in Ronnie’s head and she swallowed reflexively. “Uh…are you sure?” Considering the topic of discussion, she wasn’t entirely certain that lying on the bed together was a wise idea.


“Yes.” And with that word spoken aloud, Rose realized that yes, she really was sure…about everything.


Once inside the room, Rose leaned her crutches against the wall and patiently balanced herself on her good foot.


“You want to change first?” Ronnie asked while turning down the covers.


“No, we’re fine just the way we are.” Once the bedcovers were ready, she slipped between them and rolled onto her side to face the woman who had captured her heart. Ronnie started to join her. “Wait.” Rose reached over and turned on the lamp. “Would you shut off the light?” Soon the brightness was replaced by a warm, soft glow.


“So we’re in bed and you wanted to talk,” Ronnie offered when she was settled.


“So we are,” she agreed. Leaning up on one elbow, she looked down at endless blue eyes. “Are you going to answer my question? If you hadn’t made that promise to your father, would we be lovers?”


“I thought you weren’t sure…”


“Forget about that for a minute.” She reached out and ran her fingertip lightly down the older woman’s jawline. “If it were just you and me, nothing else.” Ronnie was still wearing her gray shirt and with three buttons undone, the vision was entirely too tempting. Rose moved her fingertip down the chiseled jaw to the long throat and beyond, stopping only when it encountered the lacy edge of a bra. She did note with some pleasure that the older woman’s breathing had increased.


“Rose, I love you. You know that.” Ronnie reached out and cupped her cheek. “If there were no obstacles, if it really was just you and me, yes. I would be very honored to be your lover.” She was rewarded with a quick kiss. The curious fingertips were driving her crazy but she could not find the strength to stop them.


“Ronnie…” The distracting digits slowly undid the next button on the gray shirt. “It’s just you and me. There are no obstacles.”


“Rose…” Her body responded immediately to her shirt being unbuttoned. Nipples hardened under the white bra and her whole body tingled with excitement. She opened her mouth to protest and found a warm, soft tongue pressing against hers. “Mmm.” Under the gentle insistence, Ronnie relaxed and let the young woman take control. Rose felt the surrender and eased up the pressure of her lips. Her free hand traveled of its own volition, gliding under the cotton shirt and against warm skin. In a move that shocked both of them, the wandering hand closed over the soft lace cup and squeezed gently. Ronnie gasped and her body leaned into the touch.


“You like that,” Rose observed, giving the firm mound another squeeze and enjoying the immediate reaction. Leaving her hand where it was, she lowered her head until her lips were against her lover’s ear. “Ronnie,” she said huskily. “I love you and I want to make love with you.” She accented her statement by suckling a willing earlobe, then working her way up to Ronnie’s mouth. Being careful not to hit the older woman’s shin, Rose slid her left leg between the longer ones.


“Rose…” She reached with every intention of stopping this before it went too far but instead of her body obeying her mind, her hand closed around Rose’s, encouraging further exploration. Ronnie was on fire and she struggled to find a reason to resist. “W-we shouldn’t.”


“Why?” The blonde woman pulled her hand out from under the cotton shirt and looked at her lover with all seriousness. “Tell me why we should keep denying this to ourselves?”


“I promised…” Fingers pressed against the full lips.


“No.” There was a quiet anger in Rose’s voice. “No Ronnie. You can promise many things but giving up your happiness forever is not one of them.” She gently traced one defined black eyebrow. “You can’t promise to give up my happiness, either.” Her eyes fluttered down to study full lips before traveling back up to become lost in endless pools of blue. Ronnie did not move, still struggling with her inner demons. Propped on her right elbow, Rose used her left hand to undo her blouse, gravity causing it to expose more and more flesh as each button was undone. She smiled at the intense look in Ronnie’s eyes. Once the rust colored shirt was hanging loose, Rose took the larger hand in her own and brought it to the area covered by beige silk. “Please, no, don’t fight it,” she whispered when she felt Ronnie’s resistance. She pressed her breast against the warm hand and groaned when she felt the tentative squeeze.


Rose’s limited experience had not prepared her for the jolt that Ronnie’s touch brought her. Another squeeze and she was sure she would simply die without her lover’s touch. She felt herself being pushed back onto the bed and did not resist. Long dark tresses tickled her face and the tongue seeking entrance to her mouth was quite insistent. “Yessmphf.”Nothing can feelbetter than this,she thought to herself wistfully as she returned the kiss with equal gusto.


“I love you,” Ronnie breathed as the kiss finally ended. She was propped up on her elbow, her body half on top of the smaller woman. She felt Rose trying to tug the gray shirt out of the jeans.

“Wait.” Rolling up to her knees, she unbuttoned and unzipped her pants. She undid the last button on her shirt and slowly pulled the tails out. It now hung loosely on her body, open enough to show a glimpse of her bra beneath. With a slowness that was torture to the young woman’s nervous system, Ronnie slid the gray material off her shoulders, letting it pool on the bed behind her. “This too?” she asked, fingering the front catch of her bra.


“Please,” Rose begged. Her lover smiled at the urgency in her voice. A quick twist and the cups fell apart. The bra landed on top of the shirt and for several seconds neither woman spoke. Rose’s eyes were taking in the most beautiful sight she had ever seen and she said so with the look on her face. “Kiss me again.”


Oh yes, this is so much better,she thought to herself as her hands traveled over the bare skin of Ronnie’s back. She was acutely aware of the places where her shirt was open and their skin touched. They shared a series of lazy kisses until she felt a restless hand trying to push her shirt off. “Yes,” she agreed, trying to take it off while still lying on her back.


“Please…let me,” Ronnie begged. Rose nodded and let herself be pulled into a sitting position. Her shirt found itself tossed against the leather chair in Ronnie’s quest to get it out of her way. The beige bra ended up on the floor. She lowered herself back to the bed but her lover remained where she was. Hearts pounded and bodies pulsed as they stared openly at each other’s breasts. Where her own areola was a light pink, Ronnie’s was darker, almost brown. She looked down and was surprised to see her nipples standing out like little erasers, the skin around them still soft but starting to pucker.Even the coldest day doesn’t make them stand up like thatshe mused as she looked back to see her lover’s nipples beginning to do the same thing.


“You…are…beautiful,” Ronnie whispered. She lowered herself down and slowly, far too slowly, bare skin touched bare skin. Both groaned softly and smiled in recognition of the mutual pleasure. Long fingers sank into golden hair while smaller ones wrapped around a muscled back. Their mouths played a game of give and take, tongues dancing back and forth as they floated in each other’s love.


“Oh…oh yes, that’s nice,” Rose gasped when she felt her lover’s mouth move down to her neck. She felt lips part and the soft tongue lick her skin. She moved her hands up to rest on the back of Ronnie’s head. “Yes…mmm, that feels so good.”


“Yesss.” Ronnie’s body was pressing against hers, betraying the older woman’s rising passion. Rose let her right hand drift down until she reached the waistband of the black jeans. Since they were still undone, there was plenty of room for her to slip inside. As she gripped the firm cheek, Ronnie whimpered against her skin and began sucking her neck in earnest. “Rose…”


“Yes Ronnie…that feels so good.” She squeezed harder and was rewarded with renewed squirming.


“You’re going to drive me crazy, you know that? I can’t concentrate when you do that,” she admitted as she shifted her ass away from Rose’s distracting caresses. She nudged the smaller legs apart with one of her own, settling so her lips were even with the young woman’s breasts. Long black hair formed a soft canopy that tickled as it moved over the fair skin. “I love you so much,” Ronnie said breathlessly as she reclaimed Rose’s lips for her own. Nostrils flared with ragged breaths as they kissed passionately.


“But…” Whatever Rose was going to say was lost when she felt a kiss on the underside of her breast. “Ooooh.” Ronnie answered with a muffled moan of her own and continued to lick and nibble her soft flesh. “Feels so good…”Oh, this is heaven. Nothing can feel better than this.She felt warm breath on her nipple an instant before a wet tongue rolled over it. “Oh, Ronnie, yesss….”


Fumbling attempts with teenage boys had never prepared Rose for the sensation of being lovingly suckled. The pulling sensation was answered with a pulsing deep between her legs and her hips moved of their own volition, pressing hard against Ronnie. Her hands were buried deep in the dark hair and she was torn between holding Ronnie where she was or begging her to give the other one the same attention. Before she could decide, the loving tongue and lips released their treasure. “Oh, don’t stop…”


Ronnie chuckled and pressed her thigh against Rose’s center. “I’m not stopping.” Using her elbows to brace herself, she leaned down for a kiss. “I love you, Rose.”


“I love you.” As their mouths continued to give and take, Rose’s hands worked their way between their bodies and cupped two willing mounds of flesh. Ronnie’s moan vibrated through their lips and Rose answered with one of her own. Her fingers became more focused, moving in smaller circles until they were gently stroking the hardened tips.


“Oh Honey,” Ronnie gasped. “Y-you can’t…unggh…do that.” She rocked back out of reach and shook her head. “I told you I can’t concentrate when you do that.”


“It feels so nice.” Rose reached out only to have her hands stopped by larger, more powerful ones.


“Yes it does,” the older woman agreed. She kissed each knuckle, then the palms before releasing Rose’s hands.


“I want…”How do I say this without sounding crude?“I want…” She wrapped her arms around Ronnie’s torso and pulled herself up, ducking her head in time to bring her mouth to its goal.


“Oh God, Rose!”


Rose found her head held in place by Ronnie’s hands as she happily ran her tongue over the darkened areola.Oh yes…this is nice.She heard as much as felt Ronnie’s increased breathing and smiled against the erect nipple before rubbing her lips back and forth against it. She gave in to the strong but gentle hands pushing her back onto the bed.


“Let…me…show…you…something I want…my rose,” Ronnie said before lowering her mouth to Rose’s breast.


“Oooh….” Ronnie’s mouth and hands were in constant motion on her breasts. Her hands clasped and unclasped the dark hair and her hips were in constant motion against the older woman’s torso. “Ronnieeee…” She looked down to see the mouth loving her breast. “You feel…oh, so nice…do that….” Her breathing quickened and her hips pressed up hard against Ronnie’s torso. Her lover answered with a downward thrust against her thigh, making both acutely aware of their own wetness. “Please…I need…” She tried to reach between their bodies for the button to her pants.


“Yesss…” Ronnie took over the task, releasing the breast she was suckling and rising up to give herself room. Long fingers made quick work of the button and zipper but instead of removing them, the black-haired woman settled back down, laying sideways over Rose to allow her right hand to slip between khakis and white cotton panties.


“Oh yes, YES!” Rose cried as two fingers pressed against her most sensitive area. She cupped Ronnie’s face and pulled her up for a heated kiss.Oh please don’t stop.Her rocking hips caused slack in the material, giving more room for the mischievous digits to explore. They peeked under the elastic then retreated, alternating soft brushes with firm rubs. Rose was rising fast, faster than she had ever known and it scared her. She buried her head in Ronnie’s hair and clung tightly.

“Ronnie…” Her breaths were coming in quick pants and she was not sure if she would survive the intense pleasure coursing through her system. The fingers changed direction, rubbing the cotton in a circular motion against her clit. Rose whimpered and jerked her hips frantically. “I can’t…oh Ronnie…please…I…”


“Shh…I’ve got you…”


“Ronnie…oooh…” Her hands clutched desperately at her lover’s shoulders.

“Please…harder…OH…yes Ronnie, yesss…” Warm breath caressed her ear, both comforting and exciting her at the same time.


“Rose, I love you.”


“Yesss.” A deep pounding started deep within and gained momentum as it spread outward.


“My precious Rose…yes, you’re close, I can feel it.” The pressure and rhythm increased and the young woman’s body reacted, rocking back and forth faster while her fingers gripped Ronnie’s shoulders tighter.


“Yes…harder…ooh….” Her teeth tightly clenched, Rose teetered on the edge for an agonizing length of time. Then one long finger snaked under the soaked panties and slipped between her swollen folds. “Oh God!” Once, twice, three times across her clit and the world exploded for Rose. “Ronneeeee….ah.” She cried out as the orgasm pulsed through her, robbing the young woman of all reason and sense. A husky voice murmured words she did not understand into her ear and she was vaguely aware of being rocked gently but reality was a plane far far away from her at that moment. She felt her body go limp and trusted the strong arms around her to protect as she drifted off in the afterglow.


Long minutes later Rose found the strength to raise her head and look into loving eyes of blue. “I love you.”


“Mmm, I love you too,” Ronnie said, sealing her words with a kiss.


“Do you want me to move?”


“No, stay here, I want to hold you.”


“Sounds good,” Rose murmured, nuzzling deeper into her lover’s embrace. “I could just stay like this forever.”


“Sure. As long as you want.” Ronnie was deliriously happy and content to spend the rest of the evening cuddling despite not having found her own release yet. All that mattered to her was the gentle woman in her arms. Minutes ticked by before Rose’s head lifted again. “You okay?” she asked.


“Terrific,” the blonde woman replied, kissing the bare flesh near her lips. “You are wonderful.”


“I aim to please.”


“Mmm, good aim,” Rose quipped.


“Did I tell you that I love you?”


“Once or twice, tell me again.” She flashed a brilliant smile that Ronnie felt the need to reward with a series of kisses.


“I…love…you…with…all…my…heart.” Unable to resist, she deepened the kiss, rolling them over so Rose was on the bottom. But when she began to kiss a line down the smaller woman’s throat, Ronnie found herself stopped by insistent hands. She lifted up and the hands moved to claim her breasts. Understanding the unspoken request, Ronnie locked her elbows to hold herself above her lover’s body. She had forgotten how sensitive her nipples were until she felt Rose’s palms rub across them. She moaned and arched into the touch. “Oh yes…that’s nice.”


“You like this,” the young woman observed.


“Very…” The hands moved and Ronnie now found her nipples being brushed by inquisitive thumbs. “Very much.” She felt Rose’s forefingers join and begin squeezing in a pumping motion.

“Oh yes, that’s sooo nice…” She tried to watch but it felt too good and her eyes refused to stay open. “Yes Rose, that’s it…nice and gentle…mmm.”


“Ronnie…” The small hands left her breasts and wrapped around her back, gently urging her forward. Taking the hint when she saw the pink tongue dart out and wet lips in anticipation, she straddled Rose’s body and leaned forward until her breasts were swaying just above the waiting mouth. This time she forced herself to watch. Her eyes moved from golden hair and fair skin to russet eyebrows framing green eyes. The path continued, past the soft cheekbones and upturned nose to the lips and loving tongue providing relief to her aching nipple. As if what her eyes were showing her was not enough, Ronnie’s ears were treated to the pleasure of constant mmm’s from Rose and hands which had been casually touching her body now slipped under the waistband of her jeans.


“Let me…ooh…Rose…let me take them off. I need to take them off.” She regretted her request when she felt the warm mouth leave her sensitive flesh.


“Yes,” the young woman agreed, trying to push the black material down.


“I’ll get it.” Rolling off, Ronnie quickly shucked her jeans and panties. Before she could return to her previous position, she found herself pinned down by her small but insistent lover. Rose’s mouth reclaimed her breast while a khaki covered thigh slipped between her legs. The coarse material rubbed against an already swollen clit and Ronnie cried out at the contact.


“Did I hurt you?” Rose asked, her eyes fearful.


“No.” She reached out and stroked the soft cheek, gently urging her to resume her task. “No honey, you didn’t hurt me. Please…just keep doing…” Ronnie sighed as the warm tongue caressed her breast again. “…what you’re doing.” She felt something hard scratch her skin just above her calf and, remembering an incident earlier in the week, spread her legs to give plenty of room between her lover’s cast and her still-healing shin. The shift caused her thigh to press up between Rose’s legs. The mmm’s were interrupted by what Ronnie considered to be a very cute squeak and she repeated the motion, earning a deep groan and a return thrust from the blonde woman.What’s good for the goose…Her long fingers easily slid under the khakis and panties to grip soft round flesh.


“Oh, Ronnie…”


“Take these off, Rose.” Her fingers crept lower until they brushed over wet curls. “Let me touch you.” An emphatic nod was all she needed to roll them over. As she worked the material over the cast, a flicker of guilt tried to slip in but love quickly shut it out. Her eyes traveled upward, her pulse quickening at the wet spot visible in the crotch of Rose’s panties. Blonde curls peeked out, teasing with a hint of what was hidden. Wresting away from the temptation, Ronnie gazed upon the firm abdomen, the perfect breasts, the look of desire and passion on her beloved’s face. “You are so beautiful,” she whispered reverently. Hooking her fingers under the waistband, she removed the last barrier before gathering Rose up in her arms.


For long minutes they cuddled together, exchanging kisses and gentle touches while becoming used to both touching and being touched. It was Ronnie who took the first step, moving her hand down and running her fingers through the soft blonde tufts. “You like that?” she murmured, her lips a hairsbreadth away from Rose’s ear.


“Mmm, that’s nice.” She tried to do the same but sitting on her lover’s lap made that feat impossible. “I want to touch you too.”


“I’d like that,” Ronnie admitted, shifting them until they were lying side by side. She had to scoot up slightly to accommodate Rose’s shorter reach but soon fingers were playing in both light and dark curls. “You’re soft, like a kitten,” she remarked. Her middle finger moved lower, wetting itself on slick folds. Bringing it up to her mouth, Ronnie licked the sweet essence. “Mmm….oh!” She was taken by surprise when Rose’s finger not only touched her nether lips but dipped between them, brushing against her clitoris. Her hand shot down and gripped the small wrist.

“Please…” Taking two of Rose’s fingers, she used her longer ones to guide them against her center. “Ah…oh yes.” Ronnie raised her knee and opened herself up to her lover. “Rose, please…” She pressed the smaller fingers against her in a circular motion and sighed. She felt the slickness on her inner thighs and dimly noted that her own self-pleasuring never produced such a copious amount of fluid.


“I’ve got it,” Rose said as she took control, leaning over and gently nudging Ronnie back against the bed. “Do…do you want me to…go inside?” She spoke the last words haltingly but Ronnie’s answering groan and hip rise eased any fears that she had. Slowly, hesitantly, she pushed one finger in. She was amazed at the feeling of hot wet muscle surrounding her finger.OhRonnie…you’re so warm and soft.Ronnie’s reaction was immediate, crying out and pressing herself hard against Rose’s finger.


“Yes Sweetheart, more…please Rose…yessss.” She put in a second, then a third. The transformation was amazing. The head of a major corporation was incapable of forming a complete sentence. Her name became a mantra on Ronnie’s lips, combined with words such as harder, faster, deeper, and the occasional oh fuck just to round it out. Rose pressed in deeper, the webbing between her ring and pinky fingers burning as she tried to fulfill her lover’s request.OhGod, Ronnie…you feel so good.The dark-haired woman bucked beneath her but Rose refused to let go of her prize. The feel of inner muscles squeezing her fingers excited her and there was no doubt in her mind that Ronnie’s voice was a good two octaves higher than normal. The metal bed frame squeaked with each thrust and her lover’s cries became more urgent. “Rose.”


“I’m right here.” She turned her head and kissed the soft skin.


“I…Rose…” The tall woman’s thighs began trembling.


“I love you, Ronnie.” She felt the muscles surrounding her fingers tightening and began pumping as hard and fast as she could. Suddenly she was caught in a grip too powerful to break as her lover’s hips arched off the bed.


“I…” Dark bangs stuck to the sweat soaked forehead and every word was torn from gritted teeth.

“Love…you…oh Rose…Rose, I, I…ohhh.”


“Yes Honey…yes.” They rode it out together, Rose’s fingers buried deep inside. Only when the last spasm passed did she remove her fingers and snuggle up in Ronnie’s arms.


“That’s a pretty big smile you have your face,” Ronnie said when speech returned.


“I’m happy.”


“Mmm.” She kissed Rose’s forehead. “I’m glad to hear it.”


“Can I ask you something?”


“How many times do I have to answer that question?”


“Sorry.” She kissed Ronnie’s lips in apology…then again for the sheer pleasure of it. Cuddling up as close as she could, Rose rested her head on the broad shoulder. “Was it…what you expected?”Did I really please you?


“It was everything I wanted and more.” Rose felt fingers under her chin and she raised her head to look into gentle blue eyes. “How about you?” Ronnie asked. “This is your first time. How are you doing with this?”


Rose scooted up and brought their lips together. “I feel very…very loved.” She put her head back on Ronnie’s shoulder. “Mmm, nice.”


“Just nice?”


“More than nice.” She turned on her stomach and rested her head on Ronnie’s abdomen. “I think I’ll make this my new pillow.” With her lover’s warmth against her, Rose let her eyes close.

“Mmm, you can keep that up.”


“With pleasure.” Shifting her arm to a more comfortable position, Ronnie began running her hand up and down the length of Rose’s back. “Like this?”


“Mm hmm.”


Some moments in life are just simply perfect. For the new lovers, this was one of them. Relaxed…sated…simply enjoying the feel of each other’s bodies. Ronnie’s hand played over her lover’s back, alternating between lazy figure eights and long sweeping passes from shoulders to hips. Rose returned the loving touch with one of her own, letting her fingers glide over the supple thigh. The tender caresses were nice but arms could stay empty for only so long before the need grew too great. “Come here,” Ronnie whispered, holding her arms out. Soon they were cuddled together, sharing soft kisses and gentle words of love. Eventually the lamp was shut off and sleep never claimed two happier women.



* * *

Sleepy blue eyes opened to a curtain of gold. Ronnie smiled, enjoying the feel of Rose’s hair upon her face. She stretched in place, reveling in the feel of skin against skin. It was a wonderful feeling and one which she had no wish to end soon. She glanced at the clock and groaned. She was torn between studying the sleeping woman or waking her up before Maria arrived.I have therest of our lives to watch you sleep.“Rose…honey, time to wake up.” A gentle shoulder shake…nothing. “Rose…Rose…” The sleeping lump groaned and burrowed under the covers.

“No no no,” Ronnie chuckled. Hooking her fingers on the edge of the blanket, she pulled it away to expose their naked bodies to the cool morning air. Rose’s hand automatically reached out for the missing warmth only to be caught by Ronnie’s larger one. “Good morning.” She pulled the hand up to her lips and began kissing each knuckle. “I…love…you…Rose.”


“Mmm, love you too,” she replied, turning bleary green eyes up to look at her dark-haired lover.

“How about we sleep in today, hmm?”


“I’d love to but Maria is going to be here soon.” She ran her finger down the length of Rose’s cheek. “I didn’t wake up in time to call and tell her not to come,” she apologized.


“It’s okay. You didn’t know that we would…” She blushed. “You know…”


“Make love?” Ronnie offered, rolling them over until she was on top. Her hair hung down, bushing against Rose’s cheek. Unable to resist, she lowered her lips for a kiss. “I love you.” She reluctantly pulled back. “But right now I have to pee…bad.”


“Better make it quick ‘cause I’ll be right behind you,” the young woman said, reaching out for her crutches.


When Rose returned from the bathroom, she discovered Ronnie half dressed. Feeling a bit awkward with her own nakedness, she crossed over to her dresser and began pulling out clothes to wear. She sat down on the edge of the bed and reached for her panties. The next thing she knew, she was flat on her back with six feet of raw woman lying on top of her. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?” Ronnie breathed, blue eyes darkened with emotion. Lips lowered and were met halfway by an equally eager pair. Soft moans of pleasure filled the air as the kiss deepened and tongues danced together. Rose’s hands were happily playing across the broad expanse of back and had just slipped down to cup Ronnie’s ass through her clothes when they heard the sound of Maria’s car pull into the driveway. New lovers being what they were, the kiss did not end until they heard the sound of the car door shutting. “I suppose we have to stop.” The executive’s tone made it clear that stopping was not what she truly wished to do.


“If we must,” Rose replied, leaning up for one more quick kiss before her tall lover stood up.


“Unless you want to give Maria an eyeful.” Ronnie pulled a gray cotton T-shirt over her head and tucked it into the waistband of her sweats. “I’ll go keep her company while you get dressed.” Unable to resist, she stole one more sweet kiss before leaving the room.



* * *

“Good morning, Ronnie,” the housekeeper said as she stepped inside and closed the sliding glass door. “Oh, it’s cold out there this morning. I thought we’d seen the last of the snow this season.”


“Oh, there’ll probably be one more good storm to annoy us before spring arrives,” the executive said, taking the daily paper from Maria’s hands. At that moment Tabitha ambled into the kitchen, looking for her morning meal. “Mrrow? Mrrow?”


“And where do you think you’re going?” Ronnie asked as she scooped the feline up in her arms.

“Hmm? What’s that? You want sliced turkey for breakfast, did you say?” The answering purr and finger lick caused both women to laugh.


“That cat is so spoiled,” Maria said as she headed for the laundry room to hang her coat up. “I know both of you slip pieces of meat under the table for her when you’re eating. That’s why it’s so hard to keep her out of the kitchen.”


“Oh, and it has nothing to do with the scraps you ‘accidentally’ drop on the floor while you’re cooking, right?”


“Good morning,” Rose said as she entered the room. “Oh Maria, I hope you’re planning on making a hearty breakfast because I’m starving this morning. Morning, Tabitha.” Leaning her armpits against her crutches, she stood directly in front of Ronnie and began stroking her cat, although her eyes never left the smile on her lover’s face. “I hope you slept well,” she whispered.


“The best. How about you?” The executive’s voice carried the same soft tone that had soothed Rose after their lovemaking and the young woman reacted to it without thought, pressing her head against Ronnie’s chest and drawing a startled squawk from Tabitha.


“Wonderful.” She pulled back and petted the cat, turning the purr motor back on. “Wonderful and hungry.”


“I’ll have breakfast ready in about twenty minutes,” Maria said without looking up from the eggs she was whisking. When she turned her back to begin making coffee, Ronnie took advantage and leaned down to give Rose a gentle kiss. Tired of being squished between the lovers, Tabitha wormed her way free and padded out to the living room.


Maria turned to ask a question but found herself speechless at the sight before her. The two women were kissing deeply, Ronnie’s hands buried in Rose’s hair. Turning away quickly, the housekeeper refused to turn around again until she heard the sounds of chairs being pulled out and the newspaper being opened up. Pleased that the coffee maker had a pause option, she pulled the pot out and filled two mugs.


“Here you go, Rose,” she said sweetly as she set the steaming cup down in front of the young woman.


“Thank you.”


“Ronnie.” She set a yellow mug down and returned to the island to check on the eggs. A sable eyebrow raised at the unfamiliar cup and Ronnie exchanged a quizzical look with Rose before shrugging and returning to the stock market report.


A short while later Maria returned to the table with two plates. Ronnie’s plate contained a small cheese omelet and toast while Rose’s was laden down with a stuffed omelet, a slice of fresh melon, and toast with grape jelly.


“Thank you, Maria. You know exactly how I like it.” The young woman beamed, earning a smile from the housekeeper.


“Yes I do. Now if you ladies will excuse me I do have to get going on the laundry.” She took an empty basket from the laundry room and went to collect the dirty clothes. The lovers returned to their breakfast before a thought went through Rose’s mind. “Ronnie, she’s gonna see the clothes tossed all over the room.” Her face began to color with embarrassment.


“I hope she checks under the bed. I think that’s where your underwear ended up,” Ronnie replied, wiggling her eyebrows lecherously.


“Ronnie!” She swatted the muscled arm. “It’s not funny.”


“I know it’s not,” the executive apologized. “Come here.” She moved her chair slightly and pulled Rose against her. “Honey, she’s going to find out sooner or later.”


“Think she’ll be okay with it?”


“Of course. I’ve known Maria since I was a little kid. She knows how much you mean to me. I’m sure she’ll be happy,” Ronnie said confidently.


But the housekeeper was anything but happy. She returned with a basket full of dirty laundry just as the women were finishing their meal. “Veronica, I need to speak with you,” she said testily before going into the laundry room. The washer lid opened then closed with a bang. The dryer suffered the same abuse. “What’s going on?” Rose asked worriedly.


“I don’t know but I’ll go find out.” Ronnie threw her napkin down and entered the laundry room, shutting the door behind her.


“What’s going on, Maria?”


“You know it would be a lot easier for me if I didn’t have to look all over the place for your clothes.” She kept her back to her employer, seemingly matching up clean socks.


“You wanted to talk to me about leaving my clothes on the floor? I’ve left them lying around before and you never got this upset.” Ronnie stepped closer. “You were upset before breakfast. My mug isn’t dirty. You gave me that ugly yellow thing on purpose. Why?”


“I’m not a fool, Veronica. I have eyes.” Wrinkled hands held sweat socks in a death grip. “How could you do this?”


“I assume this has nothing to do with clothes and stop with the Veronica crap. You’re talking about Rose and me.” She waited for a response but her housekeeper continued to forcefully fold the socks. “What’s the problem, Maria? It’s okay to be a lesbian as long as I don’t act like one?”


Maria turned and leveled an angry glare. “I have always been supportive of you and your choices. How dare you think otherwise.”


“Then what is it?” Her jaw tensed in anger. “Rose has been living here for over three months. You had to know that we were sleeping together.”


“Sleeping, Ronnie, sleeping.” Maria jerked the sheets out of the basket and stuffed them into the washer. “You certainly weren’t ‘sleeping’ with Rose last night.” Detergent was haphazardly tossed in and the lid slammed shut. “It’s wrong, just plain wrong what you’re doing to her.”


“Why is it wrong to love her? Why is today any different than yesterday? Help me understand why you’re so upset because right now I don’t understand!” Ronnie slammed her hand on the dryer, the noise reverberating through the small room. “She isn’t like Christine, Maria. This is Rose we’re talking about.”


“I know she’s not like Christine. I never said she was. Rose is a sweet, kind, gentle woman who deserves all the best that life can give.” She huffed over to the counter and began sorting the clean clothes. “She’s been hurt enough.”


“What?” Ronnie shook her head. “What are you talking about?” She put her hands on the housekeeper’s shoulders and turned the older woman to face her. Maria’s eyes were shiny and Ronnie softened her tone. “I love Rose. I would never hurt her.”


“You don’t think keeping the truth from her is going to hurt her?”


“And just what truth am I keeping from her?” she asked hesitantly.


“I know about the accident…I saw the Porsche before Hans fixed it.”


The color drained from Ronnie’s face and she leaned against the dryer, hoping her legs would keep her upright. “Oh God,” she whispered. She looked at her lifelong friend and housekeeper with panicked blue eyes. “Maria, you can’t say anything. You can’t tell her.”


“Tell her?” The older woman ran her fingers through her short salt and pepper hair and shook her head. “No Ronnie, I won’t tell her. I know my position well.” She turned back to the pile of clothes. “Besides, it’s not my place to say anything, it’s yours.” She paused for a moment. “Or are you going to just let her continue thinking you’re her knight in shining armor?”


The words stung but Ronnie could not deny them. “I…I can’t tell her. I can’t lose her. I can’t.” Her voice hitched and she had to look away. “I would give up everything to be with her but I can’t do that.”


“Better she should go on believing some drunk hit her and you came to her rescue than to admit you were responsible.” Maria paused, debating whether she really wanted to ask the next question or not. “Were you drunk?” At the lack of response, she turned, reading her answer in the tall woman’s face. “Dear God…you were.”


Long dark hair formed a curtain as Ronnie lowered her head and nodded ashamedly. “It was snowing and I…I never saw her until it was too late.” She took several breaths before speaking again. “I would give anything to change what happened that night.” She looked up, blue eyes shining. “But I can’t. Please, you can’t say anything to her.”


Maria looked away and for a minute nothing was heard but the thumping of the dryer as both women wrestled with their thoughts. After what seemed an eternity to Ronnie, the housekeeper sighed and nodded.


“I’m not going to be the one to ruin that child’s happiness, even if it is a lie. She’s had too many ugly truths already.” She turned to face Ronnie. “I won’t be the one to tell her.”


Ronnie released a deep breath “I love her, Maria. I love her more than I have ever loved anyone in my life and I can’t lose her.” She stood next to the older woman and leaned her elbows on the pile of fresh linens. “If I can…” she stared at the wall, “…I’ll spend the rest of my life making her happy. Please give me that chance.”


“The longer you keep the truth from her the worse it will be when she does find out. You owe her the truth, Ronnie.”


“I know,” she acknowledged. “But I can’t. Not yet.”


“You go see to her. I have things here I need to do.” At Ronnie’s questioning look, she said “Go on, I’ll be fine once I’m done in here. I just need a few minutes.”



* * *

“What was that all about?” Rose asked when Ronnie returned.


“She’s just having a bad day, that’s all,” she lied. “I think Tommy’s death still has her upset.”


“Are you sure it’s nothing I’ve done?”


“I’m sure it’s nothing you’ve done, Hon.” She leaned over and gave Rose a quick kiss on the head. “Come on, I’m sure there’s a few Judge Judy tapes lying around that I haven’t seen yet.” She lowered her lips until they were level with a shapely ear. “I’d love to cuddle up on the couch with you.”


“I thought you didn’t want to give Maria a show?” Rose queried.




“What?” She put her hand to her chest as if to say ‘who me?’ “You don’t think I can keep my hands to myself?”


“No.” The blonde woman smiled and, balancing on one foot, set the crutches aside. She wrapped her arms around Ronnie’s waist and moved in close. “I’m not sure I can keepmyhands to myself.” She reached down and grabbed a handful of soft rear. “See what I mean?”


“Have I turned you into a sex addict overnight?”


“No, of course not.” Rose blushed and leaned her head against Ronnie’s chest. “I just enjoy touching you so much and I know you like it too.”


“Very much so,” the dark-haired woman murmured.


“You know…” Green eyes looked up and became helplessly lost in blue. “I don’t care what we watch as long as I can be in your arms.” Lips brushed together just as Maria came out of the laundry room. There was no mistaking the love passing between the two women. It mollified the housekeeper somewhat and she was able to put a smile on her face when Rose turned to look at her. “Maria, I’m sorry about the clothes, I’ll make sure to put them in the hamper from now on,” she said, thinking that the messy clothes were the reason the housekeeper was so upset.


“I’m sorry, Rose. I didn’t mean to snap like that. I don’t know what’s come over me. Why don’t you sit down and let me get you some more coffee?” She picked up the empty cups and bustled past them. “Ronnie, you shouldn’t let her stand like that for so long.” The executive immediately complied, helping Rose into her chair. “I think I just got yelled at,” she whispered into the young woman’s ear.


“I think you did too,” came the reply. “You’d better sit down.”


“Good idea.” A quick peck to the cheek and Ronnie took her seat. Maria returned with the coffees and smiled pleasantly at Rose, dispelling the young woman’s worries. “Here you go, dear.”


“Thank you.”


“Well, I think we’ll take these out to the living room and leave Maria alone,” Ronnie said as she rose to her feet. “Rose do you know which tape has those two roommates arguing over the two thousand dollar phone bill?”


“Yeah, I think I do. You didn’t see that one yet?”


“No.”


“Then you missed a good one, Ronnie,” the housekeeper chimed in. “Those two fools showed up dressed like they were going to one of those punk rock concerts with their bodies all pierced and green hair.”


“Oh yes, that was awful, wasn’t it?” Rose agreed. “And the blonde one with that thing on her tongue…ewww.” The young woman shuddered at the thought. “I can understand piercing ears but tongues and eyebrows?”


“And their mothers let them appear on national television like that,” Maria tsked as she followed them into the living room. “And I thought some of the outfits on Jerry Springer were bad.”


“You should have heard the way Judge Judy yelled at them,” Rose added. “I think it’s on the tape marked Tuesday.” She settled onto the couch while Maria pushed the recliner into a better position to view the television and settled into it. Ronnie put the tape in and turned to take her lover up on the offer of cuddling all day when she saw the housekeeper sitting there. Noting Rose’s position on one end of the couch, she did likewise, lowering the snack tray down between them to put the coffee cups on. The opening credits started and Ronnie tucked her feet up under herself, leaning her elbow against the arm of the couch. As the litigants each explained why they weren’t responsible for the bill, blue eyes looked over at Maria. The older woman was focused on the case and didn’t notice when one long leg straightened out until the toes pressed against Rose’s hip. The move earned her a quizzical look from the young woman but Ronnie merely wiggled one dark eyebrow and turned her head back toward the television. Trying hard not to smirk, Ronnie continued to run her toes over the side of Rose’s thigh and hip. Apparently she became too frisky because the young woman’s hand clamped down on the wandering foot and held it still. Ronnie almost pulled back but then felt the gentle touch of Rose’s thumb stroking back and forth against the ball of her foot. She made no move to protest when she felt her sock being pulled slowly off. As the best magistrate since Judge Wapner continued to berate the litigants, Ronnie found herself receiving one of the best foot massages Rose had ever given her.


The case ended and another one began. Curious, Ronnie pulled her right leg back and stretched out her left, pleased when she felt delicate hands remove that sock as well. She rolled onto her back, using the arm of the leather couch as a pillow. Soon that foot was receiving the same loving touch and Ronnie decided she could care less who won and lost on the television show. Closing her eyes, she focused on Rose’s fingers against her skin and the relaxed feeling they were creating. The minutes ticked by as that episode ended and another one began. Maria stood up and spoke, breaking Ronnie’s trance. “I have to get back to work here. Rose, you’re going to spoil her if you keep that up.”


“Hey, don’t give away all my secrets,” the executive lazily protested.


“That’s okay, Maria. I’ll just remind her of this the next time I want my feet rubbed.” She patted the feet resting on her lap. “But right now I need to visit the little girl’s room.”


“But I’m comfy,” Ronnie said, wiggling her toes.


“You won’t be comfy if there’s suddenly a large wet spot right here.”


“Fine, I need another cup of coffee anyway.” She sat up and handed Rose the crutches, taking a kiss as payment. “Mmm, when you come back we’ll put the snack tray up and cuddle, how’s that sound?” Ronnie decided to show off some of the benefits of being close by nibbling the soft skin of her lover’s neck. “Hmm? You, me, a soft leather couch.”


“Behave, Maria’s still here, you know.” She allowed one more kiss before moving away. “Can you get me some more too, please?”


“Sure, Hon.”


Ronnie was just returning to the living room when she heard Rose call out for her. Setting the cups down on the coffee table, she entered the room to see what her lover needed. “I’m right here, Rose. What do you need?”


“Could you bring me a pair of undies?” the clearly embarrassed voice on the other side of the bathroom door asked.


“Why? What’s…oh.”Damn.“Okay, wait right there. I’ll get it.” Ronnie tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice as she walked over to the dresser.Of all the times for her to gether period,she mused, pulling out a pair of sensible white cotton briefs from the drawer. She entered the bathroom to find a clearly embarrassed Rose sitting on the toilet, the soiled panties already rinsed out and waiting to go into the wash.


“Of all the times to be a woman,” Rose said as she took the clean pair. She did her best to smile.

“I guess the timing’s lousy, huh?”


“It happens,” Ronnie replied. “How’s the pants?”


“I don’t think I got them.” A quick check confirmed her statement. “I’ll be out in a few minutes.”


“Take your time.” Ronnie leaned down and kissed her lover’s forehead. “Don’t worry about it, Rose. It’s what…four, five days tops? We’ll survive.”


“Four or five days.” The young woman repeated the words as if they were a death sentence. Her eyes flickered at her lover and an idea formed in her mind. “You know, just because I have it doesn’t mean…”


“Yes it does. I want it to be mutual,” Ronnie said firmly, despite what her body was telling her.


“But…”


“No buts. We can wait until then.” Seeing the look on Rose’s face, she knelt down and hooked the small chin with her fingers. “Hey, look at me. I’ve waited years for you. A few more days isn’t going to kill me.” She let her finger travel down the delicate throat and to the vee formed by Rose’s shirt. “I love you.” She stood up and retrieved the soiled garment. “I’ll run this out to Maria so it can be washed right away while you finish up in here.”


part 12


When bedtime came, Rose dressed in her usual Dartmouth shirt while Ronnie donned her sweats and T-shirt. They slipped under the covers and snuggled up together for a moment before the young woman let out a soft chuckle. “What?” Ronnie asked.


“Sorry, it just seems strange to be dressed after last night,” she admitted, her fingers sliding up under the short sleeve and caressing the soft skin found there.


“There’s nothing that says we have to be dressed,” Ronnie pointed out. Without warning she sat up and peeled off her shirt, the light from the lamp revealing her ample breasts to Rose’s gaze.

“Why don’t you take yours off too?”


“Well…I suppose it won’t hurt anything.”


“Of course not.” Hungry eyes took in the mouth-watering sight of Rose’s nipples as the Dartmouth shirt was removed. “God, Rose…” Ronnie swallowed. “…you are so beautiful.” She covered the smaller body with her own and let their mouths find something better to do than talk. Rose’s lips parted willingly as the kiss deepened and her hands went around her lover’s back in an attempt to pull their bodies even closer. Passions flared and hips found themselves unable to remain still. “Rose…” Her lips moved to the delicate skin of the young woman’s neck and began to kiss their way down only to be stopped inches from the pink puckered skin of her goal.


“Ronnie…I have my period, remember?” She laughed at the dejected look on her lover’s face.

“It’s only for a few days.” Her fingers grazed the sides of Ronnie’s breasts. “Of course…” One thumb brushed over a darkened nipple. “…you don’t.” The other thumb duplicated the motion.

“Ronnie…let me make love to you.”


The dark-haired woman moved off Rose’s body and laid down next to her and away from the far too distracting digits. “I can’t.” She traced the outline of the younger woman’s lips with her finger. “I want to give you the same pleasure you give me.” She paused. “You know…there are some couples that have sex even with their periods.”


“I don’t know, Ronnie…that seems icky to me. I just can’t do it.” Rose rolled onto her side and propped her head up with her hand. “I love you but I can’t let you touch me there right now.” She reached out with her free hand only to have it stopped.


“No you don’t. No teasing me.” Ronnie reached over and shut the light off. “I love you, Rose. Go to sleep.”


“You’re sure I can’t do anything for you?” Her hand went wandering again, this time reaching its goal.


“Rose…” She reluctantly removed her lover’s hand from her breast. “Only if it’s mutual.” She leaned over and her lips found Rose’s. “Now go to sleep.”



* * *

The alarm went off, signaling the start of a new day. Ronnie woke and headed downstairs for her morning workout, figuring Rose would sleep until she returned. She was surprised, therefore, when she returned to find the young woman sitting at the table, completely dressed and drinking coffee. “I thought you’d still be sleeping.”


“Oh no. Did you forget what day this is?”


Ronnie poured coffee into her mug. “Hmm?”


“You said we could go to the office today. Laura’s leaving at the end of the week.”


“Was that today?” She tried to look serious but the tug at the corner of her mouth gave her away.

“I remember, Hon. I just figured you’d take your time getting up.” She took a sip of coffee. “You won’t have to do any work today anyway, just get used to the way the office operates and learn how to work the phone.”


“If there’s anything for me to do, I’ll do it, I don’t mind,” Rose said as she handed over the paper to Ronnie.


“How did I get so lucky?” She reached out and caressed the young woman’s cheek.


“I think the luck is on my side.”


“I believe my heart would argue with you on that one.” She leaned over for a kiss and was met halfway. “I love you, Rose.”


“Love you too.”


It was the most enjoyable ride to the office Ronnie ever had. It was almost a sightseeing tour as they traveled through the various streets of Albany. In an attempt to avoid going anywhere near Washington Park, the sight of the ill-fated accident, Ronnie took a long, roundabout route through the downtown area until she reached State Street and the Cartwright Building. She dropped Rose off in front of the mammoth building before continuing on to the parking garage. A few minutes later she returned and held the door so the young woman could enter.


Having never been inside the palatial structure, the young woman was quickly awestruck by the high arch ceilings and wide-open space of the lobby. A large brass plaque welcomed them to the Cartwright Building. “Our elevators are over here,” Ronnie said, smiling to herself at the look on Rose’s face. “I take it you like my building?”


“It’s beautiful. And so big.”


“A lot of people work here.”


“Do they all work for you?”


“No.” Ronnie pressed the up button, frowning when she looked up and saw how many floors away the elevator was. “Most of the lobby and first five floors are rented out to other companies and businesses. The rest of them work for me.”


“I know it’s a big company and all but just how many people work for Cartwright Corp?”


“Ask Susan, she knows. I think between all the different divisions there are somewhere close to ten thousand working for us across the region, but I’m not totally sure. Ah, here we go.” The elevator opened and several people exited. Rose noted the immediate change in her companion’s stance. Gone was the relaxed, comfortable Ronnie. The woman before her was now the powerful and awe-inspiring Veronica. They entered and the button was pressed before the doors could close. “You might as well lean back against the wall, Rose. It’s going to be a long ride to the top.”


Ronnie held the door open as Rose came through on her crutches. “Laura, I’d like you to meet Rose Grayson. Rose, this is Laura.” The women exchanged pleasantries while Ronnie flipped through her messages. “All set? Rose, Laura will show you around and get you situated. I’ll be in my office if you need anything.” She exchanged a wink with Rose before closing the door.


The executive’s desk was piled high with paperwork and lunch was the last thing on her mind when Rose knocked and poked her head around the door. “Hungry?”


“Is it that time already?” Ronnie looked at her watch and raised an eyebrow with surprise at the amount of time that had passed. “There’s a deli downstairs if you want to call and have them deliver something.” She looked up and found herself lost in jade eyes. She stood and nodded at the door. “Come inside and close it.” Rose did as she bade and sat down on the couch, letting her left leg rest on the cushions. Ronnie knelt down next to her, nuzzling soft lips against the shell of the young woman’s ear. “You know how much I love you?” she whispered.


“You know I could sue for sexual harassment,” Rose teased. “The big bad boss coming on to her innocent young secretary…ohh…” Her eyes fluttered shut when the exploring mouth moved down to nip her throat. “Mmm, lucky secretary.”


“Lucky boss,” Ronnie murmured in reply as her lips traveled along Rose’s neck. “Let’s forget about lunch.” Her long fingers reached to undo the rust colored top but found themselves stopped.


“Ronnie, we can’t do this. How are either of us supposed to get any work done if you keep me trapped on your couch?” She released the older woman’s fingers and put her hands on broad shoulders in an attempt to keep Ronnie’s mouth from traveling any lower. “What do you want for lunch?” She saw the wicked glint in blue eyes before she felt warm breath caressing her ear. Her eyes widened at the erotic words whispered in an incredibly sensual tone. “Um…oh God…you can’t talk to me like that.”


“You like it, do you?” Ronnie’s eyebrow quirked at the thought. “Hmm….” She brushed golden hair out of her way and lowered her lips to the young woman’s ear. “I have every intention of making love to you right here on this couch.” Her voice was pure seduction and her hands moved to deliver on her promise, cupping Rose’s breast.


“Ronnie, we can’t do this now.” She shifted away from the all too erotic touch. “I have my period, remember?”


“You know, a brave warrior would be willing to enter a bloody battlefield.”


“Veronica!” she squeaked as she playfully slapped the older woman’s shoulder. “I can’t believe you said that.” She gently pushed Ronnie away and sat up. “You need to get your mind out of the gutter and think about lunch.”


“I already told you I’m not hungry…for food.” Her mouth claimed Rose’s as she moved onto the couch, covering the smaller body with her own.


The door opened quickly. “Hey Ronnie, I thought maybe we could catch some lunch at…” Susan’s voice trailed off as she watched her sister bolt up off the couch and turn away. The redhead smirked as a rather embarrassed Rose sat up and hastily refastened the buttons that skillful fingers had undone. “Oh, I guess you already have plans for lunch. Hello, Rose.”


“Hi, Susan.” The young woman looked down guiltily.


Unable to resist, the younger Cartwright looked at her sister. “Hey Ronnie, you really need to remember to lock your door when you don’t want to be interrupted or do you still want to keep telling me that nothing’s going on?”


“Most people know better than to walk into my office unannounced,” the executive growled, clearly as embarrassed as Rose. “You said something about lunch?”


“Well, I don’t want to interrupt your plans.”


“We didn’t have plans yet,” Rose said, regaining most of her composure. “I had just come in to ask Ronnie what she wanted when…” The feeling of her lover’s hands on her body was still fresh, causing her to take a deep breath. “Um, what did you have in mind?” She forced herself not to look at Ronnie.


Susan smirked before continuing. “They just opened a new Chinese place on North Pearl Street. I heard their buffet is fabulous.”


“You know what Mother would say if she knew you ate from a buffet in public?” Ronnie teased.

“Sure, sounds good to me.” She saw Rose reach for her crutches. “Oh…there’s absolutely no parking near it.” She thought for a moment. “I know, I’ll meet you downstairs, drive you over, then bring the car back to the garage. It’s only a five minute walk from here.”


“You don’t have to do that,” the young woman replied. “That’s not far at all. I can make it.”


“I don’t know, Rose…crossing State Street with all that traffic at noontime.” Ronnie shook her head. “Susan, why don’t we just have them deliver something here?”


“That’s fine with me.”


“Are you sure?” Rose asked. “You seemed like you wanted to get out for a while.”


“No, just wanted something other than the soaps to keep me company for lunch today.” The redhead looked at her watch, the phone, and then her sister. “But I really am hungry.” Another thought occurred to her. “Where are we going to eat?”


“Why not the conference room?” Ronnie replied.


“Can’t. Brooker has a meeting in there.”


“Isn’t there a lunchroom?” Rose asked innocently. The sisters looked at each other and chuckled.


“There’s a deli in the lobby and a break room down the hall but not really any lunch room,” Susan said. “Most people go out for lunch or eat at their desks. Lunchrooms tend to make people take longer breaks and that reduces productivity.”


“Oh, don’t get her started on that again,” Ronnie warned. “First it’ll be the slackers, then the smokers, then the gossipers.” She walked over and put her hands on the younger sibling’s shoulders. “Before you know it she’ll issue all sorts of memos and I’ll have the Clerical Union screaming at me again.”


Lunch and the rest of the work day flew by. As Ronnie expected, everyone who met Rose liked her immediately and the young woman quickly settled into her new position. The executive quickly learned the fringe benefit of having her lover be her secretary. Ronnie couldn’t get enough of the blonde woman’s kisses and would call her into the office just to taste the sweetness of Rose’s mouth one more time. Fantasies played through the executive’s mind. Fantasies which included her, the overstuffed leather couch in her office, and Rose naked and waiting for her. Alas, she knew they would remain only that. As much as they loved each other, there was a time and place for everything and in her office during working hours was not it. Opening her datebook, blue eyes fell on the upcoming Saturday. She was certain Rose would be over her period by then. The marbled blue-green pen twiddled in her fingers before she absently drew a heart in the memo section of the page. Soon the heart found letters doodled within it.R. G. + V.C.Pitiful renditions of roses began filling the margins but when Rose spotted them later, they caused the young woman to burst into happy tears. While Ronnie was surprised by the reaction, she was more than willing to offer comfort, taking her lover into her arms and resting her chin on top of the golden hair. It was one of the times she enjoyed most, holding Rose in her arms. It was at those moments that Ronnie felt whole, complete. She knew that she could never live without the dancing green eyes and laughing smile of her precious Rose.



* * *

When that Saturday came, Ronnie was awake with the sun, visions of making love to Rose over and over dancing in her mind. It was a particularly lively image that she focused on as she slipped out of bed and sauntered off to the bathroom.


“Oh, Son of a bitch!” The shouted exclamation woke Rose from her sleep.


“What’s wrong?”


“Nothing.” Another muffled curse, then the sound of water running.


“Ronnie?” Rose picked up her crutches and made her way to the bathroom. “You okay?”


“Yeah,” Ronnie answered from the other side of the door. Her underwear ended up in the sink with water running over them. She cleaned herself up then opened the door. “Guess what I got?” she said as she walked past, treating Rose to the sight of firm cheeks wiggling below the gray Tshirt.


“You’re kidding.”


“Nope.” She jerked a clean pair of panties out of the drawer and pulled them on. “Talk about lousy timing.” She leaned over and gave Rose a quick kiss. “But you should be done,” she whispered in a husky voice, her hands slipping under the hem of the Dartmouth shirt in search of twin mounds. The young woman backed out of reach.


“Wait a minute there, Missy…I couldn’t touch you when I had mine.”


“B-but…” The executive pouted, realizing where the conversation was headed…and she wasn’t.

“Rose…you know that just because you can’t touch me that doesn’t mean…”


“Don’t even think about trying that. It didn’t work when I tried it, remember?” The young woman’s eyes took in the athletic body before her and sighed. “I was looking forward to it too, you know.”


“But…but…” Ronnie was silenced by Rose’s fingers against her lips.


“I hope you get over it quickly, darling,” the young woman cooed. “Maybe next month you’ll reconsider when I want to touch you.”



* * *

Rose wished Ronnie could be in the room with her when Doctor Barnes removed the cast but an important meeting forced the executive to stay at work while Maria drove the young woman to the appointment. The small reciprocating saw sliced through the plaster, ticking her in the process. “Just a little more,” the doctor said. The saw was set down and a pair of scissors cut through the cotton and released the cast’s hold on Rose’s leg. The first thing she saw when looking down at her leg were the long strands of blonde hair sticking out past dried, flaky skin. She wiggled her toes, frowning at the tinge of pain that went through her ankle. She had been doing it for several weeks and the response had always been the same yet Rose had somehow believed that when the cast came off the pain would go away. After all, it didn’t take that long for her right leg to heal up and take her weight. “When can I start walking on it?” She flexed her foot, hissing at the agony it caused.


“I’m afraid walking isn’t something that’s going to happen for a while yet, Miss Grayson.”


“But…” She looked at the physician fearfully. “You said no more casts.”


“That’s right, no more casts,” the physician reassured. “But your ankle suffered a great deal of trauma and it hasn’t healed as well as I had hoped. It can’t be left unsupported. You’ll need a brace.” She crossed the room and retrieved one from the drawer. Dark blue canvas covered flat metal rods and Velcro straps held everything together. Rose looked at the object with disdain. It represented the crushing of her hope and yet another reminder of the accident. She listened quietly as the doctor explained the need for physical therapy and stressed that the ankle was too weak to support any weight yet and a dozen other things that Rose did not want to hear. Her only consolation was that she could remove it to take baths. As much as the blonde woman had been looking forward to soaking in a hot tub of water, it seemed insignificant now.


Maria’s attempts to get her to talk on the way home were met with mumbled answers or silence. Once inside, Rose announced she was tired and retreated to her room. Hoping against hope that the doctor was wrong, she set her crutches against the wall and let her left foot rest against the ground. There was a twinge of pain but nothing she could not live with. She leaned forward, putting more weight on the tender ankle. Blinding pain shot through her and she collapsed onto the floor. The pain was the catalyst as the tear ducts opened and her breath came out in wracking sobs. Maria came in and helped her into the bed where Rose quickly cried herself to sleep.


Ronnie entered a short time later, having been called home by the worried housekeeper. It took only a brief explanation of what happened at the doctor’s office for the executive to realize why her lover was so upset. Rose had been excited at breakfast about the prospect of having the cast gone completely. Drawn into the young woman’s good mood, Ronnie never gave any thought to the possibility that they might replace the cast with a brace. In fact, she had been more focused on the knowledge that her period was finally over and after a week and a half she would finally be able to make love to Rose again. Now looking at puffy eyes and the telltale wet spot on the pillow, she felt a sliver of guilt. All amorous thoughts far from her mind, Ronnie kicked her shoes off and climbed into bed beside her lover.


Rose felt a gentle rubbing on her shoulders as consciousness returned. She inhaled the scent of Ronnie’s perfume and smiled, knowing her beloved was there with her. She rolled over and winced at the pain in her ankle. “Hi.”


“Hi yourself,” Ronnie replied. Her brow was furrowed with concern. “Did they give you anything for the pain?”


“More Percocet,” she shrugged, her tone low. “I can take a bath now but not much else.” She let herself be drawn against the taller woman and buried her face into the silk blouse. “I still have to use the damn crutches.” She snuggled closer, her fingertips tracing the outline of Ronnie’s bra. “I tried to put weight on it,” she admitted. “But it hurt too much.” Her legs shifted against each other. “And now it itches.” Ronnie nodded, remembering when Rose’s right cast was removed.

“Anyway,” Rose continued. “How was Laura’s final day?”


“Good. She loved her going away slash baby shower party.”


“Good, I’m glad she enjoyed it. Sorry I wasn’t up to coming.”


“Shh, she understood. She loved the baby outfits and blankets, by the way.” Ronnie’s knuckles brushed against the softness of Rose’s cheek. “But right now I don’t want to talk about her. You’ve had a pretty rough day of it. Look, your cast is off and she said you could take baths now, right?”


“Right…”


“So how about we let Maria go home early today and you and I take advantage of that obscenely large tub I have upstairs, hmm?” Sensing Rose’s hesitation, she added, “I have a full bottle of bubble bath just waiting for you. If you’re a good girl I might even be convinced to join you.”


“Are you done with…?” Ronnie’s eyes twinkled with mischief as she nodded. Rose gulped.

“Oh.” The finger that had been tracing the bra line now ran back and forth against the back catch.

“That means that I can touch you now,” the young woman murmured, her voice a sensual whisper. “I missed that, you know. Touching you.” She lifted her head, her lips finding Ronnie’s.

“Don’t punish me like that again.”


“I won’t,” the executive vowed, knowing full well what the younger woman was feeling. “How does your ankle feel right now? Think you’re up for that bath?”


“Are you going to join me?” Rose asked brazenly, the vision of a wet, naked Ronnie causing her heart to beat faster.


“I’d love to,” the dark-haired woman replied.



* * *

Ronnie turned the dimmer, causing the bright white to mellow to a soft yellow before her lover entered her bedroom. “Sit on the bed, I’ll help you undress,” she offered. Saving time, she began to strip, getting her skirt and blouse off before realizing Rose was standing there, watching her. She turned to face the younger woman, slowly removing the rest of her clothing. She stood there naked, her dark curls standing out in contrast to her skin. Rose swallowed several times as her eyes wandered up and down the statuesque body. “So beautiful,” the young woman whispered.


“My turn to see your beauty,” Ronnie countered, leading Rose to the edge of the bed. The crutches were placed out of the way and one by one buttons opened to reveal creamy white flesh. At last all the clothes were removed, leaving only the dark blue brace to mar the image. Careful not to jar the tender ankle, Ronnie opened the Velcro straps and removed the brace. “I think a shower first to scrub off all this dead skin would be a good idea.”


“You’re going to hold me up in a shower?”


“No, there’s a bench built in to the wall and the shower head is attached to a hose. It’s one of those massager kinda ones.”


“You really do have…”


“All the toys?” Ronnie interjected. “Yup.” She grinned broadly as her eyes landed on her nightstand drawer and her mind filled with images of what was hidden inside. “You know Rose…” her voice took on a sensuous quality. “I have some toys that you haven’t seen yet.”


“What kind of…oh.” Green eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with the thought of the possible uses. “Those kind of toys.”


“Mmm hmm.” As they kissed, Ronnie pressed her body against Rose’s, moaning when she felt the younger woman’s thigh press against her swollen center. She returned the favor, grinding her muscled thigh against Rose’s wet folds. “Keep this up and we’ll never get into that bath,” she said huskily. With great self-control she lifted herself off the smaller woman’s body and scooped her into her arms. She smiled when she felt Rose’s arms wrap around her neck. As a forethought she reached out with her fingers and hooked the edge of the blanket, tugging the corner down while still holding onto her lover.


“I like it when you hold me like this,” Rose said, planting gentle kisses all over Ronnie’s shoulder and collarbone. Far too soon they were in the bathroom and she had to release her embrace. Balancing on one foot and leaning against the wall for support, she waited while Ronnie quickly turned on the water and adjusted the temperature. Once it was ready, she let her tall lover help her into the shower. “If I’m too rough on you, let me know, okay?” Ronnie asked as she knelt down next to her.


But the executive was anything but rough. She wrapped the washcloth around her finger and gave it a generous lather before going anywhere near Rose’s skin. Bit by bit the dead skin sloughed off, leaving fresh pink behind. When that task was completed, she used her shaving gel to work up a good lather before her razor removed the itchy hair from Rose’s leg. Once finished, she walked over to the hot tub and added bubble bath before returning to the shower. “That’s a big tub. It’s going to take about ten to fifteen minutes to fill up. Do you want to wait or get in while it’s filling?”


“I think I’d rather wait and sink into it all at once. It’s been so long since I’ve had a bath.”


“Deal. Let’s get you dried off. Then you can sit on that padded bench over there until it’s ready.” She walked over to the linen closet to get more towels.


Rose leaned back and eyed the swaying hips and firm derriere appreciatively. The stack of towels blocked her view of Ronnie’s breasts when the woman returned but she knew she would see them up close and personal very soon. Her wish was granted a minute later, when strong arms picked her up and held her tight against the soft mounds. Rose took advantage of her position to nibble her lover’s neck while being carried to the tub. Not wanting Ronnie to accidentally slip, she stopped her teasing and looked down at the churning, bubble covered water. “Careful of your ankle,” the older woman reminded. “You don’t have anything protecting it in here.” Rose reached out for the sides of the tub as Ronnie knelt and lowered her in.


“Ohhhh….this is nice,” the young woman purred as the hot water swirled around her. A molded seat beckoned her to sit down and she did, surprised to find tiny jets massaging her back. She twisted to see that there were in fact several rows of tiny holes shooting out streams of water beneath the surface. “This is verrrrry nice.”


“So you like this, hmm?” Ronnie asked as she settled into the adjacent seat, the height difference causing her nipples to stand out above the water while Rose’s hid below the suds.


“I see definite benefits to this tub,” Rose said as she felt a gentle but determined hand moved underwater. She spread her legs, giving Ronnie the access she needed. “Some…definite benefits…uh huh.” She turned her head and found her lips claimed by her dark-haired lover. The kiss quickly turned heated and when Ronnie’s hand moved up to cup her breast, Rose was certain she was going to have an orgasm right then and there.


“It’s been a long eight days,” the executive rasped, her eyes teased mercilessly by the bubbles that refused to let her see the treasures hidden beneath. She pivoted and straddled Rose’s thighs, intending to kiss her lover senseless. But she forgot one important thing…the difference in their height. Before Ronnie could reposition herself, Rose’s mouth had accepted the apparent invitation and claimed her nipple. “Oh Rose…” Blue eyes closed as she let the young woman have her fill of first one, then the other breast. She finally pulled back to look down into beautiful green eyes. “You keep that up and we won’t be in here for long.” She sank back into her seat.


“I don’t know what got into me,” Rose said as a cute blush worked its way up her cheeks. “You moved and suddenly they were there.”

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