FF: CSI Miami, Calleigh/Natalia. Gravitational Flirting (Cities of Sin).
Upon looking through my journal entires, I was horrified to realize that I never posted this! The damn thing's been done for some time, but somehow never made it to my journal. *slaps forehead *
Yes, this is the third story of the 'Cities of Sin' saga, a sequel to the story of the same name at http://shatterpath.livejournal.com/64419.html . This is the companion piece to the Vegas follow up, http://shatterpath.livejournal.com/66473.html.
Keep your eyes peeled for the crossover that will end this tale.
Gravitational Flirting
++ Natalia ++
"So, did Detective Curtis get off okay?"
I'm going to hazard a guess that her puzzled, mildly taken aback expression is mirrored on my own. Boy did that sound suggestive…
"She got off just fine," Calleigh says in a slightly strained tone… and there's no mistaking the faint flush on her fair skin. Have I stuck my foot in it again? Dammit, I've spent months trying to get on this woman's good side… have I ruined that?
My internal nervous rambling is a symptom of the larger problem that I've been sorta-kinda effectively ignoring for some time. Calleigh Duquesne makes me feel like a nervous teenager.
Despite the palatable unease in the lab, neither of us moves. Green eyes flicker away and I clearly see the conflict on her face. An entire conversation dances across face and eyes, fascinating me.
The length of this awkward intermission is getting to me now, my ego losing the fight. Feeling more than a little bit like that last, lonely puppy at the pet store who gets passed over by a person she really wants to belong to, I mumble something awkward and start to retreat for the relative safety of the doorway.
I feel more like the stray dog someone kicked and sent running by the time I get halfway down the hallway. There is no way that smart and popular and good with people Calleigh could like a geek like me…
This is worse than high school.
"Talia! Wait!" The nickname startles me, but not nearly as much as Calleigh's voice, or even better, her hand on my arm, pulling me around. The startling green eyes are guileless and I'm shocked by the sheen of tears there. "I'm just nervous around you. Please don't leave."
Nervous? Around me?
Huh, imagine that.
++ Calleigh ++
Nearly sick with nerves, here I am, blurting out honesties that can get me in trouble. Or at least lose me a friend, one that might be a really good one given time.
Long, elegant fingers come to rest on my hand, still grasping her sleeve somewhat desperately. With one gentle stroke, my muscles relax and some of my choking nervousness dissipates.
"Tell you what," Natalia says quietly, still stroking my fingers. "You come over to my place tonight and I'll make you dinner. It will give us both a chance to decompress."
There's no deceit in her dark eyes and the gentle smile is authentic. As strong as the terror of the unknown is, there's nothing I'd like better than more time in her presence and I nod helplessly.
Another few long seconds tick by as we just watch each other closely. Then DC hollering for Eric snaps us out of it and I draw away with a shaky grin. "Tonight then."
There is no mistaking Natalia's pleased grin as I force myself to walk away.
Despite my brain's insistence on remaining distracted, my day keeps me occupied in the minutiae of my work. There are bullets to be compared, guns to address and a million other tasks that keeps the wheels of justice turning.
Rubbing at my exhausted eyes, I wish the bad guys would take a night off. Yeah, fat chance.
"Hey Calleigh," Valera suddenly calls out from the doorway. "Boa Vista left this for you." Some of my sudden conflict must show on my face, because she cocks her head and steps in closer. "Are you okay?"
"Just tired," I only half lie, my brain still processing that Natalia left.
"Yeah, I feel that. Here."
It's a note and I notice that my fingers faintly tremble as I accept it. Inside is the flowing hand I know from the brunette's work.
I'll see you as soon as you're done. Just bring yourself.
-Talia
++ Natalia ++
This is madness, but at least dear old mami would be thrilled to see that I'm using all the domestic skills that she pounded into me for so many years. Shaking off the negative memories that are never far away, I focus on the pots and pans that produce all the fine smells filling my lonely house.
Will she show?
Really, I shouldn't be so nervous; after all, this is just a couple friends getting together… isn't it?
But I certainly have some conflicted emotions at this point. I will be the first person to admit that I can be a bit of a flirt. Not just with men, though they are certainly the easiest and safest. Hell, I was practically batting my eyelashes like some movie vamp at Detective Curtis less than a week ago. It was that behavior that got me thinking in the first place.
It's a weird collection of foods I've put together, but there ought to be something here that Calleigh will light up over. Besides, I'll have leftovers for a week if nothing else.
Then I have no more time to deliberate 'what-ifs' as the doorbell chimes through the house. Here we go…
Yanking off the apron, chastising myself for worrying over what the hell I look like after cooking for an hour, I take a deep breath, check the peephole and open the door. "Hey," is the idiotic greeting that manages to escape the evil clutches of nervousness. Calleigh looks great, even a bit wilted from a long day and she manages a slightly forced smile.
"Hey. I, uh, brought these."
She's brought me flowers. A sweet, luscious bunch of yellow-pink roses and a pair of purple irises with the accompanying froth of baby-breath and greenery.
I am completely charmed.
++ Calleigh ++
What felt like a spectacular gamble in buying the flowers that caught my eye from the vendor at the side of the road, doesn't seem so chancy now. Natalia's beautiful face lights up like a kid on Christmas as I offer up the fragrant bundle of plants. Sniffing delicately at the bunch, dark eyes go mysterious and playful in accompaniment to the sweetly flirtatious smile amidst the blooms.
I am completely charmed.
There really is something here… I'll be damned. The revelation is cut short by the delicious scents wafting from the house and my mouth floods. That and my stomach growls loudly enough to make me blush and Natalia laughs sweetly.
"You came hungry," she teases and grabs my hand to pull me into the house. "Good. I can take care of that."
She has no idea…
"So, I have no idea what you like to eat," Natalia comments as she drags me to the kitchen and lets me go. My hand feels cooler without the delicious warmth of her flesh and I rub my tingling nerve endings distractedly. Once more that playful smile derails my brain. "Hopefully, there's something in this feast that appeals to you."
There's an image in my head now, mired there like solid concrete. I want to grab this playful minx, press her up against the counter, the fragrant steam of the meal wafting around us, her mouth hot and open on mine, her bared skin against my hands…
How am I supposed to survive this?
++ Natalia ++
Oh my… that hungry, feral look is like a caress over my skin. Right before my eyes I can watch the transformation as whatever runs through Calleigh's mind makes her face morph and her pale eyes grow dark.
Guess the flirting really does work, no matter the equipment.
This is the part where I must decide where I would like this to go. Stalled there, on the opposite side of my kitchen, Calleigh has let me know that the next move is mine to make. This is a delicate chess game, full of nerves and so much to lose. Yet, there is also so much to gain from the chance. It's obvious to anyone willing to put the pieces together that Calleigh and Detective Curtis did more than just coax all those nasty bruises and cuts through the first stage of healing. Now I really want her to take that same chance on me.
But I'm still nervous.
Cursing myself internally, I force a smile and turn away to attend to the flowers. "Red or white?"
The question catches the flustered Calleigh off guard. "Excuse me?"
"Wine. Red or white?"
Shaking off her distraction, Calleigh sniffs the air for a moment and contemplates. Once more, I am delighted with the facets she is allowing me to see. When she smiles contemplatively, I know that the tables are being turned.
"This all smells very savory. I think a red should go nicely. What do you have?"
Oh man, that smile gone playful is devastating and I gesture vaguely at the small wine refrigerator, unable to speak for a moment. While I force myself to return to dinner, I hear Calleigh murmuring to herself over the half dozen odd bottles I keep around for entertaining.
++ Calleigh ++
At least something to do will allow me a minute or two to get a grip on myself. There are several ordinary vintages here that I pass over and examine the better selections. Luckily there is a cabernet that catches my eye and I happily confiscate it. As I expected from Natalia, the foil cutter and cork puller are in a drawer just below the fridge to be easily found.
"Glasses?" I query rather than pulling open cabinets in search of the goblets. Without looking away from whatever is boiling in that massive pot, Talia points a wooden spoon in the general direction where I begin my hunt. Once there a two glasses of the lovely scented cabernet breathing on the counter, I sidle over to the stove to be nosy. "What are you making?"
"Collard greens," Talia smiles, never taking her eyes of the swirling mass in the pot. "I've wanted to try this for a long time." Finally, she flashes me a mischievous grin. "Your accent gave me some inspiration."
Poking her in the ribs to make her jump a bit, I sass, "cheeky."
Somehow our mutual nervousness vanishes in the face of mundane food preparation and we dance about the kitchen like old pros. Soon, there is an intimidating array of yummy things prepped all over the counters and Natalia hands me a plate. "Dig in," she invites cheerfully.
"Dear lord, woman, it's only us you're feeding. You've cooked like you expect the Miami Dolphins to stop by."
Laughing cheerfully, Natalia digs into a bowl of pasta and veggies. "No football players for me, thanks. Besides, whatever we don't eat tonight is leftovers. I like to cook and you were a wonderful excuse."
"Good enough for me," I shrug and go for the collard greens, curious as to what she will make them taste like.
There is a little bit of many tastes in this meal, like a gourmet potluck. Seafood and beef, pasta and vegetables all soothe my tastebuds and stomach. When I quiz her over the coveted collard greens, she makes me guess until I have a 'duh' moment and realize that the citrus bite is fresh key lime.
This is more fun that I've had in years.
++ Natalia ++
Calleigh is a pleasure to watch enjoy this meal I've worked so hard over. Throwing together this much food in less than an hour in a half is no easy feat. Luckily, I have had some practice over my years and the result has been well worth it. Besides, I wasn’t lying about the leftovers.
Eventually, Calleigh runs out of space and leans back in her chair with a groan. "I'm stuffed," she announces unnecessarily and I chuckle.
"Well move your butt to the sofa and we can hang out more comfortably. I'll be out in a minute."
While Calleigh groans her way through that ordeal, I throw the leftovers into plastic containers, load the dishwasher and pile everything else in the sink. The mindless tasks both keep me occupied and let my mind wander back to our most recent interactions.
Regardless of the morass of conflicting emotions, Calleigh is in my living room and there is no avoiding that. So I grab my wineglass, take a deep breath and prepare to go spend more time with this extraordinary woman.
To my surprise and quiet delight, Calleigh has found my favorite spot in the house. It's a corner where I managed to wedge in an overstuffed love seat, much to that interior decorator's annoyance. There is a bank of oversized windows looking over the backyard and the palm trees that fill the neighborhood.
"The light here is magical," Calleigh murmurs very softly and there's something big in my heart as I watch her smiling serenely in the diffused light of nighttime Miami.
"You should see it in daylight," says my own voice just as softly.
Rolling her head back to the headrest of the couch, Calleigh smiles, a relaxed and impossibly loving expression that makes my knees weak. "I'd like that. Come sit with me."
Anything she asks…
++ Calleigh ++
This is not a weak woman. Despite all the horrible things that she has been through, Natalia has remained strong. Oh sure, she's made stupid mistakes and bad things have happened to her, but the same is true for me. Because of that, I am humbled by her trust, and my attraction to her is enhanced.
Sinuous and feline, Natalia comes around the sofa's edge and looks at it oddly. Giggling somewhat breathlessly, I realize that I'm in her usual spot. Her eyes tell me to stay put and she settles to the cushions beside me. Against my toes, her thigh is very warm and firm. Obviously, I'm having flashbacks of my recent sexcapades with my Vegas lover. Dammit… what the hell do I do now?
I want this woman! I really do! But this isn't like picking up a guy in a bar, where all parties know at least the basic rules. Not only are there the potentials of plain ole' rejection, but I could lose a friend, we're coworkers, I'm technically her supervisor… blah, blah, blah.
Aggravated, I grind my free hand into my left eye, trying to stave off the headache there. Soft music fills the room, the sweet sound of Sarah McLachlan's voice, crooning gently.
"You look wiped out," Talia offers softly. "Come here."
Before my rational brain can talk me out of it, I accept the offer of her open arms, plopping my wine glass on the heavy table and squirming around. There is a visceral respite in the haven of another's embrace, the flesh and bone of another body anchoring and stabilizing. Despite Natalia's slenderness, she is solid and grounding. She is also soft in ways I don't know so well, her curves very forgiving to my own. She is not content to merely tuck me under an arm, but has turned me so that my entire upper body is cuddled to her front, both of her thighs cradling my back, my head on her shoulder.
Then, this unexpected friend, and if I'm damn, damn lucky, a lover, does something extraordinary.
She simply strokes my hair, smoothing away the stress in my skull, and begins to hum quietly under her breath. No words, no pressure, no demands.
In this soft space, two tears escape my suddenly heavy eyes… and I cannot fight sleep.
Nor do I try.
++ Natalia ++
When I wake to the sweet strains of Path of Thorns, I realize that my multi-disk CD player has gone through at least two full albums. The soreness in my feet, still braced on the edge of the table, and my lower back concurs with my bleary brain. Yep, I'm still on the couch, twisted into an uncomfortable position, with a very asleep Calleigh draped across me.
Yawning, I fight the urge to stretch out some of the kinks and think longingly of my bed, just a room away. Unfortunately, I've obviously squirmed enough, because Calleigh makes a sleepy sound that makes me shudder with the sensuality in the small noise.
There is a mumble, the accent thick enough to render her incomprehensible, and the arm thrown haphazardly around my neck coils lazily, her nose snuffling into my throat.
Whoo boy…
I've wanted this for what I suspect is longer than I've realized. This treasured woman in my arms, her body heavy and warm against me. But we can't stay here; my back and legs can't handle it. "Calleigh," I murmur softly, nuzzling the gold hair. "Calleigh, baby, you have to wake up for a minute."
It takes a moment and a bit of childlike whining, but at last she raises her head to blink woozily at me.
"Hey there," I soothe her, once more enraptured by her warm, full smile.
"I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."
"I'm not complaining. However, this slumber party needs to be relocated. I'm sure that I have something that you can sleep in."
Nodding, Calleigh unwinds and staggers to her feet, hissing and limping on what I bet are very tingly legs. Still more asleep than awake, we both use the restroom, change clothes and suddenly we are faced with the single bed.
"I can use the couch," Calleigh ventures sheepishly and misses my sharp look. "I'd head home, but…"
++ Calleigh ++
Oh, this a dream and nightmare all wrapped up in one big bed. The sheets are a cool blue, the heavier bedding striped and classy. But it feels like too much, the presence of Natalia and her bed overwhelming.
"Don't be silly," Natalia dismisses my misgivings. "You've been sprawled on me half the night. If it had been in our cards to try something, we'd have done it already."
Strangely, the matter-of-fact tone reassures me, and a wave of wild recklessness consumes my tired mind. Feeling loose and flirty, I turn to my companion and bat my eyelashes at her. The hug I catch her up in is accepted, her longer arms wrapping around me blissfully. "Thank you." Leaning my head back, I catch the night-dark eyes, so very, very close to mine and there will be no better time to plunge into the unknown.
Pushing up a bit onto my toes, I press my lips to Natalia's. I'm terrified right down to my bones, not because of this kiss, but because of whatever repercussions might be in store. My experimenting with Sofia was different, because neither of us really had anything to lose. But now…
My nervous internal dialogue begins to quiet.
Natalia is not pulling away.
In fact, she has pressed with her mouth to mine so that my heels are settled to the floor once more and tilted her head invitingly. After only a brief moment of thrilled shock, I wrap my hands into her lovely hair and begin to kiss her for real.
This is everything I wanted; the sensual feminine charms I was able to experiment with Sofia, but with the added depth of what I feel for Natalia.
In moments, the kiss has gone deep, curious, ravenous.
++ Natalia ++
Oh yes, this is what I've wanted. The press of Calleigh's soft mouth to mine is nice, but this deeper kiss, her tongue and teeth and taste, is so much more than I expected. There is a tiger living in my soul, so often forced to be a pussy cat by my checkered past. Calleigh makes no judgments on me, but manages to encourage me on all levels.
The urge to ravish her is very strong, a rare sensation, and one that I don't remember ever being so welcome before.
However, this really isn't the time. Pulling my head back, I stare into her hooded eyes, black in the dim light of the bedside lamp. Now that I know that I am welcome, I can find my way back here to her. A warm, sexy grin changes the muscles in my face and Calleigh echoes the expression.
"We," my voice, gone deep with reaction, cracks alarmingly and she smiles wider. "We need to finish that conversation, and soon, but right now we're both ready to drop with exhaustion."
"Okay," Calleigh agrees simply and amuses me by yawning in my face. Chuckling, I turn her around and give her a push at the bed. "I can behave myself for the night I suppose." The pouting tone thrills me as much as the words, but I'm right about our being exhausted. Not to mention sore from the couch as my muscles relax into the softness of the mattress.
"Much better," I murmur and smile when Calleigh scootches across the bed to curl against my side, her arm draping heavily over my waist.
"Agreed," she mumbles and sighs heavily into loose sleepiness. Her breath is warm on my neck and I am humbled by how good she feels against me.
For now, the world is still and our hormones quiet like a banked fire. Tomorrow, the sun will shine and we will figure out where all this is going. For now, we are here.
And that is enough.
Yes, this is the third story of the 'Cities of Sin' saga, a sequel to the story of the same name at http://shatterpath.livejournal.com/64419.html . This is the companion piece to the Vegas follow up, http://shatterpath.livejournal.com/66473.html.
Keep your eyes peeled for the crossover that will end this tale.
Gravitational Flirting
++ Natalia ++
"So, did Detective Curtis get off okay?"
I'm going to hazard a guess that her puzzled, mildly taken aback expression is mirrored on my own. Boy did that sound suggestive…
"She got off just fine," Calleigh says in a slightly strained tone… and there's no mistaking the faint flush on her fair skin. Have I stuck my foot in it again? Dammit, I've spent months trying to get on this woman's good side… have I ruined that?
My internal nervous rambling is a symptom of the larger problem that I've been sorta-kinda effectively ignoring for some time. Calleigh Duquesne makes me feel like a nervous teenager.
Despite the palatable unease in the lab, neither of us moves. Green eyes flicker away and I clearly see the conflict on her face. An entire conversation dances across face and eyes, fascinating me.
The length of this awkward intermission is getting to me now, my ego losing the fight. Feeling more than a little bit like that last, lonely puppy at the pet store who gets passed over by a person she really wants to belong to, I mumble something awkward and start to retreat for the relative safety of the doorway.
I feel more like the stray dog someone kicked and sent running by the time I get halfway down the hallway. There is no way that smart and popular and good with people Calleigh could like a geek like me…
This is worse than high school.
"Talia! Wait!" The nickname startles me, but not nearly as much as Calleigh's voice, or even better, her hand on my arm, pulling me around. The startling green eyes are guileless and I'm shocked by the sheen of tears there. "I'm just nervous around you. Please don't leave."
Nervous? Around me?
Huh, imagine that.
++ Calleigh ++
Nearly sick with nerves, here I am, blurting out honesties that can get me in trouble. Or at least lose me a friend, one that might be a really good one given time.
Long, elegant fingers come to rest on my hand, still grasping her sleeve somewhat desperately. With one gentle stroke, my muscles relax and some of my choking nervousness dissipates.
"Tell you what," Natalia says quietly, still stroking my fingers. "You come over to my place tonight and I'll make you dinner. It will give us both a chance to decompress."
There's no deceit in her dark eyes and the gentle smile is authentic. As strong as the terror of the unknown is, there's nothing I'd like better than more time in her presence and I nod helplessly.
Another few long seconds tick by as we just watch each other closely. Then DC hollering for Eric snaps us out of it and I draw away with a shaky grin. "Tonight then."
There is no mistaking Natalia's pleased grin as I force myself to walk away.
Despite my brain's insistence on remaining distracted, my day keeps me occupied in the minutiae of my work. There are bullets to be compared, guns to address and a million other tasks that keeps the wheels of justice turning.
Rubbing at my exhausted eyes, I wish the bad guys would take a night off. Yeah, fat chance.
"Hey Calleigh," Valera suddenly calls out from the doorway. "Boa Vista left this for you." Some of my sudden conflict must show on my face, because she cocks her head and steps in closer. "Are you okay?"
"Just tired," I only half lie, my brain still processing that Natalia left.
"Yeah, I feel that. Here."
It's a note and I notice that my fingers faintly tremble as I accept it. Inside is the flowing hand I know from the brunette's work.
I'll see you as soon as you're done. Just bring yourself.
-Talia
++ Natalia ++
This is madness, but at least dear old mami would be thrilled to see that I'm using all the domestic skills that she pounded into me for so many years. Shaking off the negative memories that are never far away, I focus on the pots and pans that produce all the fine smells filling my lonely house.
Will she show?
Really, I shouldn't be so nervous; after all, this is just a couple friends getting together… isn't it?
But I certainly have some conflicted emotions at this point. I will be the first person to admit that I can be a bit of a flirt. Not just with men, though they are certainly the easiest and safest. Hell, I was practically batting my eyelashes like some movie vamp at Detective Curtis less than a week ago. It was that behavior that got me thinking in the first place.
It's a weird collection of foods I've put together, but there ought to be something here that Calleigh will light up over. Besides, I'll have leftovers for a week if nothing else.
Then I have no more time to deliberate 'what-ifs' as the doorbell chimes through the house. Here we go…
Yanking off the apron, chastising myself for worrying over what the hell I look like after cooking for an hour, I take a deep breath, check the peephole and open the door. "Hey," is the idiotic greeting that manages to escape the evil clutches of nervousness. Calleigh looks great, even a bit wilted from a long day and she manages a slightly forced smile.
"Hey. I, uh, brought these."
She's brought me flowers. A sweet, luscious bunch of yellow-pink roses and a pair of purple irises with the accompanying froth of baby-breath and greenery.
I am completely charmed.
++ Calleigh ++
What felt like a spectacular gamble in buying the flowers that caught my eye from the vendor at the side of the road, doesn't seem so chancy now. Natalia's beautiful face lights up like a kid on Christmas as I offer up the fragrant bundle of plants. Sniffing delicately at the bunch, dark eyes go mysterious and playful in accompaniment to the sweetly flirtatious smile amidst the blooms.
I am completely charmed.
There really is something here… I'll be damned. The revelation is cut short by the delicious scents wafting from the house and my mouth floods. That and my stomach growls loudly enough to make me blush and Natalia laughs sweetly.
"You came hungry," she teases and grabs my hand to pull me into the house. "Good. I can take care of that."
She has no idea…
"So, I have no idea what you like to eat," Natalia comments as she drags me to the kitchen and lets me go. My hand feels cooler without the delicious warmth of her flesh and I rub my tingling nerve endings distractedly. Once more that playful smile derails my brain. "Hopefully, there's something in this feast that appeals to you."
There's an image in my head now, mired there like solid concrete. I want to grab this playful minx, press her up against the counter, the fragrant steam of the meal wafting around us, her mouth hot and open on mine, her bared skin against my hands…
How am I supposed to survive this?
++ Natalia ++
Oh my… that hungry, feral look is like a caress over my skin. Right before my eyes I can watch the transformation as whatever runs through Calleigh's mind makes her face morph and her pale eyes grow dark.
Guess the flirting really does work, no matter the equipment.
This is the part where I must decide where I would like this to go. Stalled there, on the opposite side of my kitchen, Calleigh has let me know that the next move is mine to make. This is a delicate chess game, full of nerves and so much to lose. Yet, there is also so much to gain from the chance. It's obvious to anyone willing to put the pieces together that Calleigh and Detective Curtis did more than just coax all those nasty bruises and cuts through the first stage of healing. Now I really want her to take that same chance on me.
But I'm still nervous.
Cursing myself internally, I force a smile and turn away to attend to the flowers. "Red or white?"
The question catches the flustered Calleigh off guard. "Excuse me?"
"Wine. Red or white?"
Shaking off her distraction, Calleigh sniffs the air for a moment and contemplates. Once more, I am delighted with the facets she is allowing me to see. When she smiles contemplatively, I know that the tables are being turned.
"This all smells very savory. I think a red should go nicely. What do you have?"
Oh man, that smile gone playful is devastating and I gesture vaguely at the small wine refrigerator, unable to speak for a moment. While I force myself to return to dinner, I hear Calleigh murmuring to herself over the half dozen odd bottles I keep around for entertaining.
++ Calleigh ++
At least something to do will allow me a minute or two to get a grip on myself. There are several ordinary vintages here that I pass over and examine the better selections. Luckily there is a cabernet that catches my eye and I happily confiscate it. As I expected from Natalia, the foil cutter and cork puller are in a drawer just below the fridge to be easily found.
"Glasses?" I query rather than pulling open cabinets in search of the goblets. Without looking away from whatever is boiling in that massive pot, Talia points a wooden spoon in the general direction where I begin my hunt. Once there a two glasses of the lovely scented cabernet breathing on the counter, I sidle over to the stove to be nosy. "What are you making?"
"Collard greens," Talia smiles, never taking her eyes of the swirling mass in the pot. "I've wanted to try this for a long time." Finally, she flashes me a mischievous grin. "Your accent gave me some inspiration."
Poking her in the ribs to make her jump a bit, I sass, "cheeky."
Somehow our mutual nervousness vanishes in the face of mundane food preparation and we dance about the kitchen like old pros. Soon, there is an intimidating array of yummy things prepped all over the counters and Natalia hands me a plate. "Dig in," she invites cheerfully.
"Dear lord, woman, it's only us you're feeding. You've cooked like you expect the Miami Dolphins to stop by."
Laughing cheerfully, Natalia digs into a bowl of pasta and veggies. "No football players for me, thanks. Besides, whatever we don't eat tonight is leftovers. I like to cook and you were a wonderful excuse."
"Good enough for me," I shrug and go for the collard greens, curious as to what she will make them taste like.
There is a little bit of many tastes in this meal, like a gourmet potluck. Seafood and beef, pasta and vegetables all soothe my tastebuds and stomach. When I quiz her over the coveted collard greens, she makes me guess until I have a 'duh' moment and realize that the citrus bite is fresh key lime.
This is more fun that I've had in years.
++ Natalia ++
Calleigh is a pleasure to watch enjoy this meal I've worked so hard over. Throwing together this much food in less than an hour in a half is no easy feat. Luckily, I have had some practice over my years and the result has been well worth it. Besides, I wasn’t lying about the leftovers.
Eventually, Calleigh runs out of space and leans back in her chair with a groan. "I'm stuffed," she announces unnecessarily and I chuckle.
"Well move your butt to the sofa and we can hang out more comfortably. I'll be out in a minute."
While Calleigh groans her way through that ordeal, I throw the leftovers into plastic containers, load the dishwasher and pile everything else in the sink. The mindless tasks both keep me occupied and let my mind wander back to our most recent interactions.
Regardless of the morass of conflicting emotions, Calleigh is in my living room and there is no avoiding that. So I grab my wineglass, take a deep breath and prepare to go spend more time with this extraordinary woman.
To my surprise and quiet delight, Calleigh has found my favorite spot in the house. It's a corner where I managed to wedge in an overstuffed love seat, much to that interior decorator's annoyance. There is a bank of oversized windows looking over the backyard and the palm trees that fill the neighborhood.
"The light here is magical," Calleigh murmurs very softly and there's something big in my heart as I watch her smiling serenely in the diffused light of nighttime Miami.
"You should see it in daylight," says my own voice just as softly.
Rolling her head back to the headrest of the couch, Calleigh smiles, a relaxed and impossibly loving expression that makes my knees weak. "I'd like that. Come sit with me."
Anything she asks…
++ Calleigh ++
This is not a weak woman. Despite all the horrible things that she has been through, Natalia has remained strong. Oh sure, she's made stupid mistakes and bad things have happened to her, but the same is true for me. Because of that, I am humbled by her trust, and my attraction to her is enhanced.
Sinuous and feline, Natalia comes around the sofa's edge and looks at it oddly. Giggling somewhat breathlessly, I realize that I'm in her usual spot. Her eyes tell me to stay put and she settles to the cushions beside me. Against my toes, her thigh is very warm and firm. Obviously, I'm having flashbacks of my recent sexcapades with my Vegas lover. Dammit… what the hell do I do now?
I want this woman! I really do! But this isn't like picking up a guy in a bar, where all parties know at least the basic rules. Not only are there the potentials of plain ole' rejection, but I could lose a friend, we're coworkers, I'm technically her supervisor… blah, blah, blah.
Aggravated, I grind my free hand into my left eye, trying to stave off the headache there. Soft music fills the room, the sweet sound of Sarah McLachlan's voice, crooning gently.
"You look wiped out," Talia offers softly. "Come here."
Before my rational brain can talk me out of it, I accept the offer of her open arms, plopping my wine glass on the heavy table and squirming around. There is a visceral respite in the haven of another's embrace, the flesh and bone of another body anchoring and stabilizing. Despite Natalia's slenderness, she is solid and grounding. She is also soft in ways I don't know so well, her curves very forgiving to my own. She is not content to merely tuck me under an arm, but has turned me so that my entire upper body is cuddled to her front, both of her thighs cradling my back, my head on her shoulder.
Then, this unexpected friend, and if I'm damn, damn lucky, a lover, does something extraordinary.
She simply strokes my hair, smoothing away the stress in my skull, and begins to hum quietly under her breath. No words, no pressure, no demands.
In this soft space, two tears escape my suddenly heavy eyes… and I cannot fight sleep.
Nor do I try.
++ Natalia ++
When I wake to the sweet strains of Path of Thorns, I realize that my multi-disk CD player has gone through at least two full albums. The soreness in my feet, still braced on the edge of the table, and my lower back concurs with my bleary brain. Yep, I'm still on the couch, twisted into an uncomfortable position, with a very asleep Calleigh draped across me.
Yawning, I fight the urge to stretch out some of the kinks and think longingly of my bed, just a room away. Unfortunately, I've obviously squirmed enough, because Calleigh makes a sleepy sound that makes me shudder with the sensuality in the small noise.
There is a mumble, the accent thick enough to render her incomprehensible, and the arm thrown haphazardly around my neck coils lazily, her nose snuffling into my throat.
Whoo boy…
I've wanted this for what I suspect is longer than I've realized. This treasured woman in my arms, her body heavy and warm against me. But we can't stay here; my back and legs can't handle it. "Calleigh," I murmur softly, nuzzling the gold hair. "Calleigh, baby, you have to wake up for a minute."
It takes a moment and a bit of childlike whining, but at last she raises her head to blink woozily at me.
"Hey there," I soothe her, once more enraptured by her warm, full smile.
"I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."
"I'm not complaining. However, this slumber party needs to be relocated. I'm sure that I have something that you can sleep in."
Nodding, Calleigh unwinds and staggers to her feet, hissing and limping on what I bet are very tingly legs. Still more asleep than awake, we both use the restroom, change clothes and suddenly we are faced with the single bed.
"I can use the couch," Calleigh ventures sheepishly and misses my sharp look. "I'd head home, but…"
++ Calleigh ++
Oh, this a dream and nightmare all wrapped up in one big bed. The sheets are a cool blue, the heavier bedding striped and classy. But it feels like too much, the presence of Natalia and her bed overwhelming.
"Don't be silly," Natalia dismisses my misgivings. "You've been sprawled on me half the night. If it had been in our cards to try something, we'd have done it already."
Strangely, the matter-of-fact tone reassures me, and a wave of wild recklessness consumes my tired mind. Feeling loose and flirty, I turn to my companion and bat my eyelashes at her. The hug I catch her up in is accepted, her longer arms wrapping around me blissfully. "Thank you." Leaning my head back, I catch the night-dark eyes, so very, very close to mine and there will be no better time to plunge into the unknown.
Pushing up a bit onto my toes, I press my lips to Natalia's. I'm terrified right down to my bones, not because of this kiss, but because of whatever repercussions might be in store. My experimenting with Sofia was different, because neither of us really had anything to lose. But now…
My nervous internal dialogue begins to quiet.
Natalia is not pulling away.
In fact, she has pressed with her mouth to mine so that my heels are settled to the floor once more and tilted her head invitingly. After only a brief moment of thrilled shock, I wrap my hands into her lovely hair and begin to kiss her for real.
This is everything I wanted; the sensual feminine charms I was able to experiment with Sofia, but with the added depth of what I feel for Natalia.
In moments, the kiss has gone deep, curious, ravenous.
++ Natalia ++
Oh yes, this is what I've wanted. The press of Calleigh's soft mouth to mine is nice, but this deeper kiss, her tongue and teeth and taste, is so much more than I expected. There is a tiger living in my soul, so often forced to be a pussy cat by my checkered past. Calleigh makes no judgments on me, but manages to encourage me on all levels.
The urge to ravish her is very strong, a rare sensation, and one that I don't remember ever being so welcome before.
However, this really isn't the time. Pulling my head back, I stare into her hooded eyes, black in the dim light of the bedside lamp. Now that I know that I am welcome, I can find my way back here to her. A warm, sexy grin changes the muscles in my face and Calleigh echoes the expression.
"We," my voice, gone deep with reaction, cracks alarmingly and she smiles wider. "We need to finish that conversation, and soon, but right now we're both ready to drop with exhaustion."
"Okay," Calleigh agrees simply and amuses me by yawning in my face. Chuckling, I turn her around and give her a push at the bed. "I can behave myself for the night I suppose." The pouting tone thrills me as much as the words, but I'm right about our being exhausted. Not to mention sore from the couch as my muscles relax into the softness of the mattress.
"Much better," I murmur and smile when Calleigh scootches across the bed to curl against my side, her arm draping heavily over my waist.
"Agreed," she mumbles and sighs heavily into loose sleepiness. Her breath is warm on my neck and I am humbled by how good she feels against me.
For now, the world is still and our hormones quiet like a banked fire. Tomorrow, the sun will shine and we will figure out where all this is going. For now, we are here.
And that is enough.