Maddie’s mouth covered her most intimate spot. As her tongue worked, she felt wetness growing on her chin. Elena’s thighs began to quiver. Her hands had shifted to Maddie’s hair, where they were clenching and unclenching. Elena tensed and gave a tight, strangled cry.
The sight of this magnificent, commanding woman coming undone, vulnerable, and gazing at her with such unmasked affection, was seared into Maddie’s brain.
She wouldn’t give this up, Maddie decided as she returned her mouth to her folds and slid her tongue all over her slippery flesh as she twitched and trembled. In response, Elena’s whole body shook.
Maddie would keep Elena close and make love to her as often as she could. She could never give this up.
“Bed,” Maddie croaked. “Bed before my knees give out. So we won’t have to stop next time. Because we really have to do this again.”
Elena slid from the dressing table to her feet, looking slightly dishevelled yet still regal and supremely satisfied. “By all means.” Her voice was a purr. “Bed.”
But as Maddie turned to head there, Elena grabbed her and pulled her close. “Wait,” she whispered, her tone urgent. She kissed her, tightening her arms around Maddie as though afraid she might leave.
Her roaming tongue and soft lips made Maddie tremble all over again.
“Oh God,” Maddie murmured, when they finally broke apart. “I had no idea you would be this amazing. Should have guessed, though. It is you. When do you fail at anything you set your mind to?”
Elena’s smile was both brilliant and pleased.
No. Maddie absolutely would never give this up.
* * *
Elena was not a cuddler in her sleep. Nor did she spoon, Maddie discovered. Oh no. She conquered. When they had been too tired to do anything more beyond crawl under the sheets, Elena took up most of the bed, two-thirds of the pillows, half the blankets, and all of Maddie, like some sort of post-coital corporate takeover.
Maddie wondered if she’d need a prying bar to separate them in the morning, as she eyed the sensuous, nude body pinning her down, a leg claiming her hip.
She had never felt so desired, wanted, and completely taken. And by someone who was legendary for being stand-offish.
If only they knew.
Waking up, Maddie felt spent and dehydrated. Muscles she didn’t know she possessed were complaining. She slid her gaze to the side to find Elena’s soft eyes studying her. The woman wore a cat-got-the-cream, lazy smirk.
“H-hey,” Maddie mumbled. Her voice was worse for wear.
“Well,” Elena said as she stretched. “Awake at last. I thought millennials were supposed to have more stamina.” The sheet fell down to her waist, giving Maddie a view of generous breasts. And given the look on Elena’s face, Maddie guessed the intoxicating display was deliberate.
“God, how can you look so bright? Did you even get any sleep?”
“Sleep’s overrated.” Elena slid her arms behind her head, thrusting her chest out, and gave her an amused smile.
Maddie almost lost her train of thought. “Did you enjoy yourself, then?”
“I suppose you want to hear you were the best I’ve ever had?” Elena gave her a pointed look. Her face softened. “That would be more than accurate. It was exceptional. I believe I finally understand the appeal of sex. All those sonnets actually have a point.”
Maddie preened.
“But don’t let it go to your head.”
“Too late. My head is already puffed up to capacity.”
“It should be.” Elena smiled then gave her a quizzical look. “Is this common? Three-hour sessions? Is this a thing women do together?”
Maddie’s eyebrows shot up. “Was that your first time with a woman? Seriously?”
“I suppose I should be pleased you couldn’t tell.” Elena gave her a slow smile. “In practical terms, yes. But since I’ve met you, I’ve thought about it, in theory, far more than I’d care to admit. As I said, you’ve been terrible for my focus.”
“I’m honoured.” Maddie grinned. She let the sheet slide down her own breasts and gave Elena a cheeky look. “So this is distracting, then?” She lifted her hand to her nipple and squeezed. “Or this?”
A speculative gleam came into Elena’s eye. “I’m not certain. Continue and I’ll let you know.”
Maddie ignored that and wriggled herself across Elena’s body, pressing into her. “I’d rather do the hands-on experience. Besides, you should make the most of me since you’ve been waiting so patiently.”
“Good point.” Elena brought her hands up to Maddie’s back. “I always knew you were smart.”
“Yeah? Then how come every email you sent started Dear Foolish Girl?” Maddie tapped her in the ribs. “No more of that girl stuff, okay? I am a woman, Elena. Your woman. And I plan to show you how true that is over the next hour. Or days. Weeks. Months.” She sucked in a deep breath and put it all out there. “Years.”
Elena stared at her, unmoving.
“This isn’t some fling for me. I hope you know that,” Maddie said, swallowing. “I mean, this is… It means something. I don’t…I don’t play around with things like this. I don’t like games.” She wondered if Elena could hear her thundering heart.
Elena trailed her fingers down her cheekbone. “How can you not already know? I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I have more to lose than you do. I don’t do flings either. And certainly not with one I care for as much as you.”
Maddie felt her stomach do a strange little swirl. Elena looked like she meant it. She sucked in a steadying breath. “I’m in love with you. I think I have been since New York.”
Elena’s look was soft and infused with warmth. “Oh Madeleine. And you said I shouldn’t call you foolish. What do you see in an old, twice-divorced, workaholic shark like me? Even my dog finds me hard to live with.”
“I see all the things you don’t put on display. And, please, Oscar’s more highly strung than Felicity. I wouldn’t take your dog’s opinion on what you’re like to be around.”
