A Girl Named Mitch

We’ve reached the end! Here is part four of four. If you haven’t read the first three parts, you should do that first. As always, please rate comment and send feedback. All characters are over eighteen. Enjoy!

*****

Carl picked us up at ten the next morning, driving us back to his condo where Mitch threw her bags into her truck. Carl and Bridget went inside to give us some privacy. I’d managed to keep it together while we’d been packing up, but as soon as she pulled me into her arms I started to cry.

Mitch let me go for a few moments, stroking my hair as she held me. “Sweetie, hey, it’s okay.” She pulled away slightly, smiling and looking me in the eye before brushing a tear from my cheek. “It’s not like I’m going to war. We’ll be together again in just a few months.”

I could hear the emotion in her voice, how she was trying to be the strong one. “I know.” I forced myself to smile, and she pulled me close, rocking me gently.

“And when we do we’ll have a big bed, and I’ll have a kitchen to cook for you, it’s going to be wonderful.” I sniffled and let her hold me for another long moment, before she kissed my temple. “I love you, Cindy.”

“I love you, too. I love you so much.” I forced a smile. “Don’t forget me.”

Mitch grinned and kissed me. “People don’t forget the love of their lives.”

I let what she’d said sink in as she kissed me again, and let the truth of it surround me. It was probably somewhat naïve to assume you’d be with your college sweetheart forever, but in that moment I knew I would be. And that calmed me somewhat. What was three months in the face of a lifetime?

That didn’t fully stop the tears, but I was able to keep a smile as I waved goodbye, watching her drive down the street and around the corner.

***

Despite any epiphanies I may have had in my brother’s driveway, what followed were the longest three months of my life. I worked at the diner, I saw some of my old high school friends, and I hid. My mother was seemingly terrified of me becoming an old maid, always assaulting me with the latest gossip about who was available in our small town. And apparently she’d been shopping me around, too, as I was asked on no fewer than three dates in the first two days.

The easiest thing would have been just to say I was seeing someone, but Mom would have demanded details, and I was scared to put her on that trail. Dad treated me with his normal polite disinterest. He knew Mom was doing her best to get me respectably married off, and that was good enough for him. Any talk about how well my team had done was met with a dismissive “That’s fine, Cindy.”

I talked and texted with Carrie often, but less so with Mitch, just because of my fear. I hated talking to her when my parents were home, which was most of the time, and I definitely couldn’t talk freely with Charlotte around. She was eleven, and in full ‘snooping little sister’ mode. But I did remember how Carl had helped me, so I decided to do as much as I could for her. Which, when you’re a preteen, means taking you places. I’d drive her to friend’s houses, the community pool, the local ice cream parlor, etc. I let her talk about her school. She was just starting to be aware of the opposite sex, and she asked me a lot about what college boys were like. I knew she wasn’t going to get any useful information from our parents, so I tried to give her some solid advice that went beyond ‘just don’t do it’.

I thought about telling Tiwana, but she had gotten a summer job at one of the resorts on the coast, and I barely got to see her. Even that would have been scary, though. There are wonderful things about small towns, but there are some real downsides, too, the main one being that everyone knows everyone, and everyone is always aware of everyone else’s business.

What I really hated was the fear. The constant, ever present anxiety that someone was going to find out I was a lesbian, and that the information would inexorably make it’s way to my parents’ ears. And what really bothered me was the wrongness of it all. I’d been taught since birth that homosexuality was wrong, immoral, against God’s plan, and all that.

And it had all been bullshit. There was nothing more right than being with Michelle, loving and being loved by her. What had been wrong was trying to make relationships with guys I didn’t love work, forcing myself to be intimate with men I had no desire for. God had made me exactly who I am, and He’d gifted me with a wonderful partner, who loved and supported me, who made me feel alive and vibrant in ways I hadn’t known were possible.

I was with someone incredible, but I would be reviled, vilified and rejected just because of her gender, with no regard at all to how amazing she was. I wanted to scream at the unfairness of it.

One of my former classmates got married in June. We hadn’t been close, but our parents knew each other so we went to the wedding and the little cake and punch reception afterwards. I had tears in my eyes as I watched Abigail’s father walk her down the aisle. My mother had completely misread my feelings, patting me on the arm, stating “Don’t worry, sweetheart, it’ll happen. Y’know, there’ll be plenty of nice young men at the reception.”

Obviously that hadn’t been my issue. It was that my father would never walk me down the aisle. My mother would never beam proudly as I posed in my wedding dress. They would do everything in their power to make me feel shame in my choice of partner, caring nothing about how happy I was, interested only in how my unnaturalness made them appear to our small town society.

I looked around the hundred and fifty or so people in the packed church, and wondered who else was hiding. Who was in a loveless marriage that they felt they had to keep up? Who’d been silently forced to give up their great loves to fit in to our bigoted, small-minded society?

Luckily there wasn’t any dancing at the reception, but I still had several potential suitors chat me up. I smiled and made polite conversation, interjecting often how adverse I was to starting any summer romances before returning to campus.

It was Pride Month, and I didn’t see a single rainbow flag in my town, which didn’t surprise me at all. The news covered the parades in Atlanta, and Bridget sent me some pictures of a rally from downtown Savannah. My father would stoically roll his eyes when anyone would mention it, muttering under his breath about the degrading of our country’s values.

July arrived and passed in much the same manner, and I breathed a sigh of relief when the calendar finally turned to August, so I could start counting the days instead of weeks and months. I know you’re probably waiting for something dramatic to happen, but it never did. I did make the change to take my dad off of my accounts. I didn’t hide it from him, but he didn’t complain. And as soon as I had the money transferred I felt a huge wave of relief. Other than my dad still carrying me on his insurance and the family phone plan, I was completely financially independent.

The weekend before I was headed back to campus Carl came and picked me up, and as we pulled up to his condo I saw a blue truck sitting in his driveway.

“Surprise.” Carl was grinning ear to ear, but my eyes were locked on the tall, dark-haired woman leaning against that truck, my smile stretching my cheeks as tears rolled down my face.

I unbuckled my seatbelt, almost jumping out of my brother’s car before it stopped. Mitch was beaming, wearing that radiant grin of hers below her glorious blue eyes, and I threw myself into her arms, wrapping my legs around her waist as she twirled me around, whispering into my ear.

“God, I missed you, baby. Oh, I love you.”

I slid my legs down so I was standing on my own two feet, holding tight to her. “I can’t do that again. I can’t be away from you like that again.”

“I know. Next summer, we’ll find a way. Promise.” She brushed a tear from my cheek with her thumb and kissed me, and I whimpered in joy as our lips made contact for the first time in nearly three months. Suddenly I was whole again, and the world seemed to light up even as my eyes stayed closed.

Eventually we separated, and I giggled in response to the mischievous Mitch grin I was staring at.

“Hi.”

“Hello. I missed you.” I felt the knots created by the summer unwinding as she held me. “Did you miss me?” I looked up through my lashes at her, seeing the emotion raging in her eyes, even as she smirked at me.

“Sometimes.” She kissed me on the forehead. “Most of the time.” A kiss on the cheek. “Every second.” She brushed the hair away from my face, and pressed her lips to mine. This kiss was less desperate, and I was able to enjoy it more, our tongues caressing each other as I savored her soft lips. When it ended I just leaned against her and let her hold me, taking in the smell of her, the feel of her breath in my hair. I was home, safe and loved, here in Mitch’s arms.

“Hey, you two, we’re going to order pizza. If you want any say in the toppings, come inside soon.” Carl was smirking at us from the front patio, and I turned towards him without taking my arms from around Mitch’s neck.

“Okay, go on.”

Mitch gave me another kiss. “We should go in. Don’t want them ordering a bunch of rabbit pizzas.”

“Rabbit pizzas?” We started walking toward the front door, arms still around each other.

“Yeah, y’know, pizza with rabbit food on it. Like onions and green peppers.”

“I love green peppers.”

“God, I’m in love with a heathen.”

I laughed and tightened my arm around her waist and we went inside.

***

Two nights later we were in our apartment, lying pressed together in our new bed, sharing soft kisses as our heart rates tried to return to normal.

I nuzzled into Mitch’s shoulder. “Mmm, I missed that.”

“You’re not the only one. I’ve fallen asleep every night thinking about it.”

“Really, little old me?”

She pulled me close, nuzzling into my hair. “Yeah, you. The way you smell, what it feels like to touch your skin.” Her hands ran down my back and over my backside, making me sigh. “The adorable sounds you make. But mostly just being near you, holding you. I missed it every second.” Her long arms let her trace a finger through my sex from behind, making me gasp and move closer, which, of course, let her go deeper as she kissed my neck. I was just starting to relax into it when she stopped.

“But seriously, fall break, you’re coming home with me.”

“You brat!” I slapped her shoulder. “You have to tell me that now?”

“Well, I have to tell you sometime. I’ve spent the last two summers talking about you. Mom and Dad will string me up without a proper introduction soon.”

I giggled. “Mitch, I’ve met your parents.” It was true. They’d been to a few of our matches, especially the ones in Florida. Her dad was, well, let’s just say Mitch came by her bombastic personality honestly. Her mom was quiet, always smiling, the kind of woman you’re just sure gives the best hugs.

I hadn’t got to experience one, as we aren’t supposed to go up into the stands on the road. They’d been very friendly to me in our brief interactions, but I’ll admit I was nervous about spending more significant time with them.

Mitch turned on her side facing me. “They really want to spend some time spoiling you.”

“Spoiling me?”

“Yeah. Mom’ll feed you and buy you stuff, and Dad, well, Dad will let her.”

I pouted my lips, letting my voice slip back into childhood. “What if they don’t like me? What if I’m not good enough for their little girl?”

Mitch laughed. “Cindy, have you seen you? Or met you? You are not the one marrying up here.”

I couldn’t help my grin. “Marrying?”

Mitch was just wearing that confident little smirk. “Well, maybe someday. If you’re good.”

I ran a finger down her sternum. “You’re the one who wants to marry up. Shouldn’t you be good?”

“Well, shucks,” Mitch rolled me onto my back, “I think you might be right.” She began to kiss down my body, and I relaxed back into my new bedding as the woman I loved took me to heaven over and over.

***

I was floating as Mitch held me, my whole body buzzing at the intensity of what I’d been experiencing for the last two hours. Mitch’s arm was around me, holding my breast as her thumb gently tracing one of my nipples. It felt lovely.

“Cindy?”

“Hmm?”

“I did want to ask you something, see if you wanted to try something.”

“Mm, I don’t think I could try anything else tonight.”

She kissed the back of my head. “Not for tonight. Wait here.” Mitch climbed out of bed and walked out into our living room. I propped myself up on my elbow so I could watch her impressive figure move. She came back into our bedroom carrying her laptop, climbing under the sheets but sitting up against the headboard.

“What are we looking at?”

“This.” She clicked on a link, which brought up a group of pictures of women wearing, well, something. “Mitch, what is that?”

Her voice was unsure, very unlike her. “It’s a strap-on.”

I almost asked what it was for, but that was blindingly obvious. “You want to use that on me?”

Mitch answered quickly, putting her hand on mine. “Only if you want me to.”

“Mitch, I’m not sure.” The pain of being with Ethan swam back up into my consciousness. Mitch could obviously see it in my face, and her face was the picture of concern. She kissed the back of my hand.

“Cindy, when you were telling me about Ethan, about, y’know, well, I had so many fantasies of taking you with one of these, showing you how it’s supposed to feel.”

“What if it hurts?” My voice cracked a little as I spoke.

“Then we stop. But I don’t think it will.” I still wasn’t sure, so she continued. “Cindy, do you like it when I put my fingers inside of you?”

The memory pushed away the fear, and I blushed. “Yeah. I love it.”

“And when Ethan did?”

I breathed out and shook my head. “He didn’t do it often. But, no.”

“See what I’m getting at? I really think you’d like this, but it’s your decision.”

“Have you ever used one before?”

Mitch shook her head. “Nope. But I’m a quick learner. Unless it’s math.”

“Ha. Okay. I trust you.”

We spent the next half an hour looking at the various options, comparing prices and reading reviews, until we finally settled on one that didn’t look like a molded penis. It had two interchangeable sizes with a lot of texture on the phallus.

Mitch hit the ‘order’ button, and it was on its way.

Luckily I had things to distract me before it got here. On Monday we went shopping for groceries and other things we needed for the apartment. It’s amazing how many little doodads you need in a real place. A shower curtain, a bathmat, dish towels, toilet paper, the list goes on and on. In all we dropped over two hundred dollars on food and sundries.

Carrie got in Tuesday morning, immediately heading over to check out our new digs, and we spent the afternoon watching the U.S. Open. Thanks to Mitch springing for Tennis Channel Plus we were able to stream any match we wanted to the T.V., which meant we spent over an hour watching Iryna Baraskova’s first round match. Carrie wouldn’t let us change the channel. She was absolutely transfixed. I guess we understand why now.

At the time I scowled at Mitch when she gave me a knowing look. I hate that she’s always right about those things.

Barbara, the Freshman I’d mentored some last year, Carrie, and I were all having lunch on Friday, while I kept checking the line for Mitch. Eventually I saw her, and she gave me a kiss before sitting down with her tray.

Barbara set her fork down. “So what’s everyone doing tonight?”

Carrie shrugged. “Should be some good welcome back parties. You guys in?”

Mitch shook her head emphatically. “Nope. We have plans.”

I looked at her in consternation. “We do?”

“Yep.” Mitch held out her phone to me, which was showing two notifications. One from UPS that our package had been delivered, and one from our building saying they were holding a package at the front desk.

An electric thrill ran through my body, my cheeks suddenly burning crimson. “Oh, yeah, our plans, yep.” Oh, it was getting hard to breathe.

Barbara was incredulous. “Seriously? You two haven’t broken in your apartment enough already?”

Mitch just flashed that self-satisfied smile. “Tonight’s special. Or it will be.” Her foot hooked around the back of my leg, making my blush deepen. “But you’re all welcome over tomorrow afternoon to watch the Open. I’m making a blooming onion.”

As soon as Mitch’s last class was over we headed home, and the receptionist in the office handed over a small, nondescript brown box when we asked. Mitch just smirked at me as we walked hand in hand up to our apartment.

My mind was racing. What was going to happen when we closed the door? Was she just going to take me? Most of the time I didn’t mind that, but today I was really nervous. Mitch could usually tell what I needed, though, and today was no exception.

I closed and locked the door behind us as she set the package down on the counter. She closed the distance between us and kissed me deeply, my nervousness flowing away like it always did when we touched, and my body began to respond.

“You hungry, baby?”

I nodded. I’d just picked at my lunch after realizing what was waiting for me back at the apartment.

“Okay, I’ll make some dinner. Go relax.” We shared another quick smooch, and Mitch headed into the kitchen and pulled out a large pot, beginning to fill it with water. My eyes found the package, still sitting benignly on the counter. I gingerly picked it up, like it might contain a bomb or a live cobra. I turned it around in my hands, but barring the spontaneous development of X-ray vision I wasn’t going to be able to see anything unless I opened the silly thing.

I took it over to the couch, using my keys to slit open the tape. I glanced up at Mitch, who was happily working away in the kitchen, before pulling the blue and purple package out of the box.

It was surprisingly light, just in a blister pack. The two phalluses, both a light blue, were prominently displayed. One was eight inches long and thick, while the other was two inches shorter and more slight.

The actual straps were black, with an O-ring in the front where the phalluses slipped through. It was definitely my mathematical mind trying to distract me here. If I could figure out exactly how the thing worked maybe it would scare me less.

“So what do you think?”

I jumped at Mitch’s voice, before laughing at her amused expression. I ran my finger over the plastic still covering the larger phallus. “It’s big.”

“I think you can handle it.” She nodded towards the stove. “I’ve got spaghetti on the stove and sauce simmering with the meatballs. Gotta carbo-load for tonight.” She popped her eyebrows at me.

I answered, trying to be playful, but it came out more scared. “You’ll be gentle, right?”

“Of course. And if you say stop, we’ll stop. Promise me you’ll say to stop if you want to. Don’t suffer through for me. Remember, my fantasy is about you loving this, so if you don’t it won’t be any good for me, either.” Her brilliant blue eyes bored into mine and I nodded. She went back into the kitchen, and I split open the package plastic, pulling out our new toy. The feel of the soft but firm plastic was similar to what I remembered of the real thing, but at the same time it wasn’t going to fool anyone. I took a deep breath. This was one of Mitch’s fantasies, and I wanted to give it to her. And maybe she was right, maybe it would be different. Everything else was.

We had a lovely dinner. You can really improve the flavor of even frozen meatballs by simmering them in the sauce instead of just baking them, according to Mitch, anyway. She also lit candles, which hadn’t been allowed in the dorms. The whole apartment smelled amazing.

Scheduled sex tends not to be romantic. It’s even worse when you’re nervous about the whole thing to start with. But Mitch was a magician. We cleaned up after dinner without even mentioning our new toy. I stood at the sink and washed while Mitch dried and put away, and every time she passed by she’d touch me. A hand on the waist, fingers on my shoulders, and every little contact made me more and more aware of her physical presence.

After we finished I thought sure she was going to lead me back to the bedroom, but she didn’t. Instead we cuddled on the couch watching the night session from New York, talking tennis, and then not talking and just holding. And then came gentle kisses, sweet nuzzles, and soft caresses before Mitch stood and guided me to my feet.

I was so lost in her that I barely noticed her scoop the strap on up as we headed to our room. We stood at the edge of the bed, slowly undressing each other, and when I was nude Mitch guided me into the center of the mattress.

She set her new accoutrement at the edge of the bed and crawled over me, finding my mouth with hers and kissing me deeply. Any anxiety I was still feeling was rapidly dribbling away as Mitch moved her lips to my ears and then down my neck. She spent some time on my breasts before moving further south, and I was fully wet and aroused by the time she took my sex into her mouth.

We’d done exactly this a hundred times before, which I knew was precisely what Mitch was going for, trying to put me totally at ease. And as my first orgasm rolled over me, I’d say she succeeded.

She took me almost all the way back to the promised land a second time before she kissed my inner thighs and turned me onto my stomach. This was different, and I gasped as Mitch began to kiss down my spine. She worked slowly, caressing my bottom as she headed further south.

Mitch rose up and grasped my hips. “Get up on your knees, baby. Let me see that beautiful butt of yours.”

I obeyed, sticking my backside wantonly into the air. As soon as I did Mitch slid her hand between my legs, caressing my sex from front to back before pushing two fingers deep inside me. I moaned into the pillow. It was perfect, and in and out she went. I felt wanton and primal, offering myself to my mate.

“Don’t move.”

I felt her weight leave the bed, and I could hear her working the metal clasps on the strap on. Moments later she was kneeling behind me. The length of the phallus slid between my legs and glided against the dripping wetness of my sex, followed again by Mitch’s fingers. She was using my own nectar to lube it up, and my hands gripped the edge of the mattress as I prepared for what was coming.

I felt the tip press against my opening. “Ready?”

“Uh-huh.”

Mitch’s hands tightened on my hips and she pushed inside me.

“Ohhh my god!” It felt amazing, completely different from anything I’d experienced before. Mitch pulled out and drove in again, deeper this time, and I pushed my hips back to increase the penetration. My lover began a steady rhythm, and I could feel her thighs touch mine with every thrust as the texture of the phallus played over the sensitive skin of my entrance.

Every time the blue length drove in it hit a spot deep inside me that sent pleasure streaming from my pussy out into my limbs, all the way to my fingers and toes. I pushed myself up onto my elbows, bettering the angle, and we settled into a steady rhythm that set my whole body vibrating with pleasure.

“Is that good, baby?”

“Uh-huh.” I somehow managed to squeak the words. “Don’t stop, please.”

“Oh, I won’t. Promise.” The confident husk in her voice sent a thrill up my spine, and I settled back into the glorious rhythm she was setting. I could hear the wet sounds of Mitch’s penetration, something I’d never experienced before. And the building, thrumming pleasure, notching up with each blessed stroke, was beyond heady.

I have no idea how long we’d been going when Mitch leaned forward. I was just starting to worry that I wasn’t going to get there before one of us tired, remembering statistics I’d read of how few women could orgasm from penetration alone.

“Do you want to come, sweetheart?”

Oh, god, yes, I needed to come. I was desperate for it. “Oh, please.”

Her hand slipped around my leg, over my lower abdomen, through the downy blonde hair on my mons and over my clit.

I groaned, wanton and lustful as my orgasm went from questionable to inevitable, and my muscles coiled in preparation for release. And suddenly, after several more exquisite moments, the dam broke and I howled into the night as I pulsed and spasmed around the still stroking length inside me.

She slowed as I began to come down, the phallus slipping out of me as I collapsed onto the bed. I rolled over, holding out my shaking arms. She covered me, kissing me deeply before pulling away.

“Good?”

“Yes.” I nodded, wrapping my legs around her waist. I reached down between us, grasping the length still attached to Mitch’s lower torso and guiding it inside me. “More?”

“So much more.” She began stroking again, filling me beautifully as she hovered above me. I rocked my hips up with every stroke, and it felt wonderful, but what was really wonderful were her eyes. She stared into mine with such incredible passion and intensity. I have no idea how simple, boring me could inspire that kind level of feeling in someone as incredible as Michelle Kirkpatrick.

But I did, and it was all in her eyes. I wasn’t always the quickest to pick up on other people’s feelings, but I couldn’t deny what I was seeing. She wanted nothing more than to be close to me, to make me happy and give me pleasure. And my heart broke with love for her. She kissed me, and I sank into the feeling. I belonged completely to her, and I wanted just this, forever.

When my next orgasm found me it was more soul than body, as I moaned in cadence with the pleasure. It was the most intense, whole being experience of my life, and when it passed I was just desperate to be held close by the woman I loved.

She slipped out of me, and for a horrible moment she wasn’t touching me as she divested herself of our new toy. I whined pathetically as I reached for her. She had it off in a jiff, though, and moments later she was pulling me into her embrace.

My head rested on her strong bicep as her other arm circled my waist. She threw her leg over me and I was completely wrapped up in her, blissfully and deliriously happy.

“Was that good?” Mitch asked.

“Mm-hm. So good. I love you.”

“Oh, baby, I love you, too.”

“We can do that again, right?”

Mitch laughed. “As much as you want. But it’s time for bed, isn’t it?”

“Mm, yeah.” We slid off the bed so we could turn down the sheets, and when I climbed in Mitch sat on the edge of the bed.

“You need anything?”

I shook my head. “No. Just cuddles.” I reached out to her, smiling in that innocent, girlish way that I knew made Mitch crazy. It had the desired effect, as my lover slid into bed with alacrity, kissing me deeply and pulling me close. I lay my head on her chest, falling asleep listening to the soft sound of her breathing and the steady, powerful beat of her heart.

***

The cuddles lasted straight through ’til morning, and I woke up still wrapped up in Mitch’s arms. She was awake already, her fingers running up and down my skin under the covers.

“Morning, sleepyhead.”

I grinned at her and stretched under the sheets. “Mmm, so comfy.” I pressed myself back against her. “Tired. Some chick wore me out last night.”

She tickled my side. “You loved it.”

I giggled. “Yeah. A little sore this morning though. It’s been awhile. A good sore, though.”

“You sure? Did I go too hard, or too long?”

“Oh, no such thing. It is weird though. I remember feeling like this, y’know, before, but this is different. This makes me happy.”

“Well, it’s partially because I’m amazing.” She was grinning that big Mitch grin, which made me laugh.

“You brat.”

She put her arms around me and settled back into her pillow. “Jimmy asked me one time if lesbians don’t like dick why do they like strap-ons.”

“Seriously?”

“Well, he was cruder about it, but yeah.”

“What’d you say?”

“I asked him if he liked getting blow jobs. When he said he did I asked if it mattered to him if the person giving him one was a guy or a girl. I mean, it would feel good either way.”

That made me laugh, but the implication wasn’t lost on me. Last night had proven there had never been anything wrong with me. I was just gay, and when my gorgeous butch girlfriend took me, I could enjoy it every bit as much as any straight girl could enjoy their boyfriend. Probably more, seeing how long it had lasted. And trying to replicate that feeling with any guy would, for me, be completely pointless.

***

As the semester really got going I just loved what was happening. Mitch and I would drive into campus every morning and head home after our evening workouts. Mitch would cook a few nights a week, and we ate dinner at our little table almost like grownups. I helped when I could, but Mitch seemed determined to win my heart through my stomach.

I didn’t have any desire to tell her the deed was already done. I can’t tell you how many fantasies I had that this was my life, that we had graduated, and were adults working, married to each other. That I was going to have Mitch by my side, holding me every night, loving me every day, for the rest of my life. The very thought would bring a tear to my eye.

I also didn’t see how it was possible. I knew, without question, that my parents wouldn’t allow it. It seems almost silly looking back on everything now, but walking away from my parents, from my family, had never occurred to me. Being disowned, however, that had presented itself to my imagination many times, and it terrified me. I’d been Aaron and Valerie Spencer’s daughter my entire existence. It’d been the defining reality of my life since the day I was born. What was I without it? Still, those questions didn’t need answers immediately, as graduation and the onset of real life still seemed an eternity away.

We had people over on a regular basis, which Mitch always made fun. I remembered company being a super stressful experience growing up, like Mom’s entire self worth was being judged, mostly by my dad.

But being with Mitch, I finally understood that having people over wasn’t about showing off, (well maybe just a little, but in a fun way), it was about spending time with people you cared about and having fun. The first time we had Carrie and her boyfriend du jour over I’d been frantically cleaning the bathroom while Mitch was in the kitchen, singing to herself. I was furious at her. Didn’t she know how important this was?

I was scrubbing the slightly discolored toilet, which had been that way when we moved in, when Mitch appeared behind me and lifted me to my feet. There were tears in my eyes, but Mitch just held me to her. “Baby. It doesn’t have to be perfect. They’re not coming to see our bathroom.”

“I don’t want them to think we’re pigs.”

“We aren’t. Have you seen Carrie’s dorm room?”

That made me smile. She wasn’t a slob, but Carrie wasn’t the most orderly person on earth, either. Mitch tightened her arms around me and rested her chin on my shoulder. “You okay?”

I turned in her arms and let a few sobs slip free as she held me.

“Do you want me to call them and cancel?”

I shook my head. “No, you worked so hard on dinner.”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded, forcing a smile and giving Mitch a little kiss. I knew I wasn’t fooling her, but she let it drop. I managed to have a good time, and Mitch didn’t bring it up again until they were gone, and we were snuggled in bed.

“You want to tell me what that was about before?” Mitch was holding me from behind, big-spooning me and whispering in my ear.

“It’s just, um,” I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth and safety of my lover. “It’s hard. Company coming, it was stressful.”

“Really? Why? It’s supposed to be fun, y’know.”

I smiled. “I know.” I steeled myself, and I think Mitch was going to let it go, but I wanted to tell her, so I opened a dark closet in my mind. “One time, when I was nine or so, we had Pastor Greaver and his wife over, and Mom overcooked the roast, and it was a little dry. Our guests were both complimentary, and grateful, and I didn’t think it was a big deal until they left.

“We kids were sent off to bed, but I came out for a glass of water to keep on my bed stand. I listened as my father scolded my mother. He said the meat was unacceptable, how disappointed he was in her, and he asked her how he was supposed to be respected in the church if he couldn’t bring the pastor home for a decent meal. He just kept saying these horrible things in this cold, vicious voice. She was in tears, saying how sorry she was, begging for forgiveness.

“He just left her there, crying in the kitchen, cleaning up. I so badly wanted to go help her, but I didn’t know what Dad would have done if I had, so I slunk back to my room like a coward. After that I was terrified anytime anyone came over. I’d always do everything I could to help, but I could always see how scared Mom was.”

“Oh, Cindy.”

I let the tears come as Mitch held me close and kissed the back of my head.

“Cindy, you know I would never treat you like that, right?” I nodded, and Mitch continued to whisper to me. “Real love isn’t like that. What your dad did, that was abuse. Making someone earn love is abusive, plain and simple. I love you to the moon and back, and you never, ever have to earn it. It’s yours, just because you’re you. Okay?”

I turned in her embrace, tears streaming as my heart broke with love for the woman holding me. Her love was a perfect gift, one I still felt I didn’t fully deserve. Was it because I felt I hadn’t earned it? I’d always had to earn my dad’s love, or at least his approval. That was the only thing I knew how to do. But here it was. A gift, if I could just accept it. And Mitch was right, that’s how love was supposed to be. I’d never make her earn my love. It was hers, and her love was mine, which meant I could let myself just belong in her arms.

***

I got an object lesson of exactly how a family was supposed to treat one another over fall break. I actually blew off my last class on Thursday so we could leave for her parent’s house at lunchtime. When I’d Googled directions it said the trip would take about seven and a half hours for the drive, but Mitch’s bombastic personality extended to her driving, and we got there before seven.

When we pulled into the driveway her mom and dad were waiting on the porch. There were definitely butterflies swirling around in my stomach. Would they like me? What would I need to do to win their approval?

Mitch hopped out of her truck and opened her arms as her mom gave her a big hug. “Oh, sweetheart, it’s so good to see you.”

“Hi, Mom.”

I quietly opened my door and climbed out, standing silently on the other side of the truck. As Mitch and her mom talked.

Her mom stood back and looked her daughter over. “It looks like they’re feeding you okay.”

“Yeah. Five pounds of muscle. Check it out.” Mitch flexed her impressively toned arm, making her mom laugh and slap her shoulder playfully.

“Oh, Michelle. Go hug your father. He misses you.”

Mitch jumped to obey, and her mom fixed her kind gaze on me, holding out her arms as she walked around Mitch’s truck.

“Oh Cindy, it’s good to see you.”

“Hi, Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Thanks for having me.”

“Oh, pish. It’s an honor. And I’m Stacy.”

The blush I was already wearing deepened as she wrapped me in her embrace. When she let me go Mitch and her dad were digging our bags out of the back. Mrs. Kirkpatrick linked her arm in mine. “I hope you’re hungry. I made homemade pizza. It’s Michelle’s favorite.”

“I’m starving. Mit, ah, Michelle has told me so many amazing stories about your cooking.”

“Oh, you’re sweet.”

She led me inside to an informally set table and the amazing aroma of garlic and oregano. Her dad dished up slices of the rectangular pie, all while holding a spirited debate with his daughter about the Saturday’s Florida-Georgia football game.

It was a little weird hearing my girlfriend exclusively referred to as Michelle, but she fit here. And her parents were unerringly kind to me.

Her father, who insisted I call him Jack, looked across the table at me, pointing towards his daughter. “I can’t believe I raised a damn traitor, Cindy. She grew up on Gator football.”

“Hey! Cindy’s a Bulldogs fan, too!”

“She’s from Georgia, Michelle. That’s understandable. You though,” he shook his head.

I smiled and leaned over to Stacy. “Are they going to be okay watching the game together Saturday?”

“Oh, sweetie, they’re always like this. They love it. He was just miserable when she went away to college.”

They continued their spirited debate throughout dinner and into the kitchen as they cleaned up after the meal. Stacy led me into their living room, sitting down next to me on the sofa, holding my hand in both of hers.

“Now, tell me all about how you two met.”

I grinned and told the story, listening to the easy banter and laughter coming from the kitchen.

“So she’s a good girlfriend? Makes you happy?”

“She’s the best. Always smiling and making me laugh. I get too intense sometimes; she reminds me life isn’t all about Tennis and studying.”

“I wished she’d studied a little more in High School, sometimes.”

“She’s working hard now. You’d be proud of her.”

“I am, but I don’t think I’m the one she wants to make proud.”

“Her dad?”

Stacy laughed. “No, silly.” She put her hand on my knee and shook it. “You. When you first met, all she could talk about was how smart her new friend was. That, and how pretty she was. She wants you to be proud of her.”

I blushed, not able to think of anything to say.

“Now, we’re going out for a nice dinner Saturday night. Did you bring anything nice to wear?”

I grimaced. “Not really. Michelle didn’t say anything about it.”

She patted my leg, looking absolutely gleeful. “That’s okay, dear. We’ll go shopping Saturday morning. My treat.”

I heard the sound of the dishwasher start, and Mitch and her dad made their way into their family room, turning on the Thursday night NFL game. Stacy and I joined them, and I sat next to my girlfriend, who put her arm around me as I leaned against her. Her mom worked on a knitting project in her chair, and I just took in the happiness of this family being together, and I wished, someday, that I could be a part of something like this.

“Your parents are really going to let us stay together?” I was changing for bed in Mitch’s room as she did the same.

“Yeah, sure. We share a bed every night at school. What’s the difference?”

“There’d be a difference to my parents.”

“My parents are pretty cool. I mean, they adapted to the whole butch lesbian thing, so I think they can handle me cuddling through the night with my girlfriend.”

I laughed and we climbed between the sheets, sharing a few soft goodnight kisses before I settled in as the little spoon. “Your parents are great though.”

“Yeah. I got lucky.”

“Your mom wants to take me shopping Saturday.”

“I thought she might.”

***

The next day Mitch took me around to all of her old stomping grounds. We hit some balls on the courts where her dad had taught her to play, and had lunch at her favorite ice cream parlor. It wasn’t the healthiest lunch.

At two thirty we arrived at her old High School, just before dismissal. She stopped into half a dozen rooms, always receiving the same exuberant response from the teachers inside. She proudly introduced me as her girlfriend each time, and I got to hear several great stories about a younger, less inhibited Mitch Kirkpatrick, if you can believe that.

The last room we stopped by was her old coach’s office. He took his glasses off as she knocked on his open door. “Michelle! What a surprise.” The older man stood and walked around his desk and gave Mitch a hug. “I’ve been watching you, young lady. You’ve gotten much better.”

“Thanks, coach. It’s all her fault. Coach Brenneman, this is my doubles partner, and my girlfriend, Cindy Spencer.”

He shook my hand and we all sat. Looking around the room I saw multiple pictures of young women on his wall, wearing various division one college uniforms. Sure enough just over his right shoulder was a picture of Mitch preparing to receive a serve, wearing her black shorts and red polo embroidered with the Georgia ‘G’.

“So I made the Wall of Fame, huh?”

“Of course, you’ve made me very proud. And I’ve seen you, too, young lady,” he nodded toward me, “you’re quite a player, too. I didn’t know you were seeing each other, though. Must be why you move so well together on the court.”

I blushed. “Thanks.”

“She’s taught me a lot, coach.”

“Yeah, likely the same things I tried to teach you for four years. Maybe I just wasn’t pretty enough.” He shot her a half smile, now it was Mitch’s turn to blush.

There was a knock on the door, and Mitch turned around, seeing a diminutive woman in a nice suit with bobbed brown hair and big glasses.

“Principal Solomon!” Mitch jumped and shook the small woman’s hand.

“I heard a certain Wall-of-Famer was wandering about the halls. Thought I might find you here. Just wanted to be sure I got a chance to say hello. And to meet the lucky lady you’ve been showing around.”

***

As we drove away I was shocked. “You really were popular.”

“What can I say? People love me.”

“And no one was surprised with you having a girlfriend.”

“My sexuality hasn’t been a secret since middle school. Actually, it’s never been a secret. Soon as I knew, so did everybody else. And what did Principal Solomon say to you when Coach and I were talking?”

I reached out and took Mitch’s hand. “That I was a very lucky young lady.”

“Well, that was obvious.”

Mitch flashed that playfully wicked smile of hers, and I laughed, feeling the warmth of her radiating up from our handclasp.

***

“So where are we going tonight?”

Mrs. Kirkpatrick smiled as we walked down the street at Hyde Park Village. “It’s called ‘The Black Pearl.’ It’s fancy, a little pretentious, but it’s very good. Jack made reservations over a month ago. He wants to impress you, I think.”

“What do you wear?”

“Not jeans. Jack’ll wear a tie, I usually wear a dress. We eat there sometimes when we go to the theater, or for our anniversary.”

“It’ll be new for me. I’ve never been anywhere fancy like that.” I shook my head. “My family’s idea of fine dining was Applebee’s.”

“Michelle said they were very conservative.”

“Ha. That’s putting it mildly.”

“I take it they don’t know about you and my daughter.”

I shook my head. “I’m not lucky like Mitch, I mean Michelle.”

“It wasn’t easy for me, I’ll admit it. Not that I didn’t have a clue, of course, but I didn’t want it to be true, so I ignored all the signs. Eventually she’ll discover makeup and dresses. I told myself, a lot of girls are tomboys when they’re little.”

I giggled for a moment before covering my mouth. “I’m sorry. Just the thought of your daughter in heels and makeup.”

She covered her mouth, and we laughed together for a moment.

Eventually I regained my composure. “Okay, I guess I need a dress, then.” We went to a few different stores. Nice ones, at least a lot nicer than any other store at which I’d ever actually bought anything. Stacy took pictures of anything I liked, and as we left the second store I’d tried almost a dozen different dresses, with a few definite possibilities.

I couldn’t help the grin on my face. “This is fun, I’ve never done anything like this.”

“Didn’t your mom at least take you shopping for a prom dress?”

“My Junior prom I wore a cotton summer dress like I’d wear to church. For Senior year we went to one store and mom picked something out. Ankle length, high neckline with half sleeves.” I indicated where it had sat, above my collarbone and down to my elbows.

“Seriously?”

“Everything had to meet Dad’s approval. If it didn’t, it went back. And if you couldn’t take it back, man, he’d be upset. It’s hard to find women’s shorts that come down past your fingertips. ”

“But he let you play tennis.”

“My coach in high school actually ordered me extra long skirts for my uniform. Luckily they had them, or my mom would have had to make them herself.”

“Well, if you’re game, we can go a little more daring today.” She nudged me with her shoulder, and we both giggled as we strode down the sidewalk..

I liked the next store the best, and we had it narrowed down to a green high low beauty with a sweetheart neckline under a high necked lace bodice, and an elegant, but much more daring, front twist chiffon maxi. It was a muted pink, and it really popped with my blonde hair, but it would definitely be the most daring thing I’d ever worn. There was a fancy bow in the back, and a slit in the side clean up to my hip, as Reba would say.

The bra was built in, and the skirt was just barely translucent so you could just make out the shape of my legs underneath the material if the light was right.

“I really think that’s the one, Cindy.” The salesgirl nodded in agreement, and I twirled one more time in the mirror.

“Yeah. I like it. It’s not too much?”

Mrs. Kirkpatrick just smiled at me. “Cindy, it’s perfect. You look beautiful.”

“Okay. Let’s do it.”

It didn’t end there, we needed shoes, and I ended up with a gladiator style two inch heel, which I loved. We walked past a little store that had casual clothes on the mannequins in their window, including several pairs of cute little high-waisted short shorts that I’d never been allowed to own. Apparently I looked a little too longingly, and Stacy stopped me at the entrance.

“You like those?”

“Yeah, but I can’t. That’s exactly what I’d always wanted and could never have. My mother would have a fit, and my dad would disown me.”

“And if they find out you’re dating my daughter?”

“Same.”

She laughed, but honestly I wasn’t trying to be funny. “You realize I’m not kidding, right?”

“Oh, sweetie.” She linked her arm in mine and led me over to a nearby bench. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m having a great time. I just, um,” I folded my hands in my lap and looked down.

“You wish you were doing this with your mom.”

“I wish my mom and I had this kind of relationship.”

“Well, you’re an adult now. You get to have a say in what kind of relationship you have.” I tried to grin and nod, but she didn’t buy it. “Cindy, when Michelle came out, she rejected everything I’d ever wanted for my precious little girl. That was very hard for me, and there was some real distance between us. So, we had to find a new relationship. I suddenly had to care about sports, something I still struggle with, honestly,” she giggled. “And she reached out in her own way, and when she did I realized how terrified I’d been of losing her. But the most important thing was that I was able to get to know the real Michelle, my real daughter. And she’s pretty amazing. I couldn’t be prouder. And someday, maybe your mom will be willing to get to know the real you.”

I gave her a hug. Stacy gives great hugs.

When she pulled away she pulled a Kleenex out of her bag and dabbed at my misty eyes. “So, does the real you want a new pair of shorts?”

That made me laugh, and we headed into the store.

I came out with two complete outfits, feeling a little naughty, but excited to see what Mitch would think. We had to go back and pick up my dress, which they’d brought in just a smidge. It fit like a glove, and even without makeup or hair done I couldn’t believe what I was seeing in the mirror.

We made it back just after the three-thirty kickoff of the Florida-Georgia game, and I cuddled up with Mitch on the couch to watch. I was still learning about the intricacies and traditions, but what I really loved was watching Mitch get all excited. She’d get mad if I ever said it, but she’s really cute when that happens.

Our reservations were at eight-fifteen, so as soon as the game finished shortly after seven I headed into the master bathroom to get ready. Stacy had graciously gifted me the use of her and Jack’s master bath, along with her vanity and mirror. I was grateful, mostly because I wanted to see Mitch’s face when I emerged, something that wouldn’t be as dramatic if she was able to witness the work in progress.

To be honest, I was stunned when I finally saw myself in Stacy’s full length mirror. I looked like a woman grown. My mother had given me the basics in how to put on makeup, but blush and mascara had been forbidden. It wasn’t tonight, though, and Stacy helped me pick out a dusty rose pink with matching lipstick and just a touch of blush. I didn’t look made up, but my face seemed to pop out of the mirror. My hair bounced out of the rollers I’d borrowed, and Stacy helped me put it up into a high ponytail, pinned back over my ears and lengthening my neck.

And it was all worth it when I saw Mitch’s eyes widen as she took me in.

“Oh, Cindy.”

I swished my dress, baring my toned leg up to my thigh. “Do I look okay?”

“Baby, just, wow.”

I grinned and blushed. Not that I wasn’t taking her in as well. She was wearing pinstripe slacks with a matching jacket and a white shirt with the top two buttons undone. It was accentuated with a red, untied bow tie and matching handkerchief in the jacket pocket. Her hair was combed and parted with swept up bangs. She looked so handsome, and I seemed to just float into her arms. Jack insisted on pictures, like we were going to prom or something.

When we entered the restaurant I could feel the other patrons’ eyes turn towards us. My hand tightened in Mitch’s and I whispered to her. “Are they staring at us?”

“No, they’re staring at you. You’re stunning.”

I started to protest, but my girlfriend cut me off.

“Cindy, you’re the most beautiful woman in the room. You’d be the most beautiful woman in almost every room on earth.”

I blushed and looked down, but her touch gave me strength. “You mean there are some I wouldn’t be?”

Mitch gave a little chuckle. “Not to me.” She leaned down and gave me a little kiss, not caring at all that the entire restaurant was looking at us. My heart swelled with love and pride, and I stood a little taller as I walked to our table.

It was by far the nicest restaurant I’d ever been in. The people were dressed elegantly, as were the staff. The waiter didn’t even write down our order, just memorizing it. My eyes almost left my skull when I saw the prices. You know it’s expensive when they only write down the dollar amounts.

I immediately found the least expensive thing on the menu, the Risotto, but Jack insisted that I get whatever I wanted, so I opted for the rack of lamb. I figured what the heck, might as well try something new.

It was beautiful with the sauce swooshed around the plate like in cooking shows I’d seen, and the taste was otherworldly. Jack threatened to get the escargot as an appetizer, making me scrunch up my nose and shake my head. I didn’t mind trying new things, but there were limits.

Luckily Stacy laughed and put her hand on my arm. “Don’t worry dear, he doesn’t like it either. He just likes to get a rise out of people.”

I smirked at my girlfriend. “I guess you come by that particular personality trait honestly.”

Stacy grinned. “They’re like clones. It’s scary.”

I could see the twinkle in Stacy’s eye, she loved that about her husband, just like I did about her daughter. But we didn’t need to let them know that. “Have I told what she did to me the first day we met? She was spotting me on the bench press, just teasing me mercilessly.”

“I was not! I was being very friendly.” Mitch gave me a playfully scolding look. “I was trying to make conversation.”

Stacy sat back. “Well, I was always told boys only tease girls they like.”

“You know, a friend said the same thing, and I’ve been thinking about it. It’s not okay for boys to tease girls, and teaching our daughters they should be proud when a boy belittles them,”. I shook my head. “If we ever have a son, we’re going to teach him better, Michelle Kirkpatrick. Even if he’s just like his grandfather.”

Jack gave a loud laugh. “That settles it, Michelle. I like her.”

“Me too, Dad.”

We took our time with dinner, but it was barely nine thirty when we finished. Stacy was tired, but Jack gave me a wink. “You know, Michelle, it seems almost a waste to get Cindy all dressed up and then only go for dinner.”

“What are you suggesting, Dad?”

He shook his head in disappointment. “Take her dancing, girl. Dancing is the way to a woman”s heart.”

“Dad, we all drove together.”

“We’ll get a cab. You should go.”

“Yeah.” I looked up into Mitch’s lovely blue eyes, remembering the first time we’d danced. “You should take me dancing.”

I watched the desire to hold me wash over Mitch’s face, which made me shiver. “Okay. Let’s do it.” Jack tossed his daughter the keys, and she handed me into the front seat of his SUV before crossing and climbing into the driver’s side.

“Do you know where we’re going?”

“Yeah. There’s at least one club I know that admits minors over near USF.” Mitch was twenty-one, having had her birthday in September. I wouldn’t join her in alcoholic legality until February.

“Is it a lesbian club?”

“No, but it’s pretty welcoming from what I understand. Besides, It’ll be dark. I doubt too many people will notice I’m not a guy. They’ll all be looking at you anyway.”

It turns out that Mitch was almost completely correct. We got into the club without any trouble, other than me having to have my hand stamped. Mitch offered to buy me a drink if I wanted one, but I didn’t want to mar the evening by being nervous about breaking the rules, and I really didn’t want to get caught and kicked out.

We hadn’t danced much since we’d gotten together, and as Mitch led me out onto the floor and wrapped me in her arms I vowed I’d have to change that. I massaged the back of her neck with my hand, gazing into her incredible blue eyes as she smiled down at me. I enjoyed the feeling of her strong body pressed against mine, the look of serene happiness on her face as she held me close. We swayed to the music as the world faded away

The only reminder was one guy who came up while Mitch and I were sitting one out and asked me to dance.

“Sorry, man. She’s all mine tonight.”

The guy positively started. He probably hadn’t spared a second glance at Mitch his entire way over. “Dude! You’re a chick?”

“Yup. You?”

I can virtually guarantee no one had ever asked him that before, especially given his bewildered expression. “No!”

I stood up. “Then I guess you don’t have what I’m looking for. C’mon sweetie,” I took Mitch’s hand, “let’s go dance.”

We left him there gaping, and I’ll admit my heart was beating a little fast, but I refused to look back as we made our way back out onto the floor.

“Look at you, Miss Sass.” Mitch was grinning at me.

“Well, it’s true. Like you said, I’m all yours. And not just for tonight.”

Emotion swam in Mitch’s eyes as she searched for an answer, which made me happy. She didn’t get tongue-tied often. But eventually she found the perfect comeback.

“I love you.”

It was my turn to tear up. “And I love you.” I lay my head on her shoulder as we moved in rhythm, both with the music and each other. “Always.”

We danced for another half an hour, me never wanting this moment to end. But I was getting tired, and Mitch could tell.

“You about ready to go?”

“Yeah. I wish we were back in Athens.”

“Why?”

“So we’d be going back to our apartment, and we could, y’know, do stuff.”

Mitch had that glint in her eye as she answered. “Cindy, you honestly think I’m going to dance with you all night, while you’re wearing that dress, and not make love to you when we get back?”

“But your parents will be there!”

Mitch shrugged. “They had sex while I was in the house growing up. I reckon turnabout is fair play.”

I wasn’t convinced, and Mitch could tell. “They won’t hear us, I promise. C’mon. I’ll prove it to you.” She took my hand and led me off the floor.

The house was dark when we got back, other than the porch light. We both slipped off our shoes when we got inside, although that took a little more doing for me than for Mitch, but we got the job done and made it back to our room with barely a sound.

Mitch closed the door behind us, the light of the street filtering in through her window made everything look blue. She took off her jacket and slid her arms around my waist. I leaned back against her, resting in her warmth for a moment. She kissed my neck, sending a shiver through me. “Mitch?”

“Yes, my love?”

“Help me take my dress off.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her hands went to the bow in the back and untied it, before sliding down the hidden zipper at the waist. Her hands ran over my hips and up my sides until she reached my shoulders, slipping the thin straps down my arms. I shrugged the material free, letting the dress pool around my feet.

I turned back toward Mitch, pulling her to me and kissing her deeply, pressing my now almost nude body against her. Her hands ran over my bare back and up into my hair, easing my head back and to the side so Mitch could suckle my neck.

I moaned and leaned back into her arms, my hands going to her waist, feeling the curve of her hips and pulling her shirt free from her slacks. Her lips went to my ear, whispering softly.

“You’re going to have to unbutton it to get it off, babe.”

“Okay.”

I slid my hand up over her firm, flat stomach and modest breasts, reaching the top fastened button and undoing it. I kissed the skin I exposed, earning a sigh. I went down the line, button by button until her top opened and I pushed it over her shoulders and onto the floor.

Her arms went over her head, and I stripped off the black sports bra she was wearing, hungrily taking one of her firm nipples into my mouth.

“Oh, Cindy, that’s so nice. Mmm.” Buoyed by Mitch’s sighs I kept at it, going from side to side, reveling in the softness of her breasts, overlaying the powerful muscles beneath.

After a few wonderful minutes Mitch pulled away and took my mouth with hers, kissing me deeply and making my spirit melt inside me. God, I wanted her to take me, and she knew it.

“Get on the bed, lay back. I wanna taste you.”

My heart was racing as I obeyed, watching wide eyed as Mitch approached, eyes hungry. She stripped off her slacks before joining me on the mattress, covering me with her body and kissing me deeply, pressing me into the softness of the bed. Slowly she worked her way down my body, taking an exquisite amount of time with every square inch of my skin she kissed. I just let myself float in the attention of my lover, the soft feel of her lips, the heat of her body.

Her mouth closed over one of my nipples, making me moan and push my chest up into her mouth, my hands gripping the sheets. Mitch was definitely energized by my reaction, increasing the intensity just like I wanted. It always amazed me how well we communicated during sex, how easily she read what I wanted and how I wanted it. I felt so connected with her, from the first kiss to the lovely cuddling that came afterwards. I belonged completely to her, and I knew, deep in my soul, that her heart was mine, the most precious gift I would ever be given.

I was almost surprised when Mitch’s mouth began to move down over my belly. When she reached the waistband of my panties my knees closed so she could strip them off. Her lips and tongue feathered along my inner thighs as my legs opened to her, and she settled between them, my eyes closing as she took me to heaven.