Cricket Match

I tried to speak about it when we got to bed, but Karen was nibbling on various parts of my body, mainly my neck and shoulders, but by the time that she reached my breasts she wasn’t listening and I wasn’t making much sense, she was performing her magic.

Karen nuzzled and I held her as she teased me, thinking how lucky I was until she touched me between my legs and suddenly my mind was overtaken by one thing, the need to reach a climax. It took no time at all until an earth-shattering orgasm turned me into a quivering mass.

It took me some time before I was able to speak and move again. I stretched up onto my elbow and looked down at her, “You are beautiful and seem to know just how to get me going. Now it’s my turn to play.”

I slid down to work on her breasts and nipples before reaching between her thighs, inserting first one and then a second finger. She squirmed and sighed and when I felt her excitement reaching fever pitch, I slid further down to use my tongue. I licked, sucked and nibbled until she grabbed a handful of my hair, forcing my face into her as she writhed in ecstasy. As she relaxed, she slipped into sleep and I cuddled into her. She was my world and I loved her.

Sarah – University

Getting back to university was strange, I had lots to catch up with, but first I had to give the rest of the course and my lecturers all the details of the tour. When I saw my workload, I felt daunted but I buckled down and worked late for the first two nights.

I got a workout in each morning as soon as it got light, but I was in great shape so it was no trouble and helped to keep me focussed. I’d just finished a lecture, late on Wednesday afternoon and was contemplating what I’d have for dinner when my phone pinged with a message. It was from Hayley and there were only a few words, ‘At your digs, hurry up. X’

I threw my pack over my shoulder and set off at a brisk jog. It took me seven minutes and there she was standing by her car. The smile on my face must have been huge as she opened her arms and enveloped me. The kiss took a while and eventually I pulled back to breathlessly ask, “What are you doing here?”

“I missed my girlfriend.” She smiled and my heart melted yet again, as it seemed to do every time she called me her girlfriend. “I came down to the Performance Centre for a treatment session on my shoulder and then had a workout. The fact that you’re here is just a coincidence.” I knew that was a lie and felt so elated that she’d come over.

We went for dinner and then back to the flat I was sharing, “Can you stay the night?”

“I can if it’s okay, if not that’s okay too.” She said the words but that wasn’t true, she wanted to stay and I wanted that as well.

We made mugs of tea and chatted for about half an hour, but it was killing me. “Hayley, being so close to you is driving me nuts…”

“I’m too close?” She looked puzzled and I knew why.

“No, you’re just in touching distance. That’s nice but I need to be closer, preferably very close and naked. Would you come to bed with me, please?” I fluttered my eyelids in the hope of encouraging her, but she just laughed.

“That eyelid thing is cute, but you don’t need to do that, I want to sleep with you. Actually, not just tonight but lots of nights.” I headed for the bedroom shedding clothes as I went and threw myself, naked, onto the bed. Hayley stood there taking off her clothes more sedately and eyeing me up as she did so.

I took her into my arms as she laid down and I kissed her, she kissed me. I hadn’t been aware of what she was doing with her hands until I felt a finger on my mound and I let out a little gasp, that became a bigger gasp as she slid it inside. I was wet, soaking and very ready, so access was easy and she wasn’t fooling around, this was urgent and forceful. A second and then a third finger was added as she pumped whilst still kissing at my neck, shoulder, arms, left breast. My mind was filled with excitement, pleasure and a sense of needed what she was doing, needing more, but overwhelmingly I felt contented that this was right.

She made me come and kept going, adding a fourth finger and in a low growl she muttered, “One day I’m going to slide my whole hand inside you.”

My first thought was, ‘I doubt that it wouldn’t go’ and I was about to say that out loud when my second thought took over, “Oh, yes that would wonderful.” The idea made me come again and this time it hit me like a hammer and I passed out.

Hayley was muttering soothing words when I opened my eyes. “That felt good, are you okay?”

I nodded and tried to get my speech working, but it didn’t seem to make any sense so I stopped, took a deep breath and tried again. “Yes, I’m good, great, couldn’t be better. Thanks for coming to visit and staying over, you’ve made me feel very special.”

Hayley leaned forward and kissed me, at the same time stroking my forearm and causing goosebumps. “You are very special, that’s why I’m here.” She went quiet but I felt that she had more to say and waited. “I feel so much for you, I’ve had affairs and… well, they never felt like this. I can’t get you out of my head, in a good way.”

I rolled onto my side and then, pushing Hayley onto her back I lay half on top of her and went in for a serious kiss. She responded with fervour and I was enjoying the kissing so much that I kept doing it but got busy with my fingers, tracing imaginary designs on her torso, pausing now and again at points that made her quiver and then she pulled back from the kiss and almost snarled at me, “Stop being such a teasing bitch. I need more!” She demanded.

I smiled as I slid between her thighs and went to work with my tongue and fingers. Delicate, almost teasing touches to start with and then I became more purposeful, using my fingers I found her spot and made her scream. I kept doing that and licked her as well as I could with a couple of fingers inside her. I felt her start to quiver, maybe it was a tremble, her legs twitched and she groaned. As her climax got closer, she trashed around, pulling on the bedclothes, pulling on my hair and making unintelligible statements until she yelled as she came. As she came down from her high, in the silence, I heard someone next door giggling.

I held her as we both fell asleep; I’d never been so happy.

*****

I worked hard, gym or a run daily, studying until late each evening and I didn’t do much socialising. Hayley and I got into a routine, she’d come down on a Tuesday or Wednesday and stay the night. I’d head home on Friday and we’d spend most of the weekend together. Sometimes I left late Sunday, other weeks before dawn on Monday.

My feelings for Hayley grew deeper and I was falling more in love with her as time passed. We discussed our feelings now and again and she admitted that she felt the same as I did.

Most of the time when I was home, we would be at my place, well Mum and Amy’s place. They didn’t seem to mind having Hayley there and she became a part of the family. Occasionally we’d spend a night at her digs, but they weren’t great and her roommates were annoying. Twice we spent a Saturday with Karen and Olivia, that was great fun and the four of us enjoyed cooking meals together. They treated Hayley as they treated me and that pleased me no end.

Cricket season

We were both pleased that the cricket season had started, hours of relentless practice was better than nothing, but it was all done to prepare for the actual games and now they’d started. I was playing with the university women’s team and even played a couple of games in the men’s team. Taking a bloke’s wicket always made me smile, they didn’t hold back when I was batting and I’m sure that it gave me more confidence.

Hayley had been attending England training, which I was excused from because I was still a full-time student. She was also playing for the county team. Soon I’d be able to join her when exams were over.

One weekend we’d decided to go out for a meal, something rare for us, but it was fun and another guest at the restaurant asked Hayley for her autograph so I teased her for ages about it. As we walked back to my place Hayley stopped suddenly and stared at a building. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

I hadn’t seen the for-sale sign indicating a first-floor apartment. “What is it? Are you thinking about a move?”

“No, at least I wasn’t, but that’s handy.” It was mid-way between my home and the cricket ground. I knew that she didn’t like sharing or her current digs. “If that’s okay, it would be great and…”

“And what?” I asked.

“Well, you have a great home, but maybe…”

“Are you suggesting that we could….” I didn’t finish.

“Live together when you’re not at Uni? Yes, exactly.”

There was a long conversation after we’d checked the details on the estate agents web site; it looked great.

I was having lunch on Wednesday when Hayley called me. “Any chance that you could head to your Mum’s later. I’d like you to come with me to see that flat.”

I quickly thought about my afternoon before replying, “I should be able to get away just after four, be there for about five if the traffic’s okay.”

“Can I call round to your Mum’s?”

“Of course, I’ll give her a call. What time are we viewing?”

“Six.”

*****

Mum was pleased to see me and a bit surprised that Hayley was viewing a flat, “Is she thinking of buying?”

“We passed it at the weekend, she hadn’t mentioned buying before, but she hates where she is.”

“So, nothing to do with her wanting a place for the two of you?” Mum was grinning.

“I hope that’s not why she’s thinking about it, but…”

*****

As we reached the footpath and turned towards my home, she grinned at me, “I want that place. It’s perfect for me, a bit of TLC and it’ll look great. I know that I can afford, I’ve checked.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yes. I’m sick of sharing, fed up with those two, I don’t like sponging off of your folks and I want my own place. Maybe I could find someone who’d like to spend a couple of nights a week with me.”

I stopped in front of her and turned to face her. “Hayley, be serious for a minute. Are you doing this for yourself or with some idea about us living together?”

She looked equally serious, “I want a place for me, but hope that it might be for us too. One way or another I want my own place and I can afford it.”

I leaned in to kiss her. “Great. I’m not saying that I’ll move in, but it would be nice.”

*****

I didn’t know that these things could move at such speed, but four weeks later the apartment was full of people, painting and decorating. Two weeks later my exams were done and I’d as good as moved in with her. Mum was sad, I could see it in her face despite her attempts to hide it. I wasn’t always at Hayley’s; we spent a couple of nights at my place each week. It was clear that Mum and Amy welcomed Hayley, so being there was fun and there were many evenings spent chatting and enjoying each other’s company.

It was Hayley’s place, but she’d done everything she could to make me feel comfortable and welcome. One evening, not long after I’d moved in, I was alone and walked about the place admiring how good it looked, when I noticed a photograph of us both that had been taken in Barbados a few months ago. Suddenly, I could feel tears forming and I sobbed, they were tears of delight and astonishment. Here I was sharing a home with a woman I was head over heels about and feeling very fortunate.

I told Hayley when she arrived home and she laughed, “I had the same feeling a few days ago. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you.”

“Then take me to bed and show me.” That was my reply. We let loose and enjoyed some wild and abandoned sex. There was a lot of screaming with pleasure and release. Lots of love, serious, committed love.

*****

The T20 season was underway and I was a fixture in the Bandits team. I bowled my overs in the middle of the innings aiming to restrict the opposition from scoring too many runs. I wasn’t a prolific wicket-taker that season, but that wasn’t my role and I enhanced my reputation for fielding, often out on the boundary, because I was so fast across the ground and I had a great throw.

My batting was a bit more hit and miss, literally. A couple of times I was out very quickly, including one occasion where I was walking back less than thirty seconds after arriving at the crease. On other occasions, I threw my bat at anything that I could reach and scored a lot of runs quickly. The whole team laughed at the narrow escapes I’d had and several suggested that I should buy a lottery ticket.

I loved it, I mean, I was in my element and couldn’t be happier with how things were going both on the field and with Hayley.

I played in the one Test Match that summer, two One Day games and two T20 matches for England. I’d done pretty well, scoring a few runs and taking some wickets. As a fielder, I’d saved a lot of runs, taken numerous catches and effected a few run-outs. Having done well on the international stage I’d cemented my place in the England squad, I wouldn’t play every game, but I was always in the running.

Cricket was making me some okay money, I wasn’t rich, but I had whatever I needed. A local car dealership offered me sponsorship, in the form of a decent car. There was no point denying who was using it, as my name was plastered across the back of it and my picture occasionally appeared in some local newspaper adverts.

Sadly, none of the England games were near to home so I couldn’t get Grandad to any of them, but I know he was glued to the TV as I’d paid for a satellite subscription. Gran told me she loved when I was playing, at first because she had peace from Grandad and then she too couldn’t stay away from the TV and loved sharing my games with him.

The Photoshoot

Hayley and I were at the cricket ground, having a gym workout and then spending an hour at the indoor nets. I was packing my kit into my bag when Maureen, the Club Press Officer, stuck her head around the changing room door. “Sarah, Hayley, could you pop into my office before you leave?”

I never gave any thought to what she wanted and when she told us, well, I found it hard to believe. “I’ve had a phone call from Hot Magazine, they’d like to do a feature about the two of you, combined with a fashion photoshoot, here at the ground.”

“What?” I didn’t understand.

“The fact that you two are a ‘thing’ is becoming more common knowledge. They see a chance to shoot a feature about you and get you wearing some designer clothes. I’m not sure that you realise, you’re two very attractive young women, you’ve sparked interest in cricket and it’ll make a great story. It would pay well and be great for the club.”

The conversation lasted a full thirty minutes and then we adjourned to Amy’s to talk. We’d made no real secret of our relationship, although we didn’t flaunt it. We agreed that it might be fun, but Hayley wanted to discuss it with the England set-up, she was after all under contract with them and I was still ‘as selected.’

Two days later we agreed to do it.

*****

The sun streaming through the blinds woke me and I rolled over. Hayley was lying on her side facing me with her long blonde hair somewhat tousled and spread across her pillow with one stray strand covering her left eye. I admired her, she was beautiful and sexy, but she was also such a lovely person, warm and funny, smart and caring. The fact that she cared for me and wanted me as her partner still amazed me. I felt a smile spread, not just across my face, but throughout my whole body.

Suddenly, without moving or opening her eyes she spoke, “Watching me sleeping could be regarded as perverted behaviour.”

I sniggered, “Then I’m a pervert. I was thinking how lucky I was.”

She opened both eyes and grinned. “I’m lucky, I’ve got you. Sarah, I’ve never felt anything like this before as I’ve told you many times. Kiss me, please.” She got her kiss, a long and passionate one.

We had our usual coffee and toast before walking along to the cricket ground for the photoshoot. Neither of us knew what to expect. I hadn’t given it a great deal of thought and assumed that it would be a photographer, someone to do hair and make-up and maybe someone else. I was about to learn that I was very much mistaken.

Maureen, the club Press officer, was waiting for us with Christina from the magazine and after a brief introduction they escorted us up to the visiting teams dressing room. What I saw stunned me, two chairs in front of two huge illuminated mirrors and a lot of people. I stood open-mouthed as Christina introduced me to Stew, the photographer, his assistant Cora, Zara the hairstylist, Serena for make-up, Sebastian and Gloria on wardrobe, Elizabeth the director and Julie who would get us anything that we needed. Suddenly, I felt scared. Hayley squeezed my hand and I saw from the look she gave me that it had taken her by surprise as well.

Over the next hour, my hair and make-up were done as Christina chatted with us, asking questions and taking notes. Throughout that process I was being offered water, fruit juice, tea coffee, bagels, pastries, it never stopped. Serena said that she was done and I was astonished at the change that had been made, from a good-looking girl (I know, blowing my own trumpet) into someone who’d have looked right at home on a red carpet. I looked over at Hayley and suddenly my chest felt tight and I struggled to get a breath. The woman who I’d woken up with was now the most beautiful vision that my eyes had ever rested upon. She grinned and said, “We look pretty good. Play your cards right and I could fancy you.” I still couldn’t quite believe it and was still breathless, so I just smiled.

Our outfits for the first series of shots were just cricket whites. That was a surprise as well, white shirts, white trousers and cable-knit sweaters. It was like a throwback twenty years, except that these were white, not the usual cream and they were well-cut. We marched out to the middle of the pitch where some stumps had been set up and there, handed a couple of bats. The next twenty minutes were taken up with; left a bit, move your arm, look this way, look that way, smile, don’t smile, touch her arm, hold the bat more this way. Eventually, it was over and as Hayley and I walked back I whispered, “No wonder models get paid so much money.”

She whispered back, “But no one was bowling at eighty trying to knock your head off.” I giggled, that was true.

It took another half an hour to fix our make-up and hair and change into two very nice dresses, both floral, light colours showing ample flesh. They were just the sort of thing you might wear for an afternoon at a fancy event, although I don’t remember seeing many spectators that smart at any cricket game that I was ever a part of. It was down to the members bar in the pavilion where we stood with glasses of something, supposed to be cocktails and surrounded by lots of cricket memorabilia. There was more, look this way, smile, look that way, move your leg, flick your hair until eventually, they were all happy.

The next shoot was also in the bar, but this time we sat at a table, Hayley in a smart pair of tailored black trousers, a white blouse and a brightly coloured silk waistcoat. I wore a ‘little black dress.’ It was stunning and fitted me like a glove, it showed a bit of cleavage, plenty of legs and enhanced every attribute I had. More directions followed as each photograph was taken, the lights were moved a fraction, then more direction. The best part about this was being able to admire my beautiful girlfriend and she gave me a big smile whenever there was a pause in the snapping of the shutter.

The magazine had laid on a lunch, lots of fruit, sandwiches, nibbles and drinks. It provided a welcome break and we got to know a bit more about the clothing designer and how the eventual magazine layout would look. In between all of the activities, Christina kept asking questions to ‘get to know us’ in more depth.

It was back for more primping before we donned baggy white trousers and linen shirts with simple low-heeled sandals. This time we were carefully draped over the large grass mower and the roller used by the ground staff. There was a lot of direction and at one point the director was physically moving our limbs when we failed to get the right idea. By now I was having difficulty stifling my laughter and that was causing Hayley to snigger. At last, the photographer said that he was happy and the two of us had to support each other as we walked back to change again. The make-up artist seemed unhappy that our tears of laughter had caused some damage to her work and she set about repairing the damage.

This time it was two long casual dresses, the sort of thing I could imagine an elegant woman wearing for cocktails after a day in the sun at the beach. We posed in one of the grandstands; on the stairs, sitting down, looking at each other, pointing at some imaginary event behind the photographer. This part was fairly easy as we’d been told just to do as we liked whilst they snapped away.

The final shot was to show two long elegant dresses. That meant that our make-up had to be redone more dramatically and our hair was styled and fastened up, mine in a sophisticated low bun and Hayley’s was in a high bun with tendrils hanging loose about her neck. She looked utterly amazing and she gasped when she saw me, so I assumed that she approved of my appearance. The dresses were both floor-length, probably silk and two shades of cream, mine being the lighter of the two. The one I wore had spaghetti straps and Hayley’s had wider shoulder straps, our arms were bare and although the dresses showed our figures, everything was suggestive rather than visible. I could imagine two bridesmaids wearing these dresses or possibly even a bride if she wanted something simple. Some bracelets were added before we were given a pair of ballet slippers and led out to the middle of the field. Again, we stood near a set of stumps and were asked to slip into some heels, vertiginous heels that I was sure would have the ground staff objecting if we damaged the surface.

We were given directions as they snapped away and by now, I was getting better at posing and relieved that we were nearly done, a day playing cricket was much easier work than this. The photographer asked us to turn and face each other with the wicket just in front of us. Hayley reached out to take my hand. I took it and stared back at her; she was beautiful. I have no idea how long we were like that or what directions we were given, I paid no attention to anything except the woman holding my hand. Eventually, I realised that it was done.

As we walked back to the changing area, I hooked my arm into Hayley’s and whistled ‘here comes the bride.’ She told me to behave, laughing as she spoke. We changed back into our street clothes and managed to talk the magazine people into letting us have one of the outfits each. I’d thought about the last dress, but it wasn’t very practical, so I opted for the little black dress. Hayley wanted the blouse and tailored slacks. I’d never thought that a pair of trousers could be sexy, but on her, this pair was something very special.

As we were getting ready to leave and saying our farewells, we chatted with some of the people from the magazine and right at the end the director jokingly said, “If you ever decide to tie the knot, let us know and we’ll cover it.”

Maureen had heard that and commented, “I’m sure the club would host the event in the Sherwood suite.” We both laughed.

We had fun that evening, retelling the story of the day to Mum and Amy. Later in bed, I kissed Hayley and then leaned over her chest on one elbow so that I could look at her. “I loved doing that today it was fun and we looked stunning in that last outfit, I could almost imagine us at the altar.”

“I enjoyed it as well. You looked damn sexy in that dress, now are you going to talk or what?”

“Or what, I think.” She smiled and I knew that she had made the same choice.

We kissed before embarking on a lengthy session of give and take sex until neither of us could give or take anymore.

*****

The following week the magazine sent us the photos they planned to use and several others, they were stunning and I was very proud of them. Naturally, we showed Mum and Amy, then Hayley’s parents. We didn’t talk about it again as all of our time was occupied with playing a lot of cricket.

Two weeks later the magazine was published and we fielded lots of phone calls from family, friends and teammates. A couple of evenings later we were at Mum’s house, sitting close together, as we usually did, watching TV. I wasn’t watching what was on the screen, the magazine on the coffee table caught my eye and I picked it up. I leafed through the article and photos once again until I got to the main spread and the two of us in those long dresses. I casually said, “Maybe we should ask to have those dresses for our wedding.” I hadn’t thought about what I was saying, beyond liking the dresses.

Hayley looked at me and casually replied, “They’re probably already gone and by the time we need them, they’ll be out of fashion.”

It took at least thirty seconds before we realised what we’d said. “Wedding?” I asked.

“You started it,” she replied with a huge grin.

“How long would we have to wait?”

“What?” She looked surprised, “You’re still young and at university and…”

I joked, “I see, you don’t want me.”

Another thirty seconds of silence followed before she broke it again, “I hadn’t thought about it, but yes I’d love to marry you.”

I glowed with delight, “And I’d love to marry you.” More silence until I asked, “So, how long do we have to wait?”

“Well, you have university, we’ve only been a couple for six months and….” She tailed off leaving things hanging.

“I once joked about forever, I’m not joking now. I’d marry you tomorrow if I could and I’m certain about that.” I was true, I had never been so certain about anything.

She smiled at me, “I’d love to marry you too.”

“Why don’t we do it then?”

“Because…” she was thinking, “Because it’s soon and…”

“Maybe not tomorrow, what about the end of the season?”

“Are you nuts? Don’t answer, I know you are. That’s idiotic, but it would be nice.”

“Then let’s do it.”

“Are you serious?” she asked.

Until that point it had all been a bit light-hearted, that didn’t make my feelings any less serious, but now… “Yes, the end of the season.” I waited for her reply with bated breath.

She smiled at me and slid onto the floor in front of me. She took my hand and I held my breath, “Sarah Hardy, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

I grinned, then smiled and said, “Yes I would. I love you.”

I grabbed her as she muttered, “And I love you too.”

It was then that the door opened and Mum walked in, followed by Amy. “Hi, wow it looks like you just proposed Hayley.” She smiled.

My reply was brief, “She did and I said yes.”

“What?” was Mum’s response, full of incredulity and shock. She found a seat, which was wise as I thought she might fall.

Amy looked stunned and also sat down. “Maybe start at the beginning.”

We told the story and they asked questions, before declaring that we were insane. They implored us to wait for longer, but the more questions they asked the more I knew that we were right. Eventually, I drew the discussion to a halt. “We need to stop this. Hayley, please come with me.”

She followed me to the bedroom in silence and we both sat on the bed with our legs drawn up under us. “I know we’ve never talked about this and it all seems a bit sudden, but the more they talked, the more I thought about it and the more I think I’m right. But that all depends on how you feel, we have time, the rest of our lives, but, I’m sure.”

She was thinking, I could see the gears in her brain whirring, she took my hand. “It stunned me, in the last hour I’ve gone through the pros and cons. I know that I love you and I’m sure that I want to marry you, certain of it. I’d do it as soon as we can, but is there a need to rush?” She paused and I remained silent. “September would be great though.”

We talked for another two hours before a long session of kissing and then we fell asleep.

We must have both woken up about the same time. Hayley looked at me and smiled. She said one word phrased as a question, “September?”

My reply was longer, but not much, “September it is then.”

Amy and Mum asked another million questions and tried to talk us out of it over breakfast, but eventually, Amy said, “Meredith, they seem to be determined and they love each other, let’s just try to support them.”

“You two are nuts, but I love you both and I can see that you love each other, congratulations.”

Hayley’s parents took just as long to come around and then we went to see my grandparents. I thought Gran was going to have a heart attack, but Grandad just stood up and grabbed us both for a hug. Now I needed to see Karen and Olivia, and I’d do that on my own.

Olivia – A favour to ask

“Sarah’s on her way, something important.”

Karen gave me a puzzled look and I simply shrugged. Ten minutes later Sarah was at the door bearing chocolates and a bottle of bubbly.

We made tea and sat in the lounge, but it was clear that Sarah was itching to tell us something. “Okay, what is it? A new tour?” I asked.

“No, it’s bigger than that.” That caught me by surprise, nothing was bigger than cricket for Sarah. “You know the article in ‘Hot’ magazine?”

“Yes, it was great, the two of you looked fab.”

“When we finished shooting the last pictures, the ones in the long dresses, someone made a comment about weddings and us looking like bridesmaids or brides. It’s bugged us since then and Hayley’s asked me to marry her.” Sarah was beaming. I felt faint.

Karen recovered quicker than I did, “What? Married? You’ve hardly been together for…”

“Six months. I know, but I’m sure, I want this. We’re planning on September and I need two bridesmaids.”

I burst out laughing before answering, “I can’t think of anyone suitable right now.”

Karen put a hand on Sarah’s knee and, more seriously, asked, “Are you sure, this sounds insane. I know you love her, but that’s mighty quick?”

“Never been more certain. I need you two, please.”

We spent the rest of a long evening discussing her thoughts, our thoughts and her plans. When Karen and I went to bed that night we talked, “So, what do you think?”

I closed my eyes for a moment, “It’s quick, way too fast, but you can’t deny that she’s head over heels for Hayley. I don’t know Hayley that well, but I’d say that she feels the same about Sarah. Hayley is very smart, sensible and grounded. Look at the success she’s had and she still seems down to earth. She’s had a few rather attractive partners, but she’s picked, Sarah.”

Karen was about to say something, but I got in first, “The two of them look quite alike, they’re striking.”

“That is certainly true, but if you’re suggesting that only two people who look alike are well suited, I might need to chuck you.” We both laughed over that, but Karen added, “I’m sure that Meredith and Amy will have had plenty to say. I’m happy for her and if it goes belly-up the two of us will be there for her.”

“Yeah. I’d do anything for you and my folks, but she’d be next on my list. Plus, I fancy being a bridesmaid.”

“I fancy you, but being a bridesmaid will be fun as well.”

*****

The wedding planning went ahead quickly. Sarah and Hayley seemed to be in no doubt that it was the right thing and it was clear that they were very much in love. They seemed as besotted with each other as Karen and I felt about each other.

Karen and I were to wear identical dresses in ivory silk with matching shoes that Amy had promised to pay for. We didn’t have a great deal of spare cash between us, but I wanted some special underwear and went down on my knees to blag some cash from Dad. He seemed reluctant to hand over money for fancy underwear, but Samantha stepped in and made me smile, “Roger if you don’t give her the money you and I are finished. This is important and you don’t get it, it’s a girl thing.” The look on her face was deadly serious, Dad looked stunned, even more stunned when she followed up with, “In fact double what she wanted, or else.”

Samantha turned to us with a grin, “You need to forgive him, he’s a guy and it’s not his fault. I’m not your Mum and could never replace her, but I’d like to help you both if you’d like. But I’ll also not be offended if you declined.”

Something in what Samantha had said touched a nerve. I went over to hug her, “Thanks for that, we’d love your help. You’re not my Mum, but you’re my dad’s girlfriend and you’re important to me, to both of us.”

The following weekend Samantha came shopping with Karen and me. We were headed to a local lingerie shop and spent ten minutes browsing, but it wasn’t going well. Samantha came over and whispered, “They don’t have the right stuff here. I have an idea; will you trust me?” I looked at Karen and she shrugged.

Twenty minutes later we were outside a lingerie shop that that was so upmarket that I’d never even considered looking in the window before. “Sam, this is too much for us.”

She looked at the two of us. “First, you’re going to your best friend’s wedding and need the right things, second, you’re a couple and this is appropriate for…” The three of us blushed, “Thirdly, I’ve never had kids, never had a daughter to play dress-up with and now I’ve got you two, not quite daughters, so indulge me, please.” Karen and I looked at each other and she shrugged again.

Samantha spoke to one of the staff and moments later the two of us were ushered into a large changing area, where we were surrounded by mirrors. Our busts were measured with some precision, with and without clothes. It was a bit odd having other people looking at and touching us, not erotic in any way, it was business for them. We showed pictures of our dresses and two minutes later a selection of underwear appeared in various shades appropriate to the dresses. We selected a set that we both liked and were fitted with bras. The assistants fiddled with the straps and when they stood back, I realised that this bra did amazing things, not only did I have a bigger cleavage but it was more comfortable and with more support than any I’d ever worn. Karen glanced at me and then back to her reflection, “We’re having these bras even if I have to get a mortgage. It’s so damn comfy and we look amazing.”

The assistants smiled and Samantha laughed, “Actually you both look great. Pick a couple of pairs of pants and a garter belt to match.” She then turned to the assistants and said, “They also want another set, maybe black, red…” She turned back to us, “Let me do this, I’ve never had this much fun shopping for lingerie before.”

That evening, when we were alone, we changed into our new lingerie, not the wedding sets, the, well sex sets. Mine was in purple and Karen’s in black. We wore some very fancy stockings and when dressed stood facing each other holding hands. Then I started to cry.

“What’s wrong Liv, why are you crying?” She took my hands.

“I’m sorry, we look so very sexy. I can’t believe that I’d ever look like this and I can’t believe how good you look, I love you.” My knees went and I made it to the edge of the bed.

Karen sat beside me and wrapped her arms around me. “It’s okay. I love you too.” She pushed me back onto the bed and lay holding me. We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other. I thought back; about twelve months ago the two of us were friends, as close as it’s possible to be and then we realised that we were actually in love. From the moment I realised what it was, I was never in any doubt and Karen hadn’t seemed to have any doubts either. We’d been very happy since that time and shared absolutely everything. I would never try to tell anyone that sex wasn’t good because it was way better than I could ever have believed, but it was the whole thing. Little touches, a smile, a tiny gesture, they were enough. I wasn’t sure that it could get any better, at least until I realised that a finger had slid inside my underwear and was now caressing my slit.

“Karen…”

“Hush, my love. Leave me to do this.”

I have no idea how she managed to get so far down the bed without my realising it, but suddenly her hands were pulling down my panties and they disappeared somewhere. Then she licked the inside of my left thigh from knee to the junction and back down the inside of the right thigh. I guess that her finger had been inside me since she started licking but I have no idea where it was even though my senses were close to overload, there was tension in my torso and goosebumps on my arms. Karen moved her fingers in and out, gently but she knew what she was doing and then I felt her tongue caressing me alongside her fingers and I came with a whoosh, waves washed over me, warmth enveloped me and I sagged back incapable of anything and unaware of what was happening until I felt her lips on mine.

“Sleep now, my turn in the morning, maybe.”

Sarah — The wedding

Hayley was staying with her parents; I was staying with Mum and Amy and we’d agreed not to speak again until we met the next day. I set my phone down in the bedroom so that the temptation to call her was reduced and I headed to the kitchen. Karen, Olivia and Amy were sitting at the dining table whilst Mum was fixing some snacks. The wine was open and the first bottle looked as if it was suffering from some serious abuse already. The four of them were howling with laughter as Mum finished whatever she’d been saying.

“Hi, what’s so funny?”

The reply was simply more laughter. I poured myself a glass of soda water and sat down as Mum explained, “I was telling them about the time you fell into the duck pond when a swan flapped its wings and scared you.”

I sipped my drink. “That traumatised me and I still have flashbacks whenever I see a swan.” That wasn’t at all true, “Now it feels like I’m being re-traumatised by my family, I may need therapy.” They stifled their laughter for all of ten seconds before starting again and it was infectious, so I joined in. The next hour was spent telling stories about silly things that had happened to us.

We ordered and ate a Thai take away and the wine took another beating, tongues were getting looser. It was fun and I was enjoying things because I was stone-cold sober. I knew that too much wine was not a good idea for me and I didn’t want to suffer. The others always seemed to be able to brush it aside and, on another day, I’d think it was unfair but not today, not this day. Tomorrow I was going to get married, I was excited and nervous.

I must have been away in a world of my own until Oliva touched my arm and I heard her say, “Earth to Sarah, is there anyone there?”

“What, sorry, what is it?”

“We’ve been watching you for the last minute, you were daydreaming.”

“Sorry, I was thinking about tomorrow.”

Olivia laughed, “Oh, we have a fair idea what you were thinking about.”

Karen turned to me, “I’m sorry to get serious, but I need to say this now before I have any more wine. I know how much love Hayley and how you feel about her, I can see that she loves you too, but you’ve only been a couple for a few months. Are you absolutely certain you’re doing the right thing? It might not be comfortable, but you could change your mind, it’s not too late.”

I looked at the four of them, Mum was nodding just a little. “I confess to feeling a bit nervous, but I don’t think that’s anything that other brides-to-be don’t feel. As for marrying Hayley…” I took a deep breath, “I’ve never been more certain about it, not a doubt. I love each one of you, I hope that I’d do anything that I could for you if you needed help, but what I feel for Hayley is something that I can’t explain.”