Letting Go by Ann O'Leary Page A

chair. Kate was looking at her. Laura was conscious that the silk camisole clearly defined her breasts through the soft fabric.
    Laura headed into the kitchen, made the coffee and poured them both Frangelico on ice.
    “The problem with this lovely stuff is it’s very difficult to just have one,” said Laura, laughing. They sat on the comfortable chairs opposite each other.
    Kate had selected an Anita Baker album and it played in the background.
    Laura tried to ignore the sexual tension underscoring everything, and finally, around midnight, Kate rose to leave. 55
    Laura showed her to the door. “Thank you for asking me to have dinner with you, Kate. I’ve really enjoyed myself. I’m glad you talked me into it.”
    “I’m so glad you agreed to it,” Kate said. “Can we do it again soon?”
    Laura was feeling that everything had remained under control quite satisfactorily tonight, so she agreed. “I guess we could, yes.”
    Suddenly, without warning, Kate stepped forward and kissed her on the mouth. Laura was unprepared and just stood for a moment, overwhelmed by the sensation of Kate’s soft mouth against hers, Kate’s breasts against hers. She felt her body’s sexual response and started to pull away from Kate. Kate put her arms around her and held her close. Laura felt a hot rush of desire pump through her body, as Kate’s lips opened to take in more of her.
    Laura, as if in a dream, pushed the front door closed and wrapped her arms around Kate’s waist. She now responded fully to Kate’s kiss. They kissed more and more passionately. Laura felt herself sinking into a warm vacuum, where all reason vanished. Her mind empty of all other thoughts, she was absorbed by her increasing lust for this desirable woman in her arms.
    Kate placed a melting, feather-like kiss on her throat, making Laura softly moan in pleasure. Laura’s hands were exploring Kate’s waist and hips, wanting to feel her skin. She wanted Kate desperately. They kissed deeply. Then Kate whispered, “Take me to bed, Laura, please.”
    Despite the state she was in, alarm bells rang in Laura’s head. She came back to earth with a jolt, her body aching and trembling with desire. She gently pulled herself away from Kate and looked at her. Kate was in a bad way; she 56
    was flushed and she seemed unsteady, holding onto Laura for support. Her lovely brown eyes were dark with desire. Laura was suddenly afraid. How could she have let this happen? she thought. She couldn’t go to bed with this girl. She wanted her too much. She cared about her too much. She’d get involved with her, Laura fretted, and she’s too young… I can’t. These thoughts were crowding on top of one another in her mind.
    With enormous difficulty, she stepped away from Kate and took her hand. She led her over to a chair. “I’m getting a glass of water. Do you want one?” she asked. Kate just looked at her dumbfounded.
    “I can’t do it, Kate,” Laura said softly. “I can’t get involved, and I can’t just have a one-night stand with you. I like you too much for that. I’m very sorry.” Kate combed her fingers through her hair, and focused on Laura more clearly, as if she were coming back to reality. “It’s unforgivable,” Laura said, “that I let things go this far, when I wasn’t prepared to follow through.”
    “I don’t believe this,” said Kate, looking genuinely confused. “You feel the same way I do. You’re not in a relationship, so what’s the problem?” Kate was floundering. She clearly hadn’t counted on Laura having any other problems.
    Laura was now regaining her composure. “Yes, it’s obvious I feel the same way you do. I can’t deny that. But I’m old enough to know that some things are a mistake. I don’t want to get involved and if I sleep with you I will be. This is extremely difficult for me too, I assure you.”
    Kate remained silent, just looking at her. She was trying to hold onto her dignity, but Laura could see the tears