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Taking a chance, Azalea lifted their joined hands and pressed her lips to the back of Jewel’s, then to her knuckles. She took it slow, made her point clear. She wanted this. Eli was right—sometimes risks were worth it, and if she was going to take a risk for anyone, Jewel ought to be it. Shouldn’t she?

Another lightning bolt struck down, this time far closer than the last. She knew the thunder would roll in right afterward, which it did. Jewel jerked slightly at the sound when it hit, but Azalea didn’t move. She loved storms. Eli would most likely still be out in the fields, checking on the herds of cattle before she came in when the worst of it hit.

“I’ve made a good life for myself here,” Azalea commented, really to no one in particular except herself. At Jewel’s cautious and curious glance, she continued, “Maybe it’s time to see if it can get a little bit better.”

“Really?” Hope burst from Jewel, her grip tightening on Azalea’s hand.

Azalea reached down, setting her mug on the deck board just under the bench. She confidently took Jewel’s mug and set it down as well so their hands were unhindered. With both of Jewel’s hands in hers, Azalea cocked her head to the side. She’d been thinking about this moment since the last time they had kissed, wondering how the ice would break, how the dam would open this time instead of crash. She wanted to take this slow, wanted it to be memorable and passionate at the same time.

Lightly touching the edge of her finger under Jewel’s chin, Azalea made sure their gazes were locked. Lightning struck again, this time opening the floodgates of rain. Water poured down outside, pinging on the tin roof of the porch with such force that they created their own roar of power. Every nerve in her body was on fire. Her gaze dipped to Jewel’s lips, those plump lips ripe for the taking.

Her heart raced, her breathing quickened. The next step. She could do this. Brushing her thumb across Jewel’s lower lip, Azalea reveled in the soft feeling of it against her skin. Jewel shuddered. The chill in the air following the storm finally reaching them, caressed her cheeks, but she ignored it.

“Are you going to kiss me?” Jewel asked in a whisper.

“I think I would like to.” Azalea’s lips curved upward. “If you’d like.”

“Yes. You know patience isn’t my strong suit.”

“I’m afraid you’re going to have to learn some more because I’m willing to try this, but I’m going to need to take it very slow. I have to learn to trust myself again.” Azalea had barely taken her eyes off Jewel’s lips. “Do you think you’re up for that?”

“The thing about me, and well, people in my generation, is we tend to be forever hopeful.” Jewel leaned in, taking Azalea’s lips with her own.

Azalea gasped, rocking with the motion of Jewel pressed against her before she pushed back. Excitement ran through her chest and into her belly, pooling just like it had before, only this time, it was far more tangible and recognizable. She wanted this. She wanted to explore this side of their relationship, something they had never touched on before. She wanted to try to take this risk.

Parting her lips, Azalea tasted Jewel’s mouth. She closed her eyes, focusing everything she had on the sensation of being that close to another person. It had been so long since she’d been this honest with herself but also with someone else, so long since she’d broken down walls. Everything about that moment felt perfect and uplifting. She could only hope Jewel understood how scary this was for her.

She curled her fingers into Jewel’s hair, tightening her grasp as she increased the pressure of their mouths, pulling back slightly to nip at Jewel’s lips and then diving back in. Once she had started, she didn’t want to stop, she didn’t want to lose this connection.

Rain pounded the damp soil around them, spraying them lightly with mist even though they were under the protection of the house. Jewel tasted of bitter coffee but also a hint of sweetness. Jewel’s hands came up to cup her cheeks, guiding the kiss into a feverish pace. If they weren’t careful, they wouldn’t stop.

Everything about the moment was slow and her speed. She took her time exploring, touching, testing. Azalea ran fingers from the back of Jewel’s head, down her neck, and just barely touched her chest as she wrapped their hands together in their laps again. Jewel, in all her bluntness, released her hand from Azalea’s and cupped her breast, sliding the edge of her thumb along Azalea’s hardened nipple.

Azalea gasped before pulling away and breaking their kiss. Giving a longing look at Jewel, Azalea shook her head. “Slow.”

“Right, sorry. I forgot that part.” Except Jewel didn’t look sorry in the least. She actually looked quite pleased with herself. Jewel moved back in, pecking Azalea’s lips lightly. “We should probably go back in before we get drenched.”

“Probably, but it’s so beautiful out here.” Azalea said it without moving her gaze from Jewel, wanting her subtle meaning to be clear.

Jewel flushed. It was perfect. Leaning in, Azalea pressed her lips to Jewel’s cheek. They sat there for another ten minutes before the wind kicked in and really started to blow the rain up onto the porch. Grabbing their cold coffees, they dashed inside to get warm.