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“Don’t you dare,” Megan said. “I was still figuring out hair products, and you can’t unsee what’s in there.”

“I love your hair. Soft and silky.”

“You can thank my hot iron and conditioner.” She pointed at the yearbook. “That girl had neither.”

“That sounds like all the more reason to meet her.” They spent the next half hour poring over Megan’s school photos and memorabilia, Harriet acting as the perfect tour guide. Megan’s abject embarrassment grew by the moment, delicious icing on the cake. Later, they enjoyed cocktails on the patio before a dinner of taco salad and fresh cantaloupe from the local farmers’ market.

“You guys know how to host a gathering,” Ally said, as she helped Harriet with the dishes. Megan and her dad were in the backyard catching up, and it gave her and Harriet some time to talk.

“So, Megan tells me you two have really hit it off.”

“We have.” Allison smiled. “I feel that way, too.”

“She also says this is new for you?”

She took a moment, understanding Harriet’s meaning. “She’s the first woman I’ve ever dated, if that’s what you mean.”

She nodded. “It is. Just know that I applaud you and your journey. Admire you even.”

Allison accepted a plate to dry. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“And your family is supportive?”

“For the most part, yes. My sister is working on it, but my parents have been great.”

“That’s important. I know what it’s like to catch your family off guard. When I brought Megan’s father to our family picnic, there were a few eyebrows. Some disapproving mumbling. Who’s this white guy?” She waved it off. “They got over it quick. Love us both now.”

“I hadn’t thought about that. I guess when your family has an idea of what your life is going to be like, it takes some adjusting when it doesn’t go that way.”

“Give that sister some time.”

“I will.”

“One more thing.” Harriet hesitated, and it was clear there was something on her mind. She kept her eyes on the margarita glass she washed, her tone delicate. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but my daughter doesn’t take a lot of big risks without guarantees. She’ll jump in with both feet if she’s confident in her chances of success, but when she’s not…” Harriet met her gaze.

“She holds back.”

She passed Allison a warm smile that let her know her words were meant to help, not hurt. “She gets timid, which is not a place she’s comfortable, and then she backs away altogether.”

Allison nodded, internalizing Harriet’s meaning. She’d wondered more than once about the depth of Megan’s feelings for her and what she wanted from all of this down the line. While it was a conversation she thought would come naturally, maybe she would need to be the one to take the lead. To let Megan know that she was in this and happily so, in spite of the tumultuous backdrop. “Thank you for the insight. I can definitely use it.” She peered out the window to see Megan and her father laughing. Megan’s bright eyes lit up with mirth, and everything in Ally tightened pleasantly. The world felt so different now that she knew Megan was in it, and getting to see her childhood home, meet her parents, and experience where she came from only added texture and layers to an already impressive woman.

After a lively night of conversation and a game of Spades played at the four person kitchen table, during which Megan’s parents soundly trounced them not once but four times, it was time for bed. Allisonslipped into a pair of gray sleep shorts and a light yellow T-shirt, having thoroughly enjoyed her day. With only two doors separating them, it was torturous not to be able to wrap her arms around Megan, kiss her neck, her lips, her breasts. She sighed dreamily at just the thought.

Meet me at my place immediately, a text message on her phone beckoned.Megan. She smiled, held the phone to her chest, nervous about breaking the rules and dying to do just that. Were they even rules? Megan didn’t think so. And while she wasn’t sure herself, she’d been given the guest room, and grown woman or not, she respected Megan’s parents. Her body had its own argument, though. Surely, they’d understand if she sneaked out for a little alone time with Megan. The room was likely just for show, to make everyone comfortable.

Come HERE, a second text message read. The emphasis sent a chill, and Allison was not strong enough to fight against all caps. She cracked her door and peeked out, gazing down the dark, still hallway. No voices. No movement. Just the quiet hum of the heater and a slash of lamplight beneath Megan’s bedroom door. Then as if there wasn’t a moment to spare, she scampered—yes, scampered—from the guest room to Megan’s, bursting through the door with wide eyes.

Megan chuckled. “Hello, Speed Racer. Someone chasing you?”

“I never sneaked out as a teenager. I didn’t have anywhere to sneak out to, but I still never did it.”

“I did,” Megan said.

She stood in the doorway as Megan approached from where she sat on the bed in a white and blue striped nightshirt with four large buttons. It brushed the tops of her thighs as she walked, and Ally felt it between her own. The small lamp by the bed was the only illumination, but she caught the look in Megan’s eyes just before she captured Allison’s mouth in a toe curling lip-lock. Her hands were immediately beneath Megan’s nightshirt from behind, and to her amazement, she had nothing on underneath. “You’re naked under here,” she managed. “I’m cupping your naked ass.”

“Mm-hmm,” Megan murmured against her mouth, pressing against her deliciously.

Allison’s hands dipped lower, touching Megan intimately from behind, pulling a sharp intake of air from Megan. God. She was wet and ready, and what was Ally supposed to with that just a short walk from Megan’s parents? She was going to hell, but damn if she wasn’tgoing to have a good time on the way. She pressed Megan against the wall gently, careful not to make noise, lifted the nightshirt to her waist, and stroked her softly between her legs as they kissed, Megan’s hips rocking in rhythm. As Megan got close, Allison broke the kiss and looked down, marveling at the sight, her hand moving in and out, taking this other person to heights of pleasure. She was drunk on lust, power, and satisfaction. To her surprise, it didn’t take long, and Megan strained and gripped Allison’s shoulders tightly as she came.