Page 101 of Balancing Act
That did it for Beth. To hear the want in Jamie’s voice. Who was she to deny her any longer.
The scent of Jamie was intoxicating as she pressed her tongue against her again. She loved knowing that she had been the one who had caused it.
Jamie squirmed under her touch as Beth lapped at her, expertly circling her clit over and over, the constant stream ofOh my Godcoming from Jamie indicating she was hitting all the right spots. Jamie’s breath hitched, nails dragging gently down Beth’s scalp, hips instinctively lifting off the mattress, which only made Beth grip her tighter. Her head tilted back against the pillow, exposing the elegant line of her throat, her lips parting in a quiet gasp as her body surrendered to Beth’s touch.
She wrapped her arms around Jamie’s thighs, pulling her closer—her tongue moving in long swipes as she devoured her—wanting to drown entirely in the depths of Jamie and never look back.
She wanted to be slow with her, to take her time and savor this moment, but the way Jamie’s fingers tugged at her hair told her it wasn’t the time for that. She moaned into Jamie, smiling as her hips moved against her in response to the sensation.
“Beth—oh—oh—right there—” Jamie struggled to string her words together as Beth flicked her tongue against her hardened clit, feeling the slight clenching of her strong thighs.
She did it again, a tiny thrill shooting through her at how Jamie unraveled beneath her touch. Beth locked eyes with Jamie, and the sheer vulnerability hit her like a tidal wave. How had she gotten so lucky—not just to have Jamie like this, but to be trusted with all of her, in every way that mattered? That trust humbled Beth as much as it ignited her.
Jamie groaned long and slow in the back of her throat as her release began to crest. Beth held her there, drinking in the way Jamie fell apart in her mouth, the quiet surrender in every shuddering breath and tightened grip on her hair. Beth couldn’t tear her gaze away as Jamie’s legs trembled around her, thesheer beauty of her unraveling drawing a soft, reverent smile to Beth’s lips. She loved this—giving Jamie exactly what she needed, exactly how she needed it.
For a minute, neither of them said anything as Jamie caught her breath. Beth stayed on her knees, her fingertips trailing lazy, looping patterns over the sensitive skin of Jamie’s inner thighs.
“Well, fuck me,” Jamie let out in a laugh, arm draped across her face as she collected herself.
“I believe I just did.” She smirked as she crawled her way up Jamie’s body, placing soft, open-mouthed kisses along her. Jamie wrapped her legs around Beth and snaked her arms around her neck, pulling her close.
Beth smiled, sinking into Jamie’s embrace as their breathing evened out. The word still lingered in her mind: girlfriend. It felt impossibly big and yet so simple, so natural, like everything else about Jamie. As she closed her eyes, resting her head against Jamie’s, Beth let herself settle into the quiet certainty of this moment—of them.
Beth stirred awake the next morning, stretching lazily, her hand instinctively reaching for the spot beside her. It was empty, and the sheets were cool to the touch. But, unlike the first time she’d woken to an empty bed after Jamie had stayed over, panic didn’t set in. Instead, a small smile tugged at her lips as the faint aroma of coffee drifted up from downstairs, accompanied by the soft hum of music.
She threw on a sweatshirt and followed the delicious smells, the rhythm of her steps slow and unhurried as she made her way to the stairs. Halfway down, she paused, taking in the sight below.
Jamie was in the kitchen, completely at ease as she moved between the stove and the counter. She knew exactly where everything was and seemed to glide effortlessly through the space. A Taylor Swift song played softly from her phone onthe windowsill, the cheerful melody filling the air. Beth couldn’t quite place the song, but Jamie was humming along, the faintest smile curving her lips as she worked.
She had a dish towel slung casually over her shoulder, her hair pulled into a messy ponytail, exuding a level of lived-in comfort as she moved around the space. She felt a tug in her chest at the sight—she liked having Jamie around. Jamie turned, reaching for the spatula on the counter, her eyes landing on Beth, lingering at the edge of the staircase.
A grin immediately broke across Jamie’s features, brown eyes lighting up in that way that always seemed spread to her. “Hey, you.” She smiled. “Morning.” Her voice was warm and sounded like it carried the weight of a hundred quiet good-mornings yet to come.
“Morning,” Beth replied, softer than she usually did as she took the last few steps into the kitchen. She leaned against the counter, content to watch Jamie for another moment. “What’s all this?”
Jamie gestured toward the stove with a flourish. “I was planning on bringing you breakfast in bed,” she said, a teasing lilt in her voice. “But then you went and ruined the surprise.”
Beth crossed her arms, dawning a playful pout. “I’m the one who ruined the surprise? Who’s to say I didn’t have a surprise of my own waiting for you upstairs?” She slipped her arms around Jamie’s waist, her chin resting on her shoulder. “I promise you would have liked it,” she whispered, giving Jamie a quick squeeze.
She relished in Jamie’s hum of amusement as she stirred the contents of a pan. “I know I would have liked it, and trust me, I’m open to all surprises of that specific variety. But today, I’ve got you covered. And since you’re here now, I’d like to invite you to have breakfast with me.” She reached for a plate and beganassembling what appeared to be scrambled eggs, toast, and a side of perfectly crisp bacon.
Beth swiped a piece of bacon before Jamie could stop her. “This is very domestic of you,” she teased, crunching loudly.
Jamie rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “I’ve seen what you usually eat for breakfast. Coffee and a Pop-Tart is no way to start the day.”
“It’s not my fault they make them so addictive.” Beth giggled as she leaned back against the counter, watching Jamie as she worked. “So, what’s the plan for today?”
Jamie handed her the loaded plate, leaning her hip against the counter as she looked at Beth. “I’m going to swing by the gym for a bit. Lily wants help with a few things, and I promised her I’d be there.”
Beth’s heart tugged at the mention of Jamie prioritizing Lily again. Even after spending the weekend with her, Jamie was still carving out time to support her. It was impossible not to admire how naturally Jamie had slipped into Lily’s life.
“And after that?” Beth asked, keeping her tone casual.
Jamie hesitated, wiping her hands on the dish towel before meeting her gaze. “I’m going to get the keys to Amanda’s apartment from her while I’m at the gym. I figured I’d start moving some of my boxes over there this afternoon.”
Beth’s stomach lurched as she worked to keep her expression neutral. She knew Jamie planned to stay with Amanda temporarily while she searched for her own place. She forced a smile. “Right. That sounds like a good plan,” she said lightly.
Jamie studied her quietly for a moment before moving on, choosing—Beth assumed—not to say whatever was on her mind. A flash of sadness accompanied that realization. A part of her wished Jamie would acknowledge the shift in the air between them.