Page 139 of Through the Storms

By the tone of Riley’s voice, Chloe imagined the concern etched on her face. “Terrified.”

“Of me?”

“Of her feelings.” Chloe kept her eyes closed, not ready to look into Riley’s eyes.

“What if I told her that itwasthe best day of my life? The best week. And that I’ve missed her terribly, but I didn’t know what to do about it. And I feel stupid because it was only a week, but it felt more real than anything in my life.”

“She’d understand,” Chloe said. “Because she feels the same.”

Chloe heard Riley’s footsteps as she moved closer. Maybe it was Chloe’s imagination, but the temperature had increased around her. Was Riley close enough for Chloe to feel her body heat? Chloe was afraid to open her eyes.

A gentle touch caressed her face. “I’ve watched that video more times than I’d care to admit,” Riley said.

“She would have, too, if she’d had it. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.”

“Do you think she’d mind if I kissed her?” Riley asked.

“I think she’d be ecstatic.” Chloe finally opened her eyes. Her breath caught when she met Riley’s gaze. The images in the video didn’t hold a candle to the intensity that now burned in Riley’s eyes. Riley put her hand against Chloe’s cheek before she lowered her mouth.

When their lips met, Chloe shuddered. Riley’s feather kisses were more sensual than a hard driving kiss, although Chloe had no doubt they would soon get there.

Riley moaned as their lips danced. When Riley slid her tongue between Chloe’s lips, Chloe’s knees buckled.

Riley held her up, but neither broke the kiss.

After several minutes, Riley stepped back. At first, her eyes were unfocused, but then they widened. “Are you all right?”

Confused by Riley’s reaction, Chloe narrowed her eyes. That was when she realized a steady stream of tears ran down her face. She tentatively touched her cheek. It was wet. She needed to say something to erase the look of terror on Riley’s face. “I don’t know where those came from.”

“Did I do something wrong? Was that all right?” Riley stammered.

Chloe laughed. “That was more than all right.”

“But you’re crying.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of happy tears?” Chloe threw herself into Riley’s arms. “Kiss me again.”

Riley laughed and spun her around.

Chloe wasn’t sure how much longer they kissed, but she finally had to step back when she could barely catch her breath. Once they’d separated, Chloe became aware of the ache between her legs. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could do this before she yanked Riley onto the couch.

Riley smiled down at her. “What’s that look for?”

Chloe’s cheeks heated. “I was trying to figure out if I could have my way with you right here.”

Riley laughed. “Seriously, what were you thinking?”

“I’m serious.” Chloe kissed Riley again, showing her how much she meant it. She pressed against Riley.

Riley turned so her leg slid between Chloe’s legs. Riley moved her thigh rhythmically against Chloe.

Shit.She needed to stop this before her body exploded. Chloe stepped back. “We should probably at least go to the bedroom, just in case Mia comes home.”

Riley stiffened. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this here.”

“Oh, no, you don’t.” Chloe playfully grabbed Riley’s collar and pulled her closer. “You don’t get a woman this turned on and leave her hanging.”

“You’re turned on? Are you sure?” Riley moved her arm, so it brushed Chloe’s nipple.