Chapter 18

18

R ebecca loaded the dishwasher while Quinn topped up their wine.

"Thank you for dinner," Rebecca said, leaning back against the counter. "It was delicious."

"I'm glad you stayed." Quinn reached for her glass and took a sip.

Rebecca swallowed. "We need to talk about what happened the other night."

"I know."

"It can't happen again." Rebecca felt like she was saying the exact opposite of what she wanted, but she had to be the sensible one here.

"Do you regret kissing me?"

Rebecca held Quinn's gaze, seeing the flicker of worry in those vivid blue eyes. She forced herself to continue. "No. Not for a second. But it's… It's?—"

"Complicated," Quinn finished for her, taking a step closer.

Rebecca nodded, unable to speak past the sudden lump in her throat. She pictured Sarah's hurt and bewildered face if she ever found out. "Yes," she whispered. "I can't keep lying to Sarah. We've always shared everything that's going on, and I hate not being able to be honest with her."

A tense silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken words and longing. Rebecca wanted to close the distance, to feel the warmth of Quinn's body against her own. But she knew she couldn't give in, no matter how compelling the temptation.

Quinn's eyes pleaded with her, and Rebecca's heart clenched in her chest. "You didn't lie to her. You just didn't tell her about me. Yet." Quinn's voice was soft, hopeful.

Rebecca took a steadying breath, trying to ignore the electricity that seemed to spark between them whenever they were close. "Sarah's my best friend." She shook her head, struggling to put her tangled thoughts into words. "This would hit her from both sides. I won't be the reason you have a falling out with your mom."

Quinn sighed, frustration flashing in her eyes. "It doesn't have to be like that. You don't know how she'll react."

Rebecca's eyes narrowed. "How do you think she'll take it when I tell her that I'm dating her daughter?"

"It doesn't have to be a big deal." Quinn stepped even closer. "She'll come around if she sees how good we are together."

Rebecca closed her eyes briefly. This was the first time that she really felt the age difference between them. Quinn was being so naive right now it was laughable. There was no way that Sarah would react well to this.

She looked into Quinn's eyes, her expression softening. "I can't be the reason you and your mom drift apart, or worse." She stepped forward, placing her hand gently on Quinn's cheek. "I care about you, Quinn. So much more than I expected. But right now, we need to be realistic."

Quinn opened her mouth, then closed it again. Rebecca could almost hear the thoughts turning in her head as she tried to come up with arguments, anything to make this situation different.

"I get it," Quinn finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. The hope that had shone in her eyes moments before dimmed, replaced by a shadow of disappointment. Rebecca's heart ached at the sight.

"It's not that I don't want this," Rebecca said, her thumb gently stroking Quinn's cheekbone. "Believe me, Quinn, I…" She trailed off, unable to articulate the depth of her feelings. It felt too risky, too vulnerable.

Quinn leaned into her touch, her eyes fluttering closed. Rebecca's breath hitched. The simple act of touching her, of feeling the warmth of her skin beneath her fingertips, sent a wave of longing through her. She knew she should pull away, create some distance, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Not yet.

And then Quinn's lips were hovering dangerously close to hers. Rebecca's breath caught in her throat as she felt the heat of Quinn's body against her own. Every instinct screamed for her to pull away, to put a stop to this before it went any further. But in that moment, she found herself incapable of resistance.

Rebecca kissed Quinn.

It was electric, passionate, and thoroughly intoxicating. Quinn's lips parted, and Rebecca felt herself surrendering to the kiss, exploring the warmth of Quinn's mouth. She tasted the lingering sweetness of the wine on Quinn's lips, and as their tongues touched, a shiver ran through her. She pulled Quinn closer, their bodies pressing together as if there wasn't enough space between them. Rebecca's heart raced as she lost herself in the moment, the taste of Quinn, the feel of her in her arms.

Rebecca's hands came up to slide into Quinn's hair, and the kiss became more urgent as they pressed closer together.

Rebecca knew she should stop. Every rational thought told her to pull away, to put an end to this madness before it consumed them both. But with Quinn's taste still on her lips, her heart racing, and her body alive with desire, she found herself unable to resist.

Quinn's hands slid around her waist, pulling her closer. Rebecca felt the counter press into her back as Quinn guided her to sit on the edge, their bodies fitting together perfectly. Quinn stepped between her legs, her eyes dark with unspoken desire.

Rebecca's breath quickened as she looked into Quinn's eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. She knew they were crossing a line, taking this further than either of them had intended. But in that moment, all she could think about was the feel of Quinn's body against her own.

Quinn kissed along Rebecca's jaw and down her neck, making Rebecca shiver. "Let's go upstairs," Quinn murmured against her skin.

Rebecca stiffened slightly at the suggestion, knowing that once they went upstairs there would be no turning back from this moment. But even as she tried to gather her thoughts and find a reason to say no, she could feel herself weakening under Quinn's touch.

They had already admitted that this kiss shouldn't happen again. And yet here they were again in each other's arms.

Rebecca knew she was already at the point of no return. The sensible, logical part of her brain pleaded with her to step away, to put an end to this before it went further. But as she looked into Quinn's eyes, she saw her own desire reflected back at her, and the last of her resistance crumbled.

She placed her hands on Quinn's waist, feeling the soft fabric of her shirt beneath her fingertips. With a gentle tug, she pulled Quinn closer, feeling the firm warmth of her body. Quinn's eyes fluttered closed as their lips met again, the kiss deepening. Rebecca's hands roamed, exploring the curves of Quinn's body, savoring the feel of her soft skin beneath her palms as she slid her hands under Quinn's shirt.

When Rebecca broke the kiss, she simply nodded, and Quinn took a small step back, giving Rebecca enough room to get down from the counter.

Rebecca's body tingled with anticipation as she took Quinn's hand, leading her out of the kitchen. As they climbed the stairs, their fingers intertwined, and Rebecca's heart raced as Quinn brought them to the end of the short hallway, pushing the door on the left open. She reached for the lamp switch on the dresser, illuminating the bedroom in a soft glow.

Rebecca took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Her hands found Quinn's hips, pulling her close as their lips met once more.

The citrus scent of Quinn's shampoo filled Rebecca's senses as she bent her head to kiss the soft skin at the base of Quinn's throat. Her hands moved to the hem of Quinn's shirt, slowly lifting it, savoring the way Quinn's muscles jumped beneath her touch. As she raised the shirt over Quinn's head, her lips brushed against the soft skin of her shoulders, eliciting a soft sigh from Quinn.

Rebecca took a moment to admire the sight before her: Quinn in a black lace bra, her skin glowing in the soft lamplight. She placed a gentle kiss on Quinn's shoulder, her lips grazing the curve of her collarbone as she began to undo the button on Quinn's jeans.

As she eased the jeans down Quinn's legs, her hands skimmed the smooth skin of Quinn's hips, enjoying the way Quinn shivered at her touch. She trailed kisses up along the side of Quinn's neck as she gently pushed the jeans down until Quinn stepped out of them.

"You're beautiful," Rebecca murmured, her eyes never leaving Quinn's as she slowly reached behind her to pull her sweater over her head, revealing a simple black bra.

Quinn's breath caught as she took in the sight of Rebecca's curves, her eyes roaming appreciatively over her body.

Rebecca closed the distance between them, her hands sliding around Quinn's waist to pull her close. Quinn's hands moved to Rebecca's back, and Rebecca's breath hitched as she felt Quinn's fingers dance along her spine, sending tingles across her skin. Their lips met again, the kiss deep and hungry.

Rebecca parted her lips, her breath catching as Quinn's tongue gently teased her lower lip. As their mouths moved together in a slow, sensual dance, Rebecca's heart raced. She wasn't sure she had felt this way, this intoxicating mix of desire and urgency.

Rebecca moaned softly into Quinn's mouth as she gently bit Rebecca's lower lip, then soothed it with the tip of her tongue. Quinn's hands moved up Rebecca's sides, igniting a trail of fire beneath her skin. Rebecca's head fell back slightly, exposing the sensitive skin of her neck, and Quinn took advantage, planting a series of soft, teasing kisses along her throat.

Rebecca's hands trailed up Quinn's back, her fingers tangling in the soft hair at the base of her neck. She pulled Quinn closer, their bodies flush against each other as she tilted her head to find Quinn's lips again.

Each kiss seemed more desperate and urgent than the last. Rebecca could feel the desire building within her, a delicious tension coiling low in her belly. She wanted to explore every inch of her, but she was conscious of the fact that this was Quinn's first time with another woman, and she wanted to take her time, to not get carried away.

She could feel the heat radiating from Quinn's skin, matching the fire burning within her. Rebecca's fingers found the clasp Quinn's bra and she popped it open with one hand, her palm sliding over the smooth skin of her back. She pressed soft kisses along Quinn's shoulder as she gently eased the straps down her arms until it fell to the ground.

Rebecca took a moment to appreciate the sight, running her hands gently over Quinn's hips before sliding them up to cup her breasts. She felt Quinn's sharp intake of breath as she gently rolled her thumbs over the taut peaks, circling gently.

"Is this okay?" Rebecca asked.

"Yes," Quinn answered, her voice low and breathy.

Rebecca's lips trailed down Quinn's neck, placing soft kisses along her collarbone before nipping at the delicate skin. She felt Quinn's hands tighten on her waist, her breath quickening as Rebecca continued her languid exploration.

Rebecca's hands slid down Quinn's body, her thumbs hooking into the waistband of her panties. With a gentle tug, she eased them down, kissing the newly revealed skin as they slid off. Stepping back, she paused to appreciate the vision of Quinn's naked body, her skin flushed with desire.

Quinn's eyes watched Rebecca as she slowly sliding her jeans down her legs, and Rebecca enjoyed the way Quinn's gaze followed her every move. With a final shimmy, she stepped out of them, standing before Quinn in her black lace panties.

Quinn closed the distance between them, sliding her hand into Rebecca's hair as she captured her lips again. The kiss became fiery and deep, their tongues dancing desperately.

Rebecca eased Quinn towards the bed until she gently pushed her backwards, and Quinn fell onto it, her eyes never leaving Rebecca's. Quinn's legs wrapped around her waist and Rebecca could feel the warmth between them, a clear indication of just how much Quinn wanted her. But she didn't want this to be rushed, she wanted to savor every second of this. So she claimed Quinn's lips in another kiss as her hand trailed down, gently caressing Quinn's inner thigh.

Rebecca hovered over Quinn, her gaze drinking in the sight of the beautiful woman beneath her. The soft lamplight cast a warm glow over her skin, and Quinn's eyes, a vivid blue, stared up at her with a mixture of desire and vulnerability that made Rebecca's heart ache.

She leaned down, capturing Quinn's lips in a slow, lingering kiss. Her fingers trailed along Quinn's jaw as Rebecca's tongue darted over Quinn's.

Pulling away, Rebecca's lips moved to Quinn's neck, placing soft, teasing kisses along the delicate column of her throat. She felt Quinn's pulse quicken beneath her lips. Her hands slid up Quinn's sides, her thumbs skimming the underside of her breasts, feeling the subtle tremors that coursed through Quinn's body.

"You're so beautiful," Rebecca murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Quinn's breasts were perfect, the rosy peaks hardening under her gaze. She cupped them gently, her thumbs brushing over the sensitive nipples, eliciting a soft moan from Quinn.

Rebecca dipped her head, capturing one of the taut peaks between her lips. She flicked her tongue over the hardened bud, loving the way Quinn's back arched off the bed, her fingers tangling in Rebecca's hair. She gave the same attention on her other breast, her hand caressing the soft flesh, feeling Quinn's body respond to her touch.

Rebecca kissed her way down Quinn's stomach while her hands continued to tease Quinn's breasts. Quinn's breathing was already starting to change, her hips lifting off the bed, and Rebecca had barely gotten started.

Rebecca's fingers hooked into the waistband of Quinn's panties, her eyes meeting Quinn's as she began to ease them down. Rebecca tossed them aside and placed a gentle kiss on the inside of Quinn's thigh, feeling the muscles quiver beneath her lips. Her hands slid up the soft skin of Quinn's legs, spreading them wider as she got comfortable between them.

She inhaled the sweet, musky scent of Quinn's arousal, and Rebecca's hands moved to cup the firm swell of Quinn's backside, pulling her closer as she explored the sensitive folds with her tongue.

Quinn's response was immediate, her body arching off the bed as a low moan escaped her lips. Encouraged by Quinn's reaction, Rebecca continued her slow exploration, her tongue circling Quinn's clit, her lips gently sucking and flicking, alternating speed and pressure as Quinn's moans grew.

Rebecca's own body throbbed with need, the ache between her legs growing more insistent with each passing moment. But this wasn't about her.