Summer of Dreams Page 10

  Ken now noticed how close Riley and Shelby sat together. “Are you two together?” he asked shyly.

  Riley was ready to pounce, but Shelby took her hand to keep her in place. “We are,” she said smiling happily.

  “I thought so. You two look like you belong together,” he said smiling at the two women.

  Riley let out the breath she had been holding. “I think so too, Ken,” Shelby said feeling Riley relax next to her.

  “I have a gay sister. She’s been with her partner for twenty years and they were married a few years ago.” Ken smiled proudly as he spoken about his family. “They have a little girl that I love to spoil.”

  “Does she live in Florida?” Riley asked joining the conversation.

  “No, unfortunately not. They live in Virginia, but I try to get up there several times a year.”

  Riley looked at her mother who wore a smile that couldn’t be wiped off if she tried. “So what type of doctor are you?” she asked.

  “I’m a surgeon,” Ken answered.

  They all turned when the fireworks began. Riley stood up and took Shelby’s hand. “We’re going to watch the fireworks.”

  “Ken, would you like to sit on the beach and watch?” Ava asked softly.

  “Sure.”

  The women walked toward the house and took a seat on the swing. “Your mom seems smitten with Ken,” Shelby said taking her seat.

  “Yeah, she did. At least I won’t have to worry about him going after her money.”

  “Why? Has your mom had that problem?” Shelby asked taking Riley’s hand.

  “That’s what my mom said. When I was young, she dated a few guys who only saw dollar signs. I guess that’s why she never got involved with too many guys.”

  “I can tell you that Ken comes from money too. I’ve heard the nurses talk about him. All of them hoping they could catch his eye.”

  “Is he a player?” Riley asked concerned about her mother’s welfare.

  “I don’t think so. He lost his wife five years ago and I never heard he dated anyone in the hospital.”

  “That’s a relief to hear. I would hate for my mom to get involved with someone that just wanted to screw around.”

  “You mean like you have been doing?” Shelby asked laughing.

  “Hey, I never met a keeper until you came along.” The fireworks went off in the background, but neither woman was watching. Their eyes remained on each other.

  “Your mom’s house is very cute,” she said with a nod over her shoulder. “How many bedrooms are there?”

  “Just two. My mom’s is on the first floor and mine is upstairs with a private bathroom.”

  Shelby wrapped her arm through Riley’s and moved her lips to the other woman’s ear. “Would you show me your bedroom?” she asked kissing Riley’s neck. Riley quickly got up and pulled Shelby up from the swing. “Someone is anxious,” she said laughing.

  They went into the house and Riley took her hand as they climbed the steps to her room. “I want you to know this means more than sex to me,” she said stopping in the darkened doorway.

  “I just hope I don’t disappoint you, Riley.”

  “That could never happen, Shelby.” She flipped a small light on and reached for Shelby’s mouth. They kissed over and over until they fell onto the bed with weakened legs. “I love you so much,” she said looking down at the woman under her.

  “Show me how much, Riley.”

  She didn’t need any more encouragement after Shelby’s statement. Riley took her time taking off Shelby’s clothes. Her lips travelled over the naked skin and her arousal increased as she heard Shelby’s soft moaning.

  “Oh, Riley,” Shelby moaned.

  “You haven’t seen anything yet, my love.” Her hands went to the shorts Shelby was wearing and she pulled them off with her underwear. Again her lips went to the skin on her stomach before she pulled her t-shirt off to the darkened eyes staring at her. Shelby’s hand automatically came up and touched her breasts. Riley’s head was thrown back as she caressed her nipple. A mouth was replaced by her hand and she gently sucked on her breast. “That feels so good, Shelby.” Her hands now went to her own shorts and she wiggled out of them before her body came down onto the soft skin under her. “You feel so good against me.”

  Shelby’s hand came out pulling Riley closer to her body. Riley’s hips began to move against her and Shelby opened herself automatically. Kisses and tongues danced as their slicked bodies moved against each other. Shelby pulled her mouth off Riley and begged, “I need you to touch me, Riley.” Riley grinned as her hand lowered and touched her soft curls slick with arousal. “That feels so good.” Her moans were becoming ragged. When Riley filled her with her fingers, Shelby nearly jumped off the bed with a long hiss.

  “You still good?” Riley asked into her ear. All Shelby could do was nod as her hips moved to Riley’s thrusts. “Oh god, Riley. I’m going to come.” Her body tensed for a moment before her body shuddered with pure ecstasy. “Riley,” she screamed out.

  Riley was far from done with Shelby. She wanted her to become completely undone. Her hands caressed her breasts before she moved lower and lower. Her first swipe of Shelby’s core almost made her come again, but when her lips captured her bud Shelby came with a scream.

  “Stop, Riley. I need to catch my breath,” Shelby begged, panting.

  Riley crawled up Shelby’s body as if she were a cat after its prey. She didn’t stop until her lips were on Shelby’s mouth. Her tongue came out and Shelby’s tongue met hers in a dance. When they finally ran out of breath, Shelby squeezed Riley to her. “Are you okay?”

  “Never better,” Shelby said touching Riley’s skin. “That was so good, but I want to touch you now.” She rolled Riley onto her back. “I don’t know if I will make you feel as good as I do right now, but I am going to do my best.”

  Shelby need not have worried because when she brought Riley to her first orgasm, the house was filled with a seductive scream.

  Ava walked into the house just as Riley’s scream filled the house. I guess I won’t be talking to her tonight. Ava shook her head and went into her bedroom.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Ava had been pacing with her cup of coffee for the last half hour waiting for Riley and Shelby to show themselves. Upstairs the two women had awakened wrapped in each other’s arms. “How do you feel?” Riley asked apprehensively.

  “Like my body has finally awakened. What we did last night was the most erotic thing I have ever felt in my life.” She kissed the top of Riley’s nose. “It’s as if you knew my body so well and what I needed.” She now lifted her head and looked at the green eyes looking at her. “Do you feel the same way?”

  “Best sex I’ve ever had and do you know why?” Shelby shook her head. “Because we made the most passionate love I’ve ever felt. You touched my soul, Shelby.” She squeezed Shelby to her. “You own it now.”

  A voice from the bottom of the stairs called out. “Are you two going to show yourselves soon? I need to speak with you.”

  The women giggled looking at each other. “We will be down soon, Mom.” Riley turned to her. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t worry. I think your mom wants to talk about Ken.” She flipped off the covers. “Can I interest you in sharing a shower with me?” Riley didn’t even answer as she followed Shelby into the bathroom.

  Ava had breakfast prepared and on the table before the two women came down the stairs. “Good morning,” they called out as they took their seats.

  “I’m glad I took a shower early this morning or I never would have had hot water,” Ava said pouring their coffees.

  “Mom,” Riley scolded and took notice of the blush that began on Shelby’s neck and spread to her face.

  Shelby began to eat keeping her eyes on the plate, never meeting Ava’s gaze. It was unfortunate that her first night with Riley had to include facing Ava this morning.

  “So, what did you want to talk about, Mom? Your new boyfriend?
”

  “He is not my boyfriend,” Ava insisted, but now Shelby watched as her face blushed. “He asked me to dinner tonight.”

  “Good,” Riley said quickly. “Looks like we both might have found the perfect partner.” She put her head on her palm and looked at her mother. “He seems nice.”

  “Very nice. We never ran out of things to talk about.” Ava put her fork to her mouth and swallowed before continuing. “He lost his wife, but you know why I’m concerned, Riley.”

  “Mom, you don’t have to worry about that this time. Shelby told me he comes from money too.”

  Ava looked up surprised. Her eyes went to Shelby who had not said a word. “Really?”

  “Yes, Ava,” Shelby said smiling. “He is not after your money.”

  “Well, that’s a relief because I really like him,” Ava admitting blushing again.

  “I better get my house up quickly because it could get very crowded around here,” Riley joked and then Shelby slapped her arm.

  “I’m happy for both of you, I really am,” Ava added. “Thank you for putting that smile on her face.”

  “Oh, that was my pleasure,” Shelby said quietly which caused Ava and Riley to roar with laughter. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

  “I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to laugh at you,” Riley said taking her hand. “So is he picking you up?”

  “Yes, and I would like both of you to make yourselves scarce when he gets here,” Ava said pointing her finger.

  “Don’t worry, Mom. We won’t be here before or after in case you want to invite him in after your date.”

  “It’s not a date. It is just dinner,” Ava insisted.

  “Mom, I hate to tell you this, but that’s a date.”

  Ava sat there thinking about what Riley had just said. “Now I’m nervous. Should I invite him in for coffee afterwards? It’s been so long since I’ve been on a date.”

  Riley could see her mother begin to panic. “Calm down, Mom. I’m sure Ken isn’t looking to jump into bed with you after one date.” Her grin seemed devilish. “That’s after the third date.”

  “What?” Ava asked looking at Shelby. “What?” she repeated.

  “Don’t worry, Mom. That rule isn’t written in stone for people your age,” Riley said chuckling. “Besides, look how long Shelby kept me waiting.”

  “Oh, yeah,” she pointed with her finger at Riley, “keep talking like that and it will be New Year’s before you have sex again.”

  “Honey, I’m only kidding. It’s been a long time since my mom was on a date. I’ve had to listen to her harp on me for years and now it’s my time to have fun.” Riley tried to get back on Shelby’s good side.

  “Leave your mom alone. I know how hard it is for her. Don’t you think it was hard for me to start dating a woman? For me to share myself with you?” Shelby wasn’t angry, but she was hurt by Riley’s words.

  “I really am sorry, Shelby. I’ll stop teasing both of you.” Her hand came out and touched Shelby’s face. “Will you forgive me?”

  Shelby didn’t answer and picked up her plate and carried it to the sink. She didn’t see the sad look on Riley’s face.

  “Ladies, leave that. I’ll clean up. You two go off and enjoy the day,” Ava said motioning for Riley to go over to Shelby.

  “Would you like to go take a walk or something, Shelby?” Riley asked without touching her even though that’s all she wanted to do.

  “Thank you for breakfast, Ava. It was good.”

  “You’re welcome. Go have fun today,” Ava said pushing them both out the back door.

  They walked along the path that would lead them back to the main part of the marina in silence. “What can I do to make it up to you?” Riley asked trying to hold her emotion together.

  “This isn’t a joke to me, Riley.” Her words were so soft that Riley had to listen closely.

  “I didn’t realize that my joking would hurt you, Shelby. Please believe me. I am so happy and so head over heels in love with you.” She let out a breath. “I can’t believe that someone like you has fallen for me,” Riley paused, “unless you’ve changed your mind about me?”

  “I haven’t, Riley, but this is just as hard for me as Ava is finding it now that Ken asked her out. It’s all new to me.”

  “You are absolutely correct, Shelby. I didn’t stop to think about your feelings. It won’t happen again. I promise you that.” They walked toward the dock. “If you like, I have friends that own an oceanfront house in an exclusive area. I could call Rachel and Ann and see if we can come over.”

  Shelby thought for a moment before responding, “We can’t just invite ourselves to their home.”

  “They have been after me to come by and visit and I’ve been putting them off,” she said grinning.

  “Why?”

  Riley and Shelby stopped walking. “Because this woman I know has been on my mind now for months. Everything else seemed like a distraction if I left the marina.” Her smile was bright as she held Shelby’s hand.

  “Okay. Now let’s go to the boat so I can change clothes.” Riley’s face opened with a wide grin. “Put it back in your pants. If we are going to visit them, we should leave soon.”

  “Go get changed and I’ll get my keys and wallet,” Riley said already turning toward the house again. “I’ll text them while I’m at the house.”

  “What are you doing back here, Riley?” Ava asked when she walked into the house.

  “We might be going to visit Rachel and Ann.” The moment she told her mother, her phone chimed. “Looks like that’s where we are going.” She rushed up the stairs.

  Riley returned to the kitchen and Ava asked, “Has Shelby forgiven you for teasing her?”

  Riley shrugged. “I didn’t think I was saying anything bad.”

  “Riley, you have to realize that this is all new to her. Shelby seems shy and probably is not used to talking about her sex life with a virtual stranger.”

  “Yeah, she said the same thing, but you aren’t a stranger to her,” Riley argued.

  “We’ve only known her for a few months and I’m your mother. Think before you speak in the future.”

  “I will.”

  “Now take that woman out for a nice day, Riley.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Riley ran over to the docks and sat on a bench and waited for Shelby to appear. She wanted to go onto the boat and kiss her senseless, but she didn’t think Shelby would be up for that. So, she sat and waited trying to be patient.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Shelby walked toward Riley who stood when she saw her on the dock. “You could have come onto the boat,” she said when she reached Riley.

  “I wasn’t sure I would be welcome,” Riley answered with a high shrug.

  “Riley, I’m not mad at you. I am basically a shy person and used to keeping my life my personal business. I never was one of those girls that gushed about their boyfriends with the rest of the girls. I know you are very outgoing and you talk to everyone,” Shelby sighed. “I’ll try to be more outgoing for you.”

  “Shelby, I don’t want you to do anything that you aren’t comfortable doing. I fell in love with this Shelby. I’m not looking to change you.” She turned Shelby toward her. “Okay?” She nodded and allowed Riley to pull her close. “Are you all right with public displays of affection?”

  “I don’t want to do a make out session in public, but I’m okay with holding hands or arms.”

  “Great. Now let me introduce you to the best couple I know,” Riley said taking Shelby’s hand and leading her to her car.

  “How long have they been together?” Shelby asked as they drove along the road.

  “Fifteen years and married for three years.” Riley glanced at her before returning her eyes to the road. “They still love each other after all those years. I think it is sweet.”

  “Love is hard work, Riley.” Shelby spoke from experience. Living with Todd was the hardest thing she had ever done. He expected her to cook when
she was there and thankfully he kept his housekeeper or she would have been responsible for that chore too. They had sex when he wanted to have it whether she was in the mood or not. It was never a fifty-fifty relationship because he treated her more like an object then someone he claimed to love.

  “Rachel has said that to me. She loves Ann so much, but she says it is hard work not to tear into each other at times.”

  “I think every couple goes through that. You love the person, but at the same time you can hate them,” Shelby laughed. “You just have to find that happy medium that will work.”

  It wasn’t long before Riley pulled into a driveway. “This is their house?” Shelby asked looking through the front windshield. The house was a large contemporary with a lot of windows. It was obvious that the landscaping was professionally done and taken care of. “Is there a pool on the oceanfront too?” she asked chuckling.

  “Of course there is. What is an oceanfront house without a pool?” she added also laughing. The car doors opened. “Okay, let’s go see the ladies.” Riley walked over to Shelby’s side of the car and took her hand. “They will make you feel comfortable the moment they meet you.”

  “I hope so because I’m nervous.” Shelby knew this was a big step, meeting Riley’s friends. Would they tell Riley to be cautious? Would they say Shelby is only looking for fun until she goes back to being straight? Her stomach was in knots at they stood at the front door.

  Before Riley could knock, the door opened. “Riley,” Ann called out reaching for her friend. “I’m so glad you called.” She shrugged. “Well, texted.” She turned and looked at Shelby. “You must be Shelby?”

  Shelby nodded. “It is so nice to meet you, Ann. Riley has been telling me such nice things about you.”

  “Uh, Ann. Can we come in?” Riley asked as they were still standing on the front porch.

  “Oh, sorry. Please come in.” Ann took Shelby’s arm and pulled her into the house. “Rachel,” she called out as they entered the house.

  “Coming,” an answering voice called out. As the woman came into view, a smile appeared on her face. “I know you,” she said looking at Ann.