The Summer of Our Love: A Lesbian Romance (The Jersey Girls Book 1) Read online

  “I’ve wanted to do that for so long, Jen,” Reese said first.

  Jennifer was shocked, but her response came out as a whisper. “So have I.”

  Reese took her jacket off and sat on the edge of the bed. “What did you have planned for us today?”

  Jennifer grinned. “Whatever you want to do, Reese. We can go see the sights and have lunch somewhere. Just tell me what you would like to do.”

  Reese looked at the floor, unsure of how she could say what her mind had been screaming since Jennifer opened the door. She looked up into Jennifer’s face. “I would like to stay right here if that’s okay?”

  Jennifer smiled knowing exactly what Reese was asking. She walked toward the bed, looking at Reese’s face. “Are you sure about this?”

  “I have never been so sure about anything, Jen.” She took Jennifer’s hands in her own.

  Jennifer sat beside Reese as their lips met again. The kiss deepened and their mouths opened in search of the other’s tongue. The dance continued as clothes were pulled from each other’s bodies. As their bodies met for the first time, they both let out a moan.

  “We fit so well together,” Reese offered into the quiet. “Touch me, Jen. I can’t wait any longer.”

  Jennifer needed no convincing as her mouth went to Reese’s breast. She flicked her tongue across the taut nipple. Her hand began caressing her body as it lowered and lowered to the place she was anxious to be.

  A moan left her mouth as she said, “you are so wet.” Jennifer moaned.

  “Only for you, Jen.”

  Her fingers moved through the slick folds and she touched her clit, eliciting a moan from Reese. “Please go inside me, Jen, please. I need you to be inside me.”

  Jennifer entered her with two fingers and felt Reese clench as her fingers probed deeper. Reese was panting and her hips rose to the rhythm of her movement. Jennifer’s fingers moved in and out until Reese’s hips came up and the orgasm hit her like a wave coming to shore. Her body fell back onto the bed and a moan left her lips.

  “Are you okay, Reese?” Jennifer asked, looking into her face.

  Slowly Reese opened her eyes and she smiled. “I have never been better.” Her arms wrapped around Jennifer and she kissed her mouth. “I want to do that to you.”

  They spent the rest of the weekend getting to know each other’s bodies. There was no need for words or fears of what they were doing.

  As the two women stood on the train platform waiting for the train to take Reese back to her home, Jennifer looked at her face.

  “Are you okay?” Jennifer asked, touching Reese's arm. She was afraid that Reese would run from her, regretting what they had done together.

  “I feel weird,” Jennifer raised her eyebrows as Reese continued, “I never thought about me being a lesbian before.”

  “And now?” Jennifer’s eyes searched her face, praying for some kind of hope.

  “I don’t know, Jen. I don’t know,” Reese answered honestly.

  The overhead speaker announced the train’s departure.

  “You better get on before the train leaves without you,” Jennifer said as she hugged Reese good bye.

  Jennifer tried to shake the thoughts from her head as she looked at her computer screen. They made love a lot that weekend, but she was fearful that Reese would go back to school and to her straight life.

  Jennifer called Joyce that evening. “I’m going to go to Jersey in a few weeks. I have to decide what I’m going to do with the house, and I thought I would drive out there and spend the summer. I thought maybe you would like to come with me and spend a couple of weeks. I’ll pay for your airline ticket home.” Jennifer could hear the hesitation in Joyce’s silence. “I know it’s a long drive, but we’ll make it a two-day trip so it won’t be so bad.”

  “I’m not worried about the length of time,” Joyce inhaled deeply. “Are you sure about this?”

  “Yes. I can’t avoid her for the rest of my life, and I loved that house. I have to see if I still love it, and keep it or put it on the market.” Jennifer tried to sound self-assured.

  “Okay. Let me make sure I can take the time off and we’ll be on our way.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  There were so many days Reese wanted to pick up the phone and call Jennifer again. Now that she had her phone number, it was hard not to call and speak with her. The only thing that saved her is that she was busy at work. When she returned to New Jersey, she joined her dad’s firm. He noticed the change in her over the last few weeks, and Reese always used work as an excuse.

  “Reese, why don’t you take some time off?” Richard Caldwell asked Friday morning.

  “It’s almost July and you’ve been here every day.”

  “I appreciate the offer, Dad, but I don’t want to leave you with all the work,” Reese continued with the excuse. She didn’t need an idle mind to dwell on her sadness.

  “Just take a few days,” Richard insisted. “Leave at noon today and next week take as many days as you need to rejuvenate yourself.”

  “I’m fine, Dad,” Reese argued.

  “Do this for me, sweetheart.” Richard looked into his daughter’s eyes and could see the sadness that hid behind the green eyes. He had discussed this with his wife, and neither one had been able to draw her out of her funk. “Okay?”

  “Okay, Dad, you win,” Reese surrendered. At noon she left the office and drove home.

  As Reese pulled up to her house she noticed a car with Chicago plates in the shared driveway next door. A smile touched her lips thinking Jennifer was home, until a blond woman walked toward the open trunk. She waved at Reese as she stood next to the car. The woman reached for a suitcase in the trunk, placed it on the driveway, and walked toward Reese.

  “Hi, I’m Joyce,” she said, extending her hand.

  “Hi, I’m Reese,” Reese responded with a smile as she took the offered hand.

  Joyce looked at the face, and she wanted to say, I know. I recognize you from your pictures. Instead she said, “It’s so nice to finally see the Jersey Shore.”

  “Have you been up to the beach yet?” Reese asked.

  “Not yet,” Joyce answered, watching Reese closely.

  “Are you renting the house?” Reese finally asked. Reese was beautiful, and she could see why Jennifer fell head over heels.

  “No, I’m here with a friend.” She turned toward the house. “Don’t go away.” Joyce opened the screen door and said, “Hey, come out here a sec.” She smiled as she walked back toward Reese.

  “What do you want?” the voice called from inside the house before the door opened.

  Reese froze as she recognized the voice, and then their eyes met across the yard. Neither woman said a word, but their eyes never left each other’s faces.

  Joyce broke the spell. “I wanted you to meet Reese,” Joyce said, knowing the two women knew each other.

  “Reese and I know each other, Joyce,” Jennifer said, finally releasing Reese’s gaze, “but you knew that already.” Jennifer walked over to Reese with her hand out. “It’s good to see you again, Reese.”

  Reese looked at the hand and ignored it as she reached for Jennifer. Her embrace shocked Jennifer. She didn’t expect this reception from Reese.

  “It’s so good to see you again. I can’t believe you're here.” The smile she wore remained in place.

  “My aunt left me the house and I have to decide what to do with her.”

  “Oh, you can’t sell it, Mary loved this house.” Reese reached for Jennifer’s arm and touched her gently.

  “I love this house too. I spent every summer with Mary until I was sixteen.”

  Reese lowered her head. “I remember.”

  “But my home is in Chicago. My life is in Chicago,” Jennifer said with a shrug, as Joyce cleared her throat. “I think that’s my friend’s way of saying we are ignoring her.”

  “Yes, I would like to bring the rest of our things into the house so you can show me that beach you have be
en talking about for years,” Joyce complained.

  “Yes, show Joyce what a lovely beach we have.” Reese turned toward the house. “Have a good time ladies.”

  Joyce butted in before Jennifer could stop her. “Would you like to join us?”

  Reese looked from Joyce to Jennifer before responding, “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “Of course you won’t be intruding. Right, Jen?”

  “Sure, come with us,” Jennifer said, knowing there was nothing else she could have said, but the thought of being so close to Reese was unbalancing.

  “I’ll get changed while you bring your things into the house.”

  Once Reese went into the house, Jennifer turned toward Joyce. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “What?” Joyce asked, holding up her hands. “Isn’t it better to spend time with her with me as your buffer?”

  “Why do I have to spend any time with her?” They carried the rest of the suitcases into the house. “I could have gone the next few weeks just waving hello as we caught sight of each other.”

  “Is that what you really want?” Jennifer shrugged. “She’s not married anymore.”

  “She’s still straight,” Jennifer answered with certainty.

  “I’m not so sure. When she saw you, I thought she was going to swoon. That girl has feelings for you.”

  “You are nuts. You’re just looking for things that aren’t there,” Jennifer insisted.

  “We will see.” Joyce looked out the dining room windows. “She’s out there already. She must have raced to get changed,” Joyce nodded toward the driveway. “She’s a beautiful woman, Jen. I can see why you fell for her. If you won’t make a play for her, I will.”

  “You are nuts, Joyce. Do you know that?” Jennifer asked, as they walked toward the back door. “Don’t start any trouble, please?”

  “I won’t start anything,” she said with a giggle.

  “Hey lady, are you ready to show me your beautiful beach?” Joyce asked, as she placed her arm through Reese’s arm.

  “Let’s go,” Reese said, laughing.

  Joyce remained on Reese’s right side and Jennifer on her left. As they walked the two blocks to the beach, Joyce and Reese shared information.

  “Where did you go to college?” Joyce asked.

  “Seton Hall. I knew I was going to get my law degree, so the choice was easy.” Reese touched Joyce’s hand, “How about you?”

  “University of Chicago. Jen and I went together and were roommates all four years.”

  “Is that where you both met?” Reese asked.

  “No,” Jennifer finally answered. “We met senior year of high school when my parents moved to Chicago.”

  As they stepped onto the boardwalk, Joyce released Reese’s arm and walked to the railing.

  “This is absolutely beautiful.” Joyce turned to Jennifer. “You were right, Jen, it's absolutely beautiful.” The sun was high in the sky and reflected off the dark green water. Joyce turned toward the stairs, stepped out of her sandals and ran toward the water. “I want to touch the water.”

  Reese and Jennifer chuckled as they watched Joyce hopping in the hot sand.

  “I guess we should have warned her that the sand would be hot,” Jennifer said with a laugh.

  “I like her,” Reese said, facing Jennifer. “How long have you two been together?”

  Jennifer looked at Reese smiling. “Joyce isn’t my girlfriend. She’s my best friend.”

  “I used to be your best friend, too,” Reese said as she looked back at the beach.

  Jennifer didn’t know what to say to Reese’s comment. “Jennifer, I’m only teasing you.

  Let’s bring Joyce her shoes so she doesn’t have to suffer walking back up the beach.”

  As they walked back to the house, Joyce kept the conversation going.

  “I could spend the entire day on that beach,” Joyce said, jumping with excitement.

  “We will tomorrow, but right now we have to finish unpacking, and then go pick up some groceries.”

  “You promised to take me out to dinner. I’m dying to taste the fresh fish you bragged about,” Joyce challenged.

  They reached the driveway and found Carol Caldwell in the backyard. “Jennifer, it’s good to see you again,” Carol called out, as she walked over to Jennifer.

  The two women hugged. “It’s good to see you too,” Jennifer said, then turned to Joyce. “This is my friend, Joyce.”

  Joyce put out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Carol took the hand offered and said, “I’m happy to meet all of Jennifer’s friends.” She turned to Reese. “Dad said he’s going to play a round of golf, so it’s you and me for dinner.” Carol smiled. “I’ve been making chili all day, why don’t you two beautiful women join us for dinner?”

  Jennifer didn’t give Joyce a chance to respond. “We’ve got a lot to do, but thank you.”

  “Why don’t you do what you have to and then come at six for dinner?” Carol wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “Okay?”

  “We’d love to,” Joyce said this time, leaving Jennifer unable to decline.

  As they walked back into the house, Jennifer jumped on Joyce. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Nothing,” Joyce said with a shrug.

  “I told you that I don’t want to spend any time with Reese, and now you got us invited to dinner within an hour of our arrival.” Jennifer picked up her suitcase and carried it upstairs.

  Joyce followed behind. “You are going to be here the whole summer. You may as well get used to seeing her.”

  “Take Mary’s room,” Jennifer said, not wishing to continue their conversation.

  Reese was having the same conversation with her own mother. “Mom, why did you ask them to dinner?”

  “Why not? You two were such good friends and you should be again.” Carol ignored her daughter’s stubbornness.

  “That will never happen as far as I’m concerned,” Reese insisted, knowing that her heart had other ideas.

  “You have to forgive her sometime.”

  “No, I don’t.” Reese turned her back and headed for the stairs.

  Everyone sat at the kitchen table and Jennifer poured the open bottle of wine that she brought over with her.

  Joyce and Carol seemed like old friends as they kept the conversation going over dinner.

  “So, I know you’re an attorney, but where are you working?” Joyce asked Reese.

  Reese looked up from her bowl as if she was surprised at the question. “I work at my dad’s firm.” Reese looked at Jennifer who barely looked her way. “My dad had some heart troubles a few years ago and I came home to help.”

  “I guess that put a kink in your marriage,” Jennifer said sarcastically.

  “My marriage was over by then,” Reese said softly.

  “Where were you living?” Joyce asked.

  “In Texas. My husband was doing his residency there.”

  “Were you with a small firm there, too?” Joyce continued with her questions, and Jennifer sipped her wine.

  “No, I was a corporate lawyer there,” Reese answered.

  “I’m sure the pay was better, but I bet you are glad to be out of that type of law.”

  “You bet. I worked 80 hours a week. My husband worked more. We never saw each other.” Reese looked at Jennifer and their eyes met across the table.

  “Talk about a kink. That must have put a real damper on your marriage.” Jennifer couldn't believe the words that were flying from her mouth. It was if she was possessed by someone else.

  “Yes, it did, Jen.” Reese felt like Jennifer had just slapped her in the face with her harsh comments.

  “Let’s change the subject,” Carol said, looking at all three women. “Are you married, Joyce?”

  “No, Carol. I haven’t found the right girl yet,” Joyce chuckled. “Now that we can get married, I still can’t find the right woman.”

  Carol turned to Jennifer. “Is t
here anyone special in your life, Jen?”

  Jennifer dropped her fork and reached down on the floor before answering, “No, Carol.

  I’m still single,” Jennifer answered.

  “And still looking, too?” Carol asked.

  “Not as much as Joyce over here,” she said, patting Joyce’s shoulder.

  “Hey, at least I look. When was the last time you were on a date?” Joyce said, returning the pat.

  “Another subject, please,” Jennifer said, holding up her hands in defeat.

  The rest of the conversation stayed light, and there were no more digs by Jennifer, though she wanted to hurt Reese with her words. She wanted her to feel the pain she had felt when she told her she was getting married.

  “Thank you for such a wonderful dinner,” Joyce offered, hugging both Carol and Reese.

  Jennifer was already at the door. “Yes, thank you. You are still a wonderful cook, Carol.”

  “Good night, ladies. Come back for dinner anytime.”

  “We’ll see you tomorrow night,” Joyce said laughing, but she felt the poke in her ribs from Jennifer. “I’m only kidding. Good night.”

  Once they were alone, Carol spoke up. “See, that was very nice.”

  “Were you having dinner somewhere else?” Reese asked her mother. “Jen couldn’t wait to get her digs in about Steven.”

  “She didn’t mean anything by what she said,” Carol insisted.

  “Whatever you say, Mom.” Carol hugged her mother. “I’m going to take a walk.” Reese went out the front door.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “Aren’t you going to come to the beach with me?” Joyce asked to Jennifer’s back. She watched as Jennifer’s fingers flew across the keyboard. “Did you hear me?”

  “Yes, I heard you. I’m in the middle of a chapter. I’ll meet you up there.” Jennifer didn’t even turn toward Joyce, but her hand waved.