ARE YOU THE ONE?: A Lesbian Romance Read online

  “Meg,” she said with a quick hug. “What are you doing here?”

  “I work nearby. I was just going to catch my bus home,” Meg smiled. “What are you up to?”

  “I’m meeting Rachel and Alice for dinner.” Meg moved closer. “Why don’t you join us?”

  “I don’t want to intrude,” Meg said, thinking Brielle would then see how shy she was with strangers.

  Brielle laughed. “You won’t be intruding. You’ll be saving me. I don’t know what kind of mood I’ll find those two in.”

  Not wanting to disappoint Brielle, she said, “If you’re sure?”

  “I’m very sure.” Brielle took Meg’s arm and led her to the restaurant where they were meeting Rachel and Alice.

  Brielle and Meg beat the other women to the restaurant and took their seats. “So how was your day?” Brielle asked.

  “Good. How about yours?”

  “Fine.” Brielle leaned closer. “You look beautiful, Meg.”

  Meg’s face burned bright red. “Thank you.” Changing the subject, she said, “I had lunch with Brooke today.” She chuckled. “She heard I left her party with you.”

  “Good news travels fast in this town,” Brielle said with a smile. “So what did she say?”

  “Brooke’s happy for me, but she was surprised that you and I are a couple.”

  Brielle’s brows furrowed. “Why?”

  “I think she was surprised that I’m with someone so gregarious.” Meg looked at Brielle. “I think your reputation precedes you,” she said with another blush.

  “Who was Brooke talking to?” Brielle asked.

  “Some woman named Caitlyn,” Meg answered.

  Brielle smirked, “Yeah, I’m sure she gave me a glowing review,” she said sarcastically.

  “I don’t care what Caitlyn said or thinks. We all have a past,” Meg said finally smiling again.

  Brielle sat up and took Meg’s hand under the table. “Thank you for not listening to what other people say about me. It’s true that I’ve been dating casually for a while now, but I don’t want to live like that anymore. The reason is you Meg.”

  Meg returned the smile and put her hand on top of the one that Brielle was holding. Before she could respond, Rachel and Alice appeared at their table.

  “This is a surprise,” Rachel said as she sat down. “I know we met at the party, but I can’t remember your name.”

  “Rachel and Alice, this is Meg.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Meg,” Rachel said taking Meg’s hand and eyed her suspiciously.

  Meg remained quiet as the three women carried on a conversation. Brielle would turn to Meg every so often and give her a smile, but her shyness kept her from getting involved in their conversation.

  “So what do you do, Meg?” Alice asked.

  Meg jumped when she realized that the question had been posed to her. “Um, I work for a bank,” Meg answered softly.

  “Meg’s very modest. She's actually a vice president of a banking corporation,” Brielle added.

  “Your office is the one a couple of buildings down from here?” Rachel asked.

  Meg nodded.

  “Do you know Sarah Christensen?”

  “Sarah’s my secretary,” Meg said in a panicked voice. Now the whole office is going to know about me.

  “What a small world. I dated Sarah a few years ago.”

  “You did?” Alice asked.

  Rachel looked at Alice. “We only dated a few times. It wasn’t a love affair.”

  Alice smiled at Rachel’s answer. “So how long have you two known each other?”

  “Since Christmas,” Brielle answered.

  “So this is getting serious?” Rachel asked.

  Brielle smiled as she looked at Meg. “We’re having a good time together.” Her hand found Meg’s under the table again.

  The women hugged outside the restaurant and Rachel and Alice went one way and Meg and Brielle the other way.

  “I hope you’re going to be okay about Sarah?” Brielle asked as they walked toward the bus stop.

  Meg shrugged. “There’s nothing I can do about it now.”

  They both got on the bus that would take them home. As they got to Brielle’s stop, she said, “I’ll call you tomorrow night.” She squeezed Meg’s hand and leaned forward. “I wish I could kiss you right now.”

  Meg smiled and nodded. Once Brielle left the bus, Meg began to panic. She knew that within a few days, everyone in the office would know she was a lesbian. Would this affect her career? Would people shy away from her? She knew her life was about to change.

  Meg walked into her building and took the elevator up to her office. As she stepped through the door, Sarah looked at her and smiled.

  “She called you, didn’t she?” Meg asked.

  Sarah nodded with a giggle.

  “I thought she’d wait at least a few days, but she couldn’t wait to tell you that your boss is a lesbian.” Meg opened her office door and Sarah followed behind.

  “I had my suspicions, Meg. Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell anyone.” Sarah touched Meg’s arm gently. “So that’s why you look so different. You’re in love.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far, Sarah. We haven’t known each other that long,” Meg insisted.

  “I guess I can’t chase her anymore,” Sarah said with a pout and then grinned. “But she is so hot.”

  Meg’s mouth dropped open at Sarah’s comments.

  “You’re hot too, Meg. So I can see the attraction between the two of you.”

  Meg blushed from her neck to her face. “Thanks, I guess.”

  “You know I’m dying to ask how good she is in bed, but I don’t want you to faint,” Sarah said with a giggle.

  “Good, because you wouldn’t get an answer anyway,” Meg said trying to hide the fact that she had no idea. She suddenly realized that everyone knew Brielle or her reputation and she wondered what she was doing with someone like her. Is it to get the shy girl into bed? Is it to brag that she had been the one to conquer Meg’s virginity? “Sarah, let’s get to work.” Meg needed the time alone to think or more so, to worry.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Meg walked into her apartment mentally exhausted from the day. She couldn’t put her fears out of her mind. Why would someone like Brielle want to be with someone like her? She had nothing to offer a woman like Brielle. Meg changed into a pair of sweats and sat down on the couch. She was lost in thought when her cell phone rang.

  “Hello,” Meg said not showing any enthusiasm.

  “Hi, honey. How are you?” Brielle asked hearing Meg’s tone.

  “Okay.”

  “Sarah knows?” Brielle asked.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sorry,” Brielle said wishing she was there to hold her.

  “She said she’s not going to tell anyone, but she got me thinking. Everyone seems to know you.” Meg paused and whispered, “Why are you dating me?”

  “What do you mean?” Brielle asked not understanding.

  Meg didn’t answer, not wanting to insult Brielle by what everyone had told her.

  Brielle took a deep breath and sighed, “Can I call you back?”

  “Yes,” Meg said softly.

  Twenty minutes later, her buzzer rang.

  “Hello,” Meg said, wondering who would be at her door.

  “It’s me,” Brielle answered.

  Meg pushed the buzzer to allow Brielle entry.

  “What are you doing here?” Meg asked as she opened the door to Brielle.

  “The conversation we were having should be in person and not on the phone.” Brielle took Meg’s hand and led her to the couch. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  Meg shrugged.

  “There’s something wrong, Meg. Why would you ask me, why are you dating me?” Again the shrug. “Did someone say something to you to make you feel that I’m toying with your feelings?”

  Meg looked at Brielle. “Everyone knows you. Sarah has been trying to get you t
o go out with her. You can have anyone you wanted.” The tears formed in Meg’s eyes. “Why would you want to date someone like me?”

  Brielle stood up and began to pace, “The better question is, why would you want to date someone like me?”

  Meg’s eyes snapped to Brielle’s face.

  “You are one of the most sincere people I’ve ever met. There’s no pretense with you,” Brielle grinned as she continued, “and you’re beautiful.” She went back to the couch and took Meg’s hand. “So yes, the better question is why are you with someone like me?”

  “Why?” Meg asked. “It wasn’t your looks I’m sorry to say. It’s not to say that you aren’t gorgeous. When I’m with you, I can be myself. I don’t feel inadequate because of my shyness. How many other women would put up with just holding hands and kissing? I can tell you that none have.” Meg began to cry.

  Brielle held Meg close. “If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to make you believe that you deserve to be loved. That you deserve happiness. I’m not going to say I don’t care about not making love to you, but I know you aren’t ready for that. I will wait as long it takes.” Brielle squeezed her close.

  “Is that your goal, Brielle? To say you’re the one who finally got me into bed?” Meg had to hear it from Brielle’s lips.

  “Of course not. Please stop listening to what other people are saying and listen to what I am telling you.” Brielle kissed Meg’s mouth softly. “I am very in like with you, Meg. Trust that I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”

  Meg rested her head on Brielle’s chest and cried. This time it was tears of happiness.

  Once Meg sat up, Brielle asked, “Are we okay now?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry that you had to run over here. Have you eaten dinner?” Meg asked.

  “No. It was more important to get this settled.”

  “How about an omelet?” Meg asked taking Brielle’s hand.

  The two women went back to the couch after they finished the dinner Meg had made. They held hands and Meg rested her head on Brielle’s shoulder.

  At nine o’clock, Brielle knew she had to get home. She could feel that Meg wasn’t wearing a bra and Meg’s breasts resting against her body were making her aroused. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go home.” Brielle stood up and she held Meg’s hand as they walked to the front door.

  Meg initiated the good night kiss again. She kissed Brielle with so much passion, Brielle thought she was going to come on the spot. Brielle moved out of Meg’s embrace. “Good night, Meg.” She hurried out the door.

  Meg leaned on the back of the door once it was closed. She was so aroused from that kiss, she almost begged Brielle to come back and make love to her. Meg saw the desire in Brielle’s eyes as they broke apart. She could also see that Brielle was struggling to keep her promise to wait until Meg was ready.

  The next evening when Brielle called, Meg asked, “So where’s the club you want to go Saturday night?”

  “The Village. Do you want to go?” Brielle asked surprised.

  “Yes.”

  “Can we get together Friday night?” Brielle asked hoping she wasn’t smothering Meg.

  “I’d like that,” Meg answered with a smile.

  “How about I bring Chinese food for dinner?”

  “I’ll get the food. You’ve already paid for too much of the food we’ve eaten,” Meg said with a laugh.

  “Okay, but I’m buying dinner Saturday night before we go out.”

  “I could cook dinner Saturday night.”

  “I don’t want you to go through the work. I’ll take you to dinner and then we can go to the club.”

  “Stubborn woman, huh?” Meg asked chuckling.

  “Always.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Meg rushed home Friday night and ordered the food the moment she walked into the apartment. Then she got into the shower and put on a pair of old comfortable jeans and a sweater.

  The buzzer rang and Meg wondered if it was the food or Brielle. “Yes,” she said into the speaker.

  “It’s me,” Brielle answered.

  Meg opened the door and saw Brielle holding their food in her arms.

  “Hey, no fair.”

  Brielle smiled. “If you’ll feel better paying, here’s the bill,” she said handing it to Meg.

  Meg went to her purse and handed Brielle the money.

  “You feel better now?” Brielle asked smiling.

  “Not yet,” Meg took the food from Brielle’s arms and put the bag down. She moved into Brielle’s arm cupping Brielle’s face and kissed her. “Now I feel better.”

  “If that’s what it takes to make you feel better, feel free to use my lips anytime.” Brielle took off her coat and set it down. “I’m starved, let’s eat.”

  Meg put away the leftovers and took her seat next to Brielle. “I missed seeing you these last few days,” she easily admitted.

  Brielle put her arm around Meg and pulled her close. “I missed you, too. Do you want to move in with me?”

  Meg pulled out of her arms and looked at Brielle’s face. She watched as a grin appeared.

  “Had you scared there for a minute, didn’t I?” Brielle asked laughing.

  “Yeah, and suppose I said yes?” Meg teased back.

  “I would have said you were very welcome.” Brielle stuck out her tongue teasing back.

  “Watch it, woman. You might get that tongue slapped.” Meg moved closer and kissed Brielle softly.

  Brielle pulled Meg into her lap and deepened the kiss. Her mouth opened and found Meg’s tongue waiting for her. Meg moved so her legs straddled Brielle’s lap. Over and over they kissed until both women were breathless. Meg began to kiss Brielle’s neck and sucked her ear lobe into her mouth.

  “Do you know how much you turn me on by doing that?” Brielle asked moaning.

  Meg pulled back. “Do you want me to stop?”

  Brielle pulled Meg back to her and kissed her mouth. “Never,” she said taking her mouth again.

  Meg’s fingers lifted the edge of Brielle’s sweatshirt because she had to feel her skin. As she caressed Brielle’s back, she pressed their bodies closer. It was as if Meg was trying to melt into Brielle’s skin. Meg’s lips went to Brielle’s collarbone. She kissed and sucked the skin as she felt Brielle squirming under her.

  Brielle was so lost in their make out session that she never realized that Meg had moved her leg between them. Brielle was grinding against Meg’s leg and came with such force, she screamed Meg’s name. Now she felt nothing but embarrassment. She pushed Meg off her lap and stood up. “I’ve got to go,” she said not meeting Meg’s eyes.

  “Why?” Meg asked touching Brielle’s arm.

  “I’m sorry.” Brielle was berating herself. She was supposed to be the experienced one and she came without Meg touching her.

  “You have nothing to be sorry about.” Meg tried to get Brielle to look at her.

  Brielle walked to the door and put her coat on. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” she said without kissing Meg good night.

  Meg stood there looking at the closed door and wondered if she would ever see Brielle again.

  Brielle walked for blocks before she finally hailed a cab. What was she going to do about Meg? For the last few weeks, she felt she was dating in the 1950’s, but tonight she lost control. She told Meg she would be patient and wait for her, but Brielle had lost control when she was kissing Meg. She arrived at her apartment stripping her clothes along the way as she headed to the shower. As the cool water touched her skin, it didn’t decrease the heat that Meg created in her body.

  The next morning as she was having a cup of coffee, she sent Meg a text.

  Girls called off club tonight. I’ll call later.

  With that lie out of the way, she went to get dressed.

  When Meg got out of the shower, she heard her phone chime. She read the text and knew she was in trouble. Brielle was backing away from her and there was nothing she could do about it. The tears began to flow
down her cheeks as she crawled into bed and allowed herself to mourn the loss of Brielle.

  Meg’s phone rang at seven that night. She didn’t answer it knowing it would be Brielle with another excuse about not getting together. Meg listened to the message left.

  “Hi, it’s me. I’m sorry that we haven’t gotten together today. I’m just going to hang around here tonight. If you want to talk, give me a call.”

  The tears flowed as Meg listened to Brielle’s voice.

  Brielle knew when Meg didn’t pick up the phone that she had hurt her. Meg probably figured that Brielle was just like the rest of the women she had dated. They all walked away and now she was doing the same. She had never wanted a woman as badly as she wanted Meg. Was it just the sex or was she beginning to have deep feelings for Meg? Brielle didn’t call Meg all week and Meg didn’t reach out to her. She needed time to think. She needed to get herself under control before she could face her again.

  The following Saturday morning, Brielle stood outside of Meg’s apartment building holding a bag of bagels in one hand and hesitated to push the buzzer. Thankfully, someone else opened the door and she entered into the lobby of the building.

  Standing in front of Meg’s door, she knocked softly. Brielle heard the footfalls on the other side of the door and the locks being opened.

  “Hi,” Brielle said when the door opened. “I brought bagels.” She saw no emotion on Meg’s face and knew from looking at her eyes that she had been crying. “Can I come inside?”

  Meg stepped out of the way without saying anything. She walked into the kitchen and poured Brielle a cup of coffee. “Are you here to break up with me?”

  Brielle moved closer, but Meg stepped back. “Why would you think that?”

  “Because I haven’t heard from you in a week. You’re a nice person, Bri and you would never break up with me on the phone or in a text,” Meg felt the tears sting her eyes, “like the other women did.” Meg turned her back to Brielle. “You don’t have to say the words. Just go Brielle, please,” she begged.