Coming Home: A Lesbian Romance Read online

  “I’ll see you later,” Sam said as Catherine opened her door.

  “Can’t wait,” she said with a wide smile.

  Catherine went back to reading the moment she closed the door. She finished the book at eleven o’clock. She sat there with a smile on her face. Happy in the fact that the two women stayed together and not like the movie she and Sam had seen the other night. Catherine went into the bedroom and changed her clothes to go pick something up to make for dinner.

  As she walked through the grocery store, she looked at the women there. No one caused her heart to flutter, so she began looking at the men. They left her with the same reaction, nothing. Then Sam’s face popped into her head. A smile grew on her face without thought. She quickly bought what she wanted and left the store. Catherine bought short ribs because she knew they would take hours to cook and she could read while she waited for Sam. She cut up the vegetables and put them in the refrigerator until she was ready to start dinner. Now she opened her laptop and went onto the Amazon site. She typed in the author’s book she had just finished and read through the description of her other books. Once she decided on one, she downloaded the book.

  Making herself comfortable on the sofa, she began reading. At three o’clock she needed to start dinner. She put everything together in the pot and then once the meal started to boil, she put it in the oven to cook. Catherine grabbed a bottle of water and went back to reading.

  At five thirty she made the polenta and set the snack bar for their meal. She opened a bottle of wine and waited for Sam. When Catherine heard her truck, she poured the wine.

  “Come on in, Sam,” Catherine called from the kitchen when she heard Sam knock.

  “Hey,” Sam said as she walked in. “What smells so good?”

  “Short ribs,” Catherine said walking over to her. She gave Sam a hug and handed her a glass of wine.

  “Thanks,” Sam said taking a seat at the bar. She saw the book sitting there. “Finish your book?”

  “I did,” Catherine said with her back to Sam while she filled their plates. She put a plate in front of Sam. “I liked it. Robin had good taste.”

  Sam smiled.

  Catherine put her plate down and took a seat. “Let’s eat. I didn’t eat lunch today.”

  Sam glanced up at her. “Couldn’t put the book down?”

  “No, and I had to go to the grocery store.”

  “This is very good, Cate.”

  Catherine looked at Sam who looked up. “Can I ask you something?”

  Sam shrugged. “Sure,” she said cautiously because she had a feeling what was coming.

  “Is sex with a woman always like that?” Catherine asked softly.

  “What do you mean?” Sam grinned because she was going to make her say the words.

  “Endless orgasms? Making love all night?” Catherine asked shyly.

  “It can be.” Sam knew she was being mean, but she loved to see the blush on Catherine’s face.

  “Was it like that for you and Robin?”

  Sam put her fork down. “Robin and I were very compatible.”

  “Is that all you’re going to say?”

  “I never tired of touching Robin. We loved rainy weekends and snowy days because we got to stay in bed all day making love.”

  Catherine’s mouth dropped open. She barely had one orgasm with a man let alone multiple ones. Catherine always believed that was a myth. “Lucky you,” she whispered.

  “Yes, I was very lucky, Cate.” Sam picked up her fork again and finished the plate. She looked up and saw Catherine just sitting there. “Are you all right? You look like someone stole your favorite toy,” Sam observed with a giggle.

  Catherine just continued to stare.

  “Would you like me to bring you another book?” Sam asked.

  Catherine looked at Sam and was embarrassed to say she already downloaded another book. “Why? So you can make me feel more jealous of you than I’m feeling now?”

  Sam put her fork down. “I’m going to tell you something that can happen, but you’ll never read about it in these romance novels.” Catherine leaned closer. “Lesbian bed death,” Sam said.

  “What’s that?” Catherine asked raising her eyebrows.

  “For some couples after years of being together, they stop making love. It’s called lesbian bed death.”

  “That never happened to you and Robin?” Catherine asked with eyes wide open.

  Sam grinned, “No. I was serious when I said I never tired of touching or being touched by Robin.”

  Catherine smirked. “Well, you made me feel a little better.”

  Sam giggled. “I’m glad I could be of service.” Sam held up her plate. “May I have some more?” she asked with a lopsided grin.

  Catherine laughed and took her plate. “I’m glad you’re enjoying the meal.” She carried the plate back and set it in front of Sam. “I hate to cook for myself.”

  “I know what you mean. I usually pick up something or I make something simple. I would never take the time to make this,” Sam said pointing at her plate, “for just myself.”

  “So are you still working on those two cars?” Catherine asked.

  “Yes, but Tommy is back so he and Harry are doing all the heavy work,” Sam smiled. “I’ve been playing with my paperwork and answering phones.” Sam carried her plate to the sink. “Have you spoken with Amy since Sunday?”

  Catherine got up and was next to Sam when she also put her plate in the sink. “No.” She reached into the cabinet for containers for the leftovers.

  “Don’t ruin your friendship because of me,” Sam said touching her arm.

  “What do you mean because of you?” Catherine asked with her arms across her chest.

  “I know my friendship with you is causing this rift between you.”

  “It is none of her business who I’m friends with. Besides, she was your friend these last..?” Catherine asked.

  “Eight years,” Sam responded.

  “Eight years. So why does she have a problem with me being your friend?”

  “You know the reason, Cate,” Sam said crossing her arms too.

  “But she’s wrong,” Catherine insisted.

  “Is she?” Sam asked.

  “Amy said you treat me like your girlfriend.” Catherine made quotation marks when she girlfriend.

  Sam turned her back to Catherine. “Maybe I am. It’s been so long since I’ve even thought about another woman. I know you’re straight, but maybe I have treated you like a woman I would be dating.”

  Catherine touched Sam’s shoulder until she turned around. “You’ve treated me like a perfect lady. I’ve never felt uncomfortable in your presence,” Catherine sighed. “So Amy is wrong with her accusations?” She could see the tears in Sam’s eyes. “I’ll call Amy tomorrow. Will that make you feel better?”

  Sam nodded, “Yes.”

  “Okay. Let me divide these leftovers so you don’t have to cook or pick up food tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  Catherine went to bed that night thinking maybe it was Sam to cause her to feel the way she had been. Sam was treating her like a girlfriend and she liked the way it felt to be someone’s girlfriend again. It was nothing more than needing to go out with someone.

  She called Amy in the morning. “Hi, Amy. Do you have time for lunch today?”

  “Am I forgiven?” Amy asked softly.

  “Nothing to forgive, Amy. Lunch?” Catherine asked again.

  “Sure. I’ll pick you up at noon.”

  “See you then.”

  Amy took them to a café by the bay. They ordered their lunch and Catherine asked, “So you think Arthur wants to take me out?”

  Amy smiled. “Yes. He asked about you that night. Do you want me to give him your number?”

  Catherine nodded, “I must be out of my mind, but yes.”

  “What changed your mind?” Amy asked.

  “It’s time.”

  “Nothing happened between you and
Sam?” Amy asked frowning.

  Catherine rolled her eyes. “How many times do I have to tell you we’re just friends?”

  “I’m sorry. Let’s enjoy lunch,” Amy was smirking.

  ****

  Arthur called Catherine that evening and asked to take her to dinner Friday night. She agreed and now she felt guilty. What was Sam going to say? Would Sam take this as she longer wanted to be her friend? She picked up her phone.

  “Hey,” Catherine said when Sam answered.

  “I just finished your food. Even tasted better today,” Sam said smacking her lips. “Do you want to go out to dinner Friday night?”

  “Uh,” Catherine stammered, “I can’t,” she finally said. “I have other plans.”

  “Good. You and Amy made up.” Sam chuckled.

  “We did. I had lunch with her today.” Catherine felt nervous. “I’m having dinner with Arthur Friday night.”

  “Oh, I see.” Sam felt the pain in her chest. “Good. It’s about time you get out there again,” she said lying.

  “Don’t you think it’s time for you too?” Catherine asked.

  “Yeah, it is. I just don’t have the choices you do,” Sam answered with a chuckle.

  *****

  Arthur picked up Catherine at six and drove them to a seafood restaurant overlooking the water. Arthur opened her door and held out a chair for her. He did all the things that Sam had, but with Arthur she felt nothing.

  “So are you looking forward to your new job?” Arthur asked trying to keep the conversation going.

  “Yes. A little nervous, but happy to start a new life.” She looked at him. “How long have you been divorced, Arthur?”

  “Three years now. My ex and I get along well and it helped to raise our children without fighting,” he answered.

  They finished dinner and he drove her home. He walked her to the door and kissed her softly.

  “It still doesn’t work with us, does it?” Arthur asked softly.

  “No, Arthur. I’m sorry. I guess I’m just not ready to date yet.” Catherine avoided eye contact.

  “When you are ready, give me a call,” Arthur said with a smile and left.

  She went into the house and got ready for bed.

  ****

  The next morning, Catherine went up to the beach. She sat there most of the morning, just staring at the water. Catherine felt someone’s presence and turned. She looked up and saw Sam.

  “You looked deep in thought,” Sam said sitting down in the sand.

  “I was. Thank you for saving my brain from burning up,” Catherine said with a giggle.

  They sat there quiet for a moment before Sam asked, “How was your date?”

  Catherine looked at Sam without answering.

  “That good?” Sam asked.

  “That bad.” Catherine leaned closer to Sam. “I felt nothing for him. What’s wrong with me, Sam?”

  “He just wasn’t the right guy,” Sam said softly, but her mind was screaming for joy. “You can’t force it. When you meet the right person, you’ll know it.”

  “Will I?” Catherine asked looking at Sam who couldn’t hold her gaze.

  Sam stretched her legs out and leaned on her arms. “Not too hot today,” she said absently. “There’s an Arts and Crafts Fair tomorrow. Would you like to go with me?”

  “Yes,” Catherine answered quickly.

  Sam stood up and brushed the sand off her legs.

  “Where are you going?” Catherine asked.

  “Back to my house,” Sam laughed. “Why?”

  “Don’t you want to stay?” Catherine asked reaching for her arm.

  “Can I at least go get a chair?” Sam asked laughing.

  “Okay, if you must.” Catherine pretended to frown.

  Sam came back ten minutes later with her chair and a bag of fruit. “I thought you might be hungry.” She set up her chair next to Catherine and handed her the bag.

  “Thanks.” Catherine pulled out a handful of grapes and gave the bag back to Sam. I see the thoughtful things she does and it touches my heart. Why can’t I find that with a man?

  They spent the rest of the afternoon talking and staring at the water.

  “Can I pick you up at eleven tomorrow?” Sam asked as they packed up their things.

  “I’d like that.”

  When they reached the boardwalk, they each went their separate ways. Catherine wanted Sam to ask her to spend the evening together, but she never did. Now she wondered if she had a date and that’s why she hadn’t. Remember, it was your idea that she should start dating. What an idiot you are.

  ****

  Sam picked her up the next morning and they drove to the fair. The aisles were so crowded, Sam took Catherine’s hand to keep her near. The feel of Sam’s hand on her caused her body to go into overdrive. Catherine used her other hand to wipe away the perspiration off her brow. They stopped and looked at the items on display. Sam’s hand never left Catherine’s. They walked around the fair like two people in love. As they got to the last aisle, the crowd suddenly stopped. Catherine was pushed up against Sam’s arm. Their entwined hands dangled against Catherine’s crotch. Sam tried to give her room, but they weren’t going anywhere until the people in front of them moved along.

  Sam leaned down to her. “I’m sorry,” she said, knowing her arm was pressed against Catherine’s breasts and her hand was against her crotch. She could feel the heat coming off Catherine’s body and felt her nipples harden against her arm.

  Catherine giggled. “Aren’t you supposed to buy me dinner first?” Her laugh was flirty as she looked into Sam’s eyes.

  “You know I’m not doing this on purpose?” Sam asked taking a deep breath. “My left hand is next to the woman in front of me. She’s already given me a dirty look.” Sam pulled her left hand up. “Got it.” Now she didn’t know what to do with it.

  “Put your hand around my waist so someone doesn’t slug you,” Catherine said with a chuckle.

  “I’m really sorry, Cate,” she sighed. “I’m not trying to cop a feel, honestly.”

  “Are you sure? Cause if you move your hand again, I can’t be responsible for what happens.” Catherine rested her head against Sam’s arm.

  Finally, the crowd in front of them began to move. As soon as Sam saw an opening between the stands, she pulled Catherine out of the crowd.

  “Wow. Is it always this crowded?” Catherine asked when they were standing on the street.

  Sam released her hand. “No. I’ve never seen it this crowded.” She reached for Catherine’s hand, but didn’t take it. “Let’s get something to drink.”

  Catherine followed close behind holding onto Sam’s shirt. They got to the food trucks and walked over to a truck that had fresh lemonade.

  “Is this okay?” Sam asked.

  Catherine nodded as they waited in line.

  They found a spot in the shade and sat down to enjoy their drinks. Catherine sat with her legs under her and Sam’s were stretched out.

  “Did you see anything you liked?” Sam asked.

  Catherine laughed. “Who could tell? I was trying not to get crushed.”

  “Let’s sit a while and maybe the crowd will thin out,” Sam said keeping her eyes on the ground. She never would have believed that standing in a crowd could be so erotic. She felt Catherine’s heat on her hand and her body was pressed so close, she thought she was going to melt. Even drinking the lemonade couldn’t end the dryness she felt in her mouth. Sam still felt the throbbing in her lower region as she pulled on her shorts to move the material away from her skin.

  Catherine looked at the crowd and she wanted to go back in there. She wanted to feel Sam against her body again. Every time Sam was bumped, her hand moved against her. She was so close to having an orgasm just by Sam’s hand. She was disappointed when the crowd began to move. Catherine doubted that the episode had that kind of effect on Sam.

  “I’d like to see the paintings in that first aisle,” Catherine said already o
n her feet.

  Sam took the empty drink containers and dropped them in the trash can. She moved quickly to catch up with Catherine. As they stepped near the aisle, Catherine held out her hand for Sam to take. They walked down to the booth that Catherine had mentioned. Catherine went inside to look at the prints, but never dropped her hand from Sam’s.

  “See anything you like?” Sam said into her ear.

  Catherine tilted her head. “I like this one. It was a print of a beach. The dunes were in the background and two Adirondack chairs sat at the surf line. Catherine looked down at the price. She shrugged and thought expensive, but I want it. Catherine turned to the woman. “I’d like this one.” She had to let go of Sam’s hand as she reached into her purse for her wallet.

  A hand came down on hers. “Let me buy this for you?” Sam whispered against her. “Please,” she said staring into the blue eyes.

  Catherine was surprised by Sam’s generosity but agreed, returning her wallet to her purse.

  Sam handed the clerk her credit card and she took the picture from her after she paid. This time, Catherine reached for Sam’s hand as they went back into the crowd.

  “Thank you, Sam. It really wasn’t necessary,” Catherine said as she leaned into Sam.

  “You told me I should have bought you dinner,” Sam grinned and pulled Catherine along.

  “I think I owe you change,” Catherine said giggling. “Let me buy you something. Do you see anything you like?”

  Sam turned and looked into her eyes, “Yes, but it’s not for sale.”

  Catherine nervously chuckled. She couldn’t believe the flirting they both were doing. The heat still hadn’t dissipated between her legs and the way they were carrying on, it wouldn’t anytime soon.

  It wasn’t long before they found a stagnant group of people not moving down the aisle. This time Catherine was trapped against Sam’s back. Catherine’s hand was resting on Sam’s butt. Catherine lowered her head until her forehead rested on Sam’s back.

  “Now I owe you dinner,” Catherine said as she was pushed up against Sam.

  “Oh, I think we can work out some type of barter system,” Sam said over her shoulder. “Are you ready to get out of here?”