Piece of Cake: The Wedding Read online

  “Please, Holly. Don’t tease me.” Kendal’s teeth clattered, and she clung to Holly’s neck and shoulders. “Don’t bring me this far along just to leave me.”

  “Never in a million years.” Holly stopped for a few frightening seconds, and then she found the very tip of Kendal’s swollen clitoris. She barely touched it, and perhaps she knew how sensitive it had to be—of course she did—since she kept the caress whisper-light.

  Kendal lost track of time. All she knew was Holly’s scent, the way her hands caressed her, how her lips murmured in her ear or kissed her…long, probing kisses as if Holly were trying to learn all of Kendal’s secrets that way. Never had Kendal been so close, or so willing, to share her heart, her innermost feelings, with another soul. Opening up to Holly would be so easy right now as she rode a strong current toward the orgasm waiting by the shore. As the wave crashed inside her, her legs clenching around Holly’s slender hand in one convulsion after another, Kendal wanted this moment to be about the love she felt, but something held her back. The orgasm tore through her, and when it mellowed, Kendal clung to Holly and sobbed her name against her neck, completely out of breath.

  Holly slowly pulled her hand back and wrapped both arms around Kendal. “I have you, darling. I have you. You’re okay.”

  “I’m…I’m fine. I just—I’m fine.”

  “Shh. Take your time.” Holly pressed her lips to Kendal’s chin and then her lips. “You’re stunning. Amazing. The most beautiful woman in the world. I can’t believe you’re mi…that you’re here. With me.”

  Had Holly almost said “mine”? It sounded like it. Could she be afraid of overstepping and assuming too much, too soon? Scolding herself for this wishful thinking, since she knew it would only give her heartache, Kendal pushed a few errant tresses of Holly’s hair from her face. “I want to—”

  “Reciprocate?” Her voice trembling, Holly shook her head. “We need to get back. We’ve stayed away far too long, and people might come looking for us.” She gave a slightly embarrassed smile. “And don’t think I say this lightly. Watching and feeling you this way against me, I’d have to be a saint not to want to make an early escape to our long weekend getaway and let you have your way with me. But we have to go cut the cake. I hear it’s a masterpiece.”

  Kendal felt somewhat better knowing Holly wanted her touch just as much as she wanted to touch her. “It is. I think you’ll be impressed.”

  Holly helped her put her clothes back on and make sure it wasn’t too obvious what they’d been up to. Conveniently, they located a sink at the other end of the linen storage next to a washer and dryer. As they washed their hands and smoothed back each other’s hair, Kendal tried to calm her thundering heart. She’d come so close to telling Holly she loved her. What if the moment didn’t come again? She was being ridiculous. They were going on a four-day-weekend honeymoon, where they would be alone together. When they got back, they had another three years together. Of course she’d have a multitude of “right moments” to bring it up.

  “Ready?” Holly stood by the door, her hand on the handle.

  “Not really, but let’s do this anyway.” Kendal hoped her smile was a convincing one. “I’m actually quite looking forward to hearing what you think of the cake.”

  “Oh, God.”

  The expression on Holly’s face was so funny, Kendal relaxed some. “Calling on deities will only get you so far.”

  Chapter Eight

  Holly was reluctantly impressed with the six-tier wedding cake. Unlike most wedding cakes she’d seen, it wasn’t all pink and white. Nor was it excessively frilly and over-decorated. But she couldn’t quite fathom how Kendal and the cake designer could have come up with something this unusual. The cake seemed to defy gravity. Each layer was tilted in a certain way, mainly opposite any of the others. The frosting was dove-gray, and the ornaments and decorations varied from crisp white to black. It was a crazy cake but also had a definite elegance. If you changed your viewing angle, it looked entirely different.

  “This is a reflection of—”

  “—how I see you.” Kendal beamed. “So different, elegant and beautiful. I keep learning new things about you every day. You never bore me, but you’re solid, and your foundation—and now I’m talking about inner strength—is undeniable.”

  “I was going to say something similar, but not as eloquent, about it representing you.” Holly kissed her tenderly. The crowd around them applauded, and only hours ago, Holly would’ve been embarrassed and felt exposed. Now she merely laughed and kissed her wife again.

  “Cut the cake! Cut the cake!” the wedding guests chanted.

  “It’s almost a pity, but I bet it tastes as good as it looks.” Holly gripped the cake knife and felt Kendal’s hand close above hers. She chose a space without too many decorations and sliced into the gray frosting. Inside, juicy red-velvet cake made Holly gasp and Kendal laugh. They cut two small pieces and knew what their guests were waiting for. Holly thought it a rather silly tradition, but she carefully took the small piece of cake between her fingertips and fed it to Kendal, who of course managed to steal what little breath she had by licking her fingers clean. Set on reciprocating, Holly returned the favor with the delicious cake, accompanied by ecstatic squeals from Kendal’s friends at the office. Holly doubted they’d ever counted on watching their stern boss suck anyone else’s fingers.

  “You’re so in for it when I get my hands on you later,” Kendal whispered in Holly’s ear. “And not just my hands, but also my lips, my tongue…and my teeth.”

  Holly melted and shivered at the same time as she leaned against Kendal. How could she say something like that in public, even if it was out of earshot of the others? Didn’t she realize that Holly’s own arousal hadn’t been extinguished at all, but was on the back burner, ready to roar into a blaze at any given time? If Kendal kept this topic up, Holly might just pull her behind the closest planter and demand all she’d just promised.

  “I can tell you’re not entirely uninterested,” Kendal said and chuckled.

  “Keep it up and I’ll drag you out of here, and I won’t care if everyone knows what’s going on.” It was Holly’s turn to smile broadly as Kendal groaned into her neck.

  “I’m such a sucker. I’m all yours.” Kendal pulled back and looked down at Holly, her eyes soft and twinkling.

  Holly’s heart skipped so many beats, she was certain she’d had a coronary. She couldn’t keep guessing any longer. If she crashed and burned, so be it, but she had to know. “Do you really mean that?” she said quietly as the music began to play in the background and the guests lined up for their cake. Holly pulled Kendal along, if not behind a planter, then into a remote corner where the track lighting didn’t quite reach. “Please tell me the truth? Were you just joking? I mean, like caught up in the moment of the sexy banter at the cake?”

  Kendal’s eyes looked steadfastly into Holly’s. “I mean it. I’m yours.”

  Suddenly more afraid and more exhilarated than she’d ever been, Holly placed both hands on Kendal’s upper arms and shook her gently. “Don’t you dare lie to me.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Because if you did, if this is not—”

  “But it is.” Kendal hugged her close. “I would never lie to you. I’ve hidden my feelings for you, which is in a sense lying by omission, but I’m as honest as it’s humanly possible to be now. I’m yours. I’ve been yours for quite a while.”

  “How long?” Holly knew she sounded stern and inquisitive, but it was all she knew how to be during such circumstances.

  “I can’t give you a date or a time, but I know when I knew. I thought I was totally screwed and certain it would only mean a world of pain. And it kind of did for a while.”

  “But it stopped hurting?”

  Kendal stroked her hands up and down Holly’s back. “Not really. Well, there were moments when it didn’t hurt as bad.”

  “And those were?” Holly held her breath, wanting to hear words t
hat would allow her own fears to shrink enough for her to reciprocate.

  “When I saw signs you might actually like me—me as a person, rather than me as in your trusty assistant.” Kendal moved one hand to Holly’s cheek. “I think I’m going to have to insist on you saying something about how you feel. I can’t deplete my soul without something back from you to sustain me.”

  It was only fair. Holly’s mind whirled with words and feelings tumbling around each other, and at first she couldn’t express them. She clung to Kendal, shoving her fear away from her, trying with all her might to vanquish this part of herself, this self-doubt and fear of rejection.

  “I’ve been yours for…I’m not sure, but since a couple of weeks after I asked you to help me. To marry me.” Was this really her voice? Holly was shocked at how strong and certain she sounded. But then again, she was certain how she felt about Kendal. “When I saw how you responded to the hummingbird pin, I knew I was in love with you.”

  Big tears formed and clung to Kendal’s eyelashes. “In—in love?”

  “Yes, darling. I love you very much.” Holly could actually breathe, and her entire body relaxed against Kendal.

  “Oh, God.” Kendal wiped at her eyes, smudging some of her eyeliner. “I love you, Holly. I’ve loved your for months and months.” She kissed Holly, tasting of tears.

  “Happy tears, Kendal?” Holly asked when Kendal buried her face into her hair.

  “Ecstatic tears!” Kendal gasped and then smiled broadly. “I promise.”

  “Do I assume too much when I hope our three years will be extended…to indefinitely?” Holly ran gentle fingertips along Kendal’s damp cheeks.

  “No, you assume just right, if I have anything to say about it—and I do. Nothing would make me happier than to spend my life with you.” Pulling Holly close, Kendal hugged her with so much love and passion, Holly nearly broke into tears.

  “Oh, thank you, Jesus.” A familiar voice broke into their embrace, and Holly raised her head from Kendal’s shoulder.

  “Your timing is impeccable, sis,” Kendal said but didn’t really sound annoyed. “What does a married couple have to do to get some privacy around here?”

  “Uhh-hmm. How about getting a room?” Jasmine laughed. “Honestly, my prayers are answered. I thought the two of you were as wrong as can be for each other. Then you were suddenly backing out of the wedding for all kinds of reasons, and I realized you were both smitten.”

  “You did?” Kendal’s eyebrows went up. “Really?”

  “Really. Well, I’d already guessed about you, but it was only tonight when I looked up Holly to try one last time to get her to cancel—now, now, don’t shoot me, Kendal—it was when I saw Holly in her room that I knew you weren’t the only one in love, sis.”

  “What on earth could I have said or done in that short period to make you think that?” Holly stood within Kendal’s arms, so safe and warm, but also very interested in hearing the reason for Jasmine’s astute deductions.

  “You were ready to give all this up. Set Kendal free to find happiness and give up on your life in the US and your fabulous career. A woman who does that, well, it can only mean one thing in my book. Such selflessness comes from love.” Jasmine walked closer and kissed first Holly’s cheek and then Kendal’s. “I can only echo the previous speakers tonight—welcome to the family, Holly. I couldn’t be happier for you if I tried.”

  “Neither can I,” Holly said, and took Jasmine’s hand. “And you’re a good, protective big sister.”

  “That’s my job. You can count on my protection as well from now on.”

  “Oh my. That’s, uhm, generous of you.” Holly wasn’t entirely sure what all this protectiveness might entail, but she saw it for what it was. A sign of approval from her former biggest critic. Not bad.

  “How about another dance before we leave this rowdy bunch?” Kendal whispered in Holly’s ear. “As you know, I have plans for you, wife.”

  “So I’m told. It better be a slow dance.”

  “You bet. I’ll request a power ballad. You need to conserve your energy.” Kendal kissed Holly with such passion that she had to hold on tight with her arms around Kendal’s neck for her knees not to give in.

  Holly was going to dance with the woman she loved. She would sway in Kendal’s arms and let the strong, unwavering love she’d been too blind to notice for so long flow through her. After their short honeymoon Holly swore to spend the rest of her life making Kendal happy—and allowing herself to put her own happiness on an equal footing as well. And if she fell back into old habits, Kendal would be there to reel her in.

  Holly moved slowly across the dance floor with Kendal. Looking up into the stunning face of the woman who’d trusted Holly with her heart, she murmured, “I love you.”

  “Holly…You make me so happy.” Kendal bent and nipped at Holly’s lower lip. “And I love you.”

  Epilogue

  “You weren’t kidding…” Holly clung to the headboard, clearly trying to catch her breath. She gazed down at Kendal, who was busy placing gentle kisses between Holly’s legs, easing her down from the orgasm that had sent convulsions through her only moments ago. “You seem to…to have a knack for this.”

  “For going down on you?” Kendal grinned mischievously at Holly, whose cheeks became even redder. This was yet another thing she hadn’t known about the formidable woman she’d married. She blushed easily at moments like these.

  “For making love to me in general.” Holly spoke softly.

  “I intend to perfect my skill, which means a lot of practice.” Kendal painted a long, hot trail up Holly’s stomach toward her breasts. “I always aim for perfection.”

  “Uh…hm…ah-huh….” Holly’s eyes were closed now, and she arched into the caresses.

  Kendal had never seen anyone as beautiful as Holly when she surrendered and trusted Kendal to catch her, hold her, and never let go.

  “I’m yours,” Kendal murmured against Holly’s damp, silky skin.

  Holly’s lips parted, and she seemed to struggle through her haze of arousal to speak.

  “Yours…”

  Kendal pushed herself farther up along Holly’s body and captured her lips. They’d almost lost each other, but now it was crystal clear—they belonged together.

  About the Author

  Gun Brooke resides in the countryside in Sweden with her very patient family. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, she now writes full-time, only rarely taking a break to create websites for herself or others and to do computer graphics. Gun writes both romances and sci-fi.

  Web site: http://www.gbrooke-fiction.com

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gunbach

  Twitter: http://twitter.com/redheadgrrl1960

  Tumblr: http://gunbrooke.tumblr.com/

  Books Available From Bold Strokes Books

  A Class Act by Tammy Hayes. Buttoned-up college professor Dr. Margaret Parks doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into when she agrees to one date with her student, Rory Morgan, who is 15 years her junior. (978-1-62639-701-9)

  Bitter Root by Laydin Michaels. Small town chef Adi Bergeron is hiding something, and Griffith McNaulty is going to find out what it is even if it gets her killed. (978-1-62639-656-2)

  Capturing Forever by Erin Dutton. When family pulls Jacqueline and Casey back together, will the lessons learned in eight years apart be enough to mend the mistakes of the past? (978-1-62639-631-9)

  Deception by VK Powell. DEA Agent Colby Vincent and Attorney Adena Weber are embroiled in a drug investigation involving homeless veterans and an attraction that could destroy them both. (978-1-62639-596-1)

  Dyre: A Knight of Spirit and Shadows by Rachel E. Bailey. With the abduction of her queen, werewolf-bodyguard Des must follow the kidnappers’ trail to Europe, where her queen—and a battle unlike any Des has ever waged—awaits her. (978-1-62639-664-7)

  First Position by Melissa Brayden. Love and rivalry take center stage for Anastasia Mikhelson and Natalie F
rederico in one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the nation. (978-1-62639-602-9)

  Best Laid Plans by Jan Gayle. Nicky and Lauren are meant for each other, but Nicky’s haunting past and Lauren’s societal fears threaten to derail all possibilities of a relationship. (987-1-62639-658-6)

  Exchange by CF Frizzell. When Shay Maguire rode into rural Montana, she never expected to meet the woman of her dreams—or to learn Mel Baker was held hostage by legal agreement to her right-wing father. (987-1-62639-679-1)

  Just Enough Light by AJ Quinn. Will a serial killer’s return to Colorado destroy Kellen Ryan and Dana Kingston’s chance at love, or can the search-and-rescue team save themselves? (987-1-62639-685-2)

  Rise of the Rain Queen by Fiona Zedde. Nyandoro is nobody’s princess. She fights, curses, fornicates, and gets into as much trouble as her brothers. But the path to a throne is not always the one we expect. (987-1-62639-592-3)

  Tales from Sea Glass Inn by Karis Walsh. Over the course of a year at Cannon Beach, tourists and locals alike find solace and passion at the Sea Glass Inn. (987-1-62639-643-2)

  The Color of Love by Radclyffe. Black sheep Derian Winfield needs to convince literary agent Emily May to marry her to save the Winfield Agency and solve Emily’s green card problem, but Derian didn’t count on falling in love. (987-1-62639-716-3)

  A Reluctant Enterprise by Gun Brooke. When two women grow up learning nothing but distrust, unworthiness, and abandonment, it’s no wonder they are apprehensive and fearful when an overwhelming love just won’t be denied. (978-1-62639-500-8)

  Above the Law by Carsen Taite. Love is the last thing on Agent Dale Nelson’s mind, but reporter Lindsey Ryan’s investigation could change the way she sees everything—her career, her past, and her future. (978-1-62639-558-9)