"I've got you." Jess guided Kim to the couch and urged her down onto it.
The lights from the Christmas tree formed a multicolored aura around Jess.
Unwilling to wait a moment longer to feel Jess on her, Kim reached up and tugged at Jess's belt. "Come here."
Jess resisted. "Wait," she said, her voice velvety soft with arousal. She pulled her shirt from her pants and struggled with the buttons. Growling, Jess jerked the shirt over her head. She pulled off her sports bra and then leaned down and slid her hands behind Kim's back to unlatch her bra. "Take this off."
Kim lifted up enough for Jess to complete her task. As soon as her bra was undone, she pulled it off and tossed it to the floor. She looked up at Jess. "I need to feel you on me. Now."
A whimper escaped Jess's throat. She moved into place on top of Kim.
They both groaned at the feel of their bare breasts pressed together.
Jess slid one leg between Kim's thighs and pushed against her center.
Kim's hips bucked up into Jess, trying to deepen the contact.
Jess took Kim's lips in another deep kiss, keeping pressure against her center as she rocked her hips.
The seam of Kim's jeans rubbed against her clit. Arousal skyrocketing, she grabbed the firm globes of Jess's ass and urged her on. "Harder."
Jess lifted up enough to grasp the armrest behind Kim's head. Shifting position, she straddled Kim's thigh. Her eyes locked with Kim's. Jess's hips began to pump, hard and fast.
"God. Yes. That's it." Kim growled. She squeezed Jess's ass in rhythm with her thrusts. Pleasure coiled in her belly and shot down her legs. Her eyes slammed shut and she cried out. Her hips arched with enough force to lift them both off the couch.
Jess thrust one final time. An inarticulate sound was torn from her lips as she slumped down onto Kim.
* * *
Her chest heaving, Jess tried to move her shaking body off of Kim. My God. The force of her orgasm had been mind-blowing.
Kim's arms wrapped around her back. "Don't go."
"I'm not going anywhere. Just don't want to squash you," Jess said.
They shifted positions until Jess was lying behind Kim on the couch. Jess traced languid patterns in the sweat on Kim's bare stomach. She had never considered her libido particularly strong. As with so many things in Jess's life, Kim was rapidly changing that notion. Jess couldn't seem to keep her hands off her.
Kim sighed and snuggled back against Jess. "That was a unique tree-lighting ritual."
"I found it particularly enjoyable." Her hand slid up to stroke a soft breast. "We should make it a tradition."
"Mm... that could be arranged." Kim captured Jess's hand. "So you like the tree?"
Jess gazed at the tree. Multicolored lights twinkled in the darkened room. "Best tree I've ever had."
Kim laughed. "Well, you mentioned before that you didn't put up a tree. So since it's the first tree you've had, that's not saying much. But I'm glad you like it."
It was easier for Jess to tell the truth without having to face Kim directly. "Well, actually that wasn't quite the whole truth. I've had a tree here before... just not for the last several years." Jess smiled when Kim interlaced their fingers and hugged them against her belly.
"Why did you stop putting up a tree?" Kim asked.
Her defenses down, the words came tumbling out. "Myra didn't believe in Christmas. She made me feel stupid and childish for being excited about the holiday. And a total heathen for killing a tree." She scowled. "But she made sure she let me know exactly what she wanted for a winter solstice gift. And after she left..." Jess shrugged. Note to self: Incredible sex makes your brain mush and turns you into a big blabbermouth. Could you sound any more pathetic? "Sorry. I shouldn't be telling you all this. I'm ruining our day. You don't want to hear about me and my ex."
"That's where you're wrong." Kim cradled their entwined hands between her breasts. "I want to know everything about you that affects you — good or bad."
The declaration simultaneously thrilled and scared the hell out of Jess. She buried her face in Kim's silky hair. Please don't let me screw up the best thing that has ever happened to me.
* * *
"It's incredible," Kim said. This was a wonderful way to end an already amazing day. Well, spending another night in Jess's bed would make a perfect ending to the day. But this is an excellent second choice.
They were strolling down the main thoroughfare of the fairgrounds. A sea of Christmas lights sparkled in every hue. A multitude of festive holiday displays competed for attention. The excited laughter and delighted smiles of children and adults alike abounded.
"And it gets more elaborate every year." The lights reflected off Jess's face, highlighting her exuberance. "We'll have to make this part of our Christmas tradition."
Kim barely resisted the urge to hug Jess. Joy filled her heart as she heard Jess talking about their future.
Old fears surfaced to dim her happiness. A future together was something she had not allowed herself to contemplate with any of her lovers. You let yourself care for someone too deeply and they leave you. One way or the other. Kim forced the thought away. No. Not this time. Things are different with Jess.
"Kim," Jess said, sounding a bit worried.
She pulled herself out of her morose thoughts and smiled at Jess. Don't ruin the day. "Sounds like a wonderful tradition." Leaning close to make sure she wasn't overheard, she added, "But not as wonderful as our tree-lighting tradition."
Jess grinned. "How about we head over to the pavilion? They've got a vendor that comes in specially for this event. They serve fantastic hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls."
"Oh. My kind of place. Lead on, Macduff," Kim said, making Jess laugh.
* * *
Jess held the door for Kim and she stepped inside. Kim took a deep breath. The air was awash in heavenly smells. Chocolate and cinnamon dominated. A man walked by with a large cinnamon roll smothered in icing. Her mouth watered. "Oh yeah. I need one of those."
She started when Jess leaned close to her ear.
"You're killing me. Mercy," Jess whispered, her voice low and deep.
Kim looked into silvery-blue eyes. Oh. God. The desire burning brightly in Jess's eyes sent a shaft of desire straight to her center. Kim swallowed heavily. Without thinking, she stepped closer to Jess.
A group coming in the door behind them jostled them and brought her back to earth.
Jesus. Kim flushed. She pulled Jess out of the flow of traffic and over next to the wall. "You're dangerous," she said.
Jess's gaze darted around, then returned to Kim.
That little half smirk Kim had come to learn meant trouble made an appearance. Uh-oh. She tensed when Jess leaned close, but Jess didn't touch her.
"I wasn't the one who looked like I wanted to make lo —"
"Ah..." She wagged her finger at Jess. "Don't even say it," Kim said, trying to hold back her laughter.
Laughter burst from Jess. She dodged the poke Kim sent her way. "I'll buy you a cinnamon roll and a hot chocolate. If you promise not to torture me."
Wow. Although Jess had shown her more mischievous side as their friendship had grown, Kim had not thought she would be so open and playful when it came to expressing her sexuality. This was a totally unexpected side of Jess's personality. I love it.
A saucy smile quirked Kim's lips. "No promises."
"I'm a dead woman," Jess muttered.
Kim laughed. "Come on. Let's go get in line. I'm hungry."
Jess led the way toward the two lines snaking out from the vendor's booth.
As they took their place in line, Kim scanned the area. There were a number of booths selling food. A large section of the room was filled with tables.