Faking Paradise

As they enjoyed the final bites of their meal under the soft glow of hanging lights, a delicate tension lingered between Carla and Lisa—a delightful blend of shyness and exhilaration. The laughter and chatter of other couples echoed throughout the restaurant, but all Carla could focus on was the warmth radiating from Lisa. The nerves of pretending, the thrill of their deceit, intertwined with the heaviness of hidden truths, reached a climax that evening as they finally confessed their emotions. Yet, they were both left in uncertainty, unsure of what to do next.

After paying and thanking the restaurant staff, Carla and Lisa were drawn to the beach, where the setting sun cast the sky in a tapestry of orange, pink, and purple. The horizon glowed with fading daylight, shimmering over the gentle waves that kissed the shore. A cool evening breeze rustled through the air, carrying the salty scent of the sea and weaving its way around them like a soft embrace.

As they walked along the sand, the smooth grains pressed between their toes, and the comforting symphony of crashing waves accompanied their quiet moments. The atmosphere was infused with a palpable sense of anticipation, their feelings shimmering in the space between them like an electric current.

“Can I ask you something?” Carla ventured, her voice barely rising above the soothing whispers of the breeze. They walked side by side, the warmth of their bodies contrasting with the cool air.

Lisa turned to her, eyes reflecting the last glimmers of sunlight. “Of course,” she replied, her heart quickening as the weight of the moment settled around them.

Taking a deep breath, Carla searched for the right words. “Why were you so distant after… you know, after I kissed you?” She gazed straight ahead, her pulse racing, a mixture of anxiety and hope coursing through her as she awaited Lisa’s response. The question hung in the air, heavy with the potential for honesty and the possibility of a deeper connection.

For a moment, Lisa's breath caught in her throat, the weight of Carla's question hanging heavily in the air. The waves lapped at their feet, cool and soothing, while the sand shifted beneath them like the tumult of emotions swirling inside her. “Honestly,” she began, her voice trembling softly, “I was scared.”

“Scared?” The simple word pierced Carla’s heart, filling her with a profound ache at the vulnerability etched in Lisa’s expression.

“Yeah,” Lisa admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she took a deep breath, summoning the courage to reveal her truth. “It felt so real, Carla. It wasn’t just pretend for me. I thought it was for you, and that terrified me. I didn’t want to ruin what we have by making it too real.” Her voice wavered, breaking under the weight of her fears, each syllable crashing like a wave against the shore of her guarded heart.

Carla stopped, her heart racing as she reached out to touch Lisa’s arm, turning her gently to face her. “You didn’t ruin anything,” she assured, her own voice laced with urgency, echoing with the longing to bridge the gap between them. She searched Lisa's eyes, desperate for understanding, for a sign that their feelings could intertwine.

“I just didn’t want to get hurt. After everything with Bex….” Lisa trailed off, emotion welling in her eyes, threatening to spill over. “It meant something, and I thought… maybe you didn’t feel the same way.” Her voice cracked, a mixture of fear and vulnerability surfacing.

Without a word, Carla stepped closer, closing the distance that felt monumental in that moment. “I do feel the same,” she whispered, her heart racing with a blend of hope and determination. In one fluid motion, Carla leaned in, the world around them fading into a blur as their lips met.

The kiss was tender yet electrifying, a beautiful collision of newfound intimacy and the courage to embrace the uncertainty that had once held them captive. It was genuine, a promise etched in the grains of sand below, defiantly refusing to be swept away by the encroaching waves.

As they pulled away, breathless and wide-eyed, Carla searched Lisa's face, a torrent of emotions swirling between them, each heartbeat echoing the truth they had both longed for. “Did that feel pretend to you?” she asked, her voice low, trembling with anticipation, her soul laid bare as they stood on the precipice of something profound.

“No,” Lisa murmured, her cheeks flushed, her breath coming in soft hitches.

In that moment, Carla’s heart soared. The connection they had forged moved beyond pretense, rising higher with each word, each moment shared. Lisa stepped closer, their fingers interlocking, and the weight of the world slipped away, leaving behind only the sound of the waves and the thudding of their hearts in sync.

As the last scraps of sunlight dipped below the horizon, drowning the beach in twilight, the possibilities stretched out before them—a path illuminated by hope, courage, and a newfound allowance for love.

They walked back to the villa in a comfortable silence, the warm night air wrapping around them like a soft blanket. Each accidental brush of their fingers sent a jolt of electricity coursing through them, igniting new sparks, an undeniable connection that felt both thrilling and surreal.

As they approached the front door, Carla fumbled with her bag, her fingers trembling slightly as she searched for the key. Lisa, sensing the tension building in the air, reached out, her own hand finding Carla’s. They locked eyes for a moment, the world around them fading, time standing still in that charged space. With a gentle squeeze, Lisa took the key from Carla's hand and effortlessly unlocked the door, the click echoing in the quiet night.

“Claire? Adrian?” Carla called out as they stepped inside, her voice reverberating through the empty villa. “Are you back?”

Silence answered, a comforting void confirming that Claire and Adrian were still wrapped up in their date night, leaving Carla and Lisa blissfully alone. The lack of onlookers—the restaurant crowd, the beach strollers, and now Claire and Adrian—allowed them to breathe, to exist in their bubble of intimacy.

A sudden nervousness enveloped them both at the thought of being alone, but for once, neither felt the urge to run. They stood poised on the threshold of something new and exciting.

“Shall I get us some wine?” Lisa asked, her voice breaking the spell, yet laced with warmth and a hint of mischief.

“Yeah, that would be nice,” Carla replied, her heart flipping at the prospect of a quiet moment together.

As Lisa made her way to the kitchen, Carla leaned against the door frame, watching her. The light from the room cast a warm glow around Lisa, illuminating her features, and Carla felt a rush of affection flood through her. This was real, and somehow, it felt right.

Lisa returned a few moments later, two glasses of wine in hand, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "I hope red is okay," she said, handing a glass to Carla.

“You know me too well,” Carla assured her, their fingers brushing again as she took the glass, a thrill coursing through her.

They settled onto the sofa, the soft fabric surrounding them like a cocoon. The clinking of glasses broke the silence as they toasted to… what? To new beginnings? To embracing what was next? To the unspoken words that gracefully hung in the air between them?

They sipped their wine, the rich flavors mixing with the electric tension that lingered between them. It was a delicate balance—a dance of emotions that ebbed and flowed with every lingering glance and touch.

“Thank you,” Lisa said softly, her eyes searching Carla’s. “I honestly didn’t expect this… us.”

Carla smiled, warmth flooding through her at the sincerity in Lisa’s gaze. “Neither did I, but it feels right. I think it’s felt right for a long time.”

With the moonlight spilling through the window, illuminating the room in soft silver, they gradually leaned closer, hearts racing, breath hitching in shared anticipation. This was their moment, their chance to embrace the beauty in the vulnerability and promise of what lay ahead. Time seemed to slow as the distance between them faded, and in that instant, the world outside ceased to exist.

Suddenly, like a jolt disrupting the silence, the atmosphere shifted. The relentless sound of heavy rain battered against the villa like a furious drum, drowning out the warmth of their earlier laughter. The serene beauty of their seaside stroll, where sun-kissed waves danced under a golden sky, now felt like a distant memory, replaced by the tempest brewing outside. With every clash of thunder, a new wave of anxiety washed over them, tightening the knot in Carla's stomach as they drained the last of their second bottle of wine.

“Do you think I should call Claire?” Carla’s voice broke through the growing unease, trembling slightly as she gestured towards the windows, where torrents of rain threatened to burst through the glass. “That rain sounds like it’s going to come crashing through the flipping roof. Surely they can’t drive back in this, can they?”

“Yeah, we should definitely check on them,” Lisa replied, her heart racing, a mixture of worry and urgency propelling her forward. She gulped down the final dregs of her wine, the liquid barely quenching her thirst as panic began to settle in.

Lisa’s gaze followed Carla as she began to pace the living room, her phone pressed to her ear. Even amid the brewing storm and Carla’s evident concern, Lisa couldn’t help but admire her—there was an undeniable beauty in her fretting, an ethereal glow as her hair caught the low light, shimmering like strands of sunlight. But Lisa shook herself, forcing her mind to stay focused on the pressing issue at hand, pushing aside the allure of Carla’s presence.

“Yeah… Right… Okay,” Carla murmured into the phone, her brow furrowing deeper with each passing second. Though Lisa couldn’t hear Claire’s voice on the other end, she could feel the tension in Carla’s words thickening the air around them. “Okay, we’ll see you tomorrow. Please stay safe. Bye.” As she ended the call, Carla exhaled a shaky sigh that echoed the weight in the room.

“Tomorrow?” Lisa echoed, unease threading through her voice.

“Yeah,” Carla replied, her features tightening with worry. “Some of the roads are closed because of the storm. They didn’t want to risk driving, so they’ve decided to grab a hotel for the night and they’re going to try to drive back tomorrow.”

She could see the worry etched on Carla's face, and in that moment, the room felt smaller, more intimate, as they faced the storm together.

Lisa nodded, absorbing the information as another rumble of thunder shook the villa. The rain pelted against the windows, relentless and loud, and for a moment, a wave of unease passed through her. Alone with Carla, in this increasingly stormy night, they had no idea when Claire and Adrian would be back.

“Maybe it’s for the best,” Carla said, attempting to sound optimistic. “It would’ve been a long drive with this weather.” She glanced back at the window, raindrops racing each other down the glass, mirroring the rush of emotions churning inside her.

“You know what they say when a storm hits?” Lisa paused, casting a playful glance at Carla, who merely raised her eyebrows in curiosity. “That you should get drunk!” Lisa announced with a mischievous grin, her spirits lifting as she poured another generous glass of wine for each of them. “Just the two of us... huddled together in this storm with some red wine.…...”

Carla cackled loudly, the tension easing from her shoulders. “And i thought you were supposed to be the sensible one?”

“Well, it turns out there’s a lot you don’t know about me” Lisa winked and ushered Carla to sit back down

The conversation flowed easily between them, with laughter bubbling up amidst the occasional thunderclap. They shared stories of childhood fears, the types of storms that had once terrified them, and clumsy attempts at navigating romance in their awkward teenage years. For every heart-wrenching tale they told, there was a teasing follow-up, a lightness that filled the air between them.

“Okay, so,” Lisa said, feigning seriousness as she leaned in closer, “most embarrassing moment on a date. Go!”

Carla laughed, rolling her eyes while contemplating. “I once spilled an entire glass of red wine down a bloke’s shirt.” She paused, grinning at the memory. “He was surprisingly nice about it, though. Offered to switch shirts with me!”

“You didn’t take him up on it, did you?” Lisa asked, her eyes alight with mischief.

“Of course not!” Carla exclaimed, laughter bubbling up between them. “Go on then, your turn.”

“Well, before Bex, I had this first date with someone who gave me her number at a bar. I should’ve seen the red flags then to be honest,” Lisa chuckled at the memory. “She showed up completely wasted—and it was only 7pm!”

As their playful banter continued, the storm outside raged with fury. Rain pounded against the roof, creating a relentless symphony that pulsed through the room. Carla, overwhelmed by the emotions swirling within, couldn't keep her curiosity at bay any longer.

“Lisa,” she started, the lightness in her voice dimming, “this... us...” she gestured to the space between them, “is it just a thing for Spain?”

Lisa's expression shifted, the playful glimmer in her eyes fading as seriousness took hold. She locked her gaze with Carla's, the weight of the question hanging heavily in the air, mirroring the electric tension of the storm outside.

“I hope not,” she whispered, vulnerability lacing her words as they barely rose above the din of the rain. “I really hope not.”

In that moment, the atmosphere thickened, brimming with potential. Carla felt the air grow heavy with tension again, but this time it crackled with a thrilling anticipation.

Lisa tenderly reached out, her fingertips grazing Carla’s arm—a light touch that sent a wave of warmth coursing through both of them. “I think maybe we’re just getting started,” she breathed, her voice entwined with a melody of hope and determination.

Before Carla could reply, a powerful thunderclap echoed through the room, momentarily shocking them both. The lights flickered, dimming and then brightening again—just like the fragile moment they shared, teetering on the edge of something profound and transformative.

“Can you hear that?” Lisa asked, her curiosity piqued.

“What? The thunder? Of course I can bloody hear it,” Carla chuckled, but as she glanced at Lisa, she noticed her listening intently.

“No, not the thunder. Shh.” Lisa placed a finger gently on Carla’s lips, urging her to quiet down as she concentrated.

Carla watched, a mix of confusion and intrigue as Lisa slowly lifted herself from the sofa and set her wine down on the coffee table. All Carla could hear was the relentless rain hammering against the villa and the occasional growl of thunder. It baffled her how Lisa could possibly hear anything beyond that.

Lisa moved deliberately toward the expansive patio doors, peering into the inky darkness, straining to see anything through the torrential downpour.

“What are you doing?” Carla broke the silence, her curiosity bubbling.

“Shh!” Lisa replied, her voice sharp. “There’s something out there.”

With her instincts kicking in, Lisa didn’t wait another moment. She slid open the door and stepped out into the storm. Within seconds, she was drenched, a chill cascading through her. Quickly, she reached back inside, feeling for the light switch until her fingers found it, illuminating the darkened patio.

Then she heard it again—the faint rustling amid the decorative pots lined to the left of the door. Grabbing a cushion from one of the sunbeds, which surprisingly hadn’t been swept away by the wind, she shielded her head as she ventured closer to investigate.

Nestled between two of the pots was a tiny black kitten, cowering against the rain. Lisa’s heart melted at the sight; since arriving in Spain, she’d noticed a multitude of stray cats roaming the area, and she had felt an overwhelming urge to rescue each one of them.

Without hesitation, she scooped up the shivering kitten, using the cushion to shield it from the downpour, and dashed back inside. She slammed the door shut against the raging wind, panting slightly from the exhilaration of her impromptu rescue.

“Lisa, what the—” Carla began, but her words faltered as she caught sight of the drenched figure in Lisa’s arms.

“Look!” Lisa exclaimed, her eyes sparkling despite her soggy state. “I found this little one outside!”

Carla marveled at the tiny creature, its fur drenched and matted, yet its eyes shone brightly with defiance. “Oh my god, poor thing. It’s soaked” Carla exclaimed, her concern melting into warmth.

Lisa gently cradled the kitten against her chest. “We can't just leave it out there! It must be freezing.”

Carla nodded, feeling a sense of urgency wash over her. “Let’s dry it off and find something for it to eat. It looks so scared.”

They quickly set to work, gathering towels and a small bowl for water. As they busied themselves, Lisa couldn't help but feel a surge of joy mixed with the weight of responsibility. Kneeling on the floor, she wrapped the kitten in a soft towel, the little creature trembling but slowly beginning to warm up under Lisa’s tender care.

Once the kitten was warm and dry, Lisa scoured the villa for a suitable box. She found an old cardboard one, and lined it with a soft towel, a few blankets, and a cushion to make it cozy. A flicker of guilt crossed her mind; she hoped that Claire and Adrian wouldn’t mind her repurposing their soft furnishings for this little creature, but she decided to handle that concern later.

Meanwhile, Carla observed quietly, feeling a swell of admiration for the tenderness Lisa showed to the kitten. Though not particularly fond of cats—or animals in general—Carla couldn’t help but feel her heart soften at the sight. It was as if Lisa's compassion radiated warmth throughout the room. She waited, allowing the moment to unfold, until the kitten nestled comfortably in its new makeshift home.

“Lisa, you’re still soaked! You must be freezing. Come here,” Carla urged, her arms open wide, inviting Lisa to her.

With a gentle stroke to the sleepy kitten one last time, Lisa stood, water pooling around her feet, and made her way towards Carla. In an instant, Carla lunged forward, enveloping Lisa in a warm, tight embrace.

“Stop!” Lisa laughed, her voice bubbly with amusement. “I’m going to make you wet!”

As she tried to pull away from the embrace, Carla only tightened her hold, giggling softly. “I think it’s too late for that!”

Lisa hadn’t realised the double meaning in Carla's words, caught unaware by the warmth that radiated between them. The rain had soaked Lisa's clothes, causing them to cling to her figure and accentuating her curves in a way that left little to the imagination. A rush of warmth flushed through Carla, a feeling that stirred something deep within her.

After a lingering moment, Carla slowly loosened her grip. “Come on, I’ll run you a bath. I’m sure the little one will be okay down here for a bit.”

Lisa nodded, casting one last glance at the kitten, who now lay curled up in blissful sleep, cozy in its new home. With a sense of reassurance, she followed Carla up the stairs, excitement and warmth bubbling in her chest as they moved away from the rainy chaos outside and into their own cocoon of safety.

—————

As the sound of the taps shutting off echoed from the bathroom, Lisa stood in the bedroom, grappling with her drenched dress. It clung to her body like a second skin, soaked through and heavy, making it much more of a challenge to remove than she'd expected.

“Carla!” she called out, glancing toward the bathroom where Carla was giving her the courtesy of privacy. “I might need some help!”

Carla stepped into the softly lit bedroom, a playful giggle escaping her lips at the sight before her. Lisa stood there, her dress slipping helplessly off one shoulder, caught in a struggle against the stubborn zip that refused to budge. Water glistened on her skin, droplets cascading to the floor with each tiny movement, pooling around her bare feet like a shimmering oasis.

Compelled by an irresistible longing, Carla stepped closer, her heart pounding in sync with the electric energy crackling in the air around them. As she positioned herself behind Lisa, the outside world faded into oblivion, leaving only the intoxicating heat of their shared moment. Her fingers brushed gently against Lisa’s back, igniting a fire of yearning that coursed through her veins. With a tantalising mix of hesitation and desire, Carla reached for the zip, her hands trembling with anticipation as she began to pull it down slowly, savoring each lingering second as the fabric parted to reveal the exquisite beauty that lay beneath.

With every inch of Lisa’s bare skin unveiled, a rush of warmth enveloped Carla, pulling her deeper into the spell of the moment. She couldn’t resist leaning down, her heart racing wildly as she pressed soft, lingering kisses along the delicate curve of Lisa's back. Each gentle touch was a whispered promise, an intimate caress that sent shivers cascading between them, electrifying the air with a palpable intimacy.

As she continued to pull the zip down, her breath caught in her throat with every inch revealed, trailing passionate kisses that spoke of the warmth blooming between them. The fabric surrendered, parting like the petals of a tender flower, revealing the delicate landscape of Lisa’s skin beneath her fingertips. When the zip came to a halt at the small of Lisa’s back, time seemed to stand still, suspended in a tantalising pause that hung thick in the air.

With bated breath and a profound sense of reverence, Carla’s fingers brushed the damp fabric clinging to Lisa, feeling the heat radiating from her skin. With deliberate slowness, she peeled the dress away, relishing the intimacy of the moment as it slipped through her fingers and cascaded to the floor. Each movement was a sacred act, infused with tenderness and passion, a celebration of their shared vulnerability as the outside world melted away, leaving only the intoxicating connection they cherished.

Since Carla had entered the bedroom, an unspoken tension had filled the air, binding them in a silence that was both electrifying and comforting. Carla still stood behind Lisa, who was now adorned in nothing but her underwear. Slowly, she placed her warm hands on Lisa’s hips, grounding them both in the moment. Leaning in, she pressed her lips against Lisa’s neck, a soft kiss that drew a moan from Lisa’s lips—a sound that resonated deep within Carla, urging her on. Lisa instinctively tilted her head to the side, offering more of herself, and that was all the permission Carla needed to lose herself completely.

Yes, this was Carla’s first time with a woman, but in that charged moment, everything felt achingly right, as if the universe had conspired to bring them together in this intoxicating embrace. Neither woman had planned for this—yet here they were, two souls entwined in a dance of discovery and passion, ready to explore the depths of their connection.

“Carla…” Lisa moaned softly as she turned to face her, a breathless urgency in her voice. Their eyes locked in a gaze that seemed to suspend time, both women’s eyes darkened with desire, each heartbeat echoing the intensity of the moment.

With a tender touch, Carla lifted her hand to tuck a damp strand of hair behind Lisa’s ear, her other hand rising to cradle Lisa’s face gently. Seeing no hesitation in Lisa’s gaze, Carla leaned in, their lips crashing together in a passionate kiss that sent shockwaves of heat through both of them. They moaned into each other’s mouths, the sound resonating deep within, as Lisa’s hands explored the curve of Carla’s waist, pulling her closer.

Suddenly feeling vulnerable against Carla, who was fully clothed, Lisa’s instincts kicked in. She reached around to the small of Carla’s back, her fingers fumbling with the zip of Carla’s dress until it stopped. Carla, sensing the urgency, removed her hands from Lisa’s face and slipped her arms free from the confines of the dress, letting it fall to the floor in a soft cascade.

But Lisa didn’t have time to admire Carla’s beauty, as she was swiftly pulled back into a kiss, the world around them fading away. Caught in the intoxicating heat of the moment, Carla’s hands traveled to Lisa’s back, deftly undoing her bra with a single flick of her wrist. It was a skill she had become all too familiar with, thanks to her work at Underworld. Yet, never in her wildest dreams had she imagined throwing Lisa’s bra across the room in a fit of passion.

As the kiss broke, reality washed over Carla like a cool breeze, and she momentarily paused, her heart racing with the knowledge of what they were doing. But there was no fear—only a deep, resonant feeling that this was where she was meant to be. She let her gaze travel down the length of Lisa’s body, a smile tugging at her lips. “You are so beautiful, Lisa,” she whispered, the sincerity of her words hanging in the air like a promise. Gently, she took hold of Lisa’s shoulders, guiding her to lie back on the bed.

As Lisa shifted onto the pillows, her hair fanning out around her like a halo, Carla slipped off her own bra, her breath quickening in anticipation. Climbing onto her knees, she positioned herself over Lisa, lowering herself to straddle her. Carla was always one to take control, and with a fierce determination, she leaned down, swirling her tongue around one of Lisa’s nipples. The sound of Lisa’s loud, involuntary moan was like music to her ears, urging Carla on, igniting a fire within her.

With her hand, Carla cupped Lisa’s other breast, her thumb brushing over the sensitive nipple, ensuring each was lavished with equal attention. Lisa couldn’t believe how electrifying those simple touches were; nobody had ever made her feel this strongly before, not even Becky. Pleasure pooled deep within her, wetness gathering between her thighs as Carla continued her movements. “Carla… please,” Lisa moaned, her voice thick with need. She craved more—her body was on the brink, teetering precariously close to release, and she needed Carla to take her over the edge.

Hearing the desperation in Lisa’s voice, Carla instinctively knew what to do. She shifted lower, her lips trailing kisses down Lisa’s body, savoring every inch of her soft skin until she reached the hem of Lisa’s underwear. “Can I?” Carla asked, her voice a husky whisper as she looked up, seeking permission. The sight of Lisa nodding, resting her head against the pillow with her eyes closed, was all the encouragement Carla needed. Slowly, she peeled away the fabric that stood between her and the core of Lisa’s desire.

As the last barrier fell, Lisa’s legs instinctively parted, welcoming Carla as she dipped her head between her thighs, ready to explore.

Feeling Carla’s hot breath against her wetness, Lisa’s breath caught in her throat. Her entire body tingled with anticipation and desire. Carla darted her tongue out and slowly licked Lisa’s wet folds, moaning at the contact. The sensation of Carla’s tongue and her moan vibrating through her, sent shivers of pleasure throughout Lisa’s body. She wanted this feeling to last forever.

Carla continued to explore with her mouth, quickly picking up on all of the things that made Lisa feel good. She soon found Lisa’s clit, working her tongue in slow motions around it until she felt a hand grab her hair, urging her for more. She made her movements quicker, which caused Lisa to squirm beneath her. With one hand, she moved to hold her down, whilst the other hand easily found her entrance as she slipped two fingers inside of her.

Lisa was close now. All of the sensations she was feeling was like nothing she had felt before. Her body felt electric as Carla continued to pump her fingers inside her. She cried out as her walls tightened but that didn’t stop Carla, who continued her movements with precision, almost as if she had done this a million times before. With one final thrust, Lisa came undone, her vision white and her breaths ragged as she rode the waves of her orgasm.

Once Lisa’s breathing began to steady, Carla moved up the bed, her lips finding Lisa's in a kiss that was both tender and electric. The taste of herself lingered on Carla’s mouth, and Lisa moaned softly, reveling in the intimate connection they shared.

But as the kiss deepened, a wave of self-consciousness washed over Carla. She pulled back slowly, searching Lisa’s gaze for reassurance. “Was that… okay?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, uncertainty creeping in.

Lisa couldn’t help but laugh at the question, a bright sound that cut through the lingering tension. “Are you serious? Carla, that was….” She paused, a playful smirk dancing on her lips as she tried to gather her thoughts. “Are you sure you’ve never been with a woman before?”

The teasing words settled Carla’s nerves, igniting a spark of confidence within her. “I promise, that was my first time,” she replied, her smile growing wider as relief washed over her.

Hours slipped by in a blissful haze, the world outside forgotten as they lost themselves in each other. Both women were breathless and utterly exhausted from the unexpected, passionate events of the evening. Lisa, of course, had returned the favor more than once, igniting a fire that left them both exhilarated. The bath Carla had run earlier was a distant memory, abandoned in the wake of their fervent exploration of each other.

They might have lingered in that blissful cocoon for the rest of the night, but then Lisa’s eyes lit up with realisation. “Oh no! The kitten!” she exclaimed, remembering the small bundle of fur they had left sleeping downstairs. A giggle escaped her lips as she glanced at Carla, their laughter mingling in the air, a testament to the warmth and joy that had blossomed between them.